Drawer storage boxes - Schaller and others

[86turbodsl]

I just picked up some nice blueprint drawer units at an auction.
They will be perfect for bolt/drillbit/screw storage, but i need some sort of organizers to keep things in place.

I figure i have a couple of options:

1. Schaller type bins
2. Cut down some bottles of some type
3. Fabricate wooden dividers.

I have seen the oil bottles cut down, i don't use that type oil bottles and it would take me forever to collect enough, so i figure that's out.

I could take the time to cut strips of wood and play around with fitting them, but that's pretty slow.

I like the form factor of schaller bins, are there any other cheaper competitors?
I do not like the akro bins with the lowered lip. I do not need these to stack. I am only investing in closed drawer storage. Too much dust in the air gets in the contents.

Any other ideas? I saw some cardboard uline boxes on another thread, but couldn't locate them on the uline site. EDIT: I found them on the uline site. They are too tall.

 

[BajaScout]

Pics?


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[SGKent]

anything you put in should have bottoms or if they lift the items will slide underneath. I used to collect boxes like business cards come in and use those. Limited lifespan but they were ideal. You used to be able to find that stuff cheaply and one could use different sizes side by side but these days they are harder to find because things come in blister packs rather than small boxes. Maybe someone makes an assortment of small cardboard boxes. You cut the flaps off the top. You can also get clear plastic trays that hold parts but they hava a top and I think the cost would be more expensive.

Edit - Google "Durham 124-95-24-IND"

 

[rcktsled]

Here is a recent thread from Toolguyd which has a few good ideas:

https://toolguyd.com/toolbox-drawer-organization/

 

[86turbodsl]

Pics?


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Here they are. 26" x 20 inside dims

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[bad_idea]

You can buy the portable parts storage cases from Harbor Freight or Stanley and pull the bins out.

 

[kngelv]

PM sent.

James

 

[86turbodsl]

I looked at the HF bins and they don't seem any cheaper than the schaller ones.

 

[senlow]

I would us Schaller or Lista bins. They are inexpensive, efficient, you can mix sizes, and they can be removed for use at the bench.

I don't like bottles because the damn things are round. They waste too much space, plus you need to consume the original contents before use. The one advantage is that they are free. You get what you pay for.

Wooden dividers are inexpensive, look good, and are actually easy to make. I've made these in the past and they work reasonably well. I just cut strips of tempered hardboard that was finished on both sides. A table saw makes short work of this. I then sawed slots halfway through each strip and slid them together to make a grid. You can cut a few pieces at once to save time.

 

[Ray-CA]

Any of the dollar or $.99 type stores nearby? I’ve found lots of small bins etc in the kitchen and stationary aisles. Also try the office supply stores (Office Depot type.). They usually have drawer organizers at pretty decent prices.

Good luck

Ray

 

[MarlynOC]

Milk bottles are square instead of oil or round bottles.

 

[SRX]

I will take a pic later today and PM you.

 

[BoostAddiction]

I 3D print small Schaller-type boxes to fit the needs I have. Most all of them reside in the HF boxes I have.

I've printed larger and smaller boxes, as well as some with multi-compartments.

Check out Thingiverse for free STLs to print. Some of them are resizable.

 

[Duster346]

I've been happy with Schaller.

 

[86turbodsl]

I like that look. I found the drawer builder page on the schaller website, so i'm going to play with that and figure out what i need and just go for it. Prices arent terrible, looks like 20-30 per drawer is where i'll land.

 

[86turbodsl]

I 3D print small Schaller-type boxes to fit the needs I have. Most all of them reside in the HF boxes I have.

I've printed larger and smaller boxes, as well as some with multi-compartments.

Check out Thingiverse for free STLs to print. Some of them are resizable.

That would be great if i had a 3d printer. What are you coming up with for a cost on the custom boxes? I bet it isn't a dollar.

 

[bdbecker]

If the organizers don't need to be removed from the drawers, maybe you could find a size (or combination of sizes) of the clear plastic parts bins with movable dividers and cut the lids off. No worries about the trays sliding around in the drawer, and possibly less expensive than the $1+ per box alternatives.

Also, nothing says you need to look for hardware boxes:
https://www.planomolding.com/fishing/stowaway-utility-boxes

 

[86turbodsl]

I don't think those tackle boxes would save much. What, about 10 each? I think probably if i was going to keep all contents in the drawers, i could just do hardboard dividers and slots.
I like the idea of the schaller boxes to remove to the workbench if i am sorting or whatever.
I did find the uline boxes. Seems like a tiny bit cheaper, but WAY less sizes.

 

[Mattlt]

If you're cheap like me, I use 2-quart juice containers. Cut the bottom off with a miter or table saw to the appropriate height. My kids go through a couple of these each week, doesn't take long to get a bunch.

Another thing I've used are shotgun shell boxes. Cut them to uniform height.

 

[86turbodsl]

We don't use anything like that. 1qt heavy cream containers is the only possible.

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