Screw Organization

[Rewind97]

How do you folks organize your screws. I know several of us have a loose screw or two, but that's another story.

Not what you put them in but how do you separate them. By length? By size? Head type?

Right now I've got hundreds of screws organized by length.....less than 1 inch, 1 to 2 inches, etc.

Is there a better way?

 

[moparfreak]

I went a little overboard, but no regrets. I use a couple IBM card cabinets which perfectly fit the cheap-o blue plastic electric boxes w/ the ears cut off. I can't even count at this point how many I have but it does the job great and is very adaptable / expandable.












Eventually I added other types of storage, plano boxes, akro-bins, little fastener cabinets with the pull-out drawers, so now I have an area for all types of hardware, big or small, located in one place in the shop.

 

[kylefitz]

I have two of the larger Stanley organizers for screws. Under 2” and over 2”. Those hold my drywall screws and deck screws. For sheet metal screws and smaller machine screws I keep them in the box they came in and store those in a drawer.

 

[Jhoff310]

I organize all of mine by diameter and thread count. It's a tedious process, but it makes finding it easier

 

[LXCam]

Like this, Durham baby. But it's just not cheap, $900 worth of drawers to hold $400 worth of hardware

 

[Justind97]

Those are awesome! Never thought of that! Going to look today or tomorrow to see if I can get these at my local hardware store.

 

[406Rich]

Depends on the amount of room one would have, using this filing cabinet worked for me, first by type, sheet metal, bolts, nuts, wood, stainless and standard then by size, and including springs, clips, and other assorted hardware, using plastic trays from Harbor Freight, I can get fourteen trays per side, 28 per drawer.

 

[moparfreak]

Those are awesome! Never thought of that! Going to look today or tomorrow to see if I can get these at my local hardware store.

Best price is when you buy 100 at a time in a box, like they have for contractors. Believe me it's the best deal around, I really searched around for other options before settling on this one. 100 of these boxes for under $25 will hold way more than:

2-3 plano boxes (usually $10-$12 a piece)
1 of the really nice high end Milwaukee/Dewalt/Rigid boxes (usually $20 - $30 a piece)

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CARLON-1-G...-Switch-Outlet-Wall-Electrical-Box/1000108303

 

[Jackfre]

Organize! Let's see...organize. I tried that with screws and such, but I know they are all going to end up mixed up anyway, so I store them all in a 5 gallon pail and have a good sized dust pan to put them back after I dump them on the floor. I ran out of one size the other day. Looking for screws is kinda like meditation, in a way.

 

[Justind97]

Best price is when you buy 100 at a time in a box, like they have for contractors. Believe me it's the best deal around, I really searched around for other options before settling on this one. 100 of these boxes for under $25 will hold way more than:

2-3 plano boxes (usually $10-$12 a piece)
1 of the really nice high end Milwaukee/Dewalt/Rigid boxes (usually $20 - $30 a piece)

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CARLON-1-G...-Switch-Outlet-Wall-Electrical-Box/1000108303

Doesn't seem as though we can get them in Canada. ****** hell, I was just in the US on monday! Had I known.... and I was right beside a Lowe's too!

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have very limited amount of storage space and have acquired a number of different screws over the years (might as well but them 100 at a time either online or from my local fastener store). Various lengths, #6, #8 and #10 machine screws, washers, lock washers, nuts. Mostly Philips pan head. Also sheet metal screws in Philips pan head and slotted hex washer head in the same diameters. I put each individual style in a small HD zipper lock bag, and then all of the #6 in one bin, #8 in another, etc. I also label the bag.

 

[casmurbax]

I have them organize by type, brass, stainless steel, etc., then by self tapping, sheet metal, etc.. then by size.

Pictures are to show how they are organized.

 

[Rewind97]

Again......this is not about what you store them in there's plenty of threads on that subject, but how you separate the screws into "classes". Also this does not include bolts, just screws.

I have two of the larger Stanley organizers for screws. Under 2” and over 2”. Those hold my drywall screws and deck screws. For sheet metal screws and smaller machine screws I keep them in the box they came in and store those in a drawer.

My problem is all of mine are loose, no boxes.

I organize all of mine by diameter and thread count. It's a tedious process, but it makes finding it easier

How do you determine diameter and thread count on a screw?

Organize! Let's see...organize. I tried that with screws and such, but I know they are all going to end up mixed up anyway, so I store them all in a 5 gallon pail and have a good sized dust pan to put them back after I dump them on the floor. I ran out of one size the other day. Looking for screws is kinda like meditation, in a way.

That's what I've been doing, but wast a lot of time.

I have very limited amount of storage space and have acquired a number of different screws over the years (might as well but them 100 at a time either online or from my local fastener store). Various lengths, #6, #8 and #10 machine screws, washers, lock washers, nuts. Mostly Philips pan head. Also sheet metal screws in Philips pan head and slotted hex washer head in the same diameters. I put each individual style in a small HD zipper lock bag, and then all of the #6 in one bin, #8 in another, etc. I also label the bag.

Sounds like you've got it down to a science! How do you determine #6, #8 or #10.

 

[moparfreak]

Again......this is not about what you store them in there's plenty of threads on that subject, but how you separate the screws into "classes". Also this does not include bolts, just screws.

Sorry, I didn't catch that. I separate by thread, and then by length as well. I use a combination of these things to sort and figure out what's what:

The one I grab for the most is the "Gage It" which was super cheap from Home Depot:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/8-11-16-in-Armour-Technologies-Gauge-TEM-GHO-02/100186831

This one although a bit more expensive has really come in handy, especially with sorting out the random metric stuff I've come across:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003FJW0GK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Rewind97]

I've got the "thread checker"s in both SAE and Metric and they are VERY handy for all of my bolt needs.

I like the Gage it.......I'll have to pick one up.

 

[Rewind97]

I have them organize by type, brass, stainless steel, etc., then by self tapping, sheet metal, etc.. then by size.

Pictures are to show how they are organized.

Wow.............just WOW!!!!!! I'm envious.

 

[OneOfEm]

...How do you determine #6, #8 or #10.

I use one of these. Random hardware goes into a collection bin, then, when I have a few minutes, I'll sort/store.

Mine are sorted by type then thread then length.

I initially sorted an Igloo cooler full of nuts/bolts/washers from an estate sale. Then my father in law gave me three 5-gallon buckets of misc fasteners when they downsized. The volume was what led me to purchase the sizing aid.

I EXTREMELY RARELY have to buy machine screws or bolts/nuts. I have a massive over-abundance of certain sizes of bolt, so those are what I tend to use when I can choose.

I have multiple index file cabinets with cardboard containers. I like the plastic electrical box idea, though.

 

[4 FN 27]

I went a little overboard, but no regrets. I use a couple IBM card cabinets which perfectly fit the cheap-o blue plastic electric boxes w/ the ears cut off. I can't even count at this point how many I have but it does the job great and is very adaptable / expandable.

Eventually I added other types of storage, plano boxes, akro-bins, little fastener cabinets with the pull-out drawers, so now I have an area for all types of hardware, big or small, located in one place in the shop.

I like the use of the Electrical Boxes and the Card Cabinets. I may steal the Electrical Box idea for a couple of things.

I have them organize by type, brass, stainless steel, etc., then by self tapping, sheet metal, etc.. then by size.

I recently started using the Schaller Corporation Red Trays too. They work great...



I repurposed some Rousseau Parts Cabinets (link to Thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=314641).

Made some extra dividers and spent about a month every night sorting hardware...

Based on that idea I made some divider inserts for one of my old Craftsman Boxes I use for all my endmills and what not. Need to make more of these but they are a pain in the **** tolerance wise...

 

[tboy]

I have them organize by type, brass, stainless steel, etc., then by self tapping, sheet metal, etc.. then by size.

Pictures are to show how they are organized.

Can you share where you got all the little boxes and plastic bins?

 

[tboy]

I went a little overboard, but no regrets. I use a couple IBM card cabinets which perfectly fit the cheap-o blue plastic electric boxes w/ the ears cut off. I can't even count at this point how many I have but it does the job great and is very adaptable / expandable.

Think of all the free nails he got here as well! Bonus!!

 

[4 FN 27]

Can you share where you got all the little boxes and plastic bins?

Here you go...

http://www.schallercorporation.com/

 

[56Safari]

Can you share where you got all the little boxes and plastic bins?

http://www.schallercorporation.com/drawer-builder/

Plug in your tool drawer dimensions and start drooling over endless configurations... Insert your last paycheck here

 

[casmurbax]

Wow.............just WOW!!!!!! I'm envious.

Thank you, but there are people on here that I think have more and are better organized then what I have.

Like 4 FN 27 & moparfreak

Can you share where you got all the little boxes and plastic bins?

http://www.schallercorporation.com/

They have quite a selection of sizes, I got the idea from someone on here, wish I could give them a pat on the back for the reference to those boxes.

They fit perfect in the old blue print drawers. Also, I think they fit in Lista boxes as well.

 

[HalfTonTom]

I agree. Screw Organization! Take down the man! Uh, not that kind of thread? Damn.

 

[zer01]

I made some simple doors on my steel shelving to hold bins and organizers. Trying to use my space efficiently.

 

[teamextreme]

Screws are sorted and stored in their own bin by diameter and length in 1/4" increments, just like the hardware store... #6x1/2", #6x3/4", etc.

 

[ez-duzit]

My fasteners are mostly organized in heavy duty, unbreakable, compartmented plastic boxes with non-removable dividers (available at McMaster-Carr). Each box contains a specific type or head style, such as:
stainless hex nuts
washers
pan head sheet metal screws
flat head machine screws
etc.

These allow me to easily bring the appropriate type fasteners to the job site, where I can select directly from the box. I mark the end of each box with the type of fastener.

 

[BillK]

I hate to say it but other than some very common sizes I have been throwing all of mine in the scrap metal bin. Seems like every time I need one I dont have it anyway and I get stuff from McMaster Carr almost every other day at the shop and there is a Fastenal within walking distance so why bother ???? Some of you guys look like you have more than some major manufacturing plants ? Unless fabricating is your business I just dont see it. It is very rare that I need a fastener that I cant wait till the next day. If it really is an emergency Home Depot is 15 minutes away.

Same with nails, drywall and deck screws etc. Tired of moving them around

 

[bczygan]

SCREW organization indeed!

I've gotten to the point where OCD type organization is just too much.

As long as I can find what I need without too much trouble, then I'm good.

Oh,................this is about organizing screws???

NEVERMIND!

Bill

 

[Jhoff310]

How do you determine diameter and thread count on a screw?

.

Best thing I ever bought for my garage...There are others out there, but I have this particular one
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003FJW0GK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Rewind97]

Best thing I ever bought for my garage...There are others out there, but I have this particular one
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003FJW0GK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have those too, for BOLTS.

 

[lowside67]

I made some simple doors on my steel shelving to hold bins and organizers. Trying to use my space efficiently.

This is exactly what I am trying to do - can you share whether you used premade metal backings with the indents for the bins to hang on from? If so, which ones?

Thank you

 

[tarmy]

Here is some of my storage...

 

[jeffmoss26]

plastic plano boxes, a couple metal durham style boxes, a bucket boss drawstring bag, etc. a little of everything but it all works.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Screw organization? That's what I say. Screw it. You guys all make me jealous. I don't have the space for any of those wonderful ideas. I just have a couple of small, wall mounted clear bin seups for the miscellaneous stuff. I got a bunch of hardware from a middle school shop that was being eliminated. They're all in the original cardboard boxes from the 50's/60's. They're just stacked in a file cabinet.


Tommy

 

[NUTTSGT]

I sort them by type/where they go and then by size and length.

Sheet metal screws go in where the nuts/bolts are. Construction screws under the work bench in their appropriate slide out box, in their original box. The other stuff like SS fasteners go in a Cman mid box that I've been filling slowly.

 

[nadogail]

Mine are sorted by diameter and pitch, some common sizes I have double bins.

 

[cdsloop]

I went a little overboard, but no regrets. I use a couple IBM card cabinets which perfectly fit the cheap-o blue plastic electric boxes w/ the ears cut off. I can't even count at this point how many I have but it does the job great and is very adaptable / expandable.

Eventually I added other types of storage, plano boxes, akro-bins, little fastener cabinets with the pull-out drawers, so now I have an area for all types of hardware, big or small, located in one place in the shop.

Moparfreak, you are my hero, and you win the internet today. I have owned two of those cabinets for over ten years. I wish I knew how many dollar store containers I bought over those years in search of the perfect fit. I had resolved to build wooden compartmentalized boxes to sort everything last year, and actually built a few. Who knew the answer was right under my nose every time I walked into Lowe's. I went by there after work today, and bought 6 for $1.58, and they fit!! I'll buy the 100 next payday. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

 

[rharman]

I have 4 of these. Two each back-to-back on a lazy susan.

39 drawer bin - Lowes and elsewhere.

 

[PhysicsDude]

Here are 2 sources I've used for cheap plastic bins to put in toolbox drawers:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SWZMAE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.schallercorporation.com/plastic-boxes/