Mail cubby cabinet

[DwightS]

My father had this mail cabinet in his shop and it was stuffed with all kinds of stuff (90% ****). He brought it home when the textile plant he worked in closed in the mid 70’s. He told me it had been in the plant when he started working there in the early 50’s.

I plan on cleaning it up and repainting it in a similar OD green or something in a similar “industrial” color.

My question is: Does anyone have any suggestions on how to utilize this in my garage, but I don’t want it to become the catch-all it was at dad’s?


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[fteufert]

I had one similar for years in my garage (it didn't have doors)

I used small parts totes or boxes to store things

 

[PelicanPines]

The label possibilities are broad with that... it's making me hot and bothered.

 

[DwightS]

The cubbies are 6”w x 5”h x 8”d.

I was thinking tray inserts.


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[GrundleJuice]

What about taking some of the dividers out to create larger spaces as required? AKA custom fit it for what you want or need to store in it.

 

[NUTTSGT]

About the only constructive way I see to use that is to buy an appropriately sized Akrobin for each compartment. You might find something that fits into some of them without the bin, but most things that can be stored in that space will require a bin or insert to work.

That or spray can storage, might have to lay them down. I'd guess qt and pint cans would fit as well.

 

[DwightS]

What about taking some of the dividers out to create larger spaces as required? AKA custom fit it for what you want or need to store in it.

I had thought about that, I need to see if I can figure out how to pull a couple of vertical pieces out. They are individual pieces, but they are tight and won’t just pull out. I probably need to pull the back off and see if I can tap the verticals out with a mallet.



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[southalabama]

I’d restore it and use it as shadow display box. Assorted model cars and stuff from your dad. Given dimensions will take some creativity. Perhaps bluff a couple out and insert pics of your dad, family cars, emblems, pins, etc.

 

[captain14]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=305831

Have you seen this thread? Something may give you an idea.

 

[ScottsGT]

Ammo storage cabinet! Different caliber for each cubby. Stock up!!

 

[southalabama]

Ammo storage?

I’ve probably got enough in a vehicle to fill it up. Never go Winchester.

 

[DwightS]

Thanks for the ideas and links. I’m going to try to get a couple of the vertical pieces out and make some small drawers for some of the cubbies. The cubby size is odd enough that the Uline storage bins just won’t work to my liking. My goal is to make it something more than a catch-all.

I believe I will refinish it in a similar flat green color, I just think it works.


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[lilredex]

Good save, I could use that.

In my shop that cabinet would be perfect for organizing corded tools like, drills, grinders, shears, and so on. The dividers look to come out easily.

 

[sberry]

I think its a perfect catchall.

 

[The Cobbler]

containers of odds & ends, clearly marked

 

[DwightS]

Good save, I could use that.

In my shop that cabinet would be perfect for organizing corded tools like, drills, grinders, shears, and so on. The dividers look to come out easily.

The cubbies are only 6"W x 5"H x 8"D. Not sure if you could use it for corded tools unless they're small. The dividers are very snug and won't just pull out by hand. As part of my refurbishment, I'm going to remove the back and see if I can gently tap some of them out. I've got a crazy idea to make 8 small drawers for the bottom two rows and two larger drawers for the third row. The upper rows will become more or less catch-alls.

Time to get busy...

 

[PMAC]

looks like it would be a great shoe caddy

 

[DwightS]

looks like it would be a great shoe caddy

Only if you have small feet.... 8” deep


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