Homemade Small Parts Storage

[p12nash]

The more I look around the more I realize that there are no affordable solutions for storing small parts in my area that will also work well in my garage. I have finally come to the realization that I would be better off spending all of the time that I have spent searching craigslist and store closures on building a unit that will best fit my needs. If anyone has built or thought of building a small parts storage unit or units, I would love to see them and hear any input you might have.
Thanks,
Pat

 

[bullfrog123]

Depends.... do your "small parts" consist of nuts and bolts, or carburators and engine heads???

Gotta define what you want to store so others can reply the easiest way.

 

[p12nash]

nuts, bolts, screws. I guess the better way to describe it would have been fasteners.

 

[bullfrog123]

nuts, bolts, screws. I guess the better way to describe it would have been fasteners.

Ok, gotcha. Here is my setup... http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200122274_200122274

 

[Stovebolt_]

Thats a saucy set up right there!

I used to work in an autoparts store, and when they did away with the bolt bins, I could have had them, but I had nowhere to put em. I should have just put em in my bedroom or something. I kick myself, everytime I go into my shop.

 

[crewchief888]

Ok, gotcha. Here is my setup... http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200122274_200122274

something like this

HF and others (menards?) have a smaller system.

if you're looking for something enclosed, stackable and portable, stanley has some nice stuff for a reasonable price. i think i got mine from HD.
i have a couple of them in my service truck i carry misc. hardware in, they have held up since '04.




the ones i got have various sizes of removable boxes inside.
have 1 with my brake bleeder in it, another keeps all my poprivets and rivet gun together.

 

[mdbeck1]

I've got a couple different solutions I've used.

First the big boy (green):

a random drawer

Second:
I used this one for years. Used 1 qt oil cans to separate everything.

Third:
I built this one for out in the woodshop. It mainly holds screws and nails.

If you only want a very small amount of each fastener these work fairly well.

....and in action

I use the small ones in the pickup toolbox. It works great to keep everything organized.

 

[JimVonBaden]

$20 off craigs list

Jim

 

[R6 Racer]

My whole fastener set up was basically free. I just collected the jars over time.

Steve

 

[bullfrog123]

I like the sorting tray/funnel in the center!!! Good idea!!!

 

[lilredex]

R6....

I did something similar. No kids to work from, but a few across the street, and they (parents) were happy to oblige.

Love that tomato juice too...........what do do put in yours??

 

[PCO6]

Cut down plastic juice bottles work great and are basically free. Just find a brand you like and stick with it.

Plastic bins are relatively inexpensive it's the rack that will cost you. I made my own with 1"x3" pine and the aluminum angle that is used for drop ceilings.

 

[Northstar]

I used to work in an autoparts store, and when they did away with the bolt bins, I could have had them, but I had nowhere to put em. I should have just put em in my bedroom or something. I kick myself, everytime I go into my shop.

These were cast-offs from my work (auto parts). They work quite well, though it's a little maddening when you have to first separate them all out and put them in sort of order. Once done, it's nice and convenient. I assembled one of those chrome wire racks (with wheels) aroud it to hold each in it's place and be easier to move.

 

[Torque1st]

Nice ideas!

I have learned a few things over the years; avoid open bins in dusty environments, and avoid glass containers...

 

[Alchymist]

Nice ideas!

I have learned a few things over the years; avoid open bins in dusty environments, and avoid glass containers...

The 1lb tin coffee cans didn't work out too well either. The cans rusted and the plastic lids cracked.

 

[Fat50]

For $19.00 I was able to get 2X 20 Bins from HF and throw all those damn coffee cans away!! (no offence to the guys that use them, I have for life and my father, and his father, etc...)

 

[Outlawmws]

A bunch of ideas here, including my setup:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=117174

 

[Outlawmws]

Nice ideas!

I have learned a few things over the years; avoid open bins in dusty environments, and avoid glass containers...

A reasonably easy solution to that is getting a stack of 5x7 card files (the ones that are in pairs are able to lock to each other; I have a stack about 4' high of these), and the smaller plastic bins will fit side by side in the drawers.

The other way is to take some 1X6 and frame up an open cabinet; back it with 1/2" ply and use the bin hook systems inside that, then make two 1/2 width frames as deep doors and do the same for a two door cabinet with bins inside the doors.

 

[bts]

I picked up the small draw system from work a couple of weeks ago. Will be ideal for sorting all the smaller stuff. Unfortunatly it does not have all the draws but we can sort that out.
This will free up some space in the large draws.
The larger draws are sort of home-made. Draws,shelves and angle bracing are all different brands. It`s not quite right but it has done the job fo a few years now.

 

[djjsr]

I use those plastic trays that you can buy just about anywhere. Take the lids off, build some drawers to fit the trays and build a cabinet to fit the drawers.

View media item 7211

 

[Outlawmws]

I picked up the small draw system from work a couple of weeks ago. Will be ideal for sorting all the smaller stuff. Unfortunatly it does not have all the draws but we can sort that out.
This will free up some space in the large draws.
The larger draws are sort of home-made. Draws,shelves and angle bracing are all different brands. It`s not quite right but it has done the job fo a few years now.

That looks in the pic like it is the Std Accro Mills bins? they sell replacement bins, or it might be cheaper to buy one of the plastic cases to get them. (I also see these at Yard sales all the time...) Having a decent case is the most important part. Nice score

 

[drmarkr]

These bins setting on the bench are regularly on sale at HF for $29. That's a lot of storage for $120....works great for me.

 

[Doctor_Ink]

I use this thing

 

[admranger]

I use those plastic trays that you can buy just about anywhere. Take the lids off, build some drawers to fit the trays and build a cabinet to fit the drawers.

View media item 7211

Do you mean the gladlock trays for food storage?

I have a new cabinet that is aching for some rectangular plastic trays to store my nuts/bolts/misc hardware, but outside of buying a ton of new ones from Lista, I can't seem to locate any that don't have a lip or some other space wasting feature...

 

[Big Rick]

I use the trays that I get from vegtable for one in a old tool box for all kinds small parts there 1" deep /about 2.5 /4

 

[Doctor_Ink]

Do you mean the gladlock trays for food storage?

I have a new cabinet that is aching for some rectangular plastic trays to store my nuts/bolts/misc hardware, but outside of buying a ton of new ones from Lista, I can't seem to locate any that don't have a lip or some other space wasting feature...

I think he means the plano boxes and just takes the lids off. Not sure though.

 

[djjsr]

Do you mean the gladlock trays for food storage?

No, they're not food trays. They're small parts storage trays from Harbor Freight. They're cheap, decent quality and have removable dividers.

 

[admranger]

No, they're not food trays. They're small parts storage trays from Harbor Freight. They're cheap, decent quality and have removable dividers.

Gotcha!