Build a Milk Crate Cart

Step 3 Assemble the Axle

We decided to make a full axle instead of just bolting each wheel to the side of the crate. We thought it would run truer, and provide more strength.

This is how we did it.

First, we cut the conduit so it extended about 1.25" on each side ( total about 15.5").

Next we lined it up straight on the bottom of the milk crate, and attached it with the two hose clamps. The hose clamps go around the conduit and through the holes in the grate.

Hand tighten with a screw driver. You can use a drill, but be careful you don't over-tighten and break the plastic on the crate.

Next, insert the threaded rod through the conduit. Leave equal space on each side.

Place one 3/8" nut on each end and tighten the nut until the nut gets stuck in the conduit.

To determine the final length of the axle, put the wheel on the axle, and leave about 3/4" to accomodate washers and lock nut. Mark the axle with a marker, and cut with a dremel cut off wheel.

Last step is the wheel assembly.

From the inside it should go like this:
3/8"nut -> flat washer -> wheel -> flat washer -> lock nut.

Now we can move onto the handle assembly.