Home built tool box

[Chewy]

Im thinking of making my own tool chest as I cant really find what I want and they are also too expensive for me, plus I love to build things.
Anyone done this before, got any plans? Or am I just gonna have to figure this out myself?
Anyone got anu good ideas to incorperate into my design?
Was gonna make it from 20mm angle iron (frame and drawers) and sheet steel.
Where would I be able to buy bearing runners from (ie what kind of shop I have no idea)
Thanks
Chewy

 

[dink]

Im thinking of making my own tool chest as I cant really find what I want and they are also too expensive for me, plus I love to build things.
Anyone done this before, got any plans? Or am I just gonna have to figure this out myself?
Anyone got anu good ideas to incorperate into my design?
Was gonna make it from 20mm angle iron (frame and drawers) and sheet steel.
Where would I be able to buy bearing runners from (ie what kind of shop I have no idea)
Thanks
Chewy

I say get them from Snap-on so you have the best quality

Also a recommendation...make sure your drawers are deep enough to fit 1/2' deep well sockets standing up with clearance...I wish I had that on my tool box

 

[74-77Camaro]

Where would I be able to buy bearing runners from (ie what kind of shop I have no idea)
Thanks
Chewy

See if you have a second hand business store that sells old office furniture and cabinets. Most always they will have ball bearing glides that could be used.

I have a 5 drawer file cabinet that I keep alot of stuff in. Graphics firms and architect firms use flat file drawers alot. Also, most rack mount computer server chassis have ball bearing glides.

You could also order them from most woodworking shops too, probably online.

HTH,

Scott

 

[dink]

See if you have a second hand business store that sells old office furniture and cabinets. Most always they will have ball bearing glides that could be used.

I have a 5 drawer file cabinet that I keep alot of stuff in. Graphics firms and architect firms use flat file drawers alot. Also, most rack mount computer server chassis have ball bearing glides.

You could also order them from most woodworking shops too, probably online.

HTH,

Scott

You brought up some great ideas...I didnt even think of those for mentioning

 

[kartracer55]

Well Id not too sure about makign a tool box, I mean, yeah, they are build kinda crappy now awdays, but even so, they are still fairly complicated in terms of fit.


I really like the idea of the architect file cabinets. They are usually a few inces deep, and alot of times, each draw locks individually.

Jim

 

[dink]

How about doing something out of wood if your going to make it yourself

 

[kartracer55]

http://www.hobartcabinet.com/4and8drawer.htm

This is a flat file cabinet, id imagine they are kidna $$$ though.

 

[dink]

those are nice and stuff....but I wouldnt want them in the garage...they would rust extremely fast because that type of steel I bet isnt treated to hold up to the weather like a tool chest does

 

[kartracer55]

They wouldnt rust if thier in the garage... thats why cars last so much longer when the are garage kept... no rust.

Jim

 

[dink]

I bet most likely why tool chests dont rust is because of the paint that is on them

 

[kartracer55]

The good ones are powdercaoted, but even still, that can rust. Its all about the environment you expose them too.

 

[dink]

I still dont think those filing cabinets would hold up to the weather

 

[74-77Camaro]

Actually, I bet that they would hold up better than you think. Commerical grade furniture is very heavy duty and expensive. They are made to take a load, and to last. Especially the older stuff. Yeah, if you leave it in the rain, it will surface rust where the paint is scratched. So will your toolbox.

A 3'x4' stack of vellums about 3" thick weigh alot (think a 3" stack of dense plywood), and the drawers are made to open and close alot. The drawers are so deep tho it may not be practical for most garages. Heck, my 'clean' workbench is a drafting table I used in college, and is heck for stout.

Scott (an architect in a previous life)

 

[dink]

then it would be awesome for a huge nut and bolt collection hahaaa

 

[kartracer55]

Yeah... that site I posted before makes industrial cabinets that would be perfect

 

[dink]

But I wont even need that big....I have a tiny 12 drawer for my nuts and bolts for right now till i get into a house

 

[kartracer55]

I really liek the little plastic bisn that home depot uses... I might just rob one so I can steal thier little storage bins... hey, now THATS an idea!

 

[dink]

So are the ones at Sams Club

 

[kartracer55]

I dont think I have ever seen a samsclub store before

 

[dink]

I dont think I have ever seen a samsclub store before

I didnt either till I got married...my wife drags me in...and i introduced myself to there SS tool box everyone talks about

Just not my cup of tea that store

 

[kartracer55]

Im not a big fan of its counterpart wal-fart either. In the mdiwest they are great but around here its like the freakkin ghetto everytime I walk in

 

[dink]

I dont like the clientele...to white trash

 

[kartracer55]

Hey white trash would be better than no english

 

[dink]

Hey white trash would be better than no english

Eh they all congregate to the same places anyways....best of both worlds

 

[kartracer55]

gotta love it... the say "juan and shaniqua to register 1" and half the store runs over ahhahhahahahaha

 

[dink]

gotta love it... the say "juan and shaniqua to register 1" and half the store runs over ahhahhahahahaha

Or half of them run out because they think they are being deported for being illegal

 

[danski0224]

I say get them from Snap-on so you have the best quality

Also a recommendation...make sure your drawers are deep enough to fit 1/2' deep well sockets standing up with clearance...I wish I had that on my tool box

Lista industrial cabinets are better quality than Snap-On. Not as shiny, though.

 

[dink]

Lista industrial cabinets are better quality than Snap-On. Not as shiny, though.

I love Lista products...makes everything look very proffessional looking....and thats fine they dont look shiny...there sheer size is intimidating enough