Side box on a 26" cabinet?

[hank80920]

My initial searching did not answer this question...hopefully someone sees this and has tried it:

I was thinking of adding the US General (Harbor Freight #68785) side box to my 26" cabinet (#67831).

One of the reviews on the Harbor Freight website says it makes the whole box "tippy". Maybe a set of casters under the side box? Or is this just silly and if I end up needing more drawer space (always need more!) I can just buy another 26" cabinet and set it beside the one I have? I know...probably should have gone with 44" or 56" to start...but what I gots is what I gots.

Thanks for any insight/suggestions!

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

It hangs by a lip on the side to the host box. If you want to put casters under it (which is very doable), then you'll want to add bolts to securely mount it to the host box itself.

But if you're at that stage, you might find yourself better served with a 44" lower cabinet instead of the 26" and side cabinet combo.

 

[jakemac]

This is a thread that shows what I did, and how I did it.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=216796

Yes, it makes the box tippy. I'll be adding another box on the other side to balance it out. Some have put additional casters on blocks under their side box. While others have built steel frames under the whole set up to properly support the weight and balance. If you plan on moving your 26" box around with the addition, I don't recommend doing it my way, mine is intended to be stationary.

 

[machine_punk]

I put the HF 7-drawer end cabinet on the HF 5-drawer service cart (the red one). Yes, it does make it tippy. The casters did fine with the weight, though...
View media item 12084
Now, I have the end cabinet set up as 'stationary drawers,' sitting on top of another metal cabinet in my studio...
View media item 20531

 

[hank80920]

Thanks for the replys and info. Sounds like it might be best to just save another $100 and get another 26" cabinet and top box combo....then I will need a few more tools to fill it up!

 

[zkling]

IMHO side boxes are the worst storage space for $ in tool boxes. With that said the HF one is the best deal out there, even on the used market typically. If you are on a budget, like myself, personally I think I would hold off on purchasing the side cab and either purchase another 26" wide box (new or used) down the road. Or possibly even sell your current 26" bottom and purchase a 44"+ wide bottom box. Just my 2¢

 

[jimmyin3D]

I know this is a supper old thread but I was planning on adding the HF side cab to my 5 drawer cart. Any issues besides the weight? Does the lid close fine? I don't need a huge amount of space just a few more drawers. Or if throwing a toolbox in the lower portion?
Thank sfor any help.

 

[jakemac]

Read through this thread, it will give you some ideas.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=137365