9 Drawer Tool Cabinet Buyer's Guide (Harbor Freight, Husky and More!)

9 Drawer Tool Cabinet Buyer's Guide (Harbor Freight, Husky, and More!)
Rural King: bit.ly/39kD3ku
Yukon: bit.ly/2OSS0kl
US General: bit.ly/3fW1Yxc
Walmart: bit.ly/3fW1MxY
Menards: bit.ly/2D48kMd
Craftsman: low.es/2ORktH6
Husky 1: homedepot.sjv.io/Ab76j
Husky 2: homedepot.sjv.io/B67L1
Husky 3: homedepot.sjv.io/6JmZK
Husky 4: homedepot.sjv.io/2AZmz
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[@MrPotato2]

I have the 24 inch deep husky and have no complaints. I got it on sale for well under $300 a year or two ago and use it for my compound sliding miter saw. I have the Bosch without the rails so it fits on a 24” deep counter. I am tall so I like the extra height and it has worked well for me. The power strip makes it great for moving around my miter as needed.

[@scottmorris4914]

I went to HF over the weekend, comparing the USGeneral 44” cabinet to the Husky Heavy Duty. Both had 18 gauge metal. I just found the Husky to have a better deal, and the one coating was 100% coverage inside and out on the Husky.

[@tomvancil8213]

I have that Husky tool chest in battleship gray and chrome, with that butcher block top and just love it. I wanted the extra depth and the drawers are all soft close & it came with drawer liners. Going to replace the castors with something more substantial and swivel locks on all 4. Great video 👍

[@heavychevy383]

ive got the $350 husky in red & added the metal pegboard back wall & i love it! & the wood top is solid & very nice quality... thanx bear, & god bless

[@pt4242]

Needed a tool box in the garage and looked at the big ones and decided on 2 of the US General 26x22 boxes (in blue, if that matters). loaded them onto my neighbor's pickup and drove them home and unloaded. couple of days later, unboxed, put on casters (nice solid bolt-ins) and flipped them back upright and put in all the drawer liners and the top mat. rolled into garage and loving them. decided i wanted the tops and couldn't find them anywhere around so got hold of HF customer service. Great lady there arranged to have them trucked from xxx states away and same neighbor helped me lift those heavy honkers onto the base boxes. I have no regrets. They are great boxes. even with the drawers loaded they work a-ok.

[@dezfan]

I have 2 of the upgraded Husky cabinets and I love them! 👍🏼

[@awlthatwoodcrafts8911]

When I bought my 26" US General top and bottom chest last year, my decision was all about available space. I measured and him-hawed over and over, but I just couldn't see the 44" fitting into my space. I don't regret my purchase for a second though. The 26" fits beautifully where I intended it and it looks beautiful doing it. Great review, by the way. Very thorough. Aside from the US General offering, you didn't stray too far and start comparing apples to oranges. All the units seemed to be in the same class so it was a great, straight up comparison. I think the difference in price for that $400 Husky has to do with the "hardwood top". Not sure what the top is made of on the cheaper model, but if the other one is real hardwood, I would say that's your difference right there.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

I've had my HF US General 44" combo setup for several years now and never one problem with it. A co-worker had a similar size Husky and he had near constant problems, got rid of it and went with a HF US General setup similar to mine.

[@johnmarshall4442]

I bought the US General 44" . I'm satisfied. I found out a long time ago being an A&P mechanic contracting all over the country including Alaska that it's a lot easier to move two smaller tool boxes than one big monster box .

[@TheFlick175]

Aircraft mechanics unite

[@lesterparker1594]

Thanks for the review. I’m a new homeowner and I’m getting into working on cars. I think one of these will be perfect for me.

[@brettoleary3464]

Thanks for info Bear! Love the info and huge fan of your videos.

[@CrimFerret]

The US General would be my preferred choice and I'd probably cut a piece of plywood for the top which would more or less make it a rolling workbench. A mag mount power strip would add to the cost, but also be more versatile since one could use it where needed. The upgraded Husky would be my second choice and with the taller bottom drawers might be better for some people. I don't think a circular saw is likely going to fit in the US General drawers, though you could always get the side cabinet for it I suppose.

[@PaulsToolReview]

Great review of these storage cabinets! I finally scooped you on the Yukon $30 off coupon on my channel which isn't easy to do, but your review of the different brands and deals helped me understand what's out there currently.

[@racekar80]

I have the HF box with the wood top, fits perfectly under my work bench. Love it for the price.

[@superdave103harley]

The 44 inch US General is by far the most robust highest quality. I have considered replacing my mechanic cart with one. My 72 with end cabinets stays at my hoist area. But when I move around the shop the cart is a must.

[@bpmc9935]

I'm thinking about buying one this weekend. Thanks for the review and for the recommendation!

[@toeslider92]

I picked up the Olympia from RK a while back for $249. Haven’t seen it in stock since, so they may have closed them out in favor of their new in-house brand of Crimson. That being said, the Olympia (which is probably a rebadged Frontier) is a nice cabinet. The casters are junk. Couldn’t get them to roll straight on a cement slab to save my life. Replaced them with a $20 set off eBay and it’s the best deal going for $270. I got it specifically to be able to move a TV around my shop. Very happy now.

[@Thom4123]

I really like the Husky tool chest/swing up bench extension. I’m wondering if I don’t put the casters on it might just fit for a out feed table/ tool storage now that would be sweeet!!! Take Care and God Bless

[@trolling4dollars816]

Regarding the price difference, I have upgraded 3 different DIY type roller cabinets by replacing the castors at a cost of 25 - 40 USD each, and on 2 of them (cheap Craftsman) with an exoskeleton to strengthen the thin sheet metal; I strap them into 26' box trucks often. Remember the larger the castor, the easier they roll; 5" or 6" is my usual choice. For the price difference between the US General and the cheapest one is $0 if you need them roll and not fail quickly. If you are not going to roll them around, go cheap and don't install the castors.

[@cardo1111]

As always a well done comprehensive vid. The Waterloo built Craftsman tool boxes are well-built very solid boxes that seem somewhat underrated. The US General is likely the best constructed of the bunch. Husky boxes are a good value but cost cut with lighter gauge steel. The Yukon boxes also seem to be a good value. What bothers me about Harbor Freight besides filtering their customer reviews, is their anemic 90 day warranty even on big ticket items. Many retailers offer 90 days as their return policy, plus a warranty. I know it's part of their business model to keep things on the cheap, however on anything over $100.00 USD a minimum of a 1 year warranty should be mandatory.

[@sallywallnuts8471]

Draw depth makes a huge difference. The $398 husky is 24.5 deep compared to the cheaper one

[@davidsmythe7645]

I upgraded from the 15,000 cubic capacity to the 34” full bank. My only real complaint Was that after a year my carts roll bar system went kerplunk and the casters are going too. I went to the store and found out that it was out of warranty. So I said well you know why maybe it’s time to upgrade! I’m excited!

[@williammorales8204]

I bought the husky on a black friday 3 years ago for 199, its pretty solid so far but I'm just homeowner. It's pretty full and it's holding up. My only tip is the put the wheels on right since I put the turning ones on the wrong side but oh well.

[@tooolboxx]

Thanks for the review. Comparing these is a bit of a hassle due to each one trying to outdo the other, or at least the small differences whether intentional or not. The tops, for instance. Some are solid hardwood, others have a thin rubber mat, or like Rural King, a "rubberwood". I am assuming (except maybe the U.S. General) that most are built of the same gauge metal. But the only chest I found that called that spec out was Rural King, at 21 gauge.. Bottom line, I guess, is to eliminate the brands you are unwilling to pay for, and then do a spreadsheet comparing all the specs and features. One last thing after you make your selection. Don't assume that the store is going to load this thing for you.

[@bryanha79]

the price jump in just a year is crazy. The US General 44"x22" went from $439 to $599!

[@KGrasso89]

Ive never seen inflation this bad in my 32 years.

[@_iam_kmzxxii4274]

I got my US general 56 in for $700 on special last year. Now they’re going for $900!

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@KGrasso89 Thank the Dumbocraps.

[@CamiloSantana]

@@sergeantmasson3669 or maybe, just maybe, read any article in Forbes, Yahoo business or the wall Street journal ... even better, invest in some stock and attend an earnings call where CEOs openly tell you how they've skirted the additional cost of raising minimum wage and offset it to the consumer but blame a politician instead. it feels better. Go Walmart.

[@charliecrash3450]

I think the 44-in US Gen Roller Cab had the highest % price increase across the entire US Gen line of boxes.

[@howifixit6206]

One of my favorite den of tools reviews

[@pabbip9]

I was just looking into getting a new workbench last night. Perfect timing.

[@Narwahl]

I was looking at them today. stopped about an hour before this came out lol

[@HansPacker]

I like the one with the fold out top. That's a nice touch.

[@elfpimp1]

I was at my local Harbor Freight this afternoon picking up a 51/2" circular blade for my cordless saw and saw the Skittles rainbow right behind me when I was in line to checkout. I should have taken a pic, you'd have gotten a kick out of it.

[@elfpimp1]

I don't know about the rest of you, but I like to have my workbench at a high level. I am not comfortable having to bend over my work. So the taller the better .

[@jjsrt8]

Get the adjustable husky

[@elfpimp1]

@@jjsrt8 yeah???

[@jjsrt8]

I got the 52 inch coming its adjustable up to 48 inches tall. I built a custom hutch for it that's on my channel just uploaded yesterday

[@elfpimp1]

@@jjsrt8 cool I'll check it out..

[@brontaedubois2925]

I'm 5'3 they are all tall to me lol

[@sachaleia]

This is a pretty solid little workbench. While once you figure out how it comes together, it is physically Easy to assemble kzbin.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh by yourself. But the diagrams explaining the steps are really pretty bad. I could not get the handle pins in all the way despite multiple attempts, so I just used a screw I had on hand for the 2nd handle. I could not get the first pin in further or pull it back out. You are supposed to hammer it in, but I had no leverage and the handle is plastic and I did not want to risk breaking it. I will get a lot of use out of the bench because of the convenient size and height. It does fold up nicely for storage. They even explain how to fold it so you don't get pinched...that is important!

[@kenjcm]

I don't know, I didn't think I cared for the soft-close drawers at first, but now I love them. Mainly because they seem to close themselves once you get them started. So I just push it closed and it closes all the way. I don't have to actually push them all the way closed. That Olympia box looked like such a great deal I was tempted to buy it in addition to my Husky, but it seems it's no longer available. Oh well.

[@mini_worx]

I was at Home Depot today and the Husky 46" ($398) does have soft close drawers. The box is solid. The colors look really good too. A solid competitor to USG.

[@andybub45]

Soft close drawers? One reason for me to not buy it lol

[@dukenukem5753]

I just bought and am taking back the Yukon it was bent one wheel is 1/4" off the ground and missing bolts disappointing.

[@dudemcmann6936]

I've been going to Menards for years and never seen or heard of that MBI brand. Is that new? Menards house brands have always been Tool Shop, Performax and Masterforce. That their version of good, better, best for the house brands. I wonder where this MBI falls in. Their Masterforce boxes are built like tanks! In my opinion they're the absolute best tool box a DIYer or home shop can buy.

[@thomasrbishop8736]

I really enjoy going to rural King . We go to parkersburg West Virginia.

[@BradsWorkbench]

Wouldn't be nothin to build a base to raise up ur table saw. They definitely would make a good outfeed/ assembly table

[@denoftools]

I did have that thought but man that's a huge step up in price from the base model box to add in that fold-out table but it sure is nice

[@simplyhandy2769]

I'm saving for that 44inch us general. It trully is spectacular.

[@olds442rocket6]

I just purchased the 26 inch General roller and the top box orange Im telling you they are built good plenty of room and the price was right

[@koolBOY8323]

i wonder what the OEM charges to swap badges and drawer trim...

[@randygoeth5622]

I have a Yukon. Could be deeper front to back but is a great roll a round in a crowded shop.

[@PERRYS_PROPS]

great review, thanks

[@andrewstacey315]

Hey Jeff - what add-on do you use for deals? I have seen the "S+" on amazon, and a way to track these items and buy when on sale.

[@christopherelrod8788]

Granted it's not a 40 ish inch box (think it's around 35) my sunnex hasn't been lubed up in over 2 years and I've used it (in a professional setting) everyday. Still feels nice and smooth opening and closing the drawers. The casters are a little bumpy but still roll nice

[@jburch1544]

What's the best draw configuration? The Craftsman looks the most strange/not useful.

[@jeffparker360]

I have two of the Husky 24.5 inch deep boxes and love them. You do have to respect the drawer weight limit though. Great value overall.

[@bighammer822]

Im interested in the MBI as it’s the only one listed to be made out of 20 gauge and it’s 2” wider. May go check one out tomorrow as I have a few Menards rebates hanging on the fridge. My store says they have 6 but I’ve never seen one on display.

[@donnamaco1]

I agree that Husky in white is gorgeous.

[@andybrooks4070]

i love my Milwaukee box with the wood top, got it for 500 on sale and its a great box

[@technicalitems731]

Is there a 2021 update on this? Getting ready for the November December sales! Gonna buy another tool box

[@flytechbass1979]

I just bought the Yukon for $359 and that was with $40 off with a new HF credit card. I also had to wait on the black one, if you like blue, then your ready to go

[@throwednoe]

Great video 🐻

[@moviegirl45]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 omg my first time your channel~~~ RESEARCHING TOOLBOXES! GREAT REVIEW!!

[@tl7209]

Bozeman mt is a beautiful place to live I use to drive thru there on my way to work.

[@melgross]

I’m not tall, 5’8”, but I prefer taller workstations because of my back. The lower stations require me to bend. Even a small amount of bending for ten minutes, or so, causes me back pain. When I build my own stations, I always build them higher. So the metal chop saw station I built is about 38” high. My welding table is also 38” high, etc. Yeah, that “King” does seem like a good deal, but it also just gets a 3.8 rating. So maybe it’s not such a great deal. I have a Craftsman intermediate chest, with “automatically” closing draws. While the cabinet itself is well made, those draws are a pain. Do NOT get automatically closing drawers! You don’t get something for nothing. In order to get that closing feature, YOU have to supply the energy, to preload the draw. So opening the draw takes a lot of extra effort. It only “automatically” closes the last three inches, so you still have to close it most of the way. I do like the bigger Husky. It really doesn’t take up much more room, and the HF series 2 is 22” deep, and I recently bought a 26” model (in yellow! Matches a lot of stuff I’m getting lately including my ESAB welders.) so it’s just three more inches. Can’t believe that will crowd the shop.

[@brianbowman5402]

Nice review.

[@OaklynMediaLLC]

Was not ready for a talking bear lol

[@stevenheinje181]

I think dollars per cubic inch the sale priced Husky may beat all. In my garage one bay has room for the bigger 24” husky. Other bay with the truck, I have a pair of 16” Yukon with the cupboards. I sized the boxes so that with cars and truck in garage I can open drawers. Needed two sizes.

[@Kaabosurron]

I went to home depot to see the husky and them to harbor freight. I went strait back to home depot the husky was so much deeper in drawers and come with power strip

[@nandostransport7958]

Hey I'm looking at a husky 56 inch x 25 in r us general series 3 52 inch x 22 inch. What you think is the best deal as far as quality and durability.

[@mrfoxycracker4836]

I would like to see a leg reveal on Red, all of this time we've seen nothing but a torso, does he even have legs? Maybe he floats like a Grizzly God? The world may honestly never know

[@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936]

I have never contemplated this.... thanks for planting that gem in my head

[@omicrondec]

Hahaha

[@mrfoxycracker4836]

@Nova Benjamin you know that's a scam right

[@realplexent]

Great review bro. Where did you get that us general coupon?

[@TheDTAnderson]

I have the Walmart frontier and it is great it even came with drawer liners. I was going to buy the Husky however they lost it in shipping yes lost it, and had no idea where it was. So I went with Walmart.

They “lost” it aka some Fedex employee has a new Husky drawer

[@funnydubby6401]

Really wish they made mechanical drawer slide ones. Like not with detents or anything, like the snap on epiq boxes that the drawer handles flip open

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Interesting video Jeff @TheDenOfTools

[@rogertyler3237]

I Have One Of Those Husky 46 Inch Mobile Workbench & I Can't Attach A 46 Inch Pegboard Into It. Cause The Holes Won't Lineup.

[@JMHUK82]

Two important facts that were overlooked are the gauge of steel each box is made of contributing to added capacity and how far the drawers pull out, some of the cheap slides and construction methods can leave as much as 4 inches inside the cabinet when fully pulled out. The Yukon’s are crap for tools but excellent for a craft or sewing room.

[@daftnord4957]

ouch, the HF 44x22 is $600 now, minus $90 with 15% off coupon. i see on home depot website the husky can be found for $400. Sounds like the us general is still worth the cost?

[@jimdavis8726]

If you need to use it as an outfeed table you could probably swap out the wheels for smaller diameter ones

[@michaeltate1488]

What about drawer latches? I love my craftsman with grip latch drawers. That way you don't have to lock it to keep the drawers closed when moving, but they open easily when you lift the handle.

[@carlosedwardos]

Actually, the famous video (from Real Tool Reviews youtube channel) where HF just KILLED Husky in build quality was on the 72" rollaway, not these little pipsqueaks, and no, Husky never beefed up their's, so the review conclusions still stand.

[@EdisonWong2004]

Suspicious how he had the same exact thumbnail of the "famous video" on the screen, but didn't know the name of the channel. Real Tool Reviews doesn't even upload anymore, there's no need to divert competition when the channel is already dead.

[@josesoria8335]

Well the video Den of tools linked did compare the two 46 inchers. And the reviewer found the Yukon to be a better build quality, 2 years ago. The Husky shown in that video is outdated now since I can confirm they did change the specs on it. I just bought the Yukon (found some issues that I didnt like) and returned it and then said screw it, bought the Husky and the Husky was just better in almost every way now. The 46" Husky in the video that was linked vs the one I have now are very different while still being the same model. (Better slides, attached wood top rather than an inlay, 2 bearing on the deep cabinets, etc.)

[@oimissed1292]

@@josesoria8335 how about the wheel mounting and is the inside of the cabinet painted?

[@mplscarsales6652]

Geez there 429.00 now in 2022 for the harbor freight model 279.00 I should have bought before the price hike

[@Raczoon]

I really prefer real-world, hands-on comparisons, but you're still one of the best looking youtubers out there. Such shiny canines!

[@reemer911]

man the prices are insane now no where close to whats shown in this video

[@jamesanthony8438]

So close to 100k, bear! =)

[@denoftools]

So close!

[@vane5736]

I remember when lowes was doing the huge deal on the kobalt ones.

[@arunpaul2301]

Good one

[@davidwalle5025]

I have the 44 inch us general the only problem is the lower drawers are not tall enough to stand up deep sockets. Shine on bear

[@liveyourbestlife1513]

What about the Gedore and Hazet options?? And Snap-On?

[@RONAKAWEED]

As for the last whiskey you spoke about. There are differences... the accuall drawer sizes.. I wanted to buy one of the white ones. I spent two months. Resurching it. They have weird and different bottom draw sizes. Seemingly rediqulous. A quarter of an inch to 3/8s difference. I'm not sure why they wouldn't standardize the drawer sizes. I had a specific size bottom drawer that came on my limited edition husky tool box. So I expected the DEEP drawer to be the same height... nope . Not even the same way of measuring the fractional part of the measurement. It was totally confusing. Anyway I got a matte black one 52 inches long 24.5 inches deep. With a top that goes up and down. That now gives more storage underneath the wood top. It accually worked out perfectly. I wish I was able to get it in white though. I think I'm going to send them an email suggesting this. Because two weeks after I received this one I looked online and I can get the same exact size one minus the crank up top in white. I was kinda bummed I didnt have this one available to me when I ordered mine. You should do a video on the dimetuons of these tool boxes and especially looking at the difference in drawer sizes. Its rediqulous and frustrating. 1/4 if an inch made it absolutely useable or unusable for me for what I had to store in it. I am a artist and painter and I have these bottles that are a standard size but could never find a tool box with deep enough drawers to to put these bottles in. Finally the Husky limited edition one had what I needed. The the newest one I bought worked great. As if is was made to order. Thanks for these videos. It saves us time doing lots of research. Hopefully this comment will spark a look into the rediqulous minute difference in drawer dimensions. And how then measure them. They should stick to on measuring system that is universal. Look into it you'll see. Lol

[@ruckboger]

To increase horizontal storage capacity they probably provide shelving within the larger drawers? Just guessing.

[@Hellathome]

What do you think about Montezuma tool cabinet?

[@highwayhunter80]

My table saw height is 37.5" craftsman model 351.218330, same as the husky saw.

[@nomaddreamer1640]

15:20 - its the steel guage that makes it more expensive ?

[@faerieSAALE]

US GENERAL IS THE BRAND I WANT. THEY ARE BUILT LIKE A TANK!

[@willb3018]

Agree. IMHO US General is one of the best values HF has. Amazing quality for the price. I have the 44" with a top chest. When one of my friends saw it, he had one within a week. Have had it for 5 or 6 years, it is loaded to the max and no issues. Like you said, built like a tank.

[@robertbrouillette6767]

The closest Home Depot is about 90 miles so Harbor Freight and Lowe’s are real close.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Definitely think numbers are being Fudged quite bit @TheDenOfTools

[@kgfaro]

Can you update this Jeff?

[@tomtribur458]

Looks like the more expensive Husky has drawer liners, didn’t see liners listed on the less expensive one.

[@robertbrouillette6767]

The machine shop at the local community college has a U S General and everyone likes it.

[@CorvetteTrev]

The kobalt 9 drawer is only 1.5" in drawer depth. I love the black and blue, they're now $500!? Ugh I wish you'd talk a little about that, a 2023 option. 😢 maybe the craftsman. I need to put drills and things whatever, 1.5" height in the drawers is a messy tool box. 🔧 I want to keep my blow moulded cases and things

[@guitarsuami]

Well. First time viewer here and I was shocked to see a bear speaking to me. 😆

[@odin8214]

Could you make a SDS max guide?

[@shawnbollinger9644]

what is the best lube for the slide draws

[@larrygonzales7410]

Natural lube

[@tonyvinesguitarsandmusic]

It is entirely possible that Craftsman has high hopes for the soon coming apocalypse...that'll get them out of that warranty. :-) Btw, the U.S. General is amazing.

[@alan1340]

Are some of those numbers you quote ever needed by the average Joe who wants to store his tools neat and tidy, he likes the look of the tool storage units in his home garage and they do the job.

[@papi-champoo6033]

Stanley has one that they sell at Rural King for $239.

[@josephgraham1065]

I would kill to get a us general 72 inch but they wont ship it to hawaii ):

[@stevenshaffer730]

I disagree with the end assessment of the more expensive Husky tool cabinets. While on paper it doesn't seem like a worthy upgrade over the cheaper model, in person you can tell the difference in quality. Overall, it's more solid. I would put the cheaper model Husky on-par with the Yukon at Harbor Freight but the slightly more expensive Husky is closer to the U.S. General at HF.

[@RONAKAWEED]

Oh and it seems like it's the same manufacturer that makes all these boxes. I had researched this a bit also. So why not make the things with different drawer configurations you could customize.

[@andybub45]

Not quite. Watch Real Tool Reviews video comparing US General VS Husky. You'll be surprised with the outcome.