EspritS4s

After researching a number of options, I picked up a Harbor Freight "U.S. General" 45" 13 drawer rolling tool chest. It has ball bearing slides and appears to be a thicker gauge than most of the home use Craftsman boxes I looked at. There are several positive reviews of these online. Obviously it's no Snap-on, but it seems like a really nice box for the money.



The normal HF price is $449, but it is commonly and currently available for $399. I used this printable %15 off coupon to get it for $340:

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...00&single=true

Here is the URL for the box:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=90320

It has a crinkle finish which will probably be harder to keep clean than a gloss finish. However, this is a few hundred dollars cheaper than anything comparable I could find.

I thought I'd post this in case anyone is in the market for a box. If you're in no rush, you could get it for even cheaper. Harbor Freight offers %20 off coupons pretty regularly, and these boxes have been offered at least once as a Black Friday special

Here's a pretty good review if your interested in another opinion:

http://www.mini-lathe.com/Reviews/HF..._toolchest.htm

-Gary

SeanR

Does it come with all the side boxes also? Looks like a hell of a deal. Better than the $4500.00 I'm about to spend.......

EspritS4s

Oops, just so there is some 928 content:

danglerb

Pretty insane deals are around for used Snapon too.

Check out the review and links of the new BIG 72" HF box, $1600.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=42580

EspritS4s

No, the side boxes are extra and the single item coupon wouldn't apply unless you made multiple trips. My Dad has probably $30K in Snap-on boxes which he has acquired over his 40+ years as a mechanic, and they are great. However, he also thinks these HFs are pretty good value for the money.

jleidel

Whoa!!

I bought my blue craftsman last Christmas on sale for ~$350. Its already full... I don't have space for a third rollaway.

EspritS4s

Danglerb,
That's the first time I've seen the 72" hf box. For comparison, I looked at a nice Craftsman Professional 75" box at Sears today. Very nice, but $7000.

G Man

I paid $1600.00 for my MATCO top bottom and side boxes back in 85'. Tool boxes are not cheap.

EspritS4s

I looked for a good deal on a used Snap-on/Matco/Mac, but I couldn't find anything that wasn't beat to hell for what I wanted to spend.

jleidel

I had a Snap-On account when I worked in a Jaguar restoration shop... thought I was going to have to give up my first born. They actually have [err... had] a toolbox that had a remote controlled electric door lock/opener. Click the button on your keychain and the drawers unlock and pop open about two inches. [My boss bought one... then we went out of business... go figure].

However, nothing compares to the high end wood working/machinists tool boxes. Hardwood construction with felt-lined drawers. I have one for my briar pipe carving gear. The smallest box that's big enough to hold dremel attachments was $150!!! [very nice though ]

RicerSchnitzzle

I love mine! I got the US General boxes from PepBoys, but they are the same. I am getting the side boxes as soon as they come out in black. They have a cool yellow now too. Not a top of the line ball bearing set, but tough enough for me and I have really loaded down the drawers. No sag when opened all the way. Casters are heavy duty and roll nice. Solid locks.

However, Mine is pimper than your as I added a CD player..







I say get it!

EspritS4s

Nice, I like the CD player! I've got a vintage Realistic Receiver (circa 1977) sitting next to my box. You can kind of see it on the shelf in the picture I posted of the current 928 stable.

Dan87951

I have a mixture of Craftsman and Harbor Freight and have been happy so far. I bought my craftsman starter set with tool chest about 10 years ago for about a 1000. It has served me well. But recently I have purchased a few Harbor Freight tools and really like them for the price. I'm not a mechanic as my job but a hobbiest and have had no problems with either.

hans14914

I have the same HF box. I got a good deal on it too, i think with coupons, I was able to get it around $300. Its a great box. My only regret was not buying two at the time, and making them into a nice workbench.

danglerb

This place seems to be well regarded as a source for a toolbox.
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/