Husky “heavy duty” tool boxes…

[Zrsnopro97]

Hey guys, I purchased a Husky heavy duty 56” top and bottom tool box (23 drawer model) brand new in 2018. Anyone else have one of these and what are your thoughts? After 3 years of me using it I guess I’m just not thrilled with it, kind of just seems “ok” or “fine” but not great. The biggest concern for me is the big middle drawer used for sockets and ratchets just has single slides so it’s got a huge amount of side to side wiggle with the drawer out. I don’t have that drawer jammed packed or anything in my opinion. The other thing that bothers me Is I could have used a couple deeper drawers instead of a ton of shallow drawers but maybe that’s a personal thing? I cant even fit my wrenches in a wrench rack or pliers in a plier rack I have to lay them all flat.

Is it ridiculous to sell a tool box based on color? It’s matte black but if I had to do it over I’d choose something else. The black shows every finger print and dust particle, and for some reason it just seems to darken my whole garage .
I’ve had a wild idea lately to sell the box and pick up a snap-on/Mac/Matco full bank service cart (30-40 inch wide) and just downsize to that. With the husky top box gone I could put up some nice cabinets and like a stainless peg board on the wall where the old box used to be…am I crazy for thinking this?

should I just stick with what I have since I already have it?

 

[Zrsnopro97]

This is what I’d be looking at moving to plus the addition of cabinets and nice peg board . Used of course and thinking probably a Mac/Matco/snap-on possibly the US General version. Just don’t know if I’d regret that much of a downsize.

 

[nadogail]

If you feel you were sold a defective box you should ask for a warranty return.

If you knowingly selected a cheap knock off of an expensive box, in my opinion, you got what you paid for.

 

[Zrsnopro97]

I don’t think there’s anything defective with the box, I guess I got what I paid for. I’m just trying to decide if I should just deal with it “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” or just try and sell it now since it’s already on my mind. Once I get ideas in my head I tend to run with them without fully thinking them through.

 

[Captain_Slow]

Thanks for posting this, I was pretty close to pulling the trigger on this box for the price/number of drawers, but had some hesitation as I'd seen a complaint or two about the middle drawer.

It sounds like you want something higher quality, but are you sure downsizing that much is the way to go?

 

[CarsonConcepts]

I have the 52" version. It's a nice box for the size and price, but it is certainly aimed at the home market. I use mine for power tools, electrical stuff, nailers, files/prybars, measuring tools, etc. Haven't had any complaints, though I don't think I'd be loading it up solid with mechanics tools.

As for upgrading/changing, go for it. Over 3 years you've learned what your needs are and what changes would benefit your organization and work flow. Box quality aside, if it doesn't fit your current needs, sell it and build the setup you want. I've had the "should I just make this work because I already have it" argument with myself a number of times. Typically I'll give myself a time frame and a chance reorganize/rework a particular something (be it tool box, workbench, shelving, etc.) If I'm still not happy with the outcome, then it's time to look for a new solution.

If your budget allows I'd definitely buy the replacement before selling the current box. Much easier to transfer from one to the other then pile your tools up waiting to find a good deal on a new box.

 

[bassJAM]

I looked at the "Industrial" 52" Husky a couple months ago. It adds double slides to the middle box and is $100 more but seems very similar otherwise. Seemed nice and is probably more than enough for a homeowner like myself, but I still wasn't convinced it wasn't made to a price point and would start to have issues in 15-20 years. And that black. I'd be cool with grey, blue, maybe even red, but I didn't want black. I wasn't a huge fan of the oversized top lid either.

I went with a US General 44" instead, thus far I'm very happy with it. Drawer height is probably the same, but I'm fine with having more shallow drawers vs fewer deep drawers. I can fit my wrenches in a rack upright in the large middle drawer, and have one for my long 1/2" drive sockets, another for drill bits and tap and die sets, and still have a couple deep drawers left with "shallow" items in them.

 

[Zrsnopro97]

Thanks for posting this, I was pretty close to pulling the trigger on this box for the price/number of drawers, but had some hesitation as I'd seen a complaint or two about the middle drawer.

It sounds like you want something higher quality, but are you sure downsizing that much is the way to go?

The only reason I’m considering downsizing is to free up floor space. I’m not dead set on it though. I’m just in a 24x24 garage and I’ve got 2 project cars, a 6ft long work bench, air compressor, furnace, parts washer etc and it’s getting tight. I’ve seen videos of how professional technicians use the roll carts and jam pack them full of tools but still organized at the same time, I like that type of efficiency.

Ive got my eye on a Mac roll box that’s on Craigslist local and the guy wants $900 for it. Not a smoking deal by any means but I may go look at it. Possibly buy it and see how much of my tools will fit in it and make sure I like it before selling the husky

 

[Zrsnopro97]

I looked at the "Industrial" 52" Husky a couple months ago. It adds double slides to the middle box and is $100 more but seems very similar otherwise. Seemed nice and is probably more than enough for a homeowner like myself, but I still wasn't convinced it wasn't made to a price point and would start to have issues in 15-20 years. And that black. I'd be cool with grey, blue, maybe even red, but I didn't want black. I wasn't a huge fan of the oversized top lid either.

I went with a US General 44" instead, thus far I'm very happy with it. Drawer height is probably the same, but I'm fine with having more shallow drawers vs fewer deep drawers. I can fit my wrenches in a rack upright in the large middle drawer, and have one for my long 1/2" drive sockets, another for drill bits and tap and die sets, and still have a couple deep drawers left with "shallow" items in them.

Honestly if my big middle drawer had double slides I probably wouldn’t be posting this right now. Well maybe, as I almost hate the black color, I don’t think I’ll ever get a black box again lol. Technically I guess I could split up my middle drawer or change it around so there’s not as much weight in it, but it’s just a personal thing I like all my sockets and ratchets in the same drawer. The bad part is I don’t even have any impact stuff in there and a lot of the sockets are in the original cases that take up space. So if I really loaded this drawer down with impact stuff and nice tight socket trays I don’t think it would survive the long run. I don’t feel like I have a lot of tools, but maybe I have more than an average home owner guy who just changes the oil in his car and that’s it.

 

[engineer2]

I have the 52" version. Agree the black shows every speck of dust. I wish it had a few more shallow drawers instead of fewer deep ones. Some of the deep drawers are only half filled. Other than that, it has been fine for homeowner use. I like the LED light strip and all the built-in outlets. The drawer with the solid wood top makes a handy pull-out bar next to the beer fridge.

 

[thr3squared]

I have the 56"x24.5" husky box in white. I was sold by the depth and double slides on the top drawer. Its been a couple years and I'm very happy with it. The detents to hold the drawers closed are "ok" but I wasn't expecting a Snap-On box.

 

[Zrsnopro97]

I have the 52" version. Agree the black shows every speck of dust. I wish it had a few more shallow drawers instead of fewer deep ones. Some of the deep drawers are only half filled. Other than that, it has been fine for homeowner use. I like the LED light strip and all the built-in outlets. The drawer with the solid wood top makes a handy pull-out bar next to the beer fridge.

Nice, mine just has a power strip which is nice but it doesn’t have a work table or lighting. Funny how you want more shallow drawers and I want a couple deeper drawers. Different needs for different people.

 

[Zrsnopro97]

I have the 56"x24.5" husky box in white. I was sold by the depth and double slides on the top drawer. Its been a couple years and I'm very happy with it. The detents to hold the drawers closed are "ok" but I wasn't expecting a Snap-On box.

I should have done more research before pulling the trigger on mine honestly. Mine only measures 22” deep and inside the drawers they only measure out to about 20”. A couple inches deeper makes a huge difference.

 

[dandan111]

Nice box. Looks like you take care of your stuff. You’ll
probably spend time cleaning any new box you get also. Maybe the black seems boring but it looks cool to me!

 

[Zrsnopro97]

Yeah I thought I the black was cool when I ordered it. Just like with cars; when black is clean it looks great, but when it’s dirty it looks terrible, and it shows every spec of dirt. It does clean up easily though.

 

[CombatNinja]

The Husky 'heavy duty' and 'industrial' lines, while not up to professional standards, are fine for the average DIY guy at home. They are massive overkill for the typical suburban dude with a $99 set of tools and a jigsaw he used once. I agree that they should be offered in more colors.

 

[Zrsnopro97]

I've really been on a white box kick lately, not sure why. Anyway, thinking maybe I should give the Husky some more time before I decide to get rid of it. I can re-organize the drawers and get rid of some junk, sell some duplicates. Also might look into low profile wrench racks and see if those might clear in my shallow drawers... How much side to side movement do you guys get with your biggest/main drawer when fully extended? I didnt take a tape measure to it but my main socket/ratchet drawer I'm betting I can wiggle it 2" back and forth. Am I just being too picky about this or is that excessive?

 

[csp]

Is there even room for double slides on the drawer in question?

You can add another set of slides if there is room.

 

[JOE.G]

I have this one and I am happy with it, I have a 20 Year old Craftsmen box as well, If this one lasts as long as the craftsmen i'll be happy. The Black does get dirty quickly and the finish makes it a little bit of a pain to wipe down. The drawers on mine are nice and tight no movment and I have them loaded pretty good. I would buy it again if was looking.

What 97 ZR SP did you have? I had a really nice 97 ZR440 that I sold 2 years ago that was completely rebuilt and now I wish I didn't. I would not Take it on long trailer rides ( I have Procross sleds now ) But it was fun for around the farms.

Husky 52 in. W x 21.5 in. D Heavy Duty 15-Drawer Combination Rolling Tool Chest Top Tool Cabinet with LED Light in Matte Black H52CH6TR9HDV3 - The Home Depot

This Husky 52 inch tool chest combo adds some exciting new features to an already popular design. This matte black tool chest combo offers a pull-out wooden work surface in the lower right-hand drawer

www.homedepot.com

 

[Zrsnopro97]

Is there even room for double slides on the drawer in question?

You can add another set of slides if there is room.

I hadn't even thought of that. I'll have to take some measurements.

I have this one and I am happy with it, I have a 20 Year old Craftsmen box as well, If this one lasts as long as the craftsmen i'll be happy. The Black does get dirty quickly and the finish makes it a little bit of a pain to wipe down. The drawers on mine are nice and tight no movment and I have them loaded pretty good. I would buy it again if was looking.

What 97 ZR SP did you have? I had a really nice 97 ZR440 that I sold 2 years ago that was completely rebuilt and now I wish I didn't. I would not Take it on long trailer rides ( I have Procross sleds now ) But it was fun for around the farms.

Husky 52 in. W x 21.5 in. D Heavy Duty 15-Drawer Combination Rolling Tool Chest Top Tool Cabinet with LED Light in Matte Black H52CH6TR9HDV3 - The Home Depot

This Husky 52 inch tool chest combo adds some exciting new features to an already popular design. This matte black tool chest combo offers a pull-out wooden work surface in the lower right-hand drawer

www.homedepot.com

Funny you say that, I haven't owned on a sled in probably 15 years or so. I had a 97 zr440 back when I was about 15 years old. Had a love/hate relationship with it. I never opened the motor but I would put money it had some kind of big bore kit or something. Had a set of unknown twin pipes (usually only see 440's with a single pipe) and a black magic clutch kit. It would run with anything from a dig to about 65mph. Super fun sled, beat up on a lot of 600's with it. I was also towed back several times with it lol.

 

[nadogail]

Husky is a Home Depot house brand. General has become a brand of Harbor Freight.
To the best of my knowledge they are both Chinese in origin, I would not be surprised if they came off the same production line in the same factory. I may be mistaken.

 

[Mikeske]

I think that the box is ok for the one owner that a limited amount tools and can make do with it but you have to live with it and a option would be a Harbor Freight tech cart as folks seemed well please and they just introduced a new tech cart that is all drawers with a lid on it. You might want to investigate that option and it is less then the used truck brand tech cart. They also have several different colors to select from.

34 in. x 23 in., 6-Drawer, Full-Bank Service Cart, Red

Amazing deals on this Red 34In Full Bank Cart at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Zrsnopro97]

I think that the box is ok for the one owner that a limited amount tools and can make do with it but you have to live with it and a option would be a Harbor Freight tech cart as folks seemed well please and they just introduced a new tech cart that is all drawers with a lid on it. You might want to investigate that option and it is less then the used truck brand tech cart. They also have several different colors to select from.

34 in. x 23 in., 6-Drawer, Full-Bank Service Cart, Red

Amazing deals on this Red 34In Full Bank Cart at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

I have seen those and they have also peaked my interest. Might have to go and check them out in person, get a feel for how much of my tools I could get in there. Only thing I’m skeptical about is I think they are 34” wide while Matco has a cart that is 40” wide. I’ve been catching those on Craigslist a year or two old for $1000. Think the harbor freight box without any coupons or anything is $699.

 

[Neggy]

that set looks just like the red Milwaukee branded sets you could buy for next to nothing a few years back

 

[CAMMShaft]

I have had the same box for about 6 years or so and I love it. I bought it because it has more drawers as a result of them not being deep drawers (I put my big tools in different cabinets) and the soft closing drawer slides. The soft closing drawer slides continues to be my favorite feature and I wish all my boxes had this. I keep the full width drawer loaded with sockets and have not had any issues and I have never noticed the side to side movement, but I had to go check because of your post. I do have movement on mine as well. Hopefully, it will not bother me now . It does show dust and finger prints, but my shop is dusty regularly because of how I use it, so it does not bother me much. It cleans easily when I do clean it. I can't see where you are located, but if you are close and decide to get rid of it, I may be interested.

CAMM

 

[Showkey]

Smaller Husky box in completely different category …….but…….Just for price comparison today vs 5 years ago.
These small cabinets were $199 on sale normally $249 ……5 years ago………..
Harbor Freight has their version………for $369 today.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I was going to mention adding a second set of slides.

Wrong color, how about a repaint ?

 

[bassJAM]

How much side to side movement do you guys get with your biggest/main drawer when fully extended? I didnt take a tape measure to it but my main socket/ratchet drawer I'm betting I can wiggle it 2" back and forth. Am I just being too picky about this or is that excessive?

I just went out and played with my 2 boxes. On my 44" US General, the big middle box has no side to side play. It's practically brand new and let's say it's been opened less than 50 times, but I was surprised how solid it feels. But if I push hard enough, the slide on one side will start to retract and then there's about 2" of side movement. It's not easy to do though, I basically have to pull out on one corner and push in on the other corner to get it to do that. That drawer has 2 slides per side.

My other box is a 15 year old 26" Craftsman "Ball Bearing". The largest box has about 1/2" of side to side play fully extended, and like the US Gen if I push/pull at the corners and let one slide retract I can get it to flex about 1-1/2". Only one slide per side on this box.

So 2" of slop sounds excessive to me. I'm sure it'll still hold up to homeowner and shade tree mechanic work though, it's not a crappy box by any means from what I could tell looking at the specs and in the store.

 

[Zrsnopro97]

I have had the same box for about 6 years or so and I love it. I bought it because it has more drawers as a result of them not being deep drawers (I put my big tools in different cabinets) and the soft closing drawer slides. The soft closing drawer slides continues to be my favorite feature and I wish all my boxes had this. I keep the full width drawer loaded with sockets and have not had any issues and I have never noticed the side to side movement, but I had to go check because of your post. I do have movement on mine as well. Hopefully, it will not bother me now . It does show dust and finger prints, but my shop is dusty regularly because of how I use it, so it does not bother me much. It cleans easily when I do clean it. I can't see where you are located, but if you are close and decide to get rid of it, I may be interested.

CAMM

I do like the soft-close drawers for sure. I've got it up on local craigslist for now, see if I get any bites or not. Unfortunately I think we are across the country from each other, I'm in northern Indiana.

I was going to mention adding a second set of slides.

Wrong color, how about a repaint ?

I looked and I don't think there is enough room to add a second pair of slides. I though about a re-spray but don't think I have the time to do it myself and it would just be easier for me to get another box all together.

I just went out and played with my 2 boxes. On my 44" US General, the big middle box has no side to side play. It's practically brand new and let's say it's been opened less than 50 times, but I was surprised how solid it feels. But if I push hard enough, the slide on one side will start to retract and then there's about 2" of side movement. It's not easy to do though, I basically have to pull out on one corner and push in on the other corner to get it to do that. That drawer has 2 slides per side.

My other box is a 15 year old 26" Craftsman "Ball Bearing". The largest box has about 1/2" of side to side play fully extended, and like the US Gen if I push/pull at the corners and let one slide retract I can get it to flex about 1-1/2". Only one slide per side on this box.

So 2" of slop sounds excessive to me. I'm sure it'll still hold up to homeowner and shade tree mechanic work though, it's not a crappy box by any means from what I could tell looking at the specs and in the store.

I can my 2" or so of movement just by barely pushing with my pinky finger. Sounds like the US General might be slightly better built?

 

[dumbster]

FWIW, I've had the same 56" Husky toolbox for years.

That big middle drawer is where I keep random heavier items -- lots of hammers, saws, clamps, crowbars/prybars, tire spoons/levers. I've got it loaded down pretty heavy, and I think as a result, the drawer doesn't wiggle hardly at all -- it actually feels more solid than the other drawers.

So, perhaps you don't have ENOUGH weight in your drawer? As an experiment, maybe throw a few more heavy objects in and see if it stabilizes at all. I don't recall the weight capacity of the drawer itself, probably 50 pounds or so.

Just a thought.

 

[Zrsnopro97]

FWIW, I've had the same 56" Husky toolbox for years.

That big middle drawer is where I keep random heavier items -- lots of hammers, saws, clamps, crowbars/prybars, tire spoons/levers. I've got it loaded down pretty heavy, and I think as a result, the drawer doesn't wiggle hardly at all -- it actually feels more solid than the other drawers.

So, perhaps you don't have ENOUGH weight in your drawer? As an experiment, maybe throw a few more heavy objects in and see if it stabilizes at all. I don't recall the weight capacity of the drawer itself, probably 50 pounds or so.

Just a thought.

Interesting, I never thought of that. I just looked up the specs and the drawer slides are rated at 120 lbs for the single slides. I doubt I have anywhere near that in there, could be wrong though. I may try and load it more with some scrap and see. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Glemon]

I guess I don't ask enough of my tool boxes, if the drawers open and close and have space to store and organize my tools that is about all I need.

However, if you have space concerns I get that, the box shown has an awful big footprint. If you can re-organize, free up space for projects, and still have access to the tools you need that would be worth the change.

 

[Zrsnopro97]

I guess I don't ask enough of my tool boxes, if the drawers open and close and have space to store and organize my tools that is about all I need.

However, if you have space concerns I get that, the box shown has an awful big footprint. If you can re-organize, free up space for projects, and still have access to the tools you need mat be worth the change.

That’s why I’ve been so interested in downsizing . I’d say i currently only have the box 70% full and a good handful of it is stuff I don’t use regularly, the whole bottom drawer is blow molded cases. I’d be going from a 56 top and bottom to a 40” with no top, but with the addition of some peg board for overflow stuff and wall mounted cabinets for some bigger items

 

[Bulldog13]

I’ve got the same box but in a gloss black…no complaints..,especially for the price

 

[Zrsnopro97]

Looks good, I like that your bottom has a storage cabinet. I think they sell my same version but in a 18 drawer layout instead of the 23 drawer I have. I should have went with the 18 so I could have a few deeper drawers. Live and learn I guess.

 

[bassJAM]

Sounds like the US General might be slightly better built?

I think it is. Not that I think the Husky box is bad by any means and should last even a "garagejournal" homeowner a lifetime. I might have bought it if they sold something in the 44"-46" range because it's certainly a step up from the normal Husky boxes or the Craftsman stuff that Lowe's carries.

 

[Zrsnopro97]

Well turns out I’m an idiot. The side to side movement I was getting was just the opposite slide retracting in and out. When I pull it to full extension and hold it stationary in both sides and then try to wiggle I get a little movement but not much. Still may end up downsizing the box to create space. LOL

 

[Sighss]

I cant even fit my wrenches in a wrench rack or pliers in a plier rack I have to lay them all flat.

Huh.

So if I really loaded this drawer down with impact stuff and nice tight socket trays I don’t think it would survive the long run.

Huh, zero problems.

 

[Zrsnopro97]

Huh.


Huh, zero problems.

That’s a different box than mine; you have the deeper drawers on the top half so you are able to put your sockets in there and wrenches in the middle drawer

 

[Sighss]

That’s a different box than mine; you have the deeper drawers on the top half so you are able to put your sockets in there and wrenches in the middle drawer

I can see how that would be problematic.
I stand corrected.