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

[twinturbogarage]

I just finished this entire thread. I would just like to say thank you to everyone for the great posts. I will be picking up a 5 drawer red cart in March during the parking lot sale

 

[skulldrinker]

I just finished this entire thread. I would just like to say thank you to everyone for the great posts. I will be picking up a 5 drawer red cart in March during the parking lot sale

WOW 1300 posts. You won't be disappointed with it. Get the side shelf while you at it.

 

[Tucker99]

I just finished this entire thread. I would just like to say thank you to everyone for the great posts. I will be picking up a 5 drawer red cart in March during the parking lot sale

Do all the HF have parking lot sales in March? Is this usually damaged merchandise? Got my $164.99 coupon and just waiting for it to warm up a bit in my garage to put the thing together. A mod I will be doing that was only mentioned once early on is to eliminate the drawer latch mechanism thus avoiding having to open the drawers on the right. Guy earlier said he was just drilling out the rivets on the latch. I'm doing that and installing rare earth magnets on the back of the drawers. I did this with a box in my basement and it works great. BUT that box doesn't move. Going to remove the latch on the bottom drawer, and fill it to max weight capacity and roll the cart around to see if the magnet holds the drawer closed.
Still undecided about the top. Guys with the rubber matting; does it still stay in place with glue, etc? Looking for a heavy vinyl material with a self adhesive backing. Don't see using it as a work bench but it will become a catchall just like every other horizontal surface in my house.

 

[Mcjohn925]

Do all the HF have parking lot sales in March? Is this usually damaged merchandise? Got my $164.99 coupon and just waiting for it to warm up a bit in my garage to put the thing together. A mod I will be doing that was only mentioned once early on is to eliminate the drawer latch mechanism thus avoiding having to open the drawers on the right. Guy earlier said he was just drilling out the rivets on the latch. I'm doing that and installing rare earth magnets on the back of the drawers. I did this with a box in my basement and it works great. BUT that box doesn't move. Going to remove the latch on the bottom drawer, and fill it to max weight capacity and roll the cart around to see if the magnet holds the drawer closed.
Still undecided about the top. Guys with the rubber matting; does it still stay in place with glue, etc? Looking for a heavy vinyl material with a self adhesive backing. Don't see using it as a work bench but it will become a catchall just like every other horizontal surface in my house.

The latch mechanism you're referring to with the rivets has to do with the lid. Once you remove those you will be able to open and close the drawers whether the lid is open or closed. I'm keeping the drawer latches because they're not that much of a PITA for home use. Can't help with the top cover. I plan on using some mylar from work to protect mine. It's similar to 3m clear car bra.

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[twinturbogarage]

WOW 1300 posts. You won't be disappointed with it. Get the side shelf while you at it.

That was exactly what I planed to do, just like "paigej" did with his, until I saw he made a side attachment out of steel. I think that is really awesome. Thanks

 

[twinturbogarage]

Do all the HF have parking lot sales in March? Is this usually damaged merchandise? Got my $164.99 coupon and just waiting for it to warm up a bit in my garage to put the thing together. A mod I will be doing that was only mentioned once early on is to eliminate the drawer latch mechanism thus avoiding having to open the drawers on the right. Guy earlier said he was just drilling out the rivets on the latch. I'm doing that and installing rare earth magnets on the back of the drawers. I did this with a box in my basement and it works great. BUT that box doesn't move. Going to remove the latch on the bottom drawer, and fill it to max weight capacity and roll the cart around to see if the magnet holds the drawer closed.
Still undecided about the top. Guys with the rubber matting; does it still stay in place with glue, etc? Looking for a heavy vinyl material with a self adhesive backing. Don't see using it as a work bench but it will become a catchall just like every other horizontal surface in my house.

I'm not sure, I believe so though. You could call your local Harbor Freight. I will be doing the same on my cart most likely, disabling the locking mechanism when the lid closes. I don't think its mostly damaged stuff either. I called my local HF to see about the cart, and they said nothing about only damaged stuff. You have a coupon for 164.99? Would you mine giving me the code please? The one at the parking lot sale will be 169.99. Thanks

 

[PelicanPines]

... snip ... Guys with the rubber matting; does it still stay in place with glue, etc? Looking for a heavy vinyl material with a self adhesive backing. Don't see using it as a work bench but it will become a catchall just like every other horizontal surface in my house.

I used double sided molding tape on the mat on my cart... been months of use... not one issue with the mat. I use the top as a table for other portable tool boxes.

 

[PelicanPines]

I'm not sure, I believe so though. You could call your local Harbor Freight. I will be doing the same on my cart most likely, disabling the locking mechanism when the lid closes. I don't think its mostly damaged stuff either. I called my local HF to see about the cart, and they said nothing about only damaged stuff. You have a coupon for 164.99? Would you mine giving me the code please? The one at the parking lot sale will be 169.99. Thanks

I didn't bother with the lot sale... paid $185, got my pick of the inventory. $16 bucks less did not justify driving there and possibly miss out. HF is a 30 min ride each way.... time, gas my sanity are worth a lot more than $16.

 

[twinturbogarage]

I didn't bother with the lot sale... paid $185, got my pick of the inventory. $16 bucks less did not justify driving there and possibly miss out. HF is a 30 min ride each way.... time, gas my sanity are worth a lot more than $16.

Hahah, lucky for me I live about 15 min away, and there's really not that many people early in the morning. Also I was happy to find they do rain checks, which they should in my opinion. But I hear what your saying, and if this was something other than tools, I wouldn't care. What model is your cart though? Is #61427 the latest? Thanks

 

[twinturbogarage]

Also, if anyone has a a coupon for the 5 drawer, please share it. I just called HF and rain checks got brought up, and they said NO they do not do rain checks on parking lot sales, even though YESTERDAY i called and they said they did. Does it change on a daily basis lol?

 

[PelicanPines]

Hahah, lucky for me I live about 15 min away, and there's really not that many people early in the morning. Also I was happy to find they do rain checks, which they should in my opinion. But I hear what your saying, and if this was something other than tools, I wouldn't care. What model is your cart though? Is #61427 the latest? Thanks

Don't have the number handy but its the one with 4 swivel casters (what I wanted). I kinda modified mine a bit... I think my stuff is in this thread around page 52ish +++. Don't forget to lube the wheels, and drawer slides... the lube it ships with dried out on mine.

 

[deafcon]

New to GJ here, but I've been reading for a couple of weeks.

Has anyone replaced the casters with the 10 inch pneumatic swivel casters that HF sells? I'm planning to do just that, so I thought I'd ask if anyone has already taken the leap.

 

[twinturbogarage]

Don't have the number handy but its the one with 4 swivel casters (what I wanted). I kinda modified mine a bit... I think my stuff is in this thread around page 52ish +++. Don't forget to lube the wheels, and drawer slides... the lube it ships with dried out on mine.

Yeah you had really good ideas, I really like how you cut the bottom shelf lip out. Also, good job on your cart. What kind of lube did you use, thin bearing grease? If you have the time, do have any pictures of your cart now after a few months? Thanks

 

[twinturbogarage]

New to GJ here, but I've been reading for a couple of weeks.

Has anyone replaced the casters with the 10 inch pneumatic swivel casters that HF sells? I'm planning to do just that, so I thought I'd ask if anyone has already taken the leap.

I don't believe I saw anyone put the pneumatic casters on. Someone mentioned it, but I've never seen it. I personally would put the 8 inch ones on, and would make sure the bolt holes line up properly. If I were to go that route, I would beef up the metal where the casters bolt on.

 

[Tucker99]

I'm not sure, I believe so though. You could call your local Harbor Freight. I will be doing the same on my cart most likely, disabling the locking mechanism when the lid closes. I don't think its mostly damaged stuff either. I called my local HF to see about the cart, and they said nothing about only damaged stuff. You have a coupon for 164.99? Would you mine giving me the code please? The one at the parking lot sale will be 169.99. Thanks

I'm sorry the coupon I have IS for $169.99. Yea I get the mode with the lift lock mechanisim. What I'm referring to is the drawer latches. I believe each drawer has a latch on the right that you pull to release the drawer. Pretty fail safe device so the cart can be rolled around without the drawers opening.

 

[Mcjohn925]

I'm sorry the coupon I have IS for $169.99. Yea I get the mode with the lift lock mechanisim. What I'm referring to is the drawer latches. I believe each drawer has a latch on the right that you pull to release the drawer. Pretty fail safe device so the cart can be rolled around without the drawers opening.

There should be a valid coupon for 164.99 in the HF coupon thread. http://www.hfqpdb.com/coupons/3_30in_5_Drawer_Tool_Cart_1423758112.3249.JPG

Yes, 3 latches on the right and 2 on the left.

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[twinturbogarage]

I'm sorry the coupon I have IS for $169.99. Yea I get the mode with the lift lock mechanisim. What I'm referring to is the drawer latches. I believe each drawer has a latch on the right that you pull to release the drawer. Pretty fail safe device so the cart can be rolled around without the drawers opening.

Oh yeah I know what you mean. I thought I was really gonna hate the drawer latch, but after seeing them a couple times I've grown to like them

 

[twinturbogarage]

There should be a valid coupon for 164.99 in the HF coupon thread. http://www.hfqpdb.com/coupons/3_30in_5_Drawer_Tool_Cart_1423758112.3249.JPG

Yes, 3 latches on the right and 2 on the left.

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I honestly would not know what to do if this coupon works. I'm going this weekend and if that coupon works, It will be golden! Thanks!

 

[twinturbogarage]

I just tried it and it works! Thank you!

 

[djdaredevil]

New to GJ here, but I've been reading for a couple of weeks.

Has anyone replaced the casters with the 10 inch pneumatic swivel casters that HF sells? I'm planning to do just that, so I thought I'd ask if anyone has already taken the leap.

I used the 8in on mine and loved it for in grass or rough surfaces.
I did have to take them off before I got pics though because I couldnt
find ones that would hold air even with slime in them.

 

[deafcon]

I used the 8in on mine and loved it for in grass or rough surfaces.
I did have to take them off before I got pics though because I couldnt
find ones that would hold air even with slime in them.

That's encouraging and disheartening at the same time. Were the 8in a direct bolt on?

 

[twinturbogarage]

Well, I picked up the 5 drawer cart today. I took it out and assembled, and the holes for middle frame did not line up at all, and the whole drawer assembly was totally non square and the drawers bowed out in the middle. This also causes the drawers to be difficult to close. I'm unsure as to what I should do after spending 2 hours putting it together. And yes this really bothers me that it's not square and bowed.

 

[MadMike842]

Well, I picked up the 5 drawer cart today. I took it out and assembled, and the holes for middle frame did not line up at all, and the whole drawer assembly was totally non square and the drawers bowed out in the middle. This also causes the drawers to be difficult to close. I'm unsure as to what I should do after spending 2 hours putting it together. And yes this really bothers me that it's not square and bowed.

Did you leave all the bolts loose til the end? I had issues with mine when I was tightening all the bolts as I went. I loosened everything up and it went together much easier and I was able to square/level everything up.

 

[LG63]

Well, I picked up the 5 drawer cart today. I took it out and assembled, and the holes for middle frame did not line up at all, and the whole drawer assembly was totally non square and the drawers bowed out in the middle. This also causes the drawers to be difficult to close. I'm unsure as to what I should do after spending 2 hours putting it together. And yes this really bothers me that it's not square and bowed.

Sounds like shipping damage or defect. Take it back, it will go together much quicker the second time around.

 

[twinturbogarage]

Yep, I even watched multiple videos and read the manual. I put everything together hand tight and then adequately tighten them. I noticed the bowed and non squareness when I took it out of the box, but I didn't want to believe it and thought once i tightened everything up it would fix it. Though to no avail. Not sure what I should do. Thing weighs 136 pounds and is a hassle to take it back. I wonder if customer support would send me one?

 

[twinturbogarage]

Sounds like shipping damage or defect. Take it back, it will go together much quicker the second time around.

Yeah I'm afraid I'll have to. I destroyed the box though...

 

[ex-x-fire]

A couple of the legs upside down?

 

[twinturbogarage]

A couple of the legs upside down?

Nope, put the long side up, according to the directions. Unless there wrong. But even so the drawer assembly itself is damaged. I guess I must be the unlucky percent who get a damaged one. I looked it up and it seems theres barely any report of damaged ones that I could find.

 

[twinturbogarage]

By long side I mean the spacing of the bolts.

 

[PelicanPines]

Yep, I even watched multiple videos and read the manual. I put everything together hand tight and then adequately tighten them. I noticed the bowed and non squareness when I took it out of the box, but I didn't want to believe it and thought once i tightened everything up it would fix it. Though to no avail. Not sure what I should do. Thing weighs 136 pounds and is a hassle to take it back. I wonder if customer support would send me one?

hand tight might have been too tight. Literally kept em looooose till the end.

 

[madcrisis]

That's encouraging and disheartening at the same time. Were the 8in a direct bolt on?

I put a set of 8in pneumatic casters on my 4 drawer (NON-HF) for rolling over grass and such. I usually roll my cart around to the front of the house to wok on stuff. I'll post a picture soon. Mine were not a direct bolt match but that was ok since it was top heavy I had to push the swivels out a bit for more stability. Used a peice of angle to stiffen it up. Looks pretty cool in my opinion and has been working great all year.

Not sure on the brand of the casters as someone gave them to me but they work great going over grass and stones.

 

[madcrisis1]

 

[deafcon]

I put a set of 8in pneumatic casters on my 4 drawer (NON-HF) for rolling over grass and such. I usually roll my cart around to the front of the house to wok on stuff. I'll post a picture soon. Mine were not a direct bolt match but that was ok since it was top heavy I had to push the swivels out a bit for more stability. Used a peice of angle to stiffen it up. Looks pretty cool in my opinion and has been working great all year.

Not sure on the brand of the casters as someone gave them to me but they work great going over grass and stones.

Those casters look crazy on such a small cart, but I bet they work awesome. I work in a lot of gravel/dirt/muddy yards, so I'm thinking the pneumatic casters will really do the trick for me.

I hope to get my cart project started within a week or two. I read this entire thread, and have a number of mods from it planned. I think I have an old UPS that I'm planning to mount in order to give me the ability to charge my phone/tablet/drills when I'm out on a customer's back forty. The only problem I'm anticipating is needing to clear the whole thing out if I don't have a forklift available to load/unload it.

 

[twinturbogarage]

hand tight might have been too tight. Literally kept em looooose till the end.

Ok, sounds good. I'm going to return the item tomorrow, and will make sure to put everything together leaving spacing in the nut and bolt. I don't know why, but I feel like HF will give me grief for returning it. Do you think they will take it back assembled? The funny thing is I actually saw someone bringing one in as I was walking out with mine.

 

[skulldrinker]

I would watch out with going to high with the center of gravity. You could be creating a tipping accident. The 5 drawer has a lower center of gravity than the 4 drawer. The jack looks like it helps a little.

My 4 drawer tipped forward on me and the lid was open so all 4 drawers opened on the way down which made it impossible for me to hold it up and it took a gash out of my hand in the process.

 

[MikeF2316]

I've been thinking of doing this to my (non HF) cart, as I have to roll it over concrete pavers, and the wheels are just too small for that. Hopefully this will inspire me to get going...

 

[twinturbogarage]

Wow, a jack and jack stands? Glad to see its holding up. What brand? You said non-HF

 

[madcrisis]

I would watch out with going to high with the center of gravity. You could be creating a tipping accident. The 5 drawer has a lower center of gravity than the 4 drawer. The jack looks like it helps a little.

My 4 drawer tipped forward on me and the lid was open so all 4 drawers opened on the way down which made it impossible for me to hold it up and it took a gash out of my hand in the process.

Yeah im very aware of that. Thats why i extended the swivels out a couple inches to increase stability(and to allow them to swivel). I have some uneven patches on the way to the front of my house and it does fine on them. My top box isnt loaded to the top like most of you guys have your tool carts. It just has the basics and if I need anything else I just walk back to the garage. (its not that far away, just wy easier to have the basics on hand) The steel jack does make a huge difference.Plus I put things like my impact or any other heaby tools I might need down there on the way out of the garage.

 

[madcrisis]

Wow, a jack and jack stands? Glad to see its holding up. What brand? You said non-HF

I'm not sure on the brand, but I'll go check when I get out there. Ill let you know.

EDIT: And you should ALWAYS use jack stands to hold the load not the jack. Hopefully I'm preaching to the choir.

 

[Tattoograham]

Hi
I joined this forum mainly for this thread,
Over here in England the HF cart comes badged as clarke
so this is the first mod done , kept the struts but just extended them so at rest
the lid is at 90 degs
<a href="http://s376.photobucket.com/user/tattoograham/media/t2_zpsl7o5ixc2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo205/tattoograham/t2_zpsl7o5ixc2.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo t2_zpsl7o5ixc2.jpg"/></a>

These pic shows the lid past 90 degs

<a href="http://s376.photobucket.com/user/tattoograham/media/t1_zpsjzysy0pn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo205/tattoograham/t1_zpsjzysy0pn.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo t1_zpsjzysy0pn.jpg"/></a>

Done/Doing some more mods pics soon