Best way to latch or connect amp stack together?

[rollyolly]

So I have a stack that consists of (2) Rumble 115's and a Fender Bassman 500. I've realized that the casters on the cabs are junk, and they've already stripped and fell out multiple times. I'm going to mount some quality 3" casters on some 3/4 inch plywood, and attach the plywood to the bottom of one of the cabs.

But for safeties sake, I'd like to attach the head to the top cab, and the top cab to the bottom cab. This is so while I'm rolling, if i hit a crack/bump, the cab that's "along for the ride" doesn't go flying. It needs to be something that attaches/detaches very quickly for when I load in/out of my car, and I'm ok with screwing it into the cab. Preferably in black too so it doesn't look to cheesy.

Any advice from any DIY inclined folks?

 

[hondo4life]

Pretty sure duct tape comes in black.

Or perhaps one or two lengths of those little metal strips with holes in them. You can put studs on the backs of the head and cab. Secure with nylocks on the insides, and wingnuts on the outside.

 

[rodl2005]

Can't help ya with security there I'm sorry. But. ....that's a righteous looking rig right there. Congrats!

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

So I have a stack that consists of (2) Rumble 115's and a Fender Bassman 500. I've realized that the casters on the cabs are junk, and they've already stripped and fell out multiple times. I'm going to mount some quality 3" casters on some 3/4 inch plywood, and attach the plywood to the bottom of one of the cabs.

But for safeties sake, I'd like to attach the head to the top cab, and the top cab to the bottom cab. This is so while I'm rolling, if i hit a crack/bump, the cab that's "along for the ride" doesn't go flying. It needs to be something that attaches/detaches very quickly for when I load in/out of my car, and I'm ok with screwing it into the cab. Preferably in black too so it doesn't look to cheesy.

Any advice from any DIY inclined folks?

How about those ratcheting cargo straps? That ought to tie the two cabs and dolly together to roll in and out of your venues. I'd just carry the head separately.

 

[blubass]

I'd use ratchet straps myself. They come in several widths and could hold that stuff no problem. Completely reversible, and won't leave any sticky residue or damage on the cabs.

 

[lixisoft]

I too have used the ratcheting cargo straps, worked very well. Also bungee cords between the handles on each cabinet. I didn't use them for transport though, but to keep them from vibrating off of each other while playing.

 

[rollyolly]

I guess I'm thinking something more like this. Ratcheting straps would work but would take a lot longer to fumble with and it's one more thing to forget

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

I guess I'm thinking something more like this. Ratcheting straps would work but would take a lot longer to fumble with and it's one more thing to forget

That would work. It would be more work to set up initially, to get them aligned. Perhaps some rubber feet on the cab bottoms would give you enough play yet latch securely.

 

[blubass]

I thought of using the same kind of thing for another project I was working on. There's no reason why that wouldn't work.

 

[Hamish MacCleod]

I guess I'm thinking something more like this. Ratcheting straps would work but would take a lot longer to fumble with and it's one more thing to forget

Something like this was my first thought as well.
Rondo

 

[KeithAlanK]

I would use some kind of latches, as mentioned.
Will probably take some thinking and multiple trips to the hardware store before you figure out the best ones and how to attach them to make it all work, but worth it in the end for the convenience and speed.

Just do yourself a huge favor by forgetting about 3" casters.
Not even 3.5" roll worth a damn over anything but the smoothest of surfaces.

The magic number is 4 .
Four Inches diameter, or larger.
Rough streets and driveways, cracked sidewalks, old carpets, damaged stages, even grass......4 !

 

[Downunderwonder]

Simpler than ratchet straps but same general idea is luggage tie downs. The strap is a single unit with a sprung friction cam at one end. Pull tight. Leave attached to dolly, can't be left behind

Fwiw, you can stack up on a hand cart with the big rubber tyres, nothing goes up and down stairs as easily.

 

[Feralhog]

Depending on the condition of the road you're dragging/pushing this thing on perhaps some extra wide Velcro. True, you'd have Velcro semi permanently stuck to your cabs, but it will come off (unless you have rat/cat fur cabinets then it could be a little messy).......

 

[buldog5151bass]

Couple of thoughts:

1. As others have said, a cart would be easier, and can be used for other stuff as well.
2. The higher your stack of boxes is, the more likely it will tip when you hit a crack in the pavement.
3. Even worse, that heavy head on top is even MORE likely to make it tip.

Consider other options...

 

[Joedog]

I agree with a good cart (rubber tires). Casters are only good for smooth floors. They suck for bumpy parking lots, sidewalks, etc., and are useless for steps.

 

[Pharsalien]

When all else fails...Duct Tape! Handymans secret weapon

 

[stevecaronna]

I strap my dolly along with a case to raise my speakers and my speakers all together with this and it works great. I don't have a picture handy right now to show how it works but I like it because it makes set up and tear down so easy.

 

[DWBass]

There's a TB'r who built a modular rig like that. Everything latched together and I think he had the head built into the top cab. I can't think of his name. Very crafty guy.

 

[BassmanPaul]

Build yourself a mover’s dolly from 3/4” plywood. Add Large casters with bolts to the dolly. Cover with carpet and add a pull strap from an auto wrecker’s yard. I have three of them I built and they are beyond useful. I’ve moved couches, freezers and other heavy furniture as well as my gear.

Photos show how I built mine. The slot makes it a breeze to move unloaded. Bolt the casters to each end strip and glue and screw into position. To anchor the strap more securely I used a small block to keep it in place in later versions.

 

[Bassnomer]

Back when I had my hartke stack, I screwed two metal plates to each side of the cabs, vertically, half on one half on the other. Never budged and make moving it up stairs much less stressful (mentally, anyway!)