Shelf mod/addition for tool chest?

[J_E_F_F]

Hello, new member here:
I have 2 old tool chests that I am outgrowing. I am looking to replace them with possibly with 2 US General models, one 44 and one 54, both with the top chests.
Probably the most used item is the shelf on the right side Husky, I use that shelf more than any single tool. Due to location and placement there isn't a space for a standalone shelf.



I was looking at possibly using 2 of the new Husky HD 52" but the drawer layout and sizing just isn't right for my needs. Those new Husky's have a unique fold up/down shelf on one of the drawers which would be really useful for me.

Has anyone created or seen a mod to add a shelf to a tool box without one?
I don't want it removable, but attached and fold out of the way would be great.

 

[Alienbaby17]

A co-worker of mine has a Husky box with the built-in shelf. I’ve admired it many times and wondered if there was a way to fabricate something like that for my home garage box. Currently I just have a piece of plywood slightly larger than my drawer that I lay over the top to use as a work surface but I wish it were built-in. It’s a very clever idea.

 

[rharman]

I built a pull-out shelf to go between the top & bottom Craftsman boxes I had for 40+years. Best mod I ever made. 1x3 sides and plywood w/carpet shelf.

 

[Mr_B]

Would be pretty easy make a wood shelf flush framed to top of drawer & hinged at back to lift allowing drawer be usable .
On a mobile 36" box I had piece of ply with rubber mat bonded on surface that had 2 grooves underneath that sat on side edges of open drawer in situations needed extra counter-top space .
As post above I also seen a thread/images of a home made sliding shelf using ball bearing slides as an individual assembly fitting between the stacked boxes .

 

[ThatSickRip]

I like your labeling OCD like mine

Beautiful doggo as well

 

[J_E_F_F]

thanks all. Thinking about it, I am envisioning something like riveting some aluminum angle stock (dissimilar metals?) near the top and around a drawer. creating a ledge for the shelf to sit flush on. Then cutting a narrow piece of maybe using 3/8" or 1/2" birch (hardwood) plywood and fixing that to the rear to hold the shelf down providing stability, then using a piano hinge for a larger folding shelf, so it would be similar to the Husky box posted above. Would have to test to make sure that the plywood would be strong enough not to bow.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Determine the ideal height.
If one of the bottom drawer(s) of the top box is the ideal height, and it is deep, maybe see if 2 shallows can swap for the deep.
If a shallow drawer is perfect height, make hinged wings to attach to the bottom of the drawer for support; allow them to seat into brackets below, on both sides of the face of the box. Or if the top drawer of the bottom box suits the height, that might be better.

 

[RTM]

I built a pull-out shelf to go between the top & bottom Craftsman boxes I had for 40+years. Best mod I ever made. 1x3 sides and plywood w/carpet shelf.

I've seen versions of this.