The Harbor Freight box is not a scam, it's MUCH better than the Kobalt box and it's cheaper. Their drawers open easily, the lid stays open, and it has drawer liners. It's simple supply and demand and there will likely be enough on the shelves in a month or so.
And those BB drawers don't even open half way. I looked at them. Had $20. in free HF cash, and spent it on jig saw blades and sanding discs instead. Things I have a use for. Mini box? Not so much, besides the cute factor. Cute things gather dust, practical things don't
@@FauxQue-yk8dtYou either have no imagination or you just hate everything new because you're a hipster. The draws don't come out because the sliders are so short (which they have to be). But that does not matter. You can reach in the draw just fine. It's just an excuse people are using to hate on it. As far as being useful, again you're so blind you are bordering on ignorance. I got 1 for my soldering station. I can put all my tools, tips, solder, wick, flux, etc in this box. I also got 1 for my home work space for my RC hobby. My wife has one for her sewing area as well (she got it herself after she saw mine). If you have no use that's fine but don't be a %#$ because you don't have the ability to see the relevance of something like this. Oh, the Kobalt one is more expensive, has less features, and is not built as well. It wins in color choice only.
@@FauxQue-yk8dt you have a very ignorant perspective...... I've seen people use these boxes for their EDC carry, stationary, hobby/RC tool kit, knives collection, watch collection and watch repair tools, etc, etc....... there is a place for every tool.
The US Genneral has ball bearing drawer slides, and the Kobalt does not. The US General has a little better overall quality feel to it as well. They're definitely not the same box, so I wouldn't just say that without inspecting both boxes or even reading and comparing the descriptions. As far as uses go, they work great to hold precision tools on the desk or benchtop.
@shadow7796 Hobo freight never was available within 100 miles of me. I have seen other Kobalt boxes. I think the hobo freight everyone raves about is a myth. Plus, HF does not offer a 3drawer add on box like Kobalt.
I tried to go to HF on Monday the 25th when they went on sale for members. They were out by the time I got there because I wasn't there right at opening. I later found out they withheld a TON of them for the "general public" on Black Friday... quite the big middle finger to inside track members who PAID for the membership like myself. I went and bought 3 Kobalt boxes online (HF was limiting people to only 2) after I lost interest in the stupid US General box over Harbor Freight's (mis)handling of the sale. I don't even care if they're technically better, HF pissed me off over this one.
Harbor freight isn't quite the cool, quirky, and fun place that it USED to be... Too corporate-ish... No more freebies, no more coupons, and ever increasing prices I used to drop by, frequently, just to see what they might have, and always spent a few bucks...!!! Nowadays I only drop by for something specific that I need or that might be on a good sale... I find myself frequenting Walmart, home Depot, Lowe's, and and the swap meet more than HF these days
I went in early on Monday and got 2. The next day when I was in Harbor Freight, I asked about them. They said they could get 1 for me, but they were holding them for Friday. I go in regularly, always talk to them, ask questions and make a purchase (usually under $20). I don't act like an entitled jerk. I treat them well, they treat me well in return. I don't know how many they saved for Black Friday, but they were out before being open for an hour. Also, employees that I know didn't even get to buy any. I think they seriously under estimated how popular they would be.
I would say that was the local manager, not corporate. Bought mine during the Inside Track only and they had multiple stacks then and when I had to pick up some other items after they went on sale to the general public. The local limit was 4 and there was no line of any kind.
My desk was cluttered with "Small Stuff" , utility knife, fingernail clippers, usb sticks, cables, post it notes, pens, bottle openers ,tape measure, flashlight ,ETC,ETC. Now organized. Got two at HF, was in and out in 10 min! $9.98 each.
Not only is the HF box not a scam, but it's actually a pretty well built box. The drawer slides should have opened the drawer fully, and having a handle would be nice, maybe even a lock. It's a heavy, quality part and for $10 it's great storage for small parts. I'm going to put electronic parts in one and convert the other to a custom engine test system with all the electronic test parts in there, probes, clamp meter, power supply, etc...
After waiting in the warm inside entrance of Lowe's [6:00am opening] for a little less than an hour to get the blue bucket door buster, I made my way over to HF [7:00am opening] and waited in my warm car and about 6:50am made my way to the entrance just like everyone else. Got my 2 mini boxes [red and black]. There were only a few blue boxes left within 10 minutes. I drove past Kohl's before I went to Lowe's, the line was very long, well over 100 people. Don't know how long those people were out in the cold, but I got off easy and did very well, thank you very much.
I refuse to wait in line to buy anything. I'm not sure what I'd use one of these for. The drawers and top storage seem a little small to be practical; one taller drawer and top storage might be more useful. Thanks for sharing this with us Tom.
We had these small tool boxes back in the ‘90’s you could buy them on the tool trucks. I have two of the Dale Sr / Snap-on mini tool boxes which costed me more then these cost now. Cool little tool boxes.
I went to HB on Black Friday at 7 AM to get mine. I walked in the door only to find out they were sold out. Ironically, I had gone to HB earlier in the week to buy one at the regular price only to find that they had pulled all of them to sell on Black Friday. Luckily, I found the lavender Kobalt mini tool box at Lowes instead. Love the color the fact they they had many in stock. I'm using it to hold knitting/crocheting supplies in.
I don't think people are understanding the scam. I have the Kobalt box, but do prefer the US General box. I use mine for model building. I keep it ony desk to hold paints, brushes, and other assorted little things. Novelty, yes, but it does have its used.
The Harbor Freight box is by far superior to the Kobalt box. Having both of them side by side and just opening and closing the lid and drawers of each will really make you appreciate it. I really don't buy much at HF but the mini boxes are a winner!
My Black Friday morning started at 05:45 in line @ Cal-Ranch (06:00 opening time), they always have a great sale on ammo on Black Friday. I got my ammo, and by the time I got outta there it was 06:55, HF opens at 07:00, and it was 1/2 mile down the road so no real time having to stand in that line! I got one from of these tool boxes from HF, its the blue one! I had no intention of getting one, but I was caught up in the frenzy that these things generated. I did get my intended items as well, but did come home with the Blue Beauty! I also have it on my desk, it holds some of the small tools that used to occupy one of my many pencil jars! Living my best La Vida Loca here in southeastern Arizona
For 10$, Id use it for my pocket knife collection. Cut some felt for the bottoms of the trays and put the box somewhere where I can get to it easily, like the top of my dresser.
I bought a Workpro tool box that has the same x/y dimensions but is 8 inches tall. This makes both drawers and the top tray deeper and the lid higher. Overall it has the same build quality as the Kolbalt, but with more storage space. I bought it on line, but I don’t remember where. I build model car kits and use to hold the smaller tools on my small workbench.
Harbor Freights is superior to Kobalt plus 3 bucks cheaper. You only get 2 per person so i got the blue and red and yes i was standing in line among others at 7 a.m. on Friday. Perfect for your edc.
US GENERAL has roller slides. I walked in mid november and the manager said they weren't out and went in back and got one. I used a coupon and paid about $12.
The US General mini toolbox is a nice mini (because it is mini) toolbox and the BEST ONE to boot. Honestly though, it is a bit of a toy, but it's also 100% useful to many. I'm using it for a collection of mini tools. Think of a collection of mini spoons. People do this. I printed a top tray to hold my Quinn 1/4" Master Socket Set. In the middle drawer I have a tray to hold my ICON 1/4" bit kit. It's cute and practical. It's my 3D printer toolbox. As I collect collect more mini tools I'll fit them in the toolbox nice and tidy. I got two on Black Friday. They are worth the full price too. The Kobalt toolbox is junk.
Someone that I know bought one to store the tooling for a small lathe. The bottom drawer will hold AXA tool holders on their side. The other drawer and the top are good for indexable holders, wrenches and hex keys. Sorry I missed the HF sale but will probably get two for my 13x40 lathe tooling.
I bought a couple of the Kobalt several years ago for the regular price of $20. I have it on the table holding supplies for my 3D printer Bought a pink one for my daughter who is a welder. She loves it. Bought more of them for gifts recently when Lowes had them again, but that was before the US General version was released. It sounds like the US General one is definitely better and I may buy one in red when they have them again.
Its a damn shame we live in a world where resellers pull this buying up the deals and reselling them at super inflated prices online it was just last year some kid rented a uhaul and went to home depot abought up all the space heaters and resold them online for near 300 bucks apiece guy was bragging about making like a 5000 dollar profit off those things i expect it wont be many more years before all the major stores develop software to combat the scalpers and there price gouging B.S.
I dont call it a scam if you bought them for yourself. I bought the black and blue one. Literally walked into HF on Tuesday and saw the display at 2pm and they were just sitting out. Plus its made way better than the Kobalt one.
Picked up the harbor freight one. I have to say its really well built, drawers are smooth it's perfect for organizing my spare parts and tools for my 3d printer. Was up at my normal 530 on Friday morning and said why not. Was one of 4 people there when they opened 😂
I have a mini SnapOn tool box my brother gave me many years ago. Smaller than these. What do I keep in it? Guitar picks I’ve collected from famous musicians over the years. Still have two drawers to spare…
Bought a pink Kobalt last year for my sister, remember they were hard to find, this year they are in abundance and released a lavender she wanted, grabbed one of them too… actually got a US General weeks before black friday at full price of $17 cause I was Christmas shopping and asked the manager if they would sell one. My buddy bought one a day later simply by asking. Difference is he uses his for pens in the hutch of his toolbox at work… me? I gifted mine to a coworker who has a Mini Kobalt and Mini Snap On already on his desk at work.
the hf unit has rollers for the drawers., not cheap metal sliding drawers. but yes i bought one. just to put next to my mini floor jack i bought years back.
Yes Harbor Freight had them half price, but sold out witin 20 minutes at my local store, the ONLY thing that I REALLY wanted, and the main reason that I showed up, although I still spent $85 on other items that I couldn't resist, lol🤷♂️😎
Here in Glendale Arizona harbour freight pulled them mini tool boxes a month and half ago to hold them for black Friday harbor freight is so freaking pathetic their head quarter office had no idea why they pulled them off the shelfs I haven't been to harbor freight in over three years
I have us general. Much better quality than lowes. Bearing slides and drawer liners. Heaver steel. Mine contains jig saw,reciprocating saw,and oscilating saw blades. Very handy.
When Lowes started to sell these there where lines for months when ever they came in to a Lowe’s store they would sell out in less than an hour. Now if you want a snap on mini tool box there are going for about 250 dollars and the Harbor Freight tool box is better than both of those.
I got a couple on black Friday, as others have said, no lines. I did have to ask though, because it turned out they had a cart of them in a store room off the front of the store. I got my 2 (it was limited to 2 per), and was out of there. Just picked up a third (have 1 of each color), and they were just in stock with the other US Gen stuff. I looked at the Kobalt in store, and seen a few compare videos. Not sure how solid the Kobalts are, but yhe US Generals are quite heavy. With actual drawer slides, mats, and a lid that does flip all the way over, its clearly better designed and built. It is gimmicky, but Ive got a bunch of little stuff in the drawers of my big box that would be great to put in one of these sat on top. Unfortunately im gifting the 3 I bought, but will 💯% be getting one for myself. All that being said, especially the fact that these are not hard to get, the sellers jacking up the prices are absolute scammers.
For every person tooting their horn about how wonderful the hobo freight mini box is and how junky the Kobalt boxes are, there are 3-5 others like me reporting zero luck finding them. The bottom line being, the HF boxes have no relevance for a huge percentage of those interested. So, the logical person will buy the Lowes version and satisfy themselves with their offering and the 3 drawer add on not offered as a match to the HF brand boxes.
Got several, no lines to wait and two for my daughter, for makeup storage. LoL Draws on the US Generall from harbor freight are much better. They have ball bearing slides I believe.
I want one for my desk at work. I can wait until they are back in stock . People who buy all of them and then try to sell them for a crazy amount really piss me off, and I home they don't sell hardly any of them and have to sell them cheap. Anyone who buys one for wait some people are selling them for deserve to get ripped off .
I was looking no harbor freight had them went in to my local harbor freight on the 24th and they had just got a shipment in and had about 20 of them got me the red one using it put my gun tools and parts but not gonna lie its got some weight to it and build quality feels good
Harbor Freight scammed the insiders track membership with limiting distribution of the mini tool boxes selling so many per day. As a club member if they are sold out no big deal but don’t con me to come back the next day saying you can only sell so many per day. If you told us up front what ever the count being sold per day I would have been ok with that as well!
I get so frustrated with HF sales. I am member even and go before Black Friday or tent sales open to general public. And every time I want something that shelf is clear. Don't matter if a tool, battery, flashlight or this toolbox. It never fails that what I am trying to get is what everyone wants apparently. I am to point now I just go and pay full price cause I am sick of going there to find a empty shelf.
I've had largely the same experience. I can't confirm this, but I've heard on internet forums (super reliable, I know) that if you get buddy-buddy with the management team at certain stores they'll let you buy the item before the sale goes live and then let you come back during the sale when they're out of stock and refund you the difference even though that's against company policy. Having said that I asked the manager at my store if she'd let me do that and she told me no... I barely know the woman though so who knows?
If the shelf is out of stock, ask a HF staff member who doesn't have an attitude to look up on the computer to see if they have that item in the back storage area. Lots of times they don't have enough staff to keep the shelves stocked when they are so busy. They are generally more than happy to assist you. Home Depot and Lowe's should take note of the HB's employee work ethic. Be sure to know the Item Number of what you want to make their job easier to look up on the computer, and your shopping experience more enjoyable. Also, sometimes the marked down - sale items can be found at either the end-caps or by the register. Hope that helps! Mini toolboxes are another story entirely... never in stock in my area. Waiting for the green ones to come out, possibly the Q2 of 2025. Good luck!
The Horrible Fright tool box is only $18 and the Kobalt is $20 off sale. On ebay they are asking as much as $40 for the Kobalt boxes and $50 for the Horrible Fright ones. 🙄
I first saw these type boxes at Lowe's. My first impression was, why? At first I thought it was meant for children then I was surprised that adults like these things. Again, why?
Bought the Kobalt one for my daughter. She uses it to keep her makeup in. She loves it. I have plenty of full size boxes around the house, don’t need this little guy for anything. Just had to add, the box I got at Lowe’s before was a much better box than what this video shows. Mine has ball bearing drawer glides.
The harbor Freight box is much better than the Kobalt box with the drawer slides and liners. The box is only good for storing small stuff like router bits or drill bits or other very small items. BTW the drawers only open half way. Really not worth purchasing in my opinion but I would purchase the HF over the Kobalt if I was going to purchase
At times my wife says I collect junk but luckily this isn’t in the collection. 😂 It looks cool & fun but it’s so small it doesn’t make it very practical in my opinion.
Not an option for many folks, self included. Not one of their stores within 100 miles of me had them for months. Plus, HF does not offer the add on box Kobalt does.
To insinuate that NO ONE uses these tool boxes is painting a very broad brush. I have the KOBALT top and bottom. Its not as nice as the US General ones, but I'll be darned if its not sitting right here in my home office. It holds all kinds of stuff. Not many tools, but then again I'm not a model builder, painter, scrapbooker, etc. There are loads of things these can be used for. Mine is certainly not sitting around collecting dust.
The US General ones are far superior! People chill out dont go pay $40-50 bucks for these, just chill theyll make plenty more and harbor freight always has a SALE!
My wife and I got one each. I will be putting my external USB drives in the top, and cables in the top drawer. The bottom being larger, I will likely put my external IDE/SATA adapter, cables, and power cable in there. She is a fabric crafter, and has several small items like rotary cutters with blades, stencils that are too small to hang on the peg board, sewing machine feet and tools that will get them out of the desk drawer and into a centralized location. These are for everyone; and they are certainly not worth the full price; and barely worth the discounted price due to: no latch, no handle, and as seen in this video - the drawers are difficult to open and close. However, for what it is, and what we intend to use this for; it’s a nice box with drawers. I wish we had gotten the HF ones rather than Lowe’s and the HF has small magnetic closure on the top lid; for a lower cost.
Lowes is the biggest rip off store!....they were even trying to sell a case of bottled water for $8.00!......I'm surprised they did not go out of business yet.......Menards is my go to store.....spent many many thousands there!
No one is forced to buy the water, nor does Lowe’s rely on its sales to stay in business. Lowe’s is a Fortune 500 company and isn’t going anywhere. Get a clue, please.
Those are neat mini tool boxes.Definitely could see how the size could be misleading.Would be cool if it had a lock n key .Thanks for the heads up great video all around.
The Harbor Freight box is not a scam, it's MUCH better than the Kobalt box and it's cheaper. Their drawers open easily, the lid stays open, and it has drawer liners. It's simple supply and demand and there will likely be enough on the shelves in a month or so.
The US General is a much better box. It has smooth ball bearing drawer slides, drawer liners and the top only opens to just past 90°.
And those BB drawers don't even open half way. I looked at them. Had $20. in free HF cash, and spent it on jig saw blades and sanding discs instead. Things I have a use for. Mini box? Not so much, besides the cute factor. Cute things gather dust, practical things don't
@@FauxQue-yk8dtYou either have no imagination or you just hate everything new because you're a hipster. The draws don't come out because the sliders are so short (which they have to be). But that does not matter. You can reach in the draw just fine. It's just an excuse people are using to hate on it. As far as being useful, again you're so blind you are bordering on ignorance. I got 1 for my soldering station. I can put all my tools, tips, solder, wick, flux, etc in this box. I also got 1 for my home work space for my RC hobby. My wife has one for her sewing area as well (she got it herself after she saw mine). If you have no use that's fine but don't be a %#$ because you don't have the ability to see the relevance of something like this. Oh, the Kobalt one is more expensive, has less features, and is not built as well. It wins in color choice only.
Thanks for Watching! Appreciate the feedback
@FauxQue-yk8dt Thanks for Watching! Agreed
@@FauxQue-yk8dt you have a very ignorant perspective...... I've seen people use these boxes for their EDC carry, stationary, hobby/RC tool kit, knives collection, watch collection and watch repair tools, etc, etc....... there is a place for every tool.
Bought my box on Black Friday at Harbor Freight, no line, out the door within 10 minutes. I'll admit it's a novelty, but still kinda cool.
Agreed! Thanks for watching
The US Genneral has ball bearing drawer slides, and the Kobalt does not. The US General has a little better overall quality feel to it as well. They're definitely not the same box, so I wouldn't just say that without inspecting both boxes or even reading and comparing the descriptions. As far as uses go, they work great to hold precision tools on the desk or benchtop.
Thanks for Watching and sharing
Yeah, but the drawers don’t open all the way up on that cheesy mini box and the top doesn’t fold all the way back as a mini table. HF being HF. 🧀
@@yo3rdtier128 Still 10 times better quality than the Kolbalt.. You want the Kolbalt take it.
@shadow7796 Hobo freight never was available within 100 miles of me. I have seen other Kobalt boxes. I think the hobo freight everyone raves about is a myth. Plus, HF does not offer a 3drawer add on box like Kobalt.
Also the US General comes with drawer liners .
I tried to go to HF on Monday the 25th when they went on sale for members. They were out by the time I got there because I wasn't there right at opening. I later found out they withheld a TON of them for the "general public" on Black Friday... quite the big middle finger to inside track members who PAID for the membership like myself. I went and bought 3 Kobalt boxes online (HF was limiting people to only 2) after I lost interest in the stupid US General box over Harbor Freight's (mis)handling of the sale. I don't even care if they're technically better, HF pissed me off over this one.
Harbor freight isn't quite the cool, quirky, and fun place that it USED to be... Too corporate-ish... No more freebies, no more coupons, and ever increasing prices
I used to drop by, frequently, just to see what they might have, and always spent a few bucks...!!! Nowadays I only drop by for something specific that I need or that might be on a good sale...
I find myself frequenting Walmart, home Depot, Lowe's, and and the swap meet more than HF these days
I’m with you brother Harbour freight really showed how little the ITC means I won’t be renewing my membership
I went in early on Monday and got 2. The next day when I was in Harbor Freight, I asked about them. They said they could get 1 for me, but they were holding them for Friday. I go in regularly, always talk to them, ask questions and make a purchase (usually under $20). I don't act like an entitled jerk. I treat them well, they treat me well in return.
I don't know how many they saved for Black Friday, but they were out before being open for an hour. Also, employees that I know didn't even get to buy any.
I think they seriously under estimated how popular they would be.
I would say that was the local manager, not corporate. Bought mine during the Inside Track only and they had multiple stacks then and when I had to pick up some other items after they went on sale to the general public. The local limit was 4 and there was no line of any kind.
My desk was cluttered with "Small Stuff" , utility knife, fingernail clippers, usb sticks, cables, post it notes, pens, bottle openers ,tape measure, flashlight ,ETC,ETC. Now organized. Got two at HF, was in and out in 10 min! $9.98 each.
It's my kids lunchbox, mechanics edition, for when public school lunch is cut from the budget. Bottom drawer is for the Bible.
Cool 😎👍💯
It doesn't even have a handle
Bible will be mandatory, not optional, though 😢
It's too bad there isn't a US General thermos for the holy water.
Not only is the HF box not a scam, but it's actually a pretty well built box. The drawer slides should have opened the drawer fully, and having a handle would be nice, maybe even a lock.
It's a heavy, quality part and for $10 it's great storage for small parts. I'm going to put electronic parts in one and convert the other to a custom engine test system with all the electronic test parts in there, probes, clamp meter, power supply, etc...
After waiting in the warm inside entrance of Lowe's [6:00am opening] for a little less than an hour to get the blue bucket door buster, I made my way over to HF [7:00am opening] and waited in my warm car and about 6:50am made my way to the entrance just like everyone else. Got my 2 mini boxes [red and black]. There were only a few blue boxes left within 10 minutes. I drove past Kohl's before I went to Lowe's, the line was very long, well over 100 people. Don't know how long those people were out in the cold, but I got off easy and did very well, thank you very much.
Yep I got my 2 USG mini boxes to match my big ones. Didn’t have to stand in line - went at 8 on Monday and was the first one there.
Thanks for Watching!
I just so happened find one of these at Harbor Freight, today. Wasnt even expecting to find one. I got the last blue one they had. Love it!!!
I refuse to wait in line to buy anything. I'm not sure what I'd use one of these for. The drawers and top storage seem a little small to be practical; one taller drawer and top storage might be more useful. Thanks for sharing this with us Tom.
Thanks for Watching Ted! Me too!
We had these small tool boxes back in the ‘90’s you could buy them on the tool trucks. I have two of the Dale Sr / Snap-on mini tool boxes which costed me more then these cost now. Cool little tool boxes.
I went to HB on Black Friday at 7 AM to get mine. I walked in the door only to find out they were sold out. Ironically, I had gone to HB earlier in the week to buy one at the regular price only to find that they had pulled all of them to sell on Black Friday. Luckily, I found the lavender Kobalt mini tool box at Lowes instead. Love the color the fact they they had many in stock. I'm using it to hold knitting/crocheting supplies in.
I'll grab one at next year's garage sales.
People are crazy 😂. Nice little toolbox Tom, but not standing in line, lol. Cheers 🍻
Thanks for Watching! I agree!
I don't think people are understanding the scam. I have the Kobalt box, but do prefer the US General box. I use mine for model building. I keep it ony desk to hold paints, brushes, and other assorted little things. Novelty, yes, but it does have its used.
Thanks for Watching! Appreciate the honest feedback
The Harbor Freight box is by far superior to the Kobalt box. Having both of them side by side and just opening and closing the lid and drawers of each will really make you appreciate it. I really don't buy much at HF but the mini boxes are a winner!
My Black Friday morning started at 05:45 in line @ Cal-Ranch (06:00 opening time), they always have a great sale on ammo on Black Friday. I got my ammo, and by the time I got outta there it was 06:55, HF opens at 07:00, and it was 1/2 mile down the road so no real time having to stand in that line!
I got one from of these tool boxes from HF, its the blue one! I had no intention of getting one, but I was caught up in the frenzy that these things generated. I did get my intended items as well, but did come home with the Blue Beauty!
I also have it on my desk, it holds some of the small tools that used to occupy one of my many pencil jars!
Living my best La Vida Loca here in southeastern Arizona
Thanks for Watching Donny! Good to know! Enjoy!
For 10$, Id use it for my pocket knife collection. Cut some felt for the bottoms of the trays and put the box somewhere where I can get to it easily, like the top of my dresser.
I bought a Workpro tool box that has the same x/y dimensions but is 8 inches tall. This makes both drawers and the top tray deeper and the lid higher. Overall it has the same build quality as the Kolbalt, but with more storage space. I bought it on line, but I don’t remember where. I build model car kits and use to hold the smaller tools on my small workbench.
Harbor Freights is superior to Kobalt plus 3 bucks cheaper. You only get 2 per person so i got the blue and red and yes i was standing in line among others at 7 a.m. on Friday. Perfect for your edc.
thats a great idea.
Good to know, Thanks for Watching
@cle-chi Thanks for Watching!
US GENERAL has roller slides. I walked in mid november and the manager said they weren't out and went in back and got one. I used a coupon and paid about $12.
The US General mini toolbox is a nice mini (because it is mini) toolbox and the BEST ONE to boot. Honestly though, it is a bit of a toy, but it's also 100% useful to many. I'm using it for a collection of mini tools. Think of a collection of mini spoons. People do this. I printed a top tray to hold my Quinn 1/4" Master Socket Set. In the middle drawer I have a tray to hold my ICON 1/4" bit kit. It's cute and practical. It's my 3D printer toolbox. As I collect collect more mini tools I'll fit them in the toolbox nice and tidy. I got two on Black Friday. They are worth the full price too. The Kobalt toolbox is junk.
Someone that I know bought one to store the tooling for a small lathe. The bottom drawer will hold AXA tool holders on their side. The other drawer and the top are good for indexable holders, wrenches and hex keys. Sorry I missed the HF sale but will probably get two for my 13x40 lathe tooling.
After my 4th or so thanksgiving plate, I wasn’t getting up to go anywhere lol
lol,, Thanks for Watching!
Wanted the HF one and the were out. Lowes near me still had alot of the Kobalt minis. Bought a couple online went about my day.
I went to harbor freight when they opened. Not much of a line I was in and out in 10 minutes
Thanks for watching! Good to knowing
Its not the exact same thing. The Kobalt doesnt have ball bearing slides.
Thanks for Watching! Appreciate the feedback
No BB slides, but unlike HF, they offer a matching 3 drawer add on box.
I bought a couple of the Kobalt several years ago for the regular price of $20. I have it on the table holding supplies for my 3D printer Bought a pink one for my daughter who is a welder. She loves it. Bought more of them for gifts recently when Lowes had them again, but that was before the US General version was released. It sounds like the US General one is definitely better and I may buy one in red when they have them again.
Its a damn shame we live in a world where resellers pull this buying up the deals and reselling them at super inflated prices online it was just last year some kid rented a uhaul and went to home depot abought up all the space heaters and resold them online for near 300 bucks apiece guy was bragging about making like a 5000 dollar profit off those things i expect it wont be many more years before all the major stores develop software to combat the scalpers and there price gouging B.S.
Thanks for Watching George! I agree, I heard that some HF’s were limiting how many people could buy.
Hey Tom😃They should sell those in toy stores made by Fisher Price too🤣😂Happy Holiday Seasson to you and your family🎄ROCK ON!!!!!!!🤘🏻🤙🏻✌🏻
Thanks for Watching Fred! Had no idea that this video would get this much interest
That would make more sense!
The USG box is 10 bucks on sale…hardly a scam. It’s a novelty / toy tool box that cost less than a Big Mac combo meal at McDonalds.
I dont call it a scam if you bought them for yourself. I bought the black and blue one. Literally walked into HF on Tuesday and saw the display at 2pm and they were just sitting out. Plus its made way better than the Kobalt one.
Thanks for Watching! Appreciate the feedback
The US general had actual slides instead of metal on metal like all the other companies
They work prefect for stowing my RC lipo batteries.
Ok Chicken Little, she sky isn't falling.
Picked up the harbor freight one. I have to say its really well built, drawers are smooth it's perfect for organizing my spare parts and tools for my 3d printer. Was up at my normal 530 on Friday morning and said why not. Was one of 4 people there when they opened 😂
They're good for flashlights, pocket knives, and other EDC items. Extra bits, blades, and other consumables also fit.
I have a mini SnapOn tool box my brother gave me many years ago. Smaller than these. What do I keep in it? Guitar picks I’ve collected from famous musicians over the years. Still have two drawers to spare…
Bought a pink Kobalt last year for my sister, remember they were hard to find, this year they are in abundance and released a lavender she wanted, grabbed one of them too… actually got a US General weeks before black friday at full price of $17 cause I was Christmas shopping and asked the manager if they would sell one. My buddy bought one a day later simply by asking. Difference is he uses his for pens in the hutch of his toolbox at work… me? I gifted mine to a coworker who has a Mini Kobalt and Mini Snap On already on his desk at work.
the hf unit has rollers for the drawers., not cheap metal sliding drawers.
but yes i bought one. just to put next to my mini floor jack i bought years back.
Thanks for watching Larry!
Yes Harbor Freight had them half price, but sold out witin 20 minutes at my local store, the ONLY thing that I REALLY wanted, and the main reason that I showed up, although I still spent $85 on other items that I couldn't resist, lol🤷♂️😎
The Harbor Freight tool box is better. I have one filled with some fancy lighters and another with pocket knives and edc items. They are nice.
Here in Glendale Arizona harbour freight pulled them mini tool boxes a month and half ago to hold them for black Friday harbor freight is so freaking pathetic their head quarter office had no idea why they pulled them off the shelfs I haven't been to harbor freight in over three years
They withhold items that are on sale all the time. Sometimes the manager will go in the back and "look" to see if they have any more.
They pulled them off the shelf at $18 so they could sell them for $10. What a ripoff.
I have us general. Much better quality than lowes. Bearing slides and drawer liners. Heaver steel. Mine contains jig saw,reciprocating saw,and oscilating saw blades. Very handy.
Perfect for rc hobby tools...I could put on table for the tiny rc tools and or scale parts
I love the US General, so much better than the Kobalt. I bought a total of 5 on 3 separate visits to HF. No lines to get them either. 2 are for gifts.
When Lowes started to sell these there where lines for months when ever they came in to a Lowe’s store they would sell out in less than an hour. Now if you want a snap on mini tool box there are going for about 250 dollars and the Harbor Freight tool box is better than both of those.
Thanks for watching Kevin! Good to know
What…no rain check⁉️
Lots luck finding the hobo freight version. None in any stores within 100 miles of me, plus, no 3 drawer add on box offered at hobo freight.
Thanks for this! Ordering 2 from Lowes now, as much as I hate Lowes..
Sold out everywhere!
I got a couple on black Friday, as others have said, no lines. I did have to ask though, because it turned out they had a cart of them in a store room off the front of the store. I got my 2 (it was limited to 2 per), and was out of there. Just picked up a third (have 1 of each color), and they were just in stock with the other US Gen stuff. I looked at the Kobalt in store, and seen a few compare videos. Not sure how solid the Kobalts are, but yhe US Generals are quite heavy. With actual drawer slides, mats, and a lid that does flip all the way over, its clearly better designed and built. It is gimmicky, but Ive got a bunch of little stuff in the drawers of my big box that would be great to put in one of these sat on top. Unfortunately im gifting the 3 I bought, but will 💯% be getting one for myself. All that being said, especially the fact that these are not hard to get, the sellers jacking up the prices are absolute scammers.
I never got into the mini tool box "thing".....They just seem to take up alot of space for what they are.
For every person tooting their horn about how wonderful the hobo freight mini box is and how junky the Kobalt boxes are, there are 3-5 others like me reporting zero luck finding them. The bottom line being, the HF boxes have no relevance for a huge percentage of those interested. So, the logical person will buy the Lowes version and satisfy themselves with their offering and the 3 drawer add on not offered as a match to the HF brand boxes.
Got several, no lines to wait and two for my daughter, for makeup storage. LoL
Draws on the US Generall from harbor freight are much better. They have ball bearing slides I believe.
US General for me and the Lowe's for my daughter since they came in pink.
I went to harbor freight on Black Friday at 9:00. The mini boxes were sod out
Thanks for Watching!
No harbor freight in my state has not had any in stock since they came out lol I’m in so Illinois
That would be great for pens and pencils. Right next to one of those Tardis desktop mini-fridges.
Thanks for Watching! Agreed
“Big dumb cups”
People will attempt to create a scalper market for anything.
Yet some will completely buy into it 🤦🏻
I want one for my desk at work. I can wait until they are back in stock . People who buy all of them and then try to sell them for a crazy amount really piss me off, and I home they don't sell hardly any of them and have to sell them cheap. Anyone who buys one for wait some people are selling them for deserve to get ripped off .
I was looking no harbor freight had them went in to my local harbor freight on the 24th and they had just got a shipment in and had about 20 of them got me the red one using it put my gun tools and parts but not gonna lie its got some weight to it and build quality feels good
My harbor freight store in Chicago was a ghost town on black friday.. ......Nothing was sold out!......those tool boxes are tiny all hype!
I would be disappointed. My larger one that I got at a rummage sale has ball bearing slides. Nice.
Good luck trying to get one at HF.
Harbor Freight scammed the insiders track membership with limiting distribution of the mini tool boxes selling so many per day. As a club member if they are sold out no big deal but don’t con me to come back the next day saying you can only sell so many per day. If you told us up front what ever the count being sold per day I would have been ok with that as well!
Many people use them to house their knife collection s so the one inch high drawer works for many
I get so frustrated with HF sales. I am member even and go before Black Friday or tent sales open to general public. And every time I want something that shelf is clear. Don't matter if a tool, battery, flashlight or this toolbox. It never fails that what I am trying to get is what everyone wants apparently. I am to point now I just go and pay full price cause I am sick of going there to find a empty shelf.
Thanks for Watching! Sorry to hear that
I've had largely the same experience. I can't confirm this, but I've heard on internet forums (super reliable, I know) that if you get buddy-buddy with the management team at certain stores they'll let you buy the item before the sale goes live and then let you come back during the sale when they're out of stock and refund you the difference even though that's against company policy.
Having said that I asked the manager at my store if she'd let me do that and she told me no... I barely know the woman though so who knows?
If the shelf is out of stock, ask a HF staff member who doesn't have an attitude to look up on the computer to see if they have that item in the back storage area. Lots of times they don't have enough staff to keep the shelves stocked when they are so busy. They are generally more than happy to assist you. Home Depot and Lowe's should take note of the HB's employee work ethic. Be sure to know the Item Number of what you want to make their job easier to look up on the computer, and your shopping experience more enjoyable. Also, sometimes the marked down - sale items can be found at either the end-caps or by the register. Hope that helps! Mini toolboxes are another story entirely... never in stock in my area. Waiting for the green ones to come out, possibly the Q2 of 2025. Good luck!
The Horrible Fright tool box is only $18 and the Kobalt is $20 off sale.
On ebay they are asking as much as $40 for the Kobalt boxes and $50 for the Horrible Fright ones. 🙄
I added a wood top and casters to both of them
Ive been wanting one. Hopefully they will come back in stock eventualy.
These boxes are useless to me but my daughter liked it and uses it for her makeup.
I first saw these type boxes at Lowe's. My first impression was, why? At first I thought it was meant for children then I was surprised that adults like these things. Again, why?
That's a pile of crap compared to the US General. 🤦🏼♂️
Bought the Kobalt one for my daughter. She uses it to keep her makeup in. She loves it. I have plenty of full size boxes around the house, don’t need this little guy for anything.
Just had to add, the box I got at Lowe’s before was a much better box than what this video shows. Mine has ball bearing drawer glides.
That's a true daddy's girl.
bought one at Menards this summer for $14. I use mine for my scale modeling kit tools.
These are good for the little ones. Get some little tools and have them help change the oil on the weekend. Its something they will remember
The harbor Freight box is much better than the Kobalt box with the drawer slides and liners. The box is only good for storing small stuff like router bits or drill bits or other very small items. BTW the drawers only open half way. Really not worth purchasing in my opinion but I would purchase the HF over the Kobalt if I was going to purchase
At times my wife says I collect junk but luckily this isn’t in the collection. 😂 It looks cool & fun but it’s so small it doesn’t make it very practical in my opinion.
I am planning on storing some of my knives in mine
Thats JUNK ! No BALLBEARINGS !!!! Who would stand in a line for that ?
On second thought . That would make a great box for beef jerky .
No comparison. The Kobalt box sucks. The roller slides on the US General are far superior.
Thanks for Watching!
Not an option for many folks, self included. Not one of their stores within 100 miles of me had them for months. Plus, HF does not offer the add on box Kobalt does.
To insinuate that NO ONE uses these tool boxes is painting a very broad brush. I have the KOBALT top and bottom. Its not as nice as the US General ones, but I'll be darned if its not sitting right here in my home office. It holds all kinds of stuff. Not many tools, but then again I'm not a model builder, painter, scrapbooker, etc. There are loads of things these can be used for. Mine is certainly not sitting around collecting dust.
I mean is it worth it to stand in line to resell something to make $20?
Agreed!
Just got one HF was sold out at Black Friday. It took a month &1/2 to get it & I don’t really need it but it’s cool. Couldn’t resist
The US General ones are far superior! People chill out dont go pay $40-50 bucks for these, just chill theyll make plenty more and harbor freight always has a SALE!
Be nice for my hobby tools. X-acto knives, compass, jeweller's hammer, etc
Girlfriend wants the HF toolbox for jewelry, go figure!
You buy them for your kids, that’s what I did. Kids put their toys and crayons.
They're great boxes if you only have 8 tools.
My wife and I got one each. I will be putting my external USB drives in the top, and cables in the top drawer. The bottom being larger, I will likely put my external IDE/SATA adapter, cables, and power cable in there.
She is a fabric crafter, and has several small items like rotary cutters with blades, stencils that are too small to hang on the peg board, sewing machine feet and tools that will get them out of the desk drawer and into a centralized location.
These are for everyone; and they are certainly not worth the full price; and barely worth the discounted price due to: no latch, no handle, and as seen in this video - the drawers are difficult to open and close. However, for what it is, and what we intend to use this for; it’s a nice box with drawers.
I wish we had gotten the HF ones rather than Lowe’s and the HF has small magnetic closure on the top lid; for a lower cost.
Thanks for Watching! Appreciate the feedback
Those tool boxes are actually for storing your e.d.c. stuff ..
My harbor freight still had some today.
no need to stand in line when the Kobalt box is being sold for $12.98 online at lowes with 1997 boxes available. RIP Scalpers.
Thanks for watching! Good point
No lines to get the kobalt, meaning not many people wanting them 🤣
@lennym480 Thanks for Watching!
@@lennym480HF is irrelevant since there has been no availability of their mini box within 100 miles of me for months so HF is not an option!
Ummm da sliding can just be oiled with lubricant thoe
Lowes is the biggest rip off store!....they were even trying to sell a case of bottled water for $8.00!......I'm surprised they did not go out of business yet.......Menards is my go to store.....spent many many thousands there!
No one is forced to buy the water, nor does Lowe’s rely on its sales to stay in business. Lowe’s is a Fortune 500 company and isn’t going anywhere. Get a clue, please.
Those are neat mini tool boxes.Definitely could see how the size could be misleading.Would be cool if it had a lock n key .Thanks for the heads up great video all around.
Thanks for Watching! Very misleading…
I think th HF tool box has ball bearing slides.
Thanks for Watching! Good info
We use the tool box for sewing room and arts and crafts
HF is not a scam, I have 2 well satisfied!
I got a Snap On one for free a few years ago. I wonder what I could get for it!!! Probably less than the thousands I had to spend to get it.
Thanks for Watching, lol
Us general is much better. Kobalt is not the same. The only scam is what you see on Market place.
I just went to compare them and HF is much better and drawers have ball bearings where lowes is friction slide.