Milwaukee 46" Tool Chest / Cabinet Combo

woodstockva · May 29, 2015

Hey everybody

I just posted my full video review for the new Milwaukee 46" Tool Chest / Cabinet combo now at Home Depot. I went into some fairly in-depth detail of the different features & if you are looking at one of these, I hope that it can answer most of your questions.

Overall....it is going to be one of the better deals out there for a $700 combo in my opinion. I think that it is a lot more "heavy duty" than the standard Husky boxes at the Home Depot, and other than the drawer configuration messing some people up, it will be a good option for most.

Some of the negatives that I see right off the bat are :

- Drawer width (only 1 wide drawer)
- No zerk fittings on the casters
- Non-matching keys for top/bottom box (*** BUT....I show you how to easily remedy this in a matter of minutes***)

Loading & unloading it was a challenge.....this thing weighs over 400 lbs & I had to get a bit creative to get it out of the back of the Pilot. Once I got it on the ground, I attached the wheels & rolled it inside.....other than a few braces/brackets, it ships complete.

Some of the positives are :

- Soft close drawers
- Sturdy frame (boxed)
- Drawer weight capacity (100-200 lbs each...depending on # of slides)
- Large top storage area
- Pegboard pre-installed
- Workspace top on one drawer
- Separate lockable drawer on top box
- Lots of storage space
- Flush mount pre-installed power strips on both top & bottom boxes

Check out the video to see the complete rundown for yourself!

ADSR · May 29, 2015

wow! That's a lot more options than SO, for entry level.

rmsg0040 · May 29, 2015

excellent review, might get the top box in the future

PFSard · May 29, 2015

Another great review. Here's a pic for posterity

Ign · May 29, 2015

What's up w soft close? I mean does something actively pull the drawer in at the end? I felt it in the store the other day but don't know exactly how it works.

Is this just one more thing to fail???

MrBreeze · May 29, 2015

Great post. I walked past it the other day at HD and wasn't sure about the textured paint treatment compared to a gloss paint or stainless, but I am a Milwaukee brand guy. I like the outlets for the chargers - would get them off the top of the work bench where space is a premium.

It would be interesting to compare the Harbor Freight 44" which is $680 for both the bottom and top to the Milwaukee at $698. One thing that strikes me is the Milwaukee has 16 total drawers vs the 21 drawers with the HF combo.

justanengineer · May 29, 2015

I saw one of these for the first time in person the other night and was honestly impressed. I was expecting low quality but it felt pretty nice. If I had the space I'd be sorely tempted, made me kinda antsy for my next move to a bigger garage so I can fit one in actually!

Ign · May 29, 2015

MrBreeze said:
Great post. I walked past it the other day at HD and wasn't sure about the textured paint treatment compared to a gloss paint or stainless, but I am a Milwaukee brand guy. I like the outlets for the chargers - would get them off the top of the work bench where space is a premium.

It would be interesting to compare the Harbor Freight 44" which is $680 for both the bottom and top to the Milwaukee at $698. One thing that strikes me is the Milwaukee has 16 total drawers vs the 21 drawers with the HF combo.

Ya know they give the chargers those slots w an enlarged radius at one end for wall mounting

MrBreeze · May 29, 2015

Ign said:
Ya know they give the chargers those slots w an enlarged radius at one end for wall mounting

Now you went and spoiled it. I was looking for a reason to buy an additional tool chest! :thumbup:

lowspeed_highdrag · May 29, 2015

I NEED this toolbox, well, I WANT this toolbox. It could cause a divorce...but I might be willing to risk it.

I do wish it had wider drawers, but as a construction oriented DIY guy, I can get by just fine with the skinny set up. I picture keeping a set of speakers, my chargers, and my Ipod in the top section. Should let me keep them free from sawdust that plagues my garage.

nevercouldfigureitout · May 29, 2015

Great review as always, for the price range I think it's a steal & I'm willing to pick one up in the near future. Only thing that looks like it's missing is more drawers but would make a great second box.

MrBreeze · May 29, 2015

I'm curious why they went with the matte finnish? Seems like it would be more susceptible to showing grease/oil and difficult to wipe down - granted the drawers are black and wouldn't show most of the grime. Yes, I get that it's a TOOL chest, and not some fine china cabinet, but I try to wipe down my tools when I'm done wrenching and the drawer handles once in a while. Does anyone have any experience with a textured matte finish on their tool chest?

I do like the outlets inside, the taller top shelf and the deeper drawers over the HF, but I'm also thinking a power strip could be mounted inside the HF, and I like the smooth finnish.

crewchief888 · May 30, 2015

saw a set @ home depot this morning, and stopped to take a look.

first impression was it looks & feels like it's solidy built, especially with the soft close drawer slides. the power strip built into the top is also a welcome feature.

the more i looked the less i liked it...
my biggest pet peeve with tool boxes is not enough shallow (height) drawers, and too many deeper ones.

it's just not my kinda toolbox,
even for home use

rsieracki · May 30, 2015

i saw it the other day also. i really liked the box. If i was in need of a box id definitely give it strong consideration

kunkernator · May 30, 2015

I bought this box about a month ago. I was bullshitting with the tool guy for an hour and he mentioned that he had these boxes assembled in the back, but wont put them out for another two weeks. So, he went and showed me it, and I bought one (he even took off 10%). I am using it currently professionally at my work, and am VERY happy with it. The ONLY complaint I have, is the large drawer. Due to the weight I have in it, it snags up a bit on the final 2'' or so of extension. Not a HUGE deal to me, because most of my regularly used sockets are in the front, and if you lift up a bit while pulling out, it solves the problem.

Very nice box for the money!

TheRobotCow · May 30, 2015

Great video as always!!
Damn, i want this now haha.

Trey T · May 31, 2015

i saw it at HD other day and the infamous IKEA soft close drawer is quite impressive.

JonnyC · Jun 11, 2015

Hmm, I can't decide between this bottom or the HF 44". I like that the dual slides on the top drawer, but I actually like the deeper drawers of the Milwaukee as I have a lot of tool cases and such, although I probably will have a lot of wasted space.

Mohawk Dave · Jun 11, 2015

JonnyC said:
Hmm, I can't decide between this bottom or the HF 44". I like that the dual slides on the top drawer, but I actually like the deeper drawers of the Milwaukee as I have a lot of tool cases and such, although I probably will have a lot of wasted space.

I'd say if you can only have one, grab the HF, and use a big metal cabinet off of CL for the big bulky storage. That way you have a place for hand tools and cased tools.

crbnfbr · Jun 11, 2015

JonnyC said:
Hmm, I can't decide between this bottom or the HF 44". I like that the dual slides on the top drawer, but I actually like the deeper drawers of the Milwaukee as I have a lot of tool cases and such, although I probably will have a lot of wasted space.

Have you taken a look at the Kirkland 42" top and bottom for $599 at Costco? It looks a little heavier duty than both the HF and Milwaukee boxes and is kind of a mix between the two as far as deep and shallow drawers. It's hard to tell from the pictures on their site but it looks like the Kirkland has double 100lb slides.

http://www.costco.com/Kirkland-Signature%E2%84%A2-42%22-Mobile-16-Drawer-Tool-Chest.product.100148149.html

JonnyC · Jun 11, 2015

I haven't been to Costco in a while. Do they sell just the bottom?

I'm leaning towards the HF still.

TheRobotCow · Jun 11, 2015

JonnyC said:
Hmm, I can't decide between this bottom or the HF 44". I like that the dual slides on the top drawer, but I actually like the deeper drawers of the Milwaukee as I have a lot of tool cases and such, although I probably will have a lot of wasted space.

I rather have deeper shelves.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

MrBreeze · Jun 18, 2015

I took a closer look at it today and I was impressed and I think I might be swayed away from the 44" HF for the Milwaukee 46". I like the power center, soft close drawers and for my use, I prefer the deeper drawers. I currently have Kobalt 41" stainless cabinet and top chest, so this would be a supplemental for the growing collection of Milwaukee 18V fuel tools and accessories.

With a 10% off HD coupon, the Milwaukee and HF are nearly identical in price.

MrBreeze · Jun 23, 2015

Finding limited availability on the Milwaukee - The combo unit is sold online only and is out of stock. The separate cabinet/chest are few and far between, many stores only have 1 (which would be the display model)

brmorr · Jul 7, 2015

Bought one of these Milwaukee Tool Chest today at my local HD. It was the last one(display), so after my 10% Lowes coupon, I got them to take off another $60 since it did not have all the keys with it(I won't be locking it anyways).

The cashier in the self checkout almost made a mistake as well and only rang up the bottom cab. Would have gotten it for $386 out the door, but then she saw the other SKU and charged me for the top as well.

I like it, now I just need to move all my stuff over from my smaller box and put this one in place!!!

MrBreeze · Jul 8, 2015

The tool chest is no longer on the website, and when I asked the guy at the HD store, they sold their display model last week and he has no idea if they will be getting them again. He said they sold very well - as soon as they received one, they sold it.

So why would HD stop carrying them?!?!

woodstockva · Jul 8, 2015

MrBreeze said:
The tool chest is no longer on the website, and when I asked the guy at the HD store, they sold their display model last week and he has no idea if they will be getting them again. He said they sold very well - as soon as they received one, they sold it.

So why would HD stop carrying them?!?!

I personally spoke with the higher-ups at Milwaukee yesterday about this....they looked into it & told me that due to the overwhelming demand, that HD had removed it temporarily from their website because of supply issues. Basically, they are selling out as soon as they hit the sales floor.

They assured me that the boxes ARE going to be continually sold, and are NOT discontinued. They also said that HD would be adding them back to their website once the supply levels get up some.

Basically these sell faster than they can make them....

It is really luck-of-the-draw when you can find them at this point.

MrBreeze · Jul 8, 2015

Thanks for the info woodstockva. I'll keep an eye out for their return to the stores and site.

BikerDad · Jul 10, 2015

Looks like a better box for the DIY / general handy dude than the HF combo. The HF combo looks like it would probably be better for the mechanic. Not surprising, considering that Milwaukee is coming into this from the Construction side.

MrBreeze · Jul 10, 2015

BikerDad said:
Looks like a better box for the DIY / general handy dude than the HF combo. The HF combo looks like it would probably be better for the mechanic. Not surprising, considering that Milwaukee is coming into this from the Construction side.

Agree. Makes sense. The drawers are fewer but deeper than the HF which works for me as I already have a 41" stainless Kobalt chest for "shade tree mechanics" tools, and the Milwaukee would be for holding all the cordless and power tools (mostly Milwaukee, so I have a bit of affinity to the brand.

coralnut · Jul 21, 2015

Looks like it's no longer a $700 combo. HD web site now lists the top at $350 instead of $300, and the bottom at $450 instead of $400. So instead of being a $700 combo, now it's an $800 combo, which makes it more expensive than the HF chest.

cnk · Jul 21, 2015

coralnut said:
Looks like it's no longer a $700 combo. HD web site now lists the top at $350 instead of $300, and the bottom at $450 instead of $400. So instead of being a $700 combo, now it's an $800 combo, which makes it more expensive than the HF chest.

Yeah. . noticed that last week as well. Leave it to HD to shoot themselves in the foot trying to price hike it. I would bet that it sold well because of the competitive price. At $800, I'll look elsewhere.

woodstockva · Jul 22, 2015

Hmmm......well this is a picture I took at 4pm this afternoon at my local Home Depot....

cnk · Jul 22, 2015

woodstockva said:
Hmmm......well this is a picture I took at 4pm this afternoon at my local Home Depot....

They're all sold out at all the stores by me so the only place to get them is online and the online price is $798 now.

cgv69 · Jul 22, 2015

Well I think its pretty ugly and I don't like the drawer layout or that top section but that said, that's a lot of box for the money! Some really nice features and I'm really impressed with the slides.

I don't think it would work that well for a pro mechanic but I think it would be a great option for the average general purpose DIY'er.

MrBreeze · Jul 22, 2015

cnk said:
They're all sold out at all the stores by me so the only place to get them is online and the online price is $798 now.

Ditto here. Nadda in the stores and $800 online is too much for what used to be had in the mid-600's. Sorry HomeDepot, I'm off to Harbor Freight as the scales just tipped. While I'm a Milwaukee brand guy, I am also price sensitive.

kdmoore · Jul 22, 2015

If you want this box and can wait ... you should? My HD has them MARKED DOWN.... top is 284 even, bottom is is 379 even ... totaling 663. I've been hoping someone would compare the drawer thickness and build to the HF ... but I don't know if I can resist this pricing.

Can anyone help me know how to get the 10 percent coupon? May own one of these pretty soon....

Layout works fine for me. I'd likely sell off an old cheap husky bottom and a Craftsman top box and further defray the cost.

But for me I'll happily pay the HF price if the drawers, actually if the whole thing lasts longer. My bottom unit, bottom drawer is hard to open and close, heavier air tools in there. I thought all ball bearing drawers were the same ... wish I had today's smarts 15 years ago. Not all bad, I couldn't have spent this coin in those days so at least I've had a crappy husky (~100 bucks) instead of nothing.

I'm on my pc right now, I did snap a pic and I'll grab tapatalk or something to post it soon.

kdmoore · Jul 22, 2015

Re: Milwaukee 46" Tool Chest / Cabinet Combo

As promised ...

Sorry for the finger in pic. They were beyond closing time so i snapped pic and left.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

MrBreeze · Jul 23, 2015

kdmoore said:
If you want this box and can wait ... you should? My HD has them MARKED DOWN.... top is 284 even, bottom is is 379 even ... totaling 663. I've been hoping someone would compare the drawer thickness and build to the HF ... but I don't know if I can resist this pricing.

Can anyone help me know how to get the 10 percent coupon? May own one of these pretty soon....

Layout works fine for me. I'd likely sell off an old cheap husky bottom and a Craftsman top box and further defray the cost.

But for me I'll happily pay the HF price if the drawers, actually if the whole thing lasts longer. My bottom unit, bottom drawer is hard to open and close, heavier air tools in there. I thought all ball bearing drawers were the same ... wish I had today's smarts 15 years ago. Not all bad, I couldn't have spent this coin in those days so at least I've had a crappy husky (~100 bucks) instead of nothing.

I'm on my pc right now, I did snap a pic and I'll grab tapatalk or something to post it soon.

Thanks for the info/pic - this may be a regional or store specific thing, but I might wait and see if my local HD brings them back in.

Where's your HD location?

With regard to the 10% off - the only time I've see HD coupons have been as part of the USPS moving/change of address package. When moving from AZ to AR, I did a change of address online and there were a few options for offers (Lowes, Best Buy, and a few others with 10% - but no HD) After we were in our new temporary residence, I received a letter with 10% off coupon at my local store for in-store products only. Now that I've moved into the final AR destination, I processed another change of address with USPS.com and so I'm anticipating/hoping for another coupon from HD.

kdmoore · Jul 23, 2015

MrBreeze said:
... this may be a regional or store specific thing, but I might wait and see if my local HD brings them back in.

Where's your HD location? ...

I'm assuming I'm in the same state as woodstockva .... I'm in Richmond, VA. midsized city .... store finder says I have 8 stores within 50 miles (don't know if that changes anything).

And thanks for the info regarding 10 percent coupons, I'd read somewhere about them but didn't know how to get one.

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