So I've been tackling a lot of maintenance projects out in the shop lately. For the most part, they are all projects that take a weekend or more to finish and I've caught my...
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- Thread starter Ryan
- Start date
So I've been tackling a lot of maintenance projects out in the shop lately. For the most part, they are all projects that take a weekend or more to finish and I've caught my...
To read the rest of this blog entry from The Garage Journal, click here.
slim53
Well-known member
The tool cart for sure. I still need to get a couple for myself. Maybe more. The reality is you generally use the same basic tools over and over. Why not keep them together and mobile? I prefer a cart with a drawer since its easier to keep the dust off the tools (I do body work from time to time). Also, you can divide them up better. Maybe keep you basic hand tools/sockets on the top, but in the drawer keep (if you got a flathead) a 2nd or third tune-up kit.
It's nice in the shop, but what happens when your buddy's hot rod starts fussin on the way over to your house? Do you back your cars out and pull his in or do you just roll the cart down the driveway? The latter seems obvious, but I can't count the number of times my friends and I have laid tools all over a driveway.
Slim
It's nice in the shop, but what happens when your buddy's hot rod starts fussin on the way over to your house? Do you back your cars out and pull his in or do you just roll the cart down the driveway? The latter seems obvious, but I can't count the number of times my friends and I have laid tools all over a driveway.
Slim
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Thedroid
Well-known member
I like the open type cart on the left. What is that? It sure looks convenient.
Fighter-of-Wars
Member
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2009
- Messages
- 20
In our shop we have what we call a "tool tree" Basically a bunch of fence posts welded together on some casters with nails all over the place to hang wrenches, sockets, and other tools on. Will have to get a pic. I really like it.
wantedabiggergarage
Member Emeritus
I've seen carts like the one on the left at Wally world before, then I see them elsewhere for more money. For more money, I wish the bases were heavier, so they could be used as a wheel mover.
Laredo
Well-known member
Have used a tool cart for years - both professionally and at home for hobby stuff.
1) prevents tools from being left in bad places (under the hood, etc)
2) provides easy and convenient place for removed parts, bolts, etc
3) makes for easier cleanup and organization after the job is done
1) prevents tools from being left in bad places (under the hood, etc)
2) provides easy and convenient place for removed parts, bolts, etc
3) makes for easier cleanup and organization after the job is done
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
It probably depends on available space. If your main box is two steps or so from what your're working, than you may not need a cart. I use a combination of both styles at work. I have a tool cart with drawers that has common hand and air tools in it to handle 90% of what I do. Depending on the job being performed, I also use an open two or three shelf cart. This is cart is like a rolling bench. All pieces removed from the vehicle are placed on the cart. It keeps things organized, safe, and out of the way. I would also recommend the addition of a folding side shelf on your tool cart. This gives you an area to lay a wrench or socket where you can easily and quick grab it again and again. As others have pointed out, things often disappear when you lay them under the hood while working. The use of a tool cart or tray can greatly reduce these losses.
I happened to see this blog. We happen to be the inventors (3 of us) of the Universal Air Tool Organizer. But if you look at the other products we've invented and patented, I think you will be impressed. Sears is currently selling them under the Craftsman Brand. Our 16 gage powder coated Pegboard Adapter allows you to organize retractables along with air tools and electric drills. Great for workshop projects. Offers quick retreival of most used tools. I'll roll my roll-away to my car. My 50' retractable air reel pulls backwards meaning I use the retractable portion and pull back to air source and connect with a simple adapter I made. The other end, I put a curly hose on it and perform work. When job is done, simple unplug and spool back to roll-away. Very simple and organized. The die-cast aluminum Air Tool Organizer is great for holding paint guns and very strong. To see a demonstration, go to www.airtoolorganizer.com or www.gmflabs.com
Thank you,
[email protected]
Thank you,
[email protected]
Ryan,
I would like to know more about the cart on the left also. Do you have more information on it or a link?
V/8
Tman
Well-known member
That is his 38, pop over to the HAMB and there is info on it.
OP
trainer
Well-known member
I ended up with a dozen bottom trays from gas bbqs that we replaced at work under warranty. they are about 12 inches by 24 inches by 2 inches deep. I welded a handle on each one with a slot for small hardware and parts.
If im working on something that has to be apart for a while, I put all the pieces into a tray and slide it into a spot under my workbench.
Right now, I'm in the middle of a bathroom reno. One tray has plumbing fittings, pipe cutter, solder, teflon tape, pvc cement, sparker for the torch, etc. one has electrical, and one has general nails, screws drillbits, sawblades, and screwdrivers.
If im working on something that has to be apart for a while, I put all the pieces into a tray and slide it into a spot under my workbench.
Right now, I'm in the middle of a bathroom reno. One tray has plumbing fittings, pipe cutter, solder, teflon tape, pvc cement, sparker for the torch, etc. one has electrical, and one has general nails, screws drillbits, sawblades, and screwdrivers.
TejasBimmer
Well-known member
I have my mobile chest from LISTA. Big enough and fairly easy to move around. It carries my tools used for my cars and truck, which is all metric.
Then my stationary tool chest is for SAE stuff and everything else for the home (wood work, cordless tools, etc.).
Its the one on the left.
I like that CM tool cart....I think I will get it.
For Christmas, my wife bought me that rolling seat from Groits...it has a tool tray underneath.
It works great and rolls with my big **** on it.
Then my stationary tool chest is for SAE stuff and everything else for the home (wood work, cordless tools, etc.).
Its the one on the left.
I like that CM tool cart....I think I will get it.
For Christmas, my wife bought me that rolling seat from Groits...it has a tool tray underneath.
It works great and rolls with my big **** on it.
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ovilla
Well-known member
I have my mobile chest from LISTA. Big enough and fairly easy to move around. It carries my tools used for my cars and truck, which is all metric.
Then my stationary tool chest is for SAE stuff and everything else for the home (wood work, cordless tools, etc.).
Its the one on the left.
I like that CM tool cart....I think I will get it.
For Christmas, my wife bought me that rolling seat from Groits...it has a tool tray underneath.
It works great and rolls with my big **** on it.
Nathan - Do you have a pic of just your garage floor? That's a cool pattern you have going on there. Thanks
70redbee
Well-known member
I have several 2 and 3 tray tool carts around my shop. I buy them from HF when on sale for about $40. I put tools in one and parts in another. You can't beat them for the price and it keeps things right at hand. When done with a project just roll it to the big tool chest clean your tools put them in there place and everything is nice and tidy. Works great for me.
I like that piece. Anyone have actual experience with it? Wheels easy to roll/large enough to get over irregularities in the rolling surface? HD enough to carry multiple parts/tools? I see in has a shipping wt of 25 lbs.
I am using this now. It works pretty good.
nightrain00
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2008
- Messages
- 134
I have a cart like that I forget how it arrived at my garage but I mounted and aluminum baking tray to the top of it so it has a lip to keep stuff from sliding off and is easy to clean. I just drilled acouple of holes and used carrage bolts to hold it the top that was already on it.
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
I like that piece. Anyone have actual experience with it? Wheels easy to roll/large enough to get over irregularities in the rolling surface? HD enough to carry multiple parts/tools? I see in has a shipping wt of 25 lbs.
I am using this now. It works pretty good.
Pretty much can guess where that came from
If I'm not mistaken it looks like a Hospital cart. Correct?Palmetto
Well-known member
I have used the sturctural foam type in friends shops before, and they work good. I have a small, roll around craftsman box that I use. Works great. Stuff still gets cluttered, it's just the nature of the job man.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_6970_101+1542
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_6970_101+1542
e-tek
Well-known member
Pretty much can guess where that came from
Fer sure that's not only a hospital food cart, but he's got the bedpan besides!
Great scores!!
SportFury59
Well-known member
Speaking of baking trays, I saw one time where a fellow bolted a baking tray to a spare old radiator cap and attach it to radiator and would use it as tool holder on an old car he had. Probably wouldn't work on newer cars.
1991Syclone
Well-known member
I vaguely remember something similar to the tray except that it was big enough for someone to lay on while working at the back of a packed engine bay. Sometimes you need to get to the back of a SBC dissy and it's a pain to have to climb up on the front bumper to get to it. I'll try to find some pics.
cassiusclay
Member
- Joined
- May 9, 2007
- Messages
- 10
Ryan where did you get the tool caddy pictured?
RetroJim55
Well-known member
I have two big tool boxes that I keep most everything that I don't use all the time . I have a cart with 9 drawer tool box on the cart with sockets , wrenches ,screwdrivers and the hand tools I use all the time . I just use that but the tools that aren't cleaned yet are just left out on the cart next to the tool box until the job is done . I keep the cart next to the car for easy access ! Been doing that many , many years !