HF US General Boxes, Are They Worth It?

[joey1320]

So you're telling me there's a chance...

One of the best movie quotes ever.

 

[rangerfredbob]

Hey, don't get all like a school girl now...

 

[Zewnten]

Gforcejunky: Not that I want to have to replace the wheels but does anyone know of any quality casters that fit the 72" box and are - at minimum - rated to an equivalent capacity? If I can find a set of reasonable price I'll bite the bullet.

Seller on ebay has what lloks like genuine SO caster for sale $200 for 4. Best price I've seen

 

[M635_Guy]

Gforcejunky: Not that I want to have to replace the wheels but does anyone know of any quality casters that fit the 72" box and are - at minimum - rated to an equivalent capacity? If I can find a set of reasonable price I'll bite the bullet.

Seller on ebay has what lloks like genuine SO caster for sale $200 for 4. Best price I've seen

I'd ask HF to replace them. Generally what I've heard is the casters are up to the task.

 

[javyLSU]

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

Well, it’s good to know the resale value is there for these boxes. I decided to sell my 72” USG box and side locker, and they sold in less than an hour on FB marketplace. I gave $1169 for the box+locker, and sold them for $1000. Can’t complain about that!

 

[HyperPete]

I upgraded my 34" Cornwell bottom box to a 56" general 2 days ago. It's already full.

I may need to upgrade the top box to a larger box, too. I'm trying to get the garage organized after downsizing from 3 bays to a 20 x 20 garage.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I upgraded my 34" Cornwell bottom box to a 56" general 2 days ago. It's already full.

I may need to upgrade the top box to a larger box, too. I'm trying to get the garage organized after downsizing from 3 bays to a 20 x 20 garage.

Could always add a side cabinet, or a 26”, i like hanging a lot of shallow drawers.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Never realized how bad the lower line Husky cabinets are, i bought 2 to make a rolling work bench, mainly for their height without casters they’re only 28”, but the quality is subpar. Really thinking about rebuilding with two 26” bottoms us generals. The husky’s must be 20ga or thinner, what a bad choice.

 

[whateg01]

I have been looking at the Husky 46" bottom to use as a 3D printer bench. I was at the store yesterday looking, but they didn't have that one on hand. I saw one of the 26" boxes had only 50# rated drawer slides, which I would like to get ahold of for another project, but for a toolbox seemed insane. The main reason I was looking at them instead of the HF boxes are the lower cost than USG and 24" depth vs the Yukon box. It's priced between those.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I have been looking at the Husky 46" bottom to use as a 3D printer bench. I was at the store yesterday looking, but they didn't have that one on hand. I saw one of the 26" boxes had only 50# rated drawer slides, which I would like to get ahold of for another project, but for a toolbox seemed insane. The main reason I was looking at them instead of the HF boxes are the lower cost than USG and 24" depth vs the Yukon box. It's priced between those.

I would place it between the us gen and yukon, but the smaller 26” Husky is junk, i have two and I’i plan on replacing them. Not sure with what the usg is a little taller, might look at cm or block up my bench to the usg height and see how it is.

 

[whateg01]

If I would have gone with a different brand, my stacks of 26" bottoms would have been at a better height. But, the lack of 2" tall drawers killed that idea with other brands.

 

[Renegade1LI]

If I would have gone with a different brand, my stacks of 26" bottoms would have been at a better height. But, the lack of 2" tall drawers killed that idea with other brands.

I’m very impressed at how ridgid the drawers are on the 26”, they pull out all the way and feel sturdy and the drawers sizes work out perfect.

 

[ironbuilt]

I just purchased the USG 5 drawer cart for my home shop. I got it with 10% off. Best $220 I have spent in a long time. The only downside was the box was short 3 bolts, but my local HF is 2 miles away and they happily replaced them. I was eyeballing the new Icon box. Definitely a sweet set-up. Too bad that I have so much money ******* in my SnapOn boxes, I would buy one.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I just purchased the USG 5 drawer cart for my home shop. I got it with 10% off. Best $220 I have spent in a long time. The only downside was the box was short 3 bolts, but my local HF is 2 miles away and they happily replaced them. I was eyeballing the new Icon box. Definitely a sweet set-up. Too bad that I have so much money ******* in my SnapOn boxes, I would buy one.

Ironbuilt, if you go back use this coupon you will get the cart for 199$ & it will be the best 200$ you spent.

https://www.hfqpdb.com/best_coupon/30",+5+DRAWER+MECHANIC'S+CARTS+(ALL+COLORS)

 

[Renegade1LI]

Apparently there is a separate web page with HF coupons & they all seem to work.

https://www.hfqpdb.com/browse

 

[joey1320]

I have been looking at the Husky 46" bottom to use as a 3D printer bench. I was at the store yesterday looking, but they didn't have that one on hand. I saw one of the 26" boxes had only 50# rated drawer slides, which I would like to get ahold of for another project, but for a toolbox seemed insane. The main reason I was looking at them instead of the HF boxes are the lower cost than USG and 24" depth vs the Yukon box. It's priced between those.

I have the 46" Husky 9 drawer chest and I really like it. I think for the price ($389) it's a good deal. I thought about going the USG but wanted it in white. The Yukon feels horrible when compared to the Husky.

 

[whateg01]

I just purchased the USG 5 drawer cart for my home shop. I got it with 10% off. Best $220 I have spent in a long time. The only downside was the box was short 3 bolts, but my local HF is 2 miles away and they happily replaced them. I was eyeballing the new Icon box. Definitely a sweet set-up. Too bad that I have so much money ******* in my SnapOn boxes, I would buy one.

I generally replace a lot of the hardware anyway. The bolts that come with stuff often will break with the slightest bit of torque, so I put in grade 2 or 8 or whatever I have and toss the stuff in the box. The split washers and flat washers usually look like they are made of paper, they are so minimal!

Dave

 

[Semi-hole mechanic]

I live in a large metropolitan area, follow the used market for tools & boxes fairly closely, and only ever see two kinds of truck-brand boxes being sold:

1) Seller gave up the business, and has a box in good condition that he still owes money on. Will only sell it for a price equal to the loan balance, which is always more than the box is realistically worth on the used market -- thus he never actually sells it.

2) Seller upgraded and is selling a box he's long since paid off. The price is reasonable, but the box is cosmetically worn from being in a shop for years. Most buyers don't want one that looks beat up.

The KR1000 is a very old box. Even as someone who earns a living with mine, I'd much rather spend $500-800 on a new USG than spend the same amount on a 20-30 year old Snap-On that is worn accordingly....and for which replacement parts will only become more difficult to obtain with time.

I live in a very rural area and find on the very rare occasion that you find a toolbox for sale it is one of the above scenarios..

 

[M635_Guy]

I generally replace a lot of the hardware anyway. The bolts that come with stuff often will break with the slightest bit of torque, so I put in grade 2 or 8 or whatever I have and toss the stuff in the box. The split washers and flat washers usually look like they are made of paper, they are so minimal!

Dave

Do you actually own any of this stuff?

What you're describing has no similarity to my experience with my Gen 2 5-drawer cart and 26" chest. They're both quite sturdy - all of the hardware was fine.

There's zero need for grade 8 hardware in these things...

 

[whateg01]

Do you actually own any of this stuff?

What you're describing has no similarity to my experience with my Gen 2 5-drawer cart and 26" chest. They're both quite sturdy - all of the hardware was fine.

There's zero need for grade 8 hardware in these things...

I bought my 4 drawer cart a few years ago, so if there's a gen 2 version of it, I probably don't have it. I didn't use any of the casters on the new 26" boxes, so I don't know what the bolts are like on it. The Ridgid miter saw stand I bought a couple months ago used those cheesy little split washers that looked more like a piece of wire rolled up than a real washer. The little red utility carts from HF that I have put together all used those little washers, too. So, I guess I'd say yes, I do own this stuff. And really? You think grade 8 is overkill for a tool cart? No ****! But if I am putting a thing together at 10 pm and the bolts I have are grade 8, I'm putting it together with grade 8 bolts.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Well I bought a 5 drawer cart a few weeks ago & didn't want to use it yet, but being it is HF I think today is a good day to unbox & check for damage. With the bigger boxes I have a few extra drawers & don't need the cart at the moment but I would hate to wait & find out it's damaged, after all HFs track record isn;t great for shipping & handling.

 

[M635_Guy]

I bought my 4 drawer cart a few years ago, so if there's a gen 2 version of it, I probably don't have it. I didn't use any of the casters on the new 26" boxes, so I don't know what the bolts are like on it. The Ridgid miter saw stand I bought a couple months ago used those cheesy little split washers that looked more like a piece of wire rolled up than a real washer. The little red utility carts from HF that I have put together all used those little washers, too. So, I guess I'd say yes, I do own this stuff. And really? You think grade 8 is overkill for a tool cart? No ****! But if I am putting a thing together at 10 pm and the bolts I have are grade 8, I'm putting it together with grade 8 bolts.

I don't know why we're talking about Rigid - they share nothing with the USG boxes and are generally thinner/lighter-duty/whatever. They're still fine for light use, but not nearly as nice as the USG stuff. The little red utility carts aren't what the OP is talking about.

And yes - grade 8 is overkill. The bolts that come with the USG boxes (which require minimal assembly anyway, especially compared with the carts, which are a bit of a PITA) are 100% up to the task (as are the casters in my experience). If you're missing parts and Grade 8 is what you have on-hand, fine, but you're wasting your money if you're "upgrading" the cart/box. (of course, it's your $$)

 

[Coach James]

I don't remember of I responded to this thread already, and didn't feel like starting from the first page. I have the first gen. 44 top and bottom, the four drawer cart and two of the current 26" boxes, just the bottoms. I like all of them. If I was getting another, it most likely be a 26 as the drawer layout and depth is good for me. Mine stay in the same spot most of the time, but I've never had a problem with casters, drawer slides, hardware or anything else.

Coach

 

[Renegade1LI]

Happily i just unboxed my cart to make sure it was in good shape, not only was it in good shape i was able to rebox it, shocked twice!

 

[AJHD]

I've not been in a HF store for awhile so I can't verify this, but I was looking at some US General boxes tonight online. Not a single store has any 44", 56" or 72" boxes available for purchase in-store. They all show "special order". Most of them also show "available online by April X-Date", which tells me they are out of stock.

Has anyone experienced this in person or ordering online? Are they truly not available in-store or online order delays? Is this part of the global Covid supply chain disruptions we see with everything else these days or something else?

 

[Mr_B]

^
maybe whole line has source factory change !
Think I be paying close attention to sku's and doing some floor model and full inspection on any boxes purchased for possible changes .

 

[tez929rr]

I've not been in a HF store for awhile so I can't verify this, but I was looking at some US General boxes tonight online. Not a single store has any 44", 56" or 72" boxes available for purchase in-store. They all show "special order". Most of them also show "available online by April X-Date", which tells me they are out of stock.

Has anyone experienced this in person or ordering online? Are they truly not available in-store or online order delays? Is this part of the global Covid supply chain disruptions we see with everything else these days or something else?

I bought myself a blue 56” for Christmas and the web site showed special order only, yet when I went into my local store they had it in the back room.

 

[M635_Guy]

I've not been in a HF store for awhile so I can't verify this, but I was looking at some US General boxes tonight online. Not a single store has any 44", 56" or 72" boxes available for purchase in-store. They all show "special order". Most of them also show "available online by April X-Date", which tells me they are out of stock.

Has anyone experienced this in person or ordering online? Are they truly not available in-store or online order delays? Is this part of the global Covid supply chain disruptions we see with everything else these days or something else?

I don't think they normally keep lots of those in-store. They're big and heavy, require special handling to load/unload/etc., meaning every store would need special equipment, would have to check if the customer's vehicle is up to the task, etc. etc.

And then there's all the colors. That's a lot of complexity.

I think they keep a "get the idea" set of stuff in the store and deliver the bigger boxes directly.

(that's all an educated-guess/supposition)

 

[Renegade1LI]

I bought a couple 72" boxes last month, told me 3 weeks, they came in the next week. Last time I was there they had a sign saying 56", 44" & 26" were in stock, the manager said they were selling out fast.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Box update, it's been a little over a month & have everything sorted out in the new boxes & so far I am very happy! I may switch around a drawer or two but so far so good, the latches haven't been an issue & the drawer sizes have worked out well for me. As a home shop set up the size is perfect & the organization is great and to date I really have no issues or concerns.

 

[HyperPete]

Could always add a side cabinet, or a 26”, i like hanging a lot of shallow drawers.

I wish I had gone with the 72". It's amazing how many tools I have accumulated over the last 30 - 40 years. My old boxes are going up for sale, and I'll get the 56" US General top box and a step to be able to see what is in the top easily. (They are on sale through today, I think.) EDIT: Coupon is good until April 14th: http://www.hfqpdb.com/best_coupon/18"+WORKING+PLATFORM+STEP+STOOL

Between the 34" Cornwell roller cabinet, the 34" MAC top box, and the really rough Snap-on side box I'm selling, I'll put a dent in my overall cost.

The only negative I can say about the bottom box s the cheesy drawer liners. They'll do until they wear out or tear, but I doubt they will last long. They take an impression just from resting tools on them. Also, as it has been pointed out, the drawer pulls are aluminum, not steel, and will get banged up, but I knew this before I purchased. I'm really very pleased with the quality of the series 2 boxes.

 

[Jennifur]

I love the HF boxes, for the money, the quality you get, the options available for a home user is unparalleled out there.
Also, I got mine with a 20% coupon price of $960 for the 72 inch bottom cabinet with an additional 10% off came to $864.00 with the credit card discount which was approved in about 45 seconds with no in depth application, just the info they already had on me with the Inside Track Club was enough.
So for a 72 inch bottom & top for $1549.** + tax = $1641.94 total out the door. That was well worth it to me. My 44 inch top/bottom and side cabinet has lasted me 12-13 years and looks mostly new (i take care of my stuff and don't beat the hell out of it)
The powder coating quality is as good on the inside as it is on the outside which many other brands still have rivet nails and broken or incomplete rivets stuck in the over spray powder coating inside in the corners with quite a good amount of surface rust which I personally find unacceptable. Now compared to the top of the line Snap On, MAC, MATCO boxes, they are deeper and such but you are also paying 7 to 12 times as much for the same width cabinets/ boxes (just not as deep as those brands) But metal thickness is the same from the various videos I have seen on You Tube. if you want the increased features that come with those top line brands like built in / integrated power strips and other things, the ICON boxes are as rock solid as those brands are. I really liked the power cords in the drawers that are protected by this chain looking thing that unrolls as you pull the drawers out and back in it reels out and in the cords and like armor protected etc. I thought those features for me, were unnecessary in my home garage. But the price and quality make it the best you can get.
My 2 cents.
Jennifur

 

[Will_Yetter]

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

I have their 5 drawer cart currently and looking to replace my old C’Man stack this summer with a 56” double bank cab. The bang for the buck is unmatched as far as I know. Dual bearing sliders and stuff isn’t even found in much more expensive stuff


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[adsinnott1]

3 of the stores close to me had 56" and 72" in varying colors in stock even though online showed special order only. I got one the next day because they said that there was no one there to help load it. Even told them I could bring 3 grown men to get it. Said they had no way of getting out of the store then or the next day... I was kind of frustrated. How do they expect to sell something if they cannot get it out of the store!!?? I finally told them I would be there the next day at a specific time and I would drag it out of the back room myself if I had to. Thankfully they had a nice older lady that said she was scared to death to drive the fork truck but would attempt to get it in the back of my truck for me. Pulled around back and guided her to the end of the loading dock and had her set it right in there.

All good in the end. Just thought you all might enjoy the story.

Louisville Ky and southern Indiana is where I was finding these in stock about 2 weeks ago. Hopefully they will be able to get it out of the back for you if you want to buy one.

 

[Renegade1LI]

3 of the stores close to me had 56" and 72" in varying colors in stock even though online showed special order only. I got one the next day because they said that there was no one there to help load it. Even told them I could bring 3 grown men to get it. Said they had no way of getting out of the store then or the next day... I was kind of frustrated. How do they expect to sell something if they cannot get it out of the store!!?? I finally told them I would be there the next day at a specific time and I would drag it out of the back room myself if I had to. Thankfully they had a nice older lady that said she was scared to death to drive the fork truck but would attempt to get it in the back of my truck for me. Pulled around back and guided her to the end of the loading dock and had her set it right in there.

All good in the end. Just thought you all might enjoy the story.

Louisville Ky and southern Indiana is where I was finding these in stock about 2 weeks ago. Hopefully they will be able to get it out of the back for you if you want to buy one.

The adventure is always part of the fun, i actually look forward to a road trip to go get something, never know what you’ll find along the way.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I love the HF boxes, for the money, the quality you get, the options available for a home user is unparalleled out there.
Also, I got mine with a 20% coupon price of $960 for the 72 inch bottom cabinet with an additional 10% off came to $864.00 with the credit card discount which was approved in about 45 seconds with no in depth application, just the info they already had on me with the Inside Track Club was enough.
So for a 72 inch bottom & top for $1549.** + tax = $1641.94 total out the door. That was well worth it to me. My 44 inch top/bottom and side cabinet has lasted me 12-13 years and looks mostly new (i take care of my stuff and don't beat the hell out of it)
The powder coating quality is as good on the inside as it is on the outside which many other brands still have rivet nails and broken or incomplete rivets stuck in the over spray powder coating inside in the corners with quite a good amount of surface rust which I personally find unacceptable. Now compared to the top of the line Snap On, MAC, MATCO boxes, they are deeper and such but you are also paying 7 to 12 times as much for the same width cabinets/ boxes (just not as deep as those brands) But metal thickness is the same from the various videos I have seen on You Tube. if you want the increased features that come with those top line brands like built in / integrated power strips and other things, the ICON boxes are as rock solid as those brands are. I really liked the power cords in the drawers that are protected by this chain looking thing that unrolls as you pull the drawers out and back in it reels out and in the cords and like armor protected etc. I thought those features for me, were unnecessary in my home garage. But the price and quality make it the best you can get.
My 2 cents.
Jennifur

I got the same 30% off, first he said one item only as the manager was next to him and said to give me 30% both, i was happy. When i unloaded, they were stacked, i found two 4’ levels on top so i returned them the next day and the manager couldn’t believe i was so honest. I was getting a 5 drawer cart with 20%coupon plus he gave me an extra 20% for being honest, good karma.

 

[Renegade1LI]

A buddy of mine stopped by Last week, He was telling me he just bought some new husky boxes and how nice they were, well after he got done checking out my me us g boxes I could tell he wasn't happy. Couple of days later sends me a pic of some new us g 56" top and bottom, said he went home and couldn't believe the difference in quality, now he also bought the cheap huskies, but no color choice. Then he asked why I didn't get a cart, I did it is still boxed, needless to say he went back for one too, told him I was just happy to help. He also returned the other boxes.

 

[PhantomEB]

Dollar for dollar, as with most of my tool thinking, I definitely think I would put the US Generals as choice number one. I belong to the I need more storage, just buy another box.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Has anyone rekeyed all their boxes? I really don't need to lock them but it bugs me that they're not keyed alike. Minor in the scheme of things but I have to rekey them.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Went to HF yesterday and they finally had the matching blue side shelf for my cart, but they still don't have the side cabinets back in stock,wtf. Waited so long for the shelf I feel like I got something good, lol.