Rolling cart top mat?

[Recoil Rob]

Hello,

New here, I just purchased a used Snap on rolling cart with a top chest like this one (poached the photo from a thread here about restoration)

I am going to split them up, leave the rolling cart in the garage for general auto and pump work and keep the top unit on a bench in the basement for specialized tools I use working on guns, fishing reels, etc, the fun stuff.


What would you recommend to use on top of the rolling cart ( 20"x31") to keep it from getting dented up as I may be using it as a work surface for things like pump repair? Is tempered Masonite with a rubber pad strong enough or do I need some plate steel? If so, how thick?

thanks, Rob

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Laminated floor or thick rubber pad. Or cut wood and put stainless steel plate over it. (expensive)

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

1/4" thick sheet of rubber from mcmaster

 

[Recoil Rob]

Is just a rubber pad enough to keep from denting the top? I would think something more substantial to spread the load of a 40lb. pump (not intentionally) hitting it.

 

[Racr350]

1/4" thick sheet of rubber from mcmaster

That site is awesomeeeeee. Been looking for something simialar to use as a surface that i could put down on the backside of the lid of my cart. Good prices too!

 

[dwm]

If you want to spread the load, put a solid sheet on it first, then the rubber on top. I'm sort of a fan of Garolite for these kinds of things because it's hard and impact-resistant but is easy to cut (I've cut many sheets with fine-tooth blade on sliding compound and table saw) and for the most part doesn't mind moisture (depends on the grade). Say 85345K643 from McMaster-Carr. Lately I've been using rubber floor tile from McMaster (6292T28) for work tops. Thick, durable, grippy. If you want a single piece, use 2 feet of 70035T81 (it's vinyl but still very durable).

 

[Subyroo651]

If you want to spread the load, put a solid sheet on it first, then the rubber on top. I'm sort of a fan of Garolite for these kinds of things because it's hard and impact-resistant but is easy to cut (I've cut many sheets with fine-tooth blade on sliding compound and table saw) and for the most part doesn't mind moisture (depends on the grade). Say 85345K643 from McMaster-Carr. Lately I've been using rubber floor tile from McMaster (6292T28) for work tops. Thick, durable, grippy. If you want a single piece, use 2 feet of 70035T81 (it's vinyl but still very durable).

I am interested in covering my cart lid as well, unfortunately the McMaster pictures ****. Can you post any pics of your setups that you have done?

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

Go to your local truck parts supplier and get a mudflap. Cheap, tough as nails, and you can find some pretty cool logos on them.

 

[Outlawmws]

It depends on just how much beating you intent to do on top. I made a '54 Craftsman roller into my welding bench, and cut a plate of 1/2" steel for it. That will take almost anything I care to throw at it, or on it.

If you are doing lighter work and don't need a steel top, 3/4" ply will also take a lot of abuse.

I've used Masonite a top material before and my other restored bigger badder '54 roller came from the factory with 1/4" Masonite. It has a couple of whopies in it from getting wet. it is however 57 years old, so it's entitled. The other tops Masonite were OK but not long lasting for the abuse I gave them.

The key question is what work do you plan to do on top of it?

 

[dwm]

I am interested in covering my cart lid as well, unfortunately the McMaster pictures ****. Can you post any pics of your setups that you have done?

I don't have any pictures at the moment, I'll see if I can find time to snap some this weekend. The tops I have at home right now have the rubber floor tile from McMaster-Carr that I mentioned, in gray. I don't think I have any exposed Garolite to show, except on the amplifier enclosure in the trunk of one of my cars. I wouldn't use garolite as a work surface; it'll work, but for me it's too glossy and I'm not a fan of deep black as a work surface. But underneath the rubber or vinyl of your choice, it's great support due to its strength and impact resistance. And I find it reasonably easy to cut and drill.

 

[ibedayank]

chunk of conveyer belt

 

[yhprum]

Horse stall mats (rubber)

 

[dwm]

I am interested in covering my cart lid as well, unfortunately the McMaster pictures ****. Can you post any pics of your setups that you have done?

Here's a picture showing some of the McMaster-Carr 6292T274 raised-disc rubber floor tile, gray. This is half of a 24"x24" tile, on one of my rolling trays for under-the-car work. On this tray, it's attached with double-sided carpet tape. On my home-made rolling carts, it's just laid in place. This tile is quite thick, very durable and easy to clean.

 

[dwm]

Here's another option, though one I don't use for work tops since I'm not a big fan of black work surfaces. McMaster-Carr nylon-reinforced rubber heavy duty runner mats. It's 1/8" thick, claims to withstand cleats and forklift traffic, and quite heavy. I use it as tool drawer liner and to cover the spots in the garage not covered by G-Floor. Picture is the end of a 2'x10', 1/8" thick roll (6821T714) I received recently. This is the 'smooth' version, but in reality the surface is a bit textured. There are V-rib and flat-rib versions available, as well as thicker versions (3/16" and 1/4").

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Horse stall mats (rubber)

I agree....

Go to tractor Supply and buy one of these 4'x6' mats that are about 3/4" thick and you will not have a problem. If they can stand up to a steel shod horse weighing 1,000 pounds, a 40 pound pump should not be a problem.

Horse mat

 

[Subyroo651]

Thanks to all and DWM as well for posting those pics/part #'S. I definitely have some ideas to work with.

 

[bassbone52]

I used a sheet of 1/4" white plexiglass on my Macsimizer. Cleans up easily and any small parts show up really well.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

Here's another option, though one I don't use for work tops since I'm not a big fan of black work surfaces. McMaster-Carr nylon-reinforced rubber heavy duty runner mats. It's 1/8" thick, claims to withstand cleats and forklift traffic, and quite heavy. I use it as tool drawer liner and to cover the spots in the garage not covered by G-Floor. Picture is the end of a 2'x10', 1/8" thick roll (6821T714) I received recently. This is the 'smooth' version, but in reality the surface is a bit textured. There are V-rib and flat-rib versions available, as well as thicker versions (3/16" and 1/4").

You by chance don't have some spare of this material...
W= 31 3/8 in" x D= 19 3/4 in"?

That's the perfect material that I have been looking for to cover my little work bench but I don't need 10' of it'
(if you do I would pay you obiously for the material)

Thanks,
-Nigel

 

[Subyroo651]

You by chance don't have some spare of this material...
W= 31 3/8 in" x D= 19 3/4 in"?

That's the perfect material that I have been looking for to cover my little work bench but I don't need 10' of it'
(if you do I would pay you obiously for the material)

Thanks,
-Nigel

x2 on this, I do not need 10ft of it but I would if I have too.

 

[Outlawmws]

How about this??

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[Recoil Rob]

For $8.56 shipped I'll give a try and report back, thanks for the heads up.

Rob

 

[dwm]

x2 on this, I do not need 10ft of it but I would if I have too.

I don't have any extra, I actually need more of it. But you don't have to order 10' of it. They sell 24"x48", 24"x72", 24"x96", etc. as standard sizes. You can also order it in whatever length you want in 1 ft. increments, up to 22 ft. (full roll).

 

[dwm]

For $8.56 shipped I'll give a try and report back, thanks for the heads up.

Rob

Just my humble opinion, but I can't imagine that as a worktop. Uncomfortable, can't be wiped off, and will collect dirt and fluids like crazy (because that's what it's designed to do). On the upside, when you decide it's not useful as a work surface, you can put it on the floor for its intended purpose.

 

[Outlawmws]

Just my humble opinion, but I can't imagine that as a worktop. Uncomfortable, can't be wiped off, and will collect dirt and fluids like crazy (because that's what it's designed to do). On the upside, when you decide it's not useful as a work surface, you can put it on the floor for its intended purpose.

Take it outside and power wash it.. its designed for that...

 

[dwm]

Take it outside and power wash it.. its designed for that...

Sure, and incredibly incovenient. Especially if it's holding a bunch of solvent. Or it's February in Michigan. I much prefer a top I can wipe with paper towels in 3 seconds, and not even have to remove all the items from it. And know I can set a piece of wood or a painted part on it at a glance without wondering if I remembered to clean all the brake fluid off of it from last week.

 

[Kody the Bear]

Hey, Rob... Nice box.
Can I ask what the Snap-On number of your beauty, please.
I think your box is similar to the one I'm about to by from a local friend.
It should be on the back side.
Thx...

 

[Recoil Rob]

Mine's a KR 5370...