New Harbor Freight 44" tool box problem...

[cburnscrx]

Well, I finally bought the legendary Harbor Freight US General 44" box with the coupon. I must say I am very pleased! I've already got it filled up with tools and will need another.

However, there's a problem (waiting for the truck guys to stop laughing)...the top full width drawer didn't feel real stable. The rest of the drawers were great, but the top seems to twist more than I liked. So finally I decided to take out the top drawer and have a look. When I did, I was impressed with the quality of the box and the double drawer slides helped sell me on the box originally. However, upon examination, the bottom slide on both sides weren't riveted on in the front! So here's my dilemma, do I take the box back, do I ask for some compensation, or do I just rivet it in and forget about it?

I am generally inclinded to call them about the problem, and tell them I'd like to return it. However, I suspect they don't want it back any more than I want to take it back. If they offer me some sort of compensation, what do you think I should get? I'd really like a discount on a top or sided at some kind of a discount, but how much? Then again, I can fix it, and it's not really a big deal. The other side is I don't really feel I should have to repair a brand new box before it's even had a scratch on it.

*if I do decided to rivet it, what kind of rivets should I use? Aluminum, steel, or stainless? Thanks!

 

[06 DIESEL]

If it is as simple as a few rivets, that you already have, my time going back would be worth more than the rivets.

 

[alpinewhite]

If it is as simple as a few rivets, that you already have, my time going back would be worth more than the rivets.

Your vehicle's gas, too, is worth more than a few rivets.

 

[cburnscrx]

Your vehicle's gas, too, is worth more than a few rivets.

Yep, that's true...and it's literally 2 rivets.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Fix it and torque the rivets with torque wrench....

lol lol, ha ha
it is a minor problem..

 

[bustdknuckle]

I have a question about the box that has nothing to do with your question. Does the box and drawers have the holes to add slides to add double slides or move drawers around? O and by the way I would just fix the box, but call the store and let them be aware of the issue and maybe they will give you a discount for the "inconvenience"

 

[cburnscrx]

I have a question about the box that has nothing to do with your question. Does the box and drawers have the holes to add slides to add double slides or move drawers around? O and by the way I would just fix the box, but call the store and let them be aware of the issue and maybe they will give you a discount for the "inconvenience"

Hmm, I think I get your question. All the drawers that you would put double drawer slides already have them. It's also my understanding that some GJ members swapped out the bottom drawers. One guy has all shallow drawers while the other has two deep bottom drawers. I'll try to take a look tomorrow.

 

[cburnscrx]

Fix it and torque the rivets with torque wrench....

lol lol, ha ha
it is a minor problem..

Too funny.

I guess I should have asked if an aluminum rivet has the sheer strength to hold up to a ball bearing drawer slide loaded with 100lbs of tools, or do I need to make a trip to the hardware store.

 

[Danglerb]

I don't think the store will be able to do anything except exchange refund, no mechanism for them to do anything else.

OTOH I would email or write to customer service to have it on the record so to speak that it was missing rivets.

Aluminum rivets don't sound too strong, but I don't know anything about rivets. Any other stronger options?

 

[TinKnocker]

Use a few stainless rivets and be done with it.

 

[capturedlive]

I had a similar experience. Email what happened to you to [email protected] with your name and phone number and they're good about calling you back and "taking care" of you, like with a gift card.