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Roll around tool cart opinions

hunt2elk

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Have any of you mechanics built up a nice heavy duty tool cart? My tool chest is overflowing and very stationary. So for convenience I was thinking it would be nice to have a sturdy roll around cart with a nice solid top and maybe capable of hanging common tools off it somehow. I have a couple of the cheapy ones, but want something heavy duty that could take some serious weight. I really don't see any thing sold that I like and figure a guy could build something. Just need a plan. Any thoughts or opinions out there?
 
The thing to avoid with those is to avoid having too much storage room in them or they also become heavy and awkward to move. Not a lot of help but a start.
 
Best idea for those I've heard recently is using urethane rollerblade type wheels on them rather than metal or other styles. I'm sure you looked into already built boxes and rejected them, but curious as to why? I've seen some pretty good clearance deals on Craftsman boxes from time to time. I only seem to stumble across them when I'm broke.
 
I'm sure you looked into already built boxes and rejected them, but curious as to why? I've seen some pretty good clearance deals on Craftsman boxes from time to time. I only seem to stumble across them when I'm broke.

I was thinking about something bigger and sturdier than can be bought. Like maybe 3' x4' and I could jump on top of it if I felt so inclined.
 
Funny thing:
I have been thinking about building the very same thing.
I just need ideas!
 
I was thinking about something bigger and sturdier than can be bought. Like maybe 3' x4' and I could jump on top of it if I felt so inclined.

Well, if I was going to do something like that, I would start out building it like a freestanding shelf/table system and add drawers, shelves and wheels. Weight can still be your enemy, so maybe 1" square (or smaller) steel stock for the frame and 1/8" plate for the top. Paint with something durable, or powder coat after you have all of the holes drilled for the drawer hardware.
 
In the end I ended up using a separate toolbox for each main project. Craftsman roller bearing boxes, small enough to move around. Also used several cheaper Craftsman boxes stacked along one wall.
 
I new a guy that bought a crash cart from a hospital and was able to use that. It's a cart they used to keep stuff in they needed when someone was having the gripper. My cart is about 24"x30" and has 2 shelves. On the top I keep all the tools I use the most because I hate digging through a tool box no matter how well it is organized. I hang my box end wrenches off the side and attached a 2X4 on the side, drilled about a dozen holes and keep my screwdrivers in there. I don't have to lock up my tools so security is not an issue. I love my tool cart!
 
I new a guy that bought a crash cart from a hospital and was able to use that. It's a cart they used to keep stuff in they needed when someone was having the gripper. My cart is about 24"x30" and has 2 shelves. On the top I keep all the tools I use the most because I hate digging through a tool box no matter how well it is organized. I hang my box end wrenches off the side and attached a 2X4 on the side, drilled about a dozen holes and keep my screwdrivers in there. I don't have to lock up my tools so security is not an issue. I love my tool cart!

Any chance you could post a pic of that cart?

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I just need ideas!

Me too.
 
As far as the casters go, I have designed tons of carts for manufacturing plants and my favorite wheel type is a round face solid rubber wheel by Albion. I used to source them from a company in MN called "Cassidy Tricker".

16XR06201R-CT is the 6" rigid

16XR06201S-CT is the matching 6" in a caster


I think they list for around $32 and $35 each for rigid and caster types.

I used to do bulk orders so I got a price break, they aren't cheap but wow, they are the Cadillac of castor wheels in every respect. The round face is the way to go for not getting "stick" on a washer or a little rock or something stupid on the shop floor. They are super quiet, hard solid rubber tire face, they roll so effortlessly and they are 600 lb cap.

I will be using these for any body carts I build for wheeling car bodies/truck beds around my shop.

Maybe overkill for your crash cart roll about tho.
 
Here are some pics

DSCF0489.jpg DSCF0490.jpg DSCF0491.jpg
 
I figured if I put the fire extinguisher on the cart I wouldn't need to use it and so far that has been the case. Kinda like washing your car and it rains the next day but just the opposite scenario.
 
Hmmm, with this logic..... I do regret carrying a rubber in my wallet when I was younger...

LMAO!



Seriously though, I'm stealing that fire extinguisher idea for my shop tool cart.
 
Eric, I really like the fire extinguisher. I'll be moving mine off the wall to the cart.

Here's my "team". What I've discovered over the years is; if I try to load too much into one space; I lose $hit. So; here's the set-up. Lowes Kobalt chest (floor model, scratched, dented 1/2 off) and a Challenger Cabinet (crash cart). I have used this piece for everything. Portability is the key. I'm never more than 2 steps away from tools or a place to put parts. Clearly you can make the cart, enclosed or not, IMHO use it as an accessory, a supplement or support piece. As mentioned before, if you build your own, DO NOT skimp on the casters!! Make sure you post the end product.
 

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I built a rolling 4'x8' workbench that comes in handy for everything. I just wheel it to wherever i'm working. Saves a whole lot of walking and figuring out where you're going to lay stuff down.
 
I built a rolling 4'x8' workbench that comes in handy for everything. I just wheel it to wherever i'm working. Saves a whole lot of walking and figuring out where you're going to lay stuff down.

Something like that might be more what I am looking for. Got a pic of it?
 
I bought this one for $99.00 with coupon and have never regretted it. It rolls good, hold alot of stuff, has ball bearing drawers. I am really pleased.

Mine looks just like this one in this you tube:

[video=youtube;z0ynBHMU77w]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0ynBHMU77w[/video]
 
Here's my mobile workbench. Right now i'm using it to set my ladder on to get into the attic. It has hooks that attach to the main workbench so it won't roll away while i'm on it. One concern is that it could roll into a car. I need to add two locking casters. It's built on 16" centers just like home construction. The top is 3/4" plywood, the second shelf is 1/2". I suspect i could lower a car down on it and roll it around.
workbench1.jpg

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Here's another. The casters came from Tractor Supply and are rated for 750lbs each or something like that.
workbench.jpg
 
Lots of good ideas, keep them coming guys.
 
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