One 72” or two 56” HF boxes

[JBradley500]

I’m looking for opinions/reasons why one might be better than another that I might be overthinking.

I’ve been out of room with my current box and I want something I can use as a bench. Currently I have 24,000 inches^3. I have stuff stacked on top of stuff in a few drawers. I think I might be able fit my tools in a 72” HF box if it really is the rated 29,500 inches^3, but I’m not positive it will all fit. The thing I thought about today is getting two 56” boxes for 43,000 inches^3.

Pros of 72” for me are the single box looks cooler, has better casters, lower total price
Cons are possibly not being much more space than my current box, the really small drawers may or may not be very useful

Pros of two 56” are more space, better price per cubic inches, more casters.
Cons are being less astheticly pleasing, 30% more cost, no main drawer like the 72”

Anything else I should take into consideration? Thanks.

 

[Wamsutta]

If you get the two 56s, make sure you get the model 64457 instead of the model 64458.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=408543&showall=1

 

[Shane6377]

The last thing I would consider is how cool it looked but that's me.

I would look at the drawer layout as well as the cubic inches. For example having all my sockets in one drawer is important to me so I would make sure to plan for that with whatever purchase I make.

If you think you'd already be close to filling the 72" I would strongly look at the two 56" boxes.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Alpine4x4]

I'd look at Homak boxes as well. A tad more money, but a higher quality box in my opinion. The stainless top makes a great workspace.

 

[Jeffgage]

I have a 72 (masterforce not hf) and I just added a sidebox. Instant additional drawers

 

[marineman]

I agree with Shane, drawer layout and how it works for your individual tools is what matters most. I could get you a single cardboard box that has 43,000 cubic inches but you organization would certainly be worse than what you're dealing with now. It's all about how those cubic inches are utilized and how your tools layout in them.

If you're really OCD tape out the dimensions of each drawer for both configurations on the ground then lay your tools in them and see which one flows best.

If all else fails I'll give the official GJ answer and say 2 72's then you know you're covered.

 

[M6erfan]

(1) 56" and (1) 44" would give you a lot of drawer options...

 

[Mr_B]

2 56"
I had lot of boxes over years inc 3bays and had a 7525 with end cabinet and need more so rather than mess around for a 3bay I picked up another 7525 used and done same again when needed further expansion.
plus points is it cheaper storage in long run, 40" more box and worktop space straight off, easier handling/transporting over 3bay boxes, one long top drawer overrated imo, if drawer layout looks good for you on 56" then go that way.
As mentioned make sure you pick the factory sku model number with the build features that you like and be sure both same sku or will differ .
be sure use a decent coupon as not worth over paying for HF stuff .

 

[71goldss]

For now there’s just one sku # for the 72”, and it shares most of the same components and build quality as the black 56” #64458 box. If cubic inches weren’t even a factor in this decision, I’d still choose two of the black 56” #64457, or red #64164 boxes over the 72” simply for the components and build quality.

 

[kngelv]

You could also get three of the 44" boxes for a little less that two 56" ones. Now that the 44"s are the same depth It's a good option if you have the room for them.

James

 

[Shane6377]

(1) 56" and (1) 44" would give you a lot of drawer options...

This would be a good solution too. Cost per cubic inch is roughly the same as (2) 56" boxes. The 72" box is the most costly option per cubic inch.

Will you be moving the box(es) frequently?


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[cderalow]

best bang for buck with HF boxes is the 44" top box at 39cuin/dollar, after that is the
26" bottom at 32 cuin/dollar, then the 44" bottom at 29 cuin/dollar, then a solid tie between the 26 top, 56 top & bottom all at 28 cuin/dollar.

the worst 'value' in terms of space for your dollar is the 72 at 26 cuin/dollar.

Me, I'll probably opt for a pair of 44's just for the efficiency of the size, but could just as easily get 3 26" boxes and save myself $60 and wind up with more space.

I question if it'd be more useable space, but haven't figured that part out yet.

 

[JBradley500]

I don’t plan on moving it much. Just if I need to rearrange the garage or whatever. I like the info about the different part numbers. I will likely use that when/if I order the 56” ones. I don’t think I’ll get any 44’s because I need wider drawers (insert fat joke) to better organize. I will update this if I make a decision soon and post pics.

 

[Mikeske]

If the box is not moved much I get 2 of the 56" box and a single side box and then put the side box between the two 56" box and bolt them together. I did it with two of the older 44" and a couple side boxes and a locker on the end. Since these boxes are not moved it works perfect for my situation.

 

[brooktre]

I’m not sure about your future plans, but I wouldn’t by anything that will be basically full when you get it. I don’t plan to buy new tools, but I get them anyway due to new projects, unplanned repair items etc. Are you keeping your old box (it didn’t sound that way in your 1st post).

 

[JBradley500]

I want to sell my old 40” box. I also have a 26” craftsman box that’s got my cheap stuff in it for my wife to use haha

 

[Wamsutta]

For now there’s just one sku # for the 72”, and it shares most of the same components and build quality as the black 56” #64458 box. If cubic inches weren’t even a factor in this decision, I’d still choose two of the black 56” #64457, or red #64164 boxes over the 72” simply for the components and build quality.

Is the red #64164 the same build configuration as the black #64457 with detents and removable plastic latches?

 

[71goldss]

Is the red #64164 the same build configuration as the black #64457 with detents and removable plastic latches?

Yes it is.

 

[pbon]

two 56” over one 72”

Another option is three 44” — I had three 44” for years.

 

[cheechi]

the drawers on the 56 & 72 are taller than the 44, so if what you need is more flat surface (square inches vs cubic inches) for mostly hand tools, maybe a 44 & 56 or 2x 26 & 56 would benefit you more. The 72 is exactly the same as a 56 but with one extra bay. The 26 doesn't have the top drawer for sockets, puts me off and i'm sure a lot of others would feel the same.

the most amount of flat storage for the space being used is the 26 then 44 then 56 then 72 but the 56 & 72 are almost tied. This is comparing the bottoms only.

 

[JVB]

Based on your options the 2 56 leave more room for later options. However I would chose multiple 44” based on size and versatility. What comes to mind is the 4 44” that a member has done .

 

[JBradley500]

The manager at my local store told me they couldn’t order a certain catalog number and expect to get it. Supposedly they order a number but the other catalog number for that same item may be shipped to them. Does anyone know if this is true or maybe they don’t actually know what they are talking about?

 

[cheechi]

combination of the warehouse shipping what they have and stores not having a great deal of inventory control. Especially for bigger items they will get one model or the other, so things are compatible (I want to buy 2 of these) and so the warehouse doesn't have to do double the work.

 

[Ign]

The manager at my local store told me they couldn’t order a certain catalog number and expect to get it. Supposedly they order a number but the other catalog number for that same item may be shipped to them. Does anyone know if this is true or maybe they don’t actually know what they are talking about?

I would guess it is based upon info in the thread linked in Post #2. Basically their system sees all the part #'s as compatible or interchangeable, which is why stores can't even see WHICH they have without physically walking to the stock room.

OP I like your thinking and was recently playing w the same combos you're contemplating. As you noted my only hangup was the lack of a single wider drawer. Not necessarily a show stopper, but it felt like too much compromise for what I want/need

 

[JBradley500]

I agree totally. I would love a monster 112” top drawer or something but not worth worrying about with a HF box. The 72” box top drawer in all of the boxes I’ve seen in stores have been terrible. They wobble and scrape.

 

[Mr_B]

I see no real need for full width drawer, if you really need it then fair enough but most of it simply current craze for all socketry in 1 massive drawer which to me pointless in real world use .
2 of the better factory 56" boxes at coupon prices is not a bad buy, 72"+ boxes ballache IMO, **** to transport, move and limited positioning options over 2 boxes .
The masterforce 72" is way better than the us general for those really wanting long drawers and bit better build and features .

 

[kctyphoon]

2 56” all day. Easier to move, option to get the top chests later if desired.