HF US General Boxes, Are They Worth It?

[Renegade1LI]

HF US General Boxes, Are They Worth It?

Stopped in hf yesterday and got to looking at the icon and us general boxes, I really liked the 72" triple bank set up. I could use more storage plus 10% off and selling my current boxes it's making it very tempting, especially in the blue. Just curious if anyone has had any issues with build quality? Looks like they are pretty well made, plenty of steel buy weight. I think I talked myself into it, maybe.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I'm not aware of anything that can match them for the price.

 

[will335i]

The us general boxes are some of the best bang for the buck storage options. I have the 5 drawer cart and I love it. I am going to get a 72 when they come out in white. It's not going to have all the bells and whistles that the truck brand boxes do but it will definitely hold up.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I have the 5 drawer cart and side cabinet, the carts not bad but the side cabinet is built really well, maybe slightly heavier guage than the cart? Both have held up well though.

 

[unslow1]

Both my 56" and 26" sets have held up well. The only thing I dislike are the latches.

 

[ddawg16]

I have the 42" lower. Great box.

I don't care for their uppers. I want something like the Husky or Craftsman with the deep top lid

 

[M635_Guy]

I'm not aware of anything that can match them for the price.

This is pretty much the answer/opinion I came to give.

I've gotten used to the latches - wish they had slow close, etc., but the box is great - really sturdy and well-made. The home-box-stores (Craftsman/Kobalt/etc.) boxes aren't really very good. Fine, and you could argue the USG is overbuilt...

But I'll take overbuilt every time...

It is strange to me they haven't done a clamshell top hutch (whever you call it)

 

[Pwaley]

Yes, I wish US-G came out with a top hutch option. This is why I am going with the slightly cheaper and sufficient for home use C-man Series 2000 combo. It's all about that hutch with built-in power strip!

 

[TimTaylor75]

I have two of the 44" boxes and have nothing but good things to say. Very please.

Pics of my setup in my garage thread in signature.

 

[ddawg16]

Yes, I wish US-G came out with a top hutch option. This is why I am going with the slightly cheaper and sufficient for home use C-man Series 2000 combo. It's all about that hutch with built-in power strip!

The CM upper will fit on the US-G lower

 

[Mr_B]

you can buy a power strip for like less than 20 bucks .
Really not an important factor in the purchase .

 

[Pwaley]

you can buy a power strip for like less than 20 bucks .
Really not an important factor in the purchase .

True, it just won't be as nicely integrated as from the factory. Also, the shock-operated hutch is a winner for placing your small power tools and other go-tos up there.

I'm a stickler for matching so I wouldn't ever go with a US-G bottom and a C-man upper.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

they got so much better, but buy US built craftsman box?

 

[Renegade1LI]

I looked at cm, proto, no 72" and so it's not worth it for a hobby shop,us g is just a great value.

 

[16again]

I have the US General Last 4 years. 44” bottom and top. Like a sore ****, just can’t beat it. While I would love a Snap On Epiq, for the price I’m very happy with my choice.

 

[Aaron_W]

Quite happy with mine, a 26" and 44" lower, and a 5 drawer cart. I also have a 26" Husky lower and upper.

The only thing I'd mention is the drawer layout which is lots of shallow drawers. Many of the HD and Lowes tool boxes have fewer but deeper (taller) drawers.

I'm using mine for lathe and mill tooling so wanted the shallower drawers, they also work well for automotive tools. It depends on your intended use, for storing power tools, or maybe in a wood shop the taller drawers offered by other brands might be more useful.

Also the build quality is noticeably better / heavier, but you pay for that. You can get a 46x18" Husky lower and upper for about the same price as the US General 44x22" lower alone so they really are not apples and oranges.

My 26" Husky is not as solid as the US General but it was about 1/2 the price and is not a piece of junk.

 

[bggrnchvy]

I've had a 44" lower for almost (or maybe even) 10 years. It's been loaded down with sockets and slung into and out of a couple of places. It's now permanently fixed to a work bench frame with some matching side boxes and I just bought a second, newer gen2 44" for a fab bench.

They hold up to regular use very well for the input cost.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I really can't find a bad review and its not just the money, I'm not shopping price, I'm really shopping value. The difference in price vs a so box I can buy the mill I've been looking at with some extra$ for tooling, I don't need a name brand if I'm not getting the extra quality for the extra$$$. Not gonna drag it out, just have to pull the trigger and decide what color, that may be harder than deciding on the boxes.

 

[belvedere]

I have been very pleased with my USG. Full disclosure: I purchased one, and when I got it home, found the box to be warped. It didn't look like shipping damage...looked like the box was built that way. They exchanged it no problem, and the replacement has been great.

 

[Mr.Smoke]

Look at Styrke Industries before making a purchase.

Might be a little more costly than a US General or similar box, but they are an incredible vaule for a top tier quality box. Same guage steel used as Snap-On, Mac, Matco and other top tier brands. Will last you a lifetime without a doubt.

Stainless top & quality drawer liners included, 30" depth/46" height, full extension soft closing drawers, six 1000lb casters and 250/500lb drawers all at a fraction of the cost compared to a similar top tier box.

Worth taking a look at if you're in the market. My thread about making my decision against the competition can be found here if you're interested at all.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Re: HF US General Boxes, Are They Worth It?

Excellent boxes and carts from them. I use them professionally all day everyday. The side lockers are nice too. Everyone in my shop except the two Snap-on only people have at least a cart from them and they are excellent. I highly recommend them. They are great for the money.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[jshillin]

I don't think they can be beat for the money... I have a Blue 44" top & bottom set along with the side locker and small side box. It's a great setup.

 

[JeremiahTRD]

Original Series 1 are great quality for the money! I have several of those still going strong. My recommendation is search the used market for a series 1 if you go this route. The series 2 line currently sold at least in the 26" size is completely different design and not a good quality unit. I purchased 3 of them and after 6 months only one is still usable. The lock mechanism is absolute garbage. We use these in a work box trucks and by design you have to lock them to keep the drawers from flying open. The key broke off in one unit just trying to unlock it. The one tool box came brand new with janky drawers that you have to wiggle to get them just right for the lock to work. Not to mention the drawer slides are garbage. No more than 50 lbs of weight probably not even that much and the drawer slides will fail and the drawer will fall open. I have used the series 1 units in the same capacity and they held up much better. I personally think they cheaped out on these new units. I do have several of the newer series 5 drawer mechanics cart and they seem to be good quality.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Original Series 1 are great quality for the money! I have several of those still going strong. My recommendation is search the used market for a series 1 if you go this route. The series 2 line currently sold at least in the 26" size is completely different design and not a good quality unit. I purchased 3 of them and after 6 months only one is still usable. The lock mechanism is absolute garbage. We use these in a work box trucks and by design you have to lock them to keep the drawers from flying open. The key broke off in one unit just trying to unlock it. The one tool box came brand new with janky drawers that you have to wiggle to get them just right for the lock to work. Not to mention the drawer slides are garbage. No more than 50 lbs of weight probably not even that much and the drawer slides will fail and the drawer will fall open. I have used the series 1 units in the same capacity and they held up much better. I personally think they cheaped out on these new units. I do have several of the newer series 5 drawer mechanics cart and they seem to be good quality.

Wow, first bad review, thanks for the heads up, I'm still shopping.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Look at Styrke Industries before making a purchase.

Might be a little more costly than a US General or similar box, but they are an incredible vaule for a top tier quality box. Same guage steel used as Snap-On, Mac, Matco and other top tier brands. Will last you a lifetime without a doubt.

Stainless top & quality drawer liners included, 30" depth/46" height, full extension soft closing drawers, six 1000lb casters and 250/500lb drawers all at a fraction of the cost compared to a similar top tier box.

Worth taking a look at if you're in the market. My thread about making my decision against the competition can be found here if you're interested at all.

Never heard of them, I am going to check them out, thanks.

 

[javyLSU]

This is pretty much the answer/opinion I came to give.



I've gotten used to the latches - wish they had slow close, etc., but the box is great - really sturdy and well-made. The home-box-stores (Craftsman/Kobalt/etc.) boxes aren't really very good. Fine, and you could argue the USG is overbuilt...



But I'll take overbuilt every time...



It is strange to me they haven't done a clamshell top hutch (whever you call it)

I couldn’t agree more with everything you said. Literally the only thing I wish my USG boxes had is slow-close drawers, and the latches that release when you lift them like the Masterforce boxes. But at the price I got them for, I have absolutely no right to complain, and I’m EXTREMELY happy with my USG boxes (I have a 72”, a 26”, and the side locker).

 

[rangerfredbob]

I've had the 44" USG box for over 4 years now, it's been great. I liked it enough that I bought myself an early shop gift of a blue 56" top and bottom for the new shop, and since there was another percent off anything coupon I got a side cabinet to go with it... It's completely unusable for another few weeks just shoved in a hole in the garage but it seems good. On the side cabinet the drawers are kinda hard to open yet but we'll see...

 

[00greenwj]

I have a series 1 and a series 2 of the “44” variety and am happy with both. I did a lot of research and they really are the best bang for the buck. I feel my series 2 is a little bit higher quality and has smother drawer slides. The extra 4” of depth makes a huge difference. The only real complaint I have is the top drawer doesn’t extend out fully and it can make it hard to access items in the back. They are both fully loaded and I’m planning on adding a 26 soon. Personally I wish HF would make a 54” with 22” drawers on both sides.

 

[Mr.Smoke]

Never heard of them, I am going to check them out, thanks.

Hopefully you'll like what you see. For a DIY'er or weekend/backyard mechanic they may not make sense, or be too expensive. Their goal is "tool truck" quality products at a lower price which they seem to be doing quite well at. They aren't the cheapest in the 72" neighbourhood, but I think their value for what you get is second to none.

I have started a thread (here) in which I will document all aspects of my experience during the entire process. Everything from customer service and communication, to the delivery of my box, my organization planning/setup of the box to detailed pictures and reviews after certain periods of use and anything else that comes up along the way.

 

[BD1]

Re: HF US General Boxes, Are They Worth It?

I bought mine over 10 years ago when they only had the 42 with matt finish.
Bought the side drawer extensions and 5 drawer cart to match. Still going great and used daily.
Reviews I read stated the old style matt finish were a little more stout. They did have a photo of a guy standing in an open drawer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Doughnuts]

US general yes. ICON no. You can buy a barely used snap on for way less than an ICON.

 

[Rinspeed]

I don't think they can be beat for the money.

I agree with this.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I looked, didn't see any US dealer for stryker boxes, I think I feel pretty comfortable buying the HF US G boxes. Just comparing net weights they are up there with the best, hopefully the metals in the right places, & honestly a 2k investment isn't life changing nor does it mean I have to keep them forever. I hate how some guys say last box or tool I'm ever buying, ok, I never say never, a great deal could fall in my lap tomorrow, I have no sentimental attachment to tools.

 

[anavrinIV]

I had a series 1 44" with side box for 6+ years and it served me very well. Only reason I replaced it was drawer size and layout, I needed a full width top drawer and wanted more depth (series 1 is only 18", 16" inside the drawer). The slides and casters both worked great after all that time and plenty of use, and my box came without any damage (inspected before I left the store). IMO the 56" has a terrible drawer layout or I would have seriously considered one. Looked at the ICON boxes but they do not seem to be worth the money they charge.

Only issue I had with the HF box was the drawer detents. I don't care much for soft close drawers so that was not an issue, but the detents on the 44 are just rubber bits at the end of the slides and on any kind of minor grade (and I'm talking very minor) heavy drawers did not always stay closed. I clamped the slide ends a bit to make up for this but not an ideal solution. The latches on the 56 and 72 leave a bit to be desired as well IMO

If you have a lot of tools and know how you want them laid out I suggest looking at them in person if you can. They are seriously sturdy and al long as you know the limitations should serve you well for a long time.

 

[Lucid Moments]

Look at Styrke Industries before making a purchase.

Might be a little more costly than a US General or similar box, but they are an incredible vaule for a top tier quality box. Same guage steel used as Snap-On, Mac, Matco and other top tier brands. Will last you a lifetime without a doubt.

Stainless top & quality drawer liners included, 30" depth/46" height, full extension soft closing drawers, six 1000lb casters and 250/500lb drawers all at a fraction of the cost compared to a similar top tier box.

Worth taking a look at if you're in the market. My thread about making my decision against the competition can be found here if you're interested at all.

That isn't a little bit more, that is more than four times the price. They look like nice boxes, but I doubt they are four times as nice.

 

[Mavsman]

I have a US General 44" at home. It's the best bang for your buck.

 

[unslow1]

I had a series 1 44" with side box for 6+ years and it served me very well. Only reason I replaced it was drawer size and layout, I needed a full width top drawer and wanted more depth (series 1 is only 18", 16" inside the drawer). The slides and casters both worked great after all that time and plenty of use, and my box came without any damage (inspected before I left the store). IMO the 56" has a terrible drawer layout or I would have seriously considered one. Looked at the ICON boxes but they do not seem to be worth the money they charge.

Only issue I had with the HF box was the drawer detents. I don't care much for soft close drawers so that was not an issue, but the detents on the 44 are just rubber bits at the end of the slides and on any kind of minor grade (and I'm talking very minor) heavy drawers did not always stay closed. I clamped the slide ends a bit to make up for this but not an ideal solution. The latches on the 56 and 72 leave a bit to be desired as well IMO

If you have a lot of tools and know how you want them laid out I suggest looking at them in person if you can. They are seriously sturdy and al long as you know the limitations should serve you well for a long time.

I put shims under the front side wheels to stop the drawer creep. One of the guys showed how he did it between the wheels and the box only on the front. Myself it was already loaded and not moving so I just put them between the floor and wheel. A floor jack and 2x4 provided the lifting.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Original Series 1 are great quality for the money! I have several of those still going strong. My recommendation is search the used market for a series 1 if you go this route. The series 2 line currently sold at least in the 26" size is completely different design and not a good quality unit. *snip*

There's a difference between a product not being suited for a specific role and a product being of poor quality.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I looked at them in depth the other day, very solid, sturdy and I put some weight on the drawers, I like em and the price point is good. Looked at the Stryker, too much$$$ it's just a tool box, heading to hf now.

 

[whateg01]

Original Series 1 are great quality for the money! I have several of those still going strong. My recommendation is search the used market for a series 1 if you go this route. The series 2 line currently sold at least in the 26" size is completely different design and not a good quality unit. I purchased 3 of them and after 6 months only one is still usable. The lock mechanism is absolute garbage. We use these in a work box trucks and by design you have to lock them to keep the drawers from flying open. The key broke off in one unit just trying to unlock it. The one tool box came brand new with janky drawers that you have to wiggle to get them just right for the lock to work. Not to mention the drawer slides are garbage. No more than 50 lbs of weight probably not even that much and the drawer slides will fail and the drawer will fall open. I have used the series 1 units in the same capacity and they held up much better. I personally think they cheaped out on these new units. I do have several of the newer series 5 drawer mechanics cart and they seem to be good quality.

That's the first time I've seen anybody say anything bad about the new ones. I don't have either, but have been eying them for a bit now, needing to do something to gain capacity in my garage. I like the shorter height drawers that most other boxes don't have. I need a lot of those and fewer tall drawers, so my plan was to actually pick up a couple of the roller cabinets and stack them. I find the top cabinets to be a waste of space since there has to be room above for the lid to open.

I have picked up used toolboxes before where the locking bar fingers were bent in or the back of the drawer was bent so that they would barely catch. It seems that happens when the drawers are slammed shut with the lid closed and the locking bar in the locked position. I thought the newer boxes used a different locking mechanism, though.

IIRC, the old drawers had a lever on the side that actually locked them in place, even with the top open. Similar to my griplatch craftsman boxes. I have never really liked that extra step, but I can see where it would be good in a service truck. The new boxes don't have that right? I think they use friction in the closed position to keep the drawers closed. I might be thinking of another brand or something, I guess. Anyway, I wouldn't call that a failure, though, or really even a design flaw. It's a design change, and not for the better in the case of a service truck.

Dave