HF US General 44" vs. HUSKY 66x24"

[thickhead]

I am really considering these two boxes as I have pretty much run out of tool storage. I'm getting rid of the box I have and I'm starting over.

Either one of these will be enough storage for me, but I'm curious what you would choose and why.

HARBOR FREIGHT BOX

HOME DEPOT BOX

My thought is that for a couple hundred more, the Husky box might also make for a nice work bench or work space that I could use. Or maybe even as a table for my bench grinder and drill press.

 

[astroracer]

Have you compared them in person? 600 for Depot box is not bad but I didn't like the "cheap" way it felt. The metal gauge is not as heavy as the U.S. General boxes and the drawers just didn't operate as smoothly. Check them out in person if you can. If you can't I would go for the HF box over HD box any day.
Another option would be to add the 18" hang on cabinet to the HF 44. I did that when I reorganized my machine shop last year. I spent about 560 for both cabinets on sale.

Mark

 

[piratius]

My immediate thought is that the Husky is 22" Wider. More space means that tools won't be stacked as tight (or on top of eachother) inside each drawer if you're at that point (all my wrenches are piled on top of eachother - one drawer for Metric, one for SAE). If they're easier to find and keep organized, it's less of a headache. On the flipside, look at the space you're working in. Do you have room for a 66" wide tool chest? If so, then awesome! That's a pretty wide cabinet (5'6") and with how my own garage is getting setup, I probably wouldn't have room for something that big.

I wouldn't mount any power tools on the top of either cabinet. The top decks of those guys are usually not terribly thick, so if you pull hard on the handle of a drill press, you will flex and possibly bend the top. Plus, the fact that it's on swivel casters means that the whole thing will vibrate and move slightly, even with the wheels locked.

EDIT: I saw Astro's post above mine (he posted while I was typing). If you mounted a piece of wood or aluminum to the top of the box, then you could definitely run a small drill press - my concerns below are with the sheet metal top of the box flexing and "caving in" so to speak.

I would use it as a light-duty workbench for stuff like rebuilding carbs, soldering, and fine/detail work like that. Put it somewhere that you can mount a bright Fluorescent or LED fixture above it (or mount it directly to the box!).

If you mounted a flat aluminum plate across the top (probably about $120+ for a pair of 1/8" plates in 24x36") it would add a lot of strength, and you could put other smaller toolboxes on the edges for specialty tools, and work in the middle. That might also keep small parts from rolling off the edges. A small piece of angle aluminum attached to the back edge would keep stuff from falling off the back too. Writing this out has given me some really good ideas for what I want to do to my workbench!

 

[Smoker]

I have the HF setup - love it. No issues with space. I did add the side cab in addition to the roll cab and top chest. But so far, zero issues.

 

[thickhead]

Good info guys!
Hadn't thought the ability to add on to the US General box if I want to.

 

[csp]

I'm sure you could add on to the Husky box just as easily. You may not find a matching cabinet to add to it, but that wouldn't keep you from attaching a HF or Mac or Snappy or Craftsman cabinet to the Husky box.

 

[thickhead]

csp,
What I meant is if I go with the 44" HF box it may be fine as is.
If not, I can bolt on 1 or 2 of the side boxes and still be at the same cost as the Husky box. I would loose out on the drawer depth though.

 

[Oldgloryfirearms]

coming from somebody that has two of the 44 HF box's. I would lean more towards the husky strictly because of the dept. That makes a big difference on what you can fit in there and also the top drawer being full length is perfect for fitting longer items. I cant speak on the build quality of the Husky box but as for the HF box it does seem to be built well for the price

 

[astroracer]

I guess it is all up to the user but I find a wide/deep tool box is more in the way then useful. Nine times out of ten I lose more stuff in the back of the drawer then I have stored at the front... Just my experience but I would rather have more, narrower drawers then a few deeper ones.
The 3/4" birch plywood I put on the top of the 44 is very stout. The box didn't even creak when I set the combo lathe on it. And it still rolls around easily for cleaning.
Mark

 

[thickhead]

I need to get down to Harbor Freight and see one of these in person. That will probably help.

 

[Wanna Ride]

I need to get down to Harbor Freight and see one of these in person. That will probably help.

It will. The HF boxes are built surprisingly nice. Much heavier than the Husky boxes. Another option is the HF 56" box. I have the 44", and just bought the 56"... Damn nice units.

 

[Wanna Ride]

I'm currently shopping around for a small mill/lathe combo like that. Can you share some info about yours? Where'd you get it, manufacturer, cost, happy with it, etc?

 

[a52-830]

personally, i think you need to think about this along two paths:

1) how do i store my tools? do i lay my wrenches flat, stack them in one of those V shaped holders, or on their side? are my socket laid down, or standing up in a holder? do i have a lot of welding clamps that require thick drawers?

deciding on a tool box without considering what you intend to put in it is a recipe for unhappiness. the best snap on or hf box in the world won't work if your tools won't fit.

2) dont compare the boxes by looking at cubic inches, that is useless. compare them in square inches of space per height of drawer. if you are "that kind of person", like i am, you can also figure out the cost per square inch of drawer space. (the ones i was looking at varied from 6 to 17 cents per, in case you are interested)

in the end, you might find that, as an example, that two hf44's have more space, and a better configuration, than the one hd66 you are looking at, and you can get one now, and one in a year or so. hf seems to change their boxes a lot less often than anyone else, so if the "look" is important, that is comforting.

in closing, using the top as a "work bench" seems completely reasonable, but bolting things to it doesn't. i dont think the tops of these kinds of cabinets are meant for those stresses, and you certainly dont want the bolt ends sticking down and interfering with things in the drawers.

 

[astroracer]

I'm currently shopping around for a small mill/lathe combo like that. Can you share some info about yours? Where'd you get it, manufacturer, cost, happy with it, etc?

This machine is a Smithy 3 in 1 mill/drill/lathe. I bought it in 1992... It's 24 years old and still going strong. Smithy doesn't offer this small of a machine any longer. They were bought out by Detroit Machine a while ago and now offer a couple of different models, Granite and Midas. Here is a link:
https://detroitmachine.tools/3-in-1?gclid=COap-OqBss0CFUQbgQodCiADbg
Enco and Jet also offer the same basic machines, just painted different colors.
I have been very happy with this small Smithy. It has ran thousands upon thousands of model car parts over the years with no major issues.
Mark

 

[JOHN 86GT]

I would pick a HF over the Husky box . I have a 40 ? inch bottom Husky with a 26 " top that is 10 years old (bought at a great price ) and the new Husky boxes seam built a little cheaper now .

I would like the HF 56" box due to the wider drawers .

in closing, using the top as a "work bench" seems completely reasonable, but bolting things to it doesn't. i dont think the tops of these kinds of cabinets are meant for those stresses, and you certainly dont want the bolt ends sticking down and interfering with things in the drawers.

You shouldn't have any issue bolting anything of reasonable weight to bottom box but would recommend bolting a 3/4 inch or better top on first .

 

[ryan20021982]

I would seriously take a look at the 56" HF box, I was going to get a 44" but ended up getting the 56" after looking at the specs and seeing them in person.

44"
14,200 cu. in. of storage

56"
28,200 cu. in. of storage (double the capacity)

And after seeing them in person the 56" just feels built better

 

[thickhead]

I took a quick look at the 3 Harbor Freight boxes today. They all seem pretty well put together considering the prices. The 44" seems like an especially good deal and looks like it may suit my needs. Going to gather all of my tools and see where I'm really at before I make my decision. I need to buy enough storage this time.

 

[csp]

Just a point worth noting is the HF box really isn't 44", it's 41". The other three inches are the handle.

 

[astroracer]

Just a point worth noting is the HF box really isn't 44", it's 41". The other three inches are the handle.

Good point. Mine measures in at 42 though.
Mark

 

[a52-830]

I would seriously take a look at the 56" HF box, I was going to get a 44" but ended up getting the 56" after looking at the specs and seeing them in person.

44"
14,200 cu. in. of storage

56"
28,200 cu. in. of storage (double the capacity)

well, if you compare cubic inches it is. if you compare square inches of drawer space, it isn't.

the hf44 bottom has 3914 square inches of drawer space, at 389$ (list price), or about 10 cents a square inch.

the hf56 bottom has 5553 square inches of drawer space, at 799$ (list price), or
about 14 cents a square inch.

that is about 42 percent more usable space, at a premium of about 40% per square inch.

the reason that extra space shows up in the cubic inches number is because the hf56 tends to have deeper drawers than the hf44 does. whether that extra space is usable or not depends on the tools you have, and how you store them.

as an example, the hf26 shows up at 4778 square inches, a lot more than the hf44 has, but costs about the same, list price, and about 8 cents a square inch. of course, the drawers there are a lot shallower.

the usefulness of all three is predicated on how you store your tools.

 

[OldracerJones]

There is a very detailed analysis of all boxes on this site. The author measured everything and compared all the op boxes. The HF came out on top in. Out of the categories measured. I have two for the last five years since I read it and have not been disappointed at all.

 

[taumac]

HF US General 44" vs. HUSKY 66x24"

I like the looks of the HD one. I think serve well as a mobile bench table. Only thing I don't like is the height. I have a 2 HF44's and looks like both are about same height. I'm 5,8 and they work fine for a bench but once put a tool on top it gets tool like a DP or grinder to high for my liking.

 

[a52-830]

There is a very detailed analysis of all boxes on this site. The author measured everything and compared all the op boxes. The HF came out on top in. Out of the categories measured. I have two for the last five years since I read it and have not been disappointed at all.

the subtle point here is that you read a detailed review 5 years ago. while the hf boxes are largely the same, i dont think anyone else in this space (not including snap-on, as an example) are selling the same boxes now. they may be better, they may be worse, but i dont think they are the same.

the hf boxes are nice. surprisingly nice. great for the money.

but relying on reviews of products 5 years old is not a great idea. would you expect a five year old review of pickup trucks to help you choose among the ones available today? this is why these threads keep popping up.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Somewhere, I lost a post while using my phone.


OP, have you considered getting 2 HF 44s and building a Steevo styled bench ?

 

[ryan20021982]

well, if you compare cubic inches it is. if you compare square inches of drawer space, it isn't.

the hf44 bottom has 3914 square inches of drawer space, at 389$ (list price), or about 10 cents a square inch.

the hf56 bottom has 5553 square inches of drawer space, at 799$ (list price), or
about 14 cents a square inch.

that is about 42 percent more usable space, at a premium of about 40% per square inch.

the reason that extra space shows up in the cubic inches number is because the hf56 tends to have deeper drawers than the hf44 does. whether that extra space is usable or not depends on the tools you have, and how you store them.

as an example, the hf26 shows up at 4778 square inches, a lot more than the hf44 has, but costs about the same, list price, and about 8 cents a square inch. of course, the drawers there are a lot shallower.

the usefulness of all three is predicated on how you store your tools.

Thanks I know the difference between square inches and cubic inches

 

[firworks]

I can vouch the HF44" is pretty solid. When you lock the casters you would be able to put a work surface on top and work on it. I recently locked the drawers and the casters and shook it way more than you would ever do just moving it around or using it normally and it stood strong.

Have you compared them in person? 600 for Depot box is not bad but I didn't like the "cheap" way it felt. The metal gauge is not as heavy as the U.S. General boxes and the drawers just didn't operate as smoothly. Check them out in person if you can. If you can't I would go for the HF box over HD box any day.
Another option would be to add the 18" hang on cabinet to the HF 44. I did that when I reorganized my machine shop last year. I spent about 560 for both cabinets on sale.

Mark

Do you have casters under the 18" extension box? I think I would probably add some casters if I did that on mine as I don't "think" the 18" comes with casters.

 

[sixty4]

The HF has my vote and I have had zero problems with it as well. It maybe time for a second box for me come the next coupon.

 

[firworks]

The HF has my vote and I have had zero problems with it as well. It maybe time for a second box for me come the next coupon.

Yeah I guess I'll add, I too have had no "problems" with my HF 44". You do want to be a bit cautious when you buy it to inspect it real well. They'll probably just forklift it into your truck still on a pallet but right when you get it home, take off the outer box and inspect it for dents before even taking it out of your truck / trailer. I think almost any tool box suffers from dings and dents and the way they sell them makes it hard to check.

My big gripe with the HF 44", is the depth. I wish it were any amount deeper. If I had like 4" more in each drawer I could probably fit everything I want to in it. As it stands I've also got stacked drawers of wrenches. Also forget about fitting a full set of Williams Superrenches in it. They're just too big. Socket drawer is a nice size however (although mine is 3x overfull! I have way too many sockets).

Check out this recent thread: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=330856

It has some more good discussion / opinions on the HF44, and a list of links to even more HF44 threads.

 

[Pathfinders]

I vote for HF 44". I have the top box and 2 side boxes. The sides have plenty of room for larger items.

 

[thickhead]

...OP, have you considered getting 2 HF 44s and building a Steevo styled bench ?

If I were starting from scratch I would consider it, but too far along setting up my garage to want to start over. Just one movable tool chest would really suit me.

 

[justanengineer]

If I were starting from scratch I would consider it, but too far along setting up my garage to want to start over. Just one movable tool chest would really suit me.

Have you considered a rolling industrial cabinet vs a "tool box?" If you need movable that would be my choice but I hate losing money on the depreciation of new and also find "tool boxes" too light duty for my tastes. If you're willing to drive an hour or three you are in a great area for finding deals on Vidmar, Lista, drafting cabinets, etc.

 

[thickhead]

justanengineer,
As you know nothing is simple, but a hunt like that is so far removed from simple I'm just not up for it.

 

[Tony Sivori]

I need to get down to Harbor Freight and see one of these in person. That will probably help.

Good luck with that.

During the last sidewalk sale I went to the closest HF (my fair city is blessed with three locations) to inspect the 44” 13 drawer cabinet, and I could not open any of the drawers because they were locked and the keys were lost.

When I asked an employee for help, and stated my desire to try the drawers before I bought it, I was told that there was nothing he could do.

I left empty handed.

 

[kirkkw]

Also consider 2 HF 44" cost about the same or less than one HF 56".

 

[Wanna Ride]

I vote for HF 44". I have the top box and 2 side boxes. The sides have plenty of room for larger items.

Haha! I spy a Yeti decal...
Sorry. Reference to another thread where members are... arguing over coolers.

 

[astroracer]

Do you have casters under the 18" extension box? I think I would probably add some casters if I did that on mine as I don't "think" the 18" comes with casters.

No, no casters under the add on... Why would it need casters? It "hangs" on the top edge of the 44 with a couple of bolts in the bottom. Plenty of support there. It's not going to fall off by any means.
Mark

 

[thickhead]

To throw a bit of a twist at this since the big Husky box is back to $800, how about the 52"x22" Husky for about $100 more than the US General? It wider and deeper, but is the build quality similar?

52" HUSKY

 

[thickhead]

So......I bought 2 US General boxes on special - I noticed I could fit them in my existing workbench with some modifications to the bench. Lost the cabinet space, but no roll-arounds in the way anywhere else in the garage is a plus. I noticed that the deep cabinets were becoming a catch-all for a lot of **** too, so this worked out well for me.

It will likely never be this neat/clean again.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Well it looks like it worked out for you and you got them incorporated into the bench. Looks nice.

 

[tradin1]

i bought 4 of the HD 66" boxes when they were on sale in may. now i have a separate box for all major tool groups in the top drawers and associated ancillary tools below with plenty of space. having the full width deep top drawers for the daily use tools and the sale price is what sold me.