File storage in toolbox

Zaylor · Sep 28, 2013

I am looking for some ideas on better ways to store my files in my box drawer.

This is the status quo. Whenever I move the files, there is that oh-so-lovely sound of their teeth grating against each other.

These files are some of my most important tools, but I really can't afford to have them take up more space than they are now.

Any ideas folks?

Monte · Sep 28, 2013

Hazet tray for 8" files

metaldad · Sep 28, 2013

That takes up alot of room , Monte.
how abouts using the thin spaced metal shelving, like has been done for pliers?
this is a good topic.

warmpancakes · Sep 28, 2013

i use a piece of 1x3 with slots cut for the file blades

davethorik · Sep 28, 2013

you probably don't have enough room but in my work box I have a plastic rack for holding a wrench set that i put files in.

Zaylor · Sep 28, 2013

Monte said:
Hazet tray for 8" files

metaldad said:
That takes up alot of room , Monte.
how abouts using the thin spaced metal shelving, like has been done for pliers?
this is a good topic.

It is nice storage, but I agree with metaldad, it takes up the same amount of space as if you were to lay them in the drawer side by side.

Unless you stack those

Zaylor · Sep 28, 2013

warmpancakes said:
i use a piece of 1x3 with slots cut for the file blades

How did you do it? Are they are all stored on an angle, kind of like a wrench rack?

zkling · Sep 28, 2013

Where is Dave? :lol_hitti

I store files in a drawer, on edge via a little homemade rack to keep them from banging into one another. There was a really good thread on the PM site a few years back that I can't seem to find for the life of me right now.

BRB.

theknurl · Sep 28, 2013

none in my tool box!

I snagged a 2" deep x 36" drawer off a drafting table and welded it under the 3"x5" I-beams of my workbench, for some of my files.....the good vixens and WhizCuts are wrapped in shop towels......the rest, ~40 are nose down in a big box, the needle files are in my Grandfather's machinist tool box

:beer:

warmpancakes · Sep 28, 2013

Zaylor said:
How did you do it? Are they are all stored on an angle, kind of like a wrench rack?

they are on their side, alternate sides that the handle is on

Zaylor · Sep 28, 2013

theknurl said:
none in my tool box!

I snagged a 2" deep x 36" drawer off a drafting table and welded it under the 3"x5" I-beams of my workbench, for some of my files.....the good vixens and WhizCuts are wrapped in shop towels......the rest, ~40 are nose down in a big box, the needle files are in my Grandfather's machinist tool box

That sounds like a beastly drawer you have there sir

Outlawmws · Sep 29, 2013

It can depend on how many you have but the 1X with notches is likely the best bet. I have one drawer with many of my most commonly used files simply blade vertical and against the handle of the next file. They go solid from front to back so no guide really needed, but It can get cluttery.

I plan to go the 1X route eventually, but that will require me to actually spend some time sorting them out and setting aside dupes and the like... This is a "winter time job" but one I never seem to get to... This is also why my inventory still hasn't got the files into it yet!

For very large files a rack works well, for small files, I agree, the Kennedy 520's work well

3rdbuttondown · Sep 29, 2013

Cut up some old Bicycle inner tubes and make sleeves for them.

ATC · Sep 29, 2013

Mine are layed out just like this pic...but in a drawer. Obviously, I have the room for them. "warmpancakes" idea of slots sounds good. Or I was thinking something like a plier rack for them to lay in...

Mohawk Dave · Sep 29, 2013

I need to cut some 1x3s as well. Here's my current set up. But it's a completely dedicated file box. Which won't work for your needs. Post #45...
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204880&page=3

Stuart in MN · Sep 29, 2013

3rdbuttondown said:
Cut up some old Bicycle inner tubes and make sleeves for them.

Or make them out of cardboard or even old newspaper. All you need is a little sheath you can slip over the file, and then throw it in the drawer with the rest of them.

metal1313 · Sep 29, 2013

i keep mine wrapped in paper, or hanging on the wall. i have thought about cutting some azec to hold them though

Zaylor · Sep 30, 2013

Mohawk Dave said:
I need to cut some 1x3s as well. Here's my current set up. But it's a completely dedicated file box. Which won't work for your needs. Post #45...
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204880&page=3

Thank you Dave, your thread was a good read. I most enjoyed the picture of your ratchet drawers.

Outlawmws · Sep 30, 2013

I don't think magnets would be a good idea. The thought of trying to clean a magnetized file seems daunting...

ajchien · Sep 30, 2013

warmpancakes said:
i use a piece of 1x3 with slots cut for the file blades

I did the same thing, with some scrap 1x2. Used a router to cut 1/4" slots in it.

Qcowboy · Sep 30, 2013

This simple storage organizer seems to be perfect to keep the teeth from grinding each other, while minimizing storage space by storing the files on edge. You could alternate the handles on each end of the group, to minimize space. I think I may try it with my files:

Those coils are simple solid copper wire, coiled around a pipe or other mandrel. You could leave the plastic insulation on or strip them to bare copper if you prefer that look.

There's a whole thread discussing the idea here: http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92266

Zaylor · Sep 30, 2013

ajchien said:
I did the same thing, with some scrap 1x2. Used a router to cut 1/4" slots in it.

A lot of people seem to have gone this route. Anyone have a picture of how theirs came out?

Zaylor · Sep 30, 2013

Qcowboy said:
This simple storage organizer seems to be perfect to keep the teeth from grinding each other, while minimizing storage space by storing the files on edge. You could alternate the handles on each end of the group, to minimize space. I think I may try it with my files:

Those coils are simple solid copper wire, coiled around a pipe or other mandrel. You could leave the plastic insulation on or strip them to bare copper if you prefer that look.

There's a whole thread discussing the idea here: http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92266

Wow, neat stuff there. Thanks, Qcowboy. It would definitely take up more room, but I may try this for my work box.

Zaylor · Sep 30, 2013

So here is what I have come up with so far after some tinkering on my sewing machine.

drum roll... The file condom

CWP1616L · Sep 30, 2013

Heavy shipping paper and masking tape. Works wonderful.

Zaylor · Sep 30, 2013

I like that, it is simple, practical and you get a tailored fit for every file.

What do you use those rods on the left for-- they look like tig rods?

CWP1616L said:
Heavy shipping paper and masking tape. Works wonderful.

CWP1616L · Sep 30, 2013

Zaylor said:
What do you use those rods on the left for-- they look like tig rods?

Those are coat hangers. If I need one, I'll bend a hook on each end and use it to hang up small parts that need to be painted on both sides. The parts usually have a bolt hole for the hanger to hook through.

rsanter · Sep 30, 2013

Use a block of wood, cut slices in the wood to hold the files standing on edge like knives in a block

Bob

sawin · Sep 30, 2013

I have some with tubing on them. I put the appropriate size tubing under a hunk of steel for a night, and they end up oblong. Go on a file nicely. I used clear tubing that I picked up cheap.

Also cheap, no adhesive, shrink tube works and comes in the correct shape.

Zaylor · Oct 1, 2013

CWP1616L said:
Those are coat hangers. If I need one, I'll bend a hook on each end and use it to hang up small parts that need to be painted on both sides. The parts usually have a bolt hole for the hanger to hook through.

Another useful trick, thank you.

Zaylor · Oct 1, 2013

sawin said:
I have some with tubing on them. I put the appropriate size tubing under a hunk of steel for a night, and they end up oblong. Go on a file nicely. I used clear tubing that I picked up cheap.

Also cheap, no adhesive, shrink tube works and comes in the correct shape.

Vinyl tubing?

Thanks for the tip

70C-10 · Oct 1, 2013

Have you tried a file cabinet?

pacecar · Oct 1, 2013

70C-10 said:
Have you tried a file cabinet?

somebody's gotta be the comedian

lilscorpion · Oct 1, 2013

I made a tray out of HDPE. It works very well for what I have/use.

bczygan · Oct 1, 2013

sawin · Oct 1, 2013

Zaylor said:
Vinyl tubing?

The tubing I used was a soft clear product. Hardware stores sell it in various sizes, off a roll. Tell the truth I don't know what it is made of. Probably vinyl. I have seen tubing that is quite stiff. Don't think that would work well.

Have a scrap of fuel line tubing? I'm sure any tubing of this nature would work.

Another reason I like it is their are sizes to fit all size files.This tubing, goes on and off easily, and it is real easy to grab a couple of files and go with them if needed.

minimowog · Oct 2, 2013

think I have too many files and not enough drawers, I must have at least 100+ mine are kept in this box

sawin · Oct 2, 2013

minimowog said:
think I have too many files and not enough drawers, I must have at least 100+ mine are kept in this box

I too have a drawer similar to that in one small shop. Been working on the tubing covers....however...

In my main shop I have what looks to be a pegboard fixture that has 3" slotted
spaces. Most of them hold 2 files each. I just have it (fence) stapled to my wood wall.
This fixture provides good, quick access. Would not be hard to duplicate.

No camera at present or I would take a picture. Perhaps next week.

Zaylor · Oct 4, 2013

You guys posted a lot of nice solutions.

I have only done a few, but here is where I am at so far:

TireTracks · Oct 4, 2013

I made a roll out of demin from a old pair of jeans, sewed a bunch of pockets sized for each file/rasp.

The needle files stay in their storage tray in my toolbox.

File storage in toolbox

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