Differences between HF 56" Series 2 boxes w/different part numbers

[71goldss]

Hi All,

Longtime lurker, first time poster...

I went to my local HF today becuase I am going to be buying one of these 56" Series 2 toolboxes soon. They had a 57 on the floor and a 58 in the back. The manager assured me that the only differences are that the plant is different ("they are across the street from each other" was what I was told). She said the designs were 100% the same. Do you have any pictures that might show the differences? I played around with a couple of the 57 that was there and liked how solid the drawers felt. I also noticed the detente after the latch catches on the drawers.

Thanks all.

Your manager is either unknowledgeable in the differences, or just wants to make a big ticket sale at your expense without having to do much work to prove or disprove her statement. Ask her to remove the cardboard from the 64458 in the backroom and let you compare for yourself, since she has both at her store. If she allows it, wiggle the drawers side to side on both, measure the drawer ledge tops (front edge to back edge) on both, compare the plastic latches, the top rubber mats and casters. Remove a drawer on both and check out how the slides are fastened. There are more differences than you can shake a stick at! And those are just the obvious differences. I have no doubt there are other differences than what was obvious to me.

Unfortunately, I originally tried to take photos but a black cabinet in poor lighting didn't photograph well, so I did my best to just describe the differences. I would suggest that you make a list of the differences I've described and use it as a guide at the store when examining both boxes, assuming the manager allows. If she doesn't allow, and you feel you would be satisfied with the 64458, then get it.

Good luck!

 

[mikez8z]

He got pics in other thread on the drawer top edge being different depth ..

Scratch that, found it..

They certainly not 100% same and that manager just covering lack of real knowledge with usual bs ...

Totally Agree here!

 

[PWC Repair]

I picked up the "57" lower 56" box locally and a quick look at the plastic latches put on with 2 screws instead of 1 rivet let me know I had the right one. Also got a 20% discount cause it had a tiny dent with a bit of paint chipped off on the back corner. I'm actually putting TWO of the 26" boxes on top of it.

 

[71goldss]

Ok, so here's most of the pics I took of the 64458 prior to my returning it. They show the single rivet holding the drawer latch. They also show the smaller plastic latch, which happens to be similar to the tool cart latches, if not the exact same! The pattern on the top mat is different and also feels more like vinyl rather than rubber. The casters have a blue plastic protective film on them and are a completely different caster. You also won't see a rivet holding the drawer slides at the rear inside of the box. Unfortunately, it's difficult to see the size of the drawer ledge, but I did comparison photos of the 44" box yesterday, so I'll add those pics for a similar comparison in a new post.

I haven't taken pics of my 64457, so you'll have to compare these pics with the store 64457 model. My original intention was to take pics of both for comparison, but my 64457 is the one that is in poor lighting and pics weren't turning out very well.

 

[71goldss]

Here's pics of two different numbered 44" box drawer ledges that I took at one of my stores yesterday. Though showing 44" boxes, the ledge size differences on the two different numbered 56" boxes are very similar.

 

[71goldss]

More pics of the 56" 64458











Another difference that I don't think I've mentioned yet, is the drawers are not interchangeable between boxes. The lock mechanisms on the rear of each drawer on each box are also different. When checking to see if I could put a 64457 drawer in the 64458 box, the drawer wouldn't close all the way and stuck out about 2-3 inches because the lock mechanism on the rear of the drawer didn't line up. Upon a closer look, the whole mechanism is a different shape and size. I'm not referring to the plastic latches, but the lock mechanism on the very rear of the drawer that is operated with the key. AND, even if the locks were the same, a few of the drawers had their slides mounted near the bottom edge of the drawer, while the other box drawers had the slides mounted near the top edge of the drawer. Have I totally confused everyone? It's hard to explain, but take my word for it. Interchanging the drawers just doesn't work!!!

 

[PWC Repair]

71goldss, thanks for the info, glad I found it before getting my 56". There are also quite a few differences in the top 26" which I am about to post about.

 

[71goldss]

71goldss, thanks for the info, glad I found it before getting my 56". There are also quite a few differences in the top 26" which I am about to post about.

Glad to help! I probably should have posted the pics from the beginning of the thread, but kinda hated to just show the 64458 and not the 64457 for comparisons. Plus, at time of photos and start of this thread, one box was at my place and the other was being stored at my girlfriend’s place until I was ready for it. Taking photos of both was inconvenient because of logistics. And, as already mentioned, photos of the 64457 weren’t turning out well because of lighting.

BTW, for those that have the 64458, I’m not trying to knock your box. Both 56” boxes are nice, and if the 64457 didn’t exist, I’m sure that I’d be happy with the 64458. Just maybe not quite as much though!

 

[Wamsutta]

Just making a note for myself in case I ever buy one.

64457 is the better box.

 

[svrider]

Is anyone using the "better" 64457 box with the plastic latches removed? How are the drawer detents holding up?

Is the top box built the same way with detents that allow the plastic latches to be removed?

The plastic drawer latches are the only thing keeping me from buying a 56". I have a HF 5 drawer tool cart and can't stand the plastic latches.

 

[svrider]

Bump with some info: If anyone is looking for a 56" black top box, 64456 is the better box with sturdier drawers, better latches, and drawer detents.

My local store had the 64456 top box sitting on the lower quality 64458 roll cab. The difference in drawer construction and slide quality was drastic.

 

[kngelv]

Is anyone using the "better" 64457 box with the plastic latches removed? How are the drawer detents holding up?

Is the top box built the same way with detents that allow the plastic latches to be removed?

The plastic drawer latches are the only thing keeping me from buying a 56". I have a HF 5 drawer tool cart and can't stand the plastic latches.

I have the Series One top and bottom box. My top has the detents while the bottom does not. I have taken off all the latches and they still hold in place with no issues. I might look to do something with magnets on the back of the drawers for the bottom box, so I can remove the latches. I remember someone had posted on using magnets to simulate detents.

James

 

[xin]

Those PLASTIC LATCHES break allowing the drawers to open then the entire box FLIPS OVER.

That amount of WEIGHT moving it around is a HUGE safety hazard, you will see people with them with that problem.

 

[xin]

I have the Series One top and bottom box. My top has the detents while the bottom does not. I have taken off all the latches and they still hold in place with no issues. I might look to do something with magnets on the back of the drawers for the bottom box, so I can remove the latches. I remember someone had posted on using magnets to simulate detents.

James

I am trying to understand the logic here, a TOOL BOX should have DRAWER LOCKS - it is a SAFETY ISSUE. IF you move it with that amount of WEIGHT the Drawers slide open (as PLASTIC LATCHES BREAK) - entire box flips over.

How is a magnet going to HOLD 100lbs of tools in a DRAWER when it hits a small divot in Concrete or debris??

Failing to see how this is such a GREAT deal???

 

[brndave]

I am trying to understand the logic here, a TOOL BOX should have DRAWER LOCKS - it is a SAFETY ISSUE. IF you move it with that amount of WEIGHT the Drawers slide open (as PLASTIC LATCHES BREAK) - entire box flips over.

How is a magnet going to HOLD 100lbs of tools in a DRAWER when it hits a small divot in Concrete or debris??

Failing to see how this is such a GREAT deal???

Neodymium magnets will hold the drawers shut but I think the design of the box should be so that this modification is not necessary.

 

[Revere Cycles]

I have the "58" bottom box in red; after six months of intense use at home (two engine swaps, three transmission rebuilds, countless other repairs), I have no complaints. In fact, I am rather pleased with my box. I actually liked the hard vinyl top compared to the rubber mat found on my 26".

My bottom box was a floor model missing the key, so I saved 25% on the purchase price. When I had enough money, I purchased the matching red top box from another store who had one in stock. The top box I bought is not quite as glossy as the bottom box, and is a slightly different color red. Honestly, unless you have a really sharp eye for color, you would never notice. I do a lot of color matching, and I have a background in interior design, so I did notice it right away, but it didn't bother me enough to make a return. The difference was so subtle, even my helper said "are you serious? I can't tell the difference." At this point, both boxes have a bunch of stickers and grease marks that make it near impossible to detect.

Even in light of these differences between the "57" and the "58," I don't regret my purchase. I'm generally a tough person to satisfy when it comes to tools, and both boxes have exceeded my expectations. They are certainly better than anything Home Depot or Lowes was offering at the same price point, and my local Waterloo/Kennedy/Proto dealer couldn't offer me anything of a similar capacity and quality for under $1k.

 

[kngelv]

I am trying to understand the logic here, a TOOL BOX should have DRAWER LOCKS - it is a SAFETY ISSUE. IF you move it with that amount of WEIGHT the Drawers slide open (as PLASTIC LATCHES BREAK) - entire box flips over.

How is a magnet going to HOLD 100lbs of tools in a DRAWER when it hits a small divot in Concrete or debris??

Failing to see how this is such a GREAT deal???

You sound very worked up for some reason and have no idea what you are talking about. First off my box sits in place so I don’t even need the detents. I just like them. Also if you decide to move the box then you simply lock it and no drawers will come undone.

James

 

[ElusiveKandyDC]

Thank you OP for the time taken to type and share this info

A few weeks ago I came to the conclusion the 56" was best for my needs and wondered if there would be a quality difference between the two sku's.

I never thought I would stumble across the answer in such detail!

I'll be purchasing the 56" box soon and will certainly be aiming for the 64457

Cheers

 

[6pakdakota]

Thanks OP. Good info.

 

[svrider]

Thank you OP for the time taken to type and share this info

A few weeks ago I came to the conclusion the 56" was best for my needs and wondered if there would be a quality difference between the two sku's.

I never thought I would stumble across the answer in such detail!

I'll be purchasing the 56" box soon and will certainly be aiming for the 64457

Cheers

I'm in the same boat as far as deciding to purchase a 56" HF box. I've visited and/or called the 4 HF's within an hour's drive and none of them have a 64457 or 64164 (red version of better box) in stock. I'll be patient and keep checking but I'm worried my stores will never get one.

 

[71goldss]

I'm in the same boat as far as deciding to purchase a 56" HF box. I've visited and/or called the 4 HF's within an hour's drive and none of them have a 64457 or 64164 (red version of better box) in stock. I'll be patient and keep checking but I'm worried my stores will never get one.

I know what you mean. Only one of the four stores close to me had the 64457 when I got each of mine. Same store for the first 64457, and then same store for the replacement of the second box a few weeks later. Makes me wonder if they’re making fewer of them at that factory and possible just using it to keep supply levels up. Could also be that the 64457 costs HF more to manufacture, so they order more of the 64458 as their main supply. All is purely speculation on my part.

 

[osumet]

I just purchased a series 2 44” chest in blue. They gave me item number 64445. The chest had a lot of damage so I ended up returning and getting another chest that was item number 64444. Here are the differences I noticed between the two item numbers.

Item number 64445:
- Did not have the “Series 2” decal on the front of the chest. It only had the “U.S. General” decal.
- The drawer locking mechanism was noisy. I removed one of the drawers and notice that the back of the drawers has a formed sheet metal hook that was spot welded to the drawer. The latching mechanism on the chest contained small steel square bars that were approximately 2” long and 1/8” square (they closely resemble a piece of square key stock). These bars were floating in the mechanism so that you would still be able to close the drawer if the chest was locked. The problem I had with the design was that it was noisy. Every time I closed a drawer all of those bars would rattle.
- All of the drawers fully extended flush with the front face of the chest.
- The top edges of the drawers were hemmed except for the back edge. The back edge was a 90 degree bend that extended about 3/4” towards the inside of the drawer.

Item number 64444:
- Did not have the “Series 2” decal on the front of the chest. It only had the “U.S. General” decal.
- The drawer locking mechanism was quiet. I removed one of the drawers and notice that a spring loaded catch was riveted to the back of the drawer. This served the same function as the other design and allows you to close the door when the chest is locked.
- None of the drawers fully extend. They are approximately 1.5” from full extension.
- The top edges of the drawers were hemmed, including the back edge.
- The top of the chest and the drawer bottoms all have a hole in each corner. The hole is somewhere around 3/8” diameter. Not sure what purpose these serve other than maybe used to hang from wire when powder coating.

Overall, I’m happy that I ended up with Item number 64444 simply because of the quiet lock mechanism that doesn’t rattle when you close a drawer.

 

[Ghillie_55]

Is it possible for a local H/F to only ever get one of the p/ns due to geographical location?

I called 10 HFs within driving distance, and everyone only had the "58".

I dont know where the plants are for these tool boxes, but my thought process was, they wouldnt ship a 57 across the country if 58 was made closer.

 

[svrider]

Is it possible for a local H/F to only ever get one of the p/ns due to geographical location?

I called 10 HFs within driving distance, and everyone only had the "58".

I dont know where the plants are for these tool boxes, but my thought process was, they wouldnt ship a 57 across the country if 58 was made closer.

They all come from China. But I also suspect that stores only (or mostly) receive one of the p/n's.

 

[Ghillie_55]

They all come from China. But I also suspect that stores only (or mostly) receive one of the p/n's.

LOL well I wasnt thinking there.

 

[Mr_B]

I would say it just all down to what factory supplied latest stock at time your stores need stock, without knowing HF internal shipping and stocking routine it all hot air guesses but as many stores seem get a mix or next local one has the other model number I would assume it just a **** shoot .
Does make it a ballache if desire features of specific model, again HF have fooked up a potentially great product range and created in store hassles lol , between this and the color choices it gives a lot of stock variations, too much choice and qualityspec differences of what meant be same product creates lost sales and more internal costs on 50 bucks not such an issue but for 500 and 1K box purchases even HF average consumers going be more product aware .
Personally I don't see the bigger HF boxes as that great a deal, Homak and masterforce offer way better especially in 72" size .

 

[ElusiveKandyDC]

For what its worth, I placed an order online for the 64457 Thursday night (1/31). Both 64457 and 64458 are listed on the website as separate items.

I followed the next day with a phone call and spoke to a Harbor Freight representative which confirmed I'll be receiving the item number that was chosen online. The gal also added the 64457 was from their main supplier and the 64458 was from their secondary source, only used to keep up with inventory.

It's hearsay for now and I shall see what actually shows up to my driveway. I'll post an update when it arrives

 

[PAToyota]

Bump with some info: If anyone is looking for a 56" black top box, 64456 is the better box with sturdier drawers, better latches, and drawer detents.

My local store had the 64456 top box sitting on the lower quality 64458 roll cab. The difference in drawer construction and slide quality was drastic.

My store has the same setup and yes, it really shows the differences between the two. Open similar sized drawers and the top box (64456) is A LOT sturdier than the bottom box (64458).

For what its worth, I placed an order online for the 64457 Thursday night (1/31). Both 64457 and 64458 are listed on the website as separate items.

I followed the next day with a phone call and spoke to a Harbor Freight representative which confirmed I'll be receiving the item number that was chosen online. The gal also added the 64457 was from their main supplier and the 64458 was from their secondary source, only used to keep up with inventory.

It's hearsay for now and I shall see what actually shows up to my driveway. I'll post an update when it arrives

Too bad they don't have a ship to store option. Buying online and shipping it adds $100 to the cost for me - and the local store says they cannot guarantee which one they'd get if they ordered one for me. They don't have any in stock - all the larger boxes are special order.

 

[svrider]

I'm in the same boat as far as deciding to purchase a 56" HF box. I've visited and/or called the 4 HF's within an hour's drive and none of them have a 64457 or 64164 (red version of better box) in stock. I'll be patient and keep checking but I'm worried my stores will never get one.

Quoting myself here to add some new info. I made another round of calls and a local store had a 64457 in stock. Picked it up over the weekend

 

[ElusiveKandyDC]

Too bad they don't have a ship to store option. Buying online and shipping it adds $100 to the cost for me - and the local store says they cannot guarantee which one they'd get if they ordered one for me. They don't have any in stock - all the larger boxes are special order.

The shipping cost is a hard pill to swallow. My local store had the 64458 in stock. I don't own a truck so I was already on the fence about paying the shipping for convenience alone. It was easy to justify paying the shipping after reading this topic and knowing I'll receive a higher quality box. May have been a different story if I did own a truck.

The Rep I spoke to mentioned they are not shipping the 64458 at the moment because they have plenty of the 64457 in stock. If this is true, we may see an influx of the 64457 replenishing the stores as the 64458's sell. Good news for those blessed with the gift of patience

Quoting myself here to add some new info. I made another round of calls and a local store had a 64457 in stock. Picked it up over the weekend

Right on! congrats!

 

[PAToyota]

The Rep I spoke to mentioned they are not shipping the 64458 at the moment because they have plenty of the 64457 in stock. If this is true, we may see an influx of the 64457 replenishing the stores as the 64458's sell.

At the store here, the piece of paper you take up to the cashier just has the 64458 number on it. Only the main item tag has both the 64457 and 64458 number on it. That worries me.

It seems strange that the website allows you to pick one or the other but the stores are just "luck of the draw" as to what you get - that you have to find a store with a 64457 - they cannot order one in for you.

 

[sgtgeo]

I was planning to hold out for the 44" in Green. I already see the 26" being advertised in all the cart colors.

This is making me think of just getting a 56" because the differences are known.

 

[kngelv]

Here are some pics of the latch differences. I took off the ones on my top box with detents. They are much larger than the latches on the bottom box without the detents.

James

 

[sgtgeo]

I wish someone maybe a HF employee, there must be some on here, would list the differences and corresponding p/n's for the various boxes/tool storage.

I'm on the fence on 44" or 56" if i could get a 56" Green with the good latch/detent I'd get it ASAP.

ETA:
Contacted HF Customer Service, they are not able to check stock at individual stores. They said I have to call the stores. I guess when I'm ready to buy one of these boxes it will be an exciting scavenger hunt

 

[71goldss]

I wish someone maybe a HF employee, there must be some on here, would list the differences and corresponding p/n's for the various boxes/tool storage.

I'm on the fence on 44" or 56" if i could get a 56" Green with the good latch/detent I'd get it ASAP.

No offense to HF employees, but in my experience when purchasing my two 56’s, most, if not all of the employees were clueless to any differences between them. I expect all the color differences will eventually be posted on GJ, but may take a bit of waiting.

 

[fordgasm]

I have the series 1 56” top and bottom that’s about 2 years old. What is the actual difference between the series 1 and 2 besides the new colors?

 

[1320]

I have the series 1 56” top and bottom that’s about 2 years old. What is the actual difference between the series 1 and 2 besides the new colors?

The US General badge is different and the drawer liner is much nicer, a solid type rather than the mesh of the previous version.

 

[fordgasm]

The US General badge is different and the drawer liner is much nicer, a solid type rather than the mesh of the previous version.

I still have the mesh drawer liners that were included still rolled up. Bought some different ones and cut them myself. Do the new liners come pre-cut or in a roll like the series 1?

 

[1320]

I still have the mesh drawer liners that were included still rolled up. Bought some different ones and cut them myself. Do the new liners come pre-cut or in a roll like the series 1?

Pre cut. Worlds better than the mesh.

 

[sgtgeo]

I stopped by a HF. The manager had no idea there were differences in any of the boxes. He did know they come from different warehouses but not factories.

They did have two 64457’s in the back but but the display was 64458

Not sure if I can get that thing in the wife’s minivan even with all the seats out.

ETA stopped by the other nearby HF. They had a “good” top box on the “bad” bottom box. It is really a night and day difference as stated in previous posts. I really like how the latch with the detents work. You can close the drawer to where the latch grabs but not the detent so you don’t have to fight both to open.