Harbor Freight tool cabinets

[lylefk]

Anybody have them? Their larger versions get very positive reviews and are rumored to be rebadged and identical to much more expensive units...I just picked up the 13 drawer (42") bottom and 9 drawer top, and it was quite a nightmare dealing with Harbor freight, but I'm insanely happy with the tool cabinet.

It's this set here: http://www.harborfreight.com/13-draw...net-90320.html

I got the top and bottom for $609, unbeatable for under a grand it seems.

[JeST]

I don't like spending top $ on boxes but after using my snap-on and using a friends harbor freight I rather buy a used snapon box off craigslist then a new one from harbor.

OR try and find someone whose going through an automotive tech school with deals with snapon. I had 50% off as a student.

[BMWerke]

A buddy of mine just got that one, its actually pretty good quaility wise, its certainly worth the $400 in my opinion.

[M-technik-3]

A buddy of mine just got that one, its actually pretty good quaility wise, its certainly worth the $400 in my opinion.

Agreed, they are nicer than anything that Sears, Lowes, or Home Depot is selling as a tool chest.

[lylefk]

Their smaller ones (the black ones) def aren't the same quality-wise...

I just cant possibly imagine justifying buying a snap on or mac or something similar for a home garage. You could literally do a 20' wall of these in all it's various configurations for the price of a single high end box.

[kts]

My friend picked up one of those about a year ago. I laughed at him thinking it would be total crap but after having to use it a few times at his place over that past year it ended up being a lot nicer than I thought it would be. It's held up to a lot of abuse from him and well worth the $400 he paid for it in my mind.

[lylefk]

I've tracked down their supplier and am almost tempted (due to my absolutely awful experience with harbor freight) to start bringing them over here myself. I can re-badge them and get them in white, blue and red and be cheaper than HF.

They used to carry a 72" that was the exact same unit that Sears sold for $4,000 for like $1,299. It was a huge seller but they stopped carrying it. I wonder if I could get ahold of that one...

[bmwmech1]

I've had the same top and bottom cabinet as your link for years. No issues at all and although dirty, they still function as new and even withstood a new location change a year ago. If you can find a used top and bottom from Snap On or Mac, etc for the $650 you spent on this one, go for it, but I'd guess those deals are few and far between. I won't argue the difference in quality/construction from the big name companies, but spend your money on their tools, not the cabinet to hold them in. I have a ton of high dollar tools, but they sit just fine in my HF cabinet...

Garey

[M-technik-3]

Even strictly's boxes are decent quality.

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/

[bmwmech1]

Even strictly's boxes are decent quality.

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/

I agree, there are a few companies making good quality boxes for not a lot of money. I could just never justify the outrageous money some of the big companies get for their cabinets. Some guys feel compelled to spend the big money on their cabinets, but I'd rather spend it on the tools in the cabinet...

Garey

[brickwhite]

I have the 26" one

http://www.harborfreight.com/26-8-drawer-roller-cabinet-with-8-drawer-top-chest-67831.html

great for smaller spaces

[AndrewBird]

That are as good if not better then the equivalent Sears boxes. Though that isn't saying much as I think most of Sears stuff is garbage. High end boxes are way to pricey though. When you get down to it, all it is is sheet metal and drawer slides welded together. You are buying a name just like some dumb chick buying a handbag or any Apple user for that matter.

[88SuperETABD]

We have 4 of these at my work. they have been holding all our tools and stuff for a couple years, no problems.

[M-technik-3]

One of the only things Garage Journal recommends from Harbor Freight.

[gkobez]

I have a large sears box and the harbor freight box pictured. I think the harbor freight is much better. The craftsman I have has given me more problems. Handles falling off, locks not locking etc. The harbor freight one is very light though so if you have a wife and she goes into the garage to use a tool, and she opens every goddamn drawer....it will fall over. Not really the boxes fault, more a word of caution. Also if you get the HF get the 20% coupon and see if you can trick the employees to give the internet price match and accept the coupon. Thats how I got mine.