Masterforce 72" or USG 3 72"?

[ricky_bobby]

I am debating on the masterforce 72 vs USG3 72. I went to my local Menards to check it out and like the locking mechanism vs the USG3, but that's not a deal breaker. My concern is the masterforce is open at the bottom exposing the sliders to dust and dirt which maybe could lead to premature failure on the bottom drawers. The USG3 is covered and you can't see the sliders. I know the masterforce has a better warranty but this kind of bugs me and is pushing me towards the USG3.

Does anyone have a picture of the masterforce 72 with the top hutch?

 

[Snapped-off]

Masterforce if you're just gonna stick with a roll cab. If you want to add onto the top go with the USG.

 

[joshs74nova]

The two boxes open very differently. My recommendation is to pick whichever opens naturally to you. The Masterforce uses the older "griplatch" style system my older Craftsman professional had and I prefer that. To me the plastic tabs to open the drawers on the Harbor Freight aren't my favorite. But they sure do look good with all the colors to chose from.

I say pick whatever feels better on the opening mechanism. You can't go wrong with either choice though.

Cheers!

 

[ed_v]

Go with the Masterforce.

I own a Snap-On KRL and Heritage series box. I feel the Masterforce is much closer in quality to the Snap-On boxes than the HF USG Series 3. The Masterforce is deeper, have smoother drawer slides, and less side to side wiggle than the USG. Just all around better boxes for the money in my opinion.

Ed

 

[alinc100]

If you are worried about the bottom being open cut a strip of magnetic vinyl to fit underneath. Easily removable,no harm to paint/holes in cabinet etc.

 

[zc15]

Love my masterforce

 

[xjfish]

Another vote for Masterforce.

 

[John in OH]

Just curious, as I don't have either brand of box and don't have a dog in the race, but is the fit of the bottom drawers in the Masterforce tight enough to keep mice out?? A mouse nest can be a gross, nasty, stinking, corrosive mess.

 

[Boogerman]

I'm generally interested in boxes of Snap-on quality or better, but I have a masterforce 2 piece set I bought in preference to USG at the time, after looking at both. I've had very good use out of the Masterforce, and after 10 years or so, it's still working like new. I like the latches on the Masterforce, and for my uses the drawer configuration is much better. Build quality is higher, too. The slides have held up very well, the latches have loosened up slightly on the most used drawers, but still work well. I wouldn't even consider USG again if I had a Menards nearby, I'd just go Masterforce.