Nice Looking Husky Top Box

[John in OH]

Maybe this Husky top box is old news to most of you, but I hadn't seen it before.

I was cruisin' through HD today and, of course, always make a pass through the tool section just because. Sitting on the floor was this 9-drawer top box of a style I hadn't seen before and marked as a "new" item. Not in the market for another box, but did a quick check of it and, for the price, was impressed.



The box measures 26" wide, 21" tall, and 18+" deep. The drawers are solid and tight on 100 lb. ball bearing slides. Drawers also have "live" detent" upon closing. All in all, it seemed a pretty solid product. Much better than most of the Husky boxes I've looked at before. And only $149!!



If anyone is looking for a top box at a reasonable price I sure suggest you check this one out. This might also make a pretty decent road box for non-pro use.

I put the SKU# 1001-018-921 in the HD website in an effort to find more info, but no listing came up so I don't know the story on that.

 

[ToolManTimmy]

Hmm... tempting.

Here's the HD link if anyone's interested.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-26-in-Wide-9-Drawer-Tool-Chest-H9CH3/204731412

 

[Ponchoguy]

Is it made in China or assembled in the USA? I know that Stanleyworks no longer makes these for Husky, it's Geelong (spelling??)

 

[stikman56]

Looks real good for the money.

 

[Cato]

Those Husky boxes blow the Craftsman boxes out of the water. They are as good as the Craftsman premium heavy duty and cost much, much less.

 

[warweapon762]

These are built much better than the boxes from a couple years back. Im thinking of grabbing one myself. Ideally you will want to grab them just after the Christmas sales period when they get overstocked and sell off most of them at a loss. You can typically snag one of these for like $50 between Christmas and New Years.

 

[BK13]

I looked at one on my last trip to HD. Much better than the stuff from a year ago....

 

[Titanium Steel]

Is it made in China or assembled in the USA? I know that Stanleyworks no longer makes these for Husky, it's Geelong (spelling??)

Likely 100% made in China. Stanley sold the Husky brand to Home Depot in the late 90's and hasn't had any involvement since then. Only certain Husky screwdrivers and a very small portion of Husky branded items are still USA made.

If you are looking for a American made (of global components) rolling box, I'd suggest Proto, Kennedy or Waterloo. Husky, Kobalt, Craftsman and Ace branded rolling boxes are all entirely imported these days. These are "cheap" for a reason.

People will say they work just as well and the might, but the truth is, there aren't any American components or were even assembled here anymore. That is subject to change of course.

 

[1982fxr]

decent deal for the money. did it have that stupid "assist" when you close the drawers? Saw it on some of the newer Husky's--guessing that will be the first thing to break on all of them...

 

[azsportpilot]

Likely 100% made in China. Stanley sold the Husky brand to Home Depot in the late 90's and hasn't had any involvement since then. Only certain Husky screwdrivers and a very small portion of Husky branded items are still USA made.

If you are looking for a American made (of global components) rolling box, I'd suggest Proto, Kennedy or Waterloo. Husky, Kobalt, Craftsman and Ace branded rolling boxes are all entirely imported these days. These are "cheap" for a reason.

People will say they work just as well and the might, but the truth is, there aren't any American components or were even assembled here anymore. That is subject to change of course.

Waterloo states that they are making the Craftsman boxes here in the US in their Iowa factory

so are you saying the Waterloo is a better choice than Craftsman?
if so , why?

 

[sk farmer]

Waterloo states that they are making the Craftsman boxes here in the US in their Iowa factory

so are you saying the Waterloo is a better choice than Craftsman?
if so , why?

as most mfg's do waterloo has several price points that they build to. sears and or craftsman boxes made to their specs by waterloo are often not of the same quality as waterloo's own boxes. though they make look very similar they are often not. go over to mac's on main avenue they used to have a few waterloo boxes on display as well as some others, then head over to sears at the mall. it may give you a better feel for how they are built.

 

[Titanium Steel]

as most mfg's do waterloo has several price points that they build to. sears and or craftsman boxes made to their specs by waterloo are often not of the same quality as waterloo's own boxes. though they make look very similar they are often not. go over to mac's on main avenue they used to have a few waterloo boxes on display as well as some others, then head over to sears at the mall. it may give you a better feel for how they are built.

Beautifully written SK Farmer. Honestly, I had response, but mine wasn't quite as eloquent as your response.

But to answer Azsportpilot's question, about a year or two ago, I was in the market for a rolling tool chest and what I saw at my local Sears was a mix of Mexico and Chinese variations. Same with Ace. Husky and Kobalt boxes are all made in China as well.

At this time, Harry J Epstein didn't carry the Kennedy rolling box they have now, so I bought a Proto version. Made in USA of global components, but some jobs are better than nothing.

So to be honest, there is a chance Sears and others have changed suppliers. But let's be honest, the good old days of Sears are long dead and Home Depot and others pander to those who only look at price and don't care about country of origin.

 

[PT Doc]

I did a writeup around Black Friday about the husky that I bought. Same box as the one above just 6 drawers. Really nice upper box. $79.

 

[timbitca]

We currently have this one for sale at the Canadian HD's and honestly, it's tempting me a lot. Seems like a great value at 399$CDN.

I'm just not a big fan of the drawer detents, they need to much of a jerk to open for my liking. Otherwise it'd have been in my garage for a month or so already.

This extra-tall, heavy-duty 16-drawer tool chest and cabinet set is made from high grade all welded steel construction and finished with tough metallic red industrial powder coat paint. The set features a wide array of drawer sizes to accommodate a large variety of tools and supplies. Each drawer features 100 lb. rated ball bearing drawer slides with secure latch retention system. The extra-large bottom cabinet drawer is perfect for power tool and large item storage. Oversized full length aluminum drawer pulls make it easy for fingers of any size to open the drawers. The chest features a large till area for additional easy access storage. The reinforced top lid is supported by gas struts for easy opening and closing. Lifting the top lid allows drawers to unlock. The aluminum recessed side handles make it easy to lift and move the chest. 5 in x 2 in casters support up to 1,200 lbs. Internal keyed locking system (2 keys provided) for added security.

All-welded Steel Construction
Gas Struts to Assist in Opening and Closing of Lid
Full Extension 100 lb. Rated Ball Bearing Drawer Slides with Secure-latch retention system
16,259 cu in Tool Storage Capacity
5 in x 2 in casters support up to 1,200 lbs.

 

[azsportpilot]

as most mfg's do waterloo has several price points that they build to. sears and or craftsman boxes made to their specs by waterloo are often not of the same quality as waterloo's own boxes. though they make look very similar they are often not. go over to mac's on main avenue they used to have a few waterloo boxes on display as well as some others, then head over to sears at the mall. it may give you a better feel for how they are built.

Thanks SK,
makes sense, I'm going to check out the Waterloo boxes over the weekend
Waterloo lists 2 dealers here in Fargo

Grainger on 12th Ave N
Fastenal on Main

I'll also look at MAC's since I'll be on Main anyway

Thanks
John

 

[sk farmer]

i have been to graingers and and fastenal. your chances of seeing an actual waterloo box at either are close to zero. if you want to look at tool storage in fargo your options are mac's, fleet farm, sears and harbor freight. you may find a random box here and there at other places but that would pretty much cover it. the industrial/construction places carry some job boxes but that is about it.

 

[fatfillup]

The Husky is certainly a good buy for what it is. Homeowner use and light DIYer it should hold up fine. Price point is good,,,,,,,,,,,,but that is what the big box stores are great at.

 

[Titanium Steel]

The Husky is certainly a good buy for what it is. Homeowner use and light DIYer it should hold up fine. Price point is good,,,,,,,,,,,,but that is what the big box stores are great at.

^+1. Cool post Fatfillup. Very true as well. Personally I wouldn't want this even if this cost half of this price, but to each their own.

 

[John in OH]

^+1. Cool post Fatfillup. Very true as well. Personally I wouldn't want this even if this cost half of this price, but to each their own.

Just curious, Titanium, but why, ".... wouldn't want this even if this cost half of this price ..." ? Is it the size/design/drawer layout, the build quality, or the COO that you find objectionable?? Or, all of the above?

 

[Titanium Steel]

Just curious, Titanium, but why, ".... wouldn't want this even if this cost half of this price ..." ? Is it the size/design/drawer layout, the build quality, or the COO that you find objectionable?? Or, all of the above?

More so with the build quality and coo. Plus I don't have adequate space for another rolling box either.

This is up for debate and may not be representative truth, but I've read reviews, talked to some people and even watched a video about a person having one of these Husky rolling boxes fall on him. Don't get me wrong, I am all for saving money, but not at the risk of this item breaking down and or being unstable where this might collapse.

Big box stores cater to those who want to save money and offer cheap products, but I rather own a product that creates jobs in America, wasn't made by children or workers that are mistreated and is made out of quality components. If this means spending more, as long as this helps keep people in my country employed, within reason I am fine with that.

 

[John in OH]

More so with the build quality and coo. Plus I don't have adequate space for another rolling box either.

This is up for debate and may not be representative truth, but I've read reviews, talked to some people and even watched a video about a person having one of these Husky rolling boxes fall on him. Don't get me wrong, I am all for saving money, but not at the risk of this item breaking down and or being unstable where this might collapse.

Big box stores cater to those who want to save money and offer cheap products, but I rather own a product that creates jobs in America, wasn't made by children or workers that are mistreated and is made out of quality components. If this means spending more, as long as this helps keep people in my country employed, within reason I am fine with that.

Titanium, I totally agree with you regarding COO. I try, if reasonably possible, to buy US made tools etc. But, US items do generally cost more and not everyone is fortunate enough to have the loose cash to support what may be just a hobby for them.

I was just relating a "find" at HD that some GJ'ers may find of interest. As I mentioned in the first post, this top box (not a roller cabinet) is really quite well built with heavy-duty 100 lb. drawer slides and solid drawers. It is far better in quality than ANY Husky box I have seen previously. This sucker ain't gonna' collapse on anyone (unless they pull all the drawers out at once). And the price is very good.

Not a pro-quality box, but for a back-yard DYI mechanic, this is, IMHO, a very solid box and worth a look-see. But, as you say, I'm sure it's not for everyone.

 

[Titanium Steel]

John, I hope I didn't come off as insulting or in general as rude as that wasn't my intention. I tend to care more about country of origin more than most as I've had several family members friends lose their jobs due to outsourcing. What really hurt was when my Uncle lost everything after the placed he work for than 30 years sent all the overseas and he was supposed to retire that year. He lost his house and pretty much all he worked for then three decades. This same type of story would happen several instances over the years sadly.

I am not rich myself, but if I can, I support modern American manufacturing jobs any chance I get. While used vintage USA made tools are great, this does nothing for modern day America contrary to what sellers on eBay and antique shops will tell you.

If an issue is that important to a person, they will have strong convictions. I realize I am in the minority of people that care and I am here to preach to others on how to spend your hard earned money, but to each their own.

 

[Don53]

My Craftsman Edge series was made (or at least assembled) in the U.S. by Waterloo. They have them 1/2 off often and with points and coupons come out less expensive than equivalent Waterloo branded boxes (at least when I was looking).

Got this for just north of $500. Very happy with it. Was looking hard at a Proto, but of course that would've been hundreds more (even with a 30% off code from Zoro).

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-edge...CO68435312B?prdNo=18&blockNo=18&blockType=G18

 

[John in OH]

John, I hope I didn't come off as insulting or in general as rude as that wasn't my intention. I tend to care more about country of origin more than most as I've had several family members friends lose their jobs due to outsourcing. What really hurt was when my Uncle lost everything after the placed he work for than 30 years sent all the overseas and he was supposed to retire that year. He lost his house and pretty much all he worked for then three decades. This same type of story would happen several instances over the years sadly.

I am not rich myself, but if I can, I support modern American manufacturing jobs any chance I get. While used vintage USA made tools are great, this does nothing for modern day America contrary to what sellers on eBay and antique shops will tell you.

If an issue is that important to a person, they will have strong convictions. I realize I am in the minority of people that care and I am here to preach to others on how to spend your hard earned money, but to each their own.

No problem, no insult taken. I can totally appreciate where you are coming from.

It infuriates me when corporations out-source our jobs. The stock holders get rich, the CEO and executives make millions, and the poor guy on the shop floor gets the shaft. And our economic growth goes to our biggest global competitor.

But enough soap-boxing. We're cool on this subject.

 

[a52-830]

has anyone bought one of these, and are to share their opinion about how it is holding up?

 

[MINIz guy]

FYI these are down to $124. I swooped one up after not having any lucking finding a good used box on CL.

I'll update once I start using it.