Torn between toolboxes - HF or CMan

[Conrad283]

I'm torn between which tool chest to get.

I currently don't have one at all and I think that a 26" would be too small. I'd rather do it right the first time.

I am looking at the CMan 40" Ball bearing with Griplatch, and the HF 44" chest.

Looking through the HF pass/fail thread the chest didn't get any fails from what I saw, only complaint was that people wanted more drawers.

I really like the way the CMan drawers slide and I like their red.

Snap-on and Matco are too expensive for me, even on craigslist.

Is the HF tool chest worth it? Or just save up a little more and get the Cman?

 

[mjozefow]

If you live in the midwest, get a Masterforce from Menard's. They are nice boxes for the money. C-man boxes are shadows of their former selves.

 

[A29]

I've got the HF box and I like it a lot. For the price its hard to beat.

 

[sk farmer]

i have both and there are things i like about both. the hf has a wide drawer wich some of the cmans do. mine does not. the hf is a good match with my crossover. the hf beats the **** out of the cman in price. the cman finish is a litle nicer and easier to keep clean. the cman boxes offer more configurations of drawer types, styles and sizes along with a variety of top box configurations that all match. the cman can be had in several differant colors. either will work and be a good choice. you need to decide what best fits you.

 

[Davefr]

Given a choice between those two, I'd go HF over Cman and wait for a sale and use the 20% off coupon. Except for the professional series, Cman boxes seem very flimsy these day. HF boxes are better quality.

However I'd keep looking on CL for older truck brands or even older Cman, Kennedy, Proto, Waterloo, etc.

 

[BigK600]

I'd go with a 40". I got my first toolbox a 26" last year and its already full and I'm going to go with a 56" in someday. Lots of people are happy with the HF box and its built pretty well. For me I like some of the drawer layouts on the CM boxes better than the HF box, specifically the 41" Stainless Steel box because it has a bunch of full width drawers. I think the CM boxes look better and the CM boxes are built well enough to hold up. But the HF box is a lot cheaper.

 

[Conrad283]

I know, that's the debate ... Something that I kinda like, but the price is great, or something that I really like and is a few hundred more.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

Hands down the HF. A buddy of mine has one and for the price it can't be beat.

 

[rsanter]

I have both
the HF I paid under $300 for and the cman I got as a dent/scratch model for $300
for a main box the HF has the big drawer which is great for sockets.
in some ways the HF feels more sturdy. the BBslides feel good.
for the cman the griplatch irritates me a bit
the cman is made in the USA, HF is not

another view
the HF box will cost a bunch less to to add a sidebox and top box to

bob

 

[sgrammel]

I think the HF box is in sale now.

http://www.harborfreight.com/13-drawer-red-industrial-quality-roller-cabinet-90320.html

Grab yourself any car magazine and grab the 20% off coupon.

Only thing I don't like about the HF box is the keys are all different. Perhaps you can order a top/bottom/side box all keyd the same however

 

[Conrad283]

Based on the comments here, I'm gonna go buy the HF box ... It's $399 + 20% off ... Killer deal

 

[Conrad283]

319.99 + Tax

 

[tonydanzah]

neither, go to menards and get a master force. Way nice than both.

 

[tonydanzah]

If you live in the midwest, get a Masterforce from Menard's. They are nice boxes for the money. C-man boxes are shadows of their former selves.

 

[Danglerb]

My first box was (is) a 26", and I quickly packed it to the gills and wished I had a 40", but I suspect the 26" is a lot easier to move around than a 40" would be. Now I am keeping my eye out for a deal on a 40" or better intermediate box that I can stick on a shelf in my garage and split some tools off into.

 

[Mickey O]

Neither, look for a deal on a quality used box, if you're in the Chicagoland area I recommend this one:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tls/1715399460.html

If you for some God forsaken reason want to buy an import I'm with the guys recommending Masterforce over the HF. I've been buying Snap On boxes for less, the same or a little bit more money (Far superior to the HF box), for around the same money (more or less) you can find a used Craftsman made in the USA pro series box, a Canadian Husky pro series box, both much nicer than the HF box, it just takes a little bit of work and time but well worth it, your US made tools will know the difference and appreciate it.

 

[fordcragar]

Buy a quality box and when you decide that you are get a bigger one, you will be able to sell the old one. I can't imagine any old HF box selling for very much money.

 

[Conrad283]

I bought the HF box ... I needed a box today. My stuff was all over the place. The drawer slides are good and it fits my stuff pretty well.

 

[arkangel06]

What mickey said find a nice used one they can be had pretty easy now of days for not much money.

 

[oldtools]

Get the HF and save the money for a larger and nicer truck box later. You can give the HF to your kid later. I have the Cman griplatch (bottom, middle and top boxes). Not too impress with it. It **** and rub the other drawer when open. I should have gotten the stainless steel box at Lowe instead. It is sturdier, better quality, and come with much more features. My brother-in-law has the regular Cman box. It is a piece of junk. I am saving my money to get a bigger used truck box. I want the SO box, but it is a little too pricey.

 

[Indy_500]

I bought the HF box ... I needed a box today. My stuff was all over the place. The drawer slides are good and it fits my stuff pretty well.

good choice. don't listen to the people sayin to get a different one, can't beat that box for the price. i'd pay $600 for one.

 

[tonydanzah]

good choice. don't listen to the people sayin to get a different one, can't beat that box for the price. i'd pay $600 for one.

The menards box is so much nicer if you don't want to play the waiting game with craigslist.

 

[Mickey O]

Buy a quality box and when you decide that you are get a bigger one, you will be able to sell the old one. I can't imagine any old HF box selling for very much money.

We've got a few out here on craig's list for months and months, best just to sell them for scrap value.

 

[Mickey O]

The menards box is so much nicer if you don't want to play the waiting game with craigslist.

I bought the HF box ... I needed a box today. My stuff was all over the place. The drawer slides are good and it fits my stuff pretty well.

He got tired of waiting for the steak and had himself a White Castle burger.

 

[Indy_500]

The menards box is so much nicer if you don't want to play the waiting game with craigslist.

the display model at my menards isn't any better than my HF box

 

[tonydanzah]

the display model at my menards isn't any better than my HF box

you must have a beat up one there. Before I bought I looked at home epot, lowes, HF and then menards. I think the wrinkle paint on the HF box is garbage and there locking system feels cheap. I also thought the drawer slides were looser then the masterforce.

 

[Indy_500]

you must have a beat up one there. Before I bought I looked at home epot, lowes, HF and then menards. I think the wrinkle paint on the HF box is garbage and there locking system feels cheap. I also thought the drawer slides were looser then the masterforce.

the finish on both of them are pretty much the same. they are both roughish. And the lockin system works so what difference does it make

 

[Mickey O]

the display model at my menards isn't any better than my HF box

What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?

 

[Conrad283]

I think it's a good deal for the money ...

Now I can actually use my workbench for working on.

 

[Displaced Hokie]

Althought I think the HF box is strong and a good value, I can't get past the finish. I don't like the rough finish, and it looks faded. I know, this does not affect the funtionality at all.

Of course, this coming from someone who really likes the optional "premium automotive" Safety Yellow finish offered on some of the Craftsman boxes...which some on here really dislike.

 

[tonydanzah]

the finish on both of them are pretty much the same. they are both roughish. And the lockin system works so what difference does it make

The finish on the green masterforce box is not the same. Its smooth possibly powder coated paint, most likely just sprayed on though. As far as the locking, I keep my stuff locked and like at least a sense of security. I don't get that security from the HF box. With power tools any box can be broken into. The masterforce box has the locking pins in the front, in front of the slides. The hf box has the craftsman style with the thin stamped metal hook that grabs the rear of the drawer, at least the box I looked at. Don't get me wrong the HF boxes are good deal if you don't want to wait on craigslist, but for a little more the masterforce boxes in my opinion are nicer.

Menards does not sell a side cabinet like HF does. So if I need one, I will most likely get the HF unit, strip that aweful paint and try to match the green.

 

[Deez]

Here's a link to a website that tracks deals and has all of the current HF ads along with coupons you can print off instead of having to go buy the magazines as mentioned above... it's updated all the time.

http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=1276399

 

[Mickey O]

The finish on the green masterforce box is not the same. Its smooth possibly powder coated paint, most likely just sprayed on though. As far as the locking, I keep my stuff locked and like at least a sense of security. I don't get that security from the HF box. With power tools any box can be broken into. The masterforce box has the locking pins in the front, in front of the slides. The hf box has the craftsman style with the thin stamped metal hook that grabs the rear of the drawer, at least the box I looked at. Don't get me wrong the HF boxes are good deal if you don't want to wait on craigslist, but for a little more the masterforce boxes in my opinion are nicer.

Menards does not sell a side cabinet like HF does. So if I need one, I will most likely get the HF unit, strip that aweful paint and try to match the green.

They do/did have side cabinets I saw one recently at Menards, I thought about it for a second and then bought this one for less.

 

[nmk_61802]

Menards does not sell a side cabinet like HF does. So if I need one, I will most likely get the HF unit, strip that aweful paint and try to match the green.

I believe Menards does offer a side box if that is what you are looking for, just not a full height cabinet with a single door. I am on my way to my local Menards to pick up some fencing supplies and will double check, but I am certain I have seen that advertised.

I would also look at strictly (SP) tool boxes if you are interested in alternates. I believe only good things have been said about them since they became a site sponsor.

 

[tonydanzah]

I have that style side cabinet, I should have said side locker.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

I bought the HF box ... I needed a box today. My stuff was all over the place. The drawer slides are good and it fits my stuff pretty well.

Good choice. I believe that you will be happy. BTW, post pics or it didn't happen...

 

[Indy_500]

Good choice. I believe that you will be happy. BTW, post pics or it didn't happen...

lol

anyways, yes i do not care for the finish, i wish i would've stripped it and painted the drawers black and repainted the rest red. I like the smoother feel, but, i already put stickers on it. If i wouldn't have done that i would've redid it by now.

 

[mkdive]

He got tired of waiting for the steak and had himself a White Castle burger.

Holy **** that made me laugh.... Good one!!!

 

[FNFS2000]

hyundai or Kia, naa I'll take the mercedes thank you

 

[mkdive]

hyundai or Kia, naa I'll take the mercedes thank you

Just picked up a GLK for the wife a month or so ago....I couldn't agree more.