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Harbor Freight vs Masterforce Box

Mr_B

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Masterforce is made by Q-C, same as Extreme boxes .
Was wise buy going Masterforce again as if had Masterforce already you would soon get annoyed with HF .
On sale price the Masterforce are a nice buy if drawer layout works for you, drawer latching is a big leap above HF boxes as is quality of finish.
Also the Masterforce range has side locker and drawer cabinets so expansion is easy and quite cheap .
they easy boxes live with as weekend user or more daily scenario of a new tech just starting out and wanting something half decent yet affordable.
4 color choices are nice touch too, black and the green being my favourites. I know a few techs using these and they more than happy with them, another 2" overall depth so 22" rather than 20" would be nice but besides that they offer good build and easy usability for the potential on sale costs .
Very good buy OP, if need more space in future get side drawer hang-on unit as only couple hundred bucks .
 
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carbon

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What's the full name of Q-C? Website? Or do they only sell to middlemen that rebadge?
 

Chadwilliam1

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I am looking at the master force vs harbor freight boxes. It looks like the harbor frieght drawers are 19.5 inches deep if i am correct. How deep are the master force. I like the drawer layout of the master force but drawer depth makes a big difference.


Thanks
 

Briancapecoral

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I've haven't seen the master force in person to compare, but I've owned a 26" harbor freight for almost 3 years and when I needed more storage added the 44" roller. I don't move them around but have not had a single problem with either (I also have their black tool cart.) Since I am not a professional using daily, the quality exceeds what I need for a great price. The comment on this thread about the drawers not opening easily in winter seems like it might be a problem depending on where you live, but here in Florida not an issue. Although I admit I like the color options, as I have lusted for the snap on boxes in the past.
 
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Mr_B

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Only thing that holds masterforce back is the depth, they should of been deeper by 2 to 4 inches. Drawer latching is proper effort and better for constant use.
With HF the 44" or 72" is a lot of storage and good drawer layouts for the potential low sale/coupon prices .
 
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trs71

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Am I reading something wrong, aren't total size and the depth about on both? Why is the tool storage space so much greater on the HFT 53" - Both feature 11 drawers and 19.5" drawer length right?


I also noticed the weight is greater and tool weight capacity is also greater on the HFT, thicker metal, fancy math or typo?

I like the Blue Mastercarft, but they don't have larger cabs on display here anymore to physically look.
 

Mr_B

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^ The HF is 4" deeper than master craft (22 vs 18 overall measures)
HF 56" is 22" , Masterforce is 20" , Mastercraft is 18"
 
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trs71

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From the webpage it looks like19.5 in. deep drawers vs 17 in then? I could have sworn I saw 19" posted somewhere, but I finally found a PDF with the measurements.

Going a little Dr. Ruth here, does 2" really matter? It's nice but really, is there an example of some tool or set that just won't fit, or is just maximum space for the buck.

I could live with the red, but I really like the drawer opening on the Master craft better, except most people think the HF one is always locked, so a little more secure :)

Anyone know if the 11% rebate (coming soon) applies tool the tool boxes because they are special order? That brings the price down to darn close to the HFT if you want to add a side cab - the rebate.
 

Eslader

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They aren't special order in all the stores. The bigger ones have them in stock.
 

pbon

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I put 3 of the 44 inch HF boxes across the back of my garage with mdf on top as a work bench. I like them and they were $439 each on sale. I do wish some drawers were an inch or 2 taller but am otherwise content. If the budget was bigger I would have gotten two 72 inch instead since I think tge drawers on the 72s would serve my needs better.
 

Mr_B

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^ assume you mean $339, is pretty impressive what can be done for 1,000bucks
2 or 3 44" when on sale/coupon offer is a cheap way have very decent storage and bench surface.
72" is about best in drawer size variety but price difference and bulk of box is different league.
Drawer sizes is one of the main things buyer needs have planned prior to committing to box choice and it personal preference and tool type/layout related so something only the individual can decide really .
 
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