HF vs Matco boxes for home useage...

[TheGrooveking]

I think those setups are great, but I think we need to qualify a few factors, one is racking, the distortion caused when the cabinet is rolled over an uneven surface. Now in a stationary application like in the pics above, I don't doubt the HF cabinets strength. So I may be the one twisting this out of proportion which was not my intention.

TheGrooveking

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

I took the OP's question to indicate he was thinking about a wall of tool box like the ones above, so "racking" would be a non-issue in the senario posted...

 

[Kona Cruisers]

see the above is what I was thinking about... hmmmm.... poll is about 50/50 ... just like me on this topic.... we'll see maybe I troll c/l with an ads and go from there...

 

[Galaxie500xl]

I'm looking for a box, but won't get a HF, I'd keep the Matco.

In the end, it's about what you want.

 

[Stick Figure]

For me it really would depend on the garage and what you are doing. I mean a wall of tool boxes would be cool, but i have gotten to be a big fan of moving my whole box over to what i am working on. I don't own an older Matco to comment on the build quality, but i do own the HF set up. I'm going on 3 years with them, including moving them fully loaded around 5 times, and once this was over 1600 miles. The top box i had to replace the lock cylinder on. I ended up using craftsman one just for fact that sears was far closer to me at work than HF. The struts on the top box are starting to seep some oil, but are still working (and everyday as i'm still using this at work as a "machinists" type chest.) My biggest complaints, drawer size not enough wide drawers, and with out the depth this can be a problem for some tools. The finish ***** for keeping clean. seems to be pretty tough, but its ugly and a PITA to clean.

 

[Daniel Dudley]

It's funny, but I have never purchased anything else at HF. It's about an hour drive for me, and when I saw the box, I knew I was going to purchase it. My wife was the one who suggested the second box.

If you are considering these boxes, I would strongly suggest that you take a drive, and see them in person. Open the drawers, and kick the tires. If you don't like it, buy yourself a burger at the place next door. That way you haven't wasted a trip.

One thing about these boxes. There is absolutely no brand name status attatched to them. The only value they have is in utility. Now they may make your garage go up the cool garage ladder a rung or two, but they will not impress your brand name buddies one bit.

Now my buddy just bought a 4000.00 Mac cabinet. Bigger and deeper than my wimpy little HF boxes. He is a pro, and he has it at work. It is rated for 2000 pounds capacity.
He loves it.

My little HF boxes are only rated for a measly 1200 pounds each. They cost me 570.00. More tool box than I will ever need. I feel like I won the lottery.

We both made the right choice.