If you’re a new tech and on a tight budget, consider the harbor freight US general series 2 roll cart. On sale it runs around 180, has many of the similar features and gets the job done. I’ve been using the harbor freight roller carts for 5 years now, and it still works amazing.
I know it's an old video "2017" but what an eye opener it is. Seriously great information and advice for new techs entering the field. Keep up the great education. I can tell you care about this industry!
I finally broke down and bought a Snap On cart similar in size to your Matco one. I used your video as a reference for set up and modified accordingly. One of the main differences I use mine for is two drawers are dedicated to diagnostics and electrical work because that’s the majority of what I do as the foreman at my dealer. The only reason I do it that way is because I’m constantly moving from my two bays to someone else’s bay. Thanks for the ideas:
Great video and appreciate the time you take to explain the method and reasoning behind it all. I have recently gotten back into wrenching on the diesel side of things after walking away from wrenching in general for several years now. You have given me a lot of creative ideas to tailor my recently purchased matco service cart to help me be a better tech, thank you.
Very helpful. Organization is organic and evolves with need. Currently reviewing which items I’m always going to the big box for and figuring out what needs to be on the rolling cart. Also, the sockets in the top or drawer, I like what you said about having the sockets out in the open vs having to open the drawer with each exchange. Lots of good points to consider
I ended up buying a roll cab with no flip top to retain a working surface on top. I'm still evolving how I have it set up, but it has been a huge sanity saver. I'm a new and young (32) shop foreman so I'm always bouncing around the shop and it's nice to have almost everything I need for normal repairs on hand. the senior tech in the shop is a great diagnostic tech, but he's one of those guys that just leaves tools all over the ground while he works. drives me nuts!
Good luck as a shop foreman, I was gone for 2 days last week and another tech had to do my job while I was gone and the first thing he said to me was I hope you get paid way more than me! I do FYI:) Gotta work efficiently to make hours every little thing helps!
I work on heavy equipment and highway trucks as a self employed mechanic working out of a service truck. I still put priority on my 3/8 sockets, good set of wrench’s cordless impacts and ratchets and side cutters. There The ones I use the most but keep second priority to my 1/2 sockets and other pliers
Just subscribed and can't wait to see all ur vids. Def going to help me impress whoever interviews me. Since i didn't go to school Ihave a feeling I'm going to haave to step up my game alot. Thanks for that help and hope this will help me land a job. I'm new to shop work. I have been fixing my own cars and Mother-in-law's cars or truck. For 13yrs, but thats all i have to bring to the table.
Love your video's man. Organized and efficient, can't have one without the other. Some of the guys where I work make fun of how much time I put into being organized, yet I get a lot of work done because of it. Keep the video's coming. New subscriber here.
Awesome video. Very similar to what I want to do. But my plan is to keep some basic tools in my cart in case I have to work across shop to save me the trips. Then when I'm working in my bay I can work out of my box.
I started as a collision tech and had light socket duty and very few needs for 1/2inch sockets so my drawers had blocks hammers Sanders etc now all that stays at home (mostly) because I work at a transmission shop now. So I have had to restructure my cart same sockets up top but now my 1/2 inch sockets stay in my first drawer along with all my wrenches and most common screw drivers I use (mostly for prying and aligning holes) and my big impact stays on top of my box now ready to go
Just discovered your channel, great video (s). I'm starting auto tech school soon, really looking forward to it. Doing the Toyota T-Ten program. I'm 18 and buy my own tools so most (actually, all) of my tools are harbor freight but they're surprisingly good in my opinion.
I used a shop-provided cart that did not have a lid for about 15 years. I thought I wanted a cart with a locking lid when I changed jobs. The lid seemed to be in the way too much. I think I'll put it back...give it another try ...use the lid with magnetic trays like you. Subscribed
My lids can hold a lot of weight and works like a work bench. It slides in and out so it's fast and conserves space... Is it called a lid cause even when slide out it's still horizontal so its kinda like a sliding work bench
I'm a diesel fleet tech my roll cart has everything I need to do my job. And my jobs change every single day. One day it's an injection pump one day it might be an oil cooler but my cart has it all. To include my diag tools. I started out with a three drawer cart now I have a 6 drawer from snap on. But being an hourly paid tech not flat rate I have the luxury of being able to go to my tool box.
Say for a Lube Tech... Would it be a good idea to have a good setup of handdrivers like nut,torx,screw, hexball, and etc oh and possibly some trim tools because it seems like they change all the different light bulbs and things like that in a car due to their cheaper labor ya know.. Am I right? maybe a idea for a "serries" would be set your cart up to suit different types of techs. You really do have a lot of great knowledge and the fact you share is priceless to some people. Thanks for the content!
i have a 4 drawer matco tool cart that the top opens... and i have a 2 bay snap on box... i cant tell you the last time i used my snap on box 95% of my work is done out of my cart. i do drive ability for a dealership so i have everything i need for my diag on my cart and my tools i need to do 95% of my work. some days i dont even unlock my snap on box
I've got my cart setup with everything I need thru out the day I even put a hose reel on the back of it so I always have 80 feet of air hose ready to go
I use 2 carts. One set up similar to yours 2nd I bought from Harbor Freight, it’s a 3 tier. I took oil quart bottles cut them in half attached to side to organize bolts/nuts purpose of 2nd cart is when doing jobs require dissemble I have a place to organize parts being removed, so there lying on floor or wherever
CHECK OUT THE VIM DRAIN PLUG WRENCH SET, they're extra long 12 point double box end, i use it every day working flat rate, they have every common size for drain plugs and brake jobs including a 8mm-10mm rench for bleeder valves, they're a beautiful set and make me so much more efficient at every day maintinance
Great vid. How about a ratchet for each socket? If I use a 17mm, 14mm, and 12mm in 3/8, I like to have a ratchet on each socket. I like to have 4 or 5 ratchets of each size ready to go. Saves a little time versus changing, but if I have the smallest ratchet on the smallest socket, etc. I quickly get the one I want often without looking.
@FlatrateMaster how does your matco cart compare to that green snap on cart i saw in the background of this video, im considering both right now and have seen the matco cart but not the snap-on in person. thx
Suggestion for addition to your tool cart... cheap little scan tool to quickly clear codes after a repair, reset oil reminder, retract brake pads, etc... feels like mine sped me up when I added it
I have been thinking the hf series 2 is a much better way to go. Welp, I took a serious look at the drawers and the depths of the drawers and it’s not even close! I was so disgusted by those tiny drawers and how they rattle. They say it’s 5 drawers but really it’s 3 with one cut in half. There are much better used truck brand tool carts on market place. I’m looking at a MAC 3-4 drawers service cart excellent condition for $350. What do you think 🤔?
Noah Griffith I was talking to my boss about a walk through of the shop,via text this weekend, FYI he suggested it! During the day is harder because of music,noise etc,but i am working on it!Thanks for watching!
I need to do this. the other day I wasted so much time going back and forth to my tool chest. I need to have this kind of setup so I don't waste too much time. as far as diagnostics I have one cart dedicated to just diagnostics because I have invested heavily in diagnostic equipment
I almost bought the Snap On Verus Edge diagnostic station, but I have no place to put it. The more efficient you are at the repairs the more money you can make$$$ Thanks for watching!
Flatrate Master i actually have the verus pro diagn station. got it for a steal from ebay. i use the verus pro, autel maxisys pro, and of all else goes wrong i have a cardaq M so i can go onto oem sites and have oem scantool capabities.
8 to 21 is the most used, but you will need various other sizes for different repairs like 5.5 and 7mm for dash work, cabin filters etc, and larger sizes for cv axles etc
I don't see any battery powered impact or ratchet. Do you not put them in your mechanics cart? I would think that would be helpful for your efficiency. I look forward to your opinion.
Second to bottom drawer has battery powered tools, I only show it for a second in this video,complete tour of that set up here. ruclips.net/video/gYBHBFn-2lw/видео.html or my current set up here ruclips.net/video/3Zqbl_fkoO4/видео.html
I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it for myself. A veteran mechanic where my late brother worked at had a urine bottle velcro to his ankle and the tube up his leg to his penis, of course he only would show the bottle. His idea was " more wrenching more money ".
Bro, just spend the money and set up your cart. I spent too many years screwing myself out of efficiency because I thought I was saving money being stingy on tools. If you can't afford to set it up, buy a cheaper cart. Sunex makes a cart like this for half the price, extreme tools makes an epiq cart equivalent. I run a homak slide top.
bro you spend way too much money on carts. invest in knowledge and tools your carts are just glorified storage bins they don't have to be thousand-dollar carts
Flatrate Master ya our small shop I do it all so I have alot of stuff in my cart its most likely more than I need but would rather have to much than not enough
Maxwell Peter I am the shop foreman, I manage 4 other techs, so I tend to take the harder diag work to keep them turning hours. I spend a good part of my day helping the other techs in the shop, so larger jobs get put on the other techs in the shop
Авто/Мото
Thank you for this video. My confidence in becoming a professional automotive technician has greatly increased watching your videos.
Sweet name dude 🤙
If you’re a new tech and on a tight budget, consider the harbor freight US general series 2 roll cart. On sale it runs around 180, has many of the similar features and gets the job done. I’ve been using the harbor freight roller carts for 5 years now, and it still works amazing.
I prefer having my tools in a shopping cart.
Lol. Cause your name is broke. Lol
I do automation assembly and service work. Your videos inspired me to convert to a cart. The efficiency difference is amazing. Thank you.
You are gonna be huge influence to the automotive field.
I know it's an old video "2017" but what an eye opener it is. Seriously great information and advice for new techs entering the field. Keep up the great education. I can tell you care about this industry!
yup! thanks!
I finally broke down and bought a Snap On cart similar in size to your Matco one. I used your video as a reference for set up and modified accordingly. One of the main differences I use mine for is two drawers are dedicated to diagnostics and electrical work because that’s the majority of what I do as the foreman at my dealer. The only reason I do it that way is because I’m constantly moving from my two bays to someone else’s bay. Thanks for the ideas:
Great video and appreciate the time you take to explain the method and reasoning behind it all. I have recently gotten back into wrenching on the diesel side of things after walking away from wrenching in general for several years now. You have given me a lot of creative ideas to tailor my recently purchased matco service cart to help me be a better tech, thank you.
I'm in school to become an automotive technician, and I got a starter tool box set from Napa. Thanks for sharing your box set up.
Very helpful. Organization is organic and evolves with need. Currently reviewing which items I’m always going to the big box for and figuring out what needs to be on the rolling cart. Also, the sockets in the top or drawer, I like what you said about having the sockets out in the open vs having to open the drawer with each exchange. Lots of good points to consider
Thanks for the video. It’s got me thinking about grabbing a smaller 40” roller box for my tools, rather than just using my 55”.
Thanks for all the answers to make me more productive at my job
I ended up buying a roll cab with no flip top to retain a working surface on top. I'm still evolving how I have it set up, but it has been a huge sanity saver. I'm a new and young (32) shop foreman so I'm always bouncing around the shop and it's nice to have almost everything I need for normal repairs on hand. the senior tech in the shop is a great diagnostic tech, but he's one of those guys that just leaves tools all over the ground while he works. drives me nuts!
Good luck as a shop foreman, I was gone for 2 days last week and another tech had to do my job while I was gone and the first thing he said to me was I hope you get paid way more than me! I do FYI:) Gotta work efficiently to make hours every little thing helps!
New subscriber here from the uk , love your channel so far look forward to watching more. Keep up the great work!
I work on heavy equipment and highway trucks as a self employed mechanic working out of a service truck. I still put priority on my 3/8 sockets, good set of wrench’s cordless impacts and ratchets and side cutters. There The ones I use the most but keep second priority to my 1/2 sockets and other pliers
Thank you, from Mexico for sharing your expertise. I like your interesting videos. Thanks for sharing
I love the cart. I think it may be time for me to get one. Nice setup!
Excellent video... I got some great ideas from watching. Thank you
Diagnostic on the wall and repair on the cart, brilliant.
Great videos! Love that Snap-on Bel Air box! Don't see many of those
Just subscribed and can't wait to see all ur vids. Def going to help me impress whoever interviews me. Since i didn't go to school Ihave a feeling I'm going to haave to step up my game alot. Thanks for that help and hope this will help me land a job. I'm new to shop work. I have been fixing my own cars and Mother-in-law's cars or truck. For 13yrs, but thats all i have to bring to the table.
Love your video's man. Organized and efficient, can't have one without the other. Some of the guys where I work make fun of how much time I put into being organized, yet I get a lot of work done because of it. Keep the video's coming. New subscriber here.
Thank you, organization is key to making money on flat rate, the faster you work the more money you make. Thanks for watching and Subscribing!
James Stricler No xddczxdsaxdxz
Great vid. Very knowledgeable guy
Awesome video. Very similar to what I want to do. But my plan is to keep some basic tools in my cart in case I have to work across shop to save me the trips. Then when I'm working in my bay I can work out of my box.
this guy made a tool box addition! Genious!
:)
Great organizing bro. Looking good.
I started as a collision tech and had light socket duty and very few needs for 1/2inch sockets so my drawers had blocks hammers Sanders etc now all that stays at home (mostly) because I work at a transmission shop now. So I have had to restructure my cart same sockets up top but now my 1/2 inch sockets stay in my first drawer along with all my wrenches and most common screw drivers I use (mostly for prying and aligning holes) and my big impact stays on top of my box now ready to go
Haha. One in the same. Think I'll make a vid response.
Uncanny how similar your setup is.
Great video!
Clyde's SoapBox cool look forward to it!
Just discovered your channel, great video (s). I'm starting auto tech school soon, really looking forward to it. Doing the Toyota T-Ten program. I'm 18 and buy my own tools so most (actually, all) of my tools are harbor freight but they're surprisingly good in my opinion.
Awesome! good luck at school, work hard and study!
First video ive seen. Thank you so much for showing all the drawers. Good shit homie. Sub fkn scribed
I used a shop-provided cart that did not have a lid for about 15 years. I thought I wanted a cart with a locking lid when I changed jobs. The lid seemed to be in the way too much. I think I'll put it back...give it another try ...use the lid with magnetic trays like you. Subscribed
My lids can hold a lot of weight and works like a work bench. It slides in and out so it's fast and conserves space...
Is it called a lid cause even when slide out it's still horizontal so its kinda like a sliding work bench
I'm a diesel fleet tech my roll cart has everything I need to do my job. And my jobs change every single day. One day it's an injection pump one day it might be an oil cooler but my cart has it all. To include my diag tools. I started out with a three drawer cart now I have a 6 drawer from snap on. But being an hourly paid tech not flat rate I have the luxury of being able to go to my tool box.
Nice set up ! I remember your old video of the Mac cart.
N Smith thanks!
Say for a Lube Tech... Would it be a good idea to have a good setup of handdrivers like nut,torx,screw, hexball, and etc oh and possibly some trim tools because it seems like they change all the different light bulbs and things like that in a car due to their cheaper labor ya know.. Am I right? maybe a idea for a "serries" would be set your cart up to suit different types of techs. You really do have a lot of great knowledge and the fact you share is priceless to some people. Thanks for the content!
hey flatrate master i just subscribed to your channel looking forward to see all your video , great video bud , thank you again .
Thank you, new videos will come out every monday, wednesday and friday!
i have a 4 drawer matco tool cart that the top opens... and i have a 2 bay snap on box... i cant tell you the last time i used my snap on box 95% of my work is done out of my cart. i do drive ability for a dealership so i have everything i need for my diag on my cart and my tools i need to do 95% of my work. some days i dont even unlock my snap on box
really good advice, thanks!!
This isbthe best roll cart advice video
When you quit a job it’s gotta be dramatic 😂 Watching you pack up boxes
Lol
I've got my cart setup with everything I need thru out the day I even put a hose reel on the back of it so I always have 80 feet of air hose ready to go
I use 2 carts. One set up similar to yours 2nd I bought from Harbor Freight, it’s a 3 tier. I took oil quart bottles cut them in half attached to side to organize bolts/nuts purpose of 2nd cart is when doing jobs require dissemble I have a place to organize parts being removed, so there lying on floor or wherever
You have a massive amount of tools. 😃
What a great video thanks .
John Gibson thank you!
U sir are amazing you know how to make $$$$
First class !
CHECK OUT THE VIM DRAIN PLUG WRENCH SET, they're extra long 12 point double box end, i use it every day working flat rate, they have every common size for drain plugs and brake jobs including a 8mm-10mm rench for bleeder valves, they're a beautiful set and make me so much more efficient at every day maintinance
Great vid. How about a ratchet for each socket? If I use a 17mm, 14mm, and 12mm in 3/8, I like to have a ratchet on each socket. I like to have 4 or 5 ratchets of each size ready to go. Saves a little time versus changing, but if I have the smallest ratchet on the smallest socket, etc. I quickly get the one I want often without looking.
Good Idea, for me it is a no go, I mostly use power tools, and those are rather expensive:(
Hi mike. Just looking back through some of your older videos. Are you using a gopro to film this one ? Thanks
Yes
Good video. I never get it when people have all their ratchets in a different drawer than sockets. Talking about commonly used of course
@FlatrateMaster how does your matco cart compare to that green snap on cart i saw in the background of this video, im considering both right now and have seen the matco cart but not the snap-on in person. thx
colin d the Snap On is larger, but i have been very happy with the quality of the Matco no issues
Is that like a Makita tool cabinet?
Suggestion for addition to your tool cart... cheap little scan tool to quickly clear codes after a repair, reset oil reminder, retract brake pads, etc... feels like mine sped me up when I added it
My main roll at the shop is driveablity, so I normally already have a scan tool hooked to the car
You guys in the USA have a different type of cart than what we can get in Europe. I like how the top opens up. We just have drawers all the way down
I have been thinking the hf series 2 is a much better way to go. Welp, I took a serious look at the drawers and the depths of the drawers and it’s not even close! I was so disgusted by those tiny drawers and how they rattle. They say it’s 5 drawers but really it’s 3 with one cut in half. There are much better used truck brand tool carts on market place. I’m looking at a MAC 3-4 drawers service cart excellent condition for $350. What do you think 🤔?
Make a shop tour! Let's see what the shop is like on a day to day basis!
Noah Griffith I was talking to my boss about a walk through of the shop,via text this weekend, FYI he suggested it! During the day is harder because of music,noise etc,but i am working on it!Thanks for watching!
A Diag Cart and a separate repair cart for efficiency is perfect
Good sound advice👍
Thank you!
100% Correct Information in this Video
I need to do this. the other day I wasted so much time going back and forth to my tool chest. I need to have this kind of setup so I don't waste too much time. as far as diagnostics I have one cart dedicated to just diagnostics because I have invested heavily in diagnostic equipment
I almost bought the Snap On Verus Edge diagnostic station, but I have no place to put it. The more efficient you are at the repairs the more money you can make$$$ Thanks for watching!
Flatrate Master i actually have the verus pro diagn station. got it for a steal from ebay. i use the verus pro, autel maxisys pro, and of all else goes wrong i have a cardaq M so i can go onto oem sites and have oem scantool capabities.
i have my eye on a service cart from harbor freight.
We have a Cardaq M , as well as an IDS, Techstream, HDS, Gscan for Kia/Hyundai, and a Tech 2
They are very good carts, especially for the money!
Does those drawers stay closed with rubber detents or with a sliding lock? Thanks,,
They have an adjustable tension lock, basically you can dial up or down how hard they are too open
Not too shabby .
thanks!
What size sockets do you use the most? What set would you recomend, i.e. 10 to 24 or. 10 to 27?
8 to 21 is the most used, but you will need various other sizes for different repairs like 5.5 and 7mm for dash work, cabin filters etc, and larger sizes for cv axles etc
Can i just have the Milwaukee 153pc socket set , thats 3 separate cases. And both versions of their m12 torque wrenches.
What's the part number for that tool cart
I don't see any battery powered impact or ratchet. Do you not put them in your mechanics cart? I would think that would be helpful for your efficiency. I look forward to your opinion.
Second to bottom drawer has battery powered tools, I only show it for a second in this video,complete tour of that set up here. ruclips.net/video/gYBHBFn-2lw/видео.html or my current set up here
ruclips.net/video/3Zqbl_fkoO4/видео.html
I have the same green snap on box!!!
And why do we care?
I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it for myself. A veteran mechanic where my late brother worked at had a urine bottle velcro to his ankle and the tube up his leg to his penis, of course he only would show the bottle. His idea was " more wrenching more money ".
have u seen that issue were techs do a job then they get easily distracted and mess up a simple oil change or something like that simple..
Yep! too many times to count! Thanks for watching
Got same side table for 26 bucks at harbor freight
I prefer zip-lock bags over magnetic treys
awesome video but dude...."couple hundred bucks" for a 14in piece of sheet metal?
Thanks! But it is from Snap On:(, yeah I know stupid over priced
@@flatratemaster I would have rigged up a custom one with 1/4" steel and mounted a bench vise, would save lots of time.
Before the wall of revels
you paid a couple hundred bucks for that side table... which is basically two pieces of folding metal
Bro, just spend the money and set up your cart. I spent too many years screwing myself out of efficiency because I thought I was saving money being stingy on tools.
If you can't afford to set it up, buy a cheaper cart. Sunex makes a cart like this for half the price, extreme tools makes an epiq cart equivalent. I run a homak slide top.
man .... I got Togo peee 😂😂😂
I need 360 degrees wheels on mine so I can just swing it straight not have to move it 4 time be for it straight
My current cart has 4 swivel casters, do not know how i lived without them before
5:34 burrppp
What exact cart is that
jsc 480 from Matco
I'm gonna have to pick 1 up.
5:40
I'm embarrassed to say, that my "roll cart" has become a stationary cart that holds junk parts. =(
Thomas EXOVCDS yeah but you work mostly out of 1 bay, i have 2 and sometimes have to work in other bays
Michael Berg For the most part yes.
Thomas EXOVCDS
Me too Thomas...
my problem is that i dont use my cheap one efficiently..
Get back to the MKIV forums. You're needed.
Im so disorganized, that's why I never made it in flat rate :(
LOL
So true
Get a smaller diagnostic roll cart
+Naemoh Design I have no room for another cart, and to fit everything I need it would not be small
Screw flat rate! Move to truck mechanic hourly
Been there one that f*** that heavy nasty crap
@@flatratemaster you have to work half as hard. You get paid more. There's more jobs. I would chose trucks over flat rate car bullshit anyday
I started my career on big trucks, i work 45 hrs a week no OT and don't smell like gear oil, and and make plenty of money
Dang u a big boy
I don't think flat rate covers you my guy. Max sustained torque sounds more like it 😂
bro you spend way too much money on carts. invest in knowledge and tools your carts are just glorified storage bins they don't have to be thousand-dollar carts
I kept 4 small round magnetic trays in each of my hoists one for each wheel just to hold lug nuts
Maxwell Peter i do mostly drivablity so not a ton of wheels off stuff but that is a good idea,thanks for watching!
Flatrate Master ya our small shop I do it all so I have alot of stuff in my cart its most likely more than I need but would rather have to much than not enough
Maxwell Peter I am the shop foreman, I manage 4 other techs, so I tend to take the harder diag work to keep them turning hours. I spend a good part of my day helping the other techs in the shop, so larger jobs get put on the other techs in the shop
I call mine my puppy because it follows me everywhere
Maxwell Peter lol, same here
I call mine TC for tool cart. “Come on, TC. Let’s get busy.”