Gladiator Tool chest vs. HF

[agfisher]

I've been playing with the idea of picking up the HF 44" tool chest for awhile now. The price seems to be in that $275.00 depending on sales, coupons, etc. I just got the ability to grab a brand new Gladiator 52" tool chest from the factory for 50% off of MSRP (makes it about $500).

So is it worth the extra $200. Do any of you have the 52"? What do you think of it?

 

[csp]

First of all you're never going to get a new HF 42" chest for $275. Those days are gone. It's at best about $360 now on a coupon if you can find one.

Hopefully the Gladiator tool chests are built better than the RTA cabinets. That's my only knowledge of Gladiator products.

 

[Todd.Brock]

Check out the drawer depth of the Gladiator vs. HF. My thought would be to go for the HF and then throw a little extra cash at the top chest at HF.

 

[matty d]

The Gladiator seems nice, but its 17.1 inches deep for the top and about 18 inches deep for the bottom chest. I have the Gladiator GearDrawers (24x24), which are 24 inches deep of course. After owning a 24 inch deep chest, I much prefer 24 over 18 inches. Seems shallow...? That alone would make me want to look at HF more closely, if they are the same depth...

 

[agfisher]

Ok so the price difference is about 140 bucks. The cabinets have the same 18ish" depth and 40" height. The Gladiator has an extra 8" in width. My garage is limited in size so the 24" might be a little too deep. According to description I've read this is a welded box. I've got some time to make the decision, I'll keep thinking about it. Would love to hear some more input from you guys, especially people who have Gladiator tool chests.

Thanks

 

[csp]

If the Gladiator actual box width is 52" it really has 10" more width. The metal box of the HF isn't 44", it's 42". The extra 2" comes from the handle.

I'm not sure how they have come to be known as 44" toolboxes. Maybe that's how HF is marketing them now.

 

[matty d]

Ok so the price difference is about 140 bucks. The cabinets have the same 18ish" depth and 40" height. The Gladiator has an extra 8" in width. My garage is limited in size so the 24" might be a little too deep. According to description I've read this is a welded box. I've got some time to make the decision, I'll keep thinking about it. Would love to hear some more input from you guys, especially people who have Gladiator tool chests.

Thanks

Go to Sears and check them out in person. They usually have some samples of their welded versions, so you can see if the quality/build suits you. I have never seen the 52 inch chest in person though! BTW, just thinking about it, with all that extra length, you probably will not need 24 inch depth!