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

[monomach]

I've fought off the urge to mod mine for the longest time, but I've really wanted to do this one for a while...4 magnetic strips bolted to the inside of the lid.

I'm sure this'll cause premature shock failure, so I'm going to go order the Snap-On hinges right now.

Now I have to figure out which pliers I really want hanging there.

 

[monomach]

Hinges are out of stock. Boooooooo!

 

[kool_BOY8323]

I've fought off the urge to mod mine for the longest time, but I've really wanted to do this one for a while...4 magnetic strips bolted to the inside of the lid.

I'm sure this'll cause premature shock failure, so I'm going to go order the Snap-On hinges right now.

Now I have to figure out which pliers I really want hanging there.

I did 2 magnets on my lid, im thinking of upping it to four now, because my knipex don't like to stay. but in place of the snap on hinges (ive got an anti-***** for snap on, don't ask) I just went to the local o'reileys and picked up the strongest hood struts they offered, and drilled new holes to mount the lower bits. the best part? they have a lifetime warranty and support 60 lbs each. when they're new I can move the cart with just the handle on the lid, and not close it. not sure what the snappy hinges cost, but a these ran me about 45 bucks, and like I said, lifetime warranty:



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[MN4x4]

I just went to the local o'reileys and picked up the strongest hood struts they offered, and drilled new holes to mount the lower bits. the best part? they have a lifetime warranty and support 60 lbs each.

Got a part number please?

 

[kool_BOY8323]

Got a part number please?

im not certain, but I think this is it,

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d....oap?ck=Search_N0876_-1_-1&pt=N0876&ppt=C0329

if not, look around here:

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/s...l)/N0876/C0329.oap?page=1&results=20&sortBy=2

 

[Larey]

If that is not it then post the specifications of what you need and I will get you a part number.
End types-
Compressed length-
Extended length-

I will look it up tomorrow and give you the options.


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[monomach]

I did 2 magnets on my lid, im thinking of upping it to four now, because my knipex don't like to stay. but in place of the snap on hinges (ive got an anti-***** for snap on, don't ask) I just went to the local o'reileys and picked up the strongest hood struts they offered, and drilled new holes to mount the lower bits. the best part? they have a lifetime warranty and support 60 lbs each. when they're new I can move the cart with just the handle on the lid, and not close it. not sure what the snappy hinges cost, but a these ran me about 45 bucks, and like I said, lifetime warranty:

Just ten bucks with free shipping. I'm digging these over better shocks because the construction is so simple that they should outlast me. No gas cartridges to leak and fail over the years.

I emailed Snappy today to see whether there was an ETA for hinges to get back in stock. They said they had no idea why my cart said they were out. Every warehouse they have has them.

 

[jimnickol1986]

Ive looked through here to find it, but couldn't find it..whats the part number on those snappy hinges? Id like to order some from my dealer

 

[Duarte]

Hinges

part# KRBC8T9

 

[skulldrinker]

I did 2 magnets on my lid, im thinking of upping it to four now, because my knipex don't like to stay. but in place of the snap on hinges (ive got an anti-***** for snap on, don't ask) I just went to the local o'reileys and picked up the strongest hood struts they offered, and drilled new holes to mount the lower bits. the best part? they have a lifetime warranty and support 60 lbs each. when they're new I can move the cart with just the handle on the lid, and not close it. not sure what the snappy hinges cost, but a these ran me about 45 bucks, and like I said, lifetime warranty:

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I had to grind the edges down on my magnet strips to get my wrenches to stick good. The edge is about 1/8 higher than the magnet surface. Now that the wrenches are in contact with the magnet surface they stick firmly in place.

 

[Hopalong604]

Just got this a few days ago. I was ready to pull the trigger on a snap on cart until I read this thread. For $99 it was a shot I was willing to take

 

[kool_BOY8323]

Just ten bucks with free shipping. I'm digging these over better shocks because the construction is so simple that they should outlast me. No gas cartridges to leak and fail over the years.

I emailed Snappy today to see whether there was an ETA for hinges to get back in stock. They said they had no idea why my cart said they were out. Every warehouse they have has them.

don't get me wrong, those snappy hinges are damn cool upgrade, I just prefer gas shocks. and like I said, lifetime warranty. 5 minutes with a pocket screwdriver and the shock is off, warranty it out, snap the new on in place. no big deal. but I suppose its all in how you use your cart. I dig the shocks.

 

[kool_BOY8323]

I had to grind the edges down on my magnet strips to get my wrenches to stick good. The edge is about 1/8 higher than the magnet surface. Now that the wrenches are in contact with the magnet surface they stick firmly in place.

that sounds like a good idea...ill look into it Monday.

 

[monomach]

Got my Snappy hinges today. Two business day shipping, since I live pretty close to the Crystal Lake distribution center.

Interesting thing on the packing list is that the country of origin is China. Now that I look after the fact, it's on the webpage, too.

 

[monomach]

Anyone know a store that sells single rubber grommets of varying sizes? I'd like to tighten up the holes I have screwdrivers in. Blew an hour in Menard's looking for them.

If no one has them, I think I'll just get a kit from Harbor Freight.

 

[Duarte]

Grommets

 

[monomach]

Grommets

Oh, no. I mean, like, a physical store. I'm planning on getting it done on my day off tomorrow.

 

[k-os]

Oh, no. I mean, like, a physical store. I'm planning on getting it done on my day off tomorrow.

Best bet would probably be an Ace Hardware if you have one nearby.

 

[jakemac]

Ace, True Value, Lowes, Home Depot, Harbor Freight, NAPA, PEP Boys, Auto Zone, Boats USA, Grainger, Agway, Tractor Supply, Radio Shack (?) .

It all depends on the individual store as to the inventory they choose to carry in your area.

 

[Duarte]

A local source would be good, but I think i wouldtake some measurements and just order exactly what I need, rather than drive from place to place and waste time and gas looking.

 

[thursday]

Can anyone tell me where to find some black pop rivets that will fit the 5 drawer cart? I don't know if theres different sizes on the cart, but the ones I need are on the hinge of the lid.

 

[machine_punk]

Is there any reason you cannot use a regular pop rivet, then paint it black?

POP rivets come in standard sizes (of course, you could get a small assortment for the few you will need).

Kev

 

[rande]

Is there any reason you cannot use a regular pop rivet, then paint it black?

POP rivets come in standard sizes (of course, you could get a small assortment for the few you will need).

Kev

That's what I was thinking. I installed some silver rivets and used a black magic marker to color them about a year ago and they are still looking good.

 

[331CID]

This thread convinced me to join this forum. Love what you guys have done with your carts. I've got the four drawer which I originally used only as a box sitting on a bench for miscellaneous tools. Since going back to working in a shop, I have been using it for it's intended purpose-a roll cart. So far my only mods have been to paint the chrome (err plastic) drawer trim green, along with the snap on logo my machinist friend cut for me. I want to add the side box many of you have done and build the frame for stability. Also for Ford Guy, is there any way you could add the drawers out of a second cart but retain the use of the second cart? Ie second cart still rolls and has a top work area. I can't remember exactly how it went together.

 

[ford guy]

331,
I believe anything is possible....depending on your fab skills, tools available and most importantly....TIME. The drawer slides are riveted to the sides, which are tack welded to the underside of the main area which has the hinged lid.

Here is the one I cut up and heavily modified. I finally finished it & gave it to my son as an early graduation present from MMI.




Bob

 

[fordkid88]

331,
I believe anything is possible....depending on your fab skills, tools available and most importantly....TIME. The drawer slides are riveted to the sides, which are tack welded to the underside of the main area which has the hinged lid.

Here is the one I cut up and heavily modified. I finally finished it & gave it to my son as an early graduation present from MMI.




Bob

You did just what I want to do, I have 2 that are side by side and I wanted to do this to make it more functional.

 

[upgrading]

331,




Bob

Excellent work !

 

[Dirty Diesels]

Excellent work !

That is one nice upgrade as if it were factory built

 

[ex-x-fire]

Is that an M16 rear sight handle at the top?

 

[Shadowdog500]

331,
I believe anything is possible....depending on your fab skills, tools available and most importantly....TIME. The drawer slides are riveted to the sides, which are tack welded to the underside of the main area which has the hinged lid.

Here is the one I cut up and heavily modified. I finally finished it & gave it to my son as an early graduation present from MMI.




Bob

Do you have build photos that could take us through the process. That build would make a great thread.


Chris

 

[331CID]

I love that cart! Did you cut too much off the second cart to use it functionally? The only reason I'm asking is because a friend of mine wants a cart but doesn't want the drawers, so we are planning on splitting te purchase price. If I need to buy more supplies to fab up the drawers I will, but would like to be able to pull the drawers and add them on (possibly cutting the side panels out that the tracks are riveted to?)

 

[ford guy]

Is that an M16 rear sight handle at the top?

Good Eye! Yes, that is an M16/AR carry handle. I was planning on installing a wrench for the handle, but saw the M16 handle & knew I had to be a little different! I mounted the Picatinny rail to the lid, so the handle is removable.

I love that cart! Did you cut too much off the second cart to use it functionally? The only reason I'm asking is because a friend of mine wants a cart but doesn't want the drawers, so we are planning on splitting te purchase price. If I need to buy more supplies to fab up the drawers I will, but would like to be able to pull the drawers and add them on (possibly cutting the side panels out that the tracks are riveted to?)

331,
The cart is fully functional, all drawers work as they should, and more importantly, they all lock when closing the lid.
Really, the only major cutting I did was removing the rolled edge where the lid closes on. This enabled me to slide the entire drawer assembly down, drill some extra holes, and bolt it up. I also removed the hinge and lid, and now have a spare.

As suggested, I will do a separate build thread, once I gather up the build photos.

Bob

 

[ishiboo]

Anyone know a store that sells single rubber grommets of varying sizes? I'd like to tighten up the holes I have screwdrivers in. Blew an hour in Menard's looking for them.

If no one has them, I think I'll just get a kit from Harbor Freight.

Menards should have a pull out drawer with them in the nut/bolt/etc. isle. They have a pretty decent selection of weird stuff these days, though only Fleet Farm had the bronze bushings I needed.

 

[bad12jr]

Please link it in this thread. This would be perfect for the pit box I want to build.

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[cheechi]

That is a really good job and there's no arguing if you can get what you want out of the time and money you put into something. I'm looking at that compared to a 26" bottom box and thinking, about the same price range, about the same storage, just different configuration.

Don't get me wrong I like it (I like it better than most 26" bottom boxes, especially the layout of the drawers.) and of course with the lid it is still a functional cart while the 26" bottom wouldn't be. It could be argued that it's only a marginal difference between the two.

 

[kf4zht]

I've fought off the urge to mod mine for the longest time, but I've really wanted to do this one for a while...4 magnetic strips bolted to the inside of the lid.

I'm sure this'll cause premature shock failure, so I'm going to go order the Snap-On hinges right now.

Now I have to figure out which pliers I really want hanging there.

What magnets are you using and where do you get them? I have a couple from various places, but all would drop stuff with that much weight and lid closing

 

[stage20]

harbor freight has the magnets on sale for 4.99 right now but there are super coupons for 2.99. im going to pick some up myself.

was in the store yesterday and they have a cart that was missing its frame, and casters. the lid/drawers are locked and no key. i wanted to pick it up and set inside my current one to double the drawers. kinda similar to the pics above. it had retail price of 259 and marked down to 140. thats no deal. ive got 10 coupons for 99.99. im tempted to go back and see if the manager will wheel and deal. 50-60 bucks would be a nice deal for what i want to do with it.

 

[Dirty Diesels]

Having read through this thread I'm going to take up some of these great modifications on my roll cart, my isn't the Harbour Freight cart I've got the Blue-point one, some of the mods I've already done to mine are dividing three of the drawers with aluminium & stainless steel (18.8) angline which has stopped my spanners (wrenches) from sliding all over making it harder to find the required sizes.

I'm deffo going to invest in the car door rubber trim, that is next on the list & then I'm going to add the Mac tools spray can holder to it, this one

http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/product/tabid/120/p-326627-spray-can-holder-black.aspx

Which I will bolt to the side of the bottom tray underneath the shelf, Also a re-organisation of tools in the cart is planned regarding what gets used regularly & the not so much used going back into the Snap-on 26" 3 tier stack I've also got.

Thanks for the inspiration guys & keep these mods coming

 

[stage20]

Having read through this thread I'm going to take up some of these great modifications on my roll cart, my isn't the Harbour Freight cart I've got the Blue-point one, some of the mods I've already done to mine are dividing three of the drawers with aluminium & stainless steel (18.8) angline which has stopped my spanners (wrenches) from sliding all over making it harder to find the required sizes.

I'm deffo going to invest in the car door rubber trim, that is next on the list & then I'm going to add the Mac tools spray can holder to it, this one

http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/product/tabid/120/p-326627-spray-can-holder-black.aspx

Which I will bolt to the side of the bottom tray underneath the shelf, Also a re-organisation of tools in the cart is planned regarding what gets used regularly & the not so much used going back into the Snap-on 26" 3 tier stack I've also got.

Thanks for the inspiration guys & keep these mods coming

no way id spend 41.99 for a spray can holder.

check this out. i use these in my enclosed trailer. very sturdy. work excellent. i might add one to my cart now that i think of it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pit-Posse-T...Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a35a6e764&vxp=mtr

 

[90zcar]

This thread has great ideas. After reading the thread and following it for a few weeks, I finally broke down and disregarded my cardinal rule of no black Friday shopping and went to the closest HF and picked up a 5 drawer cart at the $159.99 price. Also grabbed some socket organizers at $9.99 (with 25% off coupon).

I am not a fan of HF anything. My few experiences with HF in the past had turned me off to them big time, but this cart is definitely a decent piece of equipment.

The first mod was to install the Sunex tray. Next I used an odd Mac 15mm combo wrench to replace the handle. I had intended for the wrench to have the open end slightly angled upwards, but have it angled down. I will have to flip it for this effect.

I also removed the US General badge, and will be replacing it with Facom decal.

My old flimsy and small Excel cart had some mods on it already inspired by this thread, electrical outlet with 25 ft power cord, cup holder/ aerosol can holder, retractable work light, broom holder for my 24 " SK breaker bar, etc.. Now the Excel is relegated to my Craftsman and SAE tools mostly, which don't get used as much. I had the Excel so loaded up with tools, I thought one more socket would cause it to collapse.

Here's how I have the HF cart organized for now..

Sockets in the top

Sorry, some of the pics are fuzzy.. Cornwell, Facom and Beta ratcheting combo wrenches

Wrenches mostly Facom combo in clip, Facom and Crescent adjustable, Williams / SK midget, various Box wrenches Facom, Beta, Heyco, Stahlville, Bonney open ended, KD and Allen flare nut.

Pliers drawer..

Oil change stuff in the bottom, gloves, shop rags, etc..

and the old Excel cart..

What did you use as that black spacer between the Mac wrench handle and the box?


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