DIY Hi-Lift and Tool Mounts

What Axe/Shovel length are you guys mounting in bed?

Have this:
Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe, 36-Inch

$65 Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe, 36" Wood Splitting Axe for Medium to Large Size Logs with Shock-Absorbing Handle, Split Firewood, Forged Steel Blade, Bushcraft Gear and Camping Hatchet

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004M3BAQE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vc-lyb0P4GA1K



And I'm looking at picking this:
Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-handle Digging Shovel (9669)

Fiskars D-Handle Digging Shovel - Heavy Duty Gardening Tool with 46" Straight D-Handle - Lawn and Yard Tools - Black/Orange

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F3DUW2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vb-lyb4V4XK2Y

 

Awesome thread...good info man

 

what is holding the jerry cans?

 

I just drilled 5 simple D-ring anchor points into the bed and use a strap for each. One is water and one is fuel. They are scepter if you cared

 

This diy was really helpful. I mounted mine this way so that I can still utilize my full sleeping platform. There is just enough of a gap under the Hi lift so I can slide the platform in between.

 

Are you using the dremel or cut off wheel to trim your metal flat bars? I am limited in my access for cutting metal and was going to get a new dremel (mine is dust)

 

You could use something as simple as a hacksaw. That's what I used cause I didn't have a grinder at the time.

 

ok seems easy enough. Easy to get flat bars at home depot or lowes? Figure I would check there first since ill prob get all the hardware there.

Then I need to decide which axe/shovel to get. Seems like Fiskars and Bully Tools are popular.

 

Both Lowe's and Home Depot carry steel and aluminum flat bar. I wasn't sure if the 1/8" thick aluminum I used would hold up but it turns out it works just fine. Even with the heavy hi-lift hanging on it over rough washboard roads. Bonus is it won't rust and is very quick and easy to work with. Cut, bend, drIll, file, paint, and done.

 

I used a hacksaw to make the cuts and then a file to smooth the edges and round off the corners. The steel was surprisingly easy to work.

When making the bends, start the bend by hand, then hammer at the base to get a nice tight bend.

 

Nice, I need to head over there. Ill take a look at what they have.

Nice! I purchased Hi-Lift Mounts from a member as I needed some quick and they were really heavy duty. Not very easy to bend, etc so this sounds great.

 

Whipped up some mounts using Benson X DYI! Turned out great!

 

Cut with a metal blade on a trim saw. Ground down the edges. Stainless hardware.

 

Great write up. Will be doing this shortly.

 

Agreed, great writeup axe arrived today to complete the first part of my tool mount.

 

Where did you get that shovel?

 

Picked it up off ebay. It shows Red and the one I received had a yellow handle as shown.

 

That axe ever come in handy for you? Why did you go with the long axe vs the short one?

 

Honestly I have had it for less than a week so no good answer for you. I plan to grab a small one as well. More readiness than anything. Chopping wood is much easier with a larger axe.

 

I'm debating between mountain a shorty with my shovel or long axe...