Foot Locker storage help needed

[Olinrj]

I'm continually trying to improve my storage in the garage and am thinking of utilizing the three wood foot lockers that have been collecting dust. Here is the plan I've developed to consolidate items: The largest locker would house my woodworking tools: jigsaw, skilsaw, sanders, and associated blades, belts, pads and wood-specific accessories. The second would house all my plumbing and electrical material odds and ends. As of right now I don't know what to do with the third. The goal is to build a platform with casters that will allow me to move them all about as space adjustments are needed based on projects as they come up. Any thoughts on what I should put in the third locker? As of right now, the garage is just a mess and I'm trying to minimize the clutter. I understand if this may seem vague or off-target. Just trying to get ideas rolling and thought I'd throw it out there if anyone has ideas.
I'll try to get pictures/dimensions tonight if requested.

Thanks.

 

[Higgins]

I understand where your coming from................

I don't like the newer storage tubs as the handles break off, and sides split. So I purchased some thin plywood to make custome storage boxes. As I have some base cabinets with large openings and 30" deep, I will build storage boxes that will fit within the large opening.

As for your foot lockers, place casters on one of the foot lockers, and put the others on top. So you mimize the footprint in the garage, and you can easly move them about!!

 

[Olinrj]

Using milk crates has worn out it's use for the electrical and plumbing bits. I was going to make an oversized moving cart for a platform but will probably just attach a 2-by to the bottom of the largest one and then put casters on it. I'd hate to load everything up and have a caster punch through the bottom of the box when I go to move it.

 

[mdbeck1]

go pick up a furniture dolly from HF (http://www.harborfreight.com/movers-dolly-39757.html) and use it for the bottom. Then you can have the one you are NOT using on bottom and use the others for a workbench.

As far as uses for the third one. How about fasteners for ????? ...but be careful not to overload it.

I actually use home made plywood boxes in my shop for some of my stuff. ...and I purchased the larger HF scissor cart. It does the lifting. I just step on the handle a bunch of times. It sure saves my back. One of the boxes is 2' X 2' X 4' and holds most of my heavy camping gear. The cart will get it high enough to slide into the back of my truck.

 

[Olinrj]

The scissors cart is a great idea, but it might have to wait until I get into the next house (and garage). It looks like I have a plan of attack. Now I just need to get it done. As I make progress I'll get some pictures up.
Thanks for the help.

 

[mdbeck1]

The scissors cart is a great idea, but it might have to wait until I get into the next house (and garage). It looks like I have a plan of attack. Now I just need to get it done. As I make progress I'll get some pictures up.
Thanks for the help.

The scissor cart is one of the better HF purchases. It turns out that my workbench is JUST the right height to be picked up. Then I made a pallet for moving large stuff (like the generator for the RV) so I don't have to pick it up to put into the back of the truck. It also works good to get the riding lawnmower up in air so I can get a GOOD look at some of the parts.

 

[mdbeck1]

...
As of right now I don't know what to do with the third. ...

How about putting the third one on a shelf? Set it up so when the lid drops open it forms a shelf in front of the open box. Add a couple short pieces of rope to hold the lid up to give you a small work space. Then you can fill the main section with boxes of nuts and bolts, jars of nails, .... When you need something in the jar you can dump it out on the locker lid and sort through it. When done, gather it back up and close the locker up for a nice clean look.

 

[starquestMM]

I've got a large underbed/foot locker on casters like you describe. My house has a split run stairway and I roll it under the landing. Its sturdy enough to store two transmissions on top and fill the two drawers up with turbos and other heavy parts. Might be some of the best money I've ever spent !

 

[Olinrj]

More excellent ideas! Keep them coming. If I can get my son to bed at a decent time tonight I am going to try to make some progress...

 

[Olinrj]

Well, opportunities to spend time in the garage are few and far between but I got some clean up done. A few weeks ago I picked up a lateral cabinet, 5 drawers. Finally got it in place beneath my sidewall storage rack. A lot of what I thought would go in the foot lockers fit in a couple drawers and now I am starting to get floor space back. Unfortunately I am traveling for work this week and doubt I will be ablr to make more progress until next weekend. Forgot to take pics but will snap some the next chance I get.