Husky 52" 11 drawer or HF 44"

[Urban cabin]

I have read the HF tool chest comparison and had pretty much decided on the HF 44". I even matched some colors in my garage to the US General red. However, I recently came across the Husky 52 11 drawer chest. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-52-in-11-Drawer-Mobile-Workbench-with-Solid-Wood-Top-22-in-Extra-Deep-HOTC5211B1QBD/204765860 This chest is deeper by a few inches, has 100 lb drawer slides, double slides on the bottom drawers and a wood top. The cost is $399 which is only a little more than the HF but the Husky doesn't come with drawer liners, so that cost needs to be added. I would have to get either of them shipped and the shipping cost is fairly similar.

My chest is not going to be getting a ton of use. I like the fact that the Husky can double as a small workbench. The Husky will also hold a lot more than the HF. Thoughts?

 

[Bill Bowman]

Personally, I'd go with the HF unit, if I were you. Isn't there a store within driving distance, which would save you shipping?

 

[pablo94sc]

It depends on what you really need and how much you plan to move it around. If it's going to be stationary, the Husky should serve you well. They have gotten much better in build quality from what I've seen when I've looked at them recently, so the only major concern for you is not being able to look for and verify no damage prior to taking delivery and if it'll hold all your stuff.

 

[Urban cabin]

I don't have a good way to get the tool chest from the HF store. It is only about a mile away, maybe I should just roll it.

 

[bri_man57]

A mile away? No friends with a truck? Rent a $20 U haul truck?

 

[captain14]

A mile away? No friends with a truck? Rent a $20 U haul truck?

Your HD does not rent the trucks to take things home?

 

[Shiftless]

Your HD does not rent the trucks to take things home?

+1 on this idea. ^^^^^^^^

Don't forget that the box in the shipping crate weighs 275 pounds.
I bought one a couple years ago and love it. (full disclosure...homeowner use and built into a shelf system...never moves)

 

[Trey T]

I would vote for teh HF 44" because it has more drawers. I believe for most people, more drawers means, although shallow, more space.

When you look at pricing of tool cabinet, most ppl would price them per drawer. Therefore, the HF is cheaper per drawer.

 

[Bill Bowman]

Can you purchase/inspect the HF box (for damage, etc.) then run to HD, grab the truck and make the trip quicky quicky? Where are you at? If you're south of I-80, I can give you a hand.

 

[Urban cabin]

Thanks for the offer, the HF is in Crystal Lake. No friends nearby that I would want to impose on. Maybe if i could get a lift gate I could do it myself by sliding it but otherwise I am not looking to lift this thing.

 

[619DioFan]

If your goal is to stay in 400.00 range I would say to go with the HF box. the HF unit is made with a better gauge steel in my opinion. also when your tool collection out grows the box ( and being a GJ member , trust me yours will ) the HF box has the ability to expand by adding the matching top box , then the seven drawer side cab and or full side locker.

 

[ovrrdrive]

I played with that box this past weekend while we were at Home Depot. It's a very nice looking box and worth imo what they are asking for it. The only drawback to it is that the metal is a little thin on it. You can open a drawer and push down in the middle and it flexes. Once you lined the drawers and put stuff in them I don't think you would notice but it is on the borderline of feeling a little cheap. make sure you put your hand on it before you buy it.

The wood top is very sturdy and looks great. I'm in the market for a box like one of these in the next year too. I haven't really given the HF box a shakedown yet to compare.

 

[taumac]

If your goal is to stay in 400.00 range I would say to go with the HF box. the HF unit is made with a better gauge steel in my opinion. also when your tool collection out grows the box ( and being a GJ member , trust me yours will ) the HF box has the ability to expand by adding the matching top box , then the seven drawer side cab and or full side locker.

I like this idea. I have 2 44's and like the idea to add pieces as needed.

 

[Trey T]

Thanks for the offer, the HF is in Crystal Lake. No friends nearby that I would want to impose on. Maybe if i could get a lift gate I could do it myself by sliding it but otherwise I am not looking to lift this thing.

The HD truck is too high but a uhaul moving truck will work. I remember using a small tacoma last time with two 2x4 as ramp.

 

[Urban cabin]

Ok, I am convinced. I will get the HF. If I find I need a workbench I have an 8' Gladiator that I can always move from my basement. It pretty much just keeps things off the floor.

 

[csp]

Remove the drawers and the empty shell is easily unloaded from a truck bed by one person.

 

[Bill Bowman]

Remove the drawers and the empty shell is easily unloaded from a truck bed by one person.

^^^^^This. Piece of cardboard on truck bed, lay the backside of the toolbox up against bed and lift up and slide in. Should be a one person job.

 

[Urban cabin]

Got, I will try that.

 

[mrvm]

I played with that box this past weekend while we were at Home Depot

The HF 44 is a good 18" depth tool box but just wanted to make sure you were checking out the right Husky mobile workbench. This Husky is 22" deep and not normally stocked at any local HDs in my area and are easily confused with the lesser version high volume black work benches models that are slowly improving but still a bit flimsy at only 18" depth.

Husky Model # HOTC5211B1QBD Internet # 204765860 52 in. 11-Drawer Mobile Workbench with Solid Wood Top, 22 in. Extra Deep

In depth review from GJ: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=279911&highlight=husky+work+bench

 

[ovrrdrive]

The HF 44 is a good 18" depth tool box but just wanted to make sure you were checking out the right Husky mobile workbench. This Husky is 22" deep and not normally stocked at any local HDs in my area and are easily confused with the lesser version high volume black work benches models that are slowly improving but still a bit flimsy at only 18" depth.

Husky Model # HOTC5211B1QBD Internet # 204765860 52 in. 11-Drawer Mobile Workbench with Solid Wood Top, 22 in. Extra Deep

In depth review from GJ: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=279911&highlight=husky+work+bench

Nope I was wrong. I'm almost certain I was looking at the cheaper version. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[NUISANCE]

Figured I would chime in, even though you already made up you mind, but I'm a fan of the Husky 52" myself. I also looked the HF 44" and the thing that sold me on the Husky 52" is the fact that I can put my bigger tools on it. In the bottom left drawer I have my circular saw, buffer and my router with fixed base and the extra plunge base. In the bottom right I have my corded drill, cordless drill, battery screw driver, angle driver, taps, 2 sets of drill bits, soldering gun and extra stuff. Can't do that with the HF 44, drawers are too damn small.

It has seen a decent amount of use over the past 10 months and in fact I have out grown it and I am going to buy another one next week now that custom garage cabinets will be done this week.

 

[faralta]

The Husky unit is only rated for an 1100 lb load capacity whereas the HF unit is rated for over 2600 lbs.

 

[ovrrdrive]

The Husky unit is only rated for an 1100 lb load capacity whereas the HF unit is rated for over 2600 lbs.

I noticed that too. However, does anyone know how either maker rates their weight capacities?

It could be just the casters, or the drawer slides, or even something like a standard rating based on the gauge of the steel or the construction method. Odds are whatever it is it wouldn't be a huge issue or even if it was it could possible be remedied pretty easily.

It's also possible HF is over rating their capacity too. Either way I wouldn't necessarily make my decision based on that number alone.

 

[Speedster29]

Regarding loading and unloading them. Harbor Freight will load them for you. To unload just tip it out, off the tail-gate. I did 3 this way, no big deal. I mounted them in a frame, so removed the wheels while it was on its back in the truckThe biggest problem is all the cardboard!

 

[davewh]

Does HF run any discounts on the 44 box? I see that the 20 percent coupon can not. be used to buy tool storages items.

 

[mrvm]

Does HF run any discounts on the 44 box? I see that the 20 percent coupon can not. be used to buy tool storages items.

Best for HF44 are coupons at $349-$369

 

[thanatos]

Does HF run any discounts on the 44 box? I see that the 20 percent coupon can not. be used to buy tool storages items.

Best coupon I could find. http://www.hfqpdb.com/coupons/9_ITE...IAL_QUALITY_ROLLER_CABINET_1441828151.796.JPG

 

[zyx5432]

I've unloaded two of them from the back of my truck by myself. Just took a couple long boards I had laying around (an extension ladder will also work) and slid the entire crate down it. Wedge the boards up against the rise from my driveway to the garage to keep them from moving.

 

[davewh]

Thanatos thanks for the coupon I will use it Mon.
Dave

 

[pendragon1998]

I have a 44" and I added an edge-glued 24"x48"x1" pine project panel from Lowes, which I trimmed to fit and use as a top. The panel fits perfectly into the raised area on top of the box. It's been surprisingly useful as a light-duty bench top. I wouldn't hammer excessively on it, but for many tasks, it has been fantastic to use.

 

[thool]

I recall seeing the 44" HF box for 15-something earlier this year. Maybe they'll do it again for that price this winter.

 

[Shiftless]

I recall seeing the 44" HF box for 15-something earlier this year. Maybe they'll do it again for that price this winter.

By fifteen something, do you mean a hundred fifty something?
I don't think the 44 inch industrial US General cabinet has ever been offered for such a low price. Expect to see $369 or $359 on the best sale. No 20% off coupons accepted unless you can find a cashier that doesn't follow the rules.

 

[thool]

By fifteen something, do you mean a hundred fifty something?
I don't think the 44 inch industrial US General cabinet has ever been offered for such a low price. Expect to see $369 or $359 on the best sale. No 20% off coupons accepted unless you can find a cashier that doesn't follow the rules.

Possible, but I thought I saw 152 this past spring.

 

[PugetDude]

I have read the HF tool chest comparison and had pretty much decided on the HF 44". I even matched some colors in my garage to the US General red. However, I recently came across the Husky 52 11 drawer chest. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-52-in-11-Drawer-Mobile-Workbench-with-Solid-Wood-Top-22-in-Extra-Deep-HOTC5211B1QBD/204765860 This chest is deeper by a few inches, has 100 lb drawer slides, double slides on the bottom drawers and a wood top. The cost is $399 which is only a little more than the HF but the Husky doesn't come with drawer liners, so that cost needs to be added. I would have to get either of them shipped and the shipping cost is fairly similar.

My chest is not going to be getting a ton of use. I like the fact that the Husky can double as a small workbench. The Husky will also hold a lot more than the HF. Thoughts?

Is this a trick question? No comparison in quality, the 52" Husky box is pretty flimsy. Granted, it will hold more than the 44" HF, but so will a big cardboard box.

 

[BaMaDuDe87]

You sure it was the 44" bottom box? I don't think they have ever been that low. I'm not even sure they discount the top box that low.

 

[Shiftless]

The 27 inch wide black roller cabinet (3pieces) might be on sale some time for that price, but the quality of that combo box is no where close to the 44 inch one being discussed here.

 

[cheechi]

Idoes anyone know how either maker rates their weight capacities?

13 drawers x200 lb = 2600 lb

a pair of 100lb drawer slides is how they base it. Ignore the fact that the top drawer has double slides, and the bottom two large drawers used to have double slides.

 

[NUTTSGT]

You sure it was the 44" bottom box? I don't think they have ever been that low. I'm not even sure they discount the top box that low.

The 27 inch wide black roller cabinet (3pieces) might be on sale some time for that price, but the quality of that combo box is no where close to the 44 inch one being discussed here.

Is that what the red HF 5 drawer cart goes on sale for ?


OP, have you seen Steveo's thread on building the HF box into a workbench ?

 

[BaMaDuDe87]

Is that what the red HF 5 drawer cart goes on sale for ?


OP, have you seen Steveo's thread on building the HF box into a workbench ?

I think the black cart(4 drawer) is usually $15X. The red cart (5 drawer) goes on sale for $164-166'ish

 

[mrvm]

I think the black cart(4 drawer) is usually $15X. The red cart (5 drawer) goes on sale for $164-166'ish

I've seen the black 4-drawer cart recently between $99-$109