Cart for all my tools

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Hey guys. I've had a shop job before, but used a shop cart. I'm going to possibly be starting a new job in a different shop, and ill want to start with my own cart. I have socket trays with the pegs, 6, 3 metric in sizes and 3 standard in sizes. It will have to hold those, my two small sets of wrenches, ratchets, impact guns, hood prop, pliers, extensions, etc. so ill probably want a drawer, right? When I outgrow it, I'll get a box and move my tools to that an use the cart as my work cart. Preferably harbor freight, but not cheap enough to make me want to smash a sledge over it. Thanks for the help! Nothing too expensive.

 

[Haveblue]

Get a good used cart with plenty of space, or the HF 5 drawer cart. It sounds like you will be adding a lot to your tool arsenal..dont leave them in an "open cart", they will grow legs. I think you have a pretty good plan. A cart in your budget will make you money from day one and will give you mobility. You can always expand your storage to other boxes...but the cart will always remain as the "go to box that rolls right to the job" Biggest time saver, and best tool investment I ever made was getting a good cart!

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I have more tools than listed but those are some of the space taker uppers.

 

[Super Sport]

Both the black 4-drawer and red 5-drawer from HF are pretty decent carts, especially given the price (when you use a coupon). I think either would suit you fine!

 

[JJThrasher]

I cast another vote for the red 5 drawer HF cart.

 

[Haveblue]

Once you get a good cart, you will quickly grow into it...dont be afraid to change how you set it up...you will find the "groove". Depending on space, you will weed out all the things you dont need right next to you. You can store tools you dont need daily in another box.

 

[cole_CT]

I love my HF 4 drawer cart

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I'm interested in the five drawer. I have a harbor freight about 45 minutes away from me. If I go how do I use a coupon? Or are the codes only good online and don't apply in store? It would come in a box I presume? I ask because I have a coupe and no trunk due to sub woofers!

 

[ihateminimumwage]

All but two of the carts at my shop are HF. I have a 4 drawer, and it's loaded down with more stuff that I thought I could fit in it. All my ratchets, sockets, wrenches, punches, hammers, picks, pliers, screwdrivers, impact stuff, etc. I added a pry bar holder to the side for larger screwdrivers, pry bars, slide hammer, large picks.

You honestly can't go wrong with a HF 4 or 5 Drawer.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3259083&postcount=944

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I'm interested in the five drawer. I have a harbor freight about 45 minutes away from me. If I go how do I use a coupon? Or are the codes only good online and don't apply in store? It would come in a box I presume? I ask because I have a coupe and no trunk due to sub woofers!

Bring a blanket to protect seats, pull the pieces out of the box and load them up where you can fit them. The carts are heavier than they look.

 

[jakemac]

I'm interested in the five drawer. I have a harbor freight about 45 minutes away from me. If I go how do I use a coupon? Or are the codes only good online and don't apply in store? It would come in a box I presume? I ask because I have a coupe and no trunk due to sub woofers!

The same as anywhere else, bring it with you and they scan it. If it's an internet coupon, print it out, bring it with you, and they scan it.


Getting the case through the door of your car will be difficult (read : impossible). Borrow a pickup, or ask them to hold the box on the loading dock while you go to Home Depot and rent their truck ($19/90min) to take the box home. Don't even try to strap it to the roof of your car, it's too heavy.

Bring a friend, the cart is heavy and can be a PIA to move by yourself (experience speaking).
An extra set of hands to lift while building the cart is also helpful.

.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Do you guys know what coupons will work with it? I tried a 20 and 25% off coupon I found on retailmenot and it didn't work. I could imagine the box being heavy, but you don't think ill be able to fit it in a grand am?

 

[joedodge]

I have the large matco 4 drawer cart in the shop. It's almost too big but its nice to load up and down load as you need to and have the space. Our part time guy has that 4 drawer harbor freight cart and its loaded to the gills like overloaded and its held up great for 3 years

 

[foreverfalcon40]

All but two of the carts at my shop are HF. I have a 4 drawer, and it's loaded down with more stuff that I thought I could fit in it. All my ratchets, sockets, wrenches, punches, hammers, picks, pliers, screwdrivers, impact stuff, etc. I added a pry bar holder to the side for larger screwdrivers, pry bars, slide hammer, large picks.

You honestly can't go wrong with a HF 4 or 5 Drawer.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3259083&postcount=944

WOW, I do say I have seen a few of the guys with the HF cart and they love it. It does hold up well, if you looking for something bigger or brand name CL is where is it at. Don't forget to post a picture of whatever you find!

 

[DanarchyCustoms]

I have the HF 5 drawer and love it! I'm just about at the limit of filling it completely up. When it comes to adding space I'm going to by the 7 Drawer side box. For about 400$ you get one badass cart with a total of 13 drawers. It's built pretty tough with BB Slides and thick steel. If you do add the side box I would reinforce the bottom around the casters for added strength.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Do you guys know what coupons will work with it? I tried a 20 and 25% off coupon I found on retailmenot and it didn't work. I could imagine the box being heavy, but you don't think ill be able to fit it in a grand am?

Lowest curent coupon for the 5 dwr cart is $164.99.

20% and 25% coupons will not work on boxes or carts.

If ya need a real coupon, PM me your address and I;ll drop one in the mail.

As for hauling, the unassembled main 5 dwr box unit should fit in either the trunk, back seat or will sit on end in the front seat of that grand am.
Legs, bottom tray and casters will fit in trunk or back seat. It comes in pieces except the dwr and dwr frame unit.

Just means you need a box cutter in the parking lot.
BTDT.
Good way to check for damage on the cart before getting it home.
Bring some rags or a packing blanket to protect agains paint damage.

Fold up the cardboard box and throw that in the back seat and be on your way.

The carts come in parts and need assembly so easy to haul.

The 41" roll cab (aka 44" HF box) not so much.

 

[JJThrasher]

Best I have for it.

 

[uconn9]

I picked up and assembled the 5 drawer HF cart last night. So far I am very pleased with it.

As mentioned many times before:
1) Read the directions.
2) Don't tighten anything until it's completely assembled.

And I can 100% attest to the fact that it will not fit in an Audi A4. Bring a truck or SUV.

 

[hiing]

And I can 100% attest to the fact that it will not fit in an Audi A4. Bring a truck or SUV.

I, however, can 100% attest for the fact that it will fit in a 2004 Mazda6 5-door. You are in luck if you drive one.

 

[Skyline]

If you can spare about $350 I'd look for a used MAC cart, the one with the top that splits left/right to open. These are by far the most useful carts made. Not the biggest made, but pretty large, VERY solid, and the top design is the true standout. The idea that you can open your cart to access all your tools in the top bay, and STILL have two stainless steel work surfaces to place parts or other items on makes this the most awesome cart on the market.

This cart lists for almost $900, and they do make a second set of drawers that fills the space on the bottom that adds another $450. But I sold one used (w/o the extra drawers) for $350. This will put any HF cart to shame.

 

[ckblum]

$900?? For a cart for someone just starting a new job?? Why not buy the HF 5 drawer, and then at least when you go to resell you'll get $100 for it, only lose about $75. Compared to when you upgrade from the Mac losing $400+.

 

[Super Sport]

$900?? For a cart for someone just starting a new job?? Why not buy the HF 5 drawer, and then at least when you go to resell you'll get $100 for it, only lose about $75. Compared to when you upgrade from the Mac losing $400+.

If you can spare about $350 I'd look for a used MAC cart, the one with the top that splits left/right to open. These are by far the most useful carts made. Not the biggest made, but pretty large, VERY solid, and the top design is the true standout. The idea that you can open your cart to access all your tools in the top bay, and STILL have two stainless steel work surfaces to place parts or other items on makes this the most awesome cart on the market.

This cart lists for almost $900, and they do make a second set of drawers that fills the space on the bottom that adds another $450. But I sold one used (w/o the extra drawers) for $350. This will put any HF cart to shame.

I really didn't know reading was as hard as some members here make it out to be.

 

[ckblum]

Oops must've missed that. Good thing there's no shortage of members in the peanut gallery haha just buggin!