Durable tool box

[Brooksie365]

Hey guys my name is Bryan and I just recently got a job in a factory type setting as a mechanic. When I worked for the railroad my box just sat there and didn't get open that much so i purchased a harbor freight roll away. the box is nice and did what i needed it to do. The new job is in a 300,000 square foot building so the box has to be mobil. This box will be loaded very heavily and moved daily. My plan is to use my current box till it breaks at the welds but will be upgrading very soon. Do you guys have an suggestions?
Thanks in advance

 

[evintho]

Is there a question there? I'm assuming you're looking for recommendations on a new box. If so, I would look into these guys........................
http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/

Top quality at very reasonable prices!

 

[Fast30coupe]

Get a snapon tool utility vehicle!

 

[mopar01]

Kennedy is whatt most guys seem to use.

 

[CNGsaves]

Welcome to GJ. Use the Search feature up at top of page, click on Advanced Search and you'll be able to pick whatever flavor of toolbox to review prior threads. Also can use Google and search GJ as well with specifics. Example
. . . mac double bay site:garagejournal.com

Now would be good time to Update GJ Profile with your City / State so you'll get best local advice.

Finally, when you're ready to throw away that US General 44" rolling toolbox, be sure to give an up-and-coming GJer first dibs !!

 

[Tallboy]

I would look into the Kennedy Maintenance Pro boxes. When I was shopping for a cab for our maintenance mechanic in our 180,000 sq ft facility. Ended up making a cart for him with pnuematic wheels and used a side box by Proto.

 

[larry_g]

Lista makes some boxes for that use. I would suggest that you weld up your own frame to hold the box and then get some urethane tired castors in a 5-8" diameter. Even if you don't make the frame, upgrade the castors.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Pat Brady]

Welcome!! Check the search forum as CNG saves suggests and you can get a lot of ideas. Congrats on the new job.

 

[Brooksie365]

i like all the suggestions thanks guys. I think so i can get the most out of this box i will buy some nice wheels and get a cart welded up

 

[Tallboy]

for moving around in a facility when you might have to get into tighter spots/aisle, you might consider making your frame with 6 casters, with the middle ones being taller. put two rigids in the middle and the other four swivels. You could either use 6" rigids and 5" swivels or all 5" and use a spacer/shim under the middles. This will make the cart much easier to turn in a lot smaller radius.

same thought process as the Kennedy MP line, but could be accomplished without the big wheels:

same principle used in many supermarket stocking carts:

 

[basspro]

I am a Maintenance Mechanic at our facility, also 300,000 square feet. I have been pushing my 56in Masterforce daily for a year almost to the date. I built a frame under mine and it seems to be holding up very well. I have a Kennedy 520 chest on top of it. The frame is nice as I can pick it up with a forklift if I choose to. I pushed a Homak 41in top and bottom box for a year and a half as well, on 6in machine casters mounted to a frame and my box had a two quarter inch cracks near the top front seams in the bottom box. I think this was due to the stiff casters. I have 6 stock casters on my Masterforce and they do seem to be a bit smoother, Ive thought about getting Snap On casters at some point though. Whichever you choose, Id put a frame under it for sure. Kennedy makes a very nice box as well, just a bit more $$$.

 

[neonnblack]

bah, there is a thread some where a dude made his HF a tank like exo skeleton.

 

[Outlawmws]

Kennedy is whatt most guys seem to use.

on This^^^^

Get the one that has the "wagon wheels" to take the worst of the beating, and you can probably retire with the box intact.

 

[Fedwrench]

Can you weld?

Make a frame for your existing box, attach the best casters you can afford and save some money.

 

[Brooksie365]

thanks for the more suggestions. i have made my decision and will have the welding department make me a frame and i will be purchasing some phenolic 5'' wheels to mount on the frame.

 

[trexdoink]

The same Harbor Freight should have some big wheels. Northern tool has a bunch also.

 

[bobcatdan]

Kennedy is to maintance boxes as snap on boxes are to auto techs. As the others have said, built a frame and use the HF until you outgrow it, then get a Kennedy. Or a SO taco cart.

 

[WNYflyer]

I was in a local brass rolling mill a couple months ago and most if not all the tool boxes had fabricated frames/carts with wheels for ease of moving around a 1,000,000 sq ft facility.

Most of the boxes where Harbor Freight, Craftsmans, etc since the frames/carts were taking the abuse from moving around.

Looks like many here have suggested that route also.