HF 44 or Homak 41

[Pmctn]

Hi all. New guy here. Started researching new tool boxes and found the site. I've spent weeks reading old threads on various homeowner class boxes and thinking about my needs.

I'm a DIY'er. I have a reasonable amount of space in my basement garage. Any given time I might be doing woodwork or cars to whatever else comes up. One of my big areas of frustration was working out of 27" 20 year old Craftsman stack.

With a budget of about $700 I had narrowed it down to a HF 44 with 44 top, Husky 52" x 20, HF 52 or a Homak pro series 41.

So I built a spreadsheet to compare them. For my needs I optimized it on drawers at least 3" tall. Surprisingly here is what I found.

HF 44 - 4114 sq inches of drawers at least 3" deep for a cost of 14 cents per sq in

Huskey 52 - 5621 sq in for a cost of 12 cents per

HF 52 Bottom only - 3617 sq in for a cost of 19 cents per

Homak 41 with top - 4596 sq in for a cost of 7 cents per

My box won't be rolled around except when we move, which is about every 5 years.

Yes I know the homak is lighter gauge but I won't be maxing out the drawers and have plenty of shelf space for power tools other places.

Any reason why the homak wont serve well in its role where the drawers might not get opened more than a few times a month?

 

[John in OH]

Can you post a link to, or a photo of, the specific Homak box you are considering?

 

[Mr_B]

Homak should be fine for years of light home use .
If worktop space is useful to you the 52" bottoms only might be better in usefulness.
It not all down to cost per sq in , but also how layout going work for you and ease of future growth/changes should be big part of final choice .

 

[fourjeepin]

Is Homak the brand Northern Tool carries? They seem like decent boxes

 

[Abeo]

I'm somewhat happy with my homak box, EXCEPT for a) I'd like more smaller drawers, the really deep ones don't get used well, and b) the detent latching system means my tools get thrown around when I close op open the drawers. I'd much prefer a handle latch.

 

[rslaback]

If you need 3" deep drawers then the Homak looks like your best fit. That said, most guys would prefer shallow to deep drawers so I'm curious as to your tool needs to only prioritize that space.

 

[Pmctn]

I made a mistake this morning. The coffee wasn't working yet. The cost per sq in of the homak is 11 cents.

My frustration with shallow drawers is they really limit how I can arrange items. Having more drawers over 3" provides the most flexibility in my mind.

 

[jshillin]

I'd go with the HF 52 for 2 reasons. I really like having the box top for a work surface when needed right now AND if you outgrow it, then you can always go with the larger top box.

 

[dumper]

I had an older Homak and found it to be easily as solid as the HF44. I preferred the drawer layout of the Homak, plus I paid $80 for it... but it did require some work and cleanup and a new lock.

 

[tcianci]

a Spreadsheet to select a toolbox? YIKES

 

[Pmctn]

Yep, a spreadsheet. Would writing down the number of 3"+ drawers and then multiplying the dimension on a yellow pad have made you feel better? I am open to your suggestion about a better way to figure out which suits my needs.

 

[Mr_B]

Now Homak not so cheap I would consider the Husky 52" mobile bench cabinet.
Why ! well it 22" deep so the extra depth front to back in drawers means get more in and layout tends work better/efficient, drawers are pretty good sizes for general hand tools and larger bottom drawers for bigger items and blow moulded cases etc, other bonus is worktop space super nice or can add a top box of your choice down the road or even make a simple hutch to hold consumables, power tools and chargers etc (making a hutch woud be my choice) .
Cost of the 22" deep 52" cabinet is $499 so gives you spare funds, seen these used professionally and hold out okay so will do home use no bother with sensible weight loading .
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-52...-Wood-Top-22-in-Extra-Deep-75811AHR/206758940

 

[BlackLS2]

Since you asked....I'm going to suggest going a bit bigger now and for future proofing...

The HF56 is $649 till June 1...via code 66622020. It has deeper and taller drawers, 2x the cubic space of a HF44, is a step up in drawer layout and steel thickness, and it has drawer latches. Line, at minimum, the socket, driver, plier, and wrench drawers with Duck 284148 Easy Liner off Amazon at $9 roll. The HF56 basically mimics classic Snappy and Matco mid level box layouts.

Should you need more space in a few years, you can add the HF56 top...or even the HF44 top and have shelf space for chargers etc

You wont go wrong with any of the above suggestions. Homak is OK and the HF44 is a unbeatable at $339 plus top cabinet. However, the HF56 is a notable step upward, yet fits your stated parameters and price. Go touch one; you will see how much more useful the drawer configuration is.

 

[bpjr]

With the money and quality being close I'd choose the drawer layout that works best for you and go with that.