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My "Frankencart" Tool Cart

John in OH

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Joined
Jun 2, 2007
Messages
2,444
Location
SE Ohio & Eastern Virginia
OK, try not to laugh too much …..

But, here is my “frankencart” tool cart. I have a specific need to move a general selection of tools between different machine storage sheds for various basic farm equipment repairs. Since this is between buildings, over rough ground, and within gravel floored sheds, the typical tool cart doesn’t work for me.

About a year ago I picked up the seven-drawer tool box at a flea market for $20 and did a basic overhaul. I don’t think it turned out too badly for the limited effort put into the toolbox.

The two-wheeled cart is an HF unit, but I erred by not buying the one with the big wheels. It may be necessary to do a big-wheel retrofit sometime in the future.

The bottom portion of the cart is a simple box for carrying parts, special tools, or other miscellaneous items. Then the seven-drawer toolbox. Above that is the paper towel roll and all is topped off by a cookies sheet for holding parts during disassembly, cleaning, or whatever. On the back is a tray for spray cans of penetrating oil, never-seize, carb cleaner, etc.

If I eat my Wheaties, I can lift the toolbox off the cart and put it in the back of the pickup …. barely!!

Still thinking about additions/modifications to perform to make it a little more useful. Maybe add a grease gun, pry bar rack, electric outlet with extension cord, or possibly, a goose-neck light to help my old eyes see in the dark sheds.

If you guys have any suggestions for additions or improvements, I’d love to hear them!

IMG_3976.jpg IMG_3985.jpg IMG_3982.jpg IMG_3978.jpg
IMG_3980.jpg
 
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stonesfan68

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Joined
Apr 19, 2012
Messages
2,758
Location
Houston, TX
Well, it isn't pretty, that's for sure, but it looks like it will work great as portable tool storage. I think that it is a clever use of using what you have to suit your needs. Well done!
 

nicksnothereman

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 19, 2013
Messages
3,608
Location
In the Mojave
OK, try not to laugh too much …..

But, here is my “frankencart” tool cart. I have a specific need to move a general selection of tools between different machine storage sheds for various basic farm equipment repairs. Since this is between buildings, over rough ground, and within gravel floored sheds, the typical tool cart doesn’t work for me.

About a year ago I picked up the seven-drawer tool box at a flea market for $20 and did a basic overhaul. I don’t think it turned out too badly for the limited effort put into the toolbox.

The two-wheeled cart is an HF unit, but I erred by not buying the one with the big wheels. It may be necessary to do a big-wheel retrofit sometime in the future.

The bottom portion of the cart is a simple box for carrying parts, special tools, or other miscellaneous items. Then the seven-drawer toolbox. Above that is the paper towel roll and all is topped off by a cookies sheet for holding parts during disassembly, cleaning, or whatever. On the back is a tray for spray cans of penetrating oil, never-seize, carb cleaner, etc.

If I eat my Wheaties, I can lift the toolbox off the cart and put it in the back of the pickup …. barely!!

Still thinking about additions/modifications to perform to make it a little more useful. Maybe add a grease gun, pry bar rack, electric outlet with extension cord, or possibly, a goose-neck light to help my old eyes see in the dark sheds.

If you guys have any suggestions for additions or improvements, I’d love to hear them!

Nah...I mean if it works for you that's all that matters. I don't think this would be any less efficient than a mobile worksite cart...at least the ones I see. I'll work out of buckets, tray buckets, or bags for specific jobs the only bad thing is you have to plan out what you're using before you do it or go back and get tools, you shouldn't have that problem.
 

Clutch71

Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2013
Messages
15
Location
Mid-Missouri
Great idea and may have less of a footprint than the traditional service carts. Plus, if the tool box can come off easily, you have a hand truck for moving heavy parts like a transmission if you have the right extension. Great job!
 

Carves

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Joined
Oct 9, 2013
Messages
459
Location
Central West NSW .. Australia
Thanks for posting that,

... It convinced me to I need to buy a couple of the same ... and not a smaller model Ive been looking at for my inverter welder and another project.

Just a suggestion ... cut two triangles of plywood, and fit them in the axle mounts ... stops 'em folding up if the load is a bit much.
 

bad_idea

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Joined
Jun 11, 2011
Messages
4,335
Location
Pasquotank, NC
I think a wagon would be nicer, then you could mount the toolbox up higher. Maybe even work a table top into the wagon as a portable workbench. I like the chunk of wood riding on top of the roll of paper towels, simple and clever.
 
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cactiki

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Joined
Nov 17, 2011
Messages
123
Location
Ridgecrest, Ca
That's freaking genius! I have a dolly like that, I use it all the time, but not like that. I added solid tires because the other kind ALWAYS were flat when I needed them! Looks like you did too?
 
OP
J

John in OH

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Joined
Jun 2, 2007
Messages
2,444
Location
SE Ohio & Eastern Virginia
I think a wagon would be nicer, then you could mount the toolbox up higher. Maybe even work a table top into the wagon as a portable workbench. I like the chunk of wood riding on top of the roll of paper towels, simple and clever.

Yeah, one of those "garden wagons" might also work, but the two-wheel cart works better for me going up/down a step or two.

You mentioned a GN light on it, what about some power ? A cord reel that would give you a place to plug in a power tool and your light ? Something like this maybe ?

http://www.menards.com/main/electri...ord-reel-with-16-3-cord/p-2017768-c-13968.htm

That's a good idea!! Not sure I want to spend $35 on a cord reel, but I'll look around and see what is available.

That's freaking genius! I have a dolly like that, I use it all the time, but not like that. I added solid tires because the other kind ALWAYS were flat when I needed them! Looks like you did too?

"That's freaking genius" Reminds me of what the Army drill Sargent told Forrest Gump!

If that's "Frankencart", does that mean you're Igor??

1362135219_franken02.jpg Walk this way!!
 

NUTTSGT

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Sep 14, 2009
Messages
50,986
Location
Northern Central Ohio
That's a good idea!! Not sure I want to spend $35 on a cord reel, but I'll look around and see what is available.



Heck, $35 is cheap compare to some of them out. Which I didn't realize to I started searching for to link. :D

Simply, getting a decent 12/3 extension cord, cutting the female end off and wiring it into a outdoor outlet. Mount the outlet on the frame along with a couple of tabs to wind the cord up on for storage.
 

justsam

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Joined
Aug 20, 2010
Messages
1,267
Location
Penngrove, California
I like it!
I'm a big fan of "purpose built" devices or job aids. It also reflects someone who actually does real work and identifies their needs.
 

PFSard

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Joined
Sep 12, 2013
Messages
2,423
Location
Mesa, AZ
John in OH >> Great stuff. Inexpensive. If you cannot find what you need off the shelf, you just have to create it. >> Paul
 

tinkergeek

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Joined
Dec 26, 2012
Messages
107
Frankencart is just another name for custom built.

How many can claim a custom built tool cart?
 
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