Review: Harbor Freight US General 56" rolling cabinet

[Carl B]

That is one nice box. If I were a pro, I would opt for S-O too. I kind of like the deep drawer. Brake cleaner, spray paint and other tall stuff can go in there and keeps them off the tops of the work benches. Looks like your cabinet is going into or coming out of storage?

If I were a pro - I'd look at both these sheetmetal boxes - and wonder how Snap-On figures theirs is worth 10 times as much. Seriously - how stupid would one have to be to pay $7K for a box that can be all but duplicated and retailed for $639.00. ????

OK - so buy the Snap-On slightly USED for $2,500.00. That's still four times the money.

Kind of turns what use to be "Snap-On Pride of Ownership" - into a bill board for one's financial stupidity.

If that US General box is sold for $639.00 then Snap-On should be $1,299.00 at the most.. I think Snap-On's days of $5K or more tool boxes is quickly comming to an end.

FWIW,
Carl B.
65th Anniversary Edition -top, bottom and side box.

 

[Jawn]

Nice looking box, thanks for the review.

I've been eyeballing it at my local HF. Is yours still holding up good? How are the latches holding up? I'm not so fond of those, but if they're durable, I guess they'll do (i.e., won't break if somebody yanks on a drawer, forgetting to pull the latch).

 

[nit2wn]

Has anyone found a top box for this thing yet, I've been googling and looking with no luck yet. I have a smaller one on top, but was hoping to find the top half of one of these. The one or two I've found come in the wrong color and very expensive compared to this one.

 

[WRX/Z28]

If I were a pro - I'd look at both these sheetmetal boxes - and wonder how Snap-On figures theirs is worth 10 times as much. Seriously - how stupid would one have to be to pay $7K for a box that can be all but duplicated and retailed for $639.00. ????

OK - so buy the Snap-On slightly USED for $2,500.00. That's still four times the money.

Kind of turns what use to be "Snap-On Pride of Ownership" - into a bill board for one's financial stupidity.

If that US General box is sold for $639.00 then Snap-On should be $1,299.00 at the most.. I think Snap-On's days of $5K or more tool boxes is quickly comming to an end.

FWIW,
Carl B.
65th Anniversary Edition -top, bottom and side box.

Hey, how come a real gold chain is worth 10x more than a fake or 'plated' chain? How come a real diamond is worth 10x more than a cubic zirconia?

I can't always tell the difference, but there certainly is one. I really think the HF boxes are solid for the money. I have had their 5 drawer service cart right next to my Snap on main box, and it doesn't look too out of place. The handles on the drawers **** horribly, and the releases for the drawers are sometimes clumsy to locate. Also, the snap on drawers roll more smoothly after 13 years than the HF's do new.

All in all, I can tell the difference with the Snap on box, but for light duty, the HF seems way more solid than you would expect of a box at it's price.

 

[kngelv]

I picked one of these up last thursday. It was a pain to unload because of the way it is packed on the pallet. The wood is actually sort of wedged in the bottom so you can't slide the box off the pallet and the pallet is not flat across the bottom which makes sliding it off the tailgate of my truck difficult (It's heavy). I ended up taking all the drawers out before I was able to unload it. Since they were out, I went ahead and lubed all the slides. This is certainly no Snap-On box but for $699.00 with a coupon the price could not be beat. It is miles better than the current Craftsman stuff.

James

 

[Trey T]

oh really?!

No bad experiences here, i wont buy one. Sorry, iv had a negative day lol. Hope the box works out for you. Its a good looking box. At the last shop i worked at a tech had the 56 filled to the brim and the welds started breaking. It was really really overloaded though and he moved it around the shop daily.

 

[TWX]

If I were a pro - I'd look at both these sheetmetal boxes - and wonder how Snap-On figures theirs is worth 10 times as much. Seriously - how stupid would one have to be to pay $7K for a box that can be all but duplicated and retailed for $639.00. ????

OK - so buy the Snap-On slightly USED for $2,500.00. That's still four times the money.

Kind of turns what use to be "Snap-On Pride of Ownership" - into a bill board for one's financial stupidity.

If that US General box is sold for $639.00 then Snap-On should be $1,299.00 at the most.. I think Snap-On's days of $5K or more tool boxes is quickly comming to an end.

FWIW,
Carl B.
65th Anniversary Edition -top, bottom and side box.

I don't think they will. The main reason is that the SnapOn boxes have proven themselves for decades, while the HF boxes are fairly new and haven't managed to find their way broadly into commercial or industrial environments yet. Could be that the HF box would do fine, or it could have problems with pulls, latches, glides, and casters, and while the SnapOn box will effectively last forever in a commercial environment, perhaps the HF box will only last ten years or so.

Until one gets information on the alloy used for the various parts, measures the thickness of the sheet metal, and tests the durability of the finish in reasonably scientific way, one isn't going to have more than speculation. For the homeowner, hobbyist, or shadetree mechanic doing occasional side work it's probably fine, but the professional in a shop is going to think twice simply because he can't afford the downtime of fixing his toolbox when he has work to do, and probably doesn't need that kind of hassle on top of everything. Additionally, the tool truck will bring the box to him, as opposed to his having to work to transport, unpack, and assemble the box.

I do think that SnapOn should take a couple grand off of the price of their more expensive toolboxes, but given that they seem to be able to sell them for what they're asking obviously the market allows for their premium. If sales start to dwindle then they'd reconsider their prices, but until that happens they're going to charge what they can get.

 

[NWphotog]

I don't think they will. The main reason is that the SnapOn boxes have proven themselves for decades, while the HF boxes are fairly new and haven't managed to find their way broadly into commercial or industrial environments yet. Could be that the HF box would do fine, or it could have problems with pulls, latches, glides, and casters, and while the SnapOn box will effectively last forever in a commercial environment, perhaps the HF box will only last ten years or so.

Until one gets information on the alloy used for the various parts, measures the thickness of the sheet metal, and tests the durability of the finish in reasonably scientific way, one isn't going to have more than speculation. For the homeowner, hobbyist, or shadetree mechanic doing occasional side work it's probably fine, but the professional in a shop is going to think twice simply because he can't afford the downtime of fixing his toolbox when he has work to do, and probably doesn't need that kind of hassle on top of everything. Additionally, the tool truck will bring the box to him, as opposed to his having to work to transport, unpack, and assemble the box.

I do think that SnapOn should take a couple grand off of the price of their more expensive toolboxes, but given that they seem to be able to sell them for what they're asking obviously the market allows for their premium. If sales start to dwindle then they'd reconsider their prices, but until that happens they're going to charge what they can get.

Sorry but we have already had professional mechanic after professional mechanic report the HF boxes hold up just fine in commercial applications. The SO is purdy but not that purdy!

 

[TWX]

Sorry but we have already had professional mechanic after professional mechanic report the HF boxes hold up just fine in commercial applications. The SO is purdy but not that purdy!

Thirty years of testing?

Even ten years of testing?

Those are the durations I'm thinking of.

 

[nit2wn]

I'm nothing more than a weekend guy, but I sized up everything Craftsman had in stock, which was weak compared to this 56'' I bought. I even took a bud along for his advice since he's turn wrenches for 20 years at the Dodge/Jeep dealer buying plenty of tools and boxes along the way. His pick was the 56'' out of the ones Harbor Freight had. Ill easily admit it's not a Snap On, but it's as close as your going to get for the money. Now if I could find a reasonably price top box to match it, I'd be set.

 

[Twiggss]

I don't think they will. The main reason is that the SnapOn boxes have proven themselves for decades, while the HF boxes are fairly new and haven't managed to find their way broadly into commercial or industrial environments yet. Could be that the HF box would do fine, or it could have problems with pulls, latches, glides, and casters, and while the SnapOn box will effectively last forever in a commercial environment, perhaps the HF box will only last ten years or so.

Until one gets information on the alloy used for the various parts, measures the thickness of the sheet metal, and tests the durability of the finish in reasonably scientific way, one isn't going to have more than speculation. For the homeowner, hobbyist, or shadetree mechanic doing occasional side work it's probably fine, but the professional in a shop is going to think twice simply because he can't afford the downtime of fixing his toolbox when he has work to do, and probably doesn't need that kind of hassle on top of everything. Additionally, the tool truck will bring the box to him, as opposed to his having to work to transport, unpack, and assemble the box.

I do think that SnapOn should take a couple grand off of the price of their more expensive toolboxes, but given that they seem to be able to sell them for what they're asking obviously the market allows for their premium. If sales start to dwindle then they'd reconsider their prices, but until that happens they're going to charge what they can get.

That is because there are sheep out there that feel the need to follow the pack.

I always love how you hear that vo-tech students get "50% off everything" Do you really think SO is losing money on that deal, hell no. Just making a smaller profit and brainwashing a whole new generation.

 

[Davefr]

That is because there are sheep out there that feel the need to follow the pack.

I always love how you hear that vo-tech students get "50% off everything" Do you really think SO is losing money on that deal, hell no. Just making a smaller profit and brainwashing a whole new generation.

Exactly. SO has been very effective at creating a "cult" like following.

If a newbie tech shows up with a HF box they'll likely be laughed out of the shop from peer pressure. However it's changing.

 

[Ric in Richmond]

Don't you think part of the higher SO price is the financing aspect? If you had to put cash on the barrel head to buy one the market would DISAPPEAR overnight.

 

[soob]

Sheep following the pack!

 

[Big Gus]

I have to laugh when I hear people comparing this HF box to a Snap-On box. You people aren't even comparing apples to apples, especially when you compare this box to a KRL series box. The two boxes aren't even in the same league.

Now before I get called a kool-aid drinker or anything else for that matter, I'll give you my two cents and leave it at that. If you don't agree with me, I really don't care and I'm not going to argue with you. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion.

First off, I worked in a dealership for 10 years and I personally never seen anyone laughed out of the shop because they didn't have a Snap-On box. That's not saying it doesn't happen some places, but I never seen it myself. I worked for years without a Snap-On box and was never chastised because of this...and yes the shop I worked in had many Snap-On boxes lined up against the walls.

Second, when I started out as a tech, I had a red homeowners edition Craftsman box. I had that thing packed to the max and within one year of using every day, all the slides in the bottom section were junk. I then upgraded to a 40" Mac economizer box similar to the ever popular US General box everyone raves about on here. That box was definitely a step up from the Craftsman, but with all the weight and everyday use, I was constantly replacing slides on this box as well. I used this box for roughly four years, but in a professional environment, it just didn't hold up. I ultimately decided to upgrade to a Snap-On KRL series box and WOW, what a difference. As a professional, the Snap-On box was money well spent. When a person needs his or her tools to earn a living, there is no time for goofing around with lower quality tools or storage. I will say that I think it's silly to go into debt to purchase a toolbox, but I won't say that it's a bad investment for a professional. I saved and paid cash for mine, and no I didn't pay MSRP.

Third, do I think a Snap-On KRL box is overkill for the weekend warrior. Yeah probably. In a home shop, the US General boxes would probably hold up quite well. If I were a weekend warrior looking for a box, I'd definitely be checking these boxes out, especially for the price.

Finally, If I were a tech just starting out without much money, would I be looking at these US General boxes? ABSOLUTELY. Would I be so naive to believe the US General box is going to be absolutely the last box I'm ever going to buy as a professional tech. No I would not. Boxes in a professional environment take much more abuse than one in a person's home shop or garage. I think this is something most people don't understand.

 

[kythri]

I'm not going to knock the HF box at all, and I've never been an HF hater.

It's a great box for the price.

That said, the constant comparisons to Snap-On are increasingly off-base (yes, I'm defending Snap-On here - at least, the toolboxes).

If you're going to compare the brands, you need to compare comparable boxes.

On this very page, the $7K number has been brought up - for $7K, you're getting a lot more box. Deeper drawers, better laid out drawers, etc.

Is it worth the extra money? I dunno, but I will tell you that I'm getting awful tired of 16" deep drawers (the current $199 Husky deal) and 18" deep drawers (my Craftsman boxes).

This box is 22" deep, so that's a bit better, but there's something to be said for that 24" or 30" deep box - not to mention, full-width drawers, which this box ain't got.

Plus, I'm curious if the dealers here can confirm or deny something - if I walk onto your truck and get approved to finance a box, what price am I expecting to pay? I've heard people here talk about 40% discounts off of retail, but is that for cash deals?

Yeah, I'm in the market for a truck-brand box or something remotely close to comparable, like Extreme or Montezuma. My Husky and Craftsman boxes are great for what they are, I've had zero issue loading them up, zero issue with reliability/build quality/stability. I just want something bigger, and better laid out. If I hadn't bought the Craftsman and Husky boxes when I did and had the HF box been available, I might have it now, and be looking to upgrade, but I'm not seeing it as an upgrade over the boxes I have now. More a lateral transfer.

 

[synik]

I picked one of these up last thursday. It was a pain to unload because of the way it is packed on the pallet. The wood is actually sort of wedged in the bottom so you can't slide the box off the pallet and the pallet is not flat across the bottom which makes sliding it off the tailgate of my truck difficult (It's heavy). I ended up taking all the drawers out before I was able to unload it. Since they were out, I went ahead and lubed all the slides. This is certainly no Snap-On box but for $699.00 with a coupon the price could not be beat. It is miles better than the current Craftsman stuff.

James

What coupon are you talking about? Care to share?

 

[NWphotog]

Thirty years of testing?

Even ten years of testing?

Those are the durations I'm thinking of.

You're kidding right? The current SO box is NOTHING like the 10 year old SO box not to even mention the 30 year old box. You can maybe go back a couple years but even that is somewhat questionable. Hell, you could buy one of the HF boxes every 10 years and still be at half the cost of the SO over time.

 

[NWphotog]

Is it worth the extra money? I dunno, but I will tell you that I'm getting awful tired of 16" deep drawers (the current $199 Husky deal) and 18" deep drawers (my Craftsman boxes).

The Harbor Freight 43 and 56 inch models are nothing like the POS Husky $199 box. Apples vs rotten oranges. If you think 2" of drawer space is worth thousands of dollars you live on a different planet that me (even if in the same state!).

 

[chickenhauler]

Boxes in a professional environment take much more abuse than one in a person's home shop or garage. I think this is something most people don't understand.

Lots of great points, but the summary is my favorite. For my home shop, even the HF boxes are probably more than I "need", but they'll probably last me as long as I need them. If I ever had to actually work out of a box, I'd wear out a HF box, then make the upgrade to Snap On. I was spoiled at my first job where everything was supplied, including a company account with the tool truck, so my tools all stayed at home.

 

[kngelv]

What coupon are you talking about? Care to share?

There was an ITC coupon for $699.00 that expired on 31 Aug 2011. I went in on that day and my local HF was out of stock. I got a rain-check for two of them but only needed one. They looked at the coupon when I got the rain-check but never asked for it when I picked the box up. Still have it but it is expired.

James

 

[kngelv]

I looked closely at a barely used Classic 78 which is the KRA series before I picked up the HF. The Snap-On was definitely a bit nicer but I was looking at $1900.00 for it which is almost three times the price. My buddy has a KRL and an Epiq (and obviously too much money) and the HF is nowhere near as nice as either one. I think there is something to be said for buying an American-made box and I would be willing to spend it if I had the cash but after buying American-made Strong Hold and Lyon cabinets plus a Lista workbench off CL I was down to my last few dollars for the garage this year and the HF is definitely worth the money. I think a better comparison is the Extreme and Montezuma boxes. The HF is as nice as those for a fraction of the price. The downside of the HF is there are no top or side boxes to add.

James

 

[Josh662234]

anybody find a top box for this yet?

 

[nit2wn]

I'm looking, most I've found is the bottom is imported from China. That probably means the top is there somewhere, just got to get either Harbor Freight to see it's in their interest to import it or get enough of us together to order a lump shipment.

 

[Viz]

I emailed HF Customer Service and asked if they had any plans to offer a companion top box for the 56" cabinet. The first reply said "we don't have a top box for this cabinet", so I tried again and reiterated "do you have any plans for a top box in the near future?". This time the answer was "no, not at this time".

So, we begin our own search.

Viz

 

[nit2wn]

Everything I've found is the wrong color, wrong size [usually41''], or isn't worth what they want. I found one at Amazon but it looks small for a top box. No actual size listings other than length.http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004FLJ70E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[kythri]

The Harbor Freight 43 and 56 inch models are nothing like the POS Husky $199 box. Apples vs rotten oranges. If you think 2" of drawer space is worth thousands of dollars you live on a different planet that me (even if in the same state!).

I wasn't saying they're the same. I was saying that the HF and Snap-On boxes aren't the same.

Thank you for ignoring pretty much everything I said. Enjoy your HF box, I'm sure it will serve you well.

 

[ibedayank]

Everything I've found is the wrong color, wrong size [usually41''], or isn't worth what they want. I found one at Amazon but it looks small for a top box. No actual size listings other than length.http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004FLJ70E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Specs:

Color: Red
# of Cabinet Drawers: 6
Dimensions: 55-1/2”W x 24”D x 19-1/10”H
Shipping Weight: 225 lbs

VRT-5606RD


theres the specs on that box...google is the MAN

 

[bhclark]

It also says "Made in Canada" on Amazon. Beware!

So, that makes me think about Princess Auto? Anyone check there?

 

[kythri]

Specs:

Color: Red
# of Cabinet Drawers: 6
Dimensions: 55-1/2”W x 24”D x 19-1/10”H
Shipping Weight: 225 lbs

VRT-5606RD


theres the specs on that box...google is the MAN

2" deeper than the HF box. :|

 

[nit2wn]

By the time I posted that link, I had been looking and ''googling'' for 3 hrs. I found several in black, just not red.

 

[NWphotog]

I wasn't saying they're the same. I was saying that the HF and Snap-On boxes aren't the same.

Thank you for ignoring pretty much everything I said. Enjoy your HF box, I'm sure it will serve you well.

Your welcome. It does and it has. I bought it to replace a mid level Craftsman BB unit that wasn't any were near as nice or strong as the HF unit. Not trying to bust your balls but mentioning the Husky piece of tin foil in the same paragraph as the HF or SO kind of invalidates the rest of the post.

 

[kythri]

Your welcome. It does and it has. I bought it to replace a mid level Craftsman BB unit that wasn't any were near as nice or strong as the HF unit. Not trying to bust your balls but mentioning the Husky piece of tin foil in the same paragraph as the HF or SO kind of invalidates the rest of the post.

Not really - every bit as valid as trying to compare the HF box to a Snap-On box.

I own one, and it's a perfectly serviceable box.

 

[Fireball027]

The International toolbox PRT5209 may be the closest fit for the bottom box.

http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/itbprt5209.html

 

[NWphotog]

Not really - every bit as valid as trying to compare the HF box to a Snap-On box.

I own one, and it's a perfectly serviceable box.

The Husky? No, I am sorry its not!

 

[outcast]

i will bet they are working on one. but it will be a while before it is offered.

 

[outcast]

i looked at this box, some more, today. the slides are DEFINITELY NOT the quality of a truck box. pretty close to cheap, actually.

every application is different. but i see this as a LITE DUTY pro box. or a home box.

 

[Josh662234]

The HF i went to today for the "tent sale" (not impressed) has the 56" roller locked. . . :/ what the hell?!

 

[Bdawg750]

Bought one of these year ago. Great bang for buck. I would like matching top box too, so maybe theyll make one. I have big SO box that 20 yrs old. Few of slides just now need replaced, so time will tell if this box holds out even close, but even if it doesnt, i could buy new one every 3-4 yrs and be ahead of what i woulda spent on truck box. Im a motorcycle tech and it works well for what i need. I bought matco muscle cart to be able to move my daily used stuff around, and it cost me more than i paid for this HF one. But between 2 they get job done and have allowed me to spend$$ onmore tools to fill them with. I also drag race bikes and have small 5 drawer craftsman box in my enclosed trailer and also 8 drawer waterloo top n bottom box for misc stuff. I use all these boxes and they all serve there purpose.

 

[fitz11]

The HF i went to today for the "tent sale" (not impressed) has the 56" roller locked. . . :/ what the hell?!

There is a small latch under the handle on the right side of each drawer to get them open.