Need better way to store 1/4" Hex Bits.

[hautpot]

What is everyone using to store 1/4 hex bits (both power bit and short) and for carrying to a job site? I am looking for an aftermarket storage system for them.

I know most sets are sold with a reusable storage container, but I have not enjoyed my small Wiha case. My gripe with that is that the holder is not designed for longevity and it doesn't hold more than 10 bits.

As for my stationary set, they are lazily throw around inside my toolbox.

 

[RVDan]

I have a plastic case from Snapon. Holds a lot of bits, they're easy to remove, and it's reasonably compact. Since it's not really a tool it was reasonably cheap.

 

[mikebaker1129]

You order that or get it from your driver ?
How much ?

 

[twertsy]

I make these...........

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I make these...........

DAAAAMMMMNNNNN I like that! Nice work....you offering them for sale?

I've been using the Mechanic Time Saver magnetic holders...works excellent, I've got a couple stuck in common places, one on the side of a cabinet, etc.. makes a great easy place to change out bits and not lose em.

 

[twertsy]

DAAAAMMMMNNNNN I like that! Nice work....you offering them for sale?

I've been using the Mechanic Time Saver magnetic holders...works excellent, I've got a couple stuck in common places, one on the side of a cabinet, etc.. makes a great easy place to change out bits and not lose em.

Yeah, I cut a bunch for folks on here last year. I can do more at $30 + ship. I think I have the following "blanks" left to cut from:

Red/White/Red (seen in pic above)
Yellow/Black/Yellow
Black/Yellow/Black
Blue/White/Blue
Green/White/Green

 

[Olafur]

I like this type, not perfect but the cases are quite durable.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Y8QY3K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Actually I have 3 very similar sets, one old - no name, Bahco, and Wiha.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Twertsy, I'm a big fan of your boards, but with a little tweaking I think they would be much better as far as "organization" goes.

I think the biggest thing is bit identification. Yours is more for storage purposes, and just lack identification of each bit. Yes, I know that nobody's needs are the same, that's why how they are now isn't bad at all. Just throwing in my 2 cents. No hard feelings at all I hope.

 

[twertsy]

Twertsy, I'm a big fan of your boards, but with a little tweaking I think they would be much better as far as "organization" goes.

I think the biggest thing is bit identification. Yours is more for storage purposes, and just lack identification of each bit. Yes, I know that nobody's needs are the same, that's why how they are now isn't bad at all. Just throwing in my 2 cents. No hard feelings at all I hope.

None taken at all D. Issue is space on the board. I tried to keep it small enough so as to not consume an entire drawer. Cutting those size identifications takes a lot of space. Here's my Socket holder as an example. The letters/numbers have to be big enough such that the bit doesn't overlap and make it illegible. That's what makes it difficult. Also attached a pic of the bitholders in different colors.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

None taken at all D. Issue is space on the board. I tried to keep it small enough so as to not consume an entire drawer. Cutting those size identifications takes a lot of space. Here's my Socket holder as an example. The letters/numbers have to be big enough such that the bit doesn't overlap and make it illegible. That's what makes it difficult. Also attached a pic of the bitholders in different colors.

Those are some pretty slick holders. Are you using a CNC router to cut those? Looking at the picture of your socket holder, I'm curious as to why cutting the identification takes so much space. Where is the limitation? Material? Hardware? Software?

 

[kythri]

Would you sell those without any identification at all?

 

[hautpot]

I have a plastic case from Snapon. Holds a lot of bits, they're easy to remove, and it's reasonably compact. Since it's not really a tool it was reasonably cheap.

That looks pretty nice, I saw it for $15 on the website, how many bits can it hold in total? I think I might go this route for mobile.

Actually I have 3 very similar sets, one old - no name, Bahco, and Wiha.

What kind of hinge does it use? i don't like the flexible plastic cases.

I make these...........

wow those boards looks very cool, are they durable? looks like you are going for that 5S look.

 

[Tuc04]

I have a plastic case from Snapon. Holds a lot of bits, they're easy to remove, and it's reasonably compact. Since it's not really a tool it was reasonably cheap.

Does anyone have a part number or link for this Snap On case? I've tried searching their site, but have had no luck finding it.

 

[hautpot]

Does anyone have a part number or link for this Snap On case? I've tried searching their site, but have had no luck finding it.

It is quite hidden in the screwdriver category.

https://store.snapon.com/Master-Bit-Sets-1-4-hex--Box-Plastic-For-SDM400A-Kit--P643094.aspx

 

[gungatim]

wow....$15.95 for the box, $164 for the bits.....wow...

I use the set from HF, comes in a tackle box type thing, in where all the fastener sets are kept. don't see it on the website, but it's pretty handy. I just refill it with better bits when I need to from whoever has them on sale...

 

[RatZ1LLa]

wow....$15.95 for the box, $164 for the bits.....wow...

I use the set from HF, comes in a tackle box type thing, in where all the fastener sets are kept. don't see it on the website, but it's pretty handy. I just refill it with better bits when I need to from whoever has them on sale...

This? http://www.harborfreight.com/100-pc-security-bit-set-with-case-68457-8616.html

I picked up one a few weeks ago, works well.

 

[Vigo]

I bought two of the Mechanics Time Savers trays and like them fairly well. I do sort of wish they made a jumbo model equivalent to about 3 of these put together.

 

[slowzuki]

I'm odd but I made 2 nice wooden holders that the bits fit into but I don't like them. I prefer a cheap clear plastic dollar store case that gets tossed in the softside tool bags. The bits are loose in 6 compartments and rarely have to dig.

I have 4 or 5 other plastic cases the bits snap into like the snapon ones about but they only work for security bits or other weird ones you don't use often.

 

[twertsy]

Re: Need better way to store 1/4" Hex Bits.

Ok, I'll try and answer all the questions. First, the material is HDPE, very durable. You could actually bolt handles on it and use it as a tray if you wanted to.

Yes, it's cut with a CNC router. I can do up to 4' x 4'.

Labels can be removed, added, changed, whatever, that's easy.

As far as the lettering/labels go, I like to pocket cut them so you can see them. I could try and cut labels with a 1/32 bit just on the lines, it might show up ok. If you want me to try labeling the bits, just send me your desired layout at [email protected]. I can remove sections (like some don't want flat bits) or rearrange or whatever.

 

[gungatim]

This? http://www.harborfreight.com/100-pc-security-bit-set-with-case-68457-8616.html

I picked up one a few weeks ago, works well.

no, it's like 4" x 8", inch or so thick, clear(ish) plastic, it's with all the storehouse stuff. comes with like 500 bits or something. I couldn't find it online. maybe they don't sell anymore> same type as the O-rings, cotter keys, etc.

 

[hautpot]

I bought two of the Mechanics Time Savers trays and like them fairly well. I do sort of wish they made a jumbo model equivalent to about 3 of these put together.

What about this? Anyone have opinions about this gunsmith bit holder from brownells? holds 120 bits.

I am looking at this for my desktop storage.

 

[loudog212]

I bought 2 different cheap Milwaukee bit sets at home depot a few months ago. The cases they come in can be customized. I use one with the longer bits and hex/quick connect drill bits for use with my 1/4 inch driver. And another for other random bits.

 

[Ign]

This thread inspired me to pick up the Husky magnetic one at HD. It's with pegboard and other organizational stuff. It's a little small but I like it for $10. Does what I need.

 

[eborcim]

I make these...........

That's pretty slick Twertsy...

 

[90zcar]

I really like my snap on bit set which I expanded some. the case is very durable and bits are strong




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MBfreak]

I made this a rainy day. Bits are hels by 10 mm magnets recessed at the back of each hole. Magnets are held in place by a 2 mm alu backing piece screwed on.
Wish I had a nice way to mark each hole, but it works OK for me as it is.

Best regards

Ola

 

[BikerDad]

These. Odds are you can find 'em at your local Wallyworld. They often come with both halves, I just use the second half to hold more bits.

 

[moparfreak]

I just finished setting this system up. Thought about some of the other ideas around here where the bits mount into a block and stick out for good visibility, but sticking w/ what I've learned about having a shop for awhile, the system needs to be organized, adaptable, and have room for growth. Of course I have a trillion bits of all different types and that will never change, so I opted for the system below, since it can accommodate a crapton of stuff, keep it well organized, and also be changed up as my collection changes.

It's based on two of these from HD (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Mobile-Pro-Organizer-with-18-Small-Parts-Drawer-194990/203431530) and they fit nicely in the center area of my workbench. Once I got this all cleaned up the bench is much more organized now, as before I just piled them all up in one area.

Those are all the driver bits (stuff you can directly chuck up into the impacts). Then for the million little single bits that need to go into a screwdriver or bit holder, a plano box takes care of the rest:

 

[gungatim]

no, it's like 4" x 8", inch or so thick, clear(ish) plastic, it's with all the storehouse stuff. comes with like 500 (actually 80) bits or something. I couldn't find it online. maybe they don't sell anymore> same type as the O-rings, cotter keys, etc.

dang finally found it...item #67699 on sale for $6. fill it with whatever bits are your favorite, but the ones that come with it work pretty good...

 

[SJR033]

I've been thinking about doing this....

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=71906&cat=51&ap=1

 

[Moto77]

I had the Free zone set up from lee valley, can't really beat it for the price. I went from having my 1/4" bits rolling all over my drawer to having them all organized.

 

[mv213]

wow....$15.95 for the box, $164 for the bits.....wow...

I use the set from HF, comes in a tackle box type thing, in where all the fastener sets are kept. don't see it on the website, but it's pretty handy. I just refill it with better bits when I need to from whoever has them on sale...

Yes I bought that set as well, it's a decent organizer for the bits but the bits themselves are horrible, very soft. I upgraded the PH2 bits to some from Dewalt. Like you said, refill it with better bits....

 

[hautpot]

Yes I bought that set as well, it's a decent organizer for the bits but the bits themselves are horrible, very soft. I upgraded the PH2 bits to some from Dewalt. Like you said, refill it with better bits....

That is interesting you say the bits are soft. I have some and I think they are pretty good, but I am switching to PB Swiss bits anyways. I think a lot of gents here say they like the zephyer bits.

 

[mv213]

That is interesting you say the bits are soft. I have some and I think they are pretty good, but I am switching to PB Swiss bits anyways. I think a lot of gents here say they like the zephyer bits.

I just built a shed this spring, I used deck screws with T25 (I think) heads to fasten all the framing together. I wore out about 5 of the HF bits before I wised up and tried a Dewalt bit, I was able to finish the framing using just one Dewalt bit. I would say they are OK for occasional use, but they do wear out pretty quickly. The number of bits included for the price still makes it a decent buy though.

 

[Ign]

This thread inspired me to pick up the Husky magnetic one at HD. It's with pegboard and other organizational stuff. It's a little small but I like it for $10. Does what I need.

So these are now down to $3.74 from an alleged previous price of $7.48. As quoted above I apparently paid ~$10 in Aug '15 and I still really like it. It's been vertically on the side of my KRL ever since, so the magnet is reasonably strong (it's never fallen off on me or anything).

At $3.74 it's almost a no-brainer if you need a way to organize your 1/4" hex bits. I grabbed a second one yesterday. They're claiming this is an NLP (new lower price) but that's often HD code for temporary sale or upcoming clearance (hard to say).

http://www.homedepot.com/p/25-Compartment-Magnetic-Bit-Holder-581HD/204778500?keyword=615268795812

 

[ssdave]

I have the freezone holder that I mount to the wall over my workbench. Excellent.

For portable, I have a Mac set (upgraded with Snap-on screwdriver) that has a mini-ratchet that is the best I think is made. The hybrid set is my go-to for screwdrivers, I use it almost exclusively:

 

[jfleisher]

I've got a couple of the Lee Valley Free Zone bit holders, here's the one from work:

 

[Moparman390]

Get the red case from the security bit set, all the spaces are labeled. If you are using higher quality bits, toss the ones that come with it. Just don't buy it at HF. Same thing as the HF set with one variation that makes all the difference. It has to do with the retail packaging. HF sells it in clear "consumer friendly" packaging so it sits open and you can see all the bits it comes with. The problem is when closed and transported many of the bits can come out of their holes inside the case. If you order it from that "Big River" site it comes folded in the packaging and they include a piece of foam in the case that you put back in when you close it and the bits stay put. I have this one. I suppose if you do buy it at HF or if that foam wears out you can just find more foam, or drawer liner, or something, and cut a piece to put in there and keep the bits in place.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000O5XDOG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mbshop]

All great suggestions here. I have the hf red box set. I have a nice blue point set in a very nice blue box that could fit in yer pocket. And for us in ca we have the small green boxed sets from orchard supply. These definately fit in a pocket and has room to add more bits.

 

[Strouty]

I have the freezone holder that I mount to the wall over my workbench. Excellent.

For portable, I have a Mac set (upgraded with Snap-on screwdriver) that has a mini-ratchet that is the best I think is made. The hybrid set is my go-to for screwdrivers, I use it almost exclusively:

That is a nice set for sure, any part number?