US PRO Toolboxes Likely To Be Replace With New Designs

[Mikeske]

Looks like the Harbor Freight US General Pro line is going for a change.

Talking to the store manager at my local Harbor Freight she received a memo to sell off the existing stock of all of the toolboxes (the 44", 56" and 72") including all the add ons. When the parking lot sale in March happens to also sell the display boxes as open box. Sounds to me a change is in the wind for the Harbor Freight toolbox line.

Remember this is a rumor and to take this with a grain of salt.

 

[Wamsutta]

Probably a name change. I have a US General spring compressor and fuel pressure tester that are no longer available.

 

[archirelic]

See what I posted the other day in another HF thread:

Supposedly they'll be releasing the 42, 56, and 72 boxes, side units, and shelving unit in both the black and blue just like they did with the 5 drawer cart. At least this is what the manager at the Harbor Freight in my town told me. Said he got to see them during a symposium for new product they will be receiving down the road.

 

[Fedwrench]

I predict that the new models will be the same as the old models except they will all be black and have YUKON badges

I was going to suggest ICON as their new names but, I see Harbor freight has named their new torque wrench line ICON.

 

[SilverBulletZ06]

So should I be glad I just got a 56"? Do you think quality will go up or down?

 

[Mikeske]

So should I be glad I just got a 56"? Do you think quality will go up or down?

I think likely the quality will probably remain the same. I think at the most there will be a revision to ad different colors like the 5 drawer tool carts and maybe revised drawer lay out and possibly adding a power strip option.

 

[Tallpilot]

I think it’s the tariffs. Even if they don’t happen there is too much to lose from delays in the supply chain if they don’t start now. So it seems everyone is going to build boxes with drawers deeper than 16”. The tool carts aren’t affected since they are in a different (albeit arbitrary) category.

The good news is the quality will be about the same and the price will be slightly higher to cover the additional material and shipping costs. Hopefully they will copy the Masterforce which copied the full length short drawer below the full length semi-deep drawer. A power bank would also be nice.

 

[Mr_B]

So should I be glad I just got a 56"? Do you think quality will go up or down?

If you bought it on lowest coupon deal be happy with it.
Main issue for guys on current boxes is lack of addons and top chest going ruin expansion plans .
I expect the the plastic latch likely get replaced for either soft close slides or proper grip latch, prices going be up and to be fair the 56" at 650bucks coupon and the 72" at 999bucks coupon where pretty good deals if it what you wanted .
Think they should of retained old line for minimum of a year even if had be ordered in to store or home delivery as lot of buyers going be pissed with top boxes, locker and side cabinets gone .

 

[crewchief888]

i'd bet the quailty will be the same, but the price will go up.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

If you bought it on lowest coupon deal be happy with it.
Main issue for guys on current boxes is lack of addons and top chest going ruin expansion plans .
I expect the the plastic latch likely get replaced for either soft close slides or proper grip latch, prices going be up and to be fair the 56" at 650bucks coupon and the 72" at 999bucks coupon where pretty good deals if it what you wanted .
Think they should of retained old line for minimum of a year even if had be ordered in to store or home delivery as lot of buyers going be pissed with top boxes, locker and side cabinets gone .

Harbor Freight will not do a special store order, or a buy online and ship to store order. All stock ordering for the stores is done from one office location. The stores have no say as to what is in their stock orders. Buy online, and ship to home is the only means of special ordering.. Being the closest Harbor Freight does not stock a 72" General, it would be a buy online only item for Me.. When the freight and lift gate charges are added on; that $999.99 bargain box had some competition.

 

[Mr_B]

Harbor Freight will not do a special store order, or a buy online and ship to store order. All stock ordering for the stores is done from one office location. The stores have no say as to what is in their stock orders. Buy online, and ship to home is the only means of special ordering.. Being the closest Harbor Freight does not stock a 72" General, it would be a buy online only item for Me.. When the freight and lift gate charges are added on; that $999.99 bargain box had some competition.

Yeh and it bad policy for sales, totally understandable having one or 2 main distribution warehouses and not all stores carrying bigger items or less popular ones but they should have in store ordering and ability deliver to local stores for collection even if slow turnaround .
To be fair the 999.99 72" has competition even without delivery costs when look at other brand 72" offers for better finished and way better drawer latch design .
Us General boxes needed upgrades long ago but it took competition for them start thinking about it today !

 

[Flatheadpopup]

I expect the the plastic latch likely get replaced for either soft close slides or proper grip latch

I really hope they make that change--even though I am stuck with the stupid plastic latch system on my 56" box. I think the box is a good value for the money but that latch is just annoying.

 

[Mr_B]

I really hope they make that change--even though I am stuck with the stupid plastic latch system on my 56" box. I think the box is a good value for the money but that latch is just annoying.

Yeh they should of improved latches and slide quality/rating couple years ago, same company that doing current boxes already does proper grip latch but price factor blinding HF I think .
24-25" depth boxes would be good and with matching depth addons.
still want at least 1 model in 26 36 and 42" at 18-20" for those with space concerns in home shops .
Ideally want 2 or 3 colors minimum even if other colors order only at surcharge with couple times a year coupon deals on the colors .
They really blind of potential for improved boxes and better full line (no skip/singles) of hand tools under the pitts pro brand too .

 

[Druder]

If they go deeper with the drawers I will be selling my 44, that's the only improvement I would have made.

 

[jdoe213]

i'd bet the quailty will be the same, but the price will go up.

You know the price will go up and then a bunch of coupons will come out so that you can get them for the regular price now.

 

[Alpine4x4]

Waiting on a blue 72" eagerly.

 

[ptgarcia]

I'd love 44"w x 24"d box. Even a 36"w x 24"d would work for me!

 

[dscheidt]

I'd love 44"w x 24"d box. Even a 36"w x 24"d would work for me!

it's 22". (there are pictures of the shipping boxes floating around, as they've started reaching stores, who aren't allowed to sell them yet.) https://www.reddit.com/r/harborfreight/comments/7w2di5/new_44_box/

 

[Tallpilot]

Indeed. I just wished they had made a full width shallow drawer under the top drawer. If the price is about the same it’s a worthy upgrade.

 

[Wamsutta]

Maybe they'll copy the Snap-on Epic and then change one minor detail to get around patents.

 

[motorhead12]

I was in HF the other day and the blue service cart caught my eye. I think it'd be sweet if they expanded that color to the other boxes...

 

[Tallpilot]

Maybe they'll copy the Snap-on Epic and then change one minor detail to get around patents.

I think patents have their purpose. The dual 80 mechanism is certainly unique enough to deserve protection from copy. Does a floor jack or the drawer configuration of a roll cab?

The question is rhetorical and opinions will vary. I hope they do. I don’t need the durability of an Epiq but I would enjoy the functionality. If I can get a copy made with thinner steel for 1/20th of the cost I would be happy. If you open the drawers 50 times per day 5 days per week and have each loaded to its maximum weight capacity then the extra expense makes sense. For my little home shop it doesn’t.

 

[Mr_B]

22" for the 44 so have 19 to 20" deep drawer which good for tool layout.
wonder what slide rating will be !
Wonder if eill stick with 22" on other boxes or go 24 to 26" perhaps !
Biggest improvements they could do is proper grip latches or decent self close with adjustable detents, use the decent liner on all models and better castors on them too and maybe add power strip although that easy diy addon . worktops in wood and stainless plus hutch would be potentially good too .
Should of addressed and expanded the range good year ago rather than mess about with yukon offerings, really messy aproach is all this brands nonsense, growing the better current brands with decent products and warranty would be far more rewarding long term.

 

[Druder]

Well I guess I can kick myself now. Bought a 44 like a six weeks ago and drilled holes to mount a vise two weeks ago. Would have loved deeper drawers.

 

[Mikeske]

I think for a power strips that to put in a removal plate so you could mount a lower plate would be a better option. Then you could put in one if desired. I personally don’t need one but it would be better way to go. Then they could sell the power strip as a separate option

 

[4x4gearhead]

Maybe since their big recent ploy has been their "HF brand beats Snap-on" maybe they will be the first cheapo depot to actually offer 28-30 in deep boxes for cheap money. Time will tell.

 

[Misfire]

Any update on this? I'm this close >< to buying a 44in but if it's going to be available shortly in the 22in depth in blue I'll wait. If it's a little more money I don't care because of the extra space I'll be getting.

Just came from my local store and the sales people there claim to know nothing of an update coming on the 44in box. The 56 and 72 inch boxes on the floor are 22 inches deep, 19 1/2 inch deep drawers but nothing about color options. I see the 44 is no longer available to order online, store only.

I would like to at least make the decision by the end of the month. I have a $50 off coupon that is good till the end of March on the current 44 inch box. I don't need to have a new box by the end of the month but if the current version is what I'm going to end up getting it would be nice to save $50.

 

[redsand187]

Any update on this? I'm this close >< to buying a 44in but if it's going to be available shortly in the 22in depth in blue I'll wait. If it's a little more money I don't care because of the extra space I'll be getting.

Just came from my local store and the sales people there claim to know nothing of an update coming on the 44in box. The 56 and 72 inch boxes on the floor are 22 inches deep, 19 1/2 inch deep drawers but nothing about color options. I see the 44 is no longer available to order online, store only.

I would like to at least make the decision by the end of the month. I have a $50 off coupon that is good till the end of March on the current 44 inch box. I don't need to have a new box by the end of the month but if the current version is what I'm going to end up getting it would be nice to save $50.

My uneducated guess would be that the blue 44x22" box won't be until sometime this summer.

 

[Mikeske]

Any update on this? I'm this close >< to buying a 44in but if it's going to be available shortly in the 22in depth in blue I'll wait. If it's a little more money I don't care because of the extra space I'll be getting.

Just came from my local store and the sales people there claim to know nothing of an update coming on the 44in box. The 56 and 72 inch boxes on the floor are 22 inches deep, 19 1/2 inch deep drawers but nothing about color options. I see the 44 is no longer available to order online, store only.

I would like to at least make the decision by the end of the month. I have a $50 off coupon that is good till the end of March on the current 44 inch box. I don't need to have a new box by the end of the month but if the current version is what I'm going to end up getting it would be nice to save $50.

Current 44" box is now marked down to $349.00. If you can use the current $50.00 off coupon I be rushing to get it now. If they honor the coupon for $50.00 off where are you going to get a toolbox for its size for $299.00

 

[Misfire]

Current 44" box is now marked down to $349.00. If you can use the current $50.00 off coupon I be rushing to get it now. If they honor the coupon for $50.00 off where are you going to get a toolbox for its size for $299.00

That's a nice idea but my coupon just reduces the price from $399 to $349. Having it does remove the pressure to try and get it bought this weekend at the parking lot sale. For $299 I'd pull the trigger.

If the 44 x 22 box will be available this summer I can wait. Plus that opens the possibility of maybe a closeout offer on the 18 inch box. Of course this also means I'm gambling that the store doesn't run out of inventory as there is no longer an option to order. Decisions, decisions.......

 

[MushCreek]

I just came home with a 7 drawer add-on for $149. That's the cheapest I've seen; they're usually around $200. Between the low price and the fact that they may not be available much longer, I jumped on it. For some reason, the side locker has jumped up to $299, though.

I'm perfectly happy with my 44's- I have two. I never felt that the drawers were too shallow- it's all what you're used to, I guess. I've used one of my 44's professionally for a number of years, and it's been fine. I bought one for home, then bought the top tool chest to go on it. Now I have the add-on; life is good. Too bad the add-on and chest are gloss, the 44 is wrinkle paint. At 64, I doubt I'll ever need another tool box. Sad.

I have a red 5 drawer service cart; I really like the blue one, but can't justify yet another box.

 

[Tallpilot]

My uneducated guess would be that the blue 44x22" box won't be until sometime this summer.

Sounds like stores have been ordered to dump the old inventory in the March sidewalk sale. I suspect you will be able to purchase the new ones by Easter but without a coupon. It will be a little while longer before they have a deal.

 

[71goldss]

I just came home with a 7 drawer add-on for $149. That's the cheapest I've seen; they're usually around $200. Between the low price and the fact that they may not be available much longer, I jumped on it. For some reason, the side locker has jumped up to $299, though.

I'm perfectly happy with my 44's- I have two. I never felt that the drawers were too shallow- it's all what you're used to, I guess. I've used one of my 44's professionally for a number of years, and it's been fine. I bought one for home, then bought the top tool chest to go on it. Now I have the add-on; life is good. Too bad the add-on and chest are gloss, the 44 is wrinkle paint. At 64, I doubt I'll ever need another tool box. Sad.

I have a red 5 drawer service cart; I really like the blue one, but can't justify yet another box.

I have two 44’s also, and attached together with the 7 drawer end cabinet in between. I’m also ok with the 18”, but only because they are against the side wall of my garage, and if the cabinets and drawers where deeper, they would compromise the parking area for my two cars even more than they already do. I would love the drawers to be deeper, but unfortunately in my case, there’s a trade off!

 

[BlackLS2]

I have the HF72 and just missed getting the 56 top; anxious to see what's coming. I love the HF 56 and 72 drawer depth. I got very tired of bending WAY over while digging TWO feet into the back of drawer number three on a truck box.

I have also happily worked out of a HF 44 and I don't think it can be beat for the $700 sale price for both top and bottom. The guys with 2x 44s seem to really like the square inches over the cubic inches, and in a home garage an extra few inches for cars or other movement is a big deal, as stated above.

 

[Mr_B]

^
349 is pretty much standard coupon price on the 44" so not much of an end of line steal at moment, same with side drawer hangon as that was 159 for years and 139 on coupon, 149 not bad though and best get one if want one on your 18" 44 .
I think they should of kept 44" at 18" depth available as some people don't want deep and more so for home shop scenario and 44" at 18" was a big seller .
They should of simply added a deeper 44" to match what ever depth the 52 and 72" going be at and addons to match both depth options .
Maybe yukon will cover 18" depth and US Gen going be more pro sized and featured !
To remove a top selling box would be silly though, you always best increasing range and retaining popular models rather than completely remodelling all range .

 

[jgromada]

i'd bet the quailty will be the same, but the price will go up.

I bet they go up too. This is how steel tariffs work, we will have to pay more.

 

[zbullock]

Well I'm sure about them changing. Its the same price at my store in Hamilton, Ohio but is 22 inches deep with 19.5 inch drawers. I also can't figure out how to post a picture even though ive done it on here before lol but will post one when I get home.

 

[CR888]

Toolboxes, trolleys & chests seem to be made mainly out of one specific material. I wonder how Trumpies tariffs will effect pricing and quality. Will boxes get thinner? Will you see more US made boxes by companies that are producing offshore? Hopefully it works out well for US manufacturers who have been fighting cheap imports struggling to stay alive...

 

[Alpine4x4]

Well I'm sure about them changing. Its the same price at my store in Hamilton, Ohio but is 22 inches deep with 19.5 inch drawers. I also can't figure out how to post a picture even though ive done it on here before lol but will post one when I get home.

Good to hear on the pricing being the same. Did the box feel as sturdy as the older one?

 

[anndel]

Maybe they'll copy the Snap-on Epic and then change one minor detail to get around patents.

and name is US General No-pans cipe (Snap-on Epic backwards)