Organizing with Tin Cans from the Thrift Store. Cheap Alternative.

[Mohawk Dave]

Just wanted to share.

I've been doing this for a while. Great for storing punch and dies for the metal punches, drive bits, neoprene washers, whatever.... A dedicated box intended for tools is usually bigger, overkill, and costs way more.

I pick these up for $0.50, $0.75, $1.00.

1. Peel off price tag and clean with acetone
2. Scuff with sandpaper
3. Mask table with Rosin Paper ($12 for a big roll at HD- Get Some!)
4. Paint color of choice
5. (Optional) I like using stencils and painting what what is on the cans.

Here's a before and after pic. The after pic is only 1 coat of red. I'll go back out and throw a 2nd coat on in a few minutes.

Anyways, maybe some of you can get some ideas....

 

[North Run Grader]

Somewhere a collector is crying , excellent idea.

 

[DBendr]

HMMMMMm Lemme go get my specs for a better look !

 

[crguy]

Those tins aren't going to fit uniformally on a shelf. Why not spend a little more money, save all the time refinishing the tins, and buy a decent parts cabinet? Lots of examples out there at reasonable prices.

 

[ganymede]

I wouldn't have painted them. Their distinctness would help me remember wtf was in each one.
Still a good re-use of them though.

 

[Yv.]

I have done something similar with old glass baby food jars and a custom shelf to hold all of them. Works very well for small screws, nails, etc.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Those tins aren't going to fit uniformally on a shelf. Why not spend a little more money, save all the time refinishing the tins, and buy a decent parts cabinet? Lots of examples out there at reasonable prices.

They're not for shelving. They are for going in drawers with the appropriate tool/tooling. That's the beauty of these, I can adapt them to fit damn near perfect for this or that. Shelves ****, so I "spent a little more money" on Listas and Vidmars.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I have done something similar with old glass baby food jars and a custom shelf to hold all of them. Works very well for small screws, nails, etc.

Yea, the old Gerber ones are good, and I've got those at estate sales full of good stuff, but NO GLASSS in my shop or house. Got big dogs with big tails, and they will sure as hell knock glass over, break, and cut puppy paws.

I use Akro-Mill type containers for hardware etc in the Lista Drawers.