Rebending a Tool Chest?

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Dr. Frankenstein
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Rebending a Tool Chest?

#1

Post by Dr. Frankenstein »

I just scored a great deal on a Harbor Freight tool chest, but there's a slight bend in it - it was hit from the lower right side (I think), just enough to put a slight slant in it...here it is from the front - you can see the slight angle on the right side and where it's a bit creased on the upper right corner...
DSCN2660.JPG


...and here it is looking across the top, from the left side - you can see the slight upward warp, which is on the right-front side and causes the right-front wheel to rise about a half inch:
DSCN2659.JPG
It's in pretty good shape except for this slight off-angle, which again causes the right-front wheel to lift off by about a half-inch, so it wobbles a bit. The drawers still open and close fully, but the lower ones rub on the left side going in and out - is there any way to straighten it? I suppose I could just put something under the wheel, but I'd really like to get this straightened, it's practically brand new; these boxes have been discontinued by HF, plus have you seen the prices HF wants for their new Series 3 boxes?? :shock:

I was thinking about putting it up against a post and using some tie-downs to try to winch it back upright, but would that work? I think the way it's bent presents some difficult re-straightening strategies. Anybody ever do this before?
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Fred Camper
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Re: Rebending a Tool Chest?

#2

Post by Fred Camper »

I would put it on a couple of 2 by 6 by 4 foot boards to allow you to strap it down with ratchet straps. Then I would block the area that is low on the bottom and tighten the straps to push that back just a bit further than you want so I springs back to level.
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Sidecar Bob
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Re: Rebending a Tool Chest?

#3

Post by Sidecar Bob »

I think I'd remove all the drawers, turn it upside down and put a block of 2x4 under the right front corner and then sit on the right rear and bounce, then repeat in the left front.
If that doesn't straighten it you can always try using the straps afterward.
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