HF 44 or Milwaukee 46 tool box

[ruffryder]

My take on power tools (plus stuff like extension cords, paint cans, etc.) is to keep an eye out for the higher quality lateral file cabinets. I just bought a Canadian-built one that is really beautifully made for $20.

Here is one for free in Pittsburgh..

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/search/zip?sort=rel&query=file+cabinet

I have many lateral file cabinets and use them for most of my smaller power tools. They are especially nice for keeping sanders and sanding supplies together. I have even used hanging files to help organize my different sanding supplies.

The lateral file cabinets are cheap and hold a lot of weight!

 

[My Old Tools]

At the coupon price of $ 349.99...

You could have TWO of them!!!

No there's a concept...

I did, plus a top at $279.

 

[Jeff95TA]

Here is one for free in Pittsburgh..

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/search/zip?sort=rel&query=file+cabinet

I have many lateral file cabinets and use them for most of my smaller power tools. They are especially nice for keeping sanders and sanding supplies together. I have even used hanging files to help organize my different sanding supplies.

The lateral file cabinets are cheap and hold a lot of weight!

You guys got me thinking and I saw that one too. Found a really nice large one for $70, which seems reasonable also.

 

[Derek1387]

Milwaukee looks like it might be great for a light user, but most of us need serious storage and tend to out grow boxes. Do you have a work bench or do you need the box to double as a work surface?

I have my desk that I work from right now. A very very large executive desk.

Most of my work is outside on cars so a bench is not really needed. But wouldn't be a horrible thing either.

 

[Derek1387]

So right now I'm looking at about $700 OTD on the Milwaukee and about $680 OTD in the complete HF 44.

I was able to take my cart back today for a full refund so I can do either/or.

 

[My Old Tools]

HF44 should be $349 + $279 if you find the right coupons.

 

[ruffryder]

So right now I'm looking at about $700 OTD on the Milwaukee and about $680 OTD in the complete HF 44.

I was able to take my cart back today for a full refund so I can do either/or.

I guess it comes down to where you want your power tools. If you want them in your toolbox, get the Milwaukee. If you don't, then maybe the HF is best. Also, as you move to your garage, there isn't any reason you can't get a HF then for just your mechanic tools.

Like others have said, you need to figure out your usage.

You checked for used boxes at all? I would say it might be best to go used, especially since this appears to be a temporary solution and your needs / space available will change in the near future.

Good luck!

 

[rrich1]

I have the Milwaukee and love it. I have a mix of auto and wood tools and find it to work great for both.

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[rrich1]

If you have a Menard's close by check out the Masterforce boxes. Very nice boxes.

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[Derek1387]

Will check out the Masterforces as well.

Out of town for the weekend...
Any other boxes i should consider before making my decision on Monday?

 

[MrBreeze]

Was making a similar decision earlier this year between the two boxes. (home owner/wrencher - not a pro) This was as a SECOND tool chest, and found myself needing deeper drawers to hold cordless and corded power tools (I'll confess, they are mostly Milwaukee) as I already had a Kobalt stainless chest with shallower drawers for hand tools. I too liked the Milwaukee for it's power plugs (so I could get the rechargers off the bench) the deeper drawers and the soft close (yes, the fact it had Milwaukee branding helped)

Unfortunately, HD had stopped carrying it (neither in store or online) and no one could tell me when they would bring them back. Some speculated they would bring back for the holidays, which obviously they had, but I wasn't in a position to wait several months so I went with the HF 44. While it works fine, and would trade it for the Milwaukee in a heartbeat. Again, not because it's better, but it's better for my storage needs.

Go with what you think will work best for the type of tools you want it to hold.

 

[Derek1387]

I have a mix of both types of tools. So EITHER would be just fine. I love the looks of the Milwaukee for sure. But the drawer setup is kind of wonky. For an only box for a while unitl i get a house/garage, that is what I am debating. Get a full on mechanics box or get a box that is suited for multi purpose.

 

[Derek1387]

Making my decision today. I am still leaning towards the Milwaukee, simply because of the Power tool storage.

The HF is probably the best bet though, for the hand tool storage.

I just cant make up my mind. Dammit! I cant find any pictures of the Milwaukee full of tools to see a decent layout.

 

[SJR033]

I have neither, but am also shopping for a new box. I would say the HF 44. Simply because of the side box. Yes, either may fit you needs now. But when you outgrow it and you will. Being able to get the HF side box is a big plus in my book.
Side note: If the "plain" looks of the HF are holding you back, many people have painted or vinyl wrapped the drawers & box to suit.

 

[Ign]

I'm a Milwaukee fan but the box just seems odd to me. I'd take it as a second box, if I had the room and need. But for more traditional box use, the HF is tried and true and seems to be constructed very well relative to price.

You can add a power strip to any box if it blows your skirt up, and chargers mount on the wall; never understood anyone who wanted to have any charger on a horizontal surface, even in or on a box.

 

[Darby Darrow]

My take on power tools (plus stuff like extension cords, paint cans, etc.) is to keep an eye out for the higher quality lateral file cabinets. I just bought a Canadian-built one that is really beautifully made for $20.

A great way to get some inexpensive power tool storage is your state surplus auction sites. Last year I was the winning bid on 10 4 drawer file cabinets for $50. I didn't really want 10 of them, but I have put them to use!

 

[Ign]

My Habitat store always has ball bearing filing cabinets coming out of their ears. Prices tend to be reasonable

 

[vr6vdub]

Home Depot is telling me the box is being discontinued.

 

[ruffryder]

My Habitat store always has ball bearing filing cabinets coming out of their ears. Prices tend to be reasonable

You guys need to pay attention to craigslist. I have not paid for any of my filing cabinets. I have 6 or so of the lateral ones. Wife also uses them for craft / fabric storage.

Maybe my area is different then yours, but something to keep an eye on.

So, Derek, what did you buy?

 

[firworks]

While I like the top portion of the Milwaukee / dewalt box, the HF layout is more practical. I have the HF 44 roller and found the excel TBT 400(looks just like the HF top chest) in Home Goods while shopping with the wife for lamps. Price tag read $275. Had a nickel sized dent in the back and a scratch on the back of the lid. Spoke to the manager and got another 10% off the ticketed price. So top chest and a lamp came out to $305.**
And I applied for a store credit card and got a 10% my next purchase coupon.

Dan

Your Home Goods carries tools? Mine has never had anything but like... 90 in 1 car tool kit garbage.

 

[Derek1387]

I caved. Bought the Milwaukee


Then.....bought the HF 44 and put it in the basement

 

[Jeff95TA]

Home Depot is telling me the box is being discontinued.

This is what Milwaukee told me on 11/23/15.

Customer's Message

There seems to be confusion in the "tool community" about the 46" tool chest. One person says they spoke with a Milwaukee rep who told him it's being discontinued. Another guy was told by a Home Depot purchasing agent that they're here to stay. Can you provide any insight?


Jeff,

The 46” tool chest combo is a Home Depot exclusive item and can be ordered through them on line. The supply and demand for this product has well surpassed our goals and we have beefed up production to fill the orders. They were on backorder and some of the stores do have stock now and you would need to check with your local store. If we can be of any further service please let me know.


Rory Hatch – After-Sales Service — Technical Support

 

[gipraw]

I have the best of both worlds. I have the Milwaukee top with my HF 44 bottom.

If I only had one, it would be the HF, but the Milwaukee makes things pretty simple in the shop and allows me to put things up much quicker, since it acts like having a small hutch.

 

[Jarhead0408]

That's a wonky setup haha, but I've got to admit, it kinda grows on you.

Good thinking on the mini hutch idea. That's pretty cool.

Glad you found what you wanted man. You should be set for storage (for now!).

 

[gipraw]

That's a wonky setup haha, but I've got to admit, it kinda grows on you.

Good thinking on the mini hutch idea. That's pretty cool.

Glad you found what you wanted man. You should be set for storage (for now!).

I am surprised that it doesn't bother my OCD, but it is really functional for what how I use it.

 

[vr6vdub]

I have the best of both worlds. I have the Milwaukee top with my HF 44 bottom.

If I only had one, it would be the HF, but the Milwaukee makes things pretty simple in the shop and allows me to put things up much quicker, since it acts like having a small hutch.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=503710&d=1449597905[IMG]







[ATTACH]503710[ATTACH][/QUOTE]

What do you prefer about the HF box?

 

[gipraw]

What do you prefer about the HF box?

I do a lot more wrenching than anything else and the HF is more efficient in that aspect. I liked the way the Milwaukee looked and it had turned out to be well built for the price point.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

So, my wife agreed to let me get a bigger tool box.
I have narrowed it down to either of those.

I REALLY like the Milwaukee due to the built in power, the storage setup, etc. It also looks GORGEOUS. It has lower weight capacity, but for me, that isnt a big concern, since i dont plan on having a **** ton of tools, as this is just side work/home/diy.

Or, the HF 44 setup. We all know this one.

Money situation-
I can get teh Milwaukee set for about $600, plus 0% financing, if i wanted. Plus I have a 10% off coupon so that would bring it even lower.

The HF, is the standard about $680, but they also agreed to let me bring back my HF 5 Drawer cart for a full exchange if upgrading to the 44. I could, also, just get the lower portion now, and get the upper portion later, when its "needed".




What say you!

My personal favorite is the Milwaukee. Its gorgeous, tough, and...Milwaukee.
The HF is...well, just a damn good box.

What is the brand of the tool tray? Thanks

 

[stage20]

brand irrelevent, id do the HF..... i like more thin drawers. i have bigger cabinets and shelves for things that need deep drawers. you can put power tools on a shelf, you cant lay a set of wrenches or a bunch of screwdrivers on a shelf. lol.

 

[Carp]

So right now I'm looking at about $700 OTD on the Milwaukee and about $680 OTD in the complete HF 44.

I was able to take my cart back today for a full refund so I can do either/or.

If you don't mind me asking, how long did you have the 5 drawer cart? I bought one about 3 years ago and now will need a bigger box. Wondering if I can pull off the same trick as you.

 

[Greg85mcss]

If you don't mind me asking, how long did you have the 5 drawer cart? I bought one about 3 years ago and now will need a bigger box. Wondering if I can pull off the same trick as you.

I tried to do that literally 91 days after purchase. Even got the store manager involved but it didn't work. Then again My regular hf was back ordered on the cart & I had to go to another location which is where I tried to do the exchange. They also were the only local place with the 72". If it all happened at my local store they probably would have done it. Guess it depends who you talk to.


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[Mac339th]

For anyone thinking seriously about the 44" roller... Looks like it will be in the big sidewalk sale in March. I have a few weeks to sell some items no longer needed and grab a good box at a damn good price!

 

[Parabellum]

Assuming both are Chinese made, get the HF, why pay more when its coming from China?

 

[CRXPilot]

I caved. Bought the Milwaukee


Then.....bought the HF 44 and put it in the basement

I think we all missed this. Well done!

 

[Derek1387]

Then I took the Milwaukee, sold it for what I paid for it, and bought a 56

Now to find not so crappy drawer liners :-/

 

[Parabellum]

Might be International Value Series

http://www.spginternational.com/client/page_large.asp?page=2508&clef=830&clef2=23#value

 

[Greg85mcss]

Then I took the Milwaukee, sold it for what I paid for it, and bought a 56

Now to find not so crappy drawer liners :-/

Look at pig liners. Not cheap but very nice & absorb grease. Mac liners are awesome but I have no idea what they cost.


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[gipraw]

Then I took the Milwaukee, sold it for what I paid for it, and bought a 56

Now to find not so crappy drawer liners :-/

So we need to see pics of the current setup

 

[cagullett1]

I wonder if HF would be willing to let me trade in my 44 for a 56? It's a little over a year old, but it looks brand new and I could really use the extra space.

 

[Parabellum]

Made in Vietnam, it looks similar to the Dewalt one, think thats Vietnam made too. The Husky HD one appears to be International made in Canada.