New Husky Tool Box - Anyone See it?

Have you guys seen Husky's new stainless steel combo toolbox at Home Depot? It looks alright, but nothing special. Or am I missing something? Did anyone else examine it at the store?

As mentioned on TG, I'd probably prefer Kobalt's slightly longer setup which has twice as many compartments. Then again, I'm the kind of person that likes to neatly separate and organize my tools.

Pic of the box and more commentary via ToolGuyd

I saw it in the store about a week ago - I wasn't overly impressed. The drawers were a little hard to pull open although that does ensure they stay shut - but if you are buying the entire unit I doubt it would be mobile so the chances of drawers just sliding open on their own isn't very high.

I didn't care for the pull out work surface because I know I would never use it and it just takes up space out of the box that could have been another drawer.

I also didn't like the cheap powerstrip they slapped on the side of it. I've never been a fan of powerstrips on toolchests, but that is a personal thing just because I know I would never use it. I want a powerstrip on my bench - but not on my toolbox.

The top unit only has five drawers which I consider a negative - I prefer at least one row of smaller drawers instead of full width for all... but that is a personal thing.

One thing I did like is the height. Unlike some other models, it was low enough you could still see the contents under the lid when it was raised and you didn't feel like you would need a step stool to look in the top drawers.

However, for they money I still think I prefer the Kobalt box - and for a little more Craftsman has a stainless box with a clearcoat protectant which prevents all the grease and fingerprints from making the stainless look horrible. Heck, even Sam's Club has a large 23 drawer model that I would probably take over the Husky.

I was looking at it. for the price it looks decent
one thing I like it that it has a flat stainless top. no ridge around the top edge.
I was thinking that makes it ideal for buying several of them, lining them up against the wall and you not only have cabinets with drawers but also a stainless top in the same deal

bob

Hmm, that's something I didn't consider, why the tops were completely flat. I did notice it, but wondered what purpose it served. It makes total sense now, though. Still, although the top chest weighs 150lbs, there might be a hazard of slippage if the cabinet is rolled around a lot. Unless of course there is another hidden retainer.

Piece of Chinese junk with riveted drawer slides, watch craig's list for a quality American (or Canadian if you have to) box to come along, you'll be my much happier.

Mickey O is right, drawer load is the sheer limit of the POP rivets! I'll stick to vintage stuff...

Mickey, is yours a firsthand observation, or speculation?

Stuey said:

Mickey, is yours a firsthand observation, or speculation?

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First hand observation, I checked them out at the local Home Depot while waiting for a manager to get a price on an old Canadian Husky box they had laying around.

I myself haven't bought a new tool box since the 80's, and they were US made Craftsman with friction slides and I'd take them over any one of the Chinese ones. I have bought plenty of used US made or Canadian boxes at great prices since and I'm very happy with them. Remember cheap tools are for chumps.

Saw them, played around with one for a few minutes, and simply walked away. Wasn't impressed with it.

Ive been in the shop for a 36" box recently and I found a thorsen one at OSH...check it out let me know what you think.

On the Husky box, yeah it ain't a truck brand, but at the local prices I thought it would be a good starter box for a homeowner. Sears is so high that the prices are laughable.

Chris Adams said:

On the Husky box, yeah it ain't a truck brand, but at the local prices I thought it would be a good starter box for a homeowner. Sears is so high that the prices are laughable.

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I haven't seen any boxes at Home Depot that I'd even haul home lately, but that wasn't always the case. About 8 years ago, I had just sold a GPZ750 and had a little cash in my pocket and needed some more tool storage. I went down to HD and bought their Husky roller-bearing roll cab and chest for $1000. When I go them uncrated and set up, the attached document was in one of the drawers... so it appears that at least THEN, Husky's were in fact a truck brand... MAC. Now, it's cheezy and thin gauge steel, but it's done the job for years.

Zrexxer said:

I haven't seen any boxes at Home Depot that I'd even haul home lately, but that wasn't always the case. About 8 years ago, I had just sold a GPZ750 and had a little cash in my pocket and needed some more tool storage. I went down to HD and bought their Husky roller-bearing roll cab and chest for $1000. When I go them uncrated and set up, the attached document was in one of the drawers... so it appears that at least THEN, Husky's were in fact a truck brand... MAC. Now, it's cheezy and thin gauge steel, but it's done the job for years.

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Those older Husky boxes are nice, I think they were nicer than the Mac Economizers, especially for the money, a lot of the Mac Econmizers I've seen only had bearings on the largest drawer.

I've got a 26"~27" Husky, paid $150 for the top and bottom used (although it was like new, I peeled the protective blue film off the drawers), and I think it's an excellent box. Some of the new/newer Williams, Snap On and Blue Point boxes appear to made by the same Canadian company.

You can still find some older black Canadian Husky boxes at some Home Depots, not as nice as the older ones but much better than the newer ones.

My husky:

Zrexxer said:

I haven't seen any boxes at Home Depot that I'd even haul home lately, but that wasn't always the case. About 8 years ago, I had just sold a GPZ750 and had a little cash in my pocket and needed some more tool storage. I went down to HD and bought their Husky roller-bearing roll cab and chest for $1000. When I go them uncrated and set up, the attached document was in one of the drawers... so it appears that at least THEN, Husky's were in fact a truck brand... MAC. Now, it's cheezy and thin gauge steel, but it's done the job for years.

Click to expand...

Got a good one then.

I have a Husky six drawer roller, it is 51 inches high, 27.5 wide and 18 deep. But as I said, only six drawers. Bottom drawer so big you could bury someone in it...
And it is a very good box. Better than Craftsman Griplatch BB boxes from the same period (about two years old) and it sold for 300 new.
The paint, rollers etc. are superior to 600 dollar CMan.
No, not a truck brand but still...
Based on the lock I think it was a Waterloo build.

Then early this year I picked up some of their Stanley boxes cheap.
Not so good. Heck, lousy.
Didn't keep them around a week.
Did double my money so I can't complain.

I still have the tall Six drawer, my wife has it packed with camera gear.