Review: Harbor Freight US General 56" rolling cabinet

[Soon2AdjustYou]

Here she is:

Picked the HF 56" up Friday. Got it loaded up today and snapped some pics

STD Wrenches

Metric wrenches

 

[WRX/Z28]

This box is a steal. Definately a great box for a home based tech. That being said, they are not Snap on quality boxes. Don't get me wrong, I love my HF 5 drawer cart, and i've played with this box a bunch and it definately is a decent unit, especially at the $700 or so you can get one for, but there's more to a box than shiny paint and such...

Anyone that wants to see the difference... (i'm sure most would rather not know)

http://www.theundisputedchamp.com/

Lays out some of what makes a box better below the surface...

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

This box is a steal. Definately a great box for a home based tech. That being said, they are not Snap on quality boxes. Don't get me wrong, I love my HF 5 drawer cart, and i've played with this box a bunch and it definately is a decent unit, especially at the $700 or so you can get one for, but there's more to a box than shiny paint and such...

Anyone that wants to see the difference... (i'm sure most would rather not know)

http://www.theundisputedchamp.com/

Lays out some of what makes a box better below the surface...

Man they love to bash Matco in all their video's

 

[outcast]

FYI

the 5 drawer cart now has this red paint on it. so if you want a matching cart .......

 

[outcast]

FYI

the 5 drawer cart now has this red paint on it. so if you want a matching cart .......

 

[kythri]

It looks like they're moving away from the crinkle finish for their 42" chest, as well.

When I go to HF, I typically use the one in Salem, OR. I was down in Eugene last week, and decided to check it out, since I hadn't been in there, and I was looking for the mega O-ring packs that the Salem store is typically out of.

They had a 42" bottom chest, top chest and side locker in the smooth red finish. Side locker was still crinkle.

Dunno how long it'll last, though - a couple years ago, I saw a black crinkle finish and a black smooth finish 42" chest on a couple different occasions at the Salem store...

 

[Brentocool]

I love my General tool cart! Use it every day at work.

 

[outcast]

when i can get a deal on a red paint 42", i am going to get it. i could put my small lathe on it.
the c-man bench that it has been on for the last 15 years has been a pos for 15 years.

 

[diesel research]

FYI

the 5 drawer cart now has this red paint on it. so if you want a matching cart .......

They've been available this way for years...

 

[racer1735]

It looks like they're moving away from the crinkle finish for their 42" chest, as well.

They had a 42" bottom chest, top chest and side locker in the smooth red finish. Side locker was still crinkle.

Dunno how long it'll last, though - a couple years ago, I saw a black crinkle finish and a black smooth finish 42" chest on a couple different occasions at the Salem store...

Does the smooth red finish have a different SKU number than the crinkle finish (90320)? Or, how can you tell them apart either online or packed in boxes?

 

[bhclark]

I've been in HFT every week for the last year and I've never seen a crinkle finish 5 drawer cart, and that's across 5 different stores. I wonder if they just have an old floor model?

You should be able to tell pretty easily by looking at the box. Tear a small hole in the packaging if you have to.

 

[kythri]

Does the smooth red finish have a different SKU number than the crinkle finish (90320)? Or, how can you tell them apart either online or packed in boxes?

Didn't look that closely. They were stickered as "US General PRO".

 

[kythri]

I've been in HFT every week for the last year and I've never seen a crinkle finish 5 drawer cart, and that's across 5 different stores. I wonder if they just have an old floor model?

You should be able to tell pretty easily by looking at the box. Tear a small hole in the packaging if you have to.

Maybe my stores have old floor models, then, because they both showed crinkle finish carts.

I really dig my black 4-drawer carts...

 

[tenchu]

Just picked mine up last night thanks to your guys' coupon post. Love this website.

Old vs new:

First day on duty:

Drawers (wayyyy more room then I had before)

 

[rich121]

Thanks for the review and pics guys, awesome. I feel I made the right choice with this box. FYI, Coupon code 13491889 still works online for the 56", 11 Drawer Industrial Roller Cabinet picked it up for $699.99. Now I just wait......

 

[briandrex]

Thanks for the review and pics guys, awesome. I feel I made the right choice with this box. FYI, Coupon code 13491889 still works online for the 56", 11 Drawer Industrial Roller Cabinet picked it up for $699.99. Now I just wait......

You will love it! Picked mine up three weeks ago and can't believe I went this long without one. For $699 brand new you just can't beat it!

 

[rich121]

Well, I am on day 3 with this box and I have to say I am extremely happy with it. It's actually getting better as it breaks in. I have and will be rolling this box around daily on uneven floors and over old train tracks in the concrete so I will be putting it to the test over time. If your on the fence about this box just buy it, you wont be dissapointed

 

[mrmatt]

Thanks for the review and pics guys, awesome. I feel I made the right choice with this box. FYI, Coupon code 13491889 still works online for the 56", 11 Drawer Industrial Roller Cabinet picked it up for $699.99. Now I just wait......

Dang that coupon shows up as expired when I try and use it online now, was it specific to this box or a $/% off any item type coupon? My 42" HF box is getting close to full, was going to buy a second one but I'm tempted to upgrade to this larger box, especially if I could pick it up for $699.

Also for anyone that has had one delivered - Do they offer lift-gate delivery or do they require a dock or something to get it off the truck?

 

[Stewie 03]

Dang that coupon shows up as expired when I try and use it online now, was it specific to this box or a $/% off any item type coupon? My 42" HF box is getting close to full, was going to buy a second one but I'm tempted to upgrade to this larger box, especially if I could pick it up for $699.

Also for anyone that has had one delivered - Do they offer lift-gate delivery or do they require a dock or something to get it off the truck?

The $699 coupon expired yesterday (3/15/12). I pulled the trigger on this box yesterday to take advantage of the coupon after doing much research on it. Unfortunately, the HF website showed the box as backordered when I made the purchase. Hopefully they'll have more in soon. I think I'm going to reach out to them to ask about the lead time and the lift-gate question. I didn't want to miss out on the coupon but that caused me to not have a chance to ask specifically about how it will be dropped off. I am going to need lift-gate service. If not, I'm going to be in trouble.

As a weekend warrior do-it-yourselfer, I don't think you can go wrong with this box. This will be replacing a 42" Husky scratch & dent top box and a 52" Craftsman griplatch top box. I purchased both of these at a steep discount and I am anticipating the sale of these boxes to cover the cost of the new roller cab. Win-Win!

 

[rich121]

I had mine delivered to a dock but the trucking company will call you to make an appointment to deliver and at that time you can specify whether you require a liftgate or not. I believe I read that depending on the trucking company there can be an extra liftgate charge though.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

If I were a pro - I'd look at both these sheetmetal boxes - and wonder how Snap-On figures theirs is worth 10 times as much. Seriously - how stupid would one have to be to pay $7K for a box that can be all but duplicated and retailed for $639.00. ????

OK - so buy the Snap-On slightly USED for $2,500.00. That's still four times the money.

Kind of turns what use to be "Snap-On Pride of Ownership" - into a bill board for one's financial stupidity.

If that US General box is sold for $639.00 then Snap-On should be $1,299.00 at the most.. I think Snap-On's days of $5K or more tool boxes is quickly comming to an end.

FWIW,
Carl B.
65th Anniversary Edition -top, bottom and side box.

I would agree with this. I would like to see top boxes available though

 

[RangerDaleXp]

Sorry but we have already had professional mechanic after professional mechanic report the HF boxes hold up just fine in commercial applications. The SO is purdy but not that purdy!

I agree with this as well.....

 

[Stewie 03]

I just called HF customer service and they said they are backordered 10-14 days and when the shipper (Conway) calls to schedule the delivery just inform them of the need for lift-gate service. He didn't indicate any extra charge so I'll keep my fingers crossed on that.

 

[mrmatt]

Thanks for the heads up, I hate it when I miss out on deals like this by just a day or two. Going to cross my fingers that they go on sale for $699 again soon, bought a bunch of new tools recently and my 42" lower is quickly running out of room.

 

[E.T.Privott]

there is a top box for this unit, alot of people are looking and asking for it so.... they got a top box at NORTHERN EQUIPMENT and NORTHERN TOOL. it's made by torin tool.

 

[rich121]

Just wanted to post an update, box is holding up well and getting a lot of complements, most cant believe the price I paid, everybody thought I went out and spent 6k on a toolbox until I explained it was HF. A coworker has just purchased the red 5 draw service cart after seeing the quality of this box. I have posted a pic of a top I made out of some used 1/4" aluminum diamond plate we had left from an old piece of equipment, although a shiny new polished piece would have looked sweet, this one was pretty used so I decided to paint it black with acrylic clear coat on top. I am pretty happy with the result, looks nice in person and I now have a suitable work surface.

 

[rich121]

One more side shot...

 

[Altec]

I posted in the coupon thread, but I figured it can't hurt to post here too.

Does anyone know a currently out magazine that has a coupon for the 56" box? I've been looking, but I find myself scratching my head figuring out what magazines to even look in...

 

[MilesToEmpty]

Im also looking for a coupon for the 56"

 

[powertrip]

there is a top box for this unit, alot of people are looking and asking for it so.... they got a top box at NORTHERN EQUIPMENT and NORTHERN TOOL. it's made by torin tool.

Love to see a picture if someone has this top and bottom setup.

 

[Stewie 03]

Love to see a picture if someone has this top and bottom setup.

What he said ^^^^

Here's a quick update on my quest to get the US General 56" roller in my garage. I ordered it online on the last day of the latest (AFAIK) $699 coupon which was 3/15. Long story short, I decided to just pay the money to have it shipped directly to my house via freight truck with lift-gate. I told the HF customer service rep. I spoke with of the need for lift-gate service. He told me to simply inform the shipping co. when they contact me to schedule delivery. The shipping co. called me Friday afternoon and when I told them I needed lift-gate service she promptly told me she needed to contact HF to discuss this with them and she'd call me back. Nothing yet... If I don't hear back from them I will start with HF as I don't have contact info for the person I spoke with at Conway Freight and go from there.

It's a bit annoying that I gave them all of the information up-front, did exactly as they informed me to do, yet it's causing a delay. Such is life. I'll provide an update once things are resolved to help pave the way for the next person who decides to go this route.

Stewie

 

[MilesToEmpty]

Im sad there are no coupons or anything. I really thought there might be something seeing its almost Easter.

 

[eek]

Im sad there are no coupons or anything. I really thought there might be something seeing its almost Easter.

Check the harbor freight coupon thread I asked and someone just posted one. Last page (85)

 

[Tony N.]

One more side shot...

Rich, where did you get that counter top matt?

 

[unslow1]

Rich, where did you get that counter top matt?

I found a roll of that at Menard's but it was $179 for triple what I needed. If anyone knows where it is sold in smaller increments I'd be interested also.

 

[cotjocky]

there is a top box for this unit, alot of people are looking and asking for it so.... they got a top box at NORTHERN EQUIPMENT and NORTHERN TOOL. it's made by torin tool.

Saw that. It's the right dimensions, but comes in black only from what I see online.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

I think it is the beginning of the end for the name brand truck companies, at least when it comes to tool boxes. I bought a Snap on box about 12 years ago at a steep discount as a technician apprentice. Compared to these new boxes by HF and other Chinese retailers I feel I got ripped off. Wish I could purchase all over again as I'd snap this unit in a second. But I can't justify purchasing again.

not even close ..

 

[m_hatcher]

Has anyone thought about making or buying a ss or butcher top for the 56". Maybe doing some measuring and then calling someplace like strictly toolboxes and getting measurements for their 56" ss top

 

[dttheliman]

OK y'all asked for it here it is - sorry for crappy cell picture , top box fresh out the crate. Northern tool 56" meet Harbor Freight 56"

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[nit2wn]

Not exactly the same shade of red are they? It still looks pretty good though. I'd order one and cut a cabinet though, if it was an exact match in color.