Low-Profile Utility Cart

by MadVegetarian

13K356

Intro: Low-Profile Utility Cart

I was working in the hall one day...and didn't have a cart to tote my stuff. So I made one.

STEP 1: A Base...

I had this extra shelf from a multimedia cart and it worked out really well.

I think it was a Luxor Endura...it's a hard plastic cart and the shelves are about 4" thick. The shelves connect together with sets of plastic poles (it looks like PVC pipe).

You may have wood shelves/boards, or you may have some other type of plastic shelves laying about.

STEP 2: The Hardware

Parts:

- (4) 7" lawn-mower wheels, which I found at Home Depot for about $5/each.
- (4) 3/8" bolts of about 4" in length, with about 75% of it being the shank.
- Matching washers, nuts, and lock nuts.
- 8' of rope (of your choice).

Tools:

- Drill with a 3/8" bit, and a smaller bit to start.
- Possibly a larger bit for the rope...
- A couple of wrenches to match.
- A level, tape measurer, ruler, etc.

STEP 3: Wheel Assembly

Mark off the points at which you can mount the wheels (check it twice!) and start up the drill.

Based on the structure of the shelf I had to work with, I went through two sections of plastic for each bolt.

To assemble the wheels, run the bolt through the front of the wheel (preferrably with the plastic wheel insert from the manufacturer), add a washer, and then drop the wheels into place.

Then, tighten the machine nuts using your fingers and follow it up with the lock-nuts (using your wrenches). This is a cheap-n-dirty way to keep the bolts tight, while allowing for the wheels to spin.

STEP 4: The Handle

Mark off a couple of points in the front of your cart, drill them out, and then thread the rope through. Tie the ends off and melt as desired.

Give it a good tug or two.

STEP 5: Fin!

That's it! Now get to work. When you're done, put your cart away (just flip it up on end).

STEP 6: In Action: Example #1

Watch those turns, Rookie...

STEP 7: In Action: Example #2

...Hey, Kid! We're working here!!

7 Comments

MadVegetarian 13 years ago

After a few wipe-outs, and claiming space in my garage, the "Low-Profile Utility Cart" is no more. Rest in Pieces.

MadVegetarian 17 years ago

Very true. My objective was not so much to build a cart as it was to re-use the shelf...and $20 for new parts was ok with me.

Al Bundy 17 years ago

I like the cart and you have what you want, but the cost is too great if the parts and hardware need to be purchased as opposed to being parted out from junk. The local industrial supply sells a cart for $20 that handles 500# and has a folding handle. Regular hardware store has the same.

crapflinger 17 years ago

i bet that things awesomee (and scary with no steering) on wheelchair ramps or other inclines well layed out instructable...nice job