Garage too big....need a tool cart!

[Spudland_Dave]

So, I think I built a little too big (joking, not serious when I say that) BUT it does seem as though my tools are always on the other side of the building while working. PLUS still being in the construction phase, I dont even have my toolbox out there yet, nor any work benches. That got me to thinkin...maybe a nice/cheaper rolling tool cart would be the cats meow to wheel around while I do various tinkering tasks at night...one night I'm hanging insulation, another night I'm installing a LM3800 or doing electrical.
Surfing quickly these 2 struck me:

Homak 27" 2 Drawer: http://www.amazon.com/HOMAK-BK06022704-27-Inch-2-Drawer-Tool/dp/B000P8AGV0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356913282&sr=8-1&keywords=tool+cart

or this Excel 36" 1 Drawer, which I'm kinda leaning towards: http://www.amazon.com/Excel-TC301C-Black-36-Inch-Steel-Black/dp/B0098IDW6Y/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&qid=1356913732&sr=8-30&keywords=tool+cart

Or if you guys got any other ideas, I'm all ears. One thing though...I dont think I want a flip up lid type...It will kind of double as my work surface for a little while, dont really want to have to clear everything off the top just to reach in for a phillips screwdriver.

Lookin for something cheap. 6 months from now when I get my toolbox moved in along with shelving, and other "making my garage a home" things, it will probably only be used here & there as my tool catcher when working on whatever project I have going on...so I hate to spend crazy money.

 

[PT Doc]

How about something like this:

http://www.sears.com/montezuma-36in...p-00937439000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

In store prices are quite a bit less when they are on sale. Would give you much more storage.

 

[Outlawmws]

If its that big, mount your tool box on the back of a golf cart!

 

[balane]

If I was in your boat I think I'd just pick up a big ol' Rubbermaid roll cart off of Craig's List for a few bucks. I always seem them locally nearly for free. They are durable and can take a beating. Plus, since it will only be temporary for you it isn't going to cost a lot.

.

 

[hickmlg09]

If its that big, mount your tool box on the back of a golf cart!

 

[purpurite]

I know you want an open top cart that has no lid, but I just picked this 4-drawer cart up from Harbor Freight. It's on sale right now for $149, and a mailer coupon will get it in the back of your vehicle for a svelte $99. It's a REALLY nice kit for $99.

They also have this open cart as well, for $69, which I saw in person when I got mine, and it's just as nice.

Can't go wrong, either way.

 

[skulldrinker]

I have a similar 3 shelf unit and it just gets filled with junk. I would go with the drawer unit, honest but you'll have to buy more tools to fill'em with.

 

[Mastermind]

get the $99 four drawer HF cart, and unbolt the lid catches so it lays back all the way.
or just get a rubbermaid style one, they have them at HF also for decent price.

 

[purpurite]

FWIW, the lid close leaves a completely flat top on the $99 HF cart. You could probably detach the drawer catches to make it exactly what you want.

 

[skulldrinker]

FWIW, the lid close leaves a completely flat top on the $99 HF cart. You could probably detach the drawer catches to make it exactly what you want.

on my $99 unit if you leave the drawers open then shut the top the drawers will open and close. No need to disconnect anything. But i find that moving the cart around the drawers fly open to easily. Not good. Can't have cake and eat it to I guess.

 

[purpurite]

Really? I found that the drawers have a final indent on them and stay closed really nicely with a little final push. They weren't opening up at all when I was rolling it around the garage.

Either way, for $99 its a fantastic, well-built little shop cart that holds a LOT of stuff.

 

[nimbleVagrant]

Something cheap and plastic sounds like the way to go. That rubbermaid above looks like a handy setup. If you've got scrap laying around you could also build something. A couple lengths of 2x4s, some plywood, screws, and 4 casters and you're all set. Just a thought.

 

[volaredon]

garage too big? no such thing I thought that too once/ now I am outta room

 

[Ray916MN]

I'm into the cart idea.

I've got two carts. One is a bottom rollaway which is set up with wood and metal working tools. I use this as a cart for wood and metal work. The other has two shallow drawers, open storage at the bottom and a butterfly sliding top with an open compartment underneath and is setup for motorcycle work. Usually when I set up to do a non-workbench top project I grab the most appropriate cart and add any other tools or supplies I might need to do the work and roll it over to whatever I'm going to work on.

Both are the same height and slide under one of my workbenches near my tool chests. I could see adding some more carts and there is room for more under the workbench. I think the way to do it is to buy carts for specific sets of tools for specific types of work. Helps organize your tools and makes it easier to have the right tools handy no matter where you're working in your shop.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I have a similar 3 shelf unit and it just gets filled with junk. I would go with the drawer unit, honest but you'll have to buy more tools to fill'em with.

That wont be a problem, I already got doubles and triples of alot of tools...all of the normal ones anyways

FWIW, the lid close leaves a completely flat top on the $99 HF cart. You could probably detach the drawer catches to make it exactly what you want.

The $99 buck HF cart would be great, but theres one problem. No HF's close to me....closest I can think of would be in MA...I've only stepped foot into a HF once in my life when I went to see my bro in RI. Otherwise, I'd probably run down to HF today and get that cart and be done with it.

I'm into the cart idea......Helps organize your tools and makes it easier to have the right tools handy no matter where you're working in your shop.

Thanks kinda what I'm thinkin as well...keep some generic/common tools in the cart and then roll it around to whatever I'm doing. For example, if I do oil change in whatever vehicle, slap the oil, filter, wrenches in/on it and get it close to the task at hand. Then when done, return the speciality tools to my big toolbox where they belong.
What turns me off about the plastic ones more then anything is if I got a cheapie metal one, I'd modify/accessorise it with things like a prybar holder, paper towel holder, cord holder, etc.. I'd think drilling holes all over and such will weaken it to the point of being useless.

 

[Packard V8]

FWIW, over the years I've picked up decent old Snap-on, Waterloo, Craftsman, Lumidor, Union roller cabs for less than $99/149. They have several drawers, good casters and real-USA-patina.

For those with ADHD and need for immediate gratification, the bad news is you can't go out and get a deal on an old roller cab immediately. They took years to find.

Whatever tool cart you get, you're not marrying it. Get something, use it, learn what suits your method of work, modify it, if you find something better, trade up.

jack vines

 

[bora492]

OK, I know this looks funny, but I swear it works great for me. I found it at an estate sale. It's like a mini shopping cart, but it holds two removable wire-handle baskets like you find at a grocery store. The frame is super stout (yes, that's a car battery in the bottom basket).

I roll over to the tool chest, and load up the baskets with whatever I need for a job (replace car battery, rotate tires, tune-up, etc.). Drop the baskets in the cart, roll it over to wherever I'm working. Reverse when through. Afterwards, I can squirt down the baskets with Simple Green, and hose them off.

Lastly, it's got a very small footprint, so it's easy to store anywhere, and can get into tight spots where a tool cart couldn't. The only problem is it definitely doesn't look industrial.