HF 56" vs. Tool Vault 56 combo

[alex3610]

Title pretty much says it all. Looks like with current prices and sales tax the HF 56" combo will run me about $1175 and I have to get it home myself.

The Tool Vault 56 is currently $1655 shipped. $480 difference is not exactly pocket change to me, although, I view this as the last tool box I will own for the rest of my life. The dimensions seem pretty close with an edge to the Tool Vault upper. The other thing here is I am absolutely in love with the lime green paint on the Tool Vault.

I've fondled the Harbor Freight unit in the store many times before so I'm pretty familiar with the build quality. I've never seen the Tool Vault box in person. I really wish the HF 56 was built like the 44 but it is what it is.

So the big question is, is the Tool Vault worth $480 over the Harbor Freight box? I'm also open to any other alternative suggestions, but I will add that the Tool Vault has already really stretched my budget here.

Thanks!

 

[Caterpillar Cowboy]

I just picked up a Tool Vault 56. Was skeptical as I don't know anyone with one of their boxes, and there's no store I can go and look at one at. When it arrived I was plumb happy, and impressed once I got it together. Very happy with it!

Harbor freight I have no experience with.

 

[Mr_B]

Could also look at masterforce 56". That has offer running
Tool Vault not bad box. HF ok for tight budget but only buy them when rock bottom deal/coupons.
Tool vault black and green is nice looking box, finish and build good but it not the extreme, menards masterforce nice in black and green too and better value for money currently in my opinion .

 

[alex3610]

I'm looking now at the MasterForce on menards.com and it looks like a nice set. Very comparable to the Tool Vault and I dig the dark green. They are showing top+bottom for $1098. With shipping it ends up being $1360.29. Too bad the closest Menards store is in Ohio. Does Menards put these on sale like this often?

 

[lightning02]

i was in the same boat couple years ago. i went with the tool vault. far better built imo when i compared them. i got the 3pc kit. i wanted a side cabinet as well but they don't make one for it which *****. been waiting to see if anyone tried fitting a diff brand on theirs but nothing so far i have seen anyone do. i got mine for a killer deal from them. the 3pc kit shipped to my front door at my house with tax (i live in FL) was cheaper then the 2pc HF and me picking it up. so i couldn't say no to that deal lol im very happy with it. i just want a side cabinet now

if i had to do it all over again id get the 72in version with 30in deep drawers. hatch and 2 cabinets/lockers.

the only cons i can say about the 56 TV is i would much rather have polished alum handles.

 

[alex3610]

How do the Tool Vault drawers latch? I'm really liking the looks of the MasterForce latching system right now, and the latches on the Harbor Freight box were probably the biggest turn off to that one. Shipping aside the Master Force is less money than the Harbor Freight right now and in that scenario it's a no brainer. Now I'm really questioning the Master Force @ $1360 vs Tool Vault $1655. I do prefer the lower cabinet drawer lay out on the Tool Vault as opposed to the Master Force layout where they are split down the middle but that isn't a dealer breaker necessarily. Decisions decisions!

 

[Mr_B]

Tool vault you looked at is detents on drawer slides.
Masterforce is Montezuma/Toolvault manufacturer but uses more of the Montezuma type features.
Don't see Masterforce deals as often as would a HF box. Shame not got a local store as nice look one over plus cracking deal if can ship it yourself.
I too think the ToolVault bottom drawer with offset split is better layout but not major difference, masterforce latches are proper good, drawers are heavier guage to I believe but check that in product description s as can't recall for a fact .

 

[SteveCh]

I have had my ToolVault [56] for about three years, love it. I drove a fairly long distance to a HF store to buy a tool box there after the raving that goes on on this forum about them. I left completely turned off by the boxes and ordered from StrictlyToolBoxes.com

Very nice box and it will be my last. Well worth the extra bucks to me. And I was on a pretty tight budget. I was so discouraged by the HF junk that I found a way to make the cost work.

 

[alex3610]

I think the "deal" at HF for a tool box is definitely the 44. It's a great value but I don't think big enough for me. Once you get into the $1000+ range for the 56 it just doesn't seem like such a bargain anymore. Currently I probably barely have enough tools to fill the 44 but I'm thinking long term here and want something I can grow into and eventually pass down one day.

Do the Tool Vaults ever go on sale?

 

[lightning02]

Do the Tool Vaults ever go on sale?

Not that I ever could remember but you can call and ask if they have some scratch and bent ones for a discount

 

[Carquest]

I just bought a Tool Vault Elite, which is their top of the line, and so far I have nothing but good things to say about it. Ordered it from Strictly Toolboxes on Tuesday and received it on Friday. Excellent all the way around

 

[ptgarcia]

I just bought a Tool Vault Elite, which is their top of the line, and so far I have nothing but good things to say about it. Ordered it from Strictly Toolboxes on Tuesday and received it on Friday. Excellent all the way around

How much, if you don't mind divulging?

 

[Carquest]

$2975 for the 72", I think the 56" is around $2100. Just the roller cabinet

 

[Mr_B]

Elite boxes are superb, for 1000 to 1500 serious home user or if used with some common sense by pro the masterforce or toolvault is best bang for buck. HF only worth it at rock bottom prices and even then then it a compromise rarher than outright deal . 56" box has lot of storage and easily add a side drawer cabinet or even 2 as tools grow. Think you would be happy with either toolvault or masterforce. Masterforce great deal if local enough self collect plus seeing boxes before paying is nice.
Look on youtube for some reviews. I would go with masterforce but probably smaller than 56 and add side cabinets as drawer layout better for me that way .

 

[Caterpillar Cowboy]

My Tool Vault 56 with a side locker was either 2,000 or 2,100 to my door.

When a Snap On Classic series comparable that I was looking at would have been in the 7,000 to 9,000 range I feel like I made out like a bandit. Granted Tool Vault isn't a Snap On box but it seems like it will serve me well for many years.

 

[Stevenn1]

....I really wish the HF 56 was built like the 44 but it is what it is....

What's exactly the difference in build quality??

 

[B_Lafayet]

I got a flyer the other day pricing the HF 56 for $649. I noticed that the height of the drawers on the HF is a little higher than some of the other boxes out there. May want to see if the drawer height in the unit you are looking at maximizes your needs.

 

[alex3610]

What's exactly the difference in build quality??

The 56 looked and felt cheaper to me. The latches felt like they were about to break and the drawers didn't feel as solid as those on the 44. Even the paint finish didn't seem as nice on the 56. It appeared to me they are sourced from different suppliers. I don't mean to put down the 56, still a really decent box but I just didn't think it was as nice as the 44. Just my opinion.

 

[kctyphoon]

The good thing about the HF boxes is that they are infinitely expandable using the drawer addition to mesh two lower units together. Lots of people here have one, including myself. I have a pic of a lower 44 with 2 drawer units added, and the owner made a plywood top across it all as a work surface. If I had the room I would have done the same myself..

You can check Amazon too. I had posted a deal for a 56" box that was marked down to $1000 delivered a while back, but there are a bunch of extreme boxes and internationals that are advertised one there with delivery too..

Lastly, there is a coupon posted in hot deals forum HF coupon thread that bring the 44" lower cabinet down to $340. So you could build the above for like $720 I think.

 

[Mr_B]

The 56 looked and felt cheaper to me. The latches felt like they were about to break and the drawers didn't feel as solid as those on the 44. Even the paint finish didn't seem as nice on the 56. It appeared to me they are sourced from different suppliers. I don't mean to put down the 56, still a really decent box but I just didn't think it was as nice as the 44. Just my opinion.

pretty sure current production different factory and the new model number boxes don't appear quite as good in final build finish :-/
Old opinions on older boxes not going be relevant so buyers best looking before buying and if do buy be sure do so when rock bottom price.
when spending 1000bucks and up or just want better features masterforce and strictlytoolboxes.com make a better end product plus have color choices and even husky worth a glance if promotion on and low cost a must .

 

[lightning02]

anther thing to take into account that HF doesn't offer is a warranty (and or parts) where as strictly tool does. you can buy extra slides from them too if you want to double up on couple drawers. just a email or phone call away. very nice people to deal with.

 

[John in OH]

Are the depths (front to rear) the same for the HF, Tool Vault, and Masterforce?

 

[Mr_B]

^ all in 20" depth range from what I recall on 56" models

 

[ryan20021982]

anther thing to take into account that HF doesn't offer is a warranty (and or parts) where as strictly tool does. you can buy extra slides from them too if you want to double up on couple drawers. just a email or phone call away. very nice people to deal with.

HF parts can be ordered, I ordered 2 of the top mats for the 72" for my bench
1-888-866-5797, Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 4:00 pm (PST)

 

[lightning02]

HF parts can be ordered, I ordered 2 of the top mats for the 72" for my bench
1-888-866-5797, Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 4:00 pm (PST)

I wouldn't consider mat parts but ok I guess.

Can you order drawers?

 

[kctyphoon]

I wouldn't consider mat parts but ok I guess.

Can you order drawers?

You can order anything. Slides, drawers, shelves, lock kits..

 

[lightning02]

thats good to know.

 

[B_Lafayet]

You can order anything. Slides, drawers, shelves, lock kits..

I looked into buying some drawers from the HF parts phone number and in fact they did have them. They were a bit expensive, especially including shipping. I also priced some other parts such as trim and latches and it seemed that most if not all of the parts listed in the exploded assembly diagram at the back of the manual that came with the HF 56 tool box were available.

 

[fordgasm]

I'm trying to decide what HF box I want. The 44 top and bottom with the 8 drawer side box on each end, the 56 top and bottom or the 72. I like the build quality of the 44 but I like the deeper drawers on the 56 & 72. I also like the 56 because it's stop and bottom. Decisions decisions.....

 

[kctyphoon]

I'm trying to decide what HF box I want. The 44 top and bottom with the 8 drawer side box on each end, the 56 top and bottom or the 72. I like the build quality of the 44 but I like the deeper drawers on the 56 & 72. I also like the 56 because it's stop and bottom. Decisions decisions.....

$1 per square inch the 44" is the Best Buy.

 

[CharlieM]

I'm trying to decide what HF box I want. The 44 top and bottom with the 8 drawer side box on each end, the 56 top and bottom or the 72. I like the build quality of the 44 but I like the deeper drawers on the 56 & 72. I also like the 56 because it's stop and bottom. Decisions decisions.....

I'm in the same boat.

 

[Greg85mcss]

I'm looking now at the MasterForce on menards.com and it looks like a nice set. Very comparable to the Tool Vault and I dig the dark green. They are showing top+bottom for $1098. With shipping it ends up being $1360.29. Too bad the closest Menards store is in Ohio. Does Menards put these on sale like this often?

How did you get a shipping price? I'm probably about the same distance from the closest menards & I couldn't order for delivery off their website.


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[ryan20021982]

I wouldn't consider mat parts but ok I guess.

Can you order drawers?

Yes that's why I said you can order the parts, said I only ordered mats.

 

[Drunken Yak inc]

The 56 looked and felt cheaper to me. The latches felt like they were about to break and the drawers didn't feel as solid as those on the 44. Even the paint finish didn't seem as nice on the 56. It appeared to me they are sourced from different suppliers. I don't mean to put down the 56, still a really decent box but I just didn't think it was as nice as the 44. Just my opinion.

Interesting. I own a 56" top and bottom and a 44" bottom and feel that the 56" has a slightly better fit & finish, plus it has actual latches on the drawers while the 44" has detents instead. I much prefer the 56" over the 44" Having said that, I bought mine a handful of years ago and am rather unaware if they've been updated/downgraded since.

 

[chipper]

The 56 looked and felt cheaper to me. The latches felt like they were about to break and the drawers didn't feel as solid as those on the 44. Even the paint finish didn't seem as nice on the 56. It appeared to me they are sourced from different suppliers. I don't mean to put down the 56, still a really decent box but I just didn't think it was as nice as the 44. Just my opinion.

I feel the opposite ive owned both and currently own the 56 with the 44 side cab and i cant stand the detents on the 44..i actually like the drawer locks on the 56 i don't know why they get so much hate nobody ever seems to hate them on the 5 drawer cart...my opinion

 

[Greg85mcss]

I don't know about the 44 but when I had the 4 drawer cart the detents were shot in less than a year. I bought the 5 drawer and those latces aren't my favorite but you get used to them and they've held up great for over 3 years. This is pushing them around a shop and opening the drawers all day long so having a box against the wall in your garage I'm sure would be a lot less wear & tear. I will be in the market for one similar to the op once my shop gets built. My personal preference is the montezuma & griplatch type systems. The masterforce uses them iirc.


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[fordgasm]

$1 per square inch the 44" is the Best Buy.

I'm just worried I may outgrow the 44 combo pretty fast is all. Though I do like the drawer arrangement of it best.

 

[jobo1004]

I'm just worried I may outgrow the 44 combo pretty fast is all. Though I do like the drawer arrangement of it best.

I'd say your worry is valid. I bought the 44" about 1.5 years ago and thought I'd never fill it. Now I'm contemplating buying the 56". If you can afford it and have the space, I'd go ahead and get the 56" unless you know someone who's going to pay you decent money for the 44" down the road.

 

[Jake C]

Title pretty much says it all. Looks like with current prices and sales tax the HF 56" combo will run me about $1175 and I have to get it home myself.



The Tool Vault 56 is currently $1655 shipped. $480 difference is not exactly pocket change to me, although, I view this as the last tool box I will own for the rest of my life. The dimensions seem pretty close with an edge to the Tool Vault upper. The other thing here is I am absolutely in love with the lime green paint on the Tool Vault.



I've fondled the Harbor Freight unit in the store many times before so I'm pretty familiar with the build quality. I've never seen the Tool Vault box in person. I really wish the HF 56 was built like the 44 but it is what it is.



So the big question is, is the Tool Vault worth $480 over the Harbor Freight box? I'm also open to any other alternative suggestions, but I will add that the Tool Vault has already really stretched my budget here.



Thanks!

In my experience, the tool vaults are a much studier box than the HF, drawer slides feel better, powder coating is better, and overall thickness of steel is better. Worth the 480 for sure in my opinion.

 

[Mr_B]

^ rhickness of steel is actually less on models in question. Main thing is better design on tool vault and masterforce and better finish QC ...