HF or Waterloo chest

[forsco]

I am looking for my first roller cabinet since my tools are everywhere and I can never find them.

I was looking at the 44in HF one that everyone recommends but I found a Waterloo 41" Black 8-Drawer Mobile Tool Cabinet for $240.

I have seen a lot of people recommend waterloos but is it the same quality as the HF? Or is the HF just worth it to get the extra drawers and few extra inches?
https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...77-c-9188.htm?tid=8034099118068446213&ipos=14

https://www.harborfreight.com/44-in-13-drawer-glossy-red-industrial-roller-cabinet-68784.html

 

[ihateminimumwage]

The HF is the same 41", they just claim 44" with the handle.

The Waterloo is going to be the same as the latest Craftsman cabinets, which is pretty thin and flimsy, but they work. I've been using a Waterloo 26" top box in a service truck for over a year, and it's held up to being massively overloaded and bouncing up fire roads to cell sites. That said, $240 is a really good price for a bottom cab, and Waterloo does offer different top boxes if you needed to expand.

The HF cabs are solidly built, but really shallow and the "deep" drawers at the bottom are really short compared to any other brand. I bought one, but resold it because of these issues and bought a used Waterloo (Red 41" with griplatch drawers).

If you do decide to go the HF route, hold off for a bit. It looks like they're making some big changes to their toolbox lineup in the next few months.

 

[Mr_B]

The waterloo is quite cheap but pretty small, short height and only 8 drawers.
I would be inclined wait for new HF 44" at 22" depth or clearance sale/coupon on current HF 44" if price a big player.

Other factor is drawer layout, what works for you is important so don't overlook it .

 

[XJSuperman]

I would be leaning towards the HF since I own a Craftsman (Waterloo) and can vouch for its flimsy feeling drawers. I snagged mine off a Snap-on truck super cheap because he really didn't want to be caught dead with it. I do have a question however: Does it have to be new or are you scanning craigslist and the like?

 

[forsco]

I have been searching craigslist but people around me want insane prices. Someone was selling the HF for $20 off the coupon price and it had dents all over it....

Looks to me like im waiting. maybe the parking lot sale this weekend they might sell some of the floor models of the 44. from reading the forum it looks like they are trying to get rid of them pretty soon.

 

[forsco]

The HF is the same 41", they just claim 44" with the handle.

The Waterloo is going to be the same as the latest Craftsman cabinets, which is pretty thin and flimsy, but they work. I've been using a Waterloo 26" top box in a service truck for over a year, and it's held up to being massively overloaded and bouncing up fire roads to cell sites. That said, $240 is a really good price for a bottom cab, and Waterloo does offer different top boxes if you needed to expand.

The HF cabs are solidly built, but really shallow and the "deep" drawers at the bottom are really short compared to any other brand. I bought one, but resold it because of these issues and bought a used Waterloo (Red 41" with griplatch drawers).

If you do decide to go the HF route, hold off for a bit. It looks like they're making some big changes to their toolbox lineup in the next few months.

Thanks, I am probably going to wait till next week to buy and see if HF gives any hint on the new boxes and see if I can get the waterloo for even cheaper or if the current HF is getting clearanced out.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Waterloo makes at least five different grades of tool boxes... One of their largest customers was the Craftsman brand sold by Sears. Over the years, I seen these differnt grades represented in the Craftsman lineup. The lower and medium grade boxes were the most common in Sears stores, but they would occasionally stock the top line boxes as well. These were built like a tank.

What will be interesting to watch is what Stanley Black & Decker does with the Craftsman tool box line ,, being they have also recently purchased Waterloo Industries.

 

[jumbojak]

I have a newer Waterloo top ghat I actually like a lot. I'm waiting a bit to reflect on the purchase in my W300 thread but the one you listed seems to be just a step down from mine. They do make several different grades and it can be difficult to tell which you're looking at based on description alone.

 

[bobemmerich]

I like Waterloo boxes, but as stated by BDT, they make several different "qualities" of boxes. I have a 9 drawer Husky that was made by Waterloo in USA, and it's a beast! I would say go with:
1) What your budget is
2) What drawer layout you need
Is this for home or pro use?

 

[forsco]

I like Waterloo boxes, but as stated by BDT, they make several different "qualities" of boxes. I have a 9 drawer Husky that was made by Waterloo in USA, and it's a beast! I would say go with:
1) What your budget is
2) What drawer layout you need
Is this for home or pro use?

home use only

 

[Parrothead]

I have the HF 44” so I’ll lead with that.

I’m in Menards quite a bit and would say the HF is a better box overall than the Waterloo. Thicker metal and better slides. I’d seriously take a look at the discontinued Masterforce boxes as they’re not super deep and are a good value.

 

[1982fxr]

Waterloo makes at least five different grades of tool boxes... One of their largest customers was the Craftsman brand sold by Sears. Over the years, I seen these differnt grades represented in the Craftsman lineup. The lower and medium grade boxes were the most common in Sears stores, but they would occasionally stock the top line boxes as well. These were built like a tank.

What will be interesting to watch is what Stanley Black & Decker does with the Craftsman tool box line ,, being they have also recently purchased Waterloo Industries.

This

 

[motorhead12]

I have the 44" HF and it's pretty awesome for what it costs. I looked at Waterloos and Craftsmans, but the HF box is built a lot heavier, and it's still very affordable.

 

[bobemmerich]

For home use I'd go for the Waterloo. Cant go wrong with either one.

 

[seber]

Judging the strength of a box is really difficult without putting them side by side and abusing them. The one thing you can judge before you buy is the net weight of the box.

 

[forsco]

I have the HF 44” so I’ll lead with that.

I’m in Menards quite a bit and would say the HF is a better box overall than the Waterloo. Thicker metal and better slides. I’d seriously take a look at the discontinued Masterforce boxes as they’re not super deep and are a good value.

Is this the one https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...47-c-9188.htm?tid=-6322118895752562109&ipos=1 It looks like a pretty good deal. It does have lower weight capacity so im thinking it is built with a little less quality. It does have the nice pulls that lock in when closed though.

 

[6PTsocket]

This

I guess the old gray and red Craftsman were not top end. I have one and a similar Waterloo branded "Dayton". I also have the 44" pair from HF and it is built a lot better. That is probably not a fair comparison of old Waterloo and current production but I had a later Craftsman roll away at work and it was built even cheaper than my old one. I know nothing about their better boxes.

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