US General Series 3

[UglyViking]

Eric Smidt house (also has a 9.2 Billion net worth):





You think he cares who he rips off? Wonder if there is a single Harbor Freight tool in that house?

Guy's family is responsible for getting cheap/affordable tools into the hands of millions across the USA, does he not deserve the wealth his family has built?

The CEO of Snap on made 9.5 million in salary in 2021 according to salary.com (source), and he doesn't own the company, only CEO.

To be fair, his home is not at all my style, if I had that kind of cash I'd own so many acres of property I'd think about making my own country out of it, but thats me and how I'd spend it.

 

[M6erfan]

Eric Smidt house (also has a 9.2 Billion net worth):





You think he cares who he rips off? Wonder if there is a single Harbor Freight tool in that house?

You should see his Super Yacht (Infinity) and its support vessel (Intrepid).

 

[BarrelRoll]

With the hutch and side lockers or without? With all the accessories I'd bet that picture shows $4,500 worth of stuff. The basic box alone is $2,000 - 2,500. Side lockers will be $500-$750 each and the hutch will be $800-$1,000. (All my personal bets, I have no insider knowledge. Just going based off of the current USG and ICON prices.)

If a very good condition Snap-On, MAC, etc box is available for about the same price, the choice probably should lean towards them in my opinion.

Just the 73" bottom box pushing $2k is my guess. The current 72" box is $1,700

This husky box is $1,900 on sale for $1,700 with hutch and 1 locker. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-8...ide-Locker-Matte-Black-HOTC8010BB1S/304589169 For the average home guy this is probably pushing the upper end of the budget, good enough quality, and about as big as the average home garage has room for.



Not stocking icon boxes in store is probably the biggest reason the boxes don't sell. Most of the boxes my snapon guy sells are in stock on the truck vs. ordered. When people decide to make the decision to buy a box they want it now. They'll get on the truck for a screw driver or just to pay their bill and before they know it are running a credit app and unloading a box. They'll wait for a locker or hutch though having the bottom box in stock really helps with sales.

 

[CJM8515]

If you think you have too many tools. Get therapy. Keep posting. Line your garage/shop with tool boxes of multiple brands and make sure you get at an EPIQ utility vehicle for moving tools around. When full build a new shop.

believe me i REALLY want to buy another home with a much larger garage. out of options here. but ya know market and all..

 

[Corndoggeh]

And here I am fully invested in series 2 with x2 56" full stacks, locker, and side cabinet. Sounds like I better buy a bunch of the plastic side latches and a few drawer slides before they stop being supported. I wish their series 2 had the grip latch system but the current lock system they have wasnt a deal breaker for me at the time considering I got the boxes at an excellent price and time right before COVID hit the US.

 

[71goldss]

• Is that gap between the hutch and cabinets something that will be in the final product? Looks super cheesy.

Agreed!
Hopefully this is just a prototype, and not the final product?
Unsightly gaps, no vertical trim and no stainless work surface, all make this Series 3 model look very cheap to me compared to their ICON line. But, then I guess that’s the in-between market they’re targeting with this new series. Personally, I would have preferred them updated the Series 2 line with a hutch, stainless work surface, better latches, etc., so that add on’s and improvements would have been visually seamless! But what do I know?

 

[thr3squared]

That looks like a very nice setup, and love that color! Curious what the price point will be. As has been mentioned already if it start's creeping into the $2-3K range (without lockers) I would probably first keep my eyes peeled for a used tool-truck brand box first.

Aside - it would be nice if all colors (including white and grey) were available across the entire product line.

 

[Fedwrench]

Talked to the harbor freight peeps again today. They Grey series 3 box on display is box#1. It's not the final production version. I mentioned the gaps between the hutch & side lockers. HF peeps are aware of it but, with the current locker hangers, they can't fix it. The drawers are 20 inches deep, fully extension, top deep full width drawer rated at 500 lbs, double slides. Series 3 will replace series 2. Don't know when, icon boxes not going away. Drawers have that slide plastic thing to left to open... the Grey unit with side lockers & hutch estimated cost close to $4k.

 

[CJM8515]

^4k is a bit steep for all of that but still not that terrible considering you get the lockers and hutch. im guessing the actual roll cab is prob 2500

 

[thr3squared]

Saw their post on Instagram, and said the Series 3 would be available this coming Spring 2023.

 

[Craftfab]

HF posted this video today. Said all Series 3 items will be backwards compatible with Series 2.

 

[alinc100]

That is Disgusting!

I can’t believe the pool is that far away from the house!

I mean you need a golf cart for a quick dip in the pool before bed

I bet they throw a great Father’s Day BBQ !!!

I was thinking similar thoughts.I'd need a shuttle between the tennis court and the pool or I'd be so exhausted I'd just sit in the pool and let someone else tell me about the tennis court.

 

[Madjik Man]

Talked to the harbor freight peeps again today. They Grey series 3 box on display is box#1. It's not the final production version. I mentioned the gaps between the hutch & side lockers. HF peeps are aware of it but, with the current locker hangers, they can't fix it. The drawers are 20 inches deep, fully extension, top deep full width drawer rated at 500 lbs, double slides. Series 3 will replace series 2. Don't know when, icon boxes not going away. Drawers have that slide plastic thing to left to open... the Grey unit with side lockers & hutch estimated cost close to $4k.

Yeeesh. That's not a bad price but still very expensive for USG.

 

[jpaw]

Good on them for making it backwards compatible with series 2. That tells you that it will be the same depth.

 

[iamhomeless]

If they really want to maximize profits, they will make the series 3 latches backwards compatible with the s2, so guys like you will spend an extra couple hundred to upgrade your old box, before deciding you need the extra full length drawer and then buy an s3

 

[UglyViking]

On the one hand, I'm excited that they retained capability with the series 2 stuff. That means that anyone that has already invested in the series 2, can continue to add onto their boxes with lockers, hutch, extra drawers, etc. and keep the same width and overall build. I think it's overall the best option.

That said, I am a little bummed they didn't drastically change the latch mechanism. I don't know how the fit and finish is on the new series 3, but the units I've seen in person for the 6 drawer cart felt very cheap. I'm also willing to bet it's not got "soft close" drawers either.

That said, as long as they keep it the same price, I see this all as net positive. I'm really glad to hear Icon isn't going away, I'd be pretty heart broken if that were the case if only because it means that HF haters are right.

 

[M6erfan]

Any idea what ga. steel?

 

[merkyworks]

I can’t believe the pool is that far away from the house!

thought the same thing as well!

but then I wondered is that even a pool, I think that might be a fountain.

 

[GeoBruin]

Oh interesting. It is backward compatible. I find the existing side lockers to be a little small considering they're my only "tall" storage. Maybe I could swap them in?

 

[boom_bap]

That is a dream setup you got there

 

[david3921]

I'm still curious about the threaded inserts at the top/bottom of the side cabinets. I figured they were for some future use but still don't see it with the series 3. I thought it might be for adding a wheel for stability but there's only one insert at each corner. Anybody have a guess?

 

[Mr_B]

can't see how it truly backward compatible when different depth, assume this series 3 24" depth !
I think anyone wanting add to there current series 2 be best do so at next coupon offering .
drawer latch looks be plastic slide bolt with grip strip under the drawer handle full length of it !
Main concern will be price, with series 2 already bordering what most class as great value and coupon deals getting tight I don't know how much price increase they can take before the value consumer finds an alternative ...

 

[Maxcustody]

Here is another video, other HF stuff as well.

 

[GeoBruin]

can't see how it truly backward compatible when different depth, assume this series 3 24" depth !
I think anyone wanting add to there current series 2 be best do so at next coupon offering .
drawer latch looks be plastic slide bolt with grip strip under the drawer handle full length of it !
Main concern will be price, with series 2 already bordering what most class as great value and coupon deals getting tight I don't know how much price increase they can take before the value consumer finds an alternative ...

It sounds like they are the same 22" depth. Never has it been actually said that they are deeper overall front to back. Several have said that the "drawers are deeper" but that may be referring to just the usable depth of the drawer or perhaps the vertical depth.

 

[Mr_B]

It sounds like they are the same 22" depth. Never has it been actually said that they are deeper overall front to back. Several have said that the "drawers are deeper" but that may be referring to just the usable depth of the drawer or perhaps the vertical depth.

Yeah i'm just assuming they would of gone 2" deeper overall but I guess the series 2 was around 19-19.5" drawer depth anyway so fairly easy squeeze bit more on same 22" overall frame .
If kept to 22" overall that probably best for versatile home/semi pro use and make it smoother compatibility .

 

[Luciferi]

thought the same thing as well!

but then I wondered is that even a pool, I think that might be a fountain.

If that is a pool, I bet that is for large party entertaining and would think it has an indoor pool for regular usage. It also looks like it is at a lower level and could have the pool house under the upper level. That whole under level might go back to the house.

I have also worked on a house that a large lake style main pool with a small private secluded pool just outside the master bedroom

On topic, the Sema booth looks much better than their stores. All these fancy expensive tools need better displays/merchandising.

 

[HPRifleman]

I don't get the point of the hutch. What is the draw with this? How is it normally used?

I've always had a top chest on a roller cabinet so I'm not familiar with the hutch layout.

 

[mepstein]

can't see how it truly backward compatible when different depth, assume this series 3 24" depth !
I think anyone wanting add to there current series 2 be best do so at next coupon offering .
drawer latch looks be plastic slide bolt with grip strip under the drawer handle full length of it !
Main concern will be price, with series 2 already bordering what most class as great value and coupon deals getting tight I don't know how much price increase they can take before the value consumer finds an alternative ...

The alternatives will also be going up in price.

 

[mepstein]

I don't get the point of the hutch. What is the draw with this? How is it normally used?

I've always had a top chest on a roller cabinet so I'm not familiar with the hutch layout.

Workspace, computer setup, storage that can be closed and locked in a shop environment. Not a big deal at home but most techs lock their boxes at work.

 

[Drunkonunleaded]

Workspace, computer setup, storage that can be closed and locked in a shop environment. Not a big deal at home but most techs lock their boxes at work.

Even for the home gamer, it's nice to have a surface where you can put things and not have to worry as much about them getting covered with dust or accidently knocked off of the work surface.

I REALLY hope that they retain the vertical trim. The boxes look naked (aka cheap) without it.

 

[jpaw]

I don't get the point of the hutch. What is the draw with this? How is it normally used?

I've always had a top chest on a roller cabinet so I'm not familiar with the hutch layout.

mepstein pretty much summed it up.

I have one at work along with a locker. You need lockable bulk storage nowadays with all of the special tools, chargers, computers, etc.
At home the value is just not there in my eyes. There are much better bulk storage values out there for home.
It comes down to aesthetics and money for the home gamers.

 

[mepstein]

The main chest is always the best value per sq/inch. It was cheaper for me to add a second box than buy lockers, top boxes, etc. but again, that’s a home/shop thing, if you want a work surface and how much space you have.

 

[Lt CHEG]

Frankly, I’d much rather they make a 29” or 30” deep Icon 72” wide box.

 

[M635_Guy]

Eric Smidt house (also has a 9.2 Billion net worth):





You think he cares who he rips off? Wonder if there is a single Harbor Freight tool in that house?

Yeah - that ******* built his business from scratch, employs over 25,000 Americans and provides them good benefits, even the part-time ones.

What an evil jerk.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Yeah - that ******* built his business from scratch, employs over 25,000 Americans and provides them good benefits, even the part-time ones.

He was 17 when he and his dad started the business. Let's both agree who built the business from scratch, but I'm not getting into the business and his philanthropy, etc. That's a whole other discussion and is probably up for plenty of speculation.

Also, I never said anything about who he employs. I said I'm sure he could care less about who he screws over in order to get to his yacht.

Side note, if the crew of employees that works on any of his assets uses anything other than Harbor Freight items, isn't that a pretty telling story? Would love to know the details and truth.

 

[M635_Guy]

He was 17 when he and his dad started the business. Let's both agree who built the business from scratch, but I'm not getting into the business and his philanthropy, etc. That's a whole other discussion and is probably up for plenty of speculation.

Also, I never said anything about who he employs. I said I'm sure he could care less about who he screws over in order to get to his yacht.

Side note, if the crew of employees that works on any of his assets uses anything other than Harbor Freight items, isn't that a pretty telling story? Would love to know the details and truth.

You're employing a lot of fantasy/projection there...

 

[71goldss]

In the video the HF spokesperson states: “we went with deeper drawers”. To me, this statement implies that all of the drawers are deeper. This is also probably why many of us thought they were meaning horizontal depth, front to back, instead of vertical depth. I’m counting 6 vertical drawers in the center section of the box, like on the current Series 2 box. Unless they are making the box taller, or making the framing (where the key locks are) thinner, it seems they are just reconfiguring the depth (height) of each drawer, thus having to rob depth from other drawers. I don’t see how all drawers could be deeper otherwise? Just my take on it.

 

[BlackBowtie]

I feel like the Icon series needs to be updated to 30" depth and latch system upgraded to something similar to Snap On epiq latches. USG boxes need a 24" depth update and give it the latch system the Icon series currently uses.

 

[GeoBruin]

I feel like the Icon series needs to be updated to 30" depth and latch system upgraded to something similar to Snap On epiq latches. USG boxes need a 24" depth update and give it the latch system the Icon series currently uses.

If you all had your way, you would "upgrade" these boxes right out of my price range. There are already options out there for people who want boxes that deep with those features and are willing to pay those prices. The USG boxes are often hailed as the last bastion of affordability around here that still have passable build quality.

So which is it? Do you want US General to become Icon and and Icon to become Snap On or do you want boxes a home gamer can still own without leveraging their house?

 

[mepstein]

I imagine one reason boxes cost more the bigger they get because it’s less boxes per container. So deep drawers aren’t just a bit more material, they are a couple boxes less per container, raising the shipping cost of each box.