Important info re: US General Toolboxes

[rockcrawler]

Well, I bought two 44” HF US General boxes, and I’m happy with the build quality. Sure, they aren’t Snap-On, but it is what I could afford. The only issue I found is that one is about 3/8” taller than the other. It seems the boxes are the same size, but the casters are different, which makes the overall height different. Of course I didn’t notice this until I filled both boxes with tools. Not sure it’s a big enough issue that I’ll load it back in my truck and return it. But, for those looking, you may want to examine the casters from underneath before purchasing two or more to make sure the casters are the same on both. The taller box had less “liner” material on the wheels. The wheels with less liner material have grease zerks and the others do not. The sku# on both boxes where exactly the same (64443). They were palleted differently as well. One had the wheels hanging and the other had the wheels sitting on wood. I wasn’t paying attention to which box came off which pallet. So, look out for that as well. Ive already filled both boxes and will most likely need a third.

 

[XJSuperman]

I wonder if HF would swap you a set of matching casters? Esp since you are buying multiple boxes, thats probably a large enough purchase to get their attention.

 

[Ign]

Yank a shorter one, measure out bolt pattern. Get some 3/8" flat bar and make 4 spacer plates. This seems easier than sectioning the taller ones, but thats an option, too

 

[Davefr]

I recall reading a thread on caster's failing on these boxes. Curious if one of them is now "new and improved".

 

[Moosefire]

Not sure what the return policy is on those, but if it's returnable you could just order 2 new ones. 2, since you said that you could use another. Hopefully the casters on the 2 new ones will match one of the 2 you currently have, then you could return whichever one doesn't match, giving you 3 matching boxes.

Sent from my SM-G991U1 using Tapatalk

 

[DadsTools]

This might fall under the universal disclaimer "Manufacturer's specifications subject to change without notice." Looking at the HF site, they have two return policies. One is a 90-day 'satisfaction" guarantee and the other is a warranty for defects in workmanship and materials. Based on my experience with mfrs as a company buyer, this would not fall under a defective item. It all works as its intended, and so is technically not defective. It's unlikely they put the wrong wheels on it, more likely the wheel supplier or spec was changed intentionally. You should be able to return it under the satisfaction guarantee, but it also looks like this could be subject to their 20% restocking fee.

And so I think your decision to just live with it is perhaps the most practical. It's good you took the time to warn others to be on the lookout for this change.

 

[whateg01]

Not sure what the return policy is on those, but if it's returnable you could just order 2 new ones. 2, since you said that you could use another. Hopefully the casters on the 2 new ones will match one of the 2 you currently have, then you could return whichever one doesn't match, giving you 3 matching boxes.

Sent from my SM-G991U1 using Tapatalk

Or, as is my luck, I'd have 4 boxes with 4 different sets of casters!

Dave

 

[rockcrawler]

It’s not that big of a deal to me, but those who want to put a worktop on top of two or three boxes, they will all need to be the same height. I just wanted to let people know what I experienced.

 

[rockcrawler]

Yank a shorter one, measure out bolt pattern. Get some 3/8" flat bar and make 4 spacer plates. This seems easier than sectioning the taller ones, but thats an option, too

I might do that if it starts to bother me enough.

 

[whateg01]

It’s not that big of a deal to me, but those who want to put a worktop on top of two or three boxes, they will all need to be the same height. I just wanted to let people know what I experienced.

I sure see what you mean. Most of the tool boxes I've had, in fact probably all, have a lip around the sides and back to keep the chest from sliding off, so there usually has to be done sort of riser to get the work top to clear that. A guy would just need to make one riser taller. I can still see where it would bother some people.

 

[mepstein]

It would bother me enough to make some spacers but not to return the box.

 

[Rinspeed]

I might do that if it starts to bother me enough.

I could knock you out four spacers fairly easily, shoot me a PM if you're interested.

 

[rockcrawler]

I could knock you out four spacers fairly easily, shoot me a PM if you're interested.

I really appreciate that. I’ll keep that in mind if I decide to add the spacers.

 

[Rworld1]

had the same issue with my 2 44's i stuck a couple fender washers under the casters and got longer bolts worked perfect. BTW my casters were the same the metal where the bolted in was a little higher/lower than the other box.