As I mentioned recently, we partnered with Home Depot and Husky Tools, where they send over a selection of products for us to review and talk about every couple of months. As it turns out, this is a fantastic arrangement for us, as it is presenting me with both the product solutions and motivation to finally get my garage workshop into the fully productive state I have been working towards.
Translation: we’re in a paid sponsorship with Home Depot, and they’ve sent me everything I need to quit dragging my feet and get my workshop to a presentable and more productive state.
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In the mix are some garage storage products that I’m still working with. But first, before I can organize my tools, and rearrange my supplies, I need to declutter.
Sure, little things can go into a drawer temporarily, but bigger things?
I have stuff in bins, on carts, on workbenches, on the floor, in larger drawers, on shelves… and a lot of that stuff doesn’t need to be there.
So, first thing’s first, it’s time to declutter.
Husky sent over a couple of these new 20 gallon professional duty waterproof storage containers to get things started.
I have no shortage of consumer-grade bins and tote boxes, as well as industrial hinged-lid tote boxes and containers.
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These are better.
20 gallons is a lot. I have smaller tote boxes, and larger ones. I think that 20 gallons is a great size for bulk storage.
And, these have waterproof lids, with 6 latches all around to keep things secure.
There’s a rubber gasket, and as you can see, the lid is clear. The lid is made from polycarbonate and is said to be very durable and impact resistant, and it certainly feels to be.
Each bin has a 500 lb weight capacity.
I’m sorry – 500 lbs? My industrial storage totes can’t handle anywhere near that much weight.
The bins nest went empty, which is always convenient, and they can also stack together.
Yea… I should have put my veggie garden supplies away already, but better late than never, right?
I really like the clear lids here – they let me easily view the contents of a container.
I mentioned that I have industrial hinged-lid containers, right? And consumer tote bins? I had everything labeled once, but that was before I started decluttering, and now I’ve lost track of what’s in which box. So, I have to take the boxes down and open them all up to view the contents.
With these, I can see right through the lid.
I got tired of never having the wire I needed for certain projects. I have great hook-up wire for small circuits, but the insulation is thinner and less suited for when connectors need to be crimped on.
I like different gauge wires for batteries. A multitude of colors when numerous connections need to be made. My hook-up wire is also quite a bit too expensive for longer runs.
I found a supplier of machine tool wire where I was able to get 500-foot spools of USA-made wire for far less than 100-foot spools of my preferred brand of hook-up wire. The stranded wire isn’t as finely stranded, and the insulation is a little thick, but this stuff was cheap and plentiful.
I now need to make or buy small spools to keep 25′ to 50′ lengths in the workshop, with the rest of these spools going onto a storage shelf.
Into the bin they go, and down to storage they go.
Aside from specialty wiring needs that come up from time to time, I now have plenty of wire for my needs – and then some. And, thanks to this large Husky bin, I’ve got them in a waterproof bin that can handle the weight.
One of the lids is a little tricky to close, but other than that, everything arrived undamaged and trouble-free.
These bins are available in red and black, and they’re priced at $30 each.
About the price – this is more than I typically spend on storage bins. But, my bins will deform under weight, and they’re not waterproof or as air-tight as these seem to be.
For things like the gardening supplies, I cleaned everything before putting them away, but the strong waterproof rating (IP65) means nothing will be getting in, or smells (if any) getting out.
Worried about storing stuff in a humid environment? Desiccant and a container like this will be more effective than the other containers and bins I’ve been using, which also led to some tools developing surface rust somehow.
Do you know what I learned while writing up this post? The lid can be opened on 3 sides and kept connected on the 4th. This allows the clasps to be used as hinges! I can’t do this with any of my other removable lid containers or tote boxes.
I know, you can get an HDX 27 gallon tote box for $8 right now. More ergonomic tote boxes are maybe double that price. This Husky is $30.
What justifies the price?
- Strength
- Durability
- Clear polycarbonate lid
- 500 lb load rating
- Manageable size
The handle recesses are comfortable, and although they’re not as pronounced as some of my other tote boxes, I didn’t have any trouble moving these bins around – except maybe the one I loaded with more than a mile of wire.
Husky says that these are perfect to store tools and accessories on rough, rugged jobsites, and I believe it.
Right now they’re helping me get loose tools and supplies out of the garage workshop. Once that’s done I’ll repurpose them. And you know what? I think I’m going to save one for use with my fertilizers and plant food and related stuff.
I’ve tried a couple of Husky storage containers over the years, and these just might be my favorites. They are definitely going to come in handy over the next few weeks, and likely beyond that as well.
Perhaps one of them would be perfect for storing my dust collection hoses and fittings.
I’m liking these storage boxes much more than I anticipated. They work really well, and offer features usually found in smaller containers with much higher price tags.
The containers measure 26.7″ L x 18.3″ W x 15.3″ H.
Price: $30
TonyT
Sounds like they would be good for storing emergency supplies (food, water, etc).
Stuart
Definitely.
Actually, I was going to use one to move a couple of gallons of water from the garage to the basement, but it seemed like a waste of its capabilities, and so I used a different tote for that.
The seal seems very good for food though, keeping bugs, rodents, and humidity out. It might be difficult to move though – 20 gallons is a lot of food. Boxes of cereal? Not so much. Canned food? Absolutely. It’ll hold it, preferably in smaller crates or containers placed inside this one, but it might be too heavy to move.
TonyT
I’m also thinking about storing emergency supplies outside – I live in earthquake country, so there’s a plus to keep some supplies where nothing is likely to crash down on top. (Right now, I keep about 20 gal of bottled water plus canned food, candles, etc in the garage, on heavy duty shelves so hopefully it will survive – AND I’ll be able to get to it).
Andy
I’m not sure about rodents. I’ve had rats chew through home depot buckets, and I’m pretty sure they could get through these. Someone really needs to tell me what rats add to this world.
Mike
Clear lid is especially cool. And being able to stack is nice. Maybe good storage for small wood scraps for small project uses if they stay air tite.
Frank D
I considered getting half a dozen of them a few months ago. They were featured in a flyer, did not know these existed, checked them out in store, almost bought two for sampling … but did not like the latches … which appeared rather thin and flimsy for a rugged container. Also would rather undo just two latches than six. My old action packers seem better that way. Of course no clear lid, but I know what is in which and they’re labeled,
Jim Felt
I looked at these carefully today and I agree.
A couple of latches were literally knocked off of two of the display models and one latch I found on the floor and tried to replace but it would not go back in. Dunno why.
But more troubling to me is that their seal “tubing” was kinked and on several tops was badly seated. Leading me to wonder what exactly they are made of and how long will they actually last?
Lotta questions.
BTW these were red models I saw no black ones.
Fani
The latches are made from Polycarbonate, they are actually very sturdy
Jared
That looks like a good design. I might pick some up. I really like having clear lids on my bins for the same reason you mentioned- knowing what’s inside at a glance. I also have surface rust problems with some of my stuff in my shop – it’s ancient, not heated or air-tight.
These might make good camping gear boxes too – keep the rain out during the drive if I put them in the back of my truck, rugged enough to be used frequently, strong enough to carry the gear.
Good design Husky.
fred
Are they waterproof as in leak-tight – or just water resistant?
Do you know how they might they do submerged in a flooded basement?
Stuart
They say IP65.
That means it’s dust-tight and protected against water jets of certain pressure and duration.
Immersion requires IPX7 at the least.
In a flooded basement, contents might be protected or at least partially protected, but I couldn’t or wouldn’t guarantee it.
fred
Our storage room in Florida – by all reports – did not fare well with Hurricane Eta. Nothing irreplaceable – but I expect to hear that some waterlogged stuff had to be trashed. Oh well.
Frank D
My thoughts are always with the people who go through flooding, structural damage, loss of property … cleanup, rebuilding. It is tough.
A couple simple practical thoughts regarding water ( flood zone, have had roof damage in hurricanes and dealt with a slightly flooded house, wet rooms, ruined belongings … insurance that screws you over etc).
In the garage space, I raised the hot water heater, washer and dryer about 16” off the ground. The first with 8 cinder blocks. The other with a PT 2x frame.
Don’t use cardboard filing boxes for storage. Certainly not on the bottom row. Use plastic tubs with a lip that overhangs.
A couple rows of cinder blocks with 2×8 or such lumber over it, makes a sturdy platform to keeps things off the ground in the gararge.
Have plastic sheething and a box of sand bags handy. The city and the county may hand out sand bags, but it often is a mad scramble … lines … waiting … self service to fill, bring your own shovel and a limit of 6, 8 or 10 bags. Which – in an area that can easily get 1-3 feet of storm surge – does 1 entry door. So, buy a box of empty bags. Can also buy bags of building sand or play sand. Maybe build a sand box … but instead of driving 20 min, worrying about waiting in line, only getting 6-10 bags etc … you can make your own sand bags at home.
fred
Good advice. But we stay north during Hurricane season.
Our Condo is up on the third floor – and the first floor is set something like 16 feet above the ground – and perhaps 20 to 25 feet above normal sea (Gulf) level. We all have caged storage rooms at ground level – good for beach stuff, bbq stuff, bikes etc. Most of us know not to keep anything in those spaces that you would cry over if lost to a flood. Our agent will pitch out what’s not salvageable – try to clean up and dry out the rest and give us a list. Having a view of the Gulf is nice – but it comes with risks.
Chris S
With the clear plastic and Red/black color scheme, you might mistake these for Milwaukee.
Is the lid and box the same material as the packout boxes?
Stuart
These are made from polypropylene and polycarbonate.
Milwaukee Packout have PP recycling logos. The product manager said they’re made from polypropylene with “secret sauce” added in.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-packout-modular-tool-storage-system/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
J. Newell
Notwithstanding the different materials, I had exactly that thought. Even the pattern on the (inside of the?) lid is reminiscent of Packout. 🙂
Jim Felt
No “accident”… Too bad they aren’t a tad more robust.
Scott
Wouldnt mind if you divulge your wire supplier! Was looking for a decent assortment a couple months back and all I could find was harbor freight’s assortment (which gets mixed reviews, many mentioning poor quality – surprise).
Could not find any other assortments, everything else was 1 roll (100’/200′) and more than I wanted to spend, so I wound up getting red/black 50ft. in 16ga just to have some general purpose wire laying around. Still have on my list to get something more long-term, and reasonably priced spools could get me there since it doesn’t look like I’m finding any legitimate assortments..
And these totes look nice, love the clear lid. But at $30 I would not buy unless there’s an extremely specific need for a heavyweight or weather tight tote.
Stuart
I normally like Alpha’s MPPE-insulated wire, but it’s pricey.
Hobbyists suppliers have wire in 25′ lengths, which isn’t a lot. All Electronics has cheap wire, but it’s not any particular brand or with published specs.
I’ve bought MTW before, and’s semi-flexible stuff.
So I went with Automation Direct – https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/wiring_solutions/electrical_hook-up_-z-_building_wire/insulation_type_-_mtw
Example: 22 AWG PVC-coated 500-foot spool for $18.
The insulation is thicker than PVC-insulated hook-up wire, but it seems to be decent so far.
My only challenge now is respooling 25′ to 50′ workshop lengths.
I typically improvise when I don’t have exactly what I need, so I bought red and black in 16, 18, 20 AWG, and a range of colors in 22 AWG which is what I use for general purpose hook-up wire.
I can use my pricier stuff when needed and for prototyping, and the machine tool wire for sensor, switch, other low-voltage and low-current tasks.
I will always need something different for specialty tasks (such as shielded wire or multi-conductor cabling), but this should ease my frustrations with never having the size, color, length, or type of wire I need, or at least future frustrations of this nature.
It’s going to be hard beating Harbor Freight’s pricing on that 400′ wire assortment.
I spent $18 and up on 500-foot spools, but that’s also 500 feet of each – you can’t easily buy this in smaller lengths, and when you can, respooling and reel costs will drive up the price.
Andy
Thanks man. They’re going to get a bit of my money tomorrow. Thicker insulation is kind of a pain, but damn, that is affordable wire.
Stuart
One thing to warn you about – all of my wire shipped in individual boxes…
I thought the delivery driver was joking about having 20 boxes for me that day.
Tom D
So at $30 this gets close to the large packout toolbox on sale – and then you have to consider which is better for what you’re doing.
A large packout toolbox with the clear lid from the organizers would be amazing …
Stuart
This is a lot larger than Packout though.
TonyT
These should also make good 3D printer filament storage containers, since they’re air tight – make sure you add plenty of desiccant.
I’m looking at printing some individual filament dryboxes (based on the Prusa design) for use doing printing, but this box might be good for bulk storage.
Doc John
Looks very nice
Stronger with better quality
Where manufactured?
USA made is much much preferred.
Real clear lid is a major plus- lateral box windows also should be considered- when shelved it would help view when shelved or stacked
Stuart
I need to double check on that.
A window into the side of a container is going to cost a lot to implement, and unless it’s huge, it might too small for any clear view of the contents.
Jim Felt
U. S. A.
Matt
Went in for some of the $8 HDX (or whatever they are) totes and played with these a little bit. They are stout and the clear lid is a really nice feature. I’d go broke buying these for normal storage for but for special uses they have real promise. If HD could license the Packout interface and do a Milwaukee-compatible lid, THAT would be cool! Anyone know how the IP rules would work for something like that? If it were Packout-compatible but obviously not a Milwaukee product? I assume it’s not open-source like Magpul did with MLOK. (even though third-party mounts are everywhere)
Stuart
I’m pretty sure Keter is the OEM on Packout. Even if not, the OEM is definitely going to be locked out of making the designs for anyone else.
Festool’s parent company licenses quite a few modular tool box systems, even if they’re different designs, due to IP ownership.
fred
With Husky products the GTIN (aka UPC) is usually the telltale for the OEM. That’s true for a lot of the house brand items at HD and Lowes – but only sometimes for a SBD or TTI branded product that may carry a SBD or TTI company GTIN – even if a different OEM was involved.
Graham Z
SBD?
Jacob
Would you mind posting the inner dimensions of the bin as well? Seems perfect for some 3D printer filament storage since it’s airtight, but hard to tell how many rolls could fit in there.
Yoni
I have ten(!) of these bins, replacing the cheap HDX ones after they started to deform. I love them, though I also have never seen them in black. The latches aren’t super robust, it is true, but they pop back on easily and you don’t have to latch all six. I use the four main ones, so I can undo two and lift the lid on a hinge. My main gripe is that the dimensions are completely different to any of the HDX bins, so I had to re-organise everything.
At $30, I would recommend going with the cheaper ones until/unless you know you need something sturdier and the volume. Otherwise, I have a lot of milk crates as well.
John
I was at Home Depot this morning and checked out these Husky bins. I was not impressed with these at all. They seem thin and flimsy. That lid will fracture with weight on top. $30 is better spent on the actual heavy duty type flit top bins sold at Uline. I have about a dozen of those and they are tough (not waterproof though) but would outlast this Husky by a wide margin.
J. Newell
I was also…and I did also…but I bought two. I agree that the polycarbonate top seems like it would be susceptible to serious impact damage. I thought the hinge-like arrangement was interesting, and the capacity is good. A little pricey…but worth a try IMHO so I’ve got two and will see how they work out.
Dan M
Will these hold vinyl LPs? Typically LPs weigh about 80lbs / lineal foot (IIRC), a sturdy box is needed. For moving an LP collection or long term storage I’d like some stronger and safer than old wine boxes.
John Newell
These are very big containers from that point of you. I think that if you filled one of these containers with LPs, assuming you and a strong friend could actually pick the thing up, there would be a significant risk of the container cracking or breaking. That’s just a gut feeling. I have not tried destructive testing on the ones I bought. 😉
firefly
man, I was very very excited for those bins until I found out about the latch.
At this price point if they can figure a better way to secure the lids those bins they definitely have a winner.
Fani
The Polycarbonate lid is virtually indestructible… try hitting it with a hammer, it will not break.
Tom
I stil prefer the 18gal Rubbermaid Roughneck bins. They are flexible enough to be durable and not so big that they get heavy. The only things that kill them is long term outdoor UV exposure and abusing them in cold weather. Also there are 3 sizes with the same lit that stack.
My experience with other bins is that they are made of a stiffer material that cracks, or hinges and latches break.
Todd shaffer
So I tried to buy these at Home Depot. They had 3 with no lids. I asked about ordering them she said that wasn’t an option. But a store 50 miles away had them Some days I hate Home Depot.