Tool box mod/hack/customization...

[D-train]

Hi,

I did a quick search and didn't find anything to possibly add my hack to. So I figured that I would post a thread.

I am pressed for space and am maximizing wherever I can. (like many people) I liked the spray can racks/shelves that Eastwood sells, but didn't have any wall space left... ...anywhere. :-( So I figured out a way to mount them to my tool chest/cab.

So for this, I have mounted two of the said spray can racks with some old T-hinges (that I found in my grandfather's gear from the 50's) So they swing out of the way, and I used some L-brackets for support and a pull out locking pin to hold them in place.

I am constantly moving my chest/cab to get to other things, so my next mod is to upgrade to a wheel with bearings. (if anyone has a suggestion, let me know)

Mark

 

[ARFLY]

That is cool.

 

[Nineeightyone]

I wish this were Reddit so I could upvote it. Not a lot to be said here, it's a solid idea that I might just go home and emulate.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

Very nice. I recently did a similarly but a little less permanent addition to mine. while I searched for my solutions I found this:

https://www.ebay.com/i/372538662329?chn=ps

Pretty nice for little money. He makes them in different colors and sizes.

 

[Danglerb]

Check out the huge HF cart mod threads.

 

[tool_scrounge]

"I am constantly moving my chest/cab to get to other things, so my next mod is to upgrade to a wheel with bearings. (if anyone has a suggestion, let me know) "

Bigger wheels move a lot easier than smaller ones. Up to 5" diameter the mounting plate bolt pattern is usually the same. At 6"+ the pattern usually changes

Hard wheel materials push easier than soft ones. Black phenolic is my preference.

I like using Colson casters as a good US made caster brand.

Do you want wheel locks? Rear locks are a lot nicer than side locks.

More load capacity is better. I design for a 2x margin. So if that absolute max weight of tools and box is 1000 lbs for example, use 500 lb rated casters minimum.

Good luck!

 

[trytochaseme]

I just machined this new rack with cat40 and 50 holders to change out tools

also working on a built in air tool oiler system i will take pics of tomorrow

 

[D-train]

"I am constantly moving my chest/cab to get to other things, so my next mod is to upgrade to a wheel with bearings. (if anyone has a suggestion, let me know) "

Bigger wheels move a lot easier than smaller ones. Up to 5" diameter the mounting plate bolt pattern is usually the same. At 6"+ the pattern usually changes

Hard wheel materials push easier than soft ones. Black phenolic is my preference.

I like using Colson casters as a good US made caster brand.

Do you want wheel locks? Rear locks are a lot nicer than side locks.

More load capacity is better. I design for a 2x margin. So if that absolute max weight of tools and box is 1000 lbs for example, use 500 lb rated casters minimum.

Good luck!

Yes, I kinda figured on going with a bigger wheel. ...and I realize that the mounting plate bolt pattern may differ. Also, I realize that the reinforcing plate in the cabinet may not be wide enough to go to a bigger plate. ...so I may need to reinforce that to.

As for the previous post about the HF tool carts thread... I did see that and looked thru some of it... I figured that was more specific to that product. But then...

Thanks,

Mark

 

[trytochaseme]

This is the built in air tool Oiler system i made in my box

Air goes in the back nice and low to keep the hose out of the way


Goes thru pressure regulator then Oiler inside bottom cabinet. Need to mount it on the side to clean it up a little



2 lines out the side. Could easily ad more but never need more then 2

 

[Air21]

It must be a machinist thing, I had the exact same idea as TryToChaseMe but I'd never seen anyone else try it and figured there was a reason it didn't come up more often!

My other idea is to take one if those universal vises that swivel in every axis and mount it to the side of my box so I dont lose any workspace but I can still position the vice any which way.

 

[trytochaseme]

Ha must be!

Waiting on some electronics to come in. I’m gonna do a recessed power strip with usb on the side and have a recessed male plug on the back next to my air inlet where i can plug an extension cord into. Might even put a wireless charger underneath top of my box so i can set my phone in the corner to charge.

I have a mini code mounted of the side on this box, on another i have a larger Wilson but it’s mounted on top. I’m waiting to get a good deal on a small Wilson with the swivel base to replace my little vise. I agree with you, would be perfect to have mounted off the side

 

[Bogdan M.]

I just machined this new rack with cat40 and 50 holders to change out tools

also working on a built in air tool oiler system i will take pics of tomorrow

That is very, very cool.
Congrats!

 

[trytochaseme]

That is very, very cool.
Congrats!

thanks appreciate it!

working on building the ultimate box, this was the beginning. Alot more to come. I might have to make my own thread for it.