US General Homemade 3 Bay

[whisperinsam33]

I posted my idea of tying 3 x 26” US General roller tool boxes together to form a “3 bay“ box that would separate easily for moving. I decided to try this when I saw that Harbor Freight was offering them at $239 apiece. I was asked to post pics when finished. Here they are.

I don't think this is my final top, but it does work well with cleats at each end to keep the boxes tight at the top.

 

[Mr_B]

I'd be inclined make top 24" deep, cleat front and back and cover it with rubber mat .
pretty good buy those 26" boxes for sale bucks .
I got a 36" I use as mobile trolley/counter top and used ply and rubber mat and it super durable/usable surface for pretty low outlay .

 

[whisperinsam33]

Thanks. Been thinking just about the same thoughts. I plan to try 24" and cleating both sides and rear. If not stable enough, I will add cleats to front, but would rather avoid them for esthetics.

 

[thehighwayman]

How are the slides? I could look up the specs probably, but consumer opinion is worth more than manufacturer data.

 

[jkesselr]

Cool idea, the only issue I see is that it wouldn’t move easily with the fixed wheels in the middle. If you don’t need to move your box though, it isn’t a bad idea at all!

 

[whisperinsam33]

The basic idea is just lift off the top and move each box thru tight space(s) to new location, align and replace top. Tried it with current test top and works great.
Really cheap way to get lots of storage and huge (80 x 24) worktop. I emptied a 72 x 24 Snap On KRL into it, and still have some more space.

I'm pretty happy with the slides. Each drawer appears to easily hold the weight of all the tools I can reasonably stack inside.

 

[Air21]

Like jkesselr said, I'd replace all the casters on the outside boxes with swivel casters, leave the middle box alone since it's swivel on one side and fixed on the other. That way when it's assembled you can pivot around the fixed ones in the middle.

Good thinking, im glad you're enjoying your new box!

 

[cheechi]

I like what you did but I would miss the large socket drawer at the top too much. For me personally, the 44" + 26" would be perfect. I really like shallow drawers, but I think that may be too many to use efficiently. The problem with both the old 26" and the current is there aren't enough mid height drawers, I'd give up a shallow & deep for 2 additional mid depth ones.

Now fab a frame for them all to sit in, and make it 6 casters it will roll so much better with the middle wheels centered and all the weight sitting level on the frame.

 

[whisperinsam33]

Great ideas. If I needed more room, I would want just the config change you detailed. However, with the basic 24 drawers, I am beyond my current and projected storage needs. I need to stop trying to improve beyond my requirements and just sit back and appreciate what $720 plus tax provided. Finally, the 84" x 24" worktop that these boxes allow is a huge plus in my small home shop.
BTW, my organization recognizes shopaholics positively. We (CBSA) drink everywhere.