HF US General Gen 2 56" or 72"

[SunsetsAndFriends]

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[hotrod1968]

I bought Homak boxes a couple years back with poor experience so returned them. Since then I've been very busy and my plan to build a set of boxes based on this design was put on hold.

Since then, HF has come out with their US General Gen 2 boxes with five additional colors, plus some extra depth. Now I'm seriously considering the 44", 56" or 72" boxes, but leaning toward the 56" or 72" because of some taller drawers. I'm also looking at adding two side lockers to the setup but unsure about a top box.

I'm hoping to use the total setup for all my corded and cordless tools, as well as, all my mechanics sockets/wrenches and the like.

I definitely know that GJ members have tons of great ideas, experience and willingness to help a fellow GJ member spend some cash. Lol.

Please help.

What should I buy?

A good used snap on box or the like...just my opinion and experience..you can buy very nice used profession boxes very reasonably if one takes the time and is patient. I have no desire to buy chicom stuff or support China if there is a better way. Good luck cheers

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[UTRockhound]

I got the 72' and can tell that I am going to run out of room. I see they now have an upper 72' that I might wind up getting. The 72' has impressive casters.

 

[SunsetsAndFriends]

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[Mr_B]

^
Yes, it good to consider logistics/handling of larger boxes, for some 2 smaller boxes better option than 1 big as easier handling and more layout options if work space changes .
You want read up on the model numbers for the 2 factories that make the US Gen boxes as they have differences and in most peoples preference one is better .

 

[lafd04]

I’ve been looking at doing the same thing. I don’t plan on having all my stuff in one box this was just my vehicle repair stuff. I ended up going with the 56 and a side locker for the time being. Time will tell if I should have gone with the 72, but for me all though I don’t plan on moving it much in my garage a 56 with add on boxes or another 44 will work better then the single 72 with the locker. The lockers will help since a fair amount of tools now come in decent blow molded cases that you can’t really toss. The 72 was overall the nicer box I think sonof you have space and the coin for it I don’t think youll go wrong

 

[SunsetsAndFriends]

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[skippydoo]

I've got one 56 and two 72 box's . I'm in pretty good shape for space. I bought stainless tops from newage to cover the tops of all three.

 

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[dodge610]

My philosophy buy bigger than you think you will need. Then when you add on you wont be saying I should of gotten bigger. As far as getting it off trailer engine hoist and straps works well. for a one man operation. Or get a couple 12 packs call a few buddies and give it hell lol

 

[lafd04]

I think on some of the 56 and all the 72s you only get 1 part number so the manufacturer is who it is.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

You need to clarify your needs, and tool volume. IMO, A cabinet should be kept for large items, some shelving for small/misc stuff, and a toolbox primarily for tools and maybe some electric/air stuff.


Please post pictures of your current setup, and describe your uses and types of projects you do. A wood working setup, mechanic setup, and metal work setup are 3 totally different animals. What is your max budget? I typically take my max and add a 20% "it's literally perfect" buffer. I don't think I've ever had to use it.

 

[SunsetsAndFriends]

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[81turbota]

I vote for the 72. You’ll fill it quicker than you expect. The large top drawer and extra bank of small drawers is worth it alone for my needs.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Limited floor space means vertical storage is the most efficient. If an option doesn't have a top-chest available, IMO it's out.


HF boxes seem okay for home use. Beware of under-loading the wide drawers though, they seem to rack slightly on the wider boxes I've played with. Putting some tools in them seems to fix that right up. FWIW all boxes I've used have this to a certain degree, especially as the slides get dirty/worn.

Visualize layouts and how you'd fill them. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people (myself included) burned by choosing the incorrect layout. You want things filled to the top with no extra space. Air in the boxes is wasted space you paid for.


For instance, I think the HF 44" is a garbage layout. Wouldn't work for me at all as a mechanic. Would work good as a home box though.

 

[dagofast]

As someone who has been straddled upon this particular fence, I say go big or stay home. I bought a 72" roller with 44" & 26" top chests and filled all 3 up right away. It now has an empty 14.5" side drawer cabinet hanging off of it for future acquisitions.

 

[Nineeightyone]

I've got a 52" Husky that barely fit in the trunk of my VW station wagon. Definitely consider how you're getting it home/into your garage, before you buy.

The 52" is also supplemented by a 26" Husky that I use for smaller stuff. My garage is pretty firmly laid out, at least to the point where I can't move things around at this point to make room for a 72". But if I weren't married to the 52" by the design/layout of the whole garage, I'd buy the 72" all day long. I'm finding that I need to get creative to store things in my garage, where more toolbox would allow me to keep organization standardized.

 

[Gotcha640]

I got a 56, knowing the 44 would be tight and the 72 harder to move around an already cramped 2 car garage. Unloading, as long as you do it slowly and carefully, only has to happen occasionally, I have to work around the thing every time I go in the garage.

I spent a year casually looking for a used truck box, then 4 months with cash in hand, and I couldn't find anything near the size for less than about 1200.

 

[kasander]

I am going with 2 44" boxes instead of a 72" for the following reasons.

Cheaper- $800 on black friday weekend, vs. $1000 sale price for 72
Better working height- 40" tall instead of 44"
More drawers- 26 vs. 18
More options for location- Side by side or separate bay
Easier to move- 1/2 the size/weight

 

[Swervyjoe]

I just got a 56" box. Waiting for black Friday to get a 44". It was about $50 more than a 72" box. The 73" Icon box has a better layout bout I'm not spending that kind of money on a HF box.

 

[81turbota]

I just got a 56” top for my 72”. It’s a monster setup.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

When I get stuff in the shop, I use a chain hoist with the overhead I-beam for lifting. Works great for 550# table saw, etc. Everyone says, "Go bigger." Lol.

Two straps and Your sky-hook will make child's play out of unloading that 72" tool box.

 

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[Mr_B]

I think on some of the 56 and all the 72s you only get 1 part number so the manufacturer is who it is.

Makes sense. I'll have to look into this more. Thanks for the tip. At a glance, looks like the 44" lower box has three different part numbers.

some colors and some models only made by 1 factory.
Just do your due diligence once you know what box size/color you want and see how many sku numbers it has .
Is a lot of quality and detail differences between the 2 manufacturers .
If you buy cross factory boxes they don't match up perfectly, even height differs a little .

 

[81turbota]

For unloading I tilted the toolbox and broke the pallet apart underneath it. The Uhaul trailer was perfect and wouldn’t let the box fall. Crude method but it worked.

 

[SunsetsAndFriends]

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[Newell33]

I also debated on the 56 vs. the 72. I ended up going with the 72 with a 56 top, and am glad I did. In the grand scheme of things the price difference isn't that great, and if you have the room in your shop then I'd recommend the 72. Consider that you might be able to fit everything in the 56, but it's nice to be able to spread things out a bit with the extra space. By the way, I've used my Gen 2 box for almost a year now. I looked at several other options, but kept coming back to HF based on the quality and value. I'm very happy with my decision.

 

[Crabman]

You want read up on the model numbers for the 2 factories that make the US Gen boxes as they have differences and in most peoples preference one is better .

Here is a link to a thread with a lot of this info, good reading before HF BF sale:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=408543&highlight=harbor+freight

Good luck getting the right fit for your needs.

Bruce

 

[PhantomEB]

Whatever you can get a top box on perfectly, that’s what I would do then add on a second lower box of the same. Thing I like about HF....you can get different sizes all in the same of the colours.

Here in Canada I have a 32” and a 54 I think it is straddling my beer fridge. The corner behind the man door is getting a top and bottom 36”. All in Black and Chrome.

 

[Mr_B]

Thanks, Mr_B, for the info. I'm leaning toward blue in the 56" roller cabinet with 2 side lockers.

56" blue 64866 is the factory model most prefer .
Review threads on differences to learn more and look at all boxes closely in a store to see/feel the differences .
end cabinet also has 2 factory options so be sure buy matching ones .