Using just a service cart?

[bowlofturtle]

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/p...Y-SERVICE-CART-SILVER-VEIN/?source=igodigital

I'm considering getting one of these and using it as my main box.

I'm going back into wrenching after a 4 year break ( personal issues that needed to be handled). I have a standard craftsman box 26in upper/lower. But the shop i'm working at isn't more of a fleet service and we only work on ONE type of car. Also i'll be a mobile tech 40% of the time if breakdowns happen. So a FULL double bay box might not have as much benefits to me as a normal shop is.

From what i gather most people there can work out of a service cart, there are people with full size double/triple bays but thats because they dont have space at home or storage so they just leave it at work.

I used a small 1 drawer cart before and liked it but i still had my big box to go to. How many people work just out of a service/tool cart? You gotta think and plan ahead with your tools. But i think this can work for me. Plus worst case is i bring in my 26in craftsman or buy a used snap-on/matco box down the road.


What are used prices for service carts going for? I've seen most in the $500 ranges. I'm new to the cart world, any diffrent design of setups out there?

 

[47chevy COE]

That's the exact cart I have. I got it for a great price on Craigslist. I also have a cornwell 58" but it amazes me how much a can fit into my cart.

 

[Supermag]

Used that same Matco cart before and if you get it then I'd invest in a bungee cord too so that you can move it without the top flipping up into your face when you roll it anywhere.

 

[85camaro]

I used that model in tech school and absolutely loved it. It will easily fit all of the common hand tools you use everyday.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Why not the hf 5 drawer? http://www.harborfreight.com/five-drawer-service-cart-95272.html Everyone loves em. I checked the specs and it is slightly bigger, not sure about the size of the drawers though. I think you can get them for $150 to 160 with a coupon.

 

[espyking83]

$830 for a service cart that more than likely isnt made in the USA? I'd go with HF. I just got a Blue Point off Craigslist for $40, its great but there's no way I'd spend over $250 on a cart-regardless of brand.

And id say its probably very possible to work out of a cart in your situation, especially if you only put in there **** that you actually need. Loading up my Blue Point cart put a serious dent in my Taco Box, I havent even worked out of my Taco in two weeks, might take it home.

 

[goodysgotacuda]

Agreed on just buying a less expensive cart. Tools make you money, not the box..anyone that tells you otherwise is just trying to justify their box purchase. In my opinion.


I worked at a BMW dealership and was able to work out of a similar cart a very high percentage of time. It helped me keep tools in my hand very well...but it did take some detailed organization to find what I had, and more importantly, know when something was missing.

You will need a "home base" of some sort. For cordless tool charging, specialty tools you acquire, tool kits [chase set, ball joint tools, etc] that aren't used daily. But it doesn't need to be a gigantic Snappy box.

 

[-Brent-]

If a cart is my only storage, at work, you can bet your **** I'm going to get the toughest most secure box possible.

What I've learned from other threads is that a good cart can take the wear and tear of being moved around, twisting on uneven surfaces, etc., all while carrying significant weight.

As far as the cost of that cart, if you can afford it, cash, you'll pay less. Which you likely already know.

 

[toufue_yang17]

I've got a 4 drawer performax from menards and ive taken out a lot od transmission with it. But I've been packing it tight with tools though. Eventually I'll move them onto a 72" extreme tools box.

 

[AndrewV]

What i got.

Was a cart rebranded by matco, a while ago.
Great cart. Off the trucks it's $800. Online it's around $650.
here.

Great cart for the money.
The hf red, and black carts hold up to daily use. Couple of our guys at the shop use them. Just no where near the space.

You have many options. I love the mac ones, but to much coin really. Same for SO, those are beastly.

But i used a blue point 27" box, and SO main box.
Worked for years. But i needed more room.
More of that in the link in my sig. And link to drawer pics, if so inclined here.

 

[jmm]

We don't have assigned bays in my shop, so I mostly work out of a cart. My main box stays parked, and I only grab from it a few times a day. If I was only working on one make of car, I could probably make it work. I'm a big fan of these Mac carts:

They're really durable, have tons of storage space, have good balance (not prone to tipping), the sliding leaves double as storage space or a work surface, and they roll extremely smoothly. Mine is about 5 years old. I bought it used from a guy who put it through it's paces. It's not clean, but everything about it is smooth. Our Mac dealer is a great guy, and even though I didn't buy it from him he's replaced the lock and a pair of leaf slides for me at no charge. Considering our shop is dirty (it's a diesel shop that sees a lot of vocational trucks) and it's age, I'd say it's held up exceptionally well. I'm actually looking for a new one to keep at home -- they're that nice. Pretty cheap used at between $250-400.

 

[mopar01]

What was said above. Go on amazon. Same cart 300. Sunnex 8054bk i think. Thats what I got and its great.

 

[espyking83]

What was said above. Go on amazon. Same cart 300. Sunnex 8054bk i think. Thats what I got and its great.

Boom.


Post of the day.

 

[atuttle11]

I know Homak has the same cart which I think Napa still carries. Mine is identical to the Matco one. I didn't get it from Napa tho I got it from our Cornwell guy for $150. Still in great shape too. But It has Napa painted in the corner. I'd try napa and see what they want.

 

[DanInVA]

I have used the cart you linked, and I have a hf 5 drawer cart at home. The matco cart is nice, but the hf presents a strong value. Either way, a decent size, well set up roll cart can save you loads of time walking back and forth to your big box, and you can get away with having a smaller main box to boot.

One thing that irks me about the hf box though is that it doesn't come with 4 swivel casters. We use matco roll carts at work, and if I am working on something that requires more than a flathead screwdriver, chances are the cart will be within arms reach. 4 swivel casters make a cart easy to pull towards you or push away.

 

[espyking83]

I have used the cart you linked, and I have a hf 5 drawer cart at home. The matco cart is nice, but the hf presents a strong value. Either way, a decent size, well set up roll cart can save you loads of time walking back and forth to your big box, and you can get away with having a smaller main box to boot.

One thing that irks me about the hf box though is that it doesn't come with 4 swivel casters. We use matco roll carts at work, and if I am working on something that requires more than a flathead screwdriver, chances are the cart will be within arms reach. 4 swivel casters make a cart easy to pull towards you or push away.

You can change casters...

 

[bowlofturtle]

If a cart is my only storage, at work, you can bet your **** I'm going to get the toughest most secure box possible.

What I've learned from other threads is that a good cart can take the wear and tear of being moved around, twisting on uneven surfaces, etc., all while carrying significant weight.

As far as the cost of that cart, if you can afford it, cash, you'll pay less. Which you likely already know.

I kinda have this mindset.

Those HF carts are great for home not sure how it they stand daily shop work. I've thought about buying one for home many times.

I love that sunex green one linked. As well as the orange split top. I love odd colors, green, orange and maybe yellow are my top colors.

God darn it, so many options to roll with. The senex 8045 cart is about $350 on amazon, I've never seen sunex boxes before. I still have a few weeks. I'll walk into a local napa to see what they have.

Any place I can see a sunex box? I'll roll into a HF too look again at the red cart. Maybe use it at a starter cart.

 

[devoncoolman]

I have the matco jsc770. Very nice cart. Built in new york. Built like a tank. But it is stupid expensive. But i got $500 off because of a promo with the tool show. Also traded in a old craftsman cart that i got $150 for. And he let me pay him with out financing and intrest. So overall i though it was a good deal for a very large very nicr cart. I work out of it everyday. Going the cart route will work for your. But i would highly recomend a cart with 6 or more full length drawers for more tool space and future expansion. You may find you need more tools then you think. Then atleast you wont be kicking yourself for buying a smaller cart.

 

[DanInVA]

You can change casters...


[emoji481]

I will get around to casters eventually[emoji481]. It seems like every time I get some toy money together, I see something I just can't live without. I may be an impulse buyer

 

[Thumper]

Cornwell has that same exact cart on closeout this month.

 

[mypov]

We don't have assigned bays in my shop, so I mostly work out of a cart. My main box stays parked, and I only grab from it a few times a day. If I was only working on one make of car, I could probably make it work. I'm a big fan of these Mac carts:

They're really durable, have tons of storage space, have good balance (not prone to tipping), the sliding leaves double as storage space or a work surface, and they roll extremely smoothly. Mine is about 5 years old. I bought it used from a guy who put it through it's paces. It's not clean, but everything about it is smooth. Our Mac dealer is a great guy, and even though I didn't buy it from him he's replaced the lock and a pair of leaf slides for me at no charge. Considering our shop is dirty (it's a diesel shop that sees a lot of vocational trucks) and it's age, I'd say it's held up exceptionally well. I'm actually looking for a new one to keep at home -- they're that nice. Pretty cheap used at between $250-400.

Love this service cart - the under the top storage can be a little cumbersome if you have the top loaded up with tools (it often happens that the one tool I happen to need is in the storage compartment under the top and I've just finished a job and have all the tools sitting on the top part of the box - my one complaint. Still I'd rather have this cart then one with a flip top lid, the top is so convenient for working off of, storing tools (that will be used again in short order), writing on, ect...Am saving up to buy the bottom bank of drawers - I think it would be possible to work out of something like this, but it is nice having a base box where larger items, various testers, longer pry bars, more wrenches, cased items can be stored-but if being at a shop that has you working on a very common fleet of vehicles that does not vary, i'm sure you could do it.

 

[nicksnothereman]

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/p...Y-SERVICE-CART-SILVER-VEIN/?source=igodigital

I'm considering getting one of these and using it as my main box.

I'm going back into wrenching after a 4 year break ( personal issues that needed to be handled). I have a standard craftsman box 26in upper/lower. But the shop i'm working at isn't more of a fleet service and we only work on ONE type of car. Also i'll be a mobile tech 40% of the time if breakdowns happen. So a FULL double bay box might not have as much benefits to me as a normal shop is.

From what i gather most people there can work out of a service cart, there are people with full size double/triple bays but thats because they dont have space at home or storage so they just leave it at work.

I used a small 1 drawer cart before and liked it but i still had my big box to go to. How many people work just out of a service/tool cart? You gotta think and plan ahead with your tools. But i think this can work for me. Plus worst case is i bring in my 26in craftsman or buy a used snap-on/matco box down the road.


What are used prices for service carts going for? I've seen most in the $500 ranges. I'm new to the cart world, any diffrent design of setups out there?

Depends on how good you are at planning. Nick can work with less usually. You just need to organize your bags a bit better if you need specialty stuff...otherwise more than necessary for most master magicians.

 

[fearthebeard]

I got my cornwell 7 drawer cart for 900. Solid cart decent locks. I would definitely recommend it to anyone lookin for a cart. Where I work we have 3 separate shops so my cart is on a fork lift at least once a week. The cornwell name has been steadily chipping away but its just a logo. The cart itself is very nice, has a ton of storage space.

 

[bowlofturtle]

Cornwell has that same exact cart on closeout this month.

Got link..

 

[jimmybread]

Only thing i use a bottom shelf for is when I'm on the creeper under a car or truck. I use it to grab tools from and throw stuff into. In our shop we can't always use a lift.

 

[e30bradley]

At home I mostly use my 40" snapon 6 drawer cart..
Then I have a husky 26" roller with a 26" snap on road chest,
A 38" mac box with a 26" Kennedy top,
a snap on cabinet about 40" wide with 2 drawers on top...
and finally a huge cabinet full with 2 banks of drawers.. Working out of a cart in a shop will be fine. How do you plan to take the cart on the road though??..

 

[AndrewV]

I have had my eye on this cart for awhile now. I love the idea of having a full set of drawers instead of that bottom space. Do you use it daily in a shop?

Use it daily. In St. Pete Fl., at the shop im at Rocket lol.


Got a few messages to.
I linked drawer pics in my op, just go down the page.
Bottom drawer is like 5" deep, if i rember 2 lower drawers are 4" deep, and rest are 3" deep.all drawers are 70lb limit. Top compart hold like 200lbs.
Works for me.

 

[Thumper]

Got link..

Nope..it was in the sale flyer for this month my dealer gave out Monday.

 

[chepe]

Does anyone know who makes that Matco cart? I swear it's the same cart but different color as the ones sold at my local Napa

 

[Bruce57]

I recently bought a used Snap-on KRSC326 off Craigslist and am very happy with it. I needed the extra drawers over my old Snap-on three drawer cart. Brought the old one home, now used for my home tool storage. They work well for me.

 

[stage20]

this is just an example, but this is a great cart for the money and its 35" wide instead of 30. every inch counts trying to pack tools into a cart.

if you have a napa hook up you can order one of these carts for around 350 bucks. they come in a variety of colors. hold a lot more weight than the HF carts.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hms-bl06043500

 

[AndrewV]

I have one of those at my fathers. Not the slide top, the normal flip top.
Very comberson.
Bottom drawer is just to deep for day to day use, in my mind.
Plus the open bottom. Tools walk off, when not there.

But if it works for you man, use the hell out of it. Those homaks last a good long while.

 

[burnsy86]

I work out of this at work. It does great for me. More than enough space for what I do.

 

[csargents1546]

Got a snap on six drawer cart with the sliding top. Love it. Work out of it probably 90 percent of the time. The only fault it has is no storage for long pry bars. I just use one drawer for all of my long handled items.

 

[dynahoe]

ant cart with a lid that sticks up will eventually piss you off.shop for the ones that the lid goes down the back side or slides like the mack cart jmm has.

 

[Kirbot]

Regardless of what brand you go with.... A cart can work fine.
I'm not a pro, but I only use an HF 5 drawer. And it hasn't really been too cramped yet.

Wrench rolls are a great way to save space, rather than having everything laying out.

Same goes for socket rails vs hansen trays.

 

[logical]

We don't have assigned bays in my shop, so I mostly work out of a cart. My main box stays parked, and I only grab from it a few times a day. If I was only working on one make of car, I could probably make it work. I'm a big fan of these Mac carts:

They're really durable, have tons of storage space, have good balance (not prone to tipping), the sliding leaves double as storage space or a work surface, and they roll extremely smoothly. Mine is about 5 years old. I bought it used from a guy who put it through it's paces. It's not clean, but everything about it is smooth. Our Mac dealer is a great guy, and even though I didn't buy it from him he's replaced the lock and a pair of leaf slides for me at no charge. Considering our shop is dirty (it's a diesel shop that sees a lot of vocational trucks) and it's age, I'd say it's held up exceptionally well. I'm actually looking for a new one to keep at home -- they're that nice. Pretty cheap used at between $250-400.

I have one of these at home, they can be had in near mint condition for under $500 on Craigslist. I can't say I put it though much of a workout but it sure feels like it would hold up. I use it more as something I load up out of the main box and wheel it over to whatever I'm working on. It actually sits nearly empty most times. What I like is the sliding top, for my use a flip up lid would be frustrating because I always have whatever new parts I'm installing laid out on the top. All I keep in the under-the-top compartments is manuals for the ATV, motorcycles, mowers, compressor, and everything else with an engine so whatever I need from them is out before the top gets covered.

As an only cart, even just working on one make, I think both the one in the OP and this one would have too little drawer space. If I was going to have a cart only I'd probably look at something with top to bottom drawers or even a small roller. In fact, if you'll be taking the show on the road, I'd want a small roller so you could put a hand carry box on top of it while you load it up for the job.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Got link..

http://www.cornwelltools.com/Corporate_Ad_Link/Monthly_Sales_Flyer.php

TheGrooveking

 

[rmsg0040]

Looks like those sunex carts come in a variety of colours

red
black
matte black
silver
orange
green
purple

 

[Jack90210]

I have one of these at home, they can be had in near mint condition for under $500 on Craigslist.

I'd buy one of those today if I could find one anywhere near me.