Recycle into a toolbox.

[CHADD]

Recently picked up 2 filing cabinets from work they were going to pitch. Thought of a great idea to convert into tool boxes. The cabinets are 36" wide 18" deep and 65" tall with 5 large ball bearing drawers each. Top drawer has a front face the lifts up. then a tray slides out. the other drawers just pull out and are 33" wide 15" deep and 9.5" tall on the inside.

Just got them into the basement. Now trying to figure out how i want to organize all of my tools. Thinking of making removeable trays for each drawer to keep full sets on top and random tools under neath.

The top right shelf is being fitted with a power strip where I can plug in power tool chargers and not have a bunch of cords dangling everywhere.

If anyone has an idea for simple cheap trays, let me know. So far thinking just 1x2 for frame and 1/4" plywood for bottoms of trays. Then line them.

 

[rsanter]

Those are good for storage of the larger boxed items

Bob

 

[Fudge]

Free? Yeah I'll say it YOU ****!!!
I have been looking for one of those that isn't $200 for a few years, in my area people think they are gold plated.

 

[64dragnwagon]

Nice score, I think you should be carefull on how much weight you put in each drawer. Maybe keep large lighter weight stuff in them.

 

[Super Sport]

Nice score! I just put a similar 2-drawer out in my garage. Works great for larger power tools and other stuff.

 

[darkk]

When my shop moved they were going to throw away these same cabinets. I have plenty storage and tool boxes so I'm not sure what I'll do with these but couldn't let them go to the trash.

 

[kbs2244]

The only problem I have had with that kind of cabinet is avoiding the temptation of overloading the drawers.
They are great for large bulky tools like circular saws.

 

[CHADD]

The only problem I have had with that kind of cabinet is avoiding the temptation of overloading the drawers.
They are great for large bulky tools like circular saws.

I see that being my problem.

So far the cabinet on the right is for all of my power tools and specialty tools that are in cases. keeping my floor jacks and jack stands in bottom drawer. if i see it bending in the future ill pull them out and use it for something else.

The cabinet on the left is being setup for all my hand tools. Sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc....

Im coming up with a light weight but sturdy enough design to make some trays for each drawer on the left.

I am a 3D modeler. So I design everything in 3D in my computer first. Once it looks good there, i will build something.