Metal Cabinets vintage or homemade and no name toolboxes. got any to show please do

[mdbeck1]

Outlaw: those metal french cleats at HD are 20 inches wide and my Borg Warner cabinet is only 28 inches wide. simple and easy to install. it says each cleat is good up to 200 pounds and my cabinet empty weighs about 150 so do you think i should use 2 cleats either these metal ones or 1 bys?? my cabinet is 32 inches high and maybe 12 inches deep when closed so it could hold a lot of stuff especially the way i store things.

thanks

Here's a wooden one that's 49" wide. Not sure what weight it will hold.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017V1YVU0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

You could always add a couple of screws (or lag bolts) through the cabinet into the studs once it's up.

 

[Outlawmws]

@ 200 lbs capacity, I'd pass on those if you cab is truly 150 empty.

I also don't like that the wall piece can only catch 2 studs, and the cab piece can not span more than about 18-19" of he cab, (more strain on the cab nearer the center)

I like the wood ones; if you can't find a high rated metal cleat, (I'd suggest a MINIMUM of 300 better if its 400...), go with plywood.

I've heavily loaded mine with no issues.

 

[drivesitfar]

Outlaw: i have some 10 inch wide strips of 1.125 inch plywood left over from a project that i think i'll use for backing and the french cleat. i'll cut the cleat at a 45 degrees (or should it be 60/40 or 30/70?) and put at or near the top of the cabinet. then another strip to screw in to at the middle and bottom. does that sound like it might work? do you usually put a washer under the screw heads inside the cabinet?

thanks for the tips

 

[Outlawmws]

I'm pretty sure I cut mine at 45 (it was a long time ago). you don't want to go too sharp or the tips could splinter or crack.

If you are not in earth quake country, you could likely go all the way down to 30 deg. If in EQ country, I'd also recommend getting one or two screws in the lower section just to lock them into he cleat.

 

[drivesitfar]

Outlaw: funny you say that because on the news the other day they said we are over due for a 9.0 earthquake. we usually get a 6.8 about every 30 or 40 years.

thanks for the tips and i'll probably pre drill and put in a few extra screws.

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: so i saw these and not quite sure where or if i'm going to use them, but they are built very well. the short one (really 2) shelf units are 36 inches tall and 12 inches deep and i think they are 36 inches wide. the taller one is 57 inches tall.

 

[Outlawmws]

Drives I have 3 quite similar to your tall one in my garage. One has three of the 18 drawer parts bins in it (perfect fit, 12" deep and the width is right)...) and another one that is 17 " deep on to and overlapping a second of the shelf units (they are back to back and the third in on the side of those two...) The are good heavy duty units!

Pretty sure I posted a pic in this thread.

EDIT: Yep!:

 

[tarbellb]

This is a dangerous thread, I love old metal storage boxes of any size and shape.

Here is my workhorse, not vintage but a real gem. Poor guy was selling this Equipto built modular system due to his wife making him clear it out. Got the entire assembly for $300. These are 200lbs drawers, full extension, very similar to Vidmar and Lista.

The file drawer is totally rad and unique. Its made by General Fire Proofing, which made amazing stuff. Super heavy duty, and has a very unusual tilting action on the face of each drawer? (this model is not fire rated) Got it for $25!

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[jeffmoss26]

Nice ^

 

[MarkG]

I've posted this in another area, so hopefully this isn't annoying, but maybe we don't get to every area of this forum all the time, so I'll post it here again.

This is my 'trim carpentry/woodworking/handyman jobs' toolbox. Built from drawings in 'The Toolbox Book', Taunton Press. Although I love it, I am offering it for sale on CL, just to see if I can get what I think I have into it. (doubtful, but if I can get it, I'll sell and build another) The nice thing about it is I don't care if I don't sell it.

Anyway, it was my first (and only!) real project using my router dovetail jig. It holds a LOT of stuff and can become extremely heavy. Not a box you just grab to go nail up a few pieces of trim.

 

[drivesitfar]

Outlaw: i'll have to put some of my nuts and bolt bins in these new cabinets or if i can find a wall maybe use the french cleat method and hang a few for chemicals up high to keep the grandkids from getting them.

Tar: Dangerous thread is right. i have to tell you i might just be boarder line a hoarder when it comes to metal cabinets.

ALL: anybody have one like this set up in their shop? I just found it for $100, but i don't have any spot for it until i move. i kinda like it so who knows if i sell a few more things i might have a spot to store it. it's not like they make these any more.

 

[dittle fart around]

Nice patina.
Another plus is the multiple bottle openers within easy reach.

 

[jahn]

Just pick this up, anyone know anything about this unit?

 

[nine4gmc]

That tilt front file cabinet is awesome!

Jahn, that cabinet looks like military issue, search this thread for Killinger and check out his similar cabinets. Really awesome, thanks for sharing!

 

[drivesitfar]

Jahn: looks very similar to a military cabinet i posted last month. also Killinger posted 13 of them on this thread. take a look and see if you see the likeness.

yours is a bit wider and has a nicer top. do you know much about yours or where you got it might help?

i got mine from a guy that bought it at an Army auction about 30 or so years ago.

also welcome to the forum. where are you located?

 

[Outlawmws]

Jahn I'm thinking Equipto. that's a GREAT parts bin/Bench Base!

Drives, a buddy once had a setup like that in his garage laundry area, and it kept peace with his wife, as we could clean up without trashing her kitchen sink... His and a bit deer basin but the built in drain boards made keeping it clean easy. I'd just add a sprayer hose to that setup

 

[Carves]

Didn't buy these but I would if I had the cash. Made by LeFebure. They would make a pretty sick bench.

I think they would make a very healthy bench .. nice units ..

Carves. are the rails a fit for Legal Pendaflex folders? Is the depth right? I'm thinking a (LARGE) portable file rack originally?

A fraction too wide for the A4 folder guides to sit over ... and not deep enough,

... but I think you're probably on the right track, in terms of original purpose ?

Its currently full of junk I got tired of carrying around the shed by hand ... Now instead of tripping over lots of little things,

... I curse at the big thing in the way ... but appreciate the castors ..

ALL: anybody have one like this set up in their shop?

Not set up yet ... but Ive got a restaurant or hospital, stainless unit with wings on either side ... and the tub is about 18inches square and deep.

Should make a good outdoorsy, dirty hands / parts wash tub ... when I finally get round to making up a stand for it ..

Hows those little castors hold up on that shelf unit ?? Do you move it often ... or just for cleaning ??


.

 

[kjdhawkhill]

Just pick this up, anyone know anything about this unit?

Other than I want it? Looks great. I can't contribute.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jahn]

Thanks guys. I love this site. I don't have must to contribute, but love reading the threads.

drivesitfar: found it on craigslist about a mile from work. He knew nothing about it. All I know, it's heavy as H@ll.

 

[drivesitfar]

Jahn: it sounds like you like reading the threads so even if you only can post a WELL DONE or some comment to let some of us posters know we are not always talking to ourselves it would keep some of us posting and might even put a smile on our faces too.

cheers and congrats on that cabinet. i'm moving mine that is about half that size today and not looking forward to it so i bet yours weighs close to 250 pounds.


ALL: i'll have some pictures of how i've ORGANIZED some of my cool metal cabinets soon. anybody else have any to share go take a few pictures and post them up. also we all like to see how you organize or store things inside so the open drawers pictures always are nice to see.

thanks

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: anybody have a steel bench like this one? it's not mine and the seller is far above my budget today at $500 since i don't have a spot for it or NEED IT. I did think it is interesting so had to share.

 

[tarbellb]

Carves- That storage rack doesnt get moved much, but those little casters do fine on the smooth concrete. But really, it stays put 99% of the time.

I am planning on building a metal frame for my Equipto drawer system. The current setup is great if it NEVER moves. But removing, then rebuilding that modular system is a huge pain. The tracks for the ball bearing slides are very delicate when inserting.

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: i've sort of been wanting one of these for a while now and found one to buy locally today. it's a Lyon and built like a tank and it will hold a lot of odds and ends.

I have a question since i never learned how to do body work from a pro so just doing what i can with hammers, heat and other tools that might not have been made for this job. some of the fins are bent and i'm hoping they will bend back upright without breaking off. should i maybe bring out my Mapp gas and apply some heat before bending?

any tips to do a little body work on these old beauties would be greatly appreciated.

anybody else have one of these and care to share what you store in them??

 

[dittle fart around]

ALL: i've sort of been wanting one of these for a while now and found one to buy locally today. it's a Lyon and built like a tank and it will hold a lot of odds and ends.

anybody else have one of these and care to share what you store in them??

At the lumber yard I worked at they stored nails in a set of these. Off the top there was scale hanging. Each bin held a 50 lb box of nails.

Later while working at the local electrical utility, they stored the all the fastest moving warehouse items outside. So after work hours with a customer out of power, you can pick up what you need to get the job done.

 

[Outlawmws]

Drives, depending on the kink, I use these a lot, especially on tool boxes:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2388706&postcount=882

And How I use them:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2368853&postcount=859

 

[drivesitfar]

Outlaw: thanks for the wisdom and the links. i think i have some old vise grips that were modified something like that for those tough edges on other tool boxes and cabinets i own.

these are more like bent 8 inch fins so maybe putting a piece of plate up against one side and a few light lead or brass hammer hits to bend them back straight.

ALL: anybody else use one of these lazy susan type bins in their shop? i might have enough big bolts or nails to fill it or i'm sure as a catch all for vise parts and big pieces for other projects might be more useful because i have a ton of those nut and bolt bins.

 

[Username already in use]

Drives, that rotating bin is nice! I can only imagine how many smalls I could get off my bench and into that thing.

I found a 2 drawer set of some old Snap-On drawers last summer at the flea market that seem like they may fit in here. Paid the grand sum of $5, including the contents.

-0lllll0-

 

[drivesitfar]

USE: i can't say i've seen a set up like that ever with those small cabinets. i also haven't seen Snap On ones. nice find.

i'm sure I won't have any problem filling up that rotating bin.

i just need to repair some of the damage and clean it up before i do.

ALL: so i don't own any dolleys, but i think i have a few flat hammers so maybe holding a piece of bar stock behind the bend and hammering out the crease might be the best method. unless somebody has a better idea that's probably what i'll end up doing.

thanks guys

 

[Tarnished]

Drives: I have a Rotabin like yours, and use it for a lot. Really like the thing, even though it does tend to collect stuff that should be thrown out. Hold's a ton of stuff, and would like to have another like it, but no room. Only disadvantage is open bins will get dusty. (air hose takes care of that) I believe Rotabin is still in business, and parts are available. ($$$) I have seen several sizes, and the smallest is really nice, but rare.
I cleaned mine out not long ago, so there are some empty bins, but you get the idea.

 

[Outlawmws]

Thought I posted this here, so I coped (And embellished) the post:

Drives you need a round, slightly convex planishing hammer (body hammer) and a smooth dolly (could be a steel plate, but make sure it is SMOOTH) to do the best job on the flat panels. I often work from both sides, before it's done and you don't need to smack it hard; the sheet metal is fairly soft and easy to move metal.

No, you should not need to heat the metal

When you are done, be a bit careful on loading as too lopsided a load and they won't want to spin well, and you could bend the trays.

 

[drivesitfar]

Outlaw: thanks and maybe some of them might move with a little Manpower, but it's built with pretty thick gauge metal. hopefully i'll get it spiffed up and filled up with good STUFF and not just a catch all like Tarnished mention his sometimes is.

Tarnished: since my pegs were MIA and the washers and roller bearings on mine were all mixed up when i picked it up any chance you can show a picture of what yours looks like? or i guess i can try to google roto bins and maybe the instruction manual is online. thanks for posting yours and i'm jealous, but at least i have one now.

i'm not sure this one was made by roto bin, but i do own the smaller version that sits on my bench. so far it's just been a catch all, but i'm ORGANIZING so hopefully that will change.

ALL: here's my little rotating bin that is about 3 foot tall and maybe 18 inches in diameter.

 

[d42jeep]

Here is my Standard Hygrade tune up cabinet.
-Don

 

[Techie1961]

It's not a home built but it's a home built rescue. I suppose there are lots of you with these steel cabinets that were meant for offices but ended up in the shop once they were beat up. This one's shelves were very beat up and I suppose that I might have helped them along a bit.

I used some wall rails that are used for putting shelves up. They were cut to length and then I used some scraps to make a loop on the ends. They are the right size to capture the tabs on the cabinet that were for the old shelves. It's very solid now.

 

[Outlawmws]

Good Save Techie!

 

[dittle fart around]

Drives: I have a Rotabin like yours, and use it for a lot. I believe Rotabin is still in business, and parts are available. ($$$) I have seen several sizes, and the smallest is really nice, but rare.

View media item 58346
Rotabin is a registered trade mark of Durham Manufacturing. Made in Durham, Connecticut.
They're made in 17", 28", 34", 44" and 58" diameters.
ShopStorageCabinets.com is a full line distributor of Durham Products.

 

[drivesitfar]

DFA and Tarnished: my bin is actually a LYON brand name on it so guessing maybe Rotobin bought their patent?? i can't recall seeing a brand name on my Army color smaller Rotobin, but it might be from WWII era.

 

[drivesitfar]

Jeep: is your cabinet sitting on your bolt bin or how did you hang it? love the old calender too.

Techie: BRILLIANT.

also like all the fancy lathe stuff in the same cabinet with a rusty old weight plate and some pipe.

 

[d42jeep]

The Hygrade cabinet fits perfectly on top of an old metal bolt bin. I think the calendar is from '64. It's from a repair shop I worked at right after high school. I'll try to get some better pictures.
-Don

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

It's not a home built but it's a home built rescue. I suppose there are lots of you with these steel cabinets that were meant for offices but ended up in the shop once they were beat up. This one's shelves were very beat up and I suppose that I might have helped them along a bit.

I used some wall rails that are used for putting shelves up. They were cut to length and then I used some scraps to make a loop on the ends. They are the right size to capture the tabs on the cabinet that were for the old shelves. It's very solid now.

...other pictures removed DH

Techie, what's the story on that small Singer crate / box?

Very interesting.. and yes indeed, a nice save!!

 

[Techie1961]

Techie, what's the story on that small Singer crate / box?

Very interesting.. and yes indeed, a nice save!!

Thanks Dennis. My dad, and now me, services the laundry and dry cleaning industry. They use industrial sewing machines and that is, I think, a drawer from one of the tables. Now it holds my oversize drill bits; anything above 1/2". I wish I had a better "story" because that one's a bit mundane.