Tool cart alternative?

[MattRMagnum]

Hey Folks,

I've decided, after a lot of cussing, fumbling, and searching, that I want to separate my SAE and metric tools into two different storage containers.

I'm thinking my most affordable option is to buy two of these over time (one now, to solve my dilemma, then a second down the road, when on sale):
https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-...n-single-bank-black-roller-cabinet-64432.html

I do need something that can move easily underneath a lift, so I can sit, work, and change tools easily. Does anyone have an alternative on how to store/transport tools that's space and cost effective? I was hoping to not dole out $600 for parts storage, but the more I look into different options, the more I feel like tools chests are all ridiculously overpriced.

and in case someone's going to ask: I rarely need both metric and SAE in the same space. Only spot I do is for my Ford F100, where the battery connectors have been replaced with Chinese units, and use metric. The rest of the time, I need exclusively one or the other.

 

[richfinn]

I did this 25 years ago, I'm a Mechanic and live in the UK Imperial tools were rapidly falling out of favour at the time and you would only really need them on "classic cars"

I took all my A/F spanners and sockets and put them in boxes and stored them at home

I added back the 3/8" /1/2" & 9/16" spanners to my metric kit just in case and they do come in handy very occasionally if I need to mess with an old car at work

The rest of those Imperial tools have been gathering dust all those years

 

[Mr_B]

Roll cabinets like that work well as a cart as the worktop space so handy and good amount of drawers, you can add shelves etc as needed .
ply the top and cover with thick rubber mat (you can trim top edging so overhangs box a little and protects it from dirt and dings a little, also make it longer and have shelves underneath for shop consumables and main power tools you need on the job .
I use 36" ones tool carts, battery charging, and have a 26" for shop scope and electrical consumables .

 

[SeisMec]

 

[Fedwrench]

Seems like a viable idea to me. How's there used box market in your area? I've looked at those us general series II boxes in the store and they seem like excellent value for the money. The only thing I don't care for is that you can't rearrange the drawers. I'd like a deeper drawer as the top one. Good luck in your quest.

 

[MattRMagnum]

Seems like a viable idea to me. How's there used box market in your area? I've looked at those us general series II boxes in the store and they seem like excellent value for the money. The only thing I don't care for is that you can't rearrange the drawers. I'd like a deeper drawer as the top one. Good luck in your quest.

Insane. Twice now, I found people advertising their boxes as "excellent condition and half retail" and then went to the manu's website, and found that one of them was 75% retail, and the other was like 102%. I messaged both, and asked if they'd take half retail (and what that amount was, as well as links to the current listing for their item), and never heard back.

I wound up buying this. It has fewer drawers than I want, but it's short enough it'll fit under my lift (why I decided to not go with the one with the hinged top) so I can sit and work on cars with my tools close at hand. Now I just gotta swap out two wheels, since I hate push carts.

(For future's reference, should anyone stumble upon this thread, it's item #CMST22751BK and I paid $199 for it)
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...r-Steel-Rolling-Tool-Cabinet-Black/1002481714