PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Yes, I would rather have a softer rubber wheel if i was going to move it around alot.
Modifications to the HF 4 and 5 drawer service carts - what changes have you made?
- Thread starter ndnchf
- Start date
Yes, I would rather have a softer rubber wheel if i was going to move it around alot.
andy013
Well-known member
First legit post on this site. Been watching a few threads for a while.
My current title is electrical engineering technician, my stepping stone from an exciter/generator tech to EE graduate that has been a 8 year journey from tech school to my current full time work/part time student. I work on power plant generators and specialize in brushless excitation systems for generators up to 1100MW.
My latest change in career progression has moved me to a 50/50 shop/office status so a more compact and efficient setup was required. So I bought a 5 drawer HF cart a few weeks after stumbling across this thread about 9 months ago.
I also bought a 3 tier cart from HF and a stainless steel piano hinge from HD for parts for my contraption.
I cut and bolted each panel to fit to enclose the bottom of the cart to house larger items like my welding helmet, burning jacket, stick/tig gloves, my cordless drill case, etc. I wanted these items locked up and most of the shop dirt off of them.
It isn't perfect but it works and I got matching barrel locks from Amazon.
I added mdf to the lid and side shelf to protect the surface and make it more rigid to use as a work surface.
I added some chrome door trim to cover the bare metal from the cutting and also to cover the sharp edges and it kind of made it blend in with the other cheap chrome drawer handles.
I added rubber everywhere there was steel on steel contact. The folded side shelf, the lid to the cart, the fabricated door to the cart. The cart is silent rolling through our shop over tracks and rough floor. Just the jungles of sockets and wrenches.
Got the snap on sticker for like $1.50 on Amazon when I was looking for other stuff. Kinda became a joke that I told a few friends at work about and we waited to see how long it took before everyone else realized it was a HF cart.
The cart works perfect for what I'm doing now. Got my basic tools so I don't have to borrow anyone's. Freed up the rest of my tools for my home garage. I know I always got a mobile work surface for taking dimensions and holding my computer for solidworks modeling. I'll have to get some updated images of the more recent changes and updates but this is the gist of it. We are in our busy season so it's a disaster right now but I'll post an update later.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
My current title is electrical engineering technician, my stepping stone from an exciter/generator tech to EE graduate that has been a 8 year journey from tech school to my current full time work/part time student. I work on power plant generators and specialize in brushless excitation systems for generators up to 1100MW.
My latest change in career progression has moved me to a 50/50 shop/office status so a more compact and efficient setup was required. So I bought a 5 drawer HF cart a few weeks after stumbling across this thread about 9 months ago.
I also bought a 3 tier cart from HF and a stainless steel piano hinge from HD for parts for my contraption.
I cut and bolted each panel to fit to enclose the bottom of the cart to house larger items like my welding helmet, burning jacket, stick/tig gloves, my cordless drill case, etc. I wanted these items locked up and most of the shop dirt off of them.
It isn't perfect but it works and I got matching barrel locks from Amazon.
I added mdf to the lid and side shelf to protect the surface and make it more rigid to use as a work surface.
I added some chrome door trim to cover the bare metal from the cutting and also to cover the sharp edges and it kind of made it blend in with the other cheap chrome drawer handles.
I added rubber everywhere there was steel on steel contact. The folded side shelf, the lid to the cart, the fabricated door to the cart. The cart is silent rolling through our shop over tracks and rough floor. Just the jungles of sockets and wrenches.
Got the snap on sticker for like $1.50 on Amazon when I was looking for other stuff. Kinda became a joke that I told a few friends at work about and we waited to see how long it took before everyone else realized it was a HF cart.
The cart works perfect for what I'm doing now. Got my basic tools so I don't have to borrow anyone's. Freed up the rest of my tools for my home garage. I know I always got a mobile work surface for taking dimensions and holding my computer for solidworks modeling. I'll have to get some updated images of the more recent changes and updates but this is the gist of it. We are in our busy season so it's a disaster right now but I'll post an update later.
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Scottwi
Well-known member
very nice.
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Andy... wow... now that's a modified cart with a purpose. Great fabrication!!! Nice finish work too.
My neighbor insisted on a snapon badge for mine... he went epiq... think he paid $10 off ebay.
My neighbor insisted on a snapon badge for mine... he went epiq... think he paid $10 off ebay.
OK, makes sense now.
Finky198
Well-known member
I just notice I have the same insulated coffee thingy
But any ways super nice build
But any ways super nice build
classicharleyj
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2006
- Messages
- 197
Built this for my wife to use.
alpinewhite
Well-known member
Pic's too smallBuilt this for my wife to use.
lilxtra
Well-known member
Have you guys have any problems with the slides? I have an older 3 drawer one and they ****?
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Have you cleaned and lubricated them? It's required.
classicharleyj
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2006
- Messages
- 197
Sorry Alpine...
classicharleyj
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2006
- Messages
- 197
See if that will expand
skulldrinker
Well-known member
Ill never understand why some modify their roller to a point where it looks and functions like a bottom cabinet. Bottom cabinets are cheaper to buy outright. Oh wait it must be fun.
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PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Can you provide a link? I looked around for some time before getting this cart and doing the mods that I did to provide easy storage and access to my stuff.
MagnumForce
Well-known member
Do bottom cabinets have lids or spaces below to put things?
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You have a valid point in some cases of cart conversion into a multi-drawer bottom roller but the bottom line is it is FUN for folks to customize, modify, "pimp" their cart to the max. Lot of great ideas and techniques on display here and it is addictive even from the sidelines. Some of the great ideas can be used elsewhere in the diy garage or shop. Lots of problem solver tips from long tool storage or custom carts for all the trades. Heck someone posted one specifically made for diy multi-car oil changes.....working on one soon.
lilxtra
Well-known member
Pelicanpines: Yes, I've tried that. Any idea if Snap-On or others will fit? Thanks for the reply!
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Any replacement slide will require some level of fabrication. So your mileage may vary depending on your skills.
Thought I would post a couple pics of my HF 5-drawer. Just a homeowner here, did a couple of very simple mods to make the cart better for my usage.
I drilled out the rivets and took out the locking mechanism so that I can open the drawers with the top lid closed. Being a homeowner I don't lock my tools up and it was annoying to have to flip up the lid every time I wanted to access a drawer. I kept the pieces so that if I wanted to ever restore the locking functionality I can use the rivet holes and bolt them back in place.
I also bought the folding shelf add-on and added a piece of plywood to it to make it a wood-top shelf as I was not a big fan of the metal surface. I used 1/2" birch plywood for appearance and durability. I put in countersunk bolts secured underneath with nuts to secure the plywood and keep a flush surface.
I have been toying with the thought of doing similar to the flip-up top, so that it is also wood but not 100% sure on that yet. I have found myself using the top of the cart as a working surface a lot but thats also because I did not have a workbench and the cart was the only convenient place to put things. Now, I just built a workbench this weekend (you can see it in the background of a couple pics) I may not need the top surface of the cart nearly as much and therefore it will be subject to less usage.
Like andy013 up above I put some soft material on my cart to reduce the rattle of metal-on-metal contact while it rolls. Instead of rubber I just took some felt furniture-feet I had lying around and stuck it up under the lid and also where the folding shelf contacts itself when stowed away. It makes the cart nice and quiet when rolling it around.
I don't got too much in the drawers right now I plan to re-organize my tool storage setup a little bit I have some new stuff coming in and may need to shuffle things around, so just a few pics of the inside for now:
The top bin is where I store my Milwaukee power tools (not shown is the M12 circular saw which is in the bottom shelf of the cart). I ran the wiring for the chargers down behind the drawers and into the bottom shelf where they are plugged into an extension cord, so if I plug in the extension cord I can charge my M12 batteries using the chargers in the top bin.
Miscellaneous screwdrivers, etc.
Picked up some Craftsman made in USA nut drivers recently I saw them on clearance at a local Sears. There were still some SAE sets available but I got the last metric on the shelf.
I drilled out the rivets and took out the locking mechanism so that I can open the drawers with the top lid closed. Being a homeowner I don't lock my tools up and it was annoying to have to flip up the lid every time I wanted to access a drawer. I kept the pieces so that if I wanted to ever restore the locking functionality I can use the rivet holes and bolt them back in place.
I also bought the folding shelf add-on and added a piece of plywood to it to make it a wood-top shelf as I was not a big fan of the metal surface. I used 1/2" birch plywood for appearance and durability. I put in countersunk bolts secured underneath with nuts to secure the plywood and keep a flush surface.
I have been toying with the thought of doing similar to the flip-up top, so that it is also wood but not 100% sure on that yet. I have found myself using the top of the cart as a working surface a lot but thats also because I did not have a workbench and the cart was the only convenient place to put things. Now, I just built a workbench this weekend (you can see it in the background of a couple pics) I may not need the top surface of the cart nearly as much and therefore it will be subject to less usage.
Like andy013 up above I put some soft material on my cart to reduce the rattle of metal-on-metal contact while it rolls. Instead of rubber I just took some felt furniture-feet I had lying around and stuck it up under the lid and also where the folding shelf contacts itself when stowed away. It makes the cart nice and quiet when rolling it around.
I don't got too much in the drawers right now I plan to re-organize my tool storage setup a little bit I have some new stuff coming in and may need to shuffle things around, so just a few pics of the inside for now:
The top bin is where I store my Milwaukee power tools (not shown is the M12 circular saw which is in the bottom shelf of the cart). I ran the wiring for the chargers down behind the drawers and into the bottom shelf where they are plugged into an extension cord, so if I plug in the extension cord I can charge my M12 batteries using the chargers in the top bin.
Miscellaneous screwdrivers, etc.
Picked up some Craftsman made in USA nut drivers recently I saw them on clearance at a local Sears. There were still some SAE sets available but I got the last metric on the shelf.
Attachments
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Nice idea... I would love to reorg everything and have all my chargers on top... would need a 2nd cart first, I think.
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Paint it... many have.
okay, last post for the night about my 'super-service-cart'. promise
i thought it important to add what might me obvious to some and not so clear to others, as with most of the info in my many posts tonite. and being that my drive for not only the mods but all the details is that there isnt all that much out there in the way of this particular set of boxes (aside from GJ that is much love to this forum) i wanted the next guy to have less to figure out than we all did.
so on to it then. 2 additional points i feel need be made about this cabinet mod.
1. the drawers on the cab and the cart open differently, and the cab drawers dont have the nifty lock to one side like the cart does. instead it almost feels like some kind of magnet, or secondary internal latch or detent that keeps them shut. unknown how long that latch will stay strong, but going on 2 years on the cart latches with no issues.
2. the keys on the locks, and the way the locks work, are quite different. the cart is just a hook that catches a loop on the lid when the key is turned, and the act of closing the lid actually latches all the drawers shut. i dont know as much about the cabinet, but im guessing there is alot more linkages involved.
the key on the cabinet is bigger than the cart and the lock almost feels sort of spring loaded. its not easy to get the key to hang in the lock if you desire it so.
so here's a pic of the 2 keys side by side for comparison. again, the posts ive made are detailed for the next poor shmoe who decides to do this mod. i hope its been detailed enough
to the left is the cabinet key, the right is the cart key.
and because we all like to remember fondly of where we came from, here's how i started out at work. a 2 drawer box on top of a BS used and broken service cart. ahh memories...
All your photos appear to be missing. Can you fix this? "This Thread is Worthless Without Photos" Indeed!
Whiskeymike
Well-known member
Has anyone found a closed cabinet that fits in the bottom area? Searched the thread and i've read it a few times, but couldn't find anything. Or have you built an enclosure for the bottom?
I'm looking to create a CNC plasma computer cabinet out of this and need something to keep the dust off the PC.
I'm looking to create a CNC plasma computer cabinet out of this and need something to keep the dust off the PC.
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andy013
Well-known member
Look one page back. I fully enclosed the bottom with a locking door for my welding helmet and larger power tool cases.
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OK, seems to view imageshack photos I have to copy and paste the url into another browser window. I'm using IE11. Anyone else with this problem?
Oh! And apologies to: kool_BOY8323
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Scottwi
Well-known member
I see the pictures, I'm on a Mac running Safari.
velillen01
Well-known member
heres the first real modification ive done to my HF 5 drawer cart.
Simple and quick. Holds my 12v 1/4" impact and drill and the 18v 1/2" impact, drill and 1/4" hex impact. Then just a tube for the grease gun...need to pick up something to hold the hose end. Isnt perfect as the PVC wasnt all quite cut to the same length but its good enough for me!
Now i just need to do something with the screwdriver holders. I kind of want to just cut a long slit instead of holes and then use some 2.5" flat steel and drill holes the size and location i want. But im not sure how id cut the slit yet
Simple and quick. Holds my 12v 1/4" impact and drill and the 18v 1/2" impact, drill and 1/4" hex impact. Then just a tube for the grease gun...need to pick up something to hold the hose end. Isnt perfect as the PVC wasnt all quite cut to the same length but its good enough for me!
Now i just need to do something with the screwdriver holders. I kind of want to just cut a long slit instead of holes and then use some 2.5" flat steel and drill holes the size and location i want. But im not sure how id cut the slit yet
jakemac
Well-known member
Nice job.
for the grease hose, try a piece of 1"dia PVC with a cap on the end that screws off. You can stick the hose in the tube to keep it from moving, and collect any stray grease at the same time. A screw off cap at the bottom will let you clean out the grease when it piles up.
velillen01
Well-known member
Thats my current plan. I thought i had 1" pvc so when i was at the store i didnt pick any up...but alas mine was 1/2" which is to small for the hose
Organized_Garage
Well-known member
Wow! Thank You everyone.
I've been finding lots of interesting posts, ideas, stories and information here. My garage is a 20 x 40 adjacent to our home. And with all the cool threads and information here at GJ, I wanted to sign up and continue to see it all. Been a fun first few weeks.
I just checked out this full thread and seen some of the products we make, including our cordless drill holders, you folks are using. Thank You for that!
Not sure if I am breaking a rule here but---Some of you made mention about shipping prices. Shipping costs can sure be a pain! But what I'll do is offer any GJ Forum Member here Free Shipping on any Garage/Shop Accessories online order via our website. At checkout Apply Promo Code: GARAGE and we'll take care of standard ground shipping in the Contiguous 48. I'll try and do this for a few weeks or until my shipping department declares a mutiny. See website for complete shipping offer details. Local folks are also welcome to pick up here at our shop in Hartford (WI).
I'm only posting this offer here in this thread- as I've been enjoying this thread and plan to use some of your ideas to spruce up my cart at home. If I am posting out of turn, I apologize and hope we can find a viable source. Just wanting to help some folks here in this thread whom may have interest.
Click here for Direct Link to Garage, Shop and Trailer Accessories
Feel free to shoot me a call here if there is anything I can be of assistance with. I'm usually here 7-4pm central during the week. Otherwise I'm out in the garage at home.
Jeff Wesell
(262) 457-5018
I've been finding lots of interesting posts, ideas, stories and information here. My garage is a 20 x 40 adjacent to our home. And with all the cool threads and information here at GJ, I wanted to sign up and continue to see it all. Been a fun first few weeks.
I just checked out this full thread and seen some of the products we make, including our cordless drill holders, you folks are using. Thank You for that!
Not sure if I am breaking a rule here but---Some of you made mention about shipping prices. Shipping costs can sure be a pain! But what I'll do is offer any GJ Forum Member here Free Shipping on any Garage/Shop Accessories online order via our website. At checkout Apply Promo Code: GARAGE and we'll take care of standard ground shipping in the Contiguous 48. I'll try and do this for a few weeks or until my shipping department declares a mutiny. See website for complete shipping offer details. Local folks are also welcome to pick up here at our shop in Hartford (WI).
I'm only posting this offer here in this thread- as I've been enjoying this thread and plan to use some of your ideas to spruce up my cart at home. If I am posting out of turn, I apologize and hope we can find a viable source. Just wanting to help some folks here in this thread whom may have interest.
Click here for Direct Link to Garage, Shop and Trailer Accessories
Feel free to shoot me a call here if there is anything I can be of assistance with. I'm usually here 7-4pm central during the week. Otherwise I'm out in the garage at home.
Jeff Wesell
(262) 457-5018
Mikerodrig27
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2014
- Messages
- 171
I don't mind GJ deals, thanks for posting!
djdaredevil
Well-known member
You cant use the 20% on tool boxes or carts. Get the big one its heavier duty heres a coupon http://www.hfqpdb.com/coupons/3_ITEM_30___5_DRAWER_TOOL_CART_1445228041.4675.jpg