Parts Storage cart

[justbummin1]

OK, so I got tired of the part bins to store my screws, nails, bolts and anything else I didn't know what to do with stuff. It looked like ****, was a dust collector and I wanted something that just looked nice and organized. I saw a youtube video of Adam Savage's shop and he was showing his rack system and since I dont have thousands of dollars to buy everything like he did I built my own version.

I went to horrible freight and got a bunch of the 20 compartment storage boxes and a few of the 8 compartment boxes. Decided I wanted to keep it around 4 foot tall and figured I wanted to do 2 stacks back to back and that would let me have 10 of the 20 compartment boxes and 3 of the 8 compartment boxes on each side. So I cut up some steel, formed up the pcs the boxes would sit on and started tacking stuff together.

Rob

 

[justbummin1]

Here are the plans if anybody is interested. I built most of this out of 14 ga. hot rolled that we had laying around. After I got the outer box tacked together the thing was pretty flimsy so I decided to put a couple solid shelves in each side to stiffen it up a little. After everything was fitup I notched the top and the solid shelves with the plasma to give clearance to get a hold of the handles. Plus I thought it just gave it a little more character as well

 

[justbummin1]

Worst part about this whole project was going through all of the bins, boxes, cans and everything else that has "stuff" in it and trying to get it organized. Nothing pisses me off more then knowing I have something and not being able to find it so I go buy more. So hopefully if there is a actual home for something maybe I can find it. Its hard to show in the pictures the 2 sides of cases.

The steel I got for free and the 20 compartment boxes are about $8 each and $12 each for the 8 compartment. Another $60 for the casters so all in it cost me about $300 and a day of time so I am happy.

 

[soj]

That looks really heavy duty, good design and execution.

I am in the same place you were with small parts scattered here and there, some organized, some not, all needing better a better system. Thanks for the idea, I will incorporate something similar.

One question, I wonder how the plastic boxes will hold up once loaded, since they are only supported on each side.
-jp

 

[justbummin1]

soj

These boxes are actually pretty good (especially for the price) but I thought about that as well. The piece that the box sits on is 2" wide so it seems good so far but I will see once they have all been loaded up for awhile. Stanley and plano make similar boxes so you could upgrade.

Rob

 

[kbs2244]

I like it.

For those that do not weld, computer server racks show up on CL often for real cheap.
Very well built, apx 20Wx24Dx72H (I do not rember the specification size)
Some may have casters as well.

You will have to fabircate shelves, but that should be easy.

 

[SilverSS1969]

I like it that idea. I've been buying those harbor freight boxes for the last few months to orginize my small parts too. After seeing your setup, I mind have to do something similar but maybe make smaller ones to mount onto the walls. Floor space is tight in my garage.

 

[R.Anderson]

Looks great, and now I want one but cant justify the cost and dumping what I have already and going all new.

I have same problem with the bins getting dusty mounted on a wall. Found this idea I like about a year ago online for a wooden box on casters with two main compartments. Best part if you have the bins already it saves on cost, just have to get the time to build one.

For smaller parts like electronic components I use Plano boxes in a bookshelf with sliding doors.

 

[R.Anderson]

I like it.

For those that do not weld, computer server racks show up on CL often for real cheap.
Very well built, apx 20Wx24Dx72H (I do not rember the specification size)
Some may have casters as well.

You will have to fabircate shelves, but that should be easy.

Check online state surplus auctions as well, I see server racks all the time on em. also what would work well is enclosed food carts about the same size as a server rack.

 

[IndyGarage]

Funny, I made one just about like yours just last week, using the same HF boxes.

Mine's made out of some old plywood I had. It holds 20 large boxes and 8 small ones. I just cut some strips of 1 inch angle to hold the individual boxes, and nailed and glued them into place.

I need to buy some more of the deep boxes, I bought all they had in the store.

Now I've got to do the sort that you did and fill it up.

P.S. My motivation was the exact same video by Adam.

 

[AndrewV]

Looks damn good.

 

[sixty4]

OK, so I got tired of the part bins to store my screws, nails, bolts and anything else I didn't know what to do with stuff. It looked like ****, was a dust collector and I wanted something that just looked nice and organized. I saw a youtube video of Adam Savage's shop and he was showing his rack system and since I dont have thousands of dollars to buy everything like he did I built my own version.

I went to horrible freight and got a bunch of the 20 compartment storage boxes and a few of the 8 compartment boxes. Decided I wanted to keep it around 4 foot tall and figured I wanted to do 2 stacks back to back and that would let me have 10 of the 20 compartment boxes and 3 of the 8 compartment boxes on each side. So I cut up some steel, formed up the pcs the boxes would sit on and started tacking stuff together.

Rob

Very Nice! Want to build me one? Honestly PM me if interested.

 

[saceone]

great idea. I like how it turned out, the double wide one isn't too bad either!

 

[justbummin1]

Yea, I like Indygarage's design also so that you can put it against a wall and have access to everything. Mine is out in the work area of the garage so I have total access to it but if I was to do another one I would maybe go that route.

 

[Terracar]

Wow, I really like the idea of the cabinet with casters that can fold apart. The is a great idea and I think that would be a great fit in my garage.

Wow, I am pumped, I am drawing up some plans for it now. Unless you have plans available?

-Terracar

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

I have a need for bin organization and those HF bins are very nice indeed. I keep buying them on sale, but haven't implemented them since I don't have a good place to put them once full. I'm running short of floor space for more carts or racks. I need a better storage solution and I think some sort of rack like this would work well. Maybe make into smaller sections about 8 bins tall so they could be put on existing shelves or stacked as needed?

I love working in metal, but for this I'd probably go with plywood and metal angle iron rails.

 

[ADSR]

I need to build one of these.

 

[CNGsaves]

I like it.

For those that do not weld, computer server racks show up on CL often for real cheap.
Very well built, apx 20Wx24Dx72H (I do not remember the specification size)
Some may have casters as well.

You will have to fabricate shelves, but that should be easy.

This is great idea. Just happened to snag one while back on CL for $60 so may ditch my idea of basement computer setup, and instead use in garage.

 

[2oolhound]

I like it.

For those that do not weld, computer server racks show up on CL often for real cheap.
Very well built, apx 20Wx24Dx72H (I do not rember the specification size)
Some may have casters as well.

You will have to fabircate shelves, but that should be easy.

Computer racks are usually 26" deep but can be deeper, 30", 32", 42" etc. Heights are measured in rack units and can be anywhere from 24" to 84" high. The one constant is the opening between the frames is 19". There are mounting strips between this frame structure that make the front opening only 16 3/4" - 17" though. These mount strips are easily removed. Most computer and video equipment is 16" wide and if you attach rack mounting ears on the sides they bolt right into the racks when the mounting strips are in place. Some older equipment was 23" wide like the old VHS dubbing machines so you may find a few wider racks around. The wheels on the newer racks from the last 10 -15 years are excellent wheels that hold a lot of weight and roll super smooth. You can play shuffle board with racks loaded with 750 LBS. of gear, they roll that smoothly. The rubber may not hold up too well on a rough concrete floor though. Very often you can remove the bottom sub frame with the wheels and you'll have an awesome dolly.
Video racks are usually shallower than computer racks and are 20" , 24, up to 30" deep. The only other real difference is the mounting strips are drilled and tapped in a different pattern. Computer rack mount strips have square holes for nuts with clips that clip into the square holes.

The drawer sliders are usually built and supplied by the equipment manufacturer for each individual piece of equipment but they hold a lot of weight and the equipment will come right out past the front usually. If you custom folded some drawers to screw to the sliders you could make some high end storage. Drawers for racks are very expensive otherwise.

Typical video rack set up:

 

[PAToyota]

Yep, saw Adam’s video and have been buying the HF cases with the $5.99 coupon with the exact same thoughts.

 

[IndyGarage]

Yep, saw Adam’s video and have been buying the HF cases with the $5.99 coupon with the exact same thoughts.

where do you get $5.99 coupon?

 

[soj]

where do you get $5.99 coupon?

It is in the Feb sale flyer. Code is 51371345. Limit 9. It is on page 2.
-jp

 

[PAToyota]

The coupons they email you.

This set has one for the 20-bin container.

And this set has one for the 8-bin container.

 

[Outlander]

Hmm...server racks (I am in the business, may be able to get a deal), electronic parts storage, drawers/shelves for chargers. Room for wire looms. PDUs for lights and other electrical necessities. The possibilities are endless.

One more project on the list

 

[soj]

Computer racks are usually 26" deep but can be deeper, 30", 32", 42" etc. Heights are measured in rack units and can be anywhere from 24" to 84" high. The one constant is the opening between the frames is 19". There are mounting strips between this frame structure that make the front opening only 16 3/4" - 17" though. These mount strips are easily removed. Most computer and video equipment is 16" wide and if you attach rack mounting ears on the sides they bolt right into the racks when the mounting strips are in place. Some older equipment was 23" wide like the old VHS dubbing machines so you may find a few wider racks around. The wheels on the newer racks from the last 10 -15 years are excellent wheels that hold a lot of weight and roll super smooth. You can play shuffle board with racks loaded with 750 LBS. of gear, they roll that smoothly. The rubber may not hold up too well on a rough concrete floor though. Very often you can remove the bottom sub frame with the wheels and you'll have an awesome dolly.
Video racks are usually shallower than computer racks and are 20" , 24, up to 30" deep. The only other real difference is the mounting strips are drilled and tapped in a different pattern. Computer rack mount strips have square holes for nuts with clips that clip into the square holes.

The drawer sliders are usually built and supplied by the equipment manufacturer for each individual piece of equipment but they hold a lot of weight and the equipment will come right out past the front usually. If you custom folded some drawers to screw to the sliders you could make some high end storage. Drawers for racks are very expensive otherwise.

So, I found a open rack (no sides, back or top, just 4 posts) for $150. Is that a reasonable ask? It is unused, still on the shipping pallet.
-jp

 

[dozerbuilder01]

I used the Stanley boxes from Menards. I wanted a couple of the smaller ones for electrical connectors and such. I had some 1.5x1.5x1/8 angle iron that I didn't use on another project.

 

[harleybuilder]

Great idea and very handy. Made this one today, HF 20 bin boxes.

 

[gewf631]

What are you guys using for the "shelves"? Sure, sheet metal is great (if it's free and you have access to a brake), and wood is certainly serviceable (but bulky). I thought about threaded-rod, but that could get pricey?

Thanks

 

[ilovevocs]

If your going to use wood you could buy some small 1" aluminum angle for rails and countersink the screws.

 

[harleybuilder]

I used 1-1/2" slotted angle .

 

[Shobra]

You guys talk about this video like everyone should know about it allready.

Here is a link for those like myself that had not viewed it before.

 

[moonpool145]

OK, I will join the fun. Here is the one I did a month back. Effectively the same boxes but these were from Lowes. I put both feet and retractable castors under so that I could move it easily when I want.

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[justbummin1]

shobra, thanks for the link. As far behind as I am I figured if I have seen it everybody else has already.

As far as wood vs steel being a welder by trade and just playing with wood I dont trust the wood to hold up to moving it around. What ever work for each guys uses as long as it gets things cleaned up and organized that's all that matters

 

[harleybuilder]

I wanted a permanent solution for my storage near the bench, so it was easier and cheaper to make the cabinet out of wood.

 

[Wanna Ride]

Just stumbled onto this thread. Ironically, I've been collecting parts for a similar build, that I'm finally getting to start tomorrow morning. I'll post progress pics later this weekend.

 

[mrolds88]

Good adaptable ideas guys!! Thanks!!

 

[Mikerodrig27]

Great idea! Nice work too.

 

[DonPowers]

OK, I will join the fun. Here is the one I did a month back. Effectively the same boxes but these were from Lowes.

Nice setup moon.

Went to Lowes this morning and bought two of the stack on boxes. Would have bought more but two was all they had.

 

[soj]

I got my inspiration from justbummin's metal cart and built one out of wood, shown in this thread.

 

[Teamelva]

Rob,
I want to thank you for the brilliant design you shared with us. I regret to report that I didn't have time to make one myself, so after several weeks of planning to start the cart and getting sidetracked on my car projects I finally threw in the towel and had mine fabricated at a local shop. I love how it turned out. My cart is a bit taller because I have Stanley FatMax shallow bins which added about 7.5 inches in overall height and 1 inch in length. Here's what it looks like and the adjusted dimensions:



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