Modifications to the HF 4 and 5 drawer service carts - what changes have you made?

[Vividlyvintage]

Any drawer organization tips?

 

[AP_photo]

Just picked up my 5 drawer cart, two sets of socket trays (9 total), and the multimeter for $170 thanks to this site. Can't wait to get home and put it all together.

 

[jtfc]

Just picked up my 5 drawer cart, two sets of socket trays (9 total), and the multimeter for $170 thanks to this site. Can't wait to get home and put it all together.

Congrats! Two pieces of advice for your cart before you assemble it. 1 have a buddy around to help assemble. The legs and casters are easy once you have to put the box on the legs you will want help. 2 don't expect the holes to all line up perfectly this is an awesome cart and possibly the highest quality product in harbor freight, but it is still made by some poor commie kid somewhere in the depths of china. They may not all line up perfect so make sure to tighten everything only hand tight UNTIL its all assembled then feel free to torque them down with a 3/4 gun good luck.

 

[AP_photo]

Thanks for the advice jtfc.

 

[archirelic]

Congrats! Two pieces of advice for your cart before you assemble it. 1 have a buddy around to help assemble. The legs and casters are easy once you have to put the box on the legs you will want help. 2 don't expect the holes to all line up perfectly this is an awesome cart and possibly the highest quality product in harbor freight, but it is still made by some poor commie kid somewhere in the depths of china. They may not all line up perfect so make sure to tighten everything only hand tight UNTIL its all assembled then feel free to torque them down with a 3/4 gun good luck.

...Did we buy the same cart?

 

[jtfc]

Yup just figured I would pass on the lessons I learned the hard way.

 

[archirelic]

Yup just figured I would pass on the lessons I learned the hard way.

I guess that one went over your head.

 

[jtfc]

No lol it was just my crappy attempt at injecting humor next time ill add one of these for emphasis

 

[ndnchf]

I guess I was lucky with mine, all the holes lined up fine. The only problem I had was a couple of the bolts had buggered up threads and the nuts wouldn't go on. But there were enough extra bolts included, so it wasn't a problem.

 

[JASTECH]

I want one! Just need to find somebody going from HF Cheyenne to Scottsbluff where I could meet them. PM me if you can help.

 

[AP_photo]

Got mine together tonight. Went together pretty good until I bent the back corner of the lid a bit. Still works fine and locks like it should. Very happy with the purchase.

 

[CD1]

Congrats! Two pieces of advice for your cart before you assemble it. 1 have a buddy around to help assemble. The legs and casters are easy once you have to put the box on the legs you will want help. 2 don't expect the holes to all line up perfectly this is an awesome cart and possibly the highest quality product in harbor freight, but it is still made by some poor commie kid somewhere in the depths of china. They may not all line up perfect so make sure to tighten everything only hand tight UNTIL its all assembled then feel free to torque them down with a 3/4 gun good luck.

When you lower the upper cabinet onto the assembly of the legs and uprights, do not tighten any of the fasteners until you have all of the upper fasteners, bolts and nuts, aligned and very lightly fastened. Check the fit of the lid and adjust, if you can, so the lid closes correctly.

 

[machine_punk]

Replaced the handle with a wrench...
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Took all the chrome trim (actually extruded aluminum) off the drawers and removed the US General logo. (will eventually rivet on my own, custom logo, for The Aerodrome Studio)...
View media item 11208
Added the 7-drawer end cabinet...
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I usually leave most of the top area open for whatever tools and materials I am using for my current project. The drawers hold my frequently-used/most generalized tools, so I pretty much have tools to do just about anything within reach. All of my solid-rivet tools are on the cart somewhere. Specialized tools get stored somewhere else.

M_P

 

[ndnchf]

Nice job MP, looks great. I like the clean look without the shiny trim.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I just thought of something. The rod that sticks up near the back, on my 4 drawer cart, and engages the locking tabs when the lid is closed is attached to the locking tabs with a nut. The nut came off of one on mine and it was a PITA to get the drawers open to to fix it.

May be a good idea to locklite that nut on now wile you can get the drawers open.

Chris

 

[machine_punk]

Nice job MP, looks great. I like the clean look without the shiny trim.

thanks...I really like that clean look.

 

[CHuDWah]

Added the 7-drawer end cabinet...

Is the end cabinet still available? I didn't see it on the HF website.

 

[Recoil Rob]

That end cabinet is made for the 43", 13 drawer, rolling chest, I'd be careful not to over load it. The 5 drawer has a smaller wheelbase, and can also have a higher center of gravity depending on how it's loaded and can be unstable with the end cabinet.

 

[Vividlyvintage]

How much is that sidebox?

 

[Recoil Rob]

The lowest I have seen in the last 6 months is $199.

 

[machine_punk]

About the end cabinet...
I never see it on sale for less than $200. I got mine for $150, since the keys were locked inside (not a problem, since HF will send you a free lock to replace the one you are going to have to drill out). Seems to be a common problem.

I don't put a lot of heavy things in the end cabinet...layout tools, solid rivet tools, a few hammers, pop rivet set, safety gear (N95 masks, ear plugs, safety glasses).

The problem with mounting the end cabinet is that you cannot close the lid (unless you grind a slot for the back of the end cabinet to fit). It doesn't bother me...but might be a factor for others, who would be hesitant to cut the cart to close the lid.

 

[rburke65]

You can add a 1/4" spacer between the cabinets and then bolt them together.

 

[Justin C]

I put my black 4 drawer cart this weekend, I spent 20 min looking for the keys for it as the box was locked. I never found keys for it. It was flimmsy enough to twist the lid off the lock so i could open it. I took the lock off , i dont need a lock on it at home. I need to loosen the legs and move it a little one of the drawers rubs on one of the legs. Other than that its a fairly nice cart and i am thinking of getting one for at work.

 

[ndnchf]

You can add a 1/4" spacer between the cabinets and then bolt them together.

A simple, yet effective solution - I like it

 

[gabeancounter]

Anybody have a pic of the 5 drawer as a welding cart?

 

[Recoil Rob]

A simple, yet effective solution - I like it

Well, here's another way of looking at putting an end cabinet on a tool cart.

Tool cart on sale, $150 + end cabinet on sale $200, = $350, plus modification.

For $350 you can buy the 13 drawer cart on sale, have much more storage room, a more stable platform and you can put a rubber pad or wood top surface to work on. You can add a can holder if you like. It will roll just as easily.

Putting an end cabinet on the 5 drawer cart seems to defeat the purpose of having a smaller, lighter work station to roll up to your work, but to each his own.

 

[machine_punk]

In my case, I got the end cabinet with the intent of getting the 13-drawer box on which to hang it. After getting the end cabinet (for $150, with the keys locked in it), I decided i don't want the 13-drawer cart, I want to build my own tool storage cabinet (I still like the quality of the 13-drawer cart, but the drawers are not wide enough (from the front of the drawer to the back of the drawer) for my needs.) Since I consider myself a decent metal fabricator, I wanted to build my own set of drawers.

So, I needed a place to hang the end cabinet, until I get the chance to build another bench (I will build the end cabinet into the bench, for more drawer space).

 

[bullfrog123]

Nothing too special here. Side tray add on. Set up this way you can still close and lock the lid. Also couple screws in the back to hold a framing square.

 

[bugnout]

Does the side tray fold?

 

[bullfrog123]

Does the side tray fold?

Nope. But I can remove it in 20 seconds or less. Only 2 little screws hold it on from inside the top. The bottom "legs" are just resting on the angle iron pcs.

 

[SRM]

Here's a simple addition I did to my cart.
I took 1/4" stainless steel tubing, bent it, then tapped the end 10-32 to make additional storage for cans, etc..
The last pic shows the 10-32 machine screws used to secure it.
Easy, simple and effective.

 

[archirelic]

Here's a simple addition I did to my cart.
I took 1/4" stainless steel tubing, bent it, then tapped the end 10-32 to make additional storage for cans, etc..
The last pic shows the 10-32 machine screws used to secure it.
Easy, simple and effective.

Sweet, looks like I might "pirate" your idea for my own benefit!

 

[jeffmoss26]

One of the maintenance guys at work has the red cart with locker on the side. What he did that I like is mounted a coffee cup holder on the front of his box! It's a large circular ring screwed right above where the drawers are. Genius!

 

[Vividlyvintage]

One of the maintenance guys at work has the red cart with locker on the side. What he did that I like is mounted a coffee cup holder on the front of his box! It's a large circular ring screwed right above where the drawers are. Genius!

It doesnt exist unless a picture is posted lol

Take a pic and post it. I would like to see it.

 

[ndnchf]

+1 on the coffee cup holder - need pics.

The tubing used to make another shelf is brilliant! I may do that myself.
Keep the ideas coming!!

 

[Recoil Rob]

Here's a simple addition I did to my cart.
I took 1/4" stainless steel tubing, bent it, then tapped the end 10-32 to make additional storage for cans, etc..
The last pic shows the 10-32 machine screws used to secure it.
Easy, simple and effective.

That's 1/4 OD stainless? What type of supplier has that in small pieces? Looks like you used about 2ft?

 

[dodge610]

I have the 4 Drawer and the 5 drawer cart the 4 drawer one I took some extra wood paneling I had and boxed the bottom in to keep dust and dirt to a minimum. Used the Liquid Gold on the paneling to keep it lookin good. Works out fairly well thinkin about boxing in the 5 drawer also with aluminum and painting it red to match. would really like to add on 2 more drawers but dont know if they make a kit for this or if I would have to wing it.

 

[ndnchf]

That's 1/4 OD stainless? What type of supplier has that in small pieces? Looks like you used about 2ft?

I wonder if that is stainless brake line? I'm not sure where to get that, but zinc plated brake line is available in auto parts stores in short sections.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I'll snap a pic tmw...

 

[ndnchf]

I finally got around to removing the US GENERAL logo and replacing it with that of my favorite motorcycle. Nothing personal against HF, I just wanted to personalize it to suit my garage.