opinion needed on a Husky box...

[Spider Curry]

Hi folks, a new member jumping in with his first question. Yes, I did do quite a bit of searching before making this post...

Without going into to much detail about my decision making process, I've been shopping for the past couple of months for the best deal I could find on a nice rolling cabinet. I want something in the 52-56 inch range, wood top preferable, and I'd like a full width top drawer.

A friend told me about the 46 inch Husky, which has gotten some lukewarm reviews here. While checking it out online, I happened upon a super nice-looking 52 on the HD site that fits my needs. Unfortunately not one of the stores in my state stock this thing, so I can't see it in person. I would like to hear what folks have to say about it:

Husky 52 inch 11 drawer mobile workbench

Its only $398, delivery is free to the store.

I've also spotted an Excel box at Sams (once again, online only). Its $646, and Sears sells the exact same box for $200 more.

Excel Heavy Duty roller cabinet 12 drawer

It looks good, but I've never heard of the brand before. I'd also have to make my own top for it.

Has anyone here had any experience with either of these boxes?

 

[CNGsaves]

First . . . Welcome to GJ.

Sorry but Second . . . Did you not READ the thread on Husky 52" tool box that has been going for the last several weeks ??? Some HD's are even clearance pricing those top & bottom sets that were originally $598 . . . couple GJer's bought in low $400's by scouting around different HD stores.

SEARCH is up on black line at top of website. Click on Advanced Search and dream up any combination of tool box searches you want.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=233302&highlight=husky

Consensus of most on GJ is avoid the older thin-as-paper Husky toolboxes. However, this newer Husky 52" tool box is better and actually has 2 variations . . . Chinese version and Vietnamese version.

 

[Spider Curry]

Sorry but Second . . . Did you not READ the thread on Husky 52" tool box that has been going for the last several weeks ??? Some HD's are even clearance pricing those top & bottom sets that were originally $598 . . . couple GJer's bought in low $400's by scouting around different HD stores.

SEARCH is up on black line at top of website. Click on Advanced Search and dream up any combination of tool box searches you want.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=233302&highlight=husky

Consensus of most on GJ is avoid the older thin-as-paper Husky toolboxes. However, this newer Husky 52" tool box is better and actually has 2 variations . . . Chinese version and Vietnamese version.

Yeah, and did you not READ my post above where I said I'd done "quite a bit of searching"?

I saw the 52 being discussed, and that was the upright combo box, not the roller cabinet I posted. The base cabinets are completely different. The combo base is a few inches higher than the workbench base I linked to.

Something else I did READ when I SEARCHED, was that you come off with a bit of an attitude when you talk to people. How about taking it down a few notches, or at least READ and UNDERSTAND what a person is asking before coming down on them.

... and thanks for editing your post and "welcoming" me before I replied.

 

[Vantastic]

Loooool. Enjoy your ****** toolbox

 

[1982fxr]

subscribed

 

[1982fxr]

given the stuff husky puts out now as far as boxes hard to believe it's anything other than a *************, sorry that's all i got.

 

[Palmer812]

me too

 

[rsanter]

I have never seen a husky box that was heavy duty at all.
If you can make use of a light duty box and that will work for you then it seems like a good price.
For me I always put lots of stuff in there so even when I have seen those great prices I have never bought one as I am afraid it will not last with my use of them.

Bob

 

[lilcraigford]

I have a smaller Husky rolling 'box and it is poorly built. The overlapping corners on the front all tore from lifting it (drawer-less) in/out of my car and carrying it up some stairs. You can see the frame twist when it is gutted. Its only redeeming quality is that it was free.

 

[jim1987]

I have never seen a husky box that was heavy duty at all.
If you can make use of a light duty box and that will work for you then it seems like a good price.
For me I always put lots of stuff in there so even when I have seen those great prices I have never bought one as I am afraid it will not last with my use of them.

Bob

Then you've never seen the Mac boxes.

 

[oldldh]

As you can tell by my "Handle"...I'm old...nearly 70, to be exact...

With age comes a small modicum of knowledge...

Knowledge Fact #1---You get what you pay for...(I've laid my hands on the Husky box you're interested in...El Cheapo...Flimsy...Light weight...Won't last...)

Knowledge Fact #2---The HF 56" is two or three times the box the Husky is...It is on sale for $699.99...I have one, and I couldn't be happier...

Knowledge Fact #3---Yes, I could...The Extreme Pro 55" is 1,000 pounds, holds up to 600 pounds per drawer (I doubt the husky could get 100 pounds in one drawer), and is built like a tank...And it's 30" deep...And it comes with a free stainless steel top...And it comes with free shipping...and...and...and...

www.strictlytoolboxes.com

They'll give you lots of options...

Remember "Knowledge Fact #1"---You do get what you pay for...

(Also---Keep your eyes peeled on Craig's List for used big name toolboxes...good deals are out there, if you'll be patient, and beat the bushes...)

The first photo is a Harbor Freight 56 with an owner built bamboo top...the next two are the HF 56" Roller cabinet and the Top Chest, and the last is the Extreme 55" Professional with TWO full width top drawers...

 

[Spider Curry]

I have a smaller Husky rolling 'box and it is poorly built. The overlapping corners on the front all tore from lifting it (drawer-less) in/out of my car and carrying it up some stairs. You can see the frame twist when it is gutted. Its only redeeming quality is that it was free.

A tech friend of mine had a similar opinion. He said his Husky box, loaded down, was forcing the casters up through the bottom plate. Thats why he bought a Blue Point to sit next to it and take the heavy stuff. I was looking at the 46 inch Husky back then, and since I respected his opinion I gave up on it.

Then I went to his shop and actually saw the Husky he was talking about. Its about a 30 inch box, upright style, not a roller bench like I was talking about. From the hundreds of posts I've read on here and elsewhere, it seems like all the bad opinions on the Huskys are relevant to older boxes, and everyone talks mostly about the uprights. These bench tops really look good - at least the 46 did when I looked at it. If it was deeper I would just get two of those, but 18 inch depth is too shallow for me. The Husky 52 I posted here is a 22 inch depth.

 

[CNGsaves]

I have a smaller Husky rolling 'box and it is poorly built. The overlapping corners on the front all tore from lifting it (drawer-less) in/out of my car and carrying it up some stairs. You can see the frame twist when it is gutted. Its only redeeming quality is that it was free.

OP . . . here's your direct evaluation of roller Husky . . . thus avoid.

For $349 you could have recently bought 44" US General tool box roller at Harbor Freight . . . . yeah, have to mention it as it's 50x better than any Husky roller you'll ever see. The HF 44" box is solid. Prices are slightly higher now. See the HF coupon thread for best prices.

Don't rule out the combo top/bottom Husky 52" if you are considering box from HD. It may be bargain to meet your needs . . . . have to search all around to find clearance price but YMMV. Likely "best" box that's been at HD, except for the DeWalt yellow top/bottom around Xmas. Good luck.

 

[Spider Curry]

As you can tell by my "Handle"...I'm old...nearly 70, to be exact...

With age comes a small modicum of knowledge...

Agreed. Thanks for offering up some answers.

Knowledge Fact #1---You get what you pay for...(I've laid my hands on the Husky box you're interested in...El Cheapo...Flimsy...Light weight...Won't last...)

Are you sure that you laid hands on this exact model? One of my engineer buddies (70+ years, and I respect his opinion immensely), said the same thing that you just posted. I found out later on that what he examined was actually the 9 drawer 52 inch box. Its a tin can, and nothing I would ever think about wasting a dime on.

Knowledge Fact #2---The HF 56" is two or three times the box the Husky is...It is on sale for $699.99...I have one, and I couldn't be happier...

My engineer pal keeps pointing me towards Harbor Fright too. I haven't had too much luck with their tools, but I don't write the whole company off for that. I'd be willing to consider their 56 if they actually had one I could look at. The last store I visited seemed to have one of everything except for the big wide roller boxes, so I can't give an opinion on those, but the boxes I did see didn't impress me. The drawers were stiff and dragged when I was opening them, and pretty wobbly. The boxes sounded cheap.
I'm hoping the HF56 is built better than what I've seen. On paper, there isn't much difference between the HF and Husky boxes - both are 20g steel, both have BBS drawers, same drawer ratings, etc. I don't put everything down to specs, but I can start there. I'll see if its in stock tomorrow and take a look at it.

A couple other things bother me about that box - the lack of the full width drawer on top, and the eye-searing red color. I know I can just vinyl wrap it, but thats work time I could be putting towards projects. Plus I'm lazy.

Knowledge Fact #3---Yes, I could...The Extreme Pro 55" is 1,000 pounds, holds up to 600 pounds per drawer (I doubt the husky could get 100 pounds in one drawer), and is built like a tank... www.strictlytoolboxes.com They'll give you lots of options...

I looked at Strictly the first day I found this site. I was really amazed at the selection there. The Extreme Pro is far, far more than I could afford to pay though. The cheapest box they have on their site is the Tool Vault 56, and at $1025 its poking its head through the upper limit of my wallet.

(Also---Keep your eyes peeled on Craig's List for used big name toolboxes...good deals are out there, if you'll be patient, and beat the bushes...)

I've spent so much time on CL these past couple of months I know every box on there on sight. Plenty of SnapOn Classic 78s, Matco 4s, and Mac Macsimizers. I'd take any of them. But not for $2k, which is typically the cheapest I find them.

 

[Spider Curry]

I have a smaller Husky rolling 'box and it is poorly built. The overlapping corners on the front all tore from lifting it (drawer-less) in/out of my car and carrying it up some stairs. You can see the frame twist when it is gutted. Its only redeeming quality is that it was free.

By the way, could you post up a pic of that box, or give me a link to that box if its currently available?

 

[AceofSpad3s]

given the stuff husky puts out now as far as boxes hard to believe it's anything other than a *************, sorry that's all i got.

I know this is not a full size box but I got one of the small 3 drawer hand boxes they sell for $30 and it is pretty nice. I don't disagree with your assessment of the large ones though, I played around with a couple in store a few times and the sheet metal is really really thin.

 

[Spider Curry]

I know this is not a full size box but I got one of the small 3 drawer hand boxes they sell for $30 and it is pretty nice. I don't disagree with your assessment of the large ones though, I played around with a couple in store a few times and the sheet metal is really really thin.

I generally stay away from the store brands like Kobalt or Husky myself. I happened to try the drawers on the 52 combo at HD a few days ago and was really impressed with how smooth they were and how solid the box was. I don't want a combo or I'd have bought it. I really want to check out this 52 roller cabinet, but unfortunately it seems no one has ever seen one of them in person.

 

[lilcraigford]

By the way, could you post up a pic of that box, or give me a link to that box if its currently available?

I will try and remember to do that this weekend. For now I can tell you it is a 5 drawer model approxi 28" tall, 26" wide and 18" deep.

 

[Spider Curry]

I will try and remember to do that this weekend. For now I can tell you it is a 5 drawer model approxi 28" tall, 26" wide and 18" deep.

I appreciate it. It sounds identical to the base of the combo my tech friend has. He has a 4 or 5 drawer top chest on it. Filled with tools, it started to stretch at the casters.

 

[1982fxr]

As you can tell by my "Handle"...I'm old...nearly 70, to be exact...

With age comes a small modicum of knowledge...

Knowledge Fact #1---You get what you pay for...(I've laid my hands on the Husky box you're interested in...El Cheapo...Flimsy...Light weight...Won't last...)

Knowledge Fact #2---The HF 56" is two or three times the box the Husky is...It is on sale for $699.99...I have one, and I couldn't be happier...

Knowledge Fact #3---Yes, I could...The Extreme Pro 55" is 1,000 pounds, holds up to 600 pounds per drawer (I doubt the husky could get 100 pounds in one drawer), and is built like a tank...And it's 30" deep...And it comes with a free stainless steel top...And it comes with free shipping...and...and...and...

www.strictlytoolboxes.com

They'll give you lots of options...

Remember "Knowledge Fact #1"---You do get what you pay for...

(Also---Keep your eyes peeled on Craig's List for used big name toolboxes...good deals are out there, if you'll be patient, and beat the bushes...)

The first photo is a Harbor Freight 56 with an owner built bamboo top...the next two are the HF 56" Roller cabinet and the Top Chest, and the last is the Extreme 55" Professional with TWO full width top drawers...

am I looking at the right toolbox (in the link)? says 20" deep and I don't see anything about 600 pounds per drawer.

Even Vidmar doesn't say that...?

 

[Spider Curry]

I gotta clear some things up here...

I think this is the box "the old guy" was talking about:

That is the 9 drawer, 52 inch wide model. Its only 18 inches deep, and its cheaper metal and construction. Still, there have been satisfied customers for this box here. Note that this box is under $300 most of the time, currently $329 on the HD site.

This is the one I'm looking at:

Its 11 drawers, 22 inches deep, and heavier construction. Currently $398.

Based on the measurements that lilcraigford posted, I think he's referring to this box:

Yes, its a stinker.

 

[oldldh]

am I looking at the right toolbox (in the link)? says 20" deep and I don't see anything about 600 pounds per drawer.

Even Vidmar doesn't say that...?

After you get to www.strictlytoolboxes.com , go to Extreme Boxes and look up the Extreme 55" Professional...It's $ 2,795.00 I believe...

It's shipping weight is 1,000 lbs and all the single roller side drawers are 300 lbs and the double slide drawers are 600 lbs...

And it's a 30" deep box...

They also have a 72" version...

If you get the Combination set (See Photo below) you're looking at 1,600 lbs empty...Heavy duty are it!!!

 

[1982fxr]

I guess if I was going to spend that much I'd want snappy or similar just in case I sold it or went to change my set-up around, but that's me.

they sure look pretty damn heavy! Remind me of my Waterloo Magnum 2000

 

[lilcraigford]

...

Based on the measurements that lilcraigford posted, I think he's referring to this box:

Yes, its a stinker.

That one is pretty close. The drawers on mine are configured a little differently; from top to bottom mine has two 3", one 4", and then two 7" drawers. I can't make out what the sticker says in the one pictured, but mine says "BALL BEARING" in tacky red lettering.

 

[Spider Curry]

Update:

I took some time and went to the local Horror Freight. I'd never been to this store; it was by far the largest and most well stocked one I'd ever seen out of the five I've visited so far. I think they had ten of everything in the catalog. They had display examples of all the big bench boxes I'd been wanting to see.

I was glad I took the time to do this, because I was able to rule out HF finally. I'm trying to see if I can get the local Home Depot to bring in one of the Husky 52 inch boxes for me to see before I commit to it.

If that doesn't check out, I'm going to up my budget and either get the Tool Vault 52 ($1025 from ST) or shop for a Matco 4S at that price.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Update:

I took some time and went to the local Horror Freight. I'd never been to this store; it was by far the largest and most well stocked one I'd ever seen out of the five I've visited so far. I think they had ten of everything in the catalog. They had display examples of all the big bench boxes I'd been wanting to see.

I was glad I took the time to do this, because I was able to rule out HF finally. I'm trying to see if I can get the local Home Depot to bring in one of the Husky 52 inch boxes for me to see before I commit to it.

If that doesn't check out, I'm going to up my budget and either get the Tool Vault 52 ($1025 from ST) or shop for a Matco 4S at that price.

If you already ruled out US general because of quality than I wouldn't bother going to home depot. The husky 52's i have seen are not as thick or have as strong drawers compared to the US general stuff.

 

[Spider Curry]

Well the problem is that no Home Depot stocks the 52 I posted. I've had several people come after me with torches dogs and pitchforks for suggesting a 52 inch Husky. They swear they've seen the exact one I'm talking about and its made of tinfoil and gum. Then I ask them the specs and I have to patiently explain to them that they were looking at the 18 inch deep 9 or 10 drawer model. The one I'm talking about is an 11 drawer model and its 22 inches deep. Its substantially different in construction, according to the one store person that DID see it in person.

I didn't rule out the HF just because of quality, though its interesting that you would make that assumption. I imagine you weren't too impressed with them either?

 

[Cope]

I didn't rule out the HF just because of quality, though its interesting that you would make that assumption. I imagine you weren't too impressed with them either?

Why did you rule out HF? I'm not a big HF fan, but I don't like Husky or Kobalt either.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Well the problem is that no Home Depot stocks the 52 I posted. I've had several people come after me with torches dogs and pitchforks for suggesting a 52 inch Husky. They swear they've seen the exact one I'm talking about and its made of tinfoil and gum. Then I ask them the specs and I have to patiently explain to them that they were looking at the 18 inch deep 9 or 10 drawer model. The one I'm talking about is an 11 drawer model and its 22 inches deep. Its substantially different in construction, according to the one store person that DID see it in person.

I didn't rule out the HF just because of quality, though its interesting that you would make that assumption. I imagine you weren't too impressed with them either?

I have seen the 52 you are talking about in person and it was fine, it did not do much for me though.

I am extremely impressed by the us general stuff, best value of any box. The quality was the only thing I could think of why you would rule out the US general stuff.Unless you don't like the layout, I don't see why you would pick the husky ones over the US general ones.

 

[mopar01]

Well the problem is that no Home Depot stocks the 52 I posted. I've had several people come after me with torches dogs and pitchforks for suggesting a 52 inch Husky. They swear they've seen the exact one I'm talking about and its made of tinfoil and gum. Then I ask them the specs and I have to patiently explain to them that they were looking at the 18 inch deep 9 or 10 drawer model. The one I'm talking about is an 11 drawer model and its 22 inches deep. Its substantially different in construction, according to the one store person that DID see it in person.

I didn't rule out the HF just because of quality, though its interesting that you would make that assumption. I imagine you weren't too impressed with them either?

Go find the matco 4s you were talking about. That box will last you a lifetime

 

[Spider Curry]

Go find the matco 4s you were talking about. That box will last you a lifetime

Thats the one I'm really set on. The Matco 4S is my gold standard for construction and drawer layout. If it was a couple inches shorter it would be perfect for my uses, but I can live with the extra height. Its fairly hard to find good ones here under $2k, though I've found three at $1k, $1250, and $1500. The latter two were too far away, the first one was beat up.

 

[bobemmerich]

I had the Husky 52" 9 drawer. I had NO issues with it for the 3 years I had it. I would think the 11 drawer would be of the same or better construction. For a DIY'er it's a good box (at least as far as the 9 drawer was concerned). I only sold it to save space and because I got a Kennedy for free @ work out of the junk pile.
Should be ok. I'm looking into one now for me....
As a side note, if the HF bottom box came in black, I'd be all over it! Those are nice boxes.

 

[ProCharger]

I am not pushing one box over the other but the load ratings on the HF 56" are no comparison to the Husky you are referring to. The Husky you mentioned 100 pound slides, the HF56 is 154 pounds on single slide drawers, 220 pounds on the doubles. Total weight capacity on the HF56 is over 3400 pounds including 1500 pounds on the work surface on top. Take off the 1500 and the drawers have a rating of just over 1900 pounds. The HD box claims 1100 pounds. The HF is 29,000 cubic inch and the HD is 21,000. In my opinion the price is reflected in the differences....as the old guy said....you get what you pay for. The HD box does have the full length top drawer which is VERY appealing but it would not be a deal breaker for me on the HF56 box. If you are not in a professional setting I am sure you would enjoy either box. Good luck on your purchase. If you can find a 4s in your price range thats definitely the route I would go. I was in a similar mindset but in 3 years I could not find a 4s under $1500 worth buying which was out of my price range.

 

[Spider Curry]

I have seen the 52 you are talking about in person and it was fine, it did not do much for me though.

I am extremely impressed by the us general stuff, best value of any box. The quality was the only thing I could think of why you would rule out the US general stuff.Unless you don't like the layout, I don't see why you would pick the husky ones over the US general ones.

I went to the 72 inch one first. It lacks center casters, which is a big no for me in a box that size. The 56 is the perfect width for me, but the drawer layout is a loser. The main bay is decently sized, but the small bay drawers are almost useless except for tiny tools.
I looked at the 44 to be fair to the HF-believers here. Its too small for my needs.

Overall, I thought the construction to be decent, but the shimmy when the drawers were at full extension was obvious. The drawers weren't as deep as I thought they'd be. I didn't like having a drawer latch on the right side of every drawer. Also, red. I really don't like red cabinets. I'm not going to the trouble to paint a brand new cabinet either.

One huge gripe I have with these boxes is more with Harbor Freight's plaid jacket and matching white shoes/belt school of marketing. The 72 is marketed as "regularly $1999 - on sale $1199!!". Its never been $1999, ever, as far as I can remember. Its just like the companies that put up ads for products at $29 and the ad copy says "compare at $79!!". To what? Compare it to what?

 

[Spider Curry]

Why did you rule out HF? I'm not a big HF fan, but I don't like Husky or Kobalt either.

I'm not a fan of Husky for the most part. Most every one of their tools boxes in the stores are flimsy. The 42 rolling bench was solid enough to made me take another look at their products, but its too small for my needs unless I buy two. At that point I'm at over $550 plus transport charges for a box more than wide enough but still only 18 inches deep, so I get 16 inch drawers out of it. This 11 drawer 52 seems to be hitting all the right notes, but I have to see it in person.

Kobalt stuff looks very nice in the stores, but they don't make a decent rolling bench. Everything seems to be marketed towards people who want monolithic cabinets. I really got hooked into the rolling bench when I saw the stuff like the Matco 4S, SnapOn Classic 78, and the Macsimizer series. I spend a bit of time in various aircraft hangars and no one there uses anything taller than a 42-44" tall bench from those three companies.

 

[Spider Curry]

I had the Husky 52" 9 drawer. I had NO issues with it for the 3 years I had it. I would think the 11 drawer would be of the same or better construction. For a DIY'er it's a good box (at least as far as the 9 drawer was concerned). I only sold it to save space and because I got a Kennedy for free @ work out of the junk pile.

The 11 drawer unit seems to be heavier construction, and its 4 inches deeper so there's the added stability to consider, plus the deeper worktop.

Its a rough choice. Do I just go get the Husky? Keep shopping for a 4S? Save up for the Tool Vault?

 

[stage20]

If you are set on the husky buy the 52 ccombo and sell the top. The workstation is not the same cconstruction from the ones I've seen in stores. Once you sell the top, you'll save money

 

[Spider Curry]

I am not pushing one box over the other but the load ratings on the HF 56" are no comparison to the Husky you are referring to. The Husky you mentioned 100 pound slides, the HF56 is 154 pounds on single slide drawers, 220 pounds on the doubles. Total weight capacity on the HF56 is over 3400 pounds including 1500 pounds on the work surface on top. Take off the 1500 and the drawers have a rating of just over 1900 pounds. The HD box claims 1100 pounds. The HF is 29,000 cubic inch and the HD is 21,000. In my opinion the price is reflected in the differences....as the old guy said....you get what you pay for. The HD box does have the full length top drawer which is VERY appealing but it would not be a deal breaker for me on the HF56 box. If you are not in a professional setting I am sure you would enjoy either box. Good luck on your purchase. If you can find a 4s in your price range thats definitely the route I would go. I was in a similar mindset but in 3 years I could not find a 4s under $1500 worth buying which was out of my price range.

I'm not going to get too hung up on load ratings. When my search area was expanded to include Montezuma (their mass market boxes not their Strictly models), Excel, Viper and the like, I've seen identical boxes on different sites quoting different load ratings for the same drawers. Also, just looking at the Extreme Tools site, their regular 56 inch box has 100lb drawer ratings for the single roller drawers. Technically, the HF box is better then? I doubt it.

Pulling out the drawer on one of the HF 56 boxes and leaning on it, well... I figured if I leaned a little harder I could maybe get a store display discount. IOW, it didn't seem like it was any heavier duty than comparable boxes elsewhere. Now personally, I doubt I'll ever get close to 100 lbs in any of the single slide drawers, much less 150, so the drawer weight rating isn't the end-all of my shopping.
I'm sure the HF 56 is a decent box, but its not the value king people make it out to be. Its $300 more than the Husky 52/11, and as I mentioned in the earlier post, the right drawer bay is practically useless for me.

 

[Spider Curry]

If you are set on the husky buy the 52 ccombo and sell the top. The workstation is not the same cconstruction from the ones I've seen in stores. Once you sell the top, you'll save money

If I went for the combo I'd probably pull the top and put it on a shelf or a bench rather than try selling it. My big problem with the bottom box is the dimensions. Its just over 18 inches deep, which means the drawers are going to be a little over 16 inches in usable depth, and the base is over 44 inches tall. Thats too high for my needs.

 

[ibedayank]

if the 56 horrible fright is as good as the 44 I would add one without a second thought