Decent Deal at HF - Side Box

[machine_punk]

I noticed a new Harbor Freight on my way to a training class for work today. On the way home, I stopped by to check it out.

The store looked great...lotsa windows, plenty of stock out where you could get to it, decent layout and plenty of light. Still the same old HF smell, though.

I'm not really in the market for anything now, but I would have picked up the set of unibits they have on sale, if they had any in stock (they didn't). I was over looking at the tool chests, since there is a great deal of discussion about them on GJ and I recently bought the red, 5-drawer, tool cart and am pleased with it. I plan to get the red 13-drawer tool chest, whenever it goes on sale again. Eventually, I plan to build the tool chest into a larger tool storage unit and recently thought I might like to get the side drawer set for that tool storage unit too. So, I thought I'd check out the side drawers, while I was at HF anyway.

Too my disappointment, the floor model of the 13-drawer chest was sold and the side drawers were sitting on the ground...and locked...with no key in sight. I liked the look of the drawer unit from the outside, so I asked the salesman if they had a key, so I could check out the inside of the box. He said, "No," after a little searching and asking around. So, a plan comes to mind, since I don't really need the lock.

I've never seen these things for less than $200. They don't seem to go on sale, other than the 'normal' sale price of $200. I ask, "So, what is the price of a locked side drawer cabinet, without keys?" He goes to his supervisor and asks. Walking back toward me, he asks, "How much is a key worth to you?" I shoot for the moon, "$100." He says, "No, really?" Anyway, after a little haggling, he gives me the "20% off" price of $160. I'm still not quite convinced, since I don't 'need' the drawer set today and I was planning on purchasing the 13-drawer chest next. I give him my final offer, "I will walk out of here with that box today, if the price is $150." To my amazement, they take it! They ring me up for $149.95 plus tax. Left with the side drawer chest for about $161 with taxes.

Got it home and had to deal with the lock. I really didn't want to drill it out, so I tried to pick the lock (my dad was a locksmith by trade...I picked up a few of his skills by osmosis). No go. I've never drilled a lock before, so I just try starting with the smallest bit and working my way up. Nothing seems to happen, until I drill most of the way through the center of the lock, with the third bit I tried. All of the sudden, the lock starts spinning freely. So, I stop drilling and shove a pair of pliers in there and turn the opposite direction. SCORE! The lock opens and I can now open the drawer. What do I find in the top drawer? A set of (now useless) tool box keys. Some ding dong had locked the keys inside the cabinet (really wishing the lock picking had worked now). Oh well...the lack of ability to lock the cabinet doesn't matter to me in the slightest. This will eventually become a set of drawers inside a bigger tool storage cabinet and I don't really need to lock my tools up at home.

Not probably a 'you ****' deal, but definitely a decent deal, since I NEVER see these side cabinets go on sale.

Picture of the side cabinet. Nothing special, but I know you guys like pictures...
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Picture of the drilled out lock...
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[NUTTSGT]

.

Got it home and had to deal with the lock. I really didn't want to drill it out, so I tried to pick the lock (my dad was a locksmith by trade...I picked up a few of his skills by osmosis). No go. I've never drilled a lock before, so I just try starting with the smallest bit and working my way up. Nothing seems to happen, until I drill most of the way through the center of the lock, with the third bit I tried. All of the sudden, the lock starts spinning freely. So, I stop drilling and shove a pair of pliers in there and turn the opposite direction. SCORE! The lock opens and I can now open the drawer. What do I find in the top drawer? A set of (now useless) tool box keys. Some ding dong had locked the keys inside the cabinet (really wishing the lock picking had worked now). Oh well...the lack of ability to lock the cabinet doesn't matter to me in the slightest. This will eventually become a set of drawers inside a bigger tool storage cabinet and I don't really need to lock my tools up at home.

Not probably a 'you ****' deal, but definitely a decent deal, since I NEVER see these side cabinets go on sale.

Picture of the drilled out lock...
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For your lock picking skills. . . . You ****

It'll make a good side box man. Can you order new lock sets for them ?

 

[jeffk14]

If you still have your receipt, call the HF toll free number. There's a 6 digit ticket number on the receipt. They will ask for that number. Give 'em that along with the item # of the box, tell them that it has a defective lock and they'll send you a new lockset. It may take several weeks to get your part (probably all the way from China) but they should send you one free of charge. I've called HF customer service a few times with issues and have never been let down. Like I've said before, for a seller of cheap goods, HF has some exceptional customer service.

 

[machine_punk]

It looks to be the dead standard file cabinet lock...should be a dime a dozen on Ebay. Fortunately, the special piece on the back of the lock was not damaged, so I will be able to reuse it on the next lock, instead of having to bend/fabricate a new one.

This box was HEAVY. I continue to be amazed at the quality of some of the HF products. As you can see, I don't like 'bling' on my tool boxes...I took off the trim pieces on all of the drawers. I will eventually paint them to match the garage them and rivet my 'Machine_Punk' logo on the front. This is just the temporary location...I'll be getting the 13-drawer tool chest soon to hang this from.
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[jethro29]

yeah, i think you qualify for a YOU ****.good deal man.way to negotiate.

 

[Steevo]

Good score, and a good story.

 

[machine_punk]

If you still have your receipt, call the HF toll free number. There's a 6 digit ticket number on the receipt. They will ask for that number. Give 'em that along with the item # of the box, tell them that it has a defective lock and they'll send you a new lockset.

Thanks! It would have never occurred to me that HF might have parts for their stuff. I appreciate the heads-up...a free replacement lock might make this a 'you ****.'

Kev

 

[fitz11]

Yes they will send you a new lock for free. Good score! Your store drives a hard bargin, I got mine for $100 because the keys were missing but it was open. Got it home, took out the drawers and what's laying at the bottom? That's right the keys lol. Its a great box and will be even better when you get the roller to attach it to.

 

[machine_punk]

Both my local stores drive a hard bargain...the other store I use all the time is a real stickler about having a 20% coupon to get 20% off (REALLY?!?! I thought that was your standard discount for anyone who asks...it's not like it is hard to get a 20% coupon).

I've gotten in the habit of keeping a 20% coupon in my wallet all the time, along with a 'free item' coupon. I don't particularly need the free items myself. I plan to give them to one of the boys' friends, who hangs around a lot and doesn't have a lot of male parental guidance in his house. I'm going to get him a kit and we will make a small metal toolbox together with aluminum and solid rivets. Once he finishes the box, I'll say something like, "That box sure does look empty..." then give him the free tools I've amassed for him.

http://www.vansaircraft.com/cgi-bin/catalog.cgi?&browse=misc&product=toolbox

Kev

 

[machine_punk]

I made a call to HF customer service. For this end cabinet, they listed several possible 'lock & key' combinations, which was way more than the regular customer service guy was trained to handle, so I he sent me to the 'Technical Assistance' line.

On the technical assistance line, the guy was a lot more knowledgeable about the product and seemed to know exactly what I needed to get the lock and key to replace the one I had to drill out. He took care of ordering the part, instead of sending me back to the customer service line with a part number. Overall, a very pleasant, easy, and painless process. So, the new lock and key are on the way...

 

[Falcon67]

Excellent buy. I just paid $180 for a Craftsman Quiet Glide side box on sale to match my existing 40" unit.

 

[E.T.Privott]

i was told they would match any other offer, i had bought a crapmans and it was bent so they cut the price in half if i would keep it !! i took the sale slip in and got the side box for 57.$ plus tax so i ask if i could get a second box at the same time and now i own two HF side box for a great once in a life time price. i find that some of the sale people are there to build a return customer and well help you if you give them a chance. i now stop buy once a mo. to pick up a little something and say 'hello'.