Are Harbor Freight Toolboxs Okay??

[hickmlg09]

Looking to get my dad a toolbox for christmas. I would look at pawn shops, but I dont like to go by myself and the bf is being a *******. Are harbor fright toolboxes pretty decent? My dad just wants a roll-around one. I feel like he desurves it! As he has done so much for me! I was thinking about going with craftsman, but last time i looked at them they were cheap! and not worth the price.

Any ideas???

 

[930dreamer]

Hello, search for HF toolbox reviews. If you want to buy a used toolbox, the older Craftsman are fine, I'm not a big fan of their new stuff. Check your local CL.

 

[Need4racin]

I'd only buy one if I got it for the cheapest price possible. Usually they go on sale and you use a 20% off coupon on top of that.

 

[wats504]

i own one and so does my dad. they are excellent for the price. I used to have the HF one at work but i needed a bigger one for work, so the HF one is now in my garage. Look for coupons and you can save a few bucks. i got mine for $380. I liked them way better than the stuff from craftsman. craftsman stuff continues to do downhill everyday in my opinion

 

[pipsters]

You can't use the 20% coupons on them anymore but the 41" $349 (on sale w/ coupon) is by far better than Craftsman. I own it and compared the Craftsman in Sears to the Harbor Freight one. The HF box has been used by even professionals at my company in their day jobs as A&Ps. It's a good tool box.

 

[plinker]

If you have a Menards near you, check out the Masterforce boxes.

They are pretty good boxes & priced reasonable, especially on sale . I have a friend who's got a 41" and he has been using it 5 days a week for over a year. I plan on getting one myself. They have 26", 36", 41" & 56" available.

 

[Davefr]

Yes, they are decent. Better then Craftsman IMHO.

 

[dlc]

The HF boxes are the most bang for the buck...period.

 

[machine_punk]

I like mine! I have the 5-drawer tool cart (you CAN use the 20% coupon on the tool carts) and I would highly recommend it for any home shop user. (OH...I took the chrome trip off mine...just personal preference)...
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I also bought the 7-drawer end cabinet (you can NOT use the 20% coupon on the end box) and I am astonished at the quality of the build. The end box is temporarily parked on my tool cart, but I will eventually build it into another storage unit...
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My only beef with the HF carts is that they aren't very deep (only about 18" deep). As far as build quality, I think any home user would be very pleased with the quality...I know I am.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Several newer mechanics at work have them, and I've been impressed how solid they are. I'd buy one if I needed one of that size. Tool box prices have gotten out of hand.

Charles

 

[yjWrangler]

Just make sure not to get the black one.

 

[sk farmer]

the best bargain in new storage, period. the menards boxes are ok if you can stand the color.

 

[greasemonkey44]

i had the HF 16 drawer as my work box for 6 months; was pretty durable but too narrow its my home box now

 

[hickmlg09]

Hello, search for HF toolbox reviews. If you want to buy a used toolbox, the older Craftsman are fine, I'm not a big fan of their new stuff. Check your local CL.

I have been looking on craigslist, but havent seen much.

 

[hickmlg09]

i own one and so does my dad. they are excellent for the price. I used to have the HF one at work but i needed a bigger one for work, so the HF one is now in my garage. Look for coupons and you can save a few bucks. i got mine for $380. I liked them way better than the stuff from craftsman. craftsman stuff continues to do downhill everyday in my opinion

I agree. Everytime I walk in sears i check out the toolboxes and they are getting junkier everyday.

 

[hickmlg09]

If you have a Menards near you, check out the Masterforce boxes.

They are pretty good boxes & priced reasonable, especially on sale . I have a friend who's got a 41" and he has been using it 5 days a week for over a year. I plan on getting one myself. They have 26", 36", 41" & 56" available.

I do have a local menards. Have checked them out. Boyfriend has a couple of masterforce.

 

[hickmlg09]

Just make sure not to get the black one.

Why??

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I like mine! I have the 5-drawer tool cart (you CAN use the 20% coupon on the tool carts) and I would highly recommend it for any home shop user. (OH...I took the chrome trip off mine...just personal preference)...
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Never saw someone take the chrome off one before. I like it!

Has the look of the older Snap On boxes from the '70s.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

If you have a Menards near you, check out the Masterforce boxes.

They are pretty good boxes & priced reasonable, especially on sale . I have a friend who's got a 41" and he has been using it 5 days a week for over a year. I plan on getting one myself. They have 26", 36", 41" & 56" available.

I second this, I just picked up one for my new job and im pretty happy with it. Its pretty much the same dimensions, Paint is the standard gloss powder coat. Its only avialable in a dark green (I really like it but others hate it) Drawer pulls are cooler than the hf modle (Thick cast alluminum instead of extruded rails) It comes with "drawer liner" most big boxes that cost more than about 200 do these days. Nice fat (what i beleive to be bearing supported) castors, hell the swivel ones even have a zerk fitting to grease em (the swivel part not the wheel) I like it all in all The two bottom deep drawers are ok i would have wanted two shallower drawers but hey hammers gota go someplace.

The box is slightly more than the hf box especially when its not on sale (regularly goes for 429 at my local menards regular 460-480 i think) so its about 100 more than the hf box but i think its money well spent to get soemthing different

 

[jjjrmx5]

Why??

I think the poster is just being sarcastic re: black boxes.

Some HF tool boxes are only available in certain colors.
4 dwr service cart is only avail. in black these days and 5 dwr service cart is only avail. in red as an example.

I can speak from expereince and say that both the Harbor Freight 4 and 5 drawer service carts as well as the 41" rolling bottom chest/cabinet are helluva good deals for what you get for the money spent.

For home use and even light or medium professional duty they will serve the owner or user well.

 

[PowderKeg]

I'll second the Menards boxes. Been pleased with my 36" set - which also appears to be on sale for the next few days for $600. The color suits me just fine (since I'm a forester...).

PK

 

[diesel research]

Have to specify which one you are considering. There have been several that are NOT worth it.

The 40 and 56in ones seem to be well liked. The red or black 5 or 4 drawer carts are well liked. I disagree on the 4 drawer black model. Not that it is bad, but the red ones extra space and strength make the small increase ($60) well worth it.

 

[bhclark]

You can't get a better box for the money, period.

Just make sure to get the 41" or 56" General PRO...not the 26" black one...it's junk!

I checked out the Masterforce and didn't like them.

 

[Carl B]

Looking to get my dad a toolbox for christmas.

Great idea. Couple things to consider - - -
a) how much room does he have in the garage - in which to put a tool box?
and
b) for the most part - what type/kind of tools does he use most often.? ie Mechanics tools, Carpenter tools?, Metal Working tools???

Lots of Power Tools come in their own blow molded cases - and most guys like to keep the tools in thoes cases. Meaning you need deeper drawers or a side cabinet with shelves.

Are harbor fright toolboxes pretty decent? My dad just wants a roll-around one.

humm... "roll-around one" - what? Tool Cart or Roll Cabinet?

The Red HF Tool Cart - is excellent, and it would take two to three times the money to equal its quality.

The 42" wide, 13 Drawer, US General Pro is also an excellent roll cabinet. It would take two to three times the money to buy anthing that equals its quality.

I'm a "Dad", I have Snap-On and Lista tool boxes and cabinets that I've had for years - and now I have the 42" US General Pro box as well. Bought one for my son as well this year.

For the money nothing I've found comes even close today - matter of fact I'm going to get another one today. With the coupon at $349.99 they are a steal.

Best if you have a Harbor Freight Store near you - so you can avoid the shipping charges!! {and possible shipping damage}

FWIW,
Carl B.

 

[Butters]

Just make sure not to get the black one.

I think the poster is just being sarcastic re: black boxes.

I don't think that's sarcasm. I think he is referring to this box, which generally goes for about $199:

I would also steer people away from that box. Some people may like it for the price, but it is REALLY flimsy.

I have the red 41" 13 drawer box at home ($349) and also feel it is FAR superior to anything near that price (although we don't have any Menards so I haven't seen the Masterforce box).

These also get good reviews:

We also bought two of the red 5 drawer tool carts at work and I think the quality of those is even better. Real impressive for $159 on sale.

The 4 drawer black cart seems okay (as cheap as $99), but I would personally spend the extra for the red one.

While I think there are some REALLY good tool chest values at HF, it kind of depends on your dad. If he is the home handyman type, he would probably be thrilled with any of those and they would serve him well. But if he is a pro, or a hobbyist who likes working with the best stuff, he might not be satisfied with anything less than tool truck quality. You might be better off spending the same money on a small, handheld, high-end toolbox.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I don't think that's sarcasm. I think he is referring to this box, which generally goes for about $199:

I would also steer people away from that box. Some people may like it for the price, but it is REALLY flimsy.

Every one of that box just above I have seen in person and in the stores are either a dark grey or a grey/olive green color. The 4 dwr. cart is what i call BLACK.

Thanks for teh clarification tho as that box is never on my radar or suggestion list so I never thought someone could mistake them.

It is a turd of a box tho no matter teh color.

 

[fatboy99]

If you have a Menards near you, check out the Masterforce boxes.

They are pretty good boxes & priced reasonable, especially on sale . I have a friend who's got a 41" and he has been using it 5 days a week for over a year. I plan on getting one myself. They have 26", 36", 41" & 56" available.

If your dad isn't a fan of green. The Performax boxes at Menards are pretty good they have ball bearing slides and better quality then the craftsman boxes. I have one i keep my machinist tools in.

 

[Wes28376]

My wife got me the 5 drawer tool cart about a year ago for my birthday. I was very skeptical when I saw it was from Harbor Freight but after opening it and putting it together I was extremely impressed. It is much higher quality than anything I've seen or owned from Craftsman.

I have since purchased the 41" box and it is great as well.

Either of these will be great from home use and I would recommend them to anyone. I've noticed a few professionals using them in the local Ford and Toyota dealership as well.

 

[machine_punk]

Never saw someone take the chrome off one before. I like it!

Has the look of the older Snap On boxes from the '70s.

I also switched out the plain handle for a wrench...
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[Jagmandave]

I don't know what your budget for this is, but take at look at your loacl Sam's or Costco, they have stainless boxes that are really well made for very reasonable prices - I bought mine for about $650 and the boxes empty weigh almost 600lbs!

Mine looks just like this one, the slides are really smooth, the metal is not flimsy, the casters are large and really heavy duty - it was a great buy....

Below, that's mine in my garage....you can get a feeling for the size of it from my older Craftsman behind it and my older Snap On to the left. It's a BIG box!

 

[toxiclows]

i love my HF 56" roller cab i use it in a professional shop every day and it is great i am typing this from the top of it right now. .


cant go wrong that wil be a great gift he will be sure to love


join the Hf inside track club while you are there and then buy the tool box i saved 100 off mine that way

 

[wornoutoldman]

Look here as well: http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/

They deliver...

 

[57JoeFoMoPar]

I'm in the market for a new toolbox as well, and after looking around I specifically asked for the 13 drawer US General 44 3/4" bottom cabinet. It's currently priced at $389, which is a steal for it's size. The drawers slide smooth on ball bearing tracks and seemed real sturdy when I leaned on them. The HF website says that each drawer will hold up to 120 lbs, and the box can take take 2900 lbs of weight, not to mention the box alone weighs like 600 lbs. Definitely beefy! I've been checking out the Craftsman boxes, but the quality has really gone downhill and for a Craftsman box of the same quality, the price is 3x as much as the HF box. The Kobalt boxes are nice, too, but they're more homeowner grade with lame gadgets like the car stereo and refrigerator built in, taking away from space for tools!. Not to mention the Kobalt stuff is crazy expensive even with the discount I get from my girlfriend's dad.

The HF box offers great expandability with the big top box, and allows you to add on 2 side boxes as well. If you added it all on, you could have a massive, quality set up for around $1000, which still couldn't buy you a used Snap-On bottom cabinet on Craigslist.

The cheapo black HF box is really lousy, but if you get the better boxes from HF, it's still an unbeatable value

 

[Dusty61]

i own one of the HF 13 drawer boxes (tech for Dodge) nice big box, though running low on room untill i get the top to go with it. this is the second box ive bought. the first died an early death on I-95 when the strap holding it in the back of the truck broke and it hit pavement at 65 mph. it folded up pretty bad. i would expenct pretty much any other brand to do the same in that case though. i liked it enough to buy a second though.

 

[hickmlg09]

Never saw someone take the chrome off one before. I like it!

Has the look of the older Snap On boxes from the '70s.

Too much chrome can be bad. Looks good!

That is like what I want to get him.

 

[hickmlg09]

I think the poster is just being sarcastic re: black boxes.

Some HF tool boxes are only available in certain colors.
4 dwr service cart is only avail. in black these days and 5 dwr service cart is only avail. in red as an example.

I can speak from expereince and say that both the Harbor Freight 4 and 5 drawer service carts as well as the 41" rolling bottom chest/cabinet are helluva good deals for what you get for the money spent.

For home use and even light or medium professional duty they will serve the owner or user well.

I wouldn't care what color. I think i would like red the best.

 

[hickmlg09]

Have to specify which one you are considering. There have been several that are NOT worth it.

The 40 and 56in ones seem to be well liked. The red or black 5 or 4 drawer carts are well liked. I disagree on the 4 drawer black model. Not that it is bad, but the red ones extra space and strength make the small increase ($60) well worth it.

.


Not really sure yet, which one. Maybe I should look and see and post which one I want.

 

[hickmlg09]

Great idea. Couple things to consider - - -
a) how much room does he have in the garage - in which to put a tool box?
and
b) for the most part - what type/kind of tools does he use most often.? ie Mechanics tools, Carpenter tools?, Metal Working tools???

Lots of Power Tools come in their own blow molded cases - and most guys like to keep the tools in thoes cases. Meaning you need deeper drawers or a side cabinet with shelves.



humm... "roll-around one" - what? Tool Cart or Roll Cabinet?

The Red HF Tool Cart - is excellent, and it would take two to three times the money to equal its quality.

The 42" wide, 13 Drawer, US General Pro is also an excellent roll cabinet. It would take two to three times the money to buy anthing that equals its quality.

I'm a "Dad", I have Snap-On and Lista tool boxes and cabinets that I've had for years - and now I have the 42" US General Pro box as well. Bought one for my son as well this year.

For the money nothing I've found comes even close today - matter of fact I'm going to get another one today. With the coupon at $349.99 they are a steal.

Best if you have a Harbor Freight Store near you - so you can avoid the shipping charges!! {and possible shipping damage}

FWIW,
Carl B.

He has a lot of room in garage. He stores his corvette in there. He has different kind of tools hanging around. He wants a tool cart I guess? Just something that can move easy and he told me he just wanted the bottom part, he doesnt care for the top boxes.

 

[hickmlg09]

If your dad isn't a fan of green. The Performax boxes at Menards are pretty good they have ball bearing slides and better quality then the craftsman boxes. I have one i keep my machinist tools in.

He likes green, that is what color he would love. I have checked the ones at menards. It's just such a hard decision.

 

[hickmlg09]

I also switched out the plain handle for a wrench...
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Love it It's so awesome!!