Deep drawer organisation ideas

[dangti6]

I have a workbench/toolbox with 20 identical deep drawers. Each drawer is 5 1/2” deep.

I’m struggling how to organise them as currently a number are being used for boxed items and tool carry cases that don’t make best use of the space, and/or are stacked on top of each other with items hidden.

The only idea I have had so far that I’m slightly proud of is to repurpose a small whiteboard by dividing it up in to 20 sections and scribbling down what’s in each respective drawer to try and save the rummaging while I try and become organised.

I’m familiar with the trays for fixings, drill bits and hand tools etc that primarily appear best suited for shallower drawers which I do have in other units. I did see someone on here using catering trays hung on rails which could be lifted which is a good idea but can’t see me replicating that in 20 drawers and it being the best use of filling the space.

If people have found solutions that work for them, or can point me towards any gallery threads on here where someone clearly knows how to organise and maximise space without just filling it until you end up turning each drawer over by frantically rummaging, I’d be keen to hear.

This are the dimensions I’m playing with, multiplied by 20. (Depth measurement is to the top of the drawer frame, there’s another inch to play with due to the drawer front being taller than the carcass)

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

search for "tool organizing" threads, many ideas out there.

 

[fourjeepin]

I use google images when I need inspiration then customize to my liking or particular need

 

[Fedwrench]

what tools do you have that need a home? You can small get bins to fit in the drawer if you need small parts organization.
What kind of box is that? how about a picture of the whole box?

 

[snorvet]

I load some of my deep drawers with Plano plastic organizing bins. https://www.planooutdoors.com/collections/home-organization/products/stowaway-4-pack-3700

You could fit 4 of these (in 2 stacks of 2) in one of your drawers.

Or you could get a 3d printer and make your own bins/ dividing system. I made some plastic fittings and cut some thin wood strips for dividers.

 

[shoggoth80]

Label maker. That's what we use for the check out section at work. It isn't the end all solution, but good for high use/specialty/or odd items. Maybe break it down into functional drawers.... Extractors, taps/dies, helicoils. Press kits, pulley kits etc. Brake service tools and whatnot.

 

[LeeG]

Find plastic bins that stand on edge and can fit in there like a horizontal book shelf.

 

[username2]

Obviously you could start by orienting everything. Pliers on their side, sockets pointing up, etc. but I see the problem of wasted space.

To buy some space, a person could cobble up a sliding tray that takes up half the space of the bottom (and rides on rails 2.5" up) and rides to and fro...you get 50% more room. It would be a bit of a trick to have it be decent looking.

Maybe another possibility is to build a little shelf in the back of each one. Basically double up storage vertically for things like screwdrivers/pliers/etc.

I see your problem. I've got a map cabinet and a great big, very deep, steel card cabinet (both vintage). They seem way better made than a lower or medium end tool chest and the price was right (free). The map cabinet rules for fastener storage.

 

[Kurt4440]

In an effort to cheaply and quickly organize under my basement stairs I purchased a bunch of file cabinets. Here is how I organized one drawer with cut down protein drink boxes.



I have used this "box" system with other file cabinets for PVC plumbing fitings, certain electrical boxes......

 

[littlebean]

did you get this via machineryline?

 

[Skellyii]

In an effort to cheaply and quickly organize under my basement stairs I purchased a bunch of file cabinets. Here is how I organized one drawer with cut down protein drink boxes.



I have used this "box" system with other file cabinets for PVC plumbing fitings, certain electrical boxes......

Love it!

I've used that system in some of my drawers for years!

 

[RMERR]

Have you checked out inexpensive household plastic storage bins? Armed with the dimensions hit some retail outlets and measure what they've got. I'd suggest Target or Container store here, not sure what's in the UK. I've done exactly that and found sizes that will fit large drawers perfectly, say three or four across. Sometimes needs a little trimming of the lip of the bins or a board at one edge to snug them up if there's a gap. Anyway If you can find some sized just right or close, it would be a fast way to compartmentalize 20 large drawers.

 

[Jgaz]

This is just one drawer where I used old or cheap bread loaf pans.

I’ve seen them at a garage sale recently for 25 cents apiece.