Harbor Freight 56" Series 2.....?

[wee]

Anybody seen one in person....? The store I go to still has the series 1 on display. The specs don't make much sense to me. The new box is lighter, has less cubic foot storage space but holds more weight. The pdf manual schematics appear to show the exact same box.

I asked the manager and he said they had made structural changes that took away some space but added strength. He also said it was made from heavier gauge steel.

I did find out they are going to be made in black and blue just like the tool carts...I'm sure this is old news but I figured I would post this photo anyway. I found this in the top of the 44 display the other day.

Brian

 

[RV8guy]

Any news if the 56 inch top box is coming back?

 

[SilverBulletZ06]

Any news if the 56 inch top box is coming back?

I thought that was confirmed. The last flyer i got had a 56" top listed for 449 iirc.

 

[Alpine4x4]

Cool to see confirmation of the new colors coming in the bigger cabinets.

 

[wee]

Went back by the store today....Manager tells me the 56 series 2 isn't really changing much at all...Just structural changes. I wish they would have done away with the vertical aluminum trim and the door latches. The 44 box just feels like a better quality box than the series 1 56.

I think I'll wait and see what the black boxes look like before making up my mind which set to go with. I did have an idea about combining a 44 with a 26 but they are not exactly the same height. Still might work with a different set of casters. I'll try do do up a photoshop set and post back.

Brian

 

[alinc100]

Went back by the store today....Manager tells me the 56 series 2 isn't really changing much at all...Just structural changes. I wish they would have done away with the vertical aluminum trim and the door latches. The 44 box just feels like a better quality box than the series 1 56.

I think I'll wait and see what the black boxes look like before making up my mind which set to go with. I did have an idea about combining a 44 with a 26 but they are not exactly the same height. Still might work with a different set of casters. I'll try do do up a photoshop set and post back.

Brian

Here is how I chose to handle the height differences.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=237975

 

[ocloc24]

Any news if the 56 inch top box is coming back?

My store has a series 2 27", 44", 56" and 72" but I couldn't find much difference with the new 56" and 72" other than the badge and color options

 

[Wamsutta]

Went back by the store today....Manager tells me the 56 series 2 isn't really changing much at all...Just structural changes. I wish they would have done away with the vertical aluminum trim and the door latches. The 44 box just feels like a better quality box than the series 1 56.

I think I'll wait and see what the black boxes look like before making up my mind which set to go with. I did have an idea about combining a 44 with a 26 but they are not exactly the same height. Still might work with a different set of casters. I'll try do do up a photoshop set and post back.

Brian

I assume you meant drawer latches. In that case get an Extreme Tools box. They use regular rubber detents so that you can pull the drawer open from anywhere along the handle.

 

[Mr_B]

Homak rs pro 54" or masterforce 56" worth looking at if want proper drawer pull latching .
Have a look at international too .
HF really made sweet FA effort on the series 2 56 and 72" while competitors a big notch above for not a lot more cost .

At rock bottom coupon price or open box clearance us general not bad but besides possible low cost they not that great if hunt around or have couple hundred extra bucks throw into the purchase .

 

[wee]

alinc100....Really nice job on combining the 2.....I think now the new series 2 26 and 44 boxes are closer in height and the drawer pulls are a pretty close match as well.

I was thinking about just bolting the 26 to the 44 and keeping the swivel casters on the outside of the 26. I might even add the tops boxes.

Brian

 

[Mr_B]

^
Too much stress at bolted locations and will distort the panels.
Building a solid base frame and a bolted joint at the top works best, the frame stiffens boxes up massively.
company I use to work for used 56" HF boxes and fabricated heavy framed base with better wheels to stiffen box and aid forklift handling.
made them last way longer and roll far easier .

 

[LXCam]

Here is how I chose to handle the height differences.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=237975

That turned out exceptionally nice alinc. Where did you source the trim pieces at if you don't mind. Thanks.

 

[AA/FC]

Got this in the mail today...

 

[Wamsutta]

If Harbor Freight ever went 24 inches deep and got rid of that drawer latch on the far right side of each drawer, then they'd have something.

 

[Mr_B]

I can forgive them sticking at 22" but the plastic latch is a fooking joke and should of been addressed in this series 2 if wanted be half competitive .
Makes little difference to me as I never going want buy one but many who would got a lot more options with better spec, warranty, parts for little more outlay.

 

[wee]

The 44 and 26 are available in blue as well. My store still only has red on display. The 56 series 2 box is pretty much just like the series 1. The 44 and 26 seem like they are built much better.

Brian

 

[xin]

I can forgive them sticking at 22" but the plastic latch is a fooking joke and should of been addressed in this series 2 if wanted be half competitive .
Makes little difference to me as I never going want buy one but many who would got a lot more options with better spec, warranty, parts for little more outlay.

That latch is going to break then the drawers run wild, next is box flipping over.

 

[Lelandwelds]

Here is how I chose to handle the height differences.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=237975

Shimming with plywood is obvious after seeing you do it. I really like the wood top. Not too fond of the skirt/trim. (I think I would have through bolted the top with some inserts or flatheads.)

Nice job. Bet it went quick.

 

[micro2112]

The first day I saw the new colors on the 5-drawer, I emailed HF and asked if that was coming to the 44" cab next.

 

[alinc100]

That turned out exceptionally nice alinc. Where did you source the trim pieces at if you don't mind. Thanks.

sorry for the delayed response. The trim is made of a laminate called alumasteel. I laminated it to a plastic substrate and applied magnetic vinyl to the back.

 

[wee]

I went with the black 44" and I think I'll add a bottom 26" as well. Picked up the top section today...It just fit in the bed of my truck with the camper top still on. It's heavier than I expected it to be....Picking up the rest on Saturday.

Brian

 

[Mr_B]

not a bad home box size/layout.
having 3 boxes rather than 1 or 2 bigger ones makes logistical handling easier .
black looks classier than the red . not a fan of red boxes lol .

 

[Sky Chief]

What gauge steel is used on these series 2 boxes?

 

[Craftfab]

Could someone please let me know the height of the shallowest two drawers on the 56" gen 2?

I have searched and searched to no avail.

 

[71goldss]

Could someone please let me know the height of the shallowest two drawers on the 56" gen 2?

I have searched and searched to no avail.

The front panel of the drawer is 3” high. The side panel of the drawer is 2 7/16” measuring from inside without the liner. The outside of the side panel is 2 1/2”. I tried to just take photos, but even with a flash, they weren’t worth posting.

 

[Craftfab]

The front panel of the drawer is 3” high. The side panel of the drawer is 2 7/16” measuring from inside without the liner. The outside of the side panel is 2 1/2”. I tried to just take photos, but even with a flash, they weren’t worth posting.

Thank you very much. I have Sunex impact sets and wanted to know if I could lay the cases in any of those middle smaller drawers but turns out I cannot as the case is 3.7” tall.

 

[71goldss]

Thank you very much. I have Sunex impact sets and wanted to know if I could lay the cases in any of those middle smaller drawers but turns out I cannot as the case is 3.7” tall.

Glad to help!

 

[PretendMechanic]

I'm possibly in the market for a Series 2 56" cabinet. What's the cheapest these cabinets go on sale for? Any specific time of year or sale I should wait for? I am a patient buyer.

Question for those that own one, how does the drawer lock mechanism work? I notice the 72" and 56" boxes list "secure latch retention system" as a feature whereas the 44" cabinet lists "secure detents".

Also remember reading somewhere that the latch is made of plastic? I won't be loading the 56" that heavily at all, but need the latches to work well. This will be going in a trailer that will move a few times a month, and will often do some long hauls.

Also, how heavy duty is the construction? My plan is to put a wood top on it and use it as a light duty work surface with a small vice.

Any input greatly appreciated!

 

[Mr_B]

^
They have 2 manufacturers supplying box stock and they differ, one has detents as well as the plastic latch held with screws and opens true full depth while one has just plastic latch riveted on and opens little short of full depth, is few other differences too so be sure buy best model for your preferences .
link below get you started
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=408543

Link below for coupons/price history
https://www.hfqpdb.com/best_coupon/56",+11+DRAWER+INDUSTRIAL+QUALITY+ROLLER+CABINET
best price is 649 and that all I want pay even for better model number version

 

[Tallpilot]

Pretty much everyone else is making 56" cabs with 2-3 full length drawers. HF has none. My only guess is they don't want to compete with their own Icon box.