HF Cabinet

[TexasShooter]

Ive been watching my Slickdeals, craigslist and garage sales for me a cabinet with no luck. The specials on the Dewalt and Mil cabinets I have missed. Not looking to spend the $$ for a Snapon or Mac but I would like a cheaper of the line one to fit my needs. Im a if I don't know how to build or fix something, I will figure it out one way or the other.

So my question here is about the HF 26" 16 drawer US General cart. My local HF has this set marked down to 299.99. Was hoping to use the 20% off coupon, but I saw where they will not take it for cabinets. So, thoughts from other who use this units? Pros, Cons? Thanks guys

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[kapnkirk]

Texas Shooter

My daughter in law got me this same box for christmas, it replaced a worn out craftsman and I have been very happy with it. The drawers are very sturdy and they are smooth as can be. I don't believe you will find a better box at that price.

I would buy another if needed, hope that helps, Keith

 

[TexasShooter]

It for sure helps, thank you. I am in the process of setting up my work area and I would separate the top and the bottom to fit in my idea.

I know the price is good, was just trying to see about the quality of this specific model. I am currently saving for a Puma 60gal compressor so would like to keep more money in that fund.

 

[Bluedodge]

For a pinch more, the HF 44" base unit gets great reviews and it's expandable down the road.
In hindsight, I wish I would have started with a large cabinet on which I could have added a top cabinet, side cabinet, side locker, etc as warranted.

 

[tjdux]

^i would second that, and harbor freight seems to consistently get great reviews for its tool cabinets. Many folks gonas far to say they are as or nearly as good as any other costing so much more.

Never have i heard any real complaints but often i hear people say based on price the HF are better value because cheaper and same quality.

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[bgarrett]

definitely go for the 44" 13 drawer at $349

 

[TexasShooter]

I guess tomorrow I will go there and actually compare the 2 in person to see which I think would best suit me.


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[Jarcese]

The 44" is $339 right now. It says you have to add to to get discount, but if you go in store a give them the cart code you will get the discount in store. I bought one on Saturday. Coupon code says 11446607 at time of posting.

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[stang2007]

I have the 26 Pictured, and wish I could have stepped it up to a larger box. for the money its Awesome! I would buy again. but if you can step up to the 44" do it.

 

[Jarcese]

Meant to say HF website says add to cart. I can't edit my first post.

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[TexasShooter]

Looks like I may be buying the 44" @339 tomorrow.


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[FlightParamedic]

I have the 44" cabinet and could not be happier with it. For the money it can't be beat IMO.

 

[rslaback]

Looks like I may be buying the 44" @339 tomorrow.


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If you're willing to be creative you can get it for about $30 less out of pocket.

 

[PugetDude]

If you're willing to be creative you can get it for about $30 less out of pocket.

Inquiring minds want to know...

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I've been checking out both the 26" cabinet and the 44" at the store. Both seem to be made well enough, and a good deal for the money. When I can't stand my old beat-up Craftsman anymore, I'll probably spring for one of those two.

 

[astrohip]

definitely go for the 44" 13 drawer at $349

I bought this one a few weeks ago ($329, coupon sale), based on reviews in this forum. Could not be happier! Well made, solid, drawers slide very smoothly.

I also bought the smaller tool chest that hangs on the side.

 

[Tonellin]

I have the 26" and have been very happy with it. $300 is about the lowest they sell for nowadays - I opted not to get the 44" as I didn't want to sacrifice the larger footprint

As others have said you won't regret buying either. I'd buy which ever works better in your garage or work space. The 26" has slightly more storage space (14,600 cu. in. vs 14,200 cu. in.) but the weight capacity is vastly different 26" can hold 1,060lbs where as the 44" is listed as holding 2,600lbs

 

[jimkinney]

I have both this box and the 44" base, and they are both great boxes. My only problem was getting one that hadn't been dropped or run into with a fork lift, their shipping company *****. It took 5 trips to get both pieces that were in good shape. Make sure you inspect it before you leave the store.

I really like this one since it has lots of drawers, and makes organizing tools easier. I'm thinking about getting another one so I can separate SAE and Metric tools.

Jim

 

[thool]

I have the 26" chest and love it. I don't have a ton of tools, and the width is a perfect fit for the space I have carved out. Because of my back, I wanted something with some drawers at a height that didn't require too much bending. I wheel it to the area in the garage I'm working

The quality is pretty good: good weight, drawers slide well, easy to move around the garage. My only gripe is the bottom edge along the sides, which has a crease. This is unfortunately a common issue, likely the result of a jack used to move it around in the factory prior to boxing.

 

[My Old Tools]

I have 5 of the 44" boxes and one top box. Four of them are built into two Steevo benches. The other top and bottom has all my machinist tools and accessories. It is heavily loaded and still works fine.

 

[TexasShooter]

I think I will end up getting both the 44" and the 26" at some point. I guess now my choice will be which one like like better to get first when I stop by today.

I will also be building these into my mobile workbench, I think the 44" will be my first choice.

 

[KMdef9]

I'd take a good look and see what drawer layout you need to suit storing your tools. Which ever one is the best for that, get it. For me, I have torque wrenches, extensions and hammers than would not fit the 26" layout.

Another thing to keep in mind, like bluedodge mentioned, you'll fill either of these up eventually. So get the most storage you can.

 

[rslaback]

Inquiring minds want to know...

If you're willing to play some financial games, gift card resellers have Harbor Freight cards (which are often electronic and nearly instant) for around 10% off. Even better if you purchase those with a cash back credit card.

There is actually another level as well known as a click through. Personally my system is:

~click through at SYWeverywhere to get 8% back in Sears/Kmart points from Raise.
~purchase discounted gift card from Raise.com with Citi Double Cash card earning 2% cash back.
~use gift card at Harbor Freight coupled with coupons.


Total out of pocket can be stupid cheap, particularly if you count SYW points as money.

If I were to purchase $400 worth of gift cards (assuming Raise had some in stock) it would look like this:

$360 paid to Raise.

$28.80 back in points value from Sears/Kmart
$7.20 back in credit card cashback from Citi.

Total out of pocket if I consider SYW points as money: $400 = $324.
Total out of pocket if I don't bother with the SYW points: $400 = $352.80

 

[My Old Tools]

Better cash those Sears points quick.

 

[rslaback]

Better cash those Sears points quick.

Why would I do that? They'll be worth more during the fire sale if/when that happens. When my local Kmart closed it was obscene what I was able to buy with a combination of store closing discounts, discounted gift cards and shopyourway points.

 

[IBuiltWhat]

Another way to get the 44 for less is to sign up for the inside track club thing they have IF they will let you use a coupon on the 44 for signing up. If you look at the 350 price and take 20 percent (25 would be better if they have one at the time) it comes out to 280. Then add the 30 bucks for the one year membership and its 310 before tax. When I got my 44 I was able to use the 25 percent coupon for joining on the toolbox. Came out to 290ish before tax.

On to the topic at hand though...I would get the 44 over the 26 unless space is a consideration. My father has the 26 and it is a nice box however the 44 is more versatile in the top box and side cabinets in the future.

 

[ambenz]

I got mine a couple of years ago, they are nice for the money!
First thing I did was dry lube all the runners with Liquid Wrench dry lube just to keep away the rust....

View media item 47394

 

[TexasShooter]

We bought the house almost a full yr ago. With all my tools, beer equipment, kegerator and such I have plenty of space right now. I would like to get this set up and organized while I am building up the tool fund for my Puma and sand blasting cabinet.

 

[astrohip]

I bought this one a few weeks ago ($329, coupon sale), based on reviews in this forum. Could not be happier! Well made, solid, drawers slide very smoothly.

I also bought the smaller tool chest that hangs on the side.

Tool cabinet with attached...

 

[TexasShooter]

Was busy at work yesterday. Today is the day.


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[albaran]

Astrohip's setup with the 44" and side cabinet is what I have. My consideration was the expandability of the system. You can also add another side cabinet to the other side. The individual components make it easier to bring home vs the 56" one which is nice but you now get into a monster that is difficult to transport and move around. I also have a 26" old Craftsman hat I started with.
My point is that you will most likely wish you bought the larger one some day.

 

[TexasShooter]

Well I went in and browsed, I really like the feel of the 44" better. They also have the black small 4 drawer for $99. I was still unable to make up my mind and pull the trigger. I am a very "frugal" person, or as my wife calls me "cheap". But with my tools I will spend for tools that will last.

 

[archirelic]

I saw a set-up online once where the owner had fabricated a frame to hold a 26" box on either side of the 42" cabinet and it looked absolutely slick.

 

[TexasShooter]

So I was pretty set on my HF 41, then in my Northern Tool i see this rig on sale for $339, then use my $20 off a $100 rig brings her down to $319.

How are personal reviews on this rig vs HF? I found a few threads but none on this one or comparing the two? I don't care about color, but I do prefer the blue.


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[CharlieM]

HF is 44 not 41.

 

[TexasShooter]

Haha. Well regardless I don't think that difference is a big deal? Any thoughts on vs the 2 units?


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[csp]

HF is 44 not 41.

That 44" includes the bolt-on handle. The actual cabinet width is 42".

 

[TexasShooter]

Any first hand experience with the 2 units?

 

[zjrog]

I have looked at the 26" box, and I really wish I could buy just the top box...

 

[nolimits76]

Ask your wife if an extra 3" makes a difference, lol.

I was in a similar spot as you a few years back. The more I looked at the various boxes, the more I liked and came back to the HF 44". It's not a Mac or SO box by any stretch, but it's an incredible bang for the buck.

I bought my first one during a tent sale. Price was either $329 or $339. Bought a second about 1/2 a year later for the same price.

FYI, I do wish they offered some other colors. Blue or black would have been preferred over red, but honestly I'm so damn happy with them they could be pink (I'd just paint them, lol).

I did look at their smaller boxes and didn't feel the quality was as good as the larger ones. YMMV.