HF 56" box disappointment

[e30bradley]

Today I went to the HF store in East Brunswick NJ to pick up a box.. I Didn't get to look around the store like I wanted to because my uncle was in a hurry, So I promptly found the box I wanted and found a sales person to ask about loading it. The guy said he would be back in a minute and then spent about 10 minutes talking with other customers. Eventually we where rung up and instructed to go around back to the loading dock so the box could be placed in my uncle's chevy. The guy in charge didn't think it would be possible to use the fork lift to get it in the truck .. So my uncle and I watched him and 4 other HF staff try to push this 585lb box into my uncles truck. at one point the had the whole weight of the thing resting on his tailgate..he wasn't very happy about that and made it loud and clear. ANYWAY.. the box go into the truck eventually and we got it home. Once we where their we had to figure out how the hell we where going to unload this thing. Thankfully my neighbor was outside and came over to help. We ended up taking most of the drawers out and removing the tailgate. Then we slided it out on a board of wood (it wasn't nearly as easy as I made that sound). When I took one of the drawers out I noticed it didn't move smoothly.. after trying to re-instal the drawer for 10 minutes latter in the day I decided to inspect the slide.. What I found was that the right slide was completely f__ked up.. Take a look at the pictures. What do I do about this!? In the instructions for the box it says "Note: No replacement parts are available" The slides appear to be riveted in... If they tell me to bring the box back for an exchange I'm going to tell them they better take at least $150 off for fuel, time, and energy spent because of this BS. This was my first HF experience and it was not a good one.

Here are my first impressions:
pros:
Sturdy frame
decent paint
large capacity
price
smooth drawers
grip latch type mechanism to keep drawers shut

Cons:
quality control issue
flimsy slides
extremely hard to maneuver due to only having swivel castors on one end
no replacement parts?..
drawer liners aren't pre cut

Honestly I was expecting this box to be allot nicer.. The slides feel extremely flimsy and the drawers have allot of side to side play.

SO, (no, not Snap on) what should I do about this? if I call customer service what do you think they'll say? and who else has had HF box issues?
Pictures: http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i364/e30bradley/DSC02235.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i364/e30bradley/DSC02233.jpg

 

[biscuit141]

Wow that *****. I bet they will tell you to bring it back. Was it NIB when they loaded it or was it already unboxed?

 

[e30bradley]

Wow that *****. I bet they will tell you to bring it back. Was it NIB when they loaded it or was it already unboxed?

It was still crated, and in the cardboard box. Even the crate surrounding it was flimsy.. Bringing it back may not be possible. unloading that thing so soFKihn hard, theres no way I could get it back.

 

[DanCo]

You got no balls...there. I would call the store manager I think his name was Rick or Rob, I've also had some ******** happen to at that store. What is the lenght of that slide in the closed position? I ask only because HD sells ball bearing slides in various lenghts. I would tell them to give you back money.

Dan

 

[redwrench60]

That money was burning a hole in your pocket after missing that Snap-On box wasn't it? I'd take it back and exchange it or get a refund and hold out for another good used one like you were lookin' at.

 

[Skin]

pictures to store, get partial refund. Stop at hardware store and get some ball bearings. Go home and spend 10 minutes with a punch and pair of pliers straightening the slide. Enjoy box.

 

[e30bradley]

You got no balls...there. I would call the store manager I thonk his name was Rick or Rob, I've also had some ******** happen to at that store. What is the lenght of that slide in the closed position? I ask only because HD sells ball bearing slides in various lenghts. I would tell them to give you back money.

Dan

I'll measure tomorrow.. the slides are riveted though, I'd have to buy a riveter and drill out the old ones. I wish they would deliver a new one and take this one away but thats not gona happen.

That money was burning a hole in your pocket after missing that Snap-On box wasn't it? I'd take it back and exchange it or get a refund and hold out for another good used one like you were lookin' at.

Yeah lol. I wanted to get this box last weekend but then I found the snap on box. I wish I got that
and I probably should just get a refund and wait for a good deal on another SO box but returning it would be a huge project.. it took 4 people to get the box out, it will take like 10 to get it in. (of a pickup truck box/bed)

 

[e30bradley]

pictures to store, get partial refund. Stop at hardware store and get some ball bearings. Go home and spend 10 minutes with a punch and pair of pliers straightening the slide. Enjoy box.

I don't think straightening that would be possible. its pretty bent up. and just getting to the store and back is over an hour.

 

[DanCo]

I'll measure tomorrow.. the slides are riveted though, I'd have to buy a riveter and drill out the old ones. I wish they would deliver a new one and take this one away but thats not gona happen.


QUOTE]

A pop rivet gun can be had from Sears or HD for under $20, its a great tool to have. **** if you find yourself near me I'll lend you mine.

Dan

 

[redwrench60]

I'm afraid that slide is toast, don't bother trying to fix it. Just get it back and get a refund. You don't want a box with no repair parts available. Good equipment is field repairable.

 

[magova1104]

I would return it and try to find a good used snap on. Snap on guarantee their tool boxes for a lifetime. I broke one one my tool box slides and my Snap on dealer gave me the one that I broke and one more extra free charge,he told me the slides are guaranteed forever.

 

[freeskier]

me and 2 friends unloaded an mb1700 no ramp, just take the gate off and get some buddies over

 

[ATC]

Sorry to hear about your misfortune. I've actually been thinking about selling my MAC box and going with the US General (I could use the leftover cash for a project I've started).

I've unloaded 700lb gun safes with no ramps or hoists...You can do it.

 

[madbasser]

Not sure the drawer would have even slid out with the slides that beat up. They might not give u anything.
Not saying they shouldn't. Good customer service will take care anything.

 

[Gmonkee]

Worse comes to worse just remove the damaged slide and take it to a good bodyman. Its just a piece of tin, those guys do tinworking well.

 

[cascivic]

Just call the store. They'll prob flip your drawer for the same one out of the floor model.

 

[Mickey O]

Sorry to hear about your misfortune. I've actually been thinking about selling my MAC box and going with the US General (I could use the leftover cash for a project I've started).

I've unloaded 700lb gun safes with no ramps or hoists...You can do it.

Don't do it, you'll be sorry.

 

[concealer404]

I'll be dissenting vote and say you just got unlucky, much like the guy with the Mac box recently on here.

I've messed around with quite a few of these, and my buddy has one and uses the hell out of it. No complaints, never seen any of this play or anything.

You've got a borked slide. Handle it and get some money back from the store for the repair, or take it back to the store and work something out with the manager.

 

[balane]

People are always nervous when it comes to rivets. They are easy to remove, 5 seconds with a drill. They are easy to install and cheap. I use my rivet tool every day. Go buy a rivet tool and a pack of various rivets. They are cheap and, trust me, once you get used to them you'll reach for them more than you go looking for a screw to put something together.

Other than the one bad drawer slide do you like the box? You would be totally happy with the box if that drawer worked normally?

If you like the box otherwise then I suggest this; take a slide off of a drawer you won't use much, like the narrow bottom drawer and install it where this one is. Then take the damage slide and go to work on it. Try to make it passable and then install it on the least often used drawer. All this time be dealing with your Harbor Freight store. Be polite but firm, talk to the manager, try to get it resolved. Certainly you're not the first with this issue and they must have something in place to help with this. It isn't good business to be shipping gigantic, 1/4 ton metal slabs back and forth to China when a $5 slide breaks. Just talk to them.

Edit: On your cons list, I don't know of many big boxes that have swivel castors on both ends. I've never had a full size tool box with more than two swivel wheels anyway, I don't think I've ever seen one. Not sure I'd want one either because that heavy box would go crazy when you tried to push it anywhere. And, on the drawers, they WILL feel better when you get tools in them. Tool drawers are made to feel better when they're loaded. Granted, it won't feel as good as a KRL drawer but it will improve considerably.

.

 

[Kevin54]

pictures to store, get partial refund. Stop at hardware store and get some ball bearings. Go home and spend 10 minutes with a punch and pair of pliers straightening the slide. Enjoy box.

^^^^This^^^^

From the pics, I'd venture to say that you could straighten it out without removing the slide. You may want to also look in the very bottom of the box to see if the bearings are laying in there. If you can't find any bearings at the hardware store, you could probably rob a few out of the other slides and not hamper the operation of them at all.

 

[66ss]

call the 1-800 number thats in the little 2 page manual that it comes with. i had a problem with mine and i called and there sending me 2 entire draws with slide for FREE....no questions asked no bull sh%t....atleast they stand behind it

 

[Davefr]

You really need a trailer to properly move these large boxes. (U-Haul 6X9 w/drop down ramp is only $20/day)

Either spend the $20 and return the box or try and fix it yourself. All you need is a pair of needle nose pliers and some matching ball bearings that you can probably get at Ace Hardware.

 

[e30bradley]

I'll measure tomorrow.. the slides are riveted though, I'd have to buy a riveter and drill out the old ones. I wish they would deliver a new one and take this one away but thats not gona happen.


QUOTE]

A pop rivet gun can be had from Sears or HD for under $20, its a great tool to have. **** if you find yourself near me I'll lend you mine.

Dan

the closest sears is over an hour driving round trip also. and thats a nice offer but I don't go to NY to often. thanks anyway.

I'm afraid that slide is toast, don't bother trying to fix it. Just get it back and get a refund. You don't want a box with no repair parts available. Good equipment is field repairable.

Yeah, I agree. No replacement parts is pretty ridiculous. I was going to buy an 80's or 90's Snap on box this weekend but it sold the night I emailed the guy. It had a broken slide, but they are still available from snap on, along with every other part of the box.

I would return it and try to find a good used snap on. Snap on guarantee their tool boxes for a lifetime. I broke one one my tool box slides and my Snap on dealer gave me the one that I broke and one more extra free charge,he told me the slides are guaranteed forever.

I probably will.. But good deals on Snap on boxes are not easy to find in the tri state area. I'm always scouring CL and found one good deal.

me and 2 friends unloaded an mb1700 no ramp, just take the gate off and get some buddies over

thats crazy Lol. How did you get it in the truck though? I've already got it out.. but getting it back do the store is going to be hard.

Sorry to hear about your misfortune. I've actually been thinking about selling my MAC box and going with the US General (I could use the leftover cash for a project I've started).

I've unloaded 700lb gun safes with no ramps or hoists...You can do it.

Don't do it.. Even though its a nice box, your MAC box is probably 598 % better. Do you think you would be able to load the same safe into a pickup?

Not sure the drawer would have even slid out with the slides that beat up. They might not give u anything.
Not saying they shouldn't. Good customer service will take care anything.

on the right side slide for that drawer (the busted one), the slide on the drawer wasn't really in the slide on the box. I think thats how it got screwed up.. It must have been installed wrong or bent, so they just jammed it in

Worse comes to worse just remove the damaged slide and take it to a good bodyman. Its just a piece of tin, those guys do tinworking well.

I'm sure they could do it, but this is a brand new box, I shouldn't have to do that. And I'm sure that would be pretty costly.

Just call the store. They'll prob flip your drawer for the same one out of the floor model.

that would be cool. hmm.. maybe they should give me slides and a rivet gun

I've messed around with quite a few of these, and my buddy has one and uses the hell out of it. No complaints, never seen any of this play or anything.

You've got a borked slide. Handle it and get some money back from the store for the repair, or take it back to the store and work something out with the manager.

I got a bad box.. Maybe it went through quality control when the chinese workers where on their 16th hour of the shift.

People are always nervous when it comes to rivets. They are easy to remove, 5 seconds with a drill. They are easy to install and cheap. I use my rivet tool every day. Go buy a rivet tool and a pack of various rivets. They are cheap and, trust me, once you get used to them you'll reach for them more than you go looking for a screw to put something together.

Other than the one bad drawer slide do you like the box? You would be totally happy with the box if that drawer worked normally?

If you like the box otherwise then I suggest this; take a slide off of a drawer you won't use much, like the narrow bottom drawer and install it where this one is. Then take the damage slide and go to work on it. Try to make it passable and then install it on the least often used drawer. All this time be dealing with your Harbor Freight store. Be polite but firm, talk to the manager, try to get it resolved. Certainly you're not the first with this issue and they must have something in place to help with this. It isn't good business to be shipping gigantic, 1/4 ton metal slabs back and forth to China when a $5 slide breaks. Just talk to them.

Edit: On your cons list, I don't know of many big boxes that have swivel castors on both ends. I've never had a full size tool box with more than two swivel wheels anyway, I don't think I've ever seen one. Not sure I'd want one either because that heavy box would go crazy when you tried to push it anywhere. And, on the drawers, they WILL feel better when you get tools in them. Tool drawers are made to feel better when they're loaded. Granted, it won't feel as good as a KRL drawer but it will improve considerably.

.

I was going to get this rivet kit but I just realized its made in Taiwan
and about the castors, I've never had a big rolling box before this, just a 26" 6 drawer husky. they bot have 2 fixed and two swiveling castors. I just thought it would be easier if they all swiveled.. to move this huge box you need a ton of space to swing it out.. Like parallel parking. I'm good at parking cars, not tool boxes.

^^^^This^^^^

From the pics, I'd venture to say that you could straighten it out without removing the slide. You may want to also look in the very bottom of the box to see if the bearings are laying in there. If you can't find any bearings at the hardware store, you could probably rob a few out of the other slides and not hamper the operation of them at all.

I probably could, but again.. its a brand new box, I shouldn't have to do this.

 

[e30bradley]

call the 1-800 number thats in the little 2 page manual that it comes with. i had a problem with mine and i called and there sending me 2 entire draws with slide for FREE....no questions asked no bull sh%t....atleast they stand behind it

okay thanks. Do you know if they do business on Sunday?

You really need a trailer to properly move these large boxes. (U-Haul 6X9 w/drop down ramp is only $20/day)

Either spend the $20 and return the box or try and fix it yourself. All you need is a pair of needle nose pliers and some matching ball bearings that you can probably get at Ace Hardware.

I told my uncle we should probably get one of those..

 

[balane]

I was going to get this rivet kit but I just realized its made in Taiwan
and about the castors, I've never had a big rolling box before this, just a 26" 6 drawer husky. they bot have 2 fixed and two swiveling castors. I just thought it would be easier if they all swiveled.. to move this huge box you need a ton of space to swing it out.. Like parallel parking. I'm good at parking cars, not tool boxes.

What's wrong with Taiwan? Your new box was made in China. Granted, I would like a USA rivet tool myself but Taiwan makes OK stuff these days, it's basically a US state now with all the US industry and Americans that live there. Taiwan tools are just fine these days usually.

Just a tip to slide in the non-swivel end of your box.. put a piece of wood under it and then jack it up with your floor jack, just a little to get the wheels off the ground a 1/4" and then just push it straight back with the floor jack.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

at least it was cheap

 

[e30bradley]

What's wrong with Taiwan? Your new box was made in China. Granted, I would like a USA rivet tool myself but Taiwan makes OK stuff these days, it's basically a US state now with all the US industry and Americans that live there. Taiwan tools are just fine these days usually.

Just a tip to slide in the non-swivel end of your box.. put a piece of wood under it and then jack it up with your floor jack, just a little to get the wheels off the ground a 1/4" and then just push it straight back with the floor jack.

I know taiwan makes quality stuff but I would prefer US. oh well, I'll probably get that one anyway. and thats a good idea. When I was working at a local shop the new guy did that to position his 72 inch snap on box with a side cabinet.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Yeah lol. I wanted to get this box last weekend but then I found the snap on box. I wish I got that
and I probably should just get a refund and wait for a good deal on another SO box but returning it would be a huge project.. it took 4 people to get the box out, it will take like 10 to get it in. (of a pickup truck box/bed)

Yes, it will be a pain to return the HF box

Yes, it may be awhile until you find the used box you want

but most importantly in the long run...

Yes, you will be happy you did the above things.

 

[back2class]

Yeah lol. I wanted to get this box last weekend but then I found the snap on box. I wish I got that
and I probably should just get a refund and wait for a good deal on another SO box but returning it would be a huge project.. it took 4 people to get the box out, it will take like 10 to get it in. (of a pickup truck box/bed)

I had a 56" Snap-on taco cart. Much heavier built than that HF box. Unloded it from my full size SUV myself and then up 4 steps to my deck.....by myself and I'm pretty small stature. Quit whining and throw in in the truck and bring it back. Get your money back and buy a good used box.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Do you know if they do business on Sunday?

Instead of waiting for someone on here to reply, why not call the number and find out?

 

[kippieland]

WOW! I have to agree with your cons list. Everytime I play with them at the store, they feel way to flimsy for me. But it does have a nice price.....

 

[Ign]

HF sells a pneumatic rivet gun. That'd be irony - buying HF tools to fix HF tools.

If you can't find the ball bearings locally (they're surely metric), a bag of 100 is probably under $8 thru MSC.

Finally, I think you're whining too much. You bought a box from HF. I like HF. I have a lot of HF stuff. And I'm not surprised when I have to fix something on it, even right away. You're expecting tool truck service at cut rate prices. It's like expecting Wal-Mart to provide you with a personal shopper and guy in the bathroom handing you fresh towels. Fix the issue (which is minor) and move on. If you think it ***** that you have to fix it, then you shouldn't shop at HF any longer.

 

[Lawson4450]

I shop that store all the time and have never had a problem. all the employees have been nice to me and always go out of there way to help me and other people. sometimes they do get sidetracked but hey what can you do if your patient with them they are great. I have brought stuff back no problem maybe you just got a bum piece that happens.

 

[SMKS]

To the OP-

Don't try to return it! Call the 800 number first!

When I bought my 44" HF box, it had a bad caster. I called the store because I didn't want to load it up and return it. They told me to just call the number in the manual and they'd send me a replacement caster.

I called the number and received the new caster in about a week. I had to look in the manual and give him a number from the schematic. Also, they wanted some numbers off my receipt to verify the purchase.

Also, are you sure you didn't damage the slide by improperly reinstalling the drawer? I assume you would have noticed how poorly it slid when you removed it if the slide was as damaged as it is in the pic.

I think your criticisms of the box are premature. Wait until you get this issue sorted out and use the box before you try to pass judgement. I wouldn't doubt if your opinion is being clouded by this issue.

I've had my 44" for about two years. I try to avoid Chinese products whenever I can. This is one of my few Chinese purchases that I don't feel guilty about. It's not a pro-grade box, but for the price I paid ($279 + tax) it destroys all the competition.

As far as your comment about the casters only swiveling on one side - I think pretty much any box of this size will be that way. Four swiveling casters seems like a recipe for tipping the box over.

And before someone claims they got a like new SO box for the same price, I've never seen those sorts of deals in my area...

 

[e30bradley]

Yes, it will be a pain to return the HF box

Yes, it may be awhile until you find the used box you want

but most importantly in the long run...

Yes, you will be happy you did the above things.

I decided to keep it.. whats the resale value on these? A 6pc Snap on flare nut wrench set?

I had a 56" Snap-on taco cart. Much heavier built than that HF box. Unloded it from my full size SUV myself and then up 4 steps to my deck.....by myself and I'm pretty small stature. Quit whining and throw in in the truck and bring it back. Get your money back and buy a good used box.

just because you can doesn't mean I can.. I'd pay to see someone 'throw it in the truck' ..if you can find someone who can throw a 58" long, 585lb box into a Chevy 3500 let me know.

Instead of waiting for someone on here to reply, why not call the number and find out?

I did right after I asked if they ar eopen Sundays

WOW! I have to agree with your cons list. Everytime I play with them at the store, they feel way to flimsy for me. But it does have a nice price.....

I was just expecting more because of how well they're talked about on here.

HF sells a pneumatic rivet gun. That'd be irony - buying HF tools to fix HF tools.

If you can't find the ball bearings locally (they're surely metric), a bag of 100 is probably under $8 thru MSC.

Finally, I think you're whining too much. You bought a box from HF. I like HF. I have a lot of HF stuff. And I'm not surprised when I have to fix something on it, even right away. You're expecting tool truck service at cut rate prices. It's like expecting Wal-Mart to provide you with a personal shopper and guy in the bathroom handing you fresh towels. Fix the issue (which is minor) and move on. If you think it ***** that you have to fix it, then you shouldn't shop at HF any longer.

I probably won't be going back.. if I do it will be for zip ties and wrenches to grind thinner for brake caliper bolts.. I already have a HF set for that though. in both metric, and standard.

I shop that store all the time and have never had a problem. all the employees have been nice to me and always go out of there way to help me and other people. sometimes they do get sidetracked but hey what can you do if your patient with them they are great. I have brought stuff back no problem maybe you just got a bum piece that happens.

the employees where polite. My uncle was just mad because he was in a bad mood and in a hurry. and the customers he was talking to weren't buying a $800 box.

To the OP-

Don't try to return it! Call the 800 number first!

When I bought my 40" HF box, it had a bad caster. I called the store because I didn't want to load it up and return it. They told me to just call the number in the manual and they'd send me a replacement caster.

I called the number and received the new caster in about a week. I had to look in the manual and give him a number from the schematic. Also, they wanted some numbers off my receipt to verify the purchase.

Also, are you sure you didn't damage the slide by improperly reinstalling the drawer? I assume you would have noticed how poorly it slid when you removed it if the slide was as damaged as it is in the pic.

I think your criticisms of the box are premature. Wait until you get this issue sorted out and use the box before you try to pass judgement. I wouldn't doubt if your opinion is being clouded by this issue.

I've had my 40" for about two years. I try to avoid Chinese products whenever I can. This is one of my few Chinese purchases that I don't feel guilty about. It's not a pro-grade box, but for the price I paid ($279 + tax) it destroys all the competition.

As far as your comment about the casters only swiveling on one side - I think pretty much any box of this size will be that way. Four swiveling casters seems like a recipe for tipping the box over.

And before someone claims they got a like new SO box for the same price, I've never seen those sorts of deals in my area...

I'm sure I didn't do that installing the drawer. I called the number and the manufacturer is sending a slide from the factory in China, to my door.. weird. The guy one the phone said 8 weeks..or more. Hopefully it doesn't take that long. you probably got your castor quick because those are stocked bny stores and online. maybe not? idk. and the slides aren't available through HF, only from the manufacturer.
and in NJ a good deal on a truck brand box is almost impossible to find. everyone wants crazy money for there stuff. Oh and I paid a full $800 + tax

 

[SMKS]

and in NJ a good deal on a truck brand box is almost impossible to find. everyone wants crazy money for there stuff. Oh and I paid a full $800 + tax

Ouch, that hurts. $800 is a big chunk of change. I'm only a DIY'er, as I assume you are, judging by your posts. I haven't been shopping this box so I don't know the answer, but what are the coupon deals on the 56"? Is $800 the best deal you could get on it?

Did you go to the store wanting to buy the 56" box, or was it an impulse purchase? It's hard for me to tell reading your post. You mentioned your uncle was in a hurry. I waited for a good sale when I got the 44" box.

did you look at the 44" box? I don't know how many tools you have, but I have a good amount for a DIY'er. Even I can't justify buying the 56" box, and I justify a lot of tool purchases that are questionable.

 

[wornoutoldman]

The good news is when you trade it in on a new SO box down the road you'll get every penny you spent back. Post pics with your SO box on top please!

 

[Skin]

I decided to keep it.. whats the resale value on these? A 6pc Snap on flare nut wrench set?

Actually the resale on HF boxes might surprise you.

 

[e30bradley]

Ouch, that hurts. $800 is a big chunk of change. I'm only a DIY'er, as I assume you are, judging by your posts. I haven't been shopping this box so I don't know the answer, but what are the coupon deals on the 56"? Is $800 the best deal you could get on it?

Did you go to the store wanting to buy the 56" box, or was it an impulse purchase? It's hard for me to tell reading your post. You mentioned your uncle was in a hurry. I waited for a good sale when I got the 40" box.

did you look at the 40" box? I don't know how many tools you have, but I have a good amount for a DIY'er. Even I can't justify buying the 56" box, and I justify a lot of tool purchases that are questionable.

I guess I'm a do it myselfer for now. But in a few years I'll be a 'professional' I'm going to school atm. I went to the store planning to buy that box and from what I've heard HF doesn't do coupons on these boxes anymore.

The good news is when you trade it in on a new SO box down the road you'll get every penny you spent back. Post pics with your SO box on top please!

your gona have to wait till this slide comes haha. the SNap on box is a 1979 KRA-59C

Actually the resale on HF boxes might surprise you.

really? thats surprising. I thought I'd struggle to get half what I paid for this thing in like 5 years.

 

[wornoutoldman]

your gona have to wait till this slide comes haha. the SNap on box is a 1979 KRA-59C

Great Box! It's a classic!