Is there a problem putting 4 swivel casters on toolbox?

[Yankee]

I purchased my new toolbox (36 inch wide top and bottom) and was considering getting 2 swivel casters to replace the 2 rigid ones. I want to place my toolbox in a corner next to the work bench and wall. I was able to slide my old box, however the new box is too heavy.

I know there would be tipping over potential if you would push from the front or back, however it would allow me to easily push the box straight back. I would very rarely move it out of that corner, but would like the option if needed.

Has anyone else done that or know of a better way? Figure this happens in a lot of shops/garages.

 

[Techie1961]

I've had to try to maneuver a 4 caster cabinet or machine in the past and they seem to have a life of their own. They never go where you want them to go. That's about the only thing I can think of.

 

[MFolks]

Get casters rated for the weight, otherwise they will quickly wear out.

 

[2oolhound]

Having 2 fixed allows you to push in a straight line over distances. With 4 swivels you have to fight with them to get from A to B because they want to take the path of least resistance. I've put 3 swivels on boxes with good results. You can use 4 swivels if you don't need to push the box over distances and want maximum manoeuvrability.

 

[GTA Matt]

All the casters swivel on Epiq tool boxes. Makes them very easy to maneuver. Zero stability issues, although if you are going to be pushing it around a lot, might want to get 2 casters that can lock as well.

 

[Yankee]

Thanks for the info. I was going to get the same swivel casters from Waterloo that are on it. (Waterloo HD box)

I've been very impressed with it so far. What little I've already moved around with it, feels like its on air.....

 

[Full Metal Ratchet]

I prefer 4 swivel casters because I'm always in tight quarters in the home shop and would otherwise be forced into doing million point turns. If you overload the box it will fight you a bit as you push it around wanting to follow concrete topography. My previous employer supplied all the toolboxes which were quite large 60" or so. Loaded down probably 1500 lbs or more. They had all swivel casters and weren't too horrible to move with two people once you got them started, but were stationary 99% of the time. My roll-around has all swivel casters and at ~250lbs is easy to move.

 

[zkling]

About the only ability you gain is to easily parallel park it and spin it like a top. Straight ling and overall stability goes down drastically. I have one bottom only box on 4 swivel. In a tight shop it works great.

 

[redwrench60]

I use a KRL 1056 as a tool cart and I replaced the two fixed castors with swivel units for maneuverability. Stability is fine and it rolls around easily. I've gotten used to the way it handles. This is a great mod.

 

[firworks]

I've really been wishing my HF 44" had 4 swivel casters. I have a single car shop that's a combo auto and wood working shop so there's no long distances. Only maneuvering around EVERYTHING.

 

[burke753]

Normally I hate having four castors that swivel. But since I got my Mac cart and side box I've got 6 castors total on it. All swivel. But they can be locked straight ahead too.

Best of both worlds if you can find a castor like that


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[---]

I purchased my new toolbox (36 inch wide top and bottom)

Let's see some pics!

 

[neuralsnafu]

All of our work tables at my job have 4 swivel casters. Pisses me off every time.... never rolls the direction you push it in...

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[the gypsy]

what I would like to see is a steering system like on camera dollies. I got a closeup look in April and must admit it was interesting.
But it will never happen because I believe the steering system is probably more expensive than a Snap On box. You can lock all 4 straight all 4 diagonal all 4 forming a circle so you can spin on the spot without any chance of the wheels moving ( locked in the circular position). You can steer only the front or only the rear.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Get casters rated for the weight, otherwise they will quickly wear out.

+1 on this. I like to see a safety factor of two. So if the box + tools weighs 1800 lbs, I use 900 lb rated casters. Bigger diameter caster wheels also push a lot easier than smaller ones.

 

[slip knot]

My weber gas grill has 4 casters on it. I look like a wino on the freeway pushing that thing around. it aint going anywhere near the direction I want it to. I'm thinking about welding two of them up.

 

[bigfunwmu]

My Matco cart has 4 swivels. To move short distances, or to navigate around **** in the way it really is nice. When going from one end of the shop to the other, it kinda *****. It wants to push about 45 degrees off straight, dog tracks like a champ.

 

[ZRX61]

Some of mine have 4 swivels. Not an issue on the few times they get moved.

 

[mypov]

been said on here already, but have a service cart that has 4 swivel casters on it, it's the worst pain in the *** to move around, "has a life of its own" miserable to push in a straight line, if there is any sort slope or out of level to the ground the box will want to go down the hill and will not go straight....
However, that being said, if you are not wanting to push it around all that much and need to get in and out of tight spaces with it they are easier to maneuver in tight corners.

 

[Robbie UK]

3 swivels and one fixed is the ideal compromise for me. Enough stability to push straight on a rutted concrete floor yet can pretty much spin in its own length.

As I have to manoeuvre 2 of mine under my bench the 3 swivel & 1 fixed option is almost essential.

 

[Mikerodrig27]

why not just put a jack under the straight side and point it in the direction you wanna go? If you're rarely going to move it I don't see why the need to spend money and too much time on it.

 

[bsaint]

Reminds me of the ********'d ikea carts.