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Harbor freight us general tool cabinets , looking for a Long term review

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maxspeed96ct

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Apr 6, 2012
Messages
379
I'm looking to add another tool box to my collection , right now I have a craftsman that's about 5 years old and I like it . Never and issues with the drawers or anything . I have my eyes on the harbor freight 13 drawer cabinet .

But I'm hesitant because my recent harbor freight purchases are always great for a little while . But they are never perfect , and just don't last .


I looked at some reviews on this forum that spoke highly of the US general boxes but I'm wondering of anyone has any reviews on long term use .
 
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shocksandstrutz

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Jun 19, 2012
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Wentzville, MO
There are tons of reviews on here with people that have had them for years....everyone seems pretty pleased, only big debates are the depth of the drawers, COO & color options (or lack there of)........other than that, people have built some cool benches out of them (steevo) and others have painted and modified to suit their needs. there are literally thousands of comments on these cabinets on here
 
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chris142

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Dec 19, 2011
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Location
apple valley,ca
I used my overloaded one at work for about 4 years. Never any trouble with it. I ran out of room, had 2 sides and a box on top so I took it home and replaced it with a bigger SO box.

My only complaint was that cleaning the rough paint was impossible.
 
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91bronc300

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Oct 19, 2009
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2,559
chris142 said:
My only complaint was that cleaning the rough paint was impossible.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's the truth. The detents get really stiff in the cold too. I put a decent amount of weight in the big, deep drawer on the bottom and that drawer opens a little finicky. I've had mine probably three years and they are holding up great though. They are just filthy because like Chris said, you can't clean the crinkle finish.
 
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Altec

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Jun 17, 2011
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SoCo, MD
I don't have trouble cleaning mine. By friday at the shop mine is covered in grease, but cleans back up. The trick is using something like WD-40. NOT brake cleaner, or carb cleaner!
 
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joedodge

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Aug 3, 2012
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Location
Tampa, fl
Hell ive kicked around getting one and adding two side cabs to it and taking home my matco 4s from the shop. with the gloss paint job now there great looking.
 
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sk farmer

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Mar 4, 2009
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Location
nd
i would guess i have had mine at least four years. i have a side cabinet, montezuma crossover and a homemade prybar rack loaded on it. the biggest drawer up top is loaded with a full 3/4 chrome socket set, 3/4 impact sockets, 3/4 impact wrench and full set of wrenches form 1/4 - 1 1/2. if it can hold that it is doing well. the rest is packed just as heavy. i have had no issues and would not hesitate to buy another if i needed storage
 
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Vegaman_Dan

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Jun 1, 2012
Messages
2,453
Location
Pacific, WA
The HF (black) cabinets are pretty much what you'd expect for a stereotypical cheap tool box/chest from China. They are the clearance sale cheapies.

Those are *fine* for some uses though. Light duty / periodic use? Fine. Hobby usage? Also good- I plan to get one for model railroading to be able to roll around the layout space.

Would I use one in the garage? No. That's a harsh environment that simply needs something built a bit more beefy.

Overall the general feel about the US General boxes from Harbor Freight is one of surprise and satisfaction. When I got my 5 drawer cart, I was taken aback. THIS is from *Harbor Freight*? Really? Nah, they must have made a mistake and accidentally shipped a real product instead of an HF one. This one is actually GOOD!

There appears to be no dishonor in having one over a SnapOn, Matco, etc. And the price makes it appealing enough to do things with the US General boxes that people would never dream of doing to the more expensive brands. It is one of the rare shining stars of HF offerings.
 
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