Harbor Freight vs Masterforce Box

[SchuLace]

I am looking at getting a bigger toolbox to replace my 30" Masterforce. I am looking around the 40" size. I have come down to the Harbor Freight boxes or another Masterforce box. The closest HF is a couple hours away from me. If I have a HF shipped it would be right around the same price as the Masterforce box. I like the workbench part on the Masterforce top box and I also like the drawer locking.

I am a homeowner who does wrenching on my own vehicles. I don't use my boxes too hard.

Has anyone had experience with both and could recommend me to one or another? I have read a lot of good things on the HF box and really havemt heard much about the Masterforce boxes. I would be looking at both a bottom and top box. I like that I could get the Masterforce box in different colors but that isn't a huge factor for me

Everyonce in a while I go to a town that has a HF for work so that would take out the shipping on it. The problem is it's about every 6 months that I go there.

I am looking for advice in which way to go.

Thanks

 

[SchuLace]

Bump

 

[Deafautotech]

Is menards near by you than harbor freight?? I do like masterforce box as I own one (36" full wide drawers).

 

[jim1987]

I wouldn't go to the 44" size. I recommend looking at hear or freights 56" box. Its $699 for the bottom and $399 for the top. If you have the space the bottom 56" by itself is a huge space upgrade. Its almost twice as wide as what you have now, and three inches deeper. Its super solid and just over all a beast. You would spend the same.money on 44" stack, but have a nice work bench if.you didn't get the 56" top. Ymmv

 

[ishiboo]

I think they are very close boxes in terms of quality. The Masterforce units have the grip-latch I'm not a huge fan of, the larger HF boxes have the end locks on each drawer I hate. I think the HF units felt slightly better built but I could be wrong.

I'll probably go with the Masterforce boxes due to color preferences, but I don't think you can go wrong with either... They are quite close.

 

[jim1987]

I say that because the "44" is only a 12" up grade. Jmo tho

 

[Deafautotech]

I own a 56" harbor freight and I am happy as it is at my busy work... But I has masterforce 36" box at my garage to hold long tools.

 

[jim1987]

Just to throw it out there the drawers on the hf 56 are 37" on the left side by themselves and about 19.5" deep. The right bank is about 10-11" wide or real close to it. I can post a pic if you'd like op.

 

[Kin Creed]

I vote Masterforce all the way.

I have owned both and while HF is nice Masterforce is better.

The Raise and Release drawers system is great, especially in an unheated space. Since there is no rubber detent to freeze the drawers work perfectly even in sub zero temps.

Rubber detents get so hard it's very difficult to open the drawers.

So just on drawer action alone the Masterforce wins. There are details that give them edge as well such as color selection and much better packaging so the box arrives in perfect condition.

On this board I think HF is somewhat over-rated, people seem to fall in love and forget there are other nice options out there. I think Masterforce and Homak Professional are both better options than HF. And this is coming from an unashamed HF fanboy!

 

[b1ghwx]

MasterForce here.... like the color options and the drawers.

I have green

 

[youngridge]

Masterforce, 41, 46 or 56 inch, I think you may have to special order the 46 or 56, I got the 41 inch bottom, absolutely love it, its plump full, but I plan on getting the side cab attachment. I like having a bench space to set stuff on.

 

[rexdog]

I was in the same boat as the OP and after several trips to Menard's and Harbor Freight I decided to go with the Masterforce. I just bought the 36" top and bottom yesterday as a matter of fact and am very happy with the purchase.

I pretty much agree with everything Kin said in the post before mine. The raise and release drawers are much better for me than the rubber detents. I already have a workbench so that wasn't necessary and unlike most, I actually like the green color.

The drawers on the HF boxes always seemed to have more play in them than the Masterforce ones did and I'm not really a fan of red.

Having said all that, I think the HF is also an excellent box for the money.

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[nitrohog]

Another vote for the masterforce. I chose it over the harbor freight because of the color options and drawer latch setup as others have stated. I've been happy working out of it everyday for about a year now.

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[SchuLace]

I like the Masterforce latch setup. The drawers stay closed tight and open easily enough. Space is a big issue for me so I don't know if I could make the 56" work. I know no matter what size I get I will run out of room. In my current box I have most of my hand tools in it. I have my screwdrivers and a few other things on the wall and a few power tools here and there. I could get by if I had to but I would like to get everything in one spot. I plan on getting a top box regardless of what size I go with.

I have a Menards just a few miles away that I stop by way too often. So far it seems like people tend to prefer the Masterforce.

 

[zkling]

The HF box is a better "value" when you factor in storage space, build quality and availability at the cost it goes for.. IMHO some if not most of the Masterforce boxes in that size range (~41-48) are nicer overall, but you typically pay a bit more for them while loosing a bit of in^2 storage space. Just my 2¢

If I had to choose between the two and $ was not a factor, I'd go Masterforce. If I just wanted a solid box while keeping a tight budget, I'd go HF.

 

[ilovevocs]

I really like the master force box. I didn't want red, I didn't want HF garbage displayed in my garage, and for $2,000.00 I got a ton to storage.

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[zkling]

I really like the master force box. I didn't want red, I didn't want HF garbage displayed in my garage, and for $2,000.00 I got a ton to storage.
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Wow man those are some strong words.

 

[ilovevocs]

Wow man those are some strong words.

Very sorry, my post requires clarification. I own so many HF tools, I don't want to be that guy with a garage full of Chinese stuff, but often times the price point and quality for the amount of time I use the tool fits my needs. I just couldn't stand having another large piece of HF equipment when I have a deep seated desire to have nice USA stuff. HF isn't exactly synonymous with quality, an while their boxes are very nice I didn't want them making such a bold statement in my shop. These are much more subdued due to color and the brand doesn't carry such negative connotations in my mind.


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[BK13]

Just took a quick look at the Masterforce stuff. I kinda like the green. Just one more reason to curse the fact that there's not a Menards for 1000 miles...

 

[jim1987]

Master force boxes are USA made?

 

[bobcatdan]

Master force boxes are USA made?

No, they are probably made in the same factory as the HF boxes.

 

[SchuLace]

I ended up ordering the 46" Masterforce top and bottom in black along with the side locker. Came out right around $1100 with tax. Should be in next Monday

 

[OldNeons]

Master force are imported as well. My dad has a special issue set they had at Christmas a few years back. Rounded corners all the way around and wrinkle black finish. It's a nice box for the money. I LOVE the grip latch drawers! I'd choose MAsterforce over Harbor Freight.....

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Did you get in on the sales prices that ended Sunday night?? The 72" rollers were on sale for $999 and was sooo tempting,, but the drawer configuration just didn't fit my needs.

I do like the quality and design of the Masterforce boxes... I am sure you will enjoy your new box..

 

[SchuLace]

Yeah I got the sale prices. That's what made me finally pull the trigger. I really didn't need the side locker but the price was decent enough and I have a few tools in plastic cases that should fit in there. I have wanted to put other things in cases but didn't have a good way to store them. I think the 46" will have almost too much room for a while but it gives me a good reason to buy more tools.

 

[SchuLace]

My box showed up today. I already like it a lot more than my old one. I can actually organize tools instead of having a drawer crammed full. I think the locker is going to come in really handy.

 

[oldldh]

I have the 56" HF Roller and I love it...

Let's see your new box...

 

[SchuLace]

I tried to take a couple pictures today but it was too dark in my garage. I'll try to get some tomorrow. One thing that puzzled me is my new box came with some drawer liners. The top couple drawers on each the top and bottom had liners but the rest didn't. When I bought my old top box a year ago it came with all of the liners.

 

[jim1987]

I tried to take a couple pictures today but it was too dark in my garage. I'll try to get some tomorrow. One thing that puzzled me is my new box came with some drawer liners. The top couple drawers on each the top and bottom had liners but the rest didn't. When I bought my old top box a year ago it came with all of the liners.

They forgot them, or possible they're stuck together?

 

[Kin Creed]

yes please take some pics ! what color is it? and the liners are probably all in the top drawers
Congrats on the new box you did good!

 

[Deception]

Master force boxes are USA made?

No they are made in China too, any large toolbox at this price point usually is.

 

[SchuLace]

yes please take some pics ! what color is it? and the liners are probably all in the top drawers
Congrats on the new box you did good!

I looked in all the drawers and can't find the liners. I'll take another look tomorrow.

 

[SchuLace]

Disregard the disaster that is my bench and shelves. It's tough to get out and do much in a garage that isn't heated or insulated when it's -2 out. It supposed to be nice next weekend so I'm hoping to get some stuff cleaned up.

 

[mark5767]

Sort of classes up the place, nice!

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[basspro]

This is mine and my dads box. Both have butcher block tops now.

 

[Jgibbs3718]

I recently went through the same dilemma. Ended up with the blue 41" Masterforce. Absolutely love the drawer latches instead of detents. My only wish is that the drawers were another ~1" deeper.


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[SchuLace]

I'm planning on finishing my garage this spring so hopefully it will look a lot better in there. I agree on it being 1" deeper. I have a few things that don't quite fit

I did find the drawer liners. They ended up being in the top drawers like some said. My bad

 

[XCMTB83]

Hello All,
I have a variety of the Masterforce boxes. Specifically the early ones with the flat keys. I would really like to have all of the locks keyed the same. With that being said would anyone be interested in trading a “006” lock and key set for a “002” lock and key set? Ideally I would be helping out someone that would prefer a “006”. Thanks!

 

[maintguy]

Hello All,
I have a variety of the Masterforce boxes. Specifically the early ones with the flat keys. I would really like to have all of the locks keyed the same. With that being said would anyone be interested in trading a “006” lock and key set for a “002” lock and key set? Ideally I would be helping out someone that would prefer a “006”. Thanks!

I think I read this before

 

[jd_1138]

Just took a quick look at the Masterforce stuff. I kinda like the green. Just one more reason to curse the fact that there's not a Menards for 1000 miles...

Whatever factory makes Masterforce probably also produces the same box for a west coast chain of stores. It'll be under a different brand.