MossRoad
Super Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2001
- Messages
- 57,750
- Location
- South Bend, Indiana (near)
- Tractor
- Power Trac PT425 2001 Model Year
Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck
- Thread starter Travelover
- Start date
- Views: 3951490
Tractorboy88
Silver Member
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2016
- Messages
- 105
- Location
- Hemingway, SC
- Tractor
- Ford 7000, 2000, New Holland TS-135A, John Deere 7400
US General 56" tool box, side drawer cabinet, and side locker. That's also a US General tool cart.
First off, i'd choose that tool cart over any Snap-On, MAC, MATCO competitor. Mine worked flawlessly till it rolled out the door of the shop one night and flipped over on its side. It was full of tools (2 standard and metric sets of shallow and deep 3/8 drive sockets, a set each of 1/4 deep and shallow sockets, at least one set of standard and metric wrenches, a complete set of screwdrivers, 3/8 and 1/4 extensions, at least 6 ratchets, hammers, pliers and much more). It scuffed it up pretty good, bent the back of it up, and the lid doesn't shut like it should anymore, but it took that beating like a tank. I still use it daily. The only problem i've had with it were the lid struts started leaking down, so i took them completely off and just flip the lid all the way over. I could buy better replacement struts at the local parts store, but i like the open space of the lid being flipped over backwards. I drilled a couple of the screwdriver holes out bigger to accommodate 3/8 and 1/2 drive ratchets and extensions, and added washers to some screwdriver holes to make them smaller to hold some smaller tools/screwdrivers. I've also added their cart shelf which is surprisingly strong and their magnetic glove box holder.
I originally went to buy their 72" US General box, but it was on back order at the time, leaving them with only the 56". I already owned the side cabinet on my previous Crafstman box, so it makes it roughly the same size, although it is a different color of red. The drawers are very solid, thick, and do not twist or open unevenly. All are heavily loaded with tools and each opens and closes smoothly. Each drawer is equipped with a lock tab on the side that must be pulled to open the drawer. Labels are included to install on the drawers, just write whats in the drawer and slide the label into the slit on the handle and cover with the protective sheet. It has a thick mat which has a rough texture (which is not good for writing on) and is held to the top of the box via an adhesive, but could be easily removed/replaced. Since i prefer not having a top box, I've been contemplating laying a piece of poly-glass on top of the mat, giving me a smooth writing surface and a place to keep some pictures. The key locks are very nice, similar to drink machine locks, or what you might find on Snap-On/MAC boxes. There is a lock on each bank of drawers, and can be unlocked using the same key. 2 keys were included. The casters are large and roll very nice, the brakes work good, and i've seen no signs of bending or bowing. The box is overall very maneuverable for its size. It comes with 2 large handles, both of which on mine have been removed for the cabinet and locker. I've seen no signs of rust in the paint/finish. Be prepared, this thing is heavy!! The shipping weight is over 500 lbs!
The side locker is spacious, can be mounted on either left or right hand side, has one adjustable shelf, 2 drawers, and a removable coat hanger rack. The drawers come with a factory liner. The lock on the door is the same type as the box, but uses a different key cut. 2 keys are included. I did add a small round magnet to the inside of the door that contacts the shelf and holds the door closed tight, versus having to lock the door after every use.
The side cabinet is the oldest unit, approx 5 years, but nonetheless has given no trouble. The drawers came with a factory liner and open/close well, not as smooth as the drawers on the box, but it is older. The drawers come with labels as well, but i have a couple of magnetic labels stuck on them. I have had them loaded with various weight tools and they perform just as well under all loads. It is a approx 4 inches shallow of the box and just as much shorter. It comes with a removable ridged mat on top. The lock works good and is of the doubled edged key type. It comes with 2 keys.
First off, i'd choose that tool cart over any Snap-On, MAC, MATCO competitor. Mine worked flawlessly till it rolled out the door of the shop one night and flipped over on its side. It was full of tools (2 standard and metric sets of shallow and deep 3/8 drive sockets, a set each of 1/4 deep and shallow sockets, at least one set of standard and metric wrenches, a complete set of screwdrivers, 3/8 and 1/4 extensions, at least 6 ratchets, hammers, pliers and much more). It scuffed it up pretty good, bent the back of it up, and the lid doesn't shut like it should anymore, but it took that beating like a tank. I still use it daily. The only problem i've had with it were the lid struts started leaking down, so i took them completely off and just flip the lid all the way over. I could buy better replacement struts at the local parts store, but i like the open space of the lid being flipped over backwards. I drilled a couple of the screwdriver holes out bigger to accommodate 3/8 and 1/2 drive ratchets and extensions, and added washers to some screwdriver holes to make them smaller to hold some smaller tools/screwdrivers. I've also added their cart shelf which is surprisingly strong and their magnetic glove box holder.
I originally went to buy their 72" US General box, but it was on back order at the time, leaving them with only the 56". I already owned the side cabinet on my previous Crafstman box, so it makes it roughly the same size, although it is a different color of red. The drawers are very solid, thick, and do not twist or open unevenly. All are heavily loaded with tools and each opens and closes smoothly. Each drawer is equipped with a lock tab on the side that must be pulled to open the drawer. Labels are included to install on the drawers, just write whats in the drawer and slide the label into the slit on the handle and cover with the protective sheet. It has a thick mat which has a rough texture (which is not good for writing on) and is held to the top of the box via an adhesive, but could be easily removed/replaced. Since i prefer not having a top box, I've been contemplating laying a piece of poly-glass on top of the mat, giving me a smooth writing surface and a place to keep some pictures. The key locks are very nice, similar to drink machine locks, or what you might find on Snap-On/MAC boxes. There is a lock on each bank of drawers, and can be unlocked using the same key. 2 keys were included. The casters are large and roll very nice, the brakes work good, and i've seen no signs of bending or bowing. The box is overall very maneuverable for its size. It comes with 2 large handles, both of which on mine have been removed for the cabinet and locker. I've seen no signs of rust in the paint/finish. Be prepared, this thing is heavy!! The shipping weight is over 500 lbs!
The side locker is spacious, can be mounted on either left or right hand side, has one adjustable shelf, 2 drawers, and a removable coat hanger rack. The drawers come with a factory liner. The lock on the door is the same type as the box, but uses a different key cut. 2 keys are included. I did add a small round magnet to the inside of the door that contacts the shelf and holds the door closed tight, versus having to lock the door after every use.
The side cabinet is the oldest unit, approx 5 years, but nonetheless has given no trouble. The drawers came with a factory liner and open/close well, not as smooth as the drawers on the box, but it is older. The drawers come with labels as well, but i have a couple of magnetic labels stuck on them. I have had them loaded with various weight tools and they perform just as well under all loads. It is a approx 4 inches shallow of the box and just as much shorter. It comes with a removable ridged mat on top. The lock works good and is of the doubled edged key type. It comes with 2 keys.
PhysAssist
Elite Member
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2011
- Messages
- 2,510
- Tractor
- Kubota B2320
Hi Tractorboy88,
Thanks for the comprehensive review.
Thomas
Thanks for the comprehensive review.
Thomas
PhysAssist
Elite Member
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2011
- Messages
- 2,510
- Tractor
- Kubota B2320
Hi Tractorboy88,
Thanks for the comprehensive review.
Thomas
Thanks for the comprehensive review.
Thomas
Gale Hawkins
Super Member
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2009
- Messages
- 8,263
- Location
- Murray, KY
- Tractor
- 1948 Allis Chambers Model B 1976 265 MF / 1983 JD 310B Backhoe / 1966 Ford 3000 Diesel / 1980 3600 Diesel
The 130 piece tool set they have on "sale" for $32 currently is really a nice set for the tool box/trunk. The case itself will not last forever but the low end tools work OK. I would not want to use it to rebuild an engine but to change a battery or alternator in a parking lot it is a lot better than my bare hands. 
More and more contractors are using their power tools I see. I saw a drill press I think it was at Sears that was about twice as much but other than the name on it it was the same one that HF offered. I like their cheap paint brushes for doing parts clean up with diesel for example. HF is not everyone's cup of tea but I wish I had a big shop with one of every item they carry.
More and more contractors are using their power tools I see. I saw a drill press I think it was at Sears that was about twice as much but other than the name on it it was the same one that HF offered. I like their cheap paint brushes for doing parts clean up with diesel for example. HF is not everyone's cup of tea but I wish I had a big shop with one of every item they carry.
Gale Hawkins
Super Member
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2009
- Messages
- 8,263
- Location
- Murray, KY
- Tractor
- 1948 Allis Chambers Model B 1976 265 MF / 1983 JD 310B Backhoe / 1966 Ford 3000 Diesel / 1980 3600 Diesel
The 130 piece tool set they have on "sale" for $32 currently is really a nice set for the tool box/trunk. The case itself will not last forever but the low end tools work OK. I would not want to use it to rebuild an engine but to change a battery or alternator in a parking lot it is a lot better than my bare hands.
More and more contractors are using their power tools I see. I saw a drill press I think it was at Sears that was about twice as much but other than the name on it it was the same one that HF offered. I like their cheap paint brushes for doing parts clean up with diesel for example. HF is not everyone's cup of tea but I wish I had a big shop with one of every item they carry.
More and more contractors are using their power tools I see. I saw a drill press I think it was at Sears that was about twice as much but other than the name on it it was the same one that HF offered. I like their cheap paint brushes for doing parts clean up with diesel for example. HF is not everyone's cup of tea but I wish I had a big shop with one of every item they carry.
DFB
Elite Member
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2000
- Messages
- 2,897
- Location
- Southern VT, Southern ME
- Tractor
- John Deere 4100 HST /410 FEL, R4s
Oh man up till now any of the HF stores were all at least a full hour or more drive for me minimum. So the guys at the motorcycle shop told me when I stopped by today one just recently opened up close by. maybe only 20 min away now and not far from the main office of the business I work for...this is not good. :laughing:
IslandTractor
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2005
- Messages
- 15,802
- Location
- Prudence Island, RI
- Tractor
- 2007 Kioti DK40se HST, Woods BH
I had the same experience about three years ago. I still have some boxes of tools I couldn't resist but haven't had the time or need to even open up. Beware the 20% coupon and GAS (gear acquisition syndrome). Anyone need a floor mounted tubing roller? or a floor mounted compact bender??
IslandTractor
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2005
- Messages
- 15,802
- Location
- Prudence Island, RI
- Tractor
- 2007 Kioti DK40se HST, Woods BH
I had the same experience about three years ago. I still have some boxes of tools I couldn't resist but haven't had the time or need to even open up. Beware the 20% coupon and GAS (gear acquisition syndrome). Anyone need a floor mounted tubing roller? or a floor mounted compact bender??
