Harbor Freight us general pro toolbox lock replacement

[BreeStephany]

I am considering replacing the lock assemblies on my US General Pro 72" toolbox. I haven't had many major issues as of yet, but the locks don't feel smooth and I often wonder if and when they are going to fail on me.

I have looked at the locks and they rotate the lock rod assembly about the center of the lock and hold the lock rod assembly with a locknut to the lock assembly.

I am considering replacing the locks with a Snap-On K2LA K-series lock assembly set. From looking at images of the locks, they appear to also rotate about their center. They appear to accept a fine threaded screw or bolt, so my thought is to just bolt the lock rod assembly on.

My main reason for wanting to go with Snap-On, is that the K-series locks seem to be pretty stout and almost bullet proof outside of killing them after tens of thousands of actuations.

Would love to hear thoughts on this.

 

[1982fxr]

Well, that hf hardware is always...****. Be prepared to run into oddball anything and everything. Their stuff like that never seems to be standard, odd size heads and threads on fasteners, etc.

Maybe take the old one apart first to make sure it doesn't have any surprises that will prevent the S-O from working?

 

[BreeStephany]

Generally speaking, I definitely have to agree with you about the majority of their tools, however, I have been overall pretty impressed with their boxes. The overall construction is extremely good, given the price, but I am aware I made some sacrifices in quality and design when going with HF instead of Snap-On, Matco or MAC.

Ultimately, as a student, I couldn't justify investing thousands into a box when they could be better invested into tools.

I checked out the back of my lock with a borescope. I am aware that I might have to slightly modify the lock openings on the box to get the locks in, but it looks like it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[BreeStephany]

I more wanted to know if the K2LA lock assembly rotates about its center, as I haven't seen any installation drawings or pictures of the back of the lock.

 

[Tim37]

I went to a lock smith and bought some nice replacement locks that way I could key all my boxes (of different makes and models) the same it has worked out great. I think they guy charged $12 each for the locks in three different lengths my Mac cart was the only problem child I had but a few minutes with a file and that was fixed.

 

[1982fxr]

How much are the snap on?

Def don't destroy the originals during this just in case...

 

[BreeStephany]

The K2LA locks are about $28 for a set of two with two keys

 

[Tim37]

Not too bad if you ever buy a so box you can take that one home and have them keyed the same

 

[1982fxr]

S-o has great customer service they can probably answer questions maybe link to a parts diagram ?

 

[MikeF2316]

Here is a pic of the back of a lock. The square protrusion goes through your mechanism. That is dead center in the lock.