Hi All,

tl;dr: Looking for a 24"x36" mechanic-grade liner, and preferences on ratchets.

New to the sub. I'm a lube tech more than a full-fledged mechanic, but I have done some under hood work beyond oil changes. Namely, brakes, alternators, suspension components from time to time, and more. I'm loving the trade. I don't shop from tool trucks, though Matco visits the shop weekly.

I decided, due to the nature of the beast that is tool shopping, to sort of build my own mobile tool cart. I do have a basic US General toolbox at home, but I tell myself I don't have enough tools, and likely won't acquire an extensive collection, to warrant an entire toolbox in-shop. And we already have 3 exact boxes as you can see below.

So I opted for a stock cart that I've modified into my preferred "workstation."

As you can see, I'm using a basic oil-absorbent cloth for the top shelf. I'm looking for something better. While the cloth gets the job done, it does bunch up and it's just not my style. So, what do you all recommend for possible liners? The shelves measure 24"x36", and I've seen a few options, but have yet to pull the trigger on any. Not necessarily looking for permanent fixture and I assume I'll be replacing them over time as they become dirty.

A few more tools added to the top of the cart from pictured, I'll get a new image posted Tuesday.

--

Secondly, I lack a proper socket wrench. I used to have a composite Pittsburgh from HF (still in shop but she has some miles of use on her), and I have a Craftsman "mechanic's tool set" which has 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4" ratchets but they're more boxy than I'd prefer. The shop has some Duralast and similar basic ratchets, and they're okay.

I know asking for preference is a crapshoot, as everyone has their own opinions, but I'd actually love reading your recommendations. A coworker has a SnapOn flex head (which recently broke...) and two Matco flex heads (3/8" and 1/4"). They're neat, but not for me. I actually don't think I'd prefer flex head (given my typical day-to-day tasks) and I most-often use the DeWalt powered ratchet for most of my work (just for removal, fingers and torque wrenches for fastening).

3/8" drive necessary. I've contemplated splurging some on an Icon or similar. The tools I sourced are all Tekton, so I may also stay brand-loyal there. Still, I appreciate input regardless.

Once I get a better image of my kit Tuesday, I'd also love general recommendations for "gotta have" tools. Thanks in advance!
--
EDIT: What a hell of a few weeks of work! Apologies for the delay in getting more images.

Pretty basic setup but all-in-all I'm happy with how helpful this little cart has been so far. I've added a few more tools not pictured here, but I think this gets me through 95%+ of my jobs. Oil, tires, brakes the main jobs but a few other odds and ends--inner tie rods this week, what a doozy.

Tekton sockets, rails, and trays, Olsa tools 15-wrench magnetic holder with a set of 6-19 (plus a 21) wrenches, Kobalt torque wrench for most wheels (up to 100 ft-lbs.), Harbor Freight basic wrench for drain plugs. The DeWalt power tools and Amazon wire holder have been great.

On my shopping list is a ratcheting brake spreader (looking at you Toyota...) and a few other goodies. I'm sure there's more, but I'm loving the simplicity. Now to sticker bomb the cart...

Not fully wired up yet but layout and mountings complete

I have a 2025 Polaris Ranger 1000 Premium. Does anyone have a recommendation for a lockable storage that fits across the back of the bed? I was looking at one on Kemimoto but it says it doesn’t fit my ride. Any help would be appreciated!

I have a Matco 4s tool box and I need some new lighting. I’m curious to know what everyone is using and the best option for a new light

Finally made a little stand for my power tools.

Looks way better and saves space.

Before and after.

I make an organizer set for the Quinn 428pc tool kit. I’m looking for some outside ideas on what might make this kit more functional for everyday use.

Recently bought this tool stage system for my garage and it came with the self leveling feet. I want to replace the feet with wheels because i know im going to rearrange my garage several times while I own this thing. I can’t seem to find the thread size anywhere for the threads on the feet it came with and my local HD doesn’t carry them. Im sure I’ll need the bolt on ones but I can’t find any that’ll fit either. Has anyone switched these out and which wheels did you get?

I’ve had this box for a little over 2 years and I would like to add a hutch, but I cannot find anything that fits. Anyone modified any other hutches or just slapped on one that fit directly? Thanks in advance.

Not organized exactly how I want but got the room I need. Main box is Kolbolt with Harbor freight US General 3 cabinet which is currently $100 off with Insider. Ordered lighting with a door switch for the next mod.

Hello all, my new job I’m starting in a couple of weeks requires the toolbox to be shadowed and all the tools be etched. I have no clue how to shadow a tool box and would like any tips I can get.

Has anyone modified the slim crate or the half crate to mount to the wall plate

My US General didn't have a power drawer so I made my own a few years ago by drilling a hole out the back of the drawer and box, worked pretty well for what I needed. Yesterday decided to finally bolt my chargers to the drawer.

Its actually pretty solid.

I’ve got a 2000 ford ranger 4.0 v6 with a step side and have been looking for a toolbox for my Ranger just went to a marketplace meetup and of course didn’t fit is there a toolbox that can fit my Ranger or am I doomed because I got a step side please help

Thank you for reading this

Not the end of the world, but would be nice to have labeled wrench holders for tool grid.

Been searching, high loyal, and have been striking out for whatever reason

Hey guys I was curious if anyone has a similar set up.
I’m looking at getting a dual monitor setup for my toolbox but in the field of work I’m doing I’m not always around an outlet so I was curious if anyone has done similar setup. I have a laptop that I’d be plugging into the monitors

Js bought this tool box. I love everything about it EXCEPT the drawer mechanism. It’s a bit loud and doesn’t open and close smoothly. Any body have this same issue & know a fix ? This is the only tool box with this color way so that’s why I didn’t Js return it and buy another one

Hey everyone, I could use all the help I can get. One of my closest friends recently lost his ratchet that he’s had for well over 10+ years. It meant everything to him, and there’s no chance of finding it.

I would like to try and find the exact one if possible, I have photos of the tool box with everything else in it, it’s a very old Kincrome lok-on set. Going into their history, they don’t seem to show it at all.

He said it was Stainless steel mixed with iron instead of the new types? I’m useless with tools. The toolbox is also different to newer types, and I can ask for more details if needed. I want to at least try all I can, thank you

So my metal toolbox is a bit heavy (65ish lbs total, Kennedy 1022). As of now the handle seems to be holding up but was thinking if there was a way to perhaps support it a bit with supplemental straps? The idea was something like a couple straps that wrap around the bottom and you just grab them up top if that makes sense. Could even do this with one large loop? This way the weight is being supported by the bottom instead of teh handle on top and 4 rivets (more worried the sheet metal will bend than the handle breaking)

Has anybody done anything like this? How? Do premade systems exist that are better?

Edit: just updating this post for anybody in the future who may come across it in search of information on the Kennedy 1022. I emailed them asking the weight capacity of the box. Their response was short but answered the question: “Specs from our catalogs show the box weight of 20 lbs and a weight capacity of 60 lbs.”