Better organization solution than these plastic drawer cabinets?

[wahoowad]

This area is where I keep a lot of my fishing stuff in my garage. These are relatively inexpensive drawer solutions from big box stores. Each drawer holds a particular type of gear (one drawer holds spools of fishing line, another holds various reels, another for cold weather gear, etc. and the sense of organization is OK (for me). But these drawer systems don't always slide well or warp over time and I'd like to find something better. I still prefer the clear/semi-clear material but am not completely tied to that.

Any suggestions?

 

[4x4Pete]

Used filing cabinets? locally they're usually pretty cheap.

 

[pcmeiners]

Vidmar or Lista cabinets (used of course), expensive but that is relative to how frustrated you are with organization, stuff being "lost", having multiples of the same items because you can not find the damn items, and the lost time looking for things.

 

[MadMechMaster]

I have always thought the those plastic drawers were OK for some purposes, but the support structure *****.

I haven't tried it myself, but building a simple plywood shelf to hold the drawers would let you keep the translucent bins while fixing the sliding issues.

 

[nadogail]

When a former employer changed hardware suppliers from Mechanics Choice to Bowman the used Mechanic’s Choice cabinets became available, Mechanics Choice had no desire for the used cabinets and the pretty Bowman cabinets came loaded with their products.
I put masking tape on the old cabinets and wrote “Please and Thank You” on the tape. I loaded those cabinets into my van at Quitting Time, they have been in my shop for the last 27 years.

 

[PFSard]

Many moons ago I used to find plastic milk crates and kitty litter containers in dumpsters. I use these for larger items or groups of similar items. I just keep an index card of what's in each container near the containers' locations.

Good luck finding a more appropriate system. As you said, the type of containers you are currently using tend to warp over time. And don't slide easily.

 

[NUTTSGT]

What about building some plywood cabinets and using the plastic drawers you already have for the drawers ? Build one and test it out, if need be maybe a couple of strips of HDPE as glides for the drawers to sit on.

 

[Jgaz]

^^Yes. A plywood cabinet and your bins or even a better quality bin would work well.
Just don’t get the bins so large that they are too heavy to handle.

I use a combination of milk crates and Rubbermaid bins to store similar, bulky items.

 

[Joe Reed]

I use a few drawer units similar to those. They are fine for storing relatively lightweight stuff but, as you now now, they aren't ideal for heavy stuff. The heavier stuff I store in them is stuff that isn't used often - old hinges, casters and other metal stuff - so the drawers not sliding in and out perfectly isn't a big deal. The price is hard to beat!
I did put mine inside some homemade cabinets for less visual clutter. These are simply 1/2" plywood cabinets sized to fit the drawer units with 1/4" plywood sliding doors across the front.

 

[Chipm]

When a former employer changed hardware suppliers from Mechanics Choice to Bowman the used Mechanic’s Choice cabinets became available, Mechanics Choice had no desire for the used cabinets and the pretty Bowman cabinets came loaded with their products.
I put masking tape on the old cabinets and wrote “Please and Thank You” on the tape. I loaded those cabinets into my van at Quitting Time, they have been in my shop for the last 27 years.

I get so jealous of stories like this!

 

[rsanter]

Toolboxes
Line them up

 

[CraigStu]

I agree w/ the plywood cabinets to fit your clear plastic tubs. You could also go w/ plastic shelf units but they won't be a custom fit.

HDX 5-Tier Easy Assembly Multi-purpose Plastic Garage Storage Shelving Unit in Gray (36 in. W x 72 in. H x 18 in. D) 127932 - The Home Depot

Use this HDX 5-Tier Plastic Garage Storage Shelving Unit in Gray in home, garage, basement or utility area to keep your space neat and manageable.

www.homedepot.com

Look around at all the local stores to see variety in sizing. One could also cut the plastic tubes shorter and use three kits to make 2 shelf units.

 

[inphx]

Old office furniture can be found on the "cheap" if you disassemble and have a gallon of tractor paint....

 

[inphx]

or you can pretend you have an Ace hardware and buy used supermarket "gondola" shelving. I kept the bottom clear in case i need the extra floor space for occasionally tucking some project cars up to the wall.

 

[rocksnstumps]

Old office furniture can be found on the "cheap" if you disassemble and have a gallon of tractor paint....

Used to be around here. Now the under $20 on the cheap has pushed to $60 due to others doing similar. Too many others reading GJ I guess, lol

 

[RMERR]

For bulky, bigger items like you have I second the used file cabinet idea. Standard vertical or lateral file cabinets for more width. In central northern CA I see tons of these on Marketplace or Craigslist. I've got a few in my shop for bulky stuff. Prices range from free on up. With a little patience you can often find someone selling a bunch of matching cabinets or paint them as mentioned. I have two lateral file cabinets that I spray painted (they were an ugly office beige) and added some grab bar handles. Perfect for oddball or bulky items.