Considering HF ICON Tool chest

[greenbeast]

Been scouring the wifes FB looking at used Tool boxes for shop. Now that I have gotten the shop ready to put all my tools that have been in storage in one place I need larger tool box.

Snap On's, used are stupid expensive and I'm not running into what I would say are good deals especially when HF has some nice looking ICON's.

Anyone have any experience with this brand? I'm looking at 73" with some side cabinets.

 

[PAToyota]

Personally, I have a few of the USGeneral boxes and even they are pretty solidly built. At the time I bought mine (before ICON), I had gone around and looked at the various offerings from HF, the home improvement stores, and (at the time) Sears. It really seemed that the USG was the most bang for the buck. To get better, you had to spend significantly more money. And, like you, around here it seemed the tool truck brands commanded stupid expensive prices even used - probably because they still owed significant money on them. Granted the tool truck boxes are better, but I can't say that they are 10x better for being 10x more expensive (or whatever it figures out as).

Looking at the ICON offerings in the local store, they're definitely a step up from the USG. As I say, the USG has served me well for years and I'm not sure I'd spend the extra money for the ICON. That's just me, though.

This weekend they're having the 10%/20% off deal with no exclusions. Although it says "in store, online, and in stock only," other people I know have been able to order tool storage (USG & ICON) with the discount since they don't keep all the options in the store. YMMV.

Also, if you don't know about it, there is a scratch and dent page for ICON storage: https://www.harborfreight.com/scratch-and-dent-sale

They have 25% off excellent condition, 35% off great condition, and 40% off good condition items. They have photos of the damage with descriptions. A lot of it is on the side or back and fairly minor. You just have to decide whether you're willing to live with the damage. You do have to call in to order what's on the page and the selection varies considerably. If you want something you see there, don't wait as it isn't like they are "stock" items.

 

[greenbeast]

Personally, I have a few of the USGeneral boxes and even they are pretty solidly built. At the time I bought mine (before ICON), I had gone around and looked at the various offerings from HF, the home improvement stores, and (at the time) Sears. It really seemed that the USG was the most bang for the buck. To get better, you had to spend significantly more money. And, like you, around here it seemed the tool truck brands commanded stupid expensive prices even used - probably because they still owed significant money on them. Granted the tool truck boxes are better, but I can't say that they are 10x better for being 10x more expensive (or whatever it figures out as).

Looking at the ICON offerings in the local store, they're definitely a step up from the USG. As I say, the USG has served me well for years and I'm not sure I'd spend the extra money for the ICON. That's just me, though.

This weekend they're having the 10%/20% off deal with no exclusions. Although it says "in store, online, and in stock only," other people I know have been able to order tool storage (USG & ICON) with the discount since they don't keep all the options in the store. YMMV.

View attachment 3670089

Also, if you don't know about it, there is a scratch and dent page for ICON storage: https://www.harborfreight.com/scratch-and-dent-sale

They have 25% off excellent condition, 35% off great condition, and 40% off good condition items. They have photos of the damage with descriptions. A lot of it is on the side or back and fairly minor. You just have to decide whether you're willing to live with the damage. You do have to call in to order what's on the page and the selection varies considerably. If you want something you see there, don't wait as it isn't like they are "stock" items.

Stopped in HF today on way to MIA for dinner. Started getting everything lined up to purchase and second item i wanted wouldn't be ready until October. Been looking online at Home Depot, Lowes and I keep coming back to the ICO but really can't wait 4 months. Where I stopped they surprisingly had the ICON set up next to USG and drawers on USG already weren't flush, not encouraging.

Appreciate the link for scratch and dent, going there now.

 

[greenbeast]

Shifting my focus to “Tool Vault” similar pricing to the ICON, customer service is suppose to be excellent and shipping times within a week or two.

Doesn’t help when HF staff (stopped in again yesterday) say they really don’t any good communication after sale and I’d be dealing with third party.

 

[PAToyota]

All the ICON storage is shipped directly and doesn't go through the stores. I haven't dealt with it, so I really don't have any information there. I've generally seen that as a benefit with HF - that there is someone local to talk to if I have any issues. Not having that for the ICON is an issue...

 

[WarDamnEagle]

I looked for quite a long time for the right deal on a Snap On roll cab and that deal eventually came along. Got basically a brand new one for about 1/3 of retail. I wouldn't trade it for anything else but I also wouldn't spend anything close to full retail on one. I also wouldn't buy one in avg/poor used condition vs something new of lower quality. I think you're doing the right thing exploring more moderately priced options. Having said that though, there is certainly a minimum standard for capacity (e.g. weight bearing capacity of drawers) and quality that most of the options I see at Lowes or Home Depot don't meet.

As nice as a roll cab is, you should also consider investing in stationary storage cabinets, benches, etc. And honestly, once I decide on a location for my roll cab, it typically isn't moved - like never. I bought a nice set of cabinets from Saber years ago. Double wall and huge value at the time compared to other options. Their ownership has changed (started as a one man show) and have now gone way up in price, but so has almost everything, especially things made of metal. These units have been in 3 different houses and in storage once. They are still in very good condition. Just for reference, the 4' tall cabinets on each end weigh ~300 lbs empty. They also "float" over the floor with no legs which is nice for cleanup. The rear edge sits on a 2x and the backs are screwed into the wall. Leaves the floor without any encumbrance.

I'll edit shortly with a photo of the cabinets.

 

[greenbeast]

That looks great Greg! I ran across retired engineer who enjoys building things and welding and he has made me 4 mobile carts which I’ll share pic with shortly. They are well made and very reasonably priced. The money I spend on them go to his grand daughters volleyball as his daughter is single mother.

Called him last week, going to have him come out to shop and measure to create a corner desk and tables on each side.

Probably going to pull the trigger on this today. Moving some older cabinets to shop today from barn.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Nice Jon. If you fill that up you won't be moving it........ at least not by yourself.

 

[greenbeast]

These tables of pics load anytime soon are definitely made with some precision. My intent was to have 4 mobile tables heavy enough to put heavy items on for whichever vehicle I was working on.

I have couple older gladiator storage units when I had small garage and good friend was chief pilot for whirlpool. We used him for some darn good discounts on lot of stuff from whirlpool, then he left!

I’ll likely have desks made I can push some of the cabinets under and have plenty of desk space. Waiting on local internet company to bring fiber optic into shop. 1gb is $85/month. Should provide wife and I plenty of internet to work and watch tv.

Dad gave me this helpful little tool to hang power tools. Hung it up today, very handy.

 

[greenbeast]

Nice Jon. If you fill that up you won't be moving it........ at least not by yourself.

Greg, it won’t be going anywhere, like you it’s gonna get parked on the long wall. I have mixed feelings of not having casters under each end. I hadn’t thought about cleaning! The US General I looked at didnt have them and it was pretty flimsy. I couldn’t see how it wouldn’t flex with anything inside the end cabinets.

Tool Vault review showed 73” unit and guy had his 3 kids stand on the top shelf while it was extended, crazy as it’s rated for 500 pounds.

 

[greenbeast]

Tools getting organized (kinda) so I can free up all these tables. I had given Delancys widow some extra funds for storage unit I helped clean she needed to get rid of. I’ve got no shortage of screwdrivers and sockets. Think Delancy had taken possession of a few folks tools when they didn’t pay their rent. None of it’s pretty but it will get the job done!

 

[greenbeast]

Went to Oshkosh this last week for Airventure. Snap on tool folks there and were less than impressive with the scratch and dent they brought to sell. Tried selling $100 once only airplane engraved screwdriver, no surprise they had a huge pile left.

Unknown to me Stor-Loc was there with their product. American made in Illinois. Been around 34 years and guys (not skinny) were sitting in drawers for chairs in the exhibition building. Tons of options.

Ended up ordering 84” with 24” riser. Also purchased 48”x48” welding table with large drawer. Getting paint chips sent to me for the orange i want. Delivered to my door in 3 weeks. All for around what I was going to pay for the ICON setup.

If anyone looking I would consider them. They go to a lot of farm shows in the Midwest.