US General Series 3
- Thread starter will335i
- Start date
That's also the one I would like to see. My Hf 5 drawer cart works, but I would like something with more drawers to spread things out. I don't really like the current Us general 26" cabinet with all the short drawers at the top. Putting at least one deep drawer at the top would make it more usable for me.
71goldss
Well-known member
I don’t own the HF 5 drawer cart or 26” cabinet, but before I gave my two US General, Series 1, 44’s and one end cabinet to my son, I was able two reconfigure one of the taller lower drawers to the top on the end cabinet, so to closer match the drawer layout of the 44’s. The end cabinet already had locations to relocate the slides. You may want to research if that’s also possible on the 26” as well. BTW, I was also able to do it on one of my Craftsman 26” cabinets. Just depends on whether or not the cabinets are pre-drilled for different drawer configurations.
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I have the 26" and had the 5-drawer. I added the Full Bank and am really happy. Obv. not going to work if you value the workspace on top, but I have a workbench directly next to it.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
Follow up on my prediction. Looks like the SEMA setup would be around $4,200 plus tax. So with sales tax in my state I was within $50. Pretty proud of myself.
I was looking at the 26 since I thought having a little extra workspace might be handy. Plus not having to lift the lid to access drawers would be nice at times. That said, part of me thinks the hf 34" full bank cart might be the best fit, but I want to see what the 26 series 3 cabinet looks like as well as the price before upgrading from the 5 drawer.
I seem to get conflicting info on being able to re-arrange the drawers on the 26 series 2. I saw a thread on here where someone replaced a large lower drawer with two smaller drawers. I also see people saying the slide spacing is not even in a way that allows them to be moved around like on other boxes.I don’t own the HF 5 drawer cart or 26” cabinet, but before I gave my two US General, Series 1, 44’s and one end cabinet to my son, I was able two reconfigure one of the taller lower drawers to the top on the end cabinet, so to closer match the drawer layout of the 44’s. The end cabinet already had locations to relocate the slides. You may want to research if that’s also possible on the 26” as well. BTW, I was also able to do it on one of my Craftsman 26” cabinets. Just depends on whether or not the cabinets are pre-drilled for different drawer configurations.
71goldss
Well-known member
I was at my local HF today to pickup some inline filters for my air hose, and saw the new Slate Gray 72" Series 3, with hutch on display. It didn't appear to be available for purchase yet. It just looked like it was being set up for the launch date. Was also kinda surprised to see this floor model banged up already. The box itself had a big scrape on the front, and the hutch had a large dent on the bottom edge of the door. I'd definitely be unboxing at the store before hauling home if I was buying!
I realize I'm probably going to be in the minority, but I'm not very impressed. I played with the drawers with the new latches a bit, and they were just uncomfortable to me. A whole lot of plastic divider openings behind those drawer pulls for placing your fingers. My fingers kept hitting the dividers, instead of the openings. I'm sure some are going to love them, just not me. Then, the way the box is made just mimics the 26"/44" boxes in my opinion. Other than a new drawer layout, latch system, and available hutch, nothing says "higher quality" to me!
Definitely glad I already have my two 56" Series 2 boxes already!!!
I realize I'm probably going to be in the minority, but I'm not very impressed. I played with the drawers with the new latches a bit, and they were just uncomfortable to me. A whole lot of plastic divider openings behind those drawer pulls for placing your fingers. My fingers kept hitting the dividers, instead of the openings. I'm sure some are going to love them, just not me. Then, the way the box is made just mimics the 26"/44" boxes in my opinion. Other than a new drawer layout, latch system, and available hutch, nothing says "higher quality" to me!
Definitely glad I already have my two 56" Series 2 boxes already!!!
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UglyViking
Well-known member
Two biggest updates I see are:
I really love the Icon boxes, but they are priced high. I have a USG box that works fine, but it def has some edges over the other big box options, and I'd be lying if I didn't mess around with the Husky and Milwaukee options every time I was at HD. I just don't think the value is there anymore, which is a bummer.
- Second "full width" shallow drawer for wrenches
- Full slide drawer, rather than the current 80% which makes it a little bit of a wiggle game to get some of the sockets in the back out
I really love the Icon boxes, but they are priced high. I have a USG box that works fine, but it def has some edges over the other big box options, and I'd be lying if I didn't mess around with the Husky and Milwaukee options every time I was at HD. I just don't think the value is there anymore, which is a bummer.
Harbor Freight released the 72” today. Details can be found here: https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-...-bank-roll-cab-series-3-slate-gray-70314.html
I expect the 56” and 44” will follow, as they have been going “on sale” frequently lately.
I expect the 56” and 44” will follow, as they have been going “on sale” frequently lately.
milky2k
Well-known member
I'm at my local HF in the Los Angeles area and they have one on display.
I have the Full Bank, which was the first product to get the new latches. I had mixed feelings at the time for both feel and the function of the latches, but felt like it couldn't be worse than the latches on one side of the drawer - never liked or got used to those. As it turns out, it's a lot better for me with weight in the drawers and with a small transition period. Now I don't notice them at all. YMMV.
gizardlizard
Well-known member
I ordered the 72” hutch last Monday. I was happy with it when I looked at it. I was told a month wait minimum when I ordered it.
Odd-job
Well-known member
72 looks nice. Personally I could never get over the fact that two 44's could be had for a much lower price point. Although wish the one I had an additional full length draw...
Madjik Man
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I have to check this out in person soon.
I’ll probably be down for a 72” lower and 27” upper eventually.
Or just convince myself that I can buy a POS Husky HD 80” for less.
I’ll probably be down for a 72” lower and 27” upper eventually.
Or just convince myself that I can buy a POS Husky HD 80” for less.
Madjik Man
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Have my eye on those too. But it’s $351 shipping to my place.
Edit: sweet. There’s an actual Menards only an hour+ from me.
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Does anyone know how the steel thickness of this compares to the USGs? It looks kind of thin in the pics.
Madjik Man
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The video says it’s 19 gauge
Looks a bit bland without corner protecting trim.
Would of been smart add a universal trim protection kit if not going add it as standard .
The Series 2 better factory models at pre covid pricing was some of best box store box deals that likely never get matched again .
Would of been smart add a universal trim protection kit if not going add it as standard .
The Series 2 better factory models at pre covid pricing was some of best box store box deals that likely never get matched again .
71goldss
Well-known member
100% Agree!!!
But! I'm now thinking HF may be trying to widen the visual gap between the US General and ICON lines. With this visual change, all sizes of US General boxes will have the same look, while ICON boxes will still have the upper level "truck brand" look all to their own. Before, 56"/72" US General and ICON boxes had a very similar apearance.. I'm speaking appearance only, Not quality! I think this change draws a clearer line between their two box lines going forward IMHO. Possibly a smart move on HF's part.
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Agreed. Good point.
I see that now. The Masterforce is 19 gauge. Has HF said what gauge the Series 3 is? I assume it's constructed of two different gauges like the previous versions?
Madjik Man
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After you asked that question I tried finding the gauge(s) on the Series 3 and couldn’t find anything.
Would be interested to know. I like the layout and the drawer latches of the Masterforce better than the Series 3.
And I’m just a DIY home guy. There will probably be no noticeable/relevant difference between steel gauges of the Masterforce and Series 3 for me.
I tried looking, too, and couldn't fine anything, either. I found gauges for the other versions, and they were all thicker than 19 gauge.
I think the steel thickness is the single most important design parameter of a box. It determines the load capacity, the feel, and the overall durability of the box.
I went to look today as I am kinda in the market for a new smallish bottom box and I thought this would give me an idea of what the smaller carts would be like. I saw one in the wild today, color gray is nice, nice castors, of course way bigger than a downsizer needs. IMO nothing special.
YMMV
YMMV
Sorry to bring an older thread back to life but I was at my local harbor freight this morning checking out the new 72” box. I love the new gray color. I’ve been on the fence about this box or the Menards box. I like the latching system of the Menards box more but I wish they would offer more colors. Playing with both they seem to be in about the same level quality wise. I do wish hf would have made the box a few inches deeper and went with a better latching mechanism. But as a home gamer I think it will be fine. I’m totally out of room in my craftsman 26” top and bottom box and my 5 drawer hf cart is stuffed too lol. Anyway just thought I’d post up a few pictures I took this afternoon.
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CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
When I first started looking for a home box, I wanted to go with a Homak RS Pro. It’s deeper than the HF box and has a similar latch system as the Menards box. But Homak has increased their prices so much that it’s almost a non-starter.
superspec
Well-known member
I’m moving at the end of this month and when I get where I’m going I think I’m going with a min of 56” top and bottom series 3. I came to this shop with the husky box from my home garage and left the 26 craftsman top mid and bottom in storage. I quickly amassed tools to replace tools while working in a shop the last two years. I’ve got truck tools that aren’t even open but I might need them later on
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projectcar
New member
Just checked out the Series 3 myself and came here to see what others were thinking. I was also a bit disappointed with the "Full-width drawer latches". You slide them left to unlatch and the feel just isn't great or consistent. Sometimes I had to use a bit more force than I would like and a few times they didn't open on the first try. I basically had to use two hands for it to open consistently. Id be tempted to modify or disable them. I appreciate that they lock now and that drawers won't slide out by accident (would this ever happen?) but the feel is far from premium. The other negative is that the latch only seems to lock on the right side. So for the wide drawers, I could still pull the latched drawer out about 3/4" on the left side with it in the latched and locked position.
It's been a while since I've used a similar latching mechanism for a different brand box so I don't have much to compare it to. Would prefer a lighter touch though. Other than that, they look good and the whole box has a good mass to it and feels very sturdy. Kind of split on the drawer latches though. Maybe they would loosen up over time or I would get used to it.
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71goldss
Well-known member
Welcome to Garage Journal!
The 56”/72” Series I and Series 2 boxes always had latches, but just small plastic ones at the right side of the drawers. HF received a lot of negative reviews for those latches, so these new full width latches are HF’s idea of an improvement. They are now even worse in my opinion.
The two US General 56” Series 2 boxes I purchased not only had latches (that I removed), but also had drawer detents. The new Series 3 latches are also removable, but I doubt they have the detents? The boxes don’t impress me enough to research this, or even give a second look at the store display models.
I love my Series 2’s !!!
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I am really enjoying my 26" Series 2 Roller Cabinet.
But, I would love the same thing with a nice thick drawer on top! That way I could put my sockets on the top. Beefed up drawer slides would be nice too. That or at least give me dual drawer slides like the 44" Series 2 Box has....
But, I would love the same thing with a nice thick drawer on top! That way I could put my sockets on the top. Beefed up drawer slides would be nice too. That or at least give me dual drawer slides like the 44" Series 2 Box has....
jonesg
Well-known member
US General just went bankrupt, maybe thats why they're on clearance sale at HF.
Lt CHEG
Well-known member
Not sure if you’re joking or not, it US General is not a company. US General is merely a brand name, a brand name owned by Harbor Freight, who is most certainly not bankrupt.