Looking for decent tool chest

[I Love Grits]

Yes it does, thank you markl!

Edit: I do have one more question though. Where are yall coming up with 400 for the whole set ? The website is listing all the cabinets like Markl has in the pic for about 900! Am i overlooking something? I have a local HF down the street, mabye I will pay them a visit tomorrow.

 

[markl]

Maybe they were talking about the bottom only, its usually on sale for $399. If you sign up for the e-mail ad flyers on the HF site they send you coupons also, up to 20% off 1 item, 3 pieces x 3 20% off coupons, thats almost $200 saved!. Its a big discount and making 3 trips was well worth it. Its still a hell of a lot cheaper than any comparable boxes.

 

[katit]

Got my 20% coupon in email today. Will have box this week

 

[katit]

Unpacked. Yes. I like overall quality a lot. I like paint, too. Don't know how cleanable it will be though..

At $335 this price can't be beat. Packaging is excellent, overall this box doesn't look like it came from HF

After I get another 20% coupon I might think about side box or something

 

[neblinc]

I don't think you will be disaponted at all, I have had mine for around 4 months and have rearanged my tools a few times and smile when I think of the money I saved to buy other tools. Everytime I use it I think of a buddy who spent thousands on his tool chest, and I wonder how could any backyard/partime/tinkerer mechanic spend that kind of money for a tool chest. I could have 10 more as backups for what he spent on his.

Randy

 

[twostory]

Unpacked. Yes. I like overall quality a lot. I like paint, too. Don't know how cleanable it will be though..

At $335 this price can't be beat. Packaging is excellent, overall this box doesn't look like it came from HF

After I get another 20% coupon I might think about side box or something

I went to HF this past Saturday with my singel item 20% coupon. I had planned on buying the $399 bottom tool box (item # 90320-5VGA) They had the tool chest in stock, but read my coupon and said "does not apply to discounted items" So they said the price would be $399 since that was a "discounted" price anyway (not the normal $499)

How did you guys get the 20% off the $399 price, i.e. how did you get HF to sell the bottom chest for $319.20 (+ tax)?

Thanks,

Robert

 

[neblinc]

You need to speak to the manager or raise some hell!!
It says on the coupon "Including current sale prices"

I would also make them honor the expired coupon since they refused to give you the discount.

I found they are pretty easy to deal with, I went in to get a framing nailer that was on sale, of course they were out. I asked the manager if they would subsitute another model, he did.

Randy

 

[katit]

They had the tool chest in stock, but read my coupon and said "does not apply to discounted items" So they said the price would be $399 since that was a "discounted" price anyway (not the normal $499)

Robert,

My cupon says:
"Savings discount percentage off Harbor Freight Tools current prices, including current sale prices"

I had other issue. When I came to the store - box was $499. I asked why and guy said it's not on sale anymore. I was really disappointed as I'm sure it was on sale online.

He told me if it goes on sale wthin 30 days - we will return money. I asked about online and he said just bring printout. So next day I brought internet page and got my $86 back.

 

[twostory]

Robert,

My cupon says:
"Savings discount percentage off Harbor Freight Tools current prices, including current sale prices"

I had other issue. When I came to the store - box was $499. I asked why and guy said it's not on sale anymore. I was really disappointed as I'm sure it was on sale online.

He told me if it goes on sale wthin 30 days - we will return money. I asked about online and he said just bring printout. So next day I brought internet page and got my $86 back.

This is a link to the coupon I tried to use.

http://www.billt.com/harborfreightcoupons.htm

It does say "cannot be used with any other Discount".

--------------------------------------------------------
Katit,

Where did you get your coupon?

Thanks,

Robert

 

[katit]

Coupon you posted say what I quoted. Just read everything. It's the same one I used. I subscribed to their email letter (on website) and they sent me this coupon. I think what they mean by "used with other discount" is probably other coupons. Not current sale prices.

 

[Bradley Miller]

That coupon (http://www.billt.com/harborfreightcoupons.htm) says that it's off the current price including sale price.

 

[l_bilyk]

even without the discount, thats a dirt cheap toolbox

.... but you ARE giving money to the chinese

 

[neblinc]

Bradley-

So there is no expiration date on your coupon?

Randy

 

[katit]

.... but you ARE giving money to the chinese

So, you prefer to give $1k to american + $330 to chinese?
I'd rather buy direct

 

[AZAV8]

Greg,

Good info, thanks!
$100 for ball bearings not a problem. I tried both types at Sears and think that it makes sence to get ball bearings.
..

The ball bearing drawers make sense when they are loaded with tools. In the store when the drawers are empty they all slide easily. At the garage when they are loaded with HEAVY tools the ball bearing slides demonstrate why they are needed. The drawers will open a LOT easier when loaded with the ball bearing slides. They will also last longer.

Check out Sears. They are discontinuing some lines of tool boxes and the individual stores are discounting the individual showroom boxes down to CHEAP. I picked up a nice 10 drawer (black-front drawers) tool box and 4 drawer set-on box for about 30-40% off of list. Perfect shape.

Since Sears merged with K-Mart they are consolidating and discontinuing stuff and various lines in money-saving attempts. I check out the local Sears stores (about 3) about once a week looking for discontinued bargins in the tools dept.

 

[PAToyota]

Check with your local Snap-On, Matco, whatever dealer. I checked Snap-On online and followed the "customer service" link and then the "find a dealer" link. Type in your zip code and they give you the phone number of the local branch. Called and got the cell phone number for the guy whose route is in my area. They get trade-ins on the boxes all the time and give a pretty good discount on them. Just check with the guy every so often or tell him what you're looking for and give him your number.

 

[jerry j]

Has Anyone ordered from "AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE CO." ??

On 06/05/06 I ordered a Waterloo 4111, and a 4112 tool storage boxes...
They told me I would have in 10 days.. Today it's been 18 days and no word yet.. Sent them an E-mail on 06/16/06 asking for a guestimate shipping time.. As of today have not heard a word from them......

Recd. my visa bill yesterday and they CHARGED my account full price on the day I ordered (06/05/06)... What would y'all do ???? I'm 'bout ready to call & cancell. any advise would be appreciated.....

Thanks All...... Jerry......:

 

[katit]

I bought my lift from them - came in time. I would just call.

 

[Arthur]

Here are a few pics of my HF set. Thought i'd throw a few pics out to show some of the quality built in. You can see the double ball bearing slides on the full width drawer and the bottom deep drawer on the chest and the bottom drawers on the side cabinet. Not bad for the money, especially with 20% off coupons ! P.S. The top chest actually comes with a deep drawer, I swapped 2 shallow drawers from the bottom to the top and put the top deep in the bottom. Just personal preferance

I'm checking out this chest now on the harbor freight site. What's weird is that if you download the manual, it claims the maximum weight capacity of some of the drawers is only 33 lbs! But the corresponding top chest that goes with it has a much higher weight capacity on the drawers.

It's weird because the roller cabinet is really heavy at 283 lbs, but the drawers can only hold 33 lbs? Can that be correct?

 

[JRGSPE73]

Just got the weekly Harbor Freight coupon e-mail...the 13 drawer tool chest is on sale for $299 through Dec. 8th (with coupon). Best of all, the coupon makes no mention of "not valid with any other offers", so I'm pretty sure you could probably use the 20% off coupon in addition to this (provided you can get the store to honor it)...from what i've heard, this isn't a bad toolbox for the weekend wrencher, and at $240 I don't know that it can be beat. I'm thinking I might go pick one up this week, as I'm in desperate need of additional storage.

This thread is a little dated, so - those of you that own this box, are you still happy with it? Any feedback would be much appreciated.

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/emails/display.do?fname=49_RetailAv2.html

 

[katit]

I'm still happy with this box. Now I wish top portion went on sale

The only problem I have is that if you don't push drawers firm - they open up. Other then that - very nice box for money. I constantly check craftsman boxes - nothing comes even close for similar money or even double in price.

 

[alohavw]

This thread is a little dated, so - those of you that own this box, are you still happy with it? Any feedback would be much appreciated.

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/emails/display.do?fname=49_RetailAv2.html

Anymore reviews on this tool box? Looks like a good deal.

 

[strizzy]

Just my opinion, but check out Home Depot and see if they have any of they're old style 41" Husky Pro boxes in stock. These are the same as the MAC and Proto boxes. I snagged one for $400, well worth the price (MAC sells the same box for , well take a look! http://www.mactools.com/Mac/Mac+Products/Catalog/Tool+Boxes/Tech+Series/Base/11-Drawer ).

New ones **** though... And on the HF box, check out the owners manual and the load rating...

 

[neblinc]

I have had mine for almost a year now, and just started using it daily in the last few months or so working on my tractor projects. I can say for the money that I saved buying the HF unit was worth it to me.
Only thing that I notice is the top large drawer needs to be opened by pulling in the middle or equally on both sides when it is loaded with tools or it tends to bind just slightly.
Overall it serves my needs well. I am constantly rolling it around and it rolls very smooth with all the tools I have loaded in it.
I have the extra side cabinet on mine so it is pretty heavy.

Randy

 

[musgofasta]

I've got the lower chest. LOVE IT. No issues at all. I've got the drawers pretty loaded, no sagging yet. I built a workbench over the chest, so I don't have the top box YET. But of course I'm running out of room.

My only (minor) gripe, is I wish one of the bottom drawers was a bit taller to put standing spray cans in.

I lubed the bearings with some fresh grease when I got it, and absolutely no issues with it. I don't really like the krinkle finish, but it's definitely pretty rugged, powdercoated almost. I wish they had black when I bought mine, but for the price, it's great.

I used the 20% coupon last year off the $399 price. $299 is even better. Wow.

 

[Danglerb]

Lubrication helps all the cheaper boxes, something silicone or dry on the friction, whatever on the ball bearings. I am thinking about spraying my Craftsman quiet glide with GDL from the PB Blaster people (garage door lube, silicone I think).

 

[alohavw]

Just picked up the lower tool chest from HF today. Haven't opened it yet but it is packed really nice. In time I will more than likely get the side and top matching boxes. I've seen that a couple of the last posting stated that they lube the ball bearing, what kind of lube is used and how would you do it.

Mahalos!

 

[CBSuperDuty]

For those that don't like the krinkle finish, you might look into the stainless steel model. It does have a bit different drawer configuration and is a bit more expensive but it is another option.

Stainless Bottom -$479.93

Stainless Top - $379.91

For those of you with these boxes do you think that they (HF) will keep them for a while? Reason that I ask is I would like to get the whole setup but with a new kid, new house, pull truck, and wanting to build a shop it will be a while before I could drop $700 or $900 (if I get the side cabinet) but I could probably get the bottom and then pickup the top and side later if they won't be discontinuing them anytime soon.

 

[musgofasta]

They've carried at least the red model for as long as I can remember, and they seem to move pretty consistently from the store I frequent. I don't think you'd have a problem buying it one piece at a time.

Aren't they the most expensive items that HF sells in-store? I'd assume they still make a decent profit on each one they sell.

At least space them out to use a 20% off coupon that comes around every few months.

 

[Uncle Buck]

If they were ever the most expensive in store item I would say at least as individual pieces they now take a back seat to the A frame hoist that goes north of $500.00 I think.

 

[Elroy]

Elroy understands that "katit" has already purchased his box. He trusts that you're happy with your selection. This post is only intended to offer others additional choices. We purchased six of these boxes at work. Sure they're import but this box is really nice.

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/product-p/httb4411bbs-bl.htm

 

[goodfellow]

HF flyer came this afternoon with a 15% coupon printed on the back. If I use that coupon on the top chest and the $299 printable coupon on the rolling chest, this works out to be a good deal -- $554.00/plus tax. Merry Christmas to me!!

The krinkle finish on the HF box isn't optimal, but it won't show the dirt as quickly as the stainless steel boxes. Thanks for all the input guys, I've looked at a lot of boxes these past few weeks, and the HF box along with a coupon promotion is the best value.

 

[katit]

Ok. Owning HF box for more then a year I have only few complains.

1. Wrinkle finish. More aestetical for me since I don't have grease flying around, but still.
2. Poorly locking drawers. When drawer get's heavy - it won't lock until you close it firmly and hold.

I recently got identical box from Ranger
http://rangerproducts.com/cart_product_detail.php?prod_id=327&cat_id=83

Finish is much better and drawers do lock nicely except for top drawer that doesn't have feel that it's "locking" but it does. Will post more when I use it for a while.

Otherwise - apples to apples - they look/function/feel the same. Oh, Ranger box got work surface which is also nice. For extra price of Ranger box I got nicer finish and better locking drawers. Not sure if this is what cost money

Anyway, drawers in HF box drive me crazy.

 

[number9]

Elroy understands that "katit" has already purchased his box. He trusts that you're happy with your selection. This post is only intended to offer others additional choices. We purchased six of these boxes at work. Sure they're import but this box is really nice.

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/product-p/httb4411bbs-bl.htm

Take a look at the pics of the HF box earlier in this thread - it looks like the same box, only in a blue smooth finish.

I wish I had seen this thread before I bought a Craftsman "Precision" top-box a few months ago. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00961954000P?keyword=61954 I like it that it has 3 rows of the 1/3 width drawers and overall, it seems like an okay box but I think it was overpriced. Still haven't got the bottom box http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00961939000P?keyword=61939 cause they want about $100 just to ship it and they don't carry them in the stores

.....

 

[number9]

Here are a few pics of my HF set. Thought i'd throw a few pics out to show some of the quality built in. You can see the double ball bearing slides on the full width drawer and the bottom deep drawer on the chest and the bottom drawers on the side cabinet. Not bad for the money, especially with 20% off coupons ! P.S. The top chest actually comes with a deep drawer, I swapped 2 shallow drawers from the bottom to the top and put the top deep in the bottom. Just personal preferance

Mark, I agree with this layout and would like to do my box the same way (I just picked on up last night).

I see you have to drill out the rivets that hold the drawer rails in to remove them from the bottom box and move up to the top. It appears that you only had to remove one set of rails from the bottom box and move up to the top to get this to work. What did you use to secure the rails you moved to the box in place of the rivets you had to drill out? And do you have any closeup pics showing what you did to the rails?


..

 

[01jackedZ]

does the black box have this crinkle finish as well? Im more of a fan of black boxes anyways.

 

[WSMC633]

This thread is a little dated..... But I thought I'd bring it back to life.... well, just because.
I recently opened my own shop, and am doing so without borrowing any money, which means budget vs. quality is a common debate I have with myself.
When shopping for a new chest, I looked at all of the brands in my budget ie: craftsman, Kobalt, Husky, etc. etc. and of Course the HF 44" wide box. I've still got my dad's Craftsman chests from the mid 70's which are still great chests, and a couple years ago I bought a Craftsman Bottom, intermediate, top and side chests. I don't remember the price, but it's the ball bearing better units. Honestly the new craftsman setup is a piece of junk. Every time I use it I wish i would have spent the money elsewhere.

So I decided to try the HF offering. I picked up the lower box for $379 on sale. Figured for the price vs. size it was worth giving it a shot. I'm more than pleased with it. I've got the top drawer loaded down with all of my sockets and ratchets. and it still glides perfectly smooth. In the C-man box they were divided across 2 drawers and the weight definitely affected how smooth the drawers would operate.

I'm sure the SO boxes are nicer. But, mine get used daily, rolled around the shop, etc. etc. Shows zero signs of wear after a year of use and cost way less. I'm sorry that it supports China, but if I found an item that was US made @ the same price, that suited my needs as well, I would buy it instead. Instead I paid multiple times the price for a Craftsman box that the bottom is bent around the casters from the weight, and the drawers slides are awful.

Anyway, I plan on purchasing at least one more for the shop's 3rd work bay when I build it out and expanding my main chest with a matching top and side box. Then I'll take the money i saved on the Boxes and buy more tools. (which don't come from HF )

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

since you are bucks down , I hope you are a success
how long have you been in the trade ?

 

[WSMC633]

I've been working on racebikes/trackbikes for private customers for a few years out of my home shop. about a year ago we decided to take it to the next level and open to the public in a commercial space etc. Thanks for the Success wishes. I'm 30 and don't relish the idea of debt. So I try to buy everything with cash. Except for the Truck and house. I just can't justify spending thousands on a box that doesn't make me a penny. It's the tools inside that pay the rent, so that's where I'd rather spend my funds.

 

[CAT_serviceman927]

Hey, if you are happy with the box and it meets your needs, then that is what matters. Like you said, more money for tools.