Tool box solution (portable) for car work...

[paredown]

My single car garage (with the non-operational doors) is the wood shop.

Car work takes place outside on the driveway. I have managed for quite a few years using an old luggable top handle tool box, but would like a recommendation for a box with wheels, small enough to maneuver out a standard door, with room for about two tool boxes worth of stuff so I can consolidate.

Also easy access would be nice--trays that pull out etc...

Cheap is good as well.

 

[fos373]

Ummm HF tool cart sounds ideal......

 

[tym]

I found an old heavy-gauge-steel library book cart by a dumpster at my condo complex a while back. No drawers, but easy to carry and access your toolboxes and other items.

They're narrow so will fit through a "man door" just fine.

 

[1cargarage]

My single car garage (with the non-operational doors) is the wood shop.

Car work takes place outside on the driveway. I have managed for quite a few years using an old luggable top handle tool box, but would like a recommendation for a box with wheels, small enough to maneuver out a standard door, with room for about two tool boxes worth of stuff so I can consolidate.

Also easy access would be nice--trays that pull out etc...

Cheap is good as well.

"...two tool boxes worth of stuff" can mean any number of things to any number of people.

"Cheap is good as well." How cheap are you?

If money were no object, I'd go for the justifiably iconic and collapsible

Hazet Assistent #166N - HxWxD: 38"x26.75"x13.75" - Made in Germany - ~$1600

If that's too big, the diminutive cousin, the

Hazet Assistent #160ST - HxWxD: 37.5"x23.25"x13.75" - Made in Germany - ~$1050

If that's too rich and/or big and you still want some drawers on your new rig and you abide China-made toolboxes, the

Beta #041000002 Two Module Tool Trolley might be a better fit @ ~$700

All three of these have a relatively small footprint and the Hazet offerings collapse to fit in the back of a station wagon or large backseat (heavy though). They all will easily roll through a standard doorway, and all combine easy access to and substantial protection for tools/contents.

Or, if price outweighs every other factor (as it seems to for 95% of people), go to Harbor Freight and get whatever they have to offer.

 

[1cargarage]

I found an old heavy-gauge-steel library book cart by a dumpster at my condo complex a while back. No drawers, but easy to carry and access your toolboxes and other items.

They're narrow so will fit through a "man door" just fine.

Library book carts are nice b/c their shelves are pitched in at 5~7 degrees to keep contents from rolling off while the cart rolls. And, since a pile of books is a heavy load, they're built to be quite stout.

 

[EZ_Garage]

I think it hard to beat the HF tool carts.

The 4 drawer "tech cart" is a decent box and currently can be had for around $120 IIRC. Since they have begun offering it in different colors the coupon prices aren't as good as they used to be but it's still not going to break the bank at $120-$140.

The 5 drawer "mechanics cart" is slightly larger than the 4 drawer and the build quality is without a doubt better. I think these carts are probably the best bang for your buck in the whole US General line of tool storage. Recent coupon prices range from $169-$199. At the lower end of the price spectrum I don't think that they can beat. I would buy the 5 drawer over the 4 drawer if the slightly larger footprint doesn't bother you.

You could also, buy the US General 26" lower cabinet if you are more interested in drawers. I think the current coupon is about $240 for those.

Decision, decisions...

 

[fsae0607]

HF Tool Cart. Best deal out there.

 

[paredown]

The Beta style one that 1Cargarage posted is the kind of thing that I had in mind--something portable enough that I can roll it out the door onto the gravel driveway easily, and work from it--drawers that open so you can access tools.

I don't see anything like that at HF--I see the regular shop tool carts--I already have an old Stanley like that--but they are really not portable enough--I have to take this in and out of the front door--no direct door to the garage.

The stacked container ones (Milwaukee and others) are the right sort of size, but they don't allow access to tools without unstacking and then you still have the same problems as the top handle tool boxes--got to rummage to the bottom to find anything.

I see this Stalwary one on Amazon--you can work from the stack or unstack the three boxes, but it doesn't seem to be that durable...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ZZHK9W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[16again]

"...two tool boxes worth of stuff" can mean any number of things to any number of people.

"Cheap is good as well." How cheap are you?

If money were no object, I'd go for the justifiably iconic and collapsible

Hazet Assistent #166N - HxWxD: 38"x26.75"x13.75" - Made in Germany - ~$1600

If that's too big, the diminutive cousin, the

Hazet Assistent #160ST - HxWxD: 37.5"x23.25"x13.75" - Made in Germany - ~$1050

If that's too rich and/or big and you still want some drawers on your new rig and you abide China-made toolboxes, the

Beta #041000002 Two Module Tool Trolley might be a better fit @ ~$700

All three of these have a relatively small footprint and the Hazet offerings collapse to fit in the back of a station wagon or large backseat (heavy though). They all will easily roll through a standard doorway, and all combine easy access to and substantial protection for tools/contents.

Or, if price outweighs every other factor (as it seems to for 95% of people), go to Harbor Freight and get whatever they have to offer.

Wow! Sure would love the first Hazlet pictured,

 

[matt_i]

I spied one of these in the house one day and soon it was mine!!

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/raskog-utility-cart-black-90333976/

It mimics the Hazet but I bet an order of magnitude cheaper. I can't vouch for the casters outside though...

 

[bwringer]

Yep, the HF five drawer cart is 100% unbeatable for this.

Get the folding side tray attachment too; it's very sturdy and incredibly handy. There are all sorts of useful attachments and accessories for their tool carts.


Also, HF sells an insanely handy "tool creeper" for a measly $18. It will organize and revolutionize your driveway endeavors. Very handy for stuff like brake jobs where you get all your tools, parts, etc. out, then have to pick it up and drag it to the other side... dump everything on the tool creeper and everything stays in one easily portable place. It also greatly simplifies putting everything away once you're done.
https://www.harborfreight.com/Tool-Creeper-56155.html

 

[1cargarage]

Gedore also makes a pretty slick little wheeled box

#1578 - 6 Drawer Tool Trolley - H x W x D - 36.5" x 24" x 15" - Made in Austria - $1312



This one's really cool and unique because all the drawers open from either side


GermanToolReviews has a video review on it on YouTube.

VIDEO:

Really reasonable footprint and will roll around tight quarters all day no problem.

 

[BroncoAZ]

I see this Stalwary one on Amazon--you can work from the stack or unstack the three boxes, but it doesn't seem to be that durable...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ZZHK9W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This one is on Woot today for $99

https://tools.woot.com/offers/stalwart-oversized-portable-tool-chest

 

[Steve_P]

Those Hazet assistants are cool, but the price is insane. I had no idea they were so expensive. I can't see how anyone could justify buying one new.

 

[geartow]

a harbor freight, 7 drawer side box on a hand truck would fill your need

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

Those Hazet assistants are cool, but the price is insane. I had no idea they were so expensive. I can't see how anyone could justify buying one new.

Same type of people who buy Snap-on tool boxes. Only German.
Hard to compare directly but here are a few that might be suitable options if one was thinking of the Hazet assistant.

Snap-on (Blue-Point) KRBC50TB $2085 made in China
Snap-on (Blue-Point) KRBC13 $930 made in China
Snap-on KMC18043POR $1821 made in USA

 

[^&right]

I second the HF 5 drawer, maybe put some pneumatic castors on it if you need. I bought one to put most used tools in when repairing cars. 3/8" sockets and wrenches. Impacts, channel locks, etc. Works great and saves me a ton of time walking back and forth to my large chest when I can wheel it right up to the car.

 

[Dave455]

Those Hazet assistants are cool, but the price is insane. I had no idea they were so expensive. I can't see how anyone could justify buying one new.

Just to put things into perspective, I’m in the U.K. and that exact Hazet Assistent - the 166N is available for $750 U.S. here.

Unfortunately, things like boxes are costly to ship a long distance, then importers tend to load the price to cover currency fluctuations. We get hit the same way on things like Snap On boxes.

For what it’s worth, I know a guy who works out of one of those Hazet Assistents. He works in machine maintenance, so everything he needs gets wheeled to where he needs it, and he’s got a work surface too. If he needs to work off site, the thing collapses down and goes in the back of his car.

The concept really works for some, but I think for car work the concept only really works if you are in a big shop and just want to wheel the essential tools over. It does keep them accessible though!

 

[1cargarage]

Same type of people who buy Snap-on tool boxes. Only German.
Hard to compare directly but here are a few that might be suitable options if one was thinking of the Hazet assistant.

Snap-on (Blue-Point) KRBC50TB $2085 made in China
Snap-on (Blue-Point) KRBC13 $930 made in China
Snap-on KMC18043POR $1821 made in USA

None of those are comparable to the Hazet Assistent. Also, only one of those meet OP's criteria. The second Blue Point cart and the plastic box won't hold "two toolboxes worth of stuff".

The Assistent stood alone for a long time because of its small footprint, drawer-less design, ability to collapse for transport/storage, and inclusion of a small work surface. In recent(ish) years Beta released something similar - with the addition of drawer/shelf slides

BETA C27S ~$700 on chadstoolbox.com

Stahlwille (Germany) also has an offering that IMHO falls short of the Assistent due to its inability to collapse for transport. Interesting design though

STAHLWILLE ROLLMASTER

Also, welcome to GarageJournal

 

[Mecha]

What about the DeWalt or Milwaukee stacking systems?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-...10732397;310749908;310749909;-_-300702772-_-N

 

[Knotgoalie]

I hve the DeWaltTOUgh System setup with the 2 wheel dolly and the small/med/large boxes all of which were a $teal given that my brother worksfor S/B&D and I can't beat his employee prices anywhere. A good sturdy setup IMHO!

 

[Ohmthis]

From what you are asking for the HF carts sound like the ticket. If you want cheap, get a two shelf cart and grab another carry box with drawers like the rally box. I see the boxes on CL all the time for $35 or less. Total investment is less than $100. I found a library book cart too and put my KR59 on the top shelf. I put tools in blow molded cases on the bitter shelf. It makes a great tool cart.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I'm tempted to make a toolbox setup using kaizen foam, I love organization and for whatever reason this thread sprung the idea up again

 

[zkling]

Put some wheels on a harbor freight side box.

 

[paredown]

a harbor freight, 7 drawer side box on a hand truck would fill your need

This sounds do-able!

Of course I pitched my old heavy portable hand cart that I used to use in my IT days when I was cleaning up before Christmas--

I think I'll have to make a run down to HF and look at the drawer cabinets.

I really don't think any of the really small wheel/smooth wheel carts will work--I have to get over the threshold of a door, onto a stoop and then off that into the gravel, so I need something that will not let me put 200 pounds of tools into it, and that has wheels that will navigate over the gravel.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I found these two on Craigslist. the red one was $25 and the more valuable blue one was $40 . I restored the red one and sold the blue one for $750 in one day.
I got the rollerbox with the drawers in a second hand store for $100.
For years, I used a couple of repurposed Radio Flyer wagon boxes on a frame, with casters.

 

[John in OH]

A few years ago I picked up a 24" wide, 7 drawer tool box at a yard sale for $20. It was pretty rough, but some hammer work, new handles, and a rattle can paint job made it look decent.

I have a need to transport a collection of tools between several farm equipment storage sheds so I had to have something that would roll over rough ground. Solution was to mount the toolbox on a "customized" HF hand cart. I added a small storage box on the bottom for carrying parts,a paper towel roll, an assembly tray (cookie sheet), extension cord reel, and a can rack. It isn't a very elegant cart, but it works great for my needs.

Since the pics were taken I've added a pair of shallow drawers just above the towel roll.



OK, you can laugh now!!

 

[Ohmthis]

A few years ago I picked up a 24" wide, 7 drawer tool box at a yard sale for $20. It was pretty rough, but some hammer work, new handles, and a rattle can paint job made it look decent.

I have a need to transport a collection of tools between several farm equipment storage sheds so I had to have something that would roll over rough ground. Solution was to mount the toolbox on a "customized" HF hand cart. I added a small storage box on the bottom for carrying parts,a paper towel roll, an assembly tray (cookie sheet), extension cord reel, and a can rack. It isn't a very elegant cart, but it works great for my needs.

Since the pics were taken I've added a pair of shallow drawers just above the towel roll.



OK, you can laugh now!!

Laugh??? I stand up and applaud you!!! That is awesome! It does everything it needs to. It is well thought out and makes life so much easier. This is exactly what the OP is looking for I think! Great Job!

 

[kctyphoon]

If you have room for a hf tool cart, and have the room and ground condition where you can actually wheel the thing out, i think youd be hard pressed to find a better option..

 

[DFB]

You got a woodshop...

MAKE ONE

 

[kctyphoon]

You got a woodshop...

MAKE ONE

Maybe the first step is to make the “non operational” garage doors, “operational”?

Buy a shed?

 

[jgromada]

I have no covered garage but i have a large 52" toolbox to store all my tools. To bring tools out to the car i have this:

Ikea Raskog $29 which works great , i have modified it slightly (paper towel holder, magnetic trays) . If I had a real garage i would probably go for a real tool cart.

 

[1cargarage]

Just stumbled across this box:

Weather Guard 9953-7-01 $263

https://www.toolup.com/Weatherguard-9953-7-01-RedZone-Grab-and-Go-Tool-Cart-28-1-2-x-20-x-12

Only one big drawer though. Unlike the DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Ridgid stacking units, looks like you can access the lower box without having to remove anything on top.

 

[brownbagg]

I have no covered garage but i have a large 52" toolbox to store all my tools. To bring tools out to the car i have this:

Ikea Raskog $29 which works great , i have modified it slightly (paper towel holder, magnetic trays) . If I had a real garage i would probably go for a real tool cart.

i bought one of those a target for $25, I left the center tray out, and it great for tools, parts, wd40 while working around projects, It the exact same one

 

[ChrisLS8]

If you have room for a hf tool cart, and have the room and ground condition where you can actually wheel the thing out, i think youd be hard pressed to find a better option..

I would add some pneumatic casters to it to roll around easier on gravel. I had a coworker with mini tractor tires on his and it worked well

 

[BK13]

You could also, buy the US General 26" lower cabinet if you are more interested in drawers. I think the current coupon is about $240 for those.

What's the build quality like on the 26" bottom box?

 

[wout]

I would go for a Hazet Assistent ...

 

[1cargarage]

I would go for a Hazet Assistent ...

Your avatar picture says it all

Have you put large(er) casters on any of yours for unpaved transport? I'd be curious how that turned out.

 

[wout]

Your avatar picture says it all

Have you put large(er) casters on any of yours for unpaved transport? I'd be curious how that turned out.

Thanks!

No, I want them as original as possible .

The newest type 162 or 166 'C' has bigger casters then the old model 162 or 166 'N' (162 non foldable, 166 foldable). Think it isn't really a problem to pull them around in non paved places when you don't overload them. The ST is a lot lighter but not as sturdy and stable as the bigger ones. A lot of info in the Hazet thread : https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=150384
Wout

 

[danielbuck]

My single car garage (with the non-operational doors) is the wood shop.

Car work takes place outside on the driveway. I have managed for quite a few years using an old luggable top handle tool box, but would like a recommendation for a box with wheels, small enough to maneuver out a standard door, with room for about two tool boxes worth of stuff so I can consolidate.

Also easy access would be nice--trays that pull out etc...

Cheap is good as well.

I'll second the HF carts mentioned on here. Cheap, and reasonably strong. I just picked up a 5 drawer "mechanics" cart.

Like you I can't work on vehicles in my garage (1 car size, but walled up and only has a walk-through door) all of my metal working machines are in there anyway, so even if it did open up for a car, I couldn't fit one in there. Any vehicle work is done outside in the carport. I've always had to work on vehicles in the driveway anywhere I've lived, but for some reason it never dawned on me to have a mobile cart to keep tools in, and just bring them all out at once. Finally did it, and I love it

I've been modifying the 5 drawer cart a bit but even as it is, it's a nice unit for the price. I keep wrenches, sockets & ratchets, an assortment of long pliers, a few hammers, lots of little picks, screwdrivers, and a battery impact and battery angle grinder in there. Still playing with the organization of it, but it's nice to have 90% of the tools I need for working on a vehicle right there with me, no more constantly going back and forth to my big tool chest in the garage. I mostly keep metal fabrication stuff in the big tool chest now.