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

[PelicanPines]

LTDin94N, Still... that is an awesome job. Well done. I may steel some of your mods... specially the ones I didn't think about doing.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[TLCObsession]

Lights and Electricity to the back. I really set it up to work late at night in poorly lit areas (like a driveway).

How does the cordless LED (underhood)light come out of the PVC holder?

 

[fartymarty]

How does the cordless LED (underhood)light come out of the PVC holder?

That's a good question. I had assumed that Ltdin94 had cut a vertical slot in the end of the PVC fitting and that with a slight push/pull the sides flex and light goes in or out, and it just doesn't show up in the photos. However you are good to ask because he might have done something much more innovative.

The whole cart seems to be set up for mainly electrical work like maybe auto audio installations? None of my business of course Ltdin94, but since you're in a sharing mood...?

 

[Ltdin94]

Concerning the LED underhgood light. Yes I just cut a vertical slot in the PVC fitting. Measure twice, cut once, sand lots. Hahaha. Snug fit but then I'm not expecting it to keep hold of the light when tooling down a highway.

I'm not really into audio installation. I fix cars for a hobby and force of habit. As well as any other darn thing that seems to break and sap my time...... Kid's cars, a few friends and my fleet of 3 keep my plenty busy.

 

[rauhwelt]

So there's a coupon for 159 but it seems my local store won't accept it and is willing to do 189. =/ I wonder if I can email corporate.

 

[riceaterSLC]

Where did you find the coupon?

 

[rauhwelt]

Through the hfchq site which I was reffered through from here

 

[PelicanPines]

If the coupon is valid... not expired... they will accept it.

Post a picture of the coupon... maybe we can see what's wrong with it.

 

[joey1320]

If the coupon is valid... not expired... they will accept it.

Post a picture of the coupon... maybe we can see what's wrong with it.

There was a discussion on the HF deals thread about a "misprinted" coupon which was being denied by HF. Seems like they "black listed" said coupon.

 

[PelicanPines]

There was a discussion on the HF deals thread about a "misprinted" coupon which was being denied by HF. Seems like they "black listed" said coupon.

Ahhh… cool. Would love to see it.

 

[fartymarty]

Through the hfchq site which I was reffered through from here

the only $159.** coupons I see on that site are all expired....best I can find is $169.99 coupon # 15382111 which I just checked on the HF web site on a red cart and it is valid.

edit: I just checked and this coupon only works with a RED; Black; or Blue cart....it's not valid on green orange or yellow. You'll have to pony up the extra $20.00 for those colors at this time, as I'm sure there is a $189.99 coupon out there somewhere that's valid on any color.

 

[PAToyota]

edit: I just checked and this coupon only works with a RED; Black; or Blue cart....it's not valid on green orange or yellow. You'll have to pony up the extra $20.00 for those colors at this time, as I'm sure there is a $189.99 coupon out there somewhere that's valid on any color.

Yep, $169.99 for red, blue, and black:

Or $189.99 for any color:

 

[mangorockfish]

I went to HF today with a pic of the coupon in post 3150 for a 5 drawer cart for $169 and the lady said it is valid, so I'll be picking one up tomorrow. Now, for the problem: what color? I have a red one at home, but this one will be at our other house. I'm also going to re-do my small garage in black, white and grey. I had my mind made up to get a green one, but I really like the yellow and the orange. Not crazy about the black or blue ones. What would you get and why? Thanks for the help

 

[mangorockfish]

I guess if I go for one other than a red one it'll cost $189. That *****!!

 

[1WickedEvo]

I went to HF today with a pic of the coupon in post 3150 for a 5 drawer cart for $169 and the lady said it is valid, so I'll be picking one up tomorrow. Now, for the problem: what color? I have a red one at home, but this one will be at our other house. I'm also going to re-do my small garage in black, white and grey. I had my mind made up to get a green one, but I really like the yellow and the orange. Not crazy about the black or blue ones. What would you get and why? Thanks for the help

Welcome to my world! I have all red and started to add white and grey cabinets(gladiator). I’m strongly considering doing a black and green or black and orange theme, however, the green is dead on with how I envisioned that color to be. The orange is nice, very nice, however, it’s a bit lighter than the types of orange that I favor.


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[mangorockfish]

Yeah, the orange is nice, but that yella is growing on me, I would have to change the garage color scheme though. Red is the Chevrolet of all other cars for tool boxes for us old guys. I don't know. I could slip a red one in on the wife, but a green or yellow one MIGHT be a different story.

 

[mangorockfish]

Going to HF in the morning, before the wife gets here to the river house on Sunday, and try to "sweet talk" one of the guys there into letting me have a "colored" one by mistake.

 

[CNCmachinist32]

Hey guys, Im modding a 4 drawer gen 2 cart for working at a machine shop. Its black, got it for 99$ back over thanksgiving. Ill post pics when I am done, but Im looking for an easy outlet and extension cord situation and am looking at the 30$ magnetic outlet from HF.

Anyone have any experience with this item? Is the US General logo a sticker that can be easily removed like the cart?

Thanks! Cant wait to finish this mod and have a nice little work station that I can roll to different machines for the day!

 

[DFB]

Hey guys, Im modding a 4 drawer gen 2 cart for working at a machine shop. Its black, got it for 99$ back over thanksgiving. Ill post pics when I am done, but Im looking for an easy outlet and extension cord situation and am looking at the 30$ magnetic outlet from HF.

Anyone have any experience with this item? Is the US General logo a sticker that can be easily removed like the cart?

Thanks! Cant wait to finish this mod and have a nice little work station that I can roll to different machines for the day!

Interesting that same power strip just crossed my mind yesterday while I was mocking up a basic Woods 7 outlet power strip to my bulk storage cart. Just thought the $30 price tag was bit steep, but the convenience of all ready to just slap on the box is probably worth it. Plus it being a metal case

Otherwise any of their cheap $3.99 power strips would also probably work with some custom modes

 

[micro2112]

Yep, $169.99 for red, blue, and black:

Or $189.99 for any color:

That $169 coupon is valid online so it should be just fine in stores.

 

[thaghost87]

Not many mods. Just changed the two fixed casters to swivel, drilled out a couple of the side pry bar holes to hold some comfort grip ratchets. Going to add some liner to the side tray hopefully next week. Oh, and removed one of badges, added a few stickers.

-Gotta say I'm impressed with the quality of it, the drawers are way smoother than I expected.

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[MTNSleder]

I think this belongs here. It’s a slightly modified 5 drawer cart from Canadian tire (Maximim 5 drawer cart) converted to a 10 drawer. A bit of fabricating to fit them together but worth it.

 

[jakemac]

The Maximum from Canadian Tire is essentially the same as Harbor Freight’s US General. So, yes it’s perfectly at home here.
Thanks for sharing. I can only imagine the work and frustration that went into combining two carts into one. Good job.


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[crrcoal]

There was a guy on youtube who custom painted his cart a white pearl or similar color. Looked hot!!! I can't for the life of me find that video. Anyone here by chance have the link? thanks!

 

[ConductorChris]

I think this belongs here. It’s a slightly modified 5 drawer cart from Canadian tire (Maximim 5 drawer cart) converted to a 10 drawer. A bit of fabricating to fit them together but worth it.

The only negative I can see is that you paid too much at Canadian Tire Vs Harbor Freight. But good looking set-up!

 

[fartymarty]

There was a guy on youtube who custom painted his cart a white pearl or similar color. Looked hot!!! I can't for the life of me find that video. Anyone here by chance have the link? thanks!

Is this it?

I don't understand how people can greet you with a question and then not wait for an answer.

"What's goin' on guys?.....blah blah blah blah....."

 

[crrcoal]

That's the one! Thank you!!!!

Is this it?

I don't understand how people can greet you with a question and then not wait for an answer.

"What's goin' on guys?.....blah blah blah blah....."

 

[skkeeter]

More drawers and a welding cart too. Adding and reconfiguring drawers was fairly easy. I did not save the drawer locking mechanism but did add the indents for the drawer latches.

Pleased with the results but have more mods to add. I was just finishing the mods yesterday when the Canadian Tire Version was posted. Strikingly similar.






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[fartymarty]

More drawers and a welding cart too. Adding and reconfiguring drawers was fairly easy. I did not save the drawer locking mechanism but did add the indents for the drawer latches.

Pleased with the results but have more mods to add.

Oh Great! Now I gotta buy two carts and a couple of welders


(That's my weird way of saying nicely done.)

 

[PelicanPines]

Gotta do that with one yellow... one black cart... bumblebee theme

 

[AceofSpad3s]

What do people use for the top work surface? I have the Husky one I bought years ago on sale for $40 and looks like hell, would like to put a surface on top so it doesn't look as bad and is more functional. I think I recall seeing people use rubber mats and spray adhesives before, but I'd prefer something more durable like hardboard. Though 1/8 stuff is a bit thin to try and mechanically fasten without the heads sitting proud of the surface, thicker would probably cause it to slam shut if a wind hits it while open. Any ideas?

 

[dodge610]

Gotta do that with one yellow... one black cart... bumblebee theme

I have the yellow one all ready guess i need to get a black one now. Great idea

 

[w.hansen]

Back to cart form, used as road box for the last 3 yrs

 

[MTNSleder]

More drawers and a welding cart too. Adding and reconfiguring drawers was fairly easy. I did not save the drawer locking mechanism but did add the indents for the drawer latches.

Pleased with the results but have more mods to add. I was just finishing the mods yesterday when the Canadian Tire Version was posted. Strikingly similar.






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Nice, very similar cart to mine, I finished mine on Wednesday and got all my tools back into it on Friday. How hard was it for you to separate the top lid from the draws on the second cart? Did you have to raise the cart any it doesn’t look like it, I had to raise mine 3” inches so the bottom drawers would fit.

 

[cheechi]

More drawers and a welding cart too. Adding and reconfiguring drawers was fairly easy. I did not save the drawer locking mechanism but did add the indents for the drawer latches.

Pleased with the results but have more mods to add. I was just finishing the mods yesterday when the Canadian Tire Version was posted. Strikingly similar.






Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

I like that a lot.

I guess it wouldn't be possible to do the 4 smallest drawers at the top. not enough center post to cut a notch for the latch catch for those.

 

[MTNSleder]

I like that a lot.

I guess it wouldn't be possible to do the 4 smallest drawers at the top. not enough center post to cut a notch for the latch catch for those.

It’s possible on mine at least, just there’s a lot of work In modifying the drawers to fit.

 

[dthor68]

I set up my 5 drawer to use for amateur endurance racing. I'm hoping that this will simplify getting our tools on and off the trailer, as well as help us keep organized at the track.

I started by boxing in the bottom. Then added a 2x4 "bumper" to the back and wrapped it in some HD door mat. Made a couple of hooks to screw to the back of the bumper to hang an extension cord and air hose.

I borrowed TerryH's solution for my longest handled pry bar and breaker bar, and Rx7toAudi idea to use HF magnets to keep screwdrivers from rattling around. I also added a power strip on the bottle holder.

To keep ratchets and extension bars in the side rails, but also have them easy to get a hold of, I added some 2" aluminum angle leftover from the breaker bar mod to raise them up.

The top tray and all of the drawers are shadowed using HF anti-fatigue floor tiles. This should make it obvious when tools are missing, minimizing the chances that we send a car out on track with tools under the hood. I put all of the sockets on generic aluminum rails from Amazon and screwed neodymium magnets to the bottoms to keep them in place.

6 plastic ArtBin bins fit just about perfectly in the bottom section to hold consumables. I like having handles on the front and hinged/attached lids that won't go missing.

Oh, and of course a bottle opener for when the track goes cold.

Would you mind sharing the name of product you are using to hold the tools in place?

 

[thr3squared]

Back to cart form, used as road box for the last 3 yrs

What do you have bolted to the back of the cart with the funnnel going into the oil bottle?

 

[fartymarty]

What do you have bolted to the back of the cart with the funnnel going into the oil bottle?

Google "funnel buddy" ...find what you want
...then scroll down* for some interesting (? well, maybe) urinary hacks for females.

*edit: using image search

 

[DFB]

Back to cart form, used as road box for the last 3 yrs

Like the grease gun mount gives me an idea now for storage of my M12 unit