Husky 52 vs HF 44

[1991Syclone]

So I'm in the market for a new tool box. I don't have a ton of tools, but I do have larger ones like grinders, sanders, etc that I want to keep inside the box.

Right now, I make due with a small 7 drawer red box that's pretty unorganized since I have a bunch of stuff crammed into the drawers. I am looking to upgrade. I was eyeing the HF 44" rolling cabinet but happened to see the Husky 52" rolling cabinet at Home Depot this past weekend.

Looking at the Husky, the bottom drawers would be perfect for larger, hard to organize power tools, but the HF 44" has more drawers for my other things. I'm torn here. The Husky is less expensive and will fit the large tool storage better, but the HF has more drawers for all my other things.

Any opinions on which one is crafted better? I like that both are expandable and that the HF red box will match the one I have now, but is it worth the additional cost?

 

[wesst]

I think everyone can agree the HF one is worth the cost. Many reviews on here can provide insight to the construction differences. Ultimately, it's your money and opinion, but I would go with the HF one over the Husky. Another alternative that is "quality" would be Menard's Masterforce series, however I believe it is more expensive than HF.

 

[Derek1387]

Step up to the HF 56 if you can.

 

[1991Syclone]

Step up to the HF 56 if you can.

Space and the double in price negate the 56.

 

[dodge610]

That all depends on your needs do you have more large tools than hand tools. Both boxes are nice the HF 44 box is well liked on here. The husky for weekend warriors in my opinion would be a great box. But it is pretty much on what tools you have the most of bigger tools or more automotive hand tools.

 

[Derek1387]

Space and the double in price negate the 56.

Fair enough.

Yes, the 44" is a great box. And with the topper on it...even better!

 

[GettinJunkDone]

I had the same discussion in my head for a while before pulling the trigger on the HF box. It's a great box, and I figure that I could always expand it with a top box or side cabinets if necessary in the future. Made a short video.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pZr3Lwdcm74" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

EDIT: I would recommend the HF box over the Husky mostly due to build quality. The husky seemed slightly more flimsy when I was taking a look at the floor models.

 

[firworks]

The HF Box is pretty well built, but the depth is a bit annoying to me. I wish it were a little deeper. Also I'm out of space in mine but that's a personal problem. I may have to find somewhere new for the welder and the SK top box and get the full width HF top box for the 44".

 

[1991Syclone]

I had the same discussion in my head for a while before pulling the trigger on the HF box. It's a great box, and I figure that I could always expand it with a top box or side cabinets if necessary in the future. Made a short video.

EDIT: I would recommend the HF box over the Husky mostly due to build quality. The husky seemed slightly more flimsy when I was taking a look at the floor models.

Great video. Looking at how you have a lot of bigger items in the bottom drawer and the comments about the side cabinets have me leaning heavily towards this one.

Plus it's red so it will sorta match what I have now. Thanks for all the replies!

 

[dodge610]

Remember that floor models are pretty much thrown together buy employees. All they heed it to do is stay together. I have found looking at floor models there is usually a bolt missing here or there a lot of times. Or a drawer track that isnt quite all the way slid in place.

 

[619DioFan]

Go to HD and open the drawers on their box and gently push down on the drawer bottom. watch how easily it deflects. very thin gauge. you do get more deeper drawers then the HF 44 but the build is very superior on the HF box. plus the ability to expand the HF box with the top and side cab / side locker make it a better choice in my opinion.

 

[PJNJ]

There are three different Husky 52 inch cabinets offered by Home Depot. The one to consider and get is currently out of stock -

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-52...-Top-22-in-Extra-Deep-HOTC5211B1QBD/204765860

It has gotten very good reviews but who knows when they will get it back in stock.

The HF 44 is better than the other two 52 inch Huskys which includes the one you are considering.

 

[Sanny81]

I had the same discussion in my head for a while before pulling the trigger on the HF box. It's a great box, and I figure that I could always expand it with a top box or side cabinets if necessary in the future. Made a short video.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pZr3Lwdcm74" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

EDIT: I would recommend the HF box over the Husky mostly due to build quality. The husky seemed slightly more flimsy when I was taking a look at the floor models.

Good video. When you said the HF socket trays don't all fit in the top drawer do you mean they don't fit in certain configurations or you can't physically fit all 6 trays in there no matter how you lay them out?

 

[lightning02]

I had the same discussion in my head for a while before pulling the trigger on the HF box. It's a great box, and I figure that I could always expand it with a top box or side cabinets if necessary in the future. Made a short video.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pZr3Lwdcm74" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

EDIT: I would recommend the HF box over the Husky mostly due to build quality. The husky seemed slightly more flimsy when I was taking a look at the floor models.

Nice video. One thing tho. The Henson trays are a good bit smaller then the HF trays and they both hold the same sockets. I own the both. All the way down to the 1/4 drive trays there a good bit diff in size. Might help you do the setup you want with the more expensive trays.

 

[stage20]

that 52 inch in the link is LIGHT DUTY. ive played with them in the store. ive yet to see one without damage somewhere on it so keep your eyes opened.

i owend the 46 inch version and sold it immediately. very lightweight.

ive had 2 hf44 one still in my dads shop. its twice the toolbox.

now the newer stock 52" combo unit is heavier gauge metal. the hf is still more sturdy, but for 498 it holds a lot of stuff. and its not red.

i wouldnt buy the husky

 

[Greg85mcss]

I'd go with the hf. I've been using my 5 drawer cart professionally for a while & it's just like new. Just replaced a 40" husky box that didn't last 2 years. The bottom has a bad track on the locking system & half the drawers won't lock. Top box is better but the bottom drawer that was heavy but not near the 100 lb capacity rubs the frame.
I tried to warranty it before without much luck & honestly didn't want to empty it & have to put thousands of dollars worth of tools somewhere in the meantime but am going to give it another go.


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[stage20]

husky boxes are advertised with a 3 year warranty. take that sucker back.

 

[airrj]

Another vote for the HF 44". Had mine for 2 years now and I am very happy with it. Look very closely at the two if you can. Metal thickness, underside frame, etc. the HF is a better quality unit in my opinion.

Good luck on your purchase.

 

[Greg85mcss]

I went there & talked to customer service. They said call husky for tool box warranty. Called husky who basically said we'll send you some parts so you can fix it. I'm sure I could but won't. I now have the information from their website saying to return to the store thanks to another thread on here.


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[hancock1701]

There are three different Husky 52 inch cabinets offered by Home Depot. The one to consider and get is currently out of stock -

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-52...-Top-22-in-Extra-Deep-HOTC5211B1QBD/204765860

It has gotten very good reviews but who knows when they will get it back in stock.

The HF 44 is better than the other two 52 inch Huskys which includes the one you are considering.

Agreed! I have that 52 in 11 drawer Husky box, and it has been great so far. No complaints about anything. The reasons I went with that one over the HF 44 was length, black in color, wood top, and 22 inches deep.

That unit has been in and out of stock, and price has been increasing. I first saw it online Nov 2014, it was about $380-ish. Then it was out of stock until March 2015, when I bought it for $420. The price seems to have increased since.

 

[GettinJunkDone]

Good video. When you said the HF socket trays don't all fit in the top drawer do you mean they don't fit in certain configurations or you can't physically fit all 6 trays in there no matter how you lay them out?

No matter how I arrange them, I can't get all 6 to fit. I know I could switch to socket rails or something else, but I have those trays, and I like them. I'll see about getting a short video or some pictures later tonight to better explain what I mean.

 

[GettinJunkDone]

Nice video. One thing tho. The Henson trays are a good bit smaller then the HF trays and they both hold the same sockets. I own the both. All the way down to the 1/4 drive trays there a good bit diff in size. Might help you do the setup you want with the more expensive trays.

Hey! Thanks for the tip. I didn't realize that the trays were that much different in size. I might have to look into that.

 

[GettinJunkDone]

I'm a total *****.

My apologizes everyone. Earlier in this very thread I mentioned a video I recently made showcasing the toolbox the OP is looking into. In that video I stated that it is impossible to fit 6 of the harborfreight socket trays in the top box...boy was I wrong. I completely misspoke and I am sorry for any confusion I may have caused. I made a short follow up video as promised, explaining myself.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7u7syMet7iE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>







EDIT: Let the thrashing begin.

 

[CJM8515]

Ive been to multiple home depots looking at those boxes over the years. All of them use thin gauge sheet metal. The HF 44 is WAY better built, thicker metal and better slides. I have the 44 and the extra bank of drawers side cabinet and its overloaded to the gills. No sagging, no broken parts, no bent metal. I did have an older better built husky 26" combo and trust me, those drawers bent easily.

 

[Jeff95TA]

I wish there was a HF one that has the high lift lid like the Husky/ DeWalt/ Milwaukee chests. I really want that space for my batteries, chargers, and cordless tools.

I agree with probably the majority that the HF is beefier. It just doesn't have as good of a layout if you have larger things like in a home shop (vs. what I have for in my garage).

 

[lightning02]

I'm a total *****.

My apologizes everyone. Earlier in this very thread I mentioned a video I recently made showcasing the toolbox the OP is looking into. In that video I stated that it is impossible to fit 6 of the harborfreight socket trays in the top box...boy was I wrong. I completely misspoke and I am sorry for any confusion I may have caused. I made a short follow up video as promised, explaining myself.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7u7syMet7iE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>







EDIT: Let the thrashing begin.

can the 1/4 trays fit below the 3/8s drive? i see there is some room there but the handle might get in the way so you would need to move that. also if thats possible then you could start the next set of 6 trays starting with the 1/2 drive trays towards the front of the drawer and end with the 1/4 drive at the back.... this is just an idea visible by eye from your video since i dont have a 44 HF box to test that with. just seems like it would. also on my HF trays i cut off the tab they have on the side to hang them.

i know in my socket drawer i fit 12 handson trays and 4 or 6 HF trays but mines box is bigger obviously.

 

[GettinJunkDone]

can the 1/4 trays fit below the 3/8s drive? i see there is some room there but the handle might get in the way so you would need to move that. also if thats possible then you could start the next set of 6 trays starting with the 1/2 drive trays towards the front of the drawer and end with the 1/4 drive at the back.... this is just an idea visible by eye from your video since i dont have a 44 HF box to test that with. just seems like it would. also on my HF trays i cut off the tab they have on the side to hang them.

i know in my socket drawer i fit 12 handson trays and 4 or 6 HF trays but mines box is bigger obviously.

Hey Lightning, Before I posted that video I screwed around with the placement for a little while. I removed all the tabs that the trays come with trying to eek out every little square inch.

After reading your post, I ran back out to the garage to try that, and they still won't fit. The little space below the 3/8 drive sockets is just a hair too small for the 1/4 trays. Someone mentioned that the Hansen trays are slightly smaller. In reality, they do not need to be much smaller at all to get 12 trays in there. The harbor freights are just a micron or two too large.

The reason why I like the harbor freight trays so much is that they are cheap and readily available for replacement if they break a tab or two.

The original poster might not even care about all of this in the end. I didn't mean to thread jack, I was just throwing my two cents in with my pros and cons of the box I love. In the future, i may invest in something smaller, but more durable.

 

[lightning02]

Hey Lightning, Before I posted that video I screwed around with the placement for a little while. I removed all the tabs that the trays come with trying to eek out every little square inch.

After reading your post, I ran back out to the garage to try that, and they still won't fit. The little space below the 3/8 drive sockets is just a hair too small for the 1/4 trays. Someone mentioned that the Hansen trays are slightly smaller. In reality, they do not need to be much smaller at all to get 12 trays in there. The harbor freights are just a micron or two too large.

The reason why I like the harbor freight trays so much is that they are cheap and readily available for replacement if they break a tab or two.

The original poster might not even care about all of this in the end. I didn't mean to thread jack, I was just throwing my two cents in with my pros and cons of the box I love. In the future, i may invest in something smaller, but more durable.

i was that poster that said it lol

***** they dont fit. looks very possible by the looks of it in the video.

i see it like this. if the OP does go with the HF he knows what socket setups will work and wont work. i know if i was buying a box id like to know that info bc it will help me pick which box to get to suit my needs.

 

[Greg85mcss]

Ok cause I have 6 in the top of my 5 drawer cart - home cart to be clear since I've posted the one I have at the shop. Also if the 1/4 won't fit below they probably would sideways in the center of the drawer next to the 3/8. Especially if all the sae were on one side & metric on the other so the sizes are less staggered


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[GettinJunkDone]

Greg, tried all of your suggestions too. The video is tough. It makes it seem like there is just enough space. Now i was never good at puzzles growing up and I've been called a dummy more than once, but I gave it my best shot. No matter the arrangement,I can't get the 12 trays to fit. What I'll probably do is keep the most common sockets on the trays and put duplicates on rails tucked in the back of the drawer.

Below is the best arrangement I can get. It's not laid out the way I would prefer, but its the closest to having all 12 fit. The spot in the middle is a fraction of an inch too small for the last 1/4 tray. I tried flip flopping, turning, and twisting each tray around in every configuration I could think of...



I bet a determined man would shave the sides down of the 1/4 trays slightly and everything would fit.

I'll finish taking over the thread with this to get it back on track. The harbor freight tool box is, too me, a much better buy. It is solid and sturdy, which is more than I can say about my impressions from any of the husky boxes I've played with at the store.

Granted, I have never owned a Husky box, so my opinion wouldn't be as valuable as one from someone who has handled both for an extended amount of time.

Thanks for listening to all of my ramblings

 

[Greg85mcss]

Impressive. I watched the original video after replying & caught a big difference. My husky top box where I kept my sockets is 16 1/2" deep.


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[05r50]

I have out grown my craftsman 26" double stack and have been looking for a bigger box.

Home Depot in my area vary in what store has what box. I've stopped at a few and looked at both the 40+" and the 52". While they are nice and probably would work just fine for a homeowner like me I would have to agree that the 44" HF I looked at tonight seems to be more stout even empty. The HF drawers glide easier without racking compared to the Husky.

I did notice that with the Husky units not all of them roll over the top edge of the drawer box. So it seems that the Husky metal is a little thinner. Maybe it isn't.

The HF has solid drawers and the top edges are rolled.

I like the idea of the canopy top on the Husky but I am leaning to the HF right now. Once I am off these crutches I will be able to get one.

 

[jerseykat1]

Space and the double in price negate the 56.

the 56 is built better than the 44. Its drawers are deeper as well. Not that the 44 is bad but the 56 is worth the extra cost IMO.

Definatly do the HF over the Husky box. The Husky box is flimsy but cheap. If just wrench occasionally than the Husky will suit you just fine. But if your a weekend warrior, Avid DIYer, Semi pro, or even pro you will want to get the 44 or 56 HF box. Even the 26" is nicer than anything Husky/HD has to offer. I have a Husky in my Garage now, i only purchased it because it was cheap ($160) and good enough for home use.

 

[jimmypet]

the 56 is built better than the 44. Its drawers are deeper as well. Not that the 44 is bad but the 56 is worth the extra cost IMO.
.

+1, I agree 100%

I own both. I have had the 44 for 3 years and just bought a 56" and I think the 56 is a huge upgrade over the 44", even though its double the cost.

As nice as the 44 is for its cost, the 56 is just made better.