Found a 56" top cabinet for the HF 56-incher

[98TJ]

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...rage + Organizers>Tool Boxes + Chests-_-23630

55 3/4in.W x 21 3/4in.D x 20 3/4in.H

 

[diesel research]

Saw a few in person. 36". 41", 56".

That's why I am baffled when people make claims you can't add-on with the 56". It is a VERY common size.

 

[ibedayank]

not from hf ya cant....but from other places sure...hf and snap-on are not the only makers of boxes

 

[ibedayank]

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200466685_200466685

Torin Top Tool Chest — 56in., 7-Drawer, Model# TBT8007B-X $599
56.5 x 22 x 25.4

OP's chest also comes in black
they have a Montezuma chest but its $1000

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200376786_200376786

 

[oldwheelieguy]

Has anyone seen a matching side cabinet?

 

[98TJ]

I'd never heard of Homak boxes until this weekend. I was at mom's place and she had a flyer from Rural King that had a 72in Homak for $1,199. I found that 56in top while searching for reviews of the Homak stuff.

Anyone here on GJ have first-hand experience with the Homak units? I know they're Chinese units, but if they're comparable to the HF 56in roller in quality I'm sure several folks here would be happy to put the combo together.

 

[Carl B]

Saw a few in person. 36". 41", 56".

That's why I am baffled when people make claims you can't add-on with the 56". It is a VERY common size.

"Can Not" and "Should Not" are two different cases. The manufacturer of the US General 56" says that you should not put a top, nor side box on that model. It's rated load capacity would be exceeded.

Adding the HOMAK pictured at the start of this thread - could add as much as 1000 lbs to the top of the US General 56" roll cabinet. That's 1000 lbs more than it is designed / spec.'d to carry by the manufacturer. That is the reason US General offers no top nor side boxes for the 56" frame.

HOMAK 23630
Weight Capacity is 800 lbs
Top Box Weight apx 200 lbs {244 lbs shipping weight}

If one is going to buy the HOMAK top chest - then they should put it on the rool cabinet that is designed to carry that weight. ie the HOMAK 56" bottom roll cabinet.

FWIW,
Carl B.

 

[Trey T]

Those boxes from Northern Tools are very high quality boxes. The box frame is very sturdy and the slider is about the same size/capacity (100lbs per slider pair) as HF.

 

[toxiclows]

I want to see a pic of one on a HF box.
I swore I did not want a top. As I love my home made hutch but. I might change my mind if I saw a pic

 

[Soon2AdjustYou]

If I remember correctly, the 72" HF roll cab (no longer sold there) was the same as the Torin 72". So perhaps the 56" is the same as well. If that is the case, the top cab will be fine considering Torin offers the top cab add-on posted above.

I'm going to stop by Northern Tool this week and check out that they have.

 

[purplezr2]

The Homak name seems famalier, does Menards carry it( I use to work there along time ago). Maybe its the local Farm and Fleet that has them

 

[98TJ]

If I remember correctly, the 72" HF roll cab (no longer sold there) was the same as the Torin 72". So perhaps the 56" is the same as well. If that is the case, the top cab will be fine considering Torin offers the top cab add-on posted above.

I'm going to stop by Northern Tool this week and check out that they have.

I'm out of town but to the best of my memory the top surface of the HF 56" is 56" x 22 1/2".

 

[nw2571]

Rural King carries Homak tool boxes

 

[Soon2AdjustYou]

I'm out of town but to the best of my memory the top surface of the HF 56" is 56" x 22 1/2".

Is it a flat surface or does it have a lip around the 3 sides? (56")

The Homak seems to be the perfect size then.

 

[kythri]

Homak builds a lot of NAPA's boxes, that may be why it's familiar to some.

 

[98TJ]

Is it a flat surface or does it have a lip around the 3 sides? (56")

The Homak seems to be the perfect size then.

Those measurements are the interior of the lip from what I remember.

Again, I don't have the box accessible right now, but that Homak should fit fine.

 

[00pewter]

Do they even match? Looks like the HF is gloss and the Homak is what the old HF boxes use to be.


Could be the pictures though!

 

[98TJ]

Do they even match? Looks like the HF is gloss and the Homak is what the old HF boxes use to be.


Could be the pictures though!

No idea. From the image it seems the Homak is a gloss red (look at the nearest corner in the image), but that's all I know.

Since this thread came back to life I showed it to SWMBO and told her I'd like to get a 2nd HF cabinet and maybe this Homak for the top of it - IF I can sell the Craftsman.

Her only comment? "Colors probably won't match."

 

[BajaBound]

I am very interested in this!

 

[Chris Adams]

To anyone interested, they did make a top box, US General, for awhile in 56x22, in the 'pink' paint.

I still have that one.
It was actually made by Torin, well, the people who build the Torin named boxes.

Just as an aside, it sits on my Matco 4725, and is about half an inch too wide.
Quality is excellent.
Slides work great, handles weight nicely. The big odd square drawer is full of body hammers and body dollies, and the 4 ball bearing slides handle the weight with ease.

Has two 'barrel' locks, keyed alike. It also allows you to keep the top closed, while still accessing the drawers.

I'm probably getting rid of it soon, as I have to find a home for my newest Lista box, but I would recommend the Torin built boxes to anyone wanting a commercial quality box at way below Craftsman homeowner prices.

 

[Soon2AdjustYou]

Here is the description of the Torin top chest.

"The heavy-duty Torin 56in. 7-Drawer Top Tool Chest fits on top of the Torin 56in. 11-drawer bottom tool cabinet, providing more storage space for tools and supplies."

I cant find the bottom cab they are referring to. I would imagine its the exact same as the HF though. Any thoughts?

 

[Soon2AdjustYou]

So I checked the Homak at Northern Tool. It is a pinkish red color, not a glossy bright red like the HF. Wouldn't look right on the 56"

I did see this: Torin 5 drawer service cart, crinkle black finish

The same as this:

Now I really think the Torin 56" top will work...gotta find one though.

 

[WRX/Z28]

"Can Not" and "Should Not" are two different cases. The manufacturer of the US General 56" says that you should not put a top, nor side box on that model. It's rated load capacity would be exceeded.

Adding the HOMAK pictured at the start of this thread - could add as much as 1000 lbs to the top of the US General 56" roll cabinet. That's 1000 lbs more than it is designed / spec.'d to carry by the manufacturer. That is the reason US General offers no top nor side boxes for the 56" frame.

HOMAK 23630
Weight Capacity is 800 lbs
Top Box Weight apx 200 lbs {244 lbs shipping weight}

If one is going to buy the HOMAK top chest - then they should put it on the rool cabinet that is designed to carry that weight. ie the HOMAK 56" bottom roll cabinet.

FWIW,
Carl B.

Looks like everyone missed this post.

Good info though. Thanks man.

 

[diesel research]

Looks like everyone missed this post.

Good info though. Thanks man.

I doubt anyone missed it, it is just one particular poster who has brought this up several times to encourage others to consider the 40" HF box.

Even after it was explained that the 56" has more reinforcements, some got caught up on under/over rated "specs", which btw exceed the casters before the box.

Can't get too hung up on HF literature, because it's widely known to have a LOT of errors in it.

It is then assumed that everyone's intention is to max load every drawer including the additional ones they gain from a top, when in fact they may very well be using it just to "spread out" their tools and make them easier to find.

 

[Soon2AdjustYou]

Looks like everyone missed this post.

Good info though. Thanks man.

That's why I'd like to see the Torin bottom box. The 72" HF was the same way...Don't put a top box on here, blah blah blah. But it also happens to be made by Torin also rebadged as Wolf sold by Sears. It HAS a top box from Northern tool and Sears, but HF didn't offer it.

But who knows, I could be dead wrong and will watch my cab fold like a pretzel...Lol

 

[Avgas]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/56-Clarke-T...ls&vxp=mtr&hash=item3cb27bd338#ht_1211wt_1037

 

[Chris Adams]

I doubt anyone missed it, it is just one particular poster who has brought this up several times to encourage others to consider the 40" HF box.

Even after it was explained that the 56" has more reinforcements, some got caught up on under/over rated "specs", which btw exceed the casters before the box.

Can't get too hung up on HF literature, because it's widely known to have a LOT of errors in it.

It is then assumed that everyone's intention is to max load every drawer including the additional ones they gain from a top, when in fact they may very well be using it just to "spread out" their tools and make them easier to find.

Yep, not only is their literature often for some other product (they switched maker, but not the PDF) but most the guys on this board figure the maximum is the minimum.

Also right on the money as to the spread out factor.
More drawers, more box, less piled in drawer would be the real world rule.


Apropos the ratings, the 56 top chest I use seems like it would easily exceed ratings on the PDF.
If it wasn't that hideous pinkish red, I would highly recommend that box.

 

[Chris Adams]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/56-Clarke-T...ls&vxp=mtr&hash=item3cb27bd338#ht_1211wt_1037

Not a bad deal, but I hate mail order boxes. Or why Sears has so many scratch and ding outlets...

T

 

[WRX/Z28]

I doubt anyone missed it, it is just one particular poster who has brought this up several times to encourage others to consider the 40" HF box.

Even after it was explained that the 56" has more reinforcements, some got caught up on under/over rated "specs", which btw exceed the casters before the box.

Can't get too hung up on HF literature, because it's widely known to have a LOT of errors in it.

It is then assumed that everyone's intention is to max load every drawer including the additional ones they gain from a top, when in fact they may very well be using it just to "spread out" their tools and make them easier to find.

Eh, I'm sure most just refuse to believe it.

I'd love to see the documented "more reinforcements" than the other HF boxes. Where are the reinforcements? The drawers? The frame? The top panel?

Check out that Snap on vid I posted in the 56" review thread. Very enlightening, albeit biased view on toolboxes and building to support weight.

So many here just say "Hey, look, it's shiny and similar in looks/cosmetics to a Snap on box, must be exactly the same for 1/8th the price." It's amazing that these are typically the same people that bash Snap on owners for buying Snap on just for the look/prestige.

These things are built fine if you plan on putting fluff tools in it, or poorly maximizing the space in the box. If you plan on loading the drawers with sockets/ratchets/airguns/wrenchs/ and other heavy tools. You may want to consider how well they do truly weighted down.

I too would love to believe these are the exact same thing as a Snap on, and just don't have the name on them, but it's simply not true.

Now, if you're buying it with the expectations that you may be getting a box that's half or 1/4 as good for 1/8th of the price, you just might be right.

 

[diesel research]

Eh, I'm sure most just refuse to believe it.

I'd love to see the documented "more reinforcements" than the other HF boxes. Where are the reinforcements? The drawers? The frame? The top panel?

Check out that Snap on vid I posted in the 56" review thread. Very enlightening, albeit biased view on toolboxes and building to support weight.

So many here just say "Hey, look, it's shiny and similar in looks/cosmetics to a Snap on box, must be exactly the same for 1/8th the price." It's amazing that these are typically the same people that bash Snap on owners for buying Snap on just for the look/prestige.

These things are built fine if you plan on putting fluff tools in it, or poorly maximizing the space in the box. If you plan on loading the drawers with sockets/ratchets/airguns/wrenchs/ and other heavy tools. You may want to consider how well they do truly weighted down.

I too would love to believe these are the exact same thing as a Snap on, and just don't have the name on them, but it's simply not true.

Now, if you're buying it with the expectations that you may be getting a box that's half or 1/4 as good for 1/8th of the price, you just might be right.

Why is there all this talk of snap on? No where did I state it was snap on or comparable or anything else of the sort.

I am only pointing out a few things. The manual first off, does not claim "do not use side cabinets or top chests"

That is a twisted (intentionally?) misrepresentation of the warning not to exceed maximum load capacity, injected with an assumption that all drawers would be loaded to max capacity and overload the stack.

 

[mngundog]

The Homak name seems famalier, does Menards carry it( I use to work there along time ago). Maybe its the local Farm and Fleet that has them

No Menards doesn't carry them, but I believe Runnings Farm and Fleet does.

 

[WRX/Z28]

Why is there all this talk of snap on? No where did I state it was snap on or comparable or anything else of the sort.

I am only pointing out a few things. The manual first off, does not claim "do not use side cabinets or top chests"

That is a twisted (intentionally?) misrepresentation of the warning not to exceed maximum load capacity, injected with an assumption that all drawers would be loaded to max capacity and overload the stack.

Nobody said you did. I brought it up, not you. It was an observation i'm making. Please don't take me quoting you as an indication that i'm only going to address points you've made.

The manual may not claim that, but i'd say if it's got load ratings that can be reached by simply loading the drawers on the cab itself, that typically means that you shouldn't put another cab on top of it and load those as well.

Kind of like if your GVWR on your truck is 4800lbs, and the truck weighs 4,000lbs, and you currently have (4) 200lb adults in it, you probably shouldn't try to tow a trailer as well.

 

[nw2571]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/56-Clarke-T...ls&vxp=mtr&hash=item3cb27bd338#ht_1211wt_1037

Rural King also has Clarke boxes. Seem ok, but the Homak models they have appear to be better just from playing around in the store. Smoother slides, etc. Of course it's always hard to judge by floor models. I've never seen a floor model at Harbor Freight where the drawers actually close right.

 

[036.6turbo]

Anyone here on GJ have first-hand experience with the Homak units? I know they're Chinese units, but if they're comparable to the HF 56in roller in quality I'm sure several folks here would be happy to put the combo together.

I have a Homak stack.

But no experience with the one shown.

I have had mine since the early 90s, it has served me well. I am selling it now, because I ordered replacements from Strictlytoolboxescom.

 

[Bull]

If I remember correctly, the 72" HF roll cab (no longer sold there) was the same as the Torin 72". So perhaps the 56" is the same as well. If that is the case, the top cab will be fine considering Torin offers the top cab add-on posted above.

I'm going to stop by Northern Tool this week and check out that they have.

I didn't know they abandoned that product. I thought it had been a popular item?

 

[kngelv]

Eh, I'm sure most just refuse to believe it.

I'd love to see the documented "more reinforcements" than the other HF boxes. Where are the reinforcements? The drawers? The frame? The top panel?
.

Below is from my post on the HF 56" vs 42" thread:

As far as strength there are a few differences. The 56" has two pieces of angle iron on the underside of the box running front to back and roughly 16" from each set of casters and each other.The 42" has no such supports. The 42" has one support on the underside of the top running the length of the box that is approximately 3-4 inches in width. The 56" has two of these.

I have the 56" and it is a great box for the money. Not as good as a Snap-On but more affordable. The 56" will definitely hold a top box.

James

 

[Chris Adams]

Nobody said you did. I brought it up, not you. It was an observation i'm making. Please don't take me quoting you as an indication that i'm only going to address points you've made.

The manual may not claim that, but i'd say if it's got load ratings that can be reached by simply loading the drawers on the cab itself, that typically means that you shouldn't put another cab on top of it and load those as well.

Kind of like if your GVWR on your truck is 4800lbs, and the truck weighs 4,000lbs, and you currently have (4) 200lb adults in it, you probably shouldn't try to tow a trailer as well.

Not a good example in the real world. While I am very safety conscious and don't believe in overloading if possible, many motorhomes come from the factory WAY over the GVWR.

That's before you climb in, add your stuff, put in water, gas, etc.
I've seen new motorhomes that were 10% past maximum, on the showroom floor. People then buy them and drive them fully loaded, or would you say, overloaded, for years.

GVWR is much like the 'recommended' maximum weights' in that it is not issued by builders, issued by liability lawyers.

A 'half ton' pickup often carries a ton of cargo. A '3/4' ton pickup often carries two tons of cargo.
Most people tow way beyond what the lawyers recommend.

Tool boxes are the same, or even more so.

Look at ladders. Follow the recommendations and you won't actually climb one of the dang things.

 

[diesel research]

I didn't know they abandoned that product. I thought it had been a popular item?

I think it was $2000. There isn't a lot of market in that range. The typical harbor freight customer gets VERY reluctant to even spend $1000 on "just a box" and the person that typically has $2000+ to burn on boxes, want something they feel is more reputable.

That isn't to disparage anyone, because I am sure many here own high end tools/boxes and still shop there regularly. Of course they do not comprise the majority.

Not having them available in stores to see also hurts, as does the physical size and required logistics for moving it.

Kind of "inappropriate for target audience"

 

[WRX/Z28]

Not a good example in the real world. While I am very safety conscious and don't believe in overloading if possible, many motorhomes come from the factory WAY over the GVWR.

That's before you climb in, add your stuff, put in water, gas, etc.
I've seen new motorhomes that were 10% past maximum, on the showroom floor. People then buy them and drive them fully loaded, or would you say, overloaded, for years.

GVWR is much like the 'recommended' maximum weights' in that it is not issued by builders, issued by liability lawyers.

A 'half ton' pickup often carries a ton of cargo. A '3/4' ton pickup often carries two tons of cargo.
Most people tow way beyond what the lawyers recommend.

Tool boxes are the same, or even more so.

Look at ladders. Follow the recommendations and you won't actually climb one of the dang things.

Can you cite proof that GVWR is issued by lawyers? From everything I've seen, it's a limitation the engineer's place on the vehicle. A 1/2 ton pickup will likely be fine with 1 ton of cargo going from point A to B on regular roads and with extra care taken. Go try that on anything with a steep grade (uphill or downhill) and you'll see what those ratings are all about.

Also, can you please show examples of which RV's are over GVWR right off the showroom floor please? I've personally never seen one, nor can I fathom how that can happen. You're telling me that RV's are set up from the gate to be fined when operated on weight controlled roadways?

It's similar to the ratings on the HF box. Noone is saying the 56" will disintegrate if you go 10lbs over capacity. Heck, even adding that 1000lbs won't guarantee failure, but the point is, the more you overload it, and the more you stress the box while overloaded, the greater your chances of failure.

For most guys that load these things with tools layed flat on the bottom drawers (pliers, screwdrivers), and tools in their cases/trays, and never really load them down, you'd probably never know the difference. Come check out my socket drawers loaded to the hilt. I don't think the HF unit could take it. Then again, if it's a secondary box for me, maybe it wouldn't have to.

Having owned HF boxes, Craftsman, Snap on, and Mac, I can say that while the HF's are excellent values, anyone that thinks that because they look similar, they're built similar is fooling themselves.

 

[diesel research]

The harbor freight box does not have a "max" rating, only a rating of how much can be stored inside of it.

Can't get too hung up on HF literature, because it's widely known to have a LOT of errors in it.

This is a prime example, they provided a internal rating by simply adding up drawer capacities, but did not provide an overall rating including box weight/anything on top/etc.

Can't call it exceeding the rating, because it didn't come with one....