Husky tool chests

[hairtrigger]

Why is it that Husky tool chests are over $1000, but when you find them used in perfect condition they're only asking a few hundred. Is husky really that bad that they lose value as soon as they leave the lot like a car? I see used SO chests that are being sold at almost 80% of retail. Really considering getting a husky, they look good and lots of space for holding my longer ratchets (40'' being the longest).

Edit: Nvm, apparently they only sell lower-grade stuff now that is really low priced. Any word on the quality of these? About $300 for a 36'' full chest and top box.

 

[kythri]

Do you actually see the used SO selling for 80% of retail, or just being offered for that much?

I'm amused watching the exact same Snap-On stuff on the various local CL's get re-listed incessantly with the sellers refusing to budge on their prices.

As to the newer Husky stuff, I'd say it's on-par with the current crop of Craftsman stuff.

I've got the 36" Husky top/bottom that regularly goes on sale for $199 that I need to get rid of - it's a decent box, it just doesn't work for me (I need something wider with deeper (front-to-back) drawers).

If you're interested, make sure you watch the dimensions - this particular box (36" wide, black with gray drawer fronts, bottom has full-width drawers, top is split-width) looks great, but the drawers, front-to-back, are actually a couple inches shorter/shallower than the Craftsman bottom rollers.

The bottom box is 16" deep, with the top being 12". My Craftsman cabinets that I'm cleaning out are 18" bottoms with 12" tops.

 

[hairtrigger]

I often browse craigslist looking for a good toolchest. My craftsman budget chest is a sorry excuse for a box which would barely rate as being thicker than a soda can. It flexes and bends like mad.

When I get on craigslist, I see SO toolboxes for about $1000 to $2500, in absolute **** shape. Some people have the same prices for flawless SO chests.

Thanks for the info on the husky, though. Sounds like it will be a repeat of what I already have. People keep telling me that the masterhand chests at tractor supply are actually pretty good, but the ones they have in stock aren't very big.

 

[kythri]

Right now, it seems the best "bang-for-your-buck" is that 56" HF chest that'll be on-sale for $700 soon. Not much seems to come close, at least, not on a national scale.

Menard's has a nice looking chest, but they're regional. The Tractor Supply chests looked decent.

Too much past the price of the HF chest, though, and you're probably best served saving up for something from Strictly Toolboxes.

That's kinda the boat I'm in at the moment, unless I can find something used that I like in the surrounding areas.

 

[hairtrigger]

That definitely peaked my interest. I'd pay $700 for a 56'' chest. That's pretty awesome, thanks. I'll just wait for that.

 

[Chris Adams]

To address the original question, Husky is a label, not a brand of box. Several makers under that label.
I have had 'Husky' that were cheap imports, flimsy.

I have also seen plenty of 'Husky' boxes that would be keepers along side Mac, Matco, SnapOn.

Even with SnapOn, in my shop today I have quality ranges that range from good Husky equivalent to very nice boxes, all say SnapOn.

Its like cars, compare a Cadillac Devile to a Cadillac import. All sold as Cadillac, got nothing in common but the label.

If you find a good quality Husky, take advantage of that price.


Oh, and the Torin, excuse me HF box is on sale today, and a good deal, as has been noted.

 

[crewchief888]

husky boxes are simply rebrands sold in specific markets or stores

they've probably used several different manufacturers for different box "grades" at different times.

husky is a brand thats associated with low quality tools, so the boxes dont hold much resale value.

i've run across several of these "bargain brand" toolboxes now and again, and quality ranges from CM homeowner grade to near truck brand quality.

all a case of hands on when dealing with tools, it it looks cheap and feels cheap, it probably is.