Tool Boxes...H.F. 44" vs Masterforce 41"

[Scout3918]

I done a search and found some comparison between the 2 but most threads several years old. If anyone has more updated link please share it.

I am looking to buy a tool box for home/garage use. I have a couple cheap old tool boxes and like to upgrade and consolidate. I will keep my old took boxes (Craftsman and cant remember other brand right now.) too for few things. both are around 26" top and bottom boxes.

I actually like the green color of the Menards box, but don't want the color to be deciding factor. the Masterforce is about $130 more also.

I've heard good things about both and have narrowed my choices down to these too for various reason.

any input will be greatly appreciated.

thank you in advance.

 

[ocloc24]

The HF has many more options lime tops, side chest, and lockers. And it's cheaper. Good box. I have mine loaded to the gills and all drawers are still very smooth

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[ScottsGT]

Probably made by the same company off shore. Looks like the big decision will be between the MF having more deeper drawers vs. HF's more shallow drawers. I honestly think I would have gone with the MF if I had a Menard's near me.

EDIT: I will add, my HF box has been excellent. As poster above mentions, loaded down and drawers open very smoothly.

 

[Mr_B]

Masterforce also has side drawer box & lockers etc .
Biggest concern is what drawer layout best for you .
If prefer more shallow drawers then HF one for you .
If prefer cheapest price then HF for you .
Masterforce is bit better build finish and proper decent drawer latching.
Both fine for home use so up to you on what ticks most boxes out of the 2 .

 

[ssdave]

I bought the Masterforce, after comparing them extensively. The things I like are that the drawers work better, and the latch is much better. Construction quality is a small bit higher on the Masterforce, although the HF is good, as long as you check it over and make sure no problems. Some of the display ones had problems even, and I've known people that had to take them back and exchange for one that didn't have a bad drawer, dents, etc.

They are both very close in quality and features; what it boiled down to for me was the way the drawers operated and the drawer configuration. And, I got a used but like new top chest for about 1/2 price, so just had to pay for the bottom at sale price, and ended up at about the same cost as the HF set overall. The thing that bugged me the most about the HF was that the drawers didn't open and close well. It's hard to describe, but the Masterforce had a lot better feel to them. And, I like the lift style latch; it works nicely and intuitively. It doesn't latch real securely; I wouldn't trust it to hold the drawers moving the box a lot in rough going. But, neither would I trust my Snap-on KRL latches.

After using that box for just long enough to get my automotive tools arranged in it, I got a great deal on a 54" SO KRL. It holds more than twice what the Masterforce 44 holds, and is a pleasure to use; everything on it works a LOT better than on the less expensive boxes. The Masterforce is relegated to woodworking and miscellaneous tools now.

If you can look at both boxes and try them, compare how they work for you. Also, take a hard look at the drawer configurations and how they will work.

 

[ishiboo]

Masterforce has a new box that's out. I have only seen the lower, but it appeared to be another 41" maybe. It looked about 24" deep. Top drawer is deep and has double slides. It's kind of a metallic hammered gray color IIRC, with the dark green anodized looking pulls... better looking than their other boxes IMO. The store said they were supposed to get the upper in, but that they thought it was a one-off and they would not be adding other matching boxes to the line.

Unfortunately I don't see it on the website.

I have a feeling it might be a BF deal... and an interesting one at that. It's deep!

Oh, and price was $599 regular.

 

[KMdef9]

I have MF at work and HF at home. The MF is definitely flimsier, metal seems thinner. It does latch better than the HF, but that's the only thing it has better over the HF. Both of them have overloaded drawers and still are smooth.

For price and quality, go HF. If you really like the drawer layout, go with whatever layout is better for you.

 

[ishiboo]

I have MF at work and HF at home. The MF is definitely flimsier, metal seems thinner. It does latch better than the HF, but that's the only thing it has better over the HF. Both of them have overloaded drawers and still are smooth.

For price and quality, go HF. If you really like the drawer layout, go with whatever layout is better for you.

That was kind of my opinion of the two as well. The MF seemed adequate but it did seem a bit thinner. The color choices are a big benefit to the MF though, IMO.

 

[Mr_B]

Yeh the HF 44" is nice box for the price, expandable with side drawer boxes makes it usable as storage needs grow.
If HF drawer layout works and drawer detents to your liking it good option especially when on coupon offer .
The 44" the 72" and the 5 drawer cart are good HF tool box buys .

 

[Scout3918]

Thx for all the replies and info. I do appreciate it.

 

[metaldad]

you obviously must have a menards near.
get the mf on a 11% rebate week.
i have the 41''. i shoulda got a larger one

 

[Fender1325]

I just bought the US General HF 44" and am very very pleased. Great value. I compared husky, craftsman, kobalt and HF. The HF was better built. Thicker metal, smooth drawers, better casters, and comes with liners in it. I wouldn't think twice about buying it again if I had to.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

My 44 fell over. It didn't do so good. It was in a fire prior to falling over. All the silver trim was pitted and corroded from the fire. Two of the wheels came apart. Kind like they peeled themselves off the wheels from all the moving it did. There was also a vice dropped at one point and the box had a noticeable rack.

Solid box all things considered. My only gripe is the detents that hold the drawers closed. I hate them. I rather a latch system of some sort.

 

[blake101]

HF hands down, by far the best bang for the buck. It would be a no brainer.

 

[Theruse]

I love my HF 44" and can expand it easily as I am busting out with more tools. However, I saw that Milwaukee came out with a new toolchest that I saw at HD. Novel design in that the hardwood butcher block top is reversible and sits up on corner columns (about 4 inches from the chest. This allows for two things, Ability to use the table top with clamps or to store large long items under the table top. Didn't check it out in details, but you may want to check it out

 

[Theruse]

Here's the link for the Milwaukee box

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-52-in-11-Drawer-Mobile-Workcenter-48-22-8552/300891919

 

[blake101]

You're throwing your money away if you buy anything but Harbor Freight, as far as tool boxes go.

 

[ScottsGT]

My 44 fell over. It didn't do so good. It was in a fire prior to falling over. All the silver trim was pitted and corroded from the fire. Two of the wheels came apart. Kind like they peeled themselves off the wheels from all the moving it did. There was also a vice dropped at one point and the box had a noticeable rack.

Solid box all things considered. My only gripe is the detents that hold the drawers closed. I hate them. I rather a latch system of some sort.

I'm not sure if I should laugh, or cry?

I think that one has lived its usefulness out.

EDIT: I see the problem. Snap On guy did a covert mission and destroyed it because you put the Snap On logo on it.

 

[Mikeske]

So far I have bought 2 of the Harbor Freight Tools 44” us general pro tool boxes. The first was for all the tools after 45 years of accumulated Tools and the second to replace a worn out Waterloo toolbox. I have no idea of the quality of the Masterforce toolboxes as the nearest Menards is a over 1500 miles away from me. I really like the price for the harbor freight toolboxes they provide way more box for the money and they store my tools in a excellent box.

The first box has a side cabinet, top box, and the locker and I so liked it I had to get a 2nd for my old professional Tools made by Bonney.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I'm not sure if I should laugh, or cry?

I think that one has lived its usefulness out.

EDIT: I see the problem. Snap On guy did a covert mission and destroyed it because you put the Snap On logo on it.

Snap On logo was too heavy for the box....lol


No worries. I replaced my boxes and was going to give that one to my dad before it belly flopped.

 

[Mr_B]

HF 44" is on sale via coupon till end of this month 31/10/17
72" is too and the 5 drawer cart . all 3 of them good HF buys .
https://www.harborfreight.com/savings_coupons.html

 

[Mikeske]

Or save even more on the 44" harbor freight box with this link.

http://www.hfqpdb.com/coupons/9_ITE...AL_QUALITY_ROLLER_CABINET_1504809057.0782.png

 

[DetourAhead]

Which box did you end up going with?