A Compact Storage Option for Long Items (up to 8ft)

[Bolster]

Hi all, sorry I haven't checked in for awhile. I have discovered an option for the storage of long tools/materials that's working well for me and my small shop and I wanted to share. As you know, the fundamental rule to happiness in a small shop is "everything on wheels."

These are 5 milk carton-style boxes purchased from Lowe's zip-tied together and mounted on a wheeled cart. What makes these Lowe's cartons useful is that they have larger "holes" (squares actually) than most milk cartons I've seen. When they are zip-tied together they are sufficiently strong to hold tools/materials for vertical storage--up to maybe 8 feet or so. I gained a LOT of floor space back when I moved to this arrangement, instead of 5-gallon buckets. Hold all my pipe clamps; there are even two double-bit axes in there! Primarily because the grids in the bottoms of the cartons force the materials to remain straight.

When I need more work area, just wheel it out onto the driveway and enjoy the extra space.

Would be interested to see your solutions, too!

 

[NUTTSGT]

Looks like a simple solution for storage. Are the crates fastened to the cart ?

 

[BukitCase]

Look closer at the pic; I see a grayish strap woven through the lower area and the cart handle, plus a few fairly heavy tie wraps between levels.

Good plan, I may "borrow" it - thanks... Steve

 

[Bolster]

Looks like a simple solution for storage. Are the crates fastened to the cart ?

Yes, though I could have done a better job by drilling a few holes into the cart and really anchoring the crates with bolts. As is, there is a strap holding the crates on. Now that you mention it, I'd better screw/glue/clamp something to either side of those front crates so they can't slide to the sides, but I gave the whole thing my "crazy monkey test" and the setup was pretty solid. This, despite the individual crates not being terribly rigid by themselves...but when zip tied together into a unit, there seems to be sufficient strength.

Good catch though; need to put some sort of anchor to either side so no side slippage.

 

[FMB4]

Welcome back Bolster, and thanks for posting!

 

[PossumDog]

Good idea
I did something similar, used scrap plywood on a harbor freight furniture dolly.
Different height and size cubby holes.
Not quite good for 8' high items considering that's the ceiling height, but better than the old mess.
The old mess was kept in a brute 55g trash can, rolling around on the same dolly. Had to be careful to distribute the weight so it wouldn't tip over.

 

[PoorUB]

All those long bits and pieces that don't get used often to clutter up the floor in my shop. They go up on high shelves, or in the attic.
My bar clamps for wood working are clamped to the frame of my table saw, the excess hangs on the side of a storage cabinet.

Over the years I have become very frugal with what I keep on hand. If it is a remodel item, something I might not need for some time and not overly expensive it gets tossed. The real estate is often worth more that the items I need to store.

In Possumdog's pic other than the bar clamps none of that would be on the floor in my shop. Either tucked or tossed.

Same in the OP's picture. The metal lengths have a corner that I keep some in, the rest get hauled up to the attic. All the odd wood pieces would get tossed.

I am just finishing up on a remodel. Some of you with have fits over some of the stuff I have tossed!

We plan on moving in a couple years and we have started planning that move. Next spring on clean up week there is going to be a treasure piled in front of my house! Everything we have gets looked over and decided if it will get moved. If the answer is no it gets tossed or given away so lately it has been real dangerous to be a scrap 2x4 around here!

 

[CraigStu]

I am still using buckets for my stuff. One for steel and one for aluminum. I have problems w/ the < one foot pieces because they seem to disappear under/behind the taller ones. Do the crates, being nearly open on the sides help w/ that problem?

 

[Bolster]

I am still using buckets for my stuff. One for steel and one for aluminum. I have problems w/ the < one foot pieces because they seem to disappear under/behind the taller ones. Do the crates, being nearly open on the sides help w/ that problem?

Not really. My short pieces are assigned to other bins (not pictured) where they lie on their sides. But then I have the problem you mention; the stuff on top buries the items at the bottom.

 

[Hammer1963]

The use of the milk crates is brilliant! Thank you for posting