5+ Harbor Freight Tool Cart Mods for the 5 drawer US General Mechanic's Tool Cart

So, after a couple of years, are you still happy with your tool cart? I'm thinking about picking one or two up but unsure of the quality

Thanks for that mod to let you access drawers while top is closed. Did that right away, love it. For the top I set a plastic bucket on top on the first day and it left a giant circular scratch so I had to cover it. I got a 2' x 4' x 1/8" diamond plate pattern rubber flooring roll from a company called Rubber-Cal from Amazon for $20. Cut it down to size, put some masking tape on the cart top and then on top of that some double sided tape and taped that rubber mat down. The diamond pattern is 3D so it's not flat but that's okay for me. Looks great and I think it will last a long, long time.

Yup, I'm doing that locking bar mod this week. I don't need it to lock all the time because it's at my home, but I'd like to be able to if my roommates have people I don't know over. 200 IQ move man!

#3 is brilliant!

Use some 3M two-sided tape to hold your cover on top.

You are a genius!! Thank you!! Great Video!!

Great video, I'm the same way. I want the ability to change mind later on.

Cool. Why not fold the top back 90 degrees using a pair custom solid struts to hold it up, and use it as a work surface. That would provide a lot of usable work surface it addition to the side shelves.

You are a clever guy.

Something I did on top of my hf tool box is I used camper tape that is like 1 inch tall on the edges of the top. The reason being that sockets will not roll off the table. Btw I will definitely do that lock modification to mine.

to mount mat use double sided carpet tape

You’re a sharp dude. Thanks for the lock trick.

Dale, have you seen any of the mods on adding a side box?

You can use some button neodymium magnets to keep that pad in place

Loved the locking lid hack, mine will get same mod asap!!

Very useful vid!

Use CRC in the red can I use them on my snap-on and Mac tool CRC penetrating works good

Hello Dale. Thanks for all the mod hints. As for securing your rubber mat. You can get rolls of half inch magnet tape . I bought mine from Walmart. In the craft section. No holes to drill. And easy off.

For the record…if goof off damages the “powder coat” then it’s NOT powder coat, it’s paint.

You can attach the mat on the top with two sided carpet tape. About 4 strips and it won't come off for sure.

Lovely video 👏👍

I really like modification 3

Great video, definitely interested in that lock mod as well as setting it up as a mobile work surface. Keep up the great work man.

i just recently put another folding side tray underneath the one on top. its great for keeping battery chargers, drills, impacts, or a bundle of shop rags.

Great job!

That coupon link you displayed locked up my computer and my antivirus program went nuts! My computer was hijacked, and the only way to get out of it was to reboot! Verify shit before you post it...

👍

i love scratched dented and banged up paint :D

you can buy a roll of magnetic (the signs that they use for advertising a company name on a vehicle and glue it that with low tac contact spray ) and its removable with no harm

This dude has far far far too much free time on his hands.

Rather than modifying the drawer lock mechanism, I just don't close the drawers until they latch...not sure why people think they gotta go cutting off the lock mechanisms when all you have to do is not close the drawers all the way.

I Enjoy your channel Dale , keep the vids coming ….

The tool boxes are never in stock.

Flexes front of box, “There’s no flex!” 😂

The magnet idea is genius sir.

The magnetic trays just for the lock tabs hurt my OCD. I'd just stick a magnet inside the lock tab. No more wasted tray.

I have a different question. Why this cart don't have a top drawer instead. that top is useless as a work table. we had to buy that flimsy side tray.

To make finger prints, and grease, oil easier to clean off. Put a good automotive car wax on the box. You can also use the wax to coat the Vent-a-Hood in your kitchen. Then all you need is a paper towel. And the oily residue wipes right off.

Awesome ideas. I think I will be modifying the lock mechanism this weekend but will put a HF magnet in the plastic piece to attach the to the back of the cart. Also considering getting a piece of C-channel the length of the box and use the existing holes near the corners by using longer bolts and some spacers. I think the double wings on the side is great. The 18 inch magnet ideas are great. I'm considering putting a wood top on the top of the tool cart.

Cool stuff man.

Dale, I did get my side box added.

Thank u sir, very cool cart. I think ill do the casters and top lid cover

Sorry. Too wordy.

You may want to take the shirt off to open the lid foley so you can roll it underneath the car on the lift

Should have gotten four locking casters. Or at least put two of them on the same side.

Lid gas struts upside down...

Lowe’s sells magnet bars with magnets on both sides

So would you say on mod #3 you cut the metal 1/2 the size of the plastic cap?

Last tip I don't think you'll be able to lock box with handle on front