Tool Vault/Montezuma vs US General 56"

[twiggles]

Hey guys,

Sorry for another "this vs that" thread, but I have not found a comparison on this site.

Does anyone have any hands on experience with the Harbor Freight US General and Tool Vault 56" rolling tool chests? Is build quality similar?

I am really torn between the two, and would like to hear from someone who has played with both. I have handled the HF box at the store and I was pleasantly surprised. It seems to weigh more than the Tool Vault, and is cheaper... However, the Tool Vault gives the option of a Bottom Chest, Top Chest, and Side cabinet for $1900 delivered...doesn't sound bad! HELP ME DECIDE! (Full disclosure, I do not have enough tools to fill the Tool Vault Combo yet)

Apples to Apples, is the 56" Tool Vault cabinet worth $300 more than the 56" US General?

These are the two:
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/to...-tool-cabinet-top-chest-with-side-locker.html

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/all-toolbox/tool-vault-tool-boxes-56-11-drawer-tool-cabinet.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/56-inch-11-drawer-industrial-roller-cabinet-67681.html

 

[kythri]

Well, the Tool Vault or Montezuma gives you a full-width drawer, which the HF does not.

The HF, however, is 2" deeper.

For me, personally, neither are really suitable. When it comes time to spend more than $500 on a box, it's going to be a minimum of 24" deep (preferrably 30"), and have at least one full-width drawer (or at least a 56"-ish wide drawer on a 72" cabinet).

 

[cascivic]

i think the drawer setup on the strictly tool boxes is better as long as deep sockets will fit upright in that top drawer(if thats how you would even do it that way) and you dont have to get red. but the hf 56 weighs about 250 pounds more than that one if thats any gauge of quality. weight wise its very similiar to
http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...force-56-11-drawer-tool-cabinet/p-1851901.htm

and if your in ohio your probably near to a menards and now there available in colors!

 

[twiggles]

I don't think the lack of a full width drawer poses an immediate concern for me. Its a nice to have but not a must have. I am really concerned with build quality. That's something that is hard to glean from the spec sheets...

 

[shocksandstrutz]

Consider the tool vault or menards larger cabinet.unless you want two 44 hf cabinets I would search other options than hf.

 

[cascivic]

are you close to a menards?

 

[twiggles]

Consider the tool vault or menards larger cabinet.unless you want two 44 hf cabinets I would search other options than hf.

Why do you say this? Bad personal experience with US General?

 

[twiggles]

are you close to a menards?

Yes, I am within 20 min from Menards. I have looked at their boxes, and they are nice. I have not seen the 56" though, they only had the 44" on display. I thought the HF 56" was more substantial than their 44"...is the Masterforce 56" of similar construction.

 

[RCStocker]

The smaller HF boxes are great. The 44 inch box is fantastic. I have them and many other boxes.
I am not impress with the larger 56 inch box. The drawers are not solid and can be pulled out crooked. It is just to light a box for its size. I think there are beter boxes for under a thousand dollars on the market. For a couple of hundred more you can get a better box.

 

[cascivic]

if i was betting (im in nj so no menards but ive looked at the 56 hf alot) i would make an educated guess (just a guess here no hatin) that the strictly is closer in build to the menards 56 than the hf just based on the shipping weight. i think the reason the drawers feel different on the hf 44 vs the 56 is there depth, but again ive never felt the hf 44 bottom since there locked at my location just basing off the open top box

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1836134

looks like the sides at least are the same gauge since strictly says theres is 20ga and from this former post says they measured 20 also...but that was accounting for the paint thickness we dont know if strictly is saying 20 with the paint or before?

 

[Cedge]

Dunno about the Montezuma boxes, but the 2 56" HF boxes are proving to be a good investment here. Much more quality than I had expected. They are exceeding the need for my intended application. I'd make the same choice again. YMMV

Steve

 

[twiggles]

Dunno about the Montezuma boxes, but the 2 56" HF boxes are proving to be a good investment here. Much more quality than I had expected. They are exceeding the need for my intended application. I'd make the same choice again. YMMV

Steve

I hear ya! I am really leery about buying the Montezuma sight unseen. While its not a ton of money, it is hard earned none-the-less. I'm leaning towards HF unless I hear some really compelling info in support of Masterforce or Montezuma.

 

[twiggles]

One question about full width drawers...what are you guys storing in them that would require a 56" drawer? I think any of my pry bars or breaker bars will fit in a 40" or less width...

I am a big believer in buying right and buying once. I am a hobbyist and think that the value equation of the tool truck branded boxes is not quite there for me. Thus I have limited my search to what I consider middle tier boxes. However, I do plan on buying a large box and having it for 15+ years which is why this is a difficult decision for me.

Is there anything else I should be thinking about when I'm looking at these boxes? BTW, I'm not married to US General or Montezuma, I am open to other brands of 56" boxes in the $800 - $1200 range.

 

[86k10]

Have your checked your craigslist for a used Matco 4S? I have seen the 2 bay pop up for an average low price of $1000-1200 on the lower price side. If you are willing to go that high or does your local market **** on the used box market?

 

[DesertRatAutomotive]

One question about full width drawers...what are you guys storing in them that would require a 56" drawer? I think any of my pry bars or breaker bars will fit in a 40" or less width...

I am a big believer in buying right and buying once. I am a hobbyist and think that the value equation of the tool truck branded boxes is not quite there for me. Thus I have limited my search to what I consider middle tier boxes. However, I do plan on buying a large box and having it for 15+ years which is why this is a difficult decision for me.

Is there anything else I should be thinking about when I'm looking at these boxes? BTW, I'm not married to US General or Montezuma, I am open to other brands of 56" boxes in the $800 - $1200 range.

I would go with the montezuma. Ive been looking at the same boxes and have come to the conclusion that montezuma makes the better box for the price. They have hundreds of professional auto techs that do buy and have great reviews on there.

check this box out its the one ive been looking at for the longest. I think it would suit what your looking for.

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/montezuma-tool-boxes-56-11-drawer-tool-cabinet.html

 

[cascivic]

Have your checked your craigslist for a used Matco 4S? I have seen the 2 bay pop up for an average low price of $1000-1200 on the lower price side. If you are willing to go that high or does your local market **** on the used box market?

Was gonna say the same thing. Ohio might be good nj .....not so much

 

[Cedge]

Twiggles
I put a full sized crowbar in one of the HF drawers with plenty of end room. My Makita circular saw is in the deep 12 inch drawer with room for a second one to fit quite easily. All my air and power tools fit in the deep lower drawers Like you, I'm not sure what I own that would require a full length drawer. Here's a little something that might be handy.

Steve

 

[kythri]

One question about full width drawers...what are you guys storing in them that would require a 56" drawer? I think any of my pry bars or breaker bars will fit in a 40" or less width...

Me, I want a 50"-ish long drawer that I can put ALL of my socket stuff into, instead of seperate drawers for it all.

But, that's me. I'm not a hugely motivated buyer at this point in time, as I've got adequate storage that meets 90%-95% of my needs, so I'm able to wait for the right deal to come along (which will likely be a 72"+ roll cab).

 

[twiggles]

Have your checked your craigslist for a used Matco 4S? I have seen the 2 bay pop up for an average low price of $1000-1200 on the lower price side. If you are willing to go that high or does your local market **** on the used box market?

I tell you what man, it seems like people around here are really proud of their used boxes. The 4S boxes I have seen have been $2-3K used...

 

[twiggles]

Here's a little something that might be handy.

Steve

Thanks Steve!

 

[regguy1]

I recently got the Tool Vault 56", I really like the full length top drawer.
Also the deep 1/4" drive sockets will fit in the smaller drawers.

More photos and video review link here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=175440

 

[twiggles]

I recently got the Tool Vault 56", I really like the full length top drawer.
Also the deep 1/4" drive sockets will fit in the smaller drawers.

More photos and video review link here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=175440

Regguy1,

Are you in any way affiliated with Strictlytoolboxes, montezuma, etc? I have looked at quite a few of your reviews/videos/comments and they are all really positive toward the toolvault. I just want to make sure I'm just hearing from a happy customer and not a paid spokesman.Please do not take offense to this question, i am simply trying to understand where you are coming from.

 

[cascivic]

I recently got the Tool Vault 56", I really like the full length top drawer.
Also the deep 1/4" drive sockets will fit in the smaller drawers.

More photos and video review link here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=175440

Love the video and the review that's a beautiful box!

 

[twiggles]

Love the video and the review that's a beautiful box!

I know! I saw that review a week or so ago and it really gave me a hard-on for the Tool Vault...Still, with no one who can directly compare the Toolvault to the HF unit, its really tough to justify the extra $$.

 

[Outlawmws]

FYI. Strictly Toolboxes has apparently re badged the equivalent Montezuma box, and tacked on >$300. A year ago those boxes were a different (better) configuration, and IIR a heavier and presumable better box...

 

[kngelv]

You could always check Sears to see a Montezuma box in person. My local one had this one on the floor a month ago.

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/mo...-boxes-tool-cabinet-crossover-tool-chest.html

I have the HF and am getting ready to buy another for a workbench project. With the $699.00 coupon the price can't be beat. It's a very solid box. One of two HF items I own. That said . . . if you are looking to add a matching top and/or side locker this is probably not the box for you since they don't make any that are an exact match.

James

 

[Cedge]

I have room for 2 of my old Craftsman top boxes to sit on top of the 56 box. Not too sure I'll need much more room than that, but I do agree that HF needs to consider offering up a matching top box

Steve

 

[twiggles]

You could always check Sears to see a Montezuma box in person. My local one had this one on the floor a month ago.

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/mo...-boxes-tool-cabinet-crossover-tool-chest.html

I have the HF and am getting ready to buy another for a workbench project. With the $699.00 coupon the price can't be beat. It's a very solid box. One of two HF items I own. That said . . . if you are looking to add a matching top and/or side locker this is probably not the box for you since they don't make any that are an exact match.

James

I have room for 2 of my old Craftsman top boxes to sit on top of the 56 box. Not too sure I'll need much more room than that, but I do agree that HF needs to consider offering up a matching top box

Steve

Yeah, if hf made a top box my decision would be a little easier.

 

[regguy1]

Regguy1,

Are you in any way affiliated with Strictlytoolboxes, montezuma, etc? I have looked at quite a few of your reviews/videos/comments and they are all really positive toward the toolvault. I just want to make sure I'm just hearing from a happy customer and not a paid spokesman.Please do not take offense to this question, i am simply trying to understand where you are coming from.

I'm not a paid spokeman for STB, I did pick the name "Tool Vault" ( I was the first one with that entry) Read completely through this thread for the entire story:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79045

It took Shannon 2 years before they could get the name trademarked, he did call me and let me know even after all that time, so it seems to me he's a guy that wants to do the right thing. I do like the boxes alot, I was considering just selling them and keeping my old ones but I'm glad I didn't. You'll make up your own mind I'm just trying to give a point of comparision. There's nothing in it for me

 

[twiggles]

Thanks for the clarification Regguy1. Thats awesome that you picked the name...cool story!

 

[global72]

FYI. Strictly Toolboxes has apparently re badged the equivalent Montezuma box, and tacked on >$300. A year ago those boxes were a different (better) configuration, and IIR a heavier and presumable better box...

2 years ago we added the 21 drawer configuration. Montezuma was making the 18 drawer configuration. The boxes were exactly the same in every way except the drawer configuration of the top chest. Because it costs more to make 10 drawers than 7 we added (approximately)$75 to the cost of the box.

Now Montezuma has changed their design and have added the locking drawer handles and removed the detents. The box we are making has not changed in any way structurally. The only change we have made is the front of top lid on the top chest was rounded now it is squared. We made that change because I felt it looked better when a side locker was added.

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/mo...56-18-drawer-tool-cabinet-and-tool-chest.html

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/mo...xes-21-drawer-tool-cabinet-and-top-chest.html

 

[Chris_PT]

Right now, I like the HF box > the ST box ONLY because ST does NOT offer it in red. I don't really understand why it isn't offered in red? Are there any plans to expand the colors.

Some may think it's a moot point, but I know there are others out there that are as OCD as I am.

 

[global72]

I am planning on bringing in red, yellow, lime green and orange. It will be around May before we start getting these colors in.

 

[DesertRatAutomotive]

I am planning on bringing in red, yellow, lime green and orange. It will be around May before we start getting these colors in.

As soon as you get in that lime green you got yourself a paying costumer

 

[Chris_PT]

If you got red, you'd have a new customer. Also interested in seeing lime green.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2

 

[gatewaysysop]

I am planning on bringing in red, yellow, lime green and orange. It will be around May before we start getting these colors in.

Cool. More orange boxes would be awesome.

 

[acdc73]

is the Montezuma made in China?

 

[kythri]

I am planning on bringing in red, yellow, lime green and orange. It will be around May before we start getting these colors in.

Same for the 72" boxes?

 

[skulldrinker]

I have room for 2 of my old Craftsman top boxes to sit on top of the 56 box. Not too sure I'll need much more room than that, but I do agree that HF needs to consider offering up a matching top box

Steve

HF sells a ton of the 44"ers they prob figure they're doing fine and they don't need to expand the 56" line.

 

[global72]

Same for the 72" boxes?

72" in limited qty's probably just 6 of each around the same time.