Big tool box?

[JC27]

So, I'm thinking of upgrading from my beat up craftsman to a much larger toolbox. I've somewhat narrowed down the search to Northern Tools Homak H2PRO 72 inch or Harbor Freights US General 72 inch box. Anyone have opinions on either of these two? Are there other options for 72 inch boxes I should consider that wont break the bank?

J

 

[PelicanPines]

Fan of the HF 72. Lots of people here might also suggest... two x 44" HF boxes.

 

[619DioFan]

The only drawback I see with the homak box is it doesn't have the extra long drawer that the HF 72'' has. northern does carry a 10 drawer top box for the homak which is cool. never seen a homak box in person but have checked out the HF one several times and like it ( lots of good reviews about it on the HF website ) I am probably going with the hf 72 as finding a truck brand used box here in the 619 ( SanDiego ) under 3,000 aint happening and I can't justify 3 large for a tool box for the house.

 

[JC27]

I've thought about getting two of the 44 inch boxes and building a workbench around them similar to what Steveo did with his. But I already have a big, ridiculously heavy steel workbench that I dont really want to get rid of and I just dont have the room for both. My concern with the Harbor Freight box is how durable it will be. Just dont know if the Homak box will be better or if anyone had experience with them.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I have a couple of the HF 44 inch boxes. One with a lathe on it, the other with a brake and shear. They are also full of tools. They are a little slow to move with all the weight, but they are doing great after almost 10 years.

 

[confederatemule]

I am very pleased with my HF 44" roller cabinet with 44" top chest. I have used Snap-on, Craftsman, Mac and other brands. The HF General boxes are as nice as the best of the best, in my opinion.

Mule

 

[pgilmore7]

Sorry I have to disagree, while the General or other HF boxes are a good deal and they hold tools like any other box, they don't even begin to compare in quality and construction to the higher brand boxes like Mac or Snap-on, Craftsman is a different story. I've owned the china brand and the ones made in the U.S and I'll spend the extra money for the better quality ones.

 

[mryanangel]

I have a Homak H2PRO top and bottom box and am very happy with them. They are but we'll and drawers slide nicely.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[John in OH]

One point to consider that I think gets overlooked too often ... depth of the toolbox (front to rear). What is the front-to-rear drawer dimensions of these two boxes??

I have a 40" Cman Griplatch that is "OK" for my needs, but it is only 18" deep and I can certainly see why a box with a front-to-rear depth of 20" or more would sure be nice! But, it does seem that the price shoots up pretty fast as drawer depth increases.

 

[JC27]

Thanks for all the input, I appriciate it!

 

[casmurbax]

How about a set from this company?

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/

I have seen threads on here in regards to them.

 

[superspec]

Don't forget viper brand. They have done amazing boxes for the money.

 

[Fueler]

I have 2 of the HF 72" boxes. No issues and I managed to get the contents of 4 41" boxes into 2. Gained some floor space that way. Not a lot but every little bit helps.

The biggest issue is getting creative like an Egyptian pyramid builder to get it off the pallet it came on. Sawzall and a cherry picker are your friend.

It would be nice if they put a third set of wheels on those. Fully loaded it needs some oomph to move it.

 

[JC27]

Had a chance to look at several boxes today. Went to HF and checked out the 72 inch box, Northern Tool to check out the Homak, Menards to look at the Masterforce, Sears to look at the Viper and finally to Farm and Fleet to look at the Tactix box. Surprisingly, I felt like the Tactix box was the best. It seemed to have the least side to side movement with the drawers when they were open. Anyone have opinions/experience with the Tactix box?

 

[John in OH]

Have never seen or even heard of a Tactix box, but that doesn't mean anything. No Farm and Fleet stores in my area any more.

Another spec you can often use as a rough comparison tool is the shipping weights of the different boxes. Actual weight would be more accurate, but that's not usually available. A comparison of the shipping weights can give you a very rough idea of how much steel is actually in each of the boxes .... and when it comes to steel in a box, more is better!

Also, make sure you give a lot of thought to the drawer configuration and how that will effect the way you want to store and use your tools. Personally, I like more shallow (height) drawers, but other GJ'ers like deeper (height) drawers.