Can i make this into a tool box??

[Nealcrenshaw]

I think it may be possible.
My plans would include cutting off the handles and making drawer length
pulls of of 16 gage sheet, welding a few drawers together and cutting out the bottom of the drawer to make a few wider drawers for sockets trays,air tools and blow mold cases,adding a nice set of wheel casters and drawer liners followed by a nice paint job.

What do you think??? Not bad for $130.I might talk him down to $100. And let me say this cabinet is well built not like the Craftsman chest but out of heavy sheet gage like a Snapon or Matco box,Its heavy.

http://www.hgrindustrialsurplus.com...SC=&pageSize=50&currentPageIndex=2&searchNAP=


Heres another one
http://www.hgrindustrialsurplus.com...SC=&pageSize=50&currentPageIndex=2&searchNAP=

 

[hguerrero]

best thing about this site is the knowledge and the creativity of members...do it!

 

[alex71]

Blueprint files make good toolboxes... only problem, as you mentioned, is drawer depth. Personally, I'd keep the drawers as is. in my experience, I only need a few deep drawers. the rest I prefer lots of shallow drawers to prevent wasting space. IOW a good second (or third or fourth, or whatever) box.

 

[Stuey]

I too would recommend keeping at least one or two of those units intact - shallow drawers maximize on space as long as they can still fit the tools.

 

[lauver]

Neal,

I don't see how you could go wrong for $130-$150. No matter what modifications/refurbishment you do to these boxes, you'll still end up with a boat-load of usable tool storage at a bargain price. What are you waiting on?

PS- Please be sure to post your "after photos". Inquiring minds want to know how this project turns out.

 

[Mike83]

Careful, those drawers are NOT full extension like most toolbox drawers. At least the ones we have at work only open half way and you have to stuff the plan sets into the back.

Unless you can think of a way to modify this feature...maybe you can. Good luck!

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Well,Thanks for the encouragement. I just got back from buying this cabinet and wouldn't you know it was half off everything on aisle 1, so thats right only $65.
I also pickeded up some Tool carts (5) which were all half off as well.

The Drawers do open all the way and they're around 32" long ,43" wide and about 2.5" deep. Will post some pictures of it later on today. As i have to find someone to help me remove from my truck.

 

[rsanter]

I was actually thinking that those would be better used as the base of a work bench.
to store sockets you can lay the set on its side

bob

 

[superautobacs]

I like the shallow drawers. Great score!

I have a couple heavy duty filing cabinets that I bought used at a bargain and I use them for tools/parts storage as well.

Lets see some pictures, too.

 

[old salvage]

Wow, flat files are sooo expensive. 65 bucks makes it a great score !!

 

[-B-]

As stated earlier be careful most flat files do not open all the way now nor can hod much weight in the drawers.

 

[T56 Impala]

That is a great find! I would love one for my basement. It would be great for the tool collection.

 

[J.A.F.E.]

You made a great score. 4 drawer flat file units used can go for $200 or more around here. They should make a nice tool box. As many have already said I like a lot of shallow drawers and find them better suited to my needs than deep ones.

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Couldn't get the pics taken,like i wanted tonight,had to get some sleep,but will take them tomorrow.

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Heres one with it on the truck,Will take more later.

 

[irisservice]

Here is a flat file i converted

more pics here
http://jandareef.com/gallery/v/Tools/05252008/

 

[-B-]

irisservice that is no normal flat file that is just right for alternate use me want one perfect for bicycle tools.

 

[irisservice]

Yep it started as a flat file...then had it framed in steel with wheels and diamondplate top.
Before pic

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Very nice IRis, You have given me the inspiration i need to convert this.

 

[irisservice]

Good luck
John

 

[irisservice]

ps remove the front off one of the draws and attach it to draw below it now you have a double height draw

 

[hguerrero]

Yep it started as a flat file...then had it framed in steel with wheels and diamondplate top.
Before pic

wow, looks great.
what paint did you use? sprayed or rolled?
really liking all the facom stuff...
the pry bars in your set say facom, but look a lot like the craftsman...coincidence?

 

[irisservice]

krylon on all...
Thank you
most prybars look alike as not much advancement in them lol

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

I still haven't forgot about these pics i'm going to try for this week i've been busy buying and selling cleaning and sanding.

 

[irisservice]

how did you ever make out..

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

It worked out pretty good,i currently have it in my backyard.

 

[irisservice]

Glad it worked...snap a pic when you can..