HiccaBurp
Well-known member
Ran across these toolboxes at Costco today. I really like the color and seem well put together. I don't need anymore toolboxes, but was wondering what everyone thought about these??
New Toolboxes at Costco..
- Thread starter HiccaBurp
- Start date
vartz04
Well-known member
homak's are good....i like that box. Too bad they don't sell it in 2 pieces id like the bottom box.
SMKS
Well-known member
Homak is pretty well known, but they have different levels of quality.
I wonder the COO? I'm sure it's likely imported. Probably Chinese. But, it could be in the same league as the HF box, which I have.
I wonder the COO? I'm sure it's likely imported. Probably Chinese. But, it could be in the same league as the HF box, which I have.
Armored Saint
Member
and if you look closely in the second picture (bottom left), it says that it's made in China. It does look nice though.
Steevo
Well-known member
Ditto.
I'd use them for parts cabinets. I am not in the financial league to even consider Lista or Vidmars, but those would work well.
mscribellito
Well-known member
I've got the same set. You really can't beat them for the money.
allinon72
Well-known member
No way I'd pay $500
I have the box that will probably for a very long time so I don't reallyneed to buy another. That being said, if I was somewhere that had that box, I'd check it out.
MScott
Well-known member
If you like these, better get them right away since Costco seems to change their toolboxes every few months. I was looking at a set of stainless boxes there a while back and just about the time I decided to get them, they had changed to an entirely new design. I believe they have changed the design and colour at least three times since then. Just saying.....
allinon72
Well-known member
I had a chance to see this box at Costco the other day. I was impressed by the quality...probably the best built box Costco has carried. The drawers open nice and smooth with minimal side to side wobble. Good quality construction for a Chinese box.
However, I still think it's overpriced at $499.
However, I still think it's overpriced at $499.
I'm looking at buying the same box here in Japan, could you tell me if the drawers have bearing slides please? I can't see it well enough on my webpage and the text makes no reference.
Sorry I didn't explain properly, I meant the text I was looking at for the 41" but you're correct as I have found out. Thanks
marty_p
Well-known member
I agree; they're at least $100 too proud of it at that price. They are actually $140 too proud of it, compared to this new HF combo that is on sale for $360 today (which scores a 4.3 out of 5 on reviews)
---> http://www.harborfreight.com/26-8-drawer-roller-cabinet-with-8-drawer-top-chest-67831.html
But if that combo still has your eyes, search elsewhere for it for a better price...
SuperSocket
Well-known member
I agree; they're at least $100 too proud of it at that price. They are actually $140 too proud of it, compared to this new HF combo that is on sale for $360 today (which scores a 4.3 out of 5 on reviews)
---> http://www.harborfreight.com/26-8-drawer-roller-cabinet-with-8-drawer-top-chest-67831.html
But if that combo still has your eyes, search elsewhere for it for a better price...
26" vs 36".... sort of a big difference
Lets do some math, 38% wider, which would mean 38% more storage. 38% + $360 = $496.80
Then don't forget the fantastic Costco return policy.
marty_p
Well-known member
YES, you win on the size factor; I must need glasses... 
and
YES, you win on the Costco return policy, compared to HF
and
NO, I win on value. The Costco combo is $500 for an overall 36" x 18" x 56" unit which = 1.38¢/sq. in. The HF combo is unit is $360 for an overall 26.5" x 18" x 60" unit which = 1.26¢/sq. in.
So, to summarize, have fun shopping at Costco!
and
YES, you win on the Costco return policy, compared to HF
and
NO, I win on value. The Costco combo is $500 for an overall 36" x 18" x 56" unit which = 1.38¢/sq. in. The HF combo is unit is $360 for an overall 26.5" x 18" x 60" unit which = 1.26¢/sq. in.
So, to summarize, have fun shopping at Costco!
BOONEY7750
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 13, 2010
- Messages
- 147
Seems like all these treads eventually end up with trolls and bashing nromally with Snap-On or HF, can anyone post about their Homek boxes? Does anyone have one yet? Interested in how the smaller drawers on the top chest work out and how useful they are. Thanks.
A**holes Garage
Banned
Never been impressed with Homak in the past. Haven't seen the newest stuff.
Looks like a decent box, but not a super fantastic deal at $500.
For comparison, I bought this 41" wide CSPS box at Costco a couple of years ago, priced at $400. Wider, taller, a bit heavier duty construction, and $100 less expensive. Unfortunately, it is the same ~18" depth. It would be fantastic to find a selection of 24" deep boxes that don't cost a fortune.
I haven't seen Costco carry this box since, or I would have purchased a second one.
For comparison, I bought this 41" wide CSPS box at Costco a couple of years ago, priced at $400. Wider, taller, a bit heavier duty construction, and $100 less expensive. Unfortunately, it is the same ~18" depth. It would be fantastic to find a selection of 24" deep boxes that don't cost a fortune.
I haven't seen Costco carry this box since, or I would have purchased a second one.
Last edited:
silvertip44
New member
- Joined
- May 27, 2012
- Messages
- 2
I have a Homak set from Costco, that came with the side cabinet also. ($699:00 Canadian) It is very well built and Heavy, wouldn't want to have to move it around much. but it is built to last. the last little bit of push to close the drawers is a bit heavy, which could be good because they don't fall open. It makes my Craftsman toolbox look cheap. next time your there, just try to pick it up. Hope this helps.
silvertip
silvertip
Mister Moose
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 24, 2012
- Messages
- 131
I was just in a Costco in Connecticut and there were no tool boxes at all.
I'm just completing a thorough review of all the better quality big box store tool chests/cabinets out there. In reading many threads on tool cabinets, I can see that many evaluations are subjective. "This feels like decent quality".
I decided to go further in my quest for a good tool cabinet.
I've looked at casters, caster support brackets, drawer construction, slides, number of ball bearing pairs within the slides, thickness of drawer sheet metal, thickness of cabinet sheet metal, and cabinet construction. I think that gives a far better picture of what actually is better quality.
Having looked at a lot of cabinets, I can say there is a lot of mis-information out there.
Since I haven't seen any of the Costco cabinets, including this latest one, I can't offer up a comparison. Watch for my lengthy review in a week or two, and use that to compare what you are looking at.
In the meantime, look at the Homac more closely. Are the tops of the drawer sides flat sheet metal, or is the top edge rolled over to a doubled edge? The doubled edge stiffens the drawer.
Take out a drawer. Measure the height of the metal slide. It should be at least 1 3/8" in height.
While the drawer is out, look at the ball bearing cages. Measure the length. 7" is better, 8" is very good. Count the ball bearings. On the bottom row there should be at least 12. I've seen some with only 8.
Look under the cabinet to see how the casters are going to transfer the load to the box. You might have to remove the bottom drawer and look inside.
These are just some of the comparisons, but you get the idea. There is a difference, and it isn't visible from the outside. There is much more to it than just looking for a ball bearing drawer. Sears has both the world's worst ball bearing cabinet, and a mediocre one. Ball bearing by itself means nothing.
I'm just completing a thorough review of all the better quality big box store tool chests/cabinets out there. In reading many threads on tool cabinets, I can see that many evaluations are subjective. "This feels like decent quality".
I decided to go further in my quest for a good tool cabinet.
I've looked at casters, caster support brackets, drawer construction, slides, number of ball bearing pairs within the slides, thickness of drawer sheet metal, thickness of cabinet sheet metal, and cabinet construction. I think that gives a far better picture of what actually is better quality.
Having looked at a lot of cabinets, I can say there is a lot of mis-information out there.
Since I haven't seen any of the Costco cabinets, including this latest one, I can't offer up a comparison. Watch for my lengthy review in a week or two, and use that to compare what you are looking at.
In the meantime, look at the Homac more closely. Are the tops of the drawer sides flat sheet metal, or is the top edge rolled over to a doubled edge? The doubled edge stiffens the drawer.
Take out a drawer. Measure the height of the metal slide. It should be at least 1 3/8" in height.
While the drawer is out, look at the ball bearing cages. Measure the length. 7" is better, 8" is very good. Count the ball bearings. On the bottom row there should be at least 12. I've seen some with only 8.
Look under the cabinet to see how the casters are going to transfer the load to the box. You might have to remove the bottom drawer and look inside.
These are just some of the comparisons, but you get the idea. There is a difference, and it isn't visible from the outside. There is much more to it than just looking for a ball bearing drawer. Sears has both the world's worst ball bearing cabinet, and a mediocre one. Ball bearing by itself means nothing.
Last edited:
hondakilla98
Well-known member
I have the big 56" Homak top and bottom combo that Napa sells. It retails for around $1500. I'm very happy with the quality, especially for the $900 I found it for NIB on craigslist. Here is a pic of me standing next to it for scale, I'm 6'3" and 315 pounds.
This box is much better quality than the $350 craftsman it replaced
This box is much better quality than the $350 craftsman it replaced
i saw this box at costco today too.. it's $479.99 here in socal, so a little bit cheaper probably because it's imported through LA or Long Beach and we're closer. it is indeed made in china, but this thing is pretty solid, much higher quality than most Craftsman boxes I've seen lately.
the drawer slides are rated for 77lbs, at least that's what it says. i don't know if that applies to each slider, to the full width drawers, or to the half width drawers, my guess is the full width ones. the bottom two deeper drawers have double sliders on each side so they can probably take on a good amount of weight for larger tools. the drawers when fully pushed in have the drawer pulls sit flush with the face of the box; some people like that. i pulled one drawer out to look at the ball bearing slides and they are decently heavy duty with a plastic stopper at the end; the problem with this design is that those stoppers will eventually wear... so closing the drawers fully will feel tight at first, then they'll start feeling "just right" for 2-5 years and then they'll stop holding so the drawers will just slide open by themselves eventually. I'm particularly mindful of this since I live in an earthquake prone area and the last 7.0 we had caused all my drawers to open; fortunately it didn't tip over. one thing to keep in mind is that you can "flip" those plastic stoppers so it uses the unworn side and the drawer stoppers will feel like new again for another 2-5 years; so knowing that they should work fine for about 10 years. but eventually, if you're keeping it for a long time, you'll want to replace them.
one thing I noticed and I really liked about this box is that the outer shell feels solid. go to sears and knock on the sides or the back of a low to mid range craftsman box and it sounds hollow. this Homak one was solid... there is probably some structure between the outer shell and the inner walls so that's a big plus to me. I didn't want to pull out all the drawers at the store and attract unwanted attention, so i didn't get to see how the inner wall was built into the outer shell.
i like the configuration of the drawers too... lots of full width drawers that are relatively shallow... i think they were 2" or 1-1/2" and the bottom 2 were a bit deeper (4"?) which is fine... i don't like shallow drawers on the bottom anyway. i would have been fine with full width drawers on the top rows of the top box; it would have probably been cheaper had they made it that way.
all drawers look like they have liners, and the solid type, not the "hash" type.
the lid has shocks on both sides and they work well... the lid will stay closed on it's own, but lift it a little and it smoothly slides up. the lid design does have the "locking bars" (not sure what you really call them) that lock the top box drawers when the lid is closed. but the hinge that connects the bars to the lid uses a screw and lock nut, so it's easy to remove the locking bars if you don't care for the close lid locking feature; I really like this... on other boxes I've seen it can be a pain to disengage those hinges. personally, i don't see this as a box that I would roll around a lot, so having the top lid lock the drawers is annoying to me so i like that you can disengage it easily. one thing I didn't like about the lid is that the edges aren't "U-shaped" channels... I like top lids where they fold the sheet metal twice and finish in a U-shaped channel and weld the corners together; makes the lid "squareness" more rigid and a nice surface to put some bump stops so when you close the lid it doesn't make a metal to metal clanking sound.
casters seem adequately sized, but they had it strapped down so I couldn't roll it around.
overall, i quite like it. I think $479.99 is a decent price... it's all relative since tool box prices at Costco have been going up over the years. when i think back about when i got my 41" Hammerhead box for $599, I now wish I had gotten a 2nd one.
the drawer slides are rated for 77lbs, at least that's what it says. i don't know if that applies to each slider, to the full width drawers, or to the half width drawers, my guess is the full width ones. the bottom two deeper drawers have double sliders on each side so they can probably take on a good amount of weight for larger tools. the drawers when fully pushed in have the drawer pulls sit flush with the face of the box; some people like that. i pulled one drawer out to look at the ball bearing slides and they are decently heavy duty with a plastic stopper at the end; the problem with this design is that those stoppers will eventually wear... so closing the drawers fully will feel tight at first, then they'll start feeling "just right" for 2-5 years and then they'll stop holding so the drawers will just slide open by themselves eventually. I'm particularly mindful of this since I live in an earthquake prone area and the last 7.0 we had caused all my drawers to open; fortunately it didn't tip over. one thing to keep in mind is that you can "flip" those plastic stoppers so it uses the unworn side and the drawer stoppers will feel like new again for another 2-5 years; so knowing that they should work fine for about 10 years. but eventually, if you're keeping it for a long time, you'll want to replace them.
one thing I noticed and I really liked about this box is that the outer shell feels solid. go to sears and knock on the sides or the back of a low to mid range craftsman box and it sounds hollow. this Homak one was solid... there is probably some structure between the outer shell and the inner walls so that's a big plus to me. I didn't want to pull out all the drawers at the store and attract unwanted attention, so i didn't get to see how the inner wall was built into the outer shell.
i like the configuration of the drawers too... lots of full width drawers that are relatively shallow... i think they were 2" or 1-1/2" and the bottom 2 were a bit deeper (4"?) which is fine... i don't like shallow drawers on the bottom anyway. i would have been fine with full width drawers on the top rows of the top box; it would have probably been cheaper had they made it that way.
all drawers look like they have liners, and the solid type, not the "hash" type.
the lid has shocks on both sides and they work well... the lid will stay closed on it's own, but lift it a little and it smoothly slides up. the lid design does have the "locking bars" (not sure what you really call them) that lock the top box drawers when the lid is closed. but the hinge that connects the bars to the lid uses a screw and lock nut, so it's easy to remove the locking bars if you don't care for the close lid locking feature; I really like this... on other boxes I've seen it can be a pain to disengage those hinges. personally, i don't see this as a box that I would roll around a lot, so having the top lid lock the drawers is annoying to me so i like that you can disengage it easily. one thing I didn't like about the lid is that the edges aren't "U-shaped" channels... I like top lids where they fold the sheet metal twice and finish in a U-shaped channel and weld the corners together; makes the lid "squareness" more rigid and a nice surface to put some bump stops so when you close the lid it doesn't make a metal to metal clanking sound.
casters seem adequately sized, but they had it strapped down so I couldn't roll it around.
overall, i quite like it. I think $479.99 is a decent price... it's all relative since tool box prices at Costco have been going up over the years. when i think back about when i got my 41" Hammerhead box for $599, I now wish I had gotten a 2nd one.
Last edited:
A**holes Garage
Banned
I have one of the Hammerhead stainless steel double tool boxes I bought from Costco about 15 years ago. I thought it was around $700 or so. Nice box.
Homak is pretty well known, but they have different levels of quality.
i have a suspicion that this box might be built just for Costco; i could be wrong... the drawer pulls look like the Homak Professional series pulls, but some elements look like their SE line. there's no official product information i can find about this online. i've emailed them to see if they can tell me more.
i can't remember when i got mine.. i know it was after 2003 because until then I didn't have any tools and around that time started to pickup auto repair and home building skills. so maybe 8 yrs ago? i know a few years after i got mine, i noticed they raised the price and my wife told me she was glad we got it at a lower price. tool box prices have been going up over the years.... i think for 2012, the $479.99 is a fair deal for this Homak box set... but looking at online prices for other Homak tool boxes, both SE and H2PRO lines, $400-$900 just for bottom roller, one could potentially see the $479.99 as a REALLY good deal...
A**holes Garage
Banned
Is your Hammerhead like this one?
yes, i believe so. at least at 1st glance that looks exactly like mine.
NewLogik
Well-known member
That's exactly my SS toolboxes, bought from a "Costco liquidation center" I'm used to provide some IT services...
I had a good price on that toolboxe a few years ago... 400$
I had a good price on that toolboxe a few years ago... 400$
well, i'm not sure how the numbers all work here.... at Costco, there's a label that mentions 77lbs rating regarding the ball bearing slides, but it wasn't specific about what that actually meant per drawer. i just called Homak and gave them the part number for the chest at Costco and they told me the following:
half-width shallow drawers: rated for 100lbs
full-width shallow drawers: rated for 100lbs
full-width deep drawers (with double slides on each side): rated for 200lbs
total weight of top box: 189 lbs
total weight of bottom box: 276 lbs
i wonder if that 77lbs was per slider, so 2x 77lbs = 154lbs + safety margin = 100lbs?
the drawer ratings definitely look good for a sub $500 tool chest combo... i don't know anyone else who sells a 15-drawer 36" wide top + bottom that has 100lbs per drawer rating for less than that...
half-width shallow drawers: rated for 100lbs
full-width shallow drawers: rated for 100lbs
full-width deep drawers (with double slides on each side): rated for 200lbs
total weight of top box: 189 lbs
total weight of bottom box: 276 lbs
i wonder if that 77lbs was per slider, so 2x 77lbs = 154lbs + safety margin = 100lbs?
the drawer ratings definitely look good for a sub $500 tool chest combo... i don't know anyone else who sells a 15-drawer 36" wide top + bottom that has 100lbs per drawer rating for less than that...
illmatyk
Well-known member
For $500 thats not bad IMO. I was at Napa the other weekend and saw a box that was the same/similar to that going for $1200, with missing keys and the bottom box was locked!
Krash Kadillak
Well-known member
Saw a new box at my local Costco yesterday (Eugene, Oregon). Unfortunately, didn't get a picture.
It's all counter-height, with a thick butcher-block top. All stainless-steel type finish not painted). Maker is W_ _ _ _ - something. It's about 60" long. Cabinet on the Right. Maybe 10 drawers (?) Top ones shallow, they get deeper as you go down. It's a roll-around, too - big locking wheels. Best thing - the price! $499.95
Wish I had a pic for you.....tried finding it on the net - no luck.
It's all counter-height, with a thick butcher-block top. All stainless-steel type finish not painted). Maker is W_ _ _ _ - something. It's about 60" long. Cabinet on the Right. Maybe 10 drawers (?) Top ones shallow, they get deeper as you go down. It's a roll-around, too - big locking wheels. Best thing - the price! $499.95
Wish I had a pic for you.....tried finding it on the net - no luck.
that's probably this one:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106647
it's not new... they had it a couple years ago and it was a hot seller. i bought one. they stopped carrying it and i guess they brought it back. it's nice... i've had it for a while now and i like it; been very useful for me. i'll say it's not 304 stainless though... magnets stick to it so little nickel content.