Verdict on the HF Service Cart?

[Stuey]

I know how everyone feels about the 4 and 5 drawer carts, but what about the newish service cart that's regularly $99?

What's the verdict on this one?

https://www.harborfreight.com/30-in-service-cart-with-drawer-blue-56606.html

 

[ptschram]

How can you go wrong at $99?

As much as I hate to admit it given I bleed Kenosha Red, I work out of an HF four drawer everyday and as I said, I don’t think you could go wrong with that one. I took a Mac cart in trade once just like that-I suspect they’re all made in the same place (maybe even Blue-Point).

$99 isn’t a big gamble, give it a shot!

 

[X1 Mike]

I bought one and even though I'm not using it for it's intended purpose yet I love it.

I plan on mounting a wooden top to it that I have and I will be able to use it as a mobile tool platform to use in the driveway etc. I don't really want to be running the miter saw or table saw inside the garage so I can just roll out in the driveway and send sawdust everywhere.

 

[trpearcy]

I’ve had one for about 3 months, and it’s been great. Putting it together some stuff didn’t line up well, but with some bending and adjusting it’s good to go.
I’ve loaded it down with probably 300-400 LBs, and it rolls around great. I’d defiantly buy another one


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[M635_Guy]

I had the USG 2-drawer, and really liked it other than I needed more drawer space:

Not bad at all for under $90...

https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-...30-in-bulk-storage-black-tech-cart-64002.html

 

[Stuey]

Thank you everyone!

How can you go wrong at $99?

As much as I hate to admit it given I bleed Kenosha Red, I work out of an HF four drawer everyday and as I said, I don’t think you could go wrong with that one. I took a Mac cart in trade once just like that-I suspect they’re all made in the same place (maybe even Blue-Point).

$99 isn’t a big gamble, give it a shot!

No, but I have having *stuff* that doesn't perfectly suit my needs. Stuff that isn't easy to give away ends up taking up space for a very long time.

I bought one and even though I'm not using it for it's intended purpose yet I love it.

I plan on mounting a wooden top to it that I have and I will be able to use it as a mobile tool platform to use in the driveway etc. I don't really want to be running the miter saw or table saw inside the garage so I can just roll out in the driveway and send sawdust everywhere.

Ooh, I didn't even think of that - thank you! Seems like a good idea I just might borrow!

 

[M6erfan]

I've almost pulled the trigger on that HF cart more than once, but I really can't justify it, I don't "need" another tool cart. The floor model I've played with in the store seems fairly sturdy though.

I'm with X1Mike, I do all my grinding, sawing, wire wheeling, etc. out in the driveway, but I use my Keter work table. Holds 1,000 pounds (so they say) and I've had my Wilton 1755 on it, changed motorcycle tires on it, painted MC frames, used it as an engine teardown bench, and as a table/stand to rebuild a few CT70's from start to finish. It's tough, hoses down, and folds up out of the way when not in use. Pretty impressive really.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CWX26Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
(I paid $69 three years ago)

 

[Stuey]

I've almost pulled the trigger on that HF cart more than once, but I really can't justify it, I don't "need" another tool cart. The floor model I've played with in the store seems fairly sturdy though.

I'm with X1Mike, I do all my grinding, sawing, wire wheeling, etc. out in the driveway, but I use my Keter work table. Holds 1,000 pounds (so they say) and I've had my Wilton 1755 on it, changed motorcycle tires on it, painted MC frames, used it as an engine teardown bench, and as a table/stand to rebuild a few CT70's from start to finish. It's tough, hoses down, and folds up out of the way when not in use. Pretty impressive really.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CWX26Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
(I paid $69 three years ago)

I have a Dewalt collapsable work table that I've kept longer than the other workbenches I've tried in the past. But, out comes a square, a t-square if I'm marking for track saw cuts, square for calibrating the blade or fence, pencil, marker, impact, screws, and some other random stuff. And it ends up piled on top of stuff near the door. Or the floor. I figured I needed a cart to handle receivables, rather than placing them on the bench, floor, wherever, but for holding a saw for quick cuts, or tools when a chop saw or miter saw are setup on a separate stand... definitely in for one now.

 

[tez929rr]

I bought one a couple of years ago because they quit selling the one that was just sort of a rolling worktable. It’s OK; not as much storage as one of the tool carts and as is doesn’t have quite enough of a working surface on top. While we were finishing out our workshop apartment it worked fine for keeping materials and tools organized day to day and to move stuff between rooms. I would not buy another one; IMHO the 5 drawer cart with a side work table is way more usable.

This one from Jeg’s looks exactly like the one HF quit selling: https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performance+Products/555/81420/10002/-1?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlvT8BRDeARIsAACRFiX4r-CEhLlzIhZooIN4Uoq28Z4Dn7XCmIa8LW9s2OHFUKrLb0VpvZIaAvtyEALw_wcB#

 

[DFB]

I like the looks of it (though haven't seen it in person yet) but for years I have used the cheaper red cart for a for home garage service. Been ok but obviously nothing heavy duty


And though it may be more than you wanting for a small roll around cart

I have to say also have the bulk storage cart like in post #5

Great cart, and a super good deal for the money (this weekend storewide 15% discount too)

https://www.harborfreight.com/30-in-bulk-storage-black-tech-cart-64002.html

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I’ve had one for about 3 months, and it’s been great. Putting it together some stuff didn’t line up well, but with some bending and adjusting it’s good to go.
I’ve loaded it down with probably 300-400 LBs, and it rolls around great. I’d defiantly buy another one

Who would you be defying?

 

[Stuey]

Who would you be defying?

hehe - autocorrect?

 

[M635_Guy]

I’ve had one for about 3 months, and it’s been great. Putting it together some stuff didn’t line up well, but with some bending and adjusting it’s good to go.

Having put a couple of them together (the 2-drawer and then the 5-drawer that replaced it), the trick is to leave all the nuts very loose and then tighten everything once it is fully assembled.

 

[M635_Guy]

Who would you be defying?

 

[mwritter]

I grabbed one for my detailing supplies a few years back when there was a coupon for $67.99, and yesterday I grabbed another with the 20% off anything. Can't beat them for the price.

 

[SuperCat]

I just checked the HF website and it says this cart is on "clearance."
If you're thinking about buying one, better get it soon before they're all gone.

 

[M6erfan]

I just checked the HF website and it says this cart is on "clearance."
If you're thinking about buying one, better get it soon before they're all gone.

Doesn't mention *clearance* in my browser...

https://www.harborfreight.com/30-in-service-cart-with-drawer-black-56604.html

It does say *NEW* though

 

[SuperCat]

Oops, I was looking at post #5 and used the link listed for the 30 inch Bulk Storage Black Tech Cart. That one is on clearance for $87.97, but the OP is not asking about that one.
Thanks for the quick catch M6erfan, sorry for the confusion.

 

[RivennHewn]

Hope it’s better than the red predecessor.

The red one I got was terrible.

Legs were different lengths, and the casters sucked.

 

[redmondjp]

Hope it’s better than the red predecessor.

The red one I got was terrible.

Legs were different lengths, and the casters sucked.

That somewhat has to do with how it is assembled on the leg length. I assemble mine on a flat floor and use locktite on all of the fasteners so that nothing loosens up over time.

One idea, if you don't need to ever close the top, is to permanently set the lid in the vertical position and put a piece of pegboard onto it - you can also put fold-out sides on the pegboard so they extend out on each side when open.

I knew one mechanic that set his cart this way, so most of his wrenches and screwdrivers were hanging on the pegboard with immediate, visual access. He also used the side tables with holes in them to hold all of his air tools, extension bars, pry bars, and so on. So there are a lot of ways to modify a cart so you don't have to have very much inside the drawers.

 

[Stuey]

Oops, I was looking at post #5 and used the link listed for the 30 inch Bulk Storage Black Tech Cart. That one is on clearance for $87.97, but the OP is not asking about that one.
Thanks for the quick catch M6erfan, sorry for the confusion.

Sorry - I went back and added a link to the first post.