Something just clicked…..

[Craptain]

I can relate to you Strouty. I want to organize the same way. But I don't have the space so things get consolidated and it drives me crazy. It is just as bad when I end up with a drawer with only one item or empty drawers just to keep a sequence going. Then I have to go buy the missing items even though I don't have a use for them.
Unlike you though, I know where pretty much everything is in my chaotic shop. Don't dare to move my ****.

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

 

[neonlazer]

With my situation I tend to get paralyzed due to over complication. As an example if I want to organize my bolts, I have a very hard time labeling a drawer 1/4" and putting all the 1/4" bolts and associated hardware in it. My brain fights with me, almost as if I am not telling the truth, in my head I want a label for specifics. So my labels would be grade 5, 1/4" x 20 thread, 3/4" length, color, head type. I "want" to do this for every bolt, washer, nut, even if I only have one. Because I can't do that, I just give up and leave them wherever. Even worse I will organize things one way, then forget how I organized them when I come back, then I have to start over.

I have actually started a drawer that is labeled 1/4", but when I go in it, there is a lot of other hardware not related. To some it is easy to do this, I just can't get around this mentally.

When a organizer says one home for everything, that boggles my mind. I have so many things that are multipurpose, I remember trying to do this, I bought a dozen pairs of scissors to keep them in the proper areas, after a while I lost all 12 and wasted hours of time looking for them, only to end up buying more anyways. I try and keep things simplified, but it is very hard. I am hoping to be able to find a middle ground so I don't have to argue with myself so much. This winter should be a good test as I am ready to organize my stuff, I have plenty of drawers, shelves, bins, and labels.

You definitely are not the only one with organizational OCD. A good example..and funny story for my best friend. He is a forklift mechanic who works out of a van. We put his snap on toolbox in the back and everytime I opened his box. My OCD would go insane. Due to driving around daily and bouncing around, his tools were ALWAYS all over the place.(especially the wrench drawer, which looked nice with wrench ranks when organized) It took me a few months to get over the fact it would never stay the way I put it. My friend always laughed at the fact that I would spend the time to organize it. I was like, I can't bear to look at without organizing it! MY toolbox on my truck I have to live with generalized organization. Sockets/Ratchets in one area, something in another, and random junk in a bag.

 

[CudaChick1968]

You might think about a "limbsaver" kickpad for the shotgun. It worked for my wife.

My local gun shop guy suggested a gel pad. Is that the same thing? It already has a vented pad of some sort but it doesn't seem to do much. The barrel is ************ so it has some kick.

Great progress you're making there Strouty! Keep up the fine work, and sorry about the minor hijack.

 

[dittle fart around]

I worked at a couple of hardware stores in the 70's and 80's. As point of purchase computerized cash registers caught on, the mantra was "everything has a place, every place had a thing and everything had a number". You could set your store up by things or by places. A lot of warehouses use the "place" theory. Isle 3 shelf 1 item 6 and was written as a six digit number, as in 030106.

 

[Richard Cranium]

We got 3 more inches of snow last night, and are suppose to get more today. I think this morning was the slickest morning so far.

 

[bczygan]

With my situation I tend to get paralyzed due to over complication. As an example if I want to organize my bolts, I have a very hard time labeling a drawer 1/4" and putting all the 1/4" bolts and associated hardware in it. My brain fights with me, almost as if I am not telling the truth, in my head I want a label for specifics. So my labels would be grade 5, 1/4" x 20 thread, 3/4" length, color, head type. I "want" to do this for every bolt, washer, nut, even if I only have one. Because I can't do that, I just give up and leave them wherever. Even worse I will organize things one way, then forget how I organized them when I come back, then I have to start over.

I have actually started a drawer that is labeled 1/4", but when I go in it, there is a lot of other hardware not related. To some it is easy to do this, I just can't get around this mentally.

When a organizer says one home for everything, that boggles my mind. I have so many things that are multipurpose, I remember trying to do this, I bought a dozen pairs of scissors to keep them in the proper areas, after a while I lost all 12 and wasted hours of time looking for them, only to end up buying more anyways. I try and keep things simplified, but it is very hard. I am hoping to be able to find a middle ground so I don't have to argue with myself so much. This winter should be a good test as I am ready to organize my stuff, I have plenty of drawers, shelves, bins, and labels.

Strouty,
On the hoarder group I'm on, we use a technique called "Broad Brush Strokes".

First step is assembling all like objects in one place, like all hardware in the storage area. Next is separating it into nuts, bolts screws, nails and washers, and putting each of those in containers. At some point a final storage device is acquired and sorting into final drawers and bins can occur.

Each of these steps is a broad brush stroke. Perfection is not the standard. More steps and adjustments can happen in the future.

Don't sweat the small stuff. It's all a work in progress. It's no crime to handle things multiple times or move things from place to place or container to a different container.

I've tried different ways. First I had all my hammers in one bin. I could always find a hammer, but I always had to go there for any hammer use. Now I have them spread around to where they would most likely be used....and I can't find one when I need it! So I can't give you the best solution there.

I do notice, that as things get more and more organized, that most things have a particular place, even if it changes a few times, before things settle down. And I can then learn where that place is, and always return the item there. It makes life easier, rather than always searching.

Bill

 

[Thumper68]

I'l ltell you two things that I did that helped a lot,

The first is for the nuts and bolts I labeled drawers with Dia, and put all of those in the drawer 1/4 in one 5/8 in another then I went back 1 drawer at a time and sorted into length, great snowy day project. After I got it all sorted I made sure that when ever I get more they go in the right spot, If I buy a mixed batch I will just put them aside until I have the time to sort them.

I had the same issue with scissors, I did the same as you and bought a ton of them and spread them around the shop (did the same with folding razor/utility knives and tape measures) and like you when In needed one it couldn't find one to save my life.

Then I decided that I needed a new plan, so I picked out 4 spots in the shop and put the scissors there 2 or 3 pairs in each spot. Now I know where to look for scissors or knives or tape measures and when I am cleaning up I put them in just those spots, yes I might have to make a few more steps but I can find them.

It also helps if it is easy to put them back, in the case of scissors I put a screw up to hang them from (except the ones for the tool box, they are in the top held in place by what are supposed to hold papers.

Tape measures one is always on the front lip of my upper chest the others are on a rack made from a piece of wood and alum angle.

The real trick for me at least is ease of putting them back where they go, if it is just as easy to take a few steps and put them back as it is to lay them down they will go where they belong.

Just like everything else if you break stuff down into steps and do them one at a time things tend to go along much better.

I remember at one time being overwhelmed by 3 5 gal buckets of nuts, bolts and fasteners that I got from a elevator guy, they sat around the shop for months before I was out there and wanted to something while watching a movie, It was the perfect time I got a few more buckets and put them around a chair and just started sorting, it took no time at all to get them sorted into size, then after another movie I had them sorted to length and thread pitch.

As a bonus after I was done I could and still can recognize bolt dia. much easier.

 

[egnorant]

What is this hoarder group you speak of? I am always seeking help or encouragement.

Sure I have names for my methods. I have been using the "bulldozer" or "whirlpool" method to great results. Bulldozer may have me picking and area from a tool box drawer to a 28 x38 building and making it empty. More common is the whirlpool method that involves making a clean central area and then pulling stuff to the middle for the decision making process. I may put some items right back where they were.

While I am halfway through organizing the 3 tubs of wrenches, and the 4 toolboxes full of screwdrivers are safely organized next to the slide hammers and crowbars, the tool cart full of sockets is giving me the heebee-geebees...I don't think I could take the pressure right now to worry about the bins, barrels and tubs that seem to have nuts and bolts, plumbing supplies and unknown hardware items.

My problem is too much space. And they were all full of items both useful and ****!

Bruce

 

[bczygan]

What is this hoarder group you speak of? I am always seeking help or encouragement.

Sure I have names for my methods. I have been using the "bulldozer" or "whirlpool" method to great results. Bulldozer may have me picking and area from a tool box drawer to a 28 x38 building and making it empty. More common is the whirlpool method that involves making a clean central area and then pulling stuff to the middle for the decision making process. I may put some items right back where they were.

While I am halfway through organizing the 3 tubs of wrenches, and the 4 toolboxes full of screwdrivers are safely organized next to the slide hammers and crowbars, the tool cart full of sockets is giving me the heebee-geebees...I don't think I could take the pressure right now to worry about the bins, barrels and tubs that seem to have nuts and bolts, plumbing supplies and unknown hardware items.

My problem is too much space. And they were all full of items both useful and ****!

Bruce

It's a private, invitation only, under 50 member group. All ladies except me.

You have developed some methods that seem to work for you. That's what we all have to do. Develop an overall plan but then focus on one small task at a time, and just keep on going. Persistence and developing good habits is the secret.

Bill

 

[mdbeck1]

My local gun shop guy suggested a gel pad. Is that the same thing? It already has a vented pad of some sort but it doesn't seem to do much. The barrel is ************ so it has some kick.

Great progress you're making there Strouty! Keep up the fine work, and sorry about the minor hijack.

You're probably using the factory installed kick pad for the shotgun. It's okay but there are better ones out there (I've got TWO Mossberg 500's one in 20 ga and one in 12 ga). Take a look at the reviews for this one. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/755820/limbsaver-recoil-pad-slip-on-thick-rubber-black It's a "slip over" so if you can handle the extra inch of so of the stock you get BOTH of the kick pads. I PROMISE that it will help. Note that there are different sizes for different firearms.
Another note is to make SURE that the shotgun is always tight against your shoulder when you fire it. If you don't you'll always get a bruise.

Manufacturer's web site is:http://www.limbsaver.com/

Manufacturer's customer support: 1-877-257-2761

 

[mdbeck1]

I'l ltell you two things that I did that helped a lot,

The first is for the nuts and bolts I labeled drawers with Dia, and put all of those in the drawer 1/4 in one 5/8 in another then I went back 1 drawer at a time and sorted into length, great snowy day project. After I got it all sorted I made sure that when ever I get more they go in the right spot, If I buy a mixed batch I will just put them aside until I have the time to sort them.

I had the same issue with scissors, I did the same as you and bought a ton of them and spread them around the shop (did the same with folding razor/utility knives and tape measures) and like you when In needed one it couldn't find one to save my life.

Then I decided that I needed a new plan, so I picked out 4 spots in the shop and put the scissors there 2 or 3 pairs in each spot. Now I know where to look for scissors or knives or tape measures and when I am cleaning up I put them in just those spots, yes I might have to make a few more steps but I can find them.

It also helps if it is easy to put them back, in the case of scissors I put a screw up to hang them from (except the ones for the tool box, they are in the top held in place by what are supposed to hold papers.

Tape measures one is always on the front lip of my upper chest the others are on a rack made from a piece of wood and alum angle.

The real trick for me at least is ease of putting them back where they go, if it is just as easy to take a few steps and put them back as it is to lay them down they will go where they belong.

Just like everything else if you break stuff down into steps and do them one at a time things tend to go along much better.

I remember at one time being overwhelmed by 3 5 gal buckets of nuts, bolts and fasteners that I got from a elevator guy, they sat around the shop for months before I was out there and wanted to something while watching a movie, It was the perfect time I got a few more buckets and put them around a chair and just started sorting, it took no time at all to get them sorted into size, then after another movie I had them sorted to length and thread pitch.

As a bonus after I was done I could and still can recognize bolt dia. much easier.

Strouty....

You're doing a LOT better at your organization. I tend to do the "gross sort" method when it comes to hardware. Later when I have more time I do sub-sorts and add more definition. Plumbing all goes together, electrical has it's own area, chain it's own area, wire cable another, ....
Step 1 (gross sort): Put all fasteners with the same diameter in the same container.
Step 2 (more defined sort): Resort by TPI (Threads/inch).
Step 3 (even more defined sort): Resort by nuts, washers, bolt type (hex head, carriage head, screw head, ...).
I've never made it past that. I don't have the space to sort by length.

On tools.... I have TWO shops. One is dedicated to woodworking (separate building) and one is dedicated to everything else. They are approximately 100 ft apart. However the woodworking shop has a complete set of basic wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, (minimal metal work stuff), .... ...and the "everything else" shop has an organizer of different size wood screws, a couple of claw hammers, small handsaw (minimal woodworking stuff), .... Each has their own dedicated location in each shop. It works for me.

There are a FEW task specific tools placed next to power tools but I try to minimize that. ...and that hand tool NEVER leaves the side of the specific power tool.

 

[Strouty]

I spent more time moving stuff around, got everything cleaned up around the yard. It is not all where I want it forever, but it is out of the way for plowing. I ended up borrowing a friends truck with a gooseneck ball to move the trailer that was in front of the shop. I also got to move the dirt back a bit further, it was after dark so it may end up being a bit messier than I want. I am not sure if I am going to the shop at all tomorrow, but I will be there later this week. I need to fix the u-joint on the fork lift so it has four wheel drive again, then I have to repair the seat.

 

[nine4gmc]

Look how nice it is out there, you should really be proud of how much you have done!

 

[mdbeck1]

Look how nice it is out there, you should really be proud of how much you have done!

X2.... Looking more and more organized.

 

[Thumper68]

Nice job!!

Things outside are looking real good and just in time from what I hear of the weather that is headed your way.


I just remembered something my Grandfather used to say
"Two steps forward and one step back is still forward progress"

 

[Strouty]

I think next year may be the "year", I have a solid foundation and a pretty good idea of what I am after. As long as things don't get too out of hand, I should be able to set the yard up the way I want it and get my stuff completely organized. I will try and get the inside of the shop figured out while the weather is bad and be ready to attack the outside when things get warmer.

 

[rmalkow2]

As I remember where you were at this time last year you have made a huge difference in your shop and the grounds outside. Way more organized and purpose driven. You have a great piece of property there.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Strouty, did you put a new tank on Bev?
It looks great. Remember one step at a time.
How much time different is there between Washington state and Maine?
Is the old Military 5 ton Tractor road worthy?

 

[North Run Grader]

Wow! It looks great. I can't tell if you have 2 sea containers there, or not? If you have 2 the same length, check with your local truss supplier for 40' trusses. My dad ordered 6 extra when he build his shop, put 2 containers on pilings 24' apart, and with 1 wall, and some paint for the outside walls had a cheap 20x40 storage barn with secure storage on either side.

If nothing else, your yard looks great. Awesome job.

 

[Strouty]

RM, Thanks for mentioning that, I had to go back and look at posts from last year. I guess this thread is as close as I get to a journal.

Rich, time difference should be 3 hours, the tank is supposed to be for my heating oil, but I have not had time to install it. I figured it was going to be better on the truck than in the way of the plow. The 5 ton is road worthy, just needs different lights to make it legal for the state inspection, and a couple windows. I drove it over an hour to get to the shop, it actually goes down the road very nice, you can let go of the steering wheel and it stays straight at 65.

North, I only have one can, but the plan is to get another and set them up like you are describing. I think I may end up going with a fabric shelter to cover them, then I was going to make racks on the outside of them for steel storage. I have this magical picture in my head, only time and money will make it happen (or not). Future goals, gotta have something to dream about.

 

[DonPowers]

Strouty, is your container a 20 or 40 footer? When shopping for mine, the 40s were selling for less than the 20s. There is a place on the NH / Mass line, just off I 95, that had a good selection from rough to very clean.

 

[Strouty]

It is a 40 but high cube. Had to request it and 20s are much less bang for the buck, everyone wants them.

 

[DonPowers]

I agree on bang for the buck. My 20 was a Craig's List find and got it for around half of what the resellers wanted for a unit in the same condition. Its also a size that I can load and haul myself.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I have a spot for a 30 to 33 foot container but have not been able to find one. Then I decided to put a box off of a semi instead, I would like the roll up door, instead of the swing door. In a perfect word it would also have a side door and an fiber glass roof to let the light in.... Still waiting...Rich

 

[DonPowers]

Rich, I know someone that has a 54 footer. He dug a ramped hole and backed the trailer into it so that the box is just a few inches higher than the ground. Helps to have soil that drains well.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I think I would rather remove it off of the frame.

 

[nine4gmc]

I would love a 30' one behind my shop but it would have to been put here before the build due to the ditch and interstate directly behind there. I'll have to stick to a lean to off the back, not as nice as a container but it'll keep things out of the direct rain.

 

[CudaChick1968]

Richard, does it need to be that big? A friend has a nice box truck (an 80s Uhaul) for sale that fits your criteria. It runs too so you could probably unload the chassis on Craig's List.

 

[bczygan]

Strouty,
I'll bet you didn't think it would be this much work when you started.

And you probably didn't think it would look this good either.

Bill

 

[Richard Cranium]

That is what I am hoping to get. Also I am in Washington State so it would be a road trip to even get it...Thanks Rich
Is it in Washington?

 

[Richard Cranium]

I think they are trying to kill me with this holiday schedule.
Monday 0630 to 1500
Tuesday 0630 to 1500 then 2000 to 0700 Wed. Morning
then 11:00 am Wed. to 07:00 Thursday morning.
I guess on the bright side, I don't have to go back till Monday morning..

 

[Richard Cranium]

Well after a few hours of sleep, I am finally off work for a few days (hopefully) Only excitement was this morning at 0200, Our alarm went off, Temp was too high in the lab. Temp. Probe failure. Anyway when the alarm goes off, the auto dialer calls everyone. So while I was getting every thing under control, In walks my boss, She wasn't happy. She only lives like 7 blocks away from the lab. I will enjoy a few days off.

 

[Thumper68]

Richard enjoy the time off.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Happy new year!

 

[Richard Cranium]

slept too much today now I can't sleep normal people sleep time.

 

[dlcwent]

You must be happy with all the progress you've made this year Strouty. It's come a long way. Big

 

[Richard Cranium]

I agree, Congrats Strouty

 

[Strouty]

Thanks guys, no real progress, but it did snow enough to plow the main area. I had to leave the blade up a bit in the back area, even then I just cleaned up a little and figured it was going to do some melting over the weekend. I hope to be over there and get the new u-joint installed in the fork lift so it will have 4x4 again. There is a good pallet load of things that I want to bring out to the storage boxes and I was planning on using the forklift to move the stuff.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Yeah, Strouty! It was a good year for you. Keep up the good work!

Tommy

 

[Richard Cranium]

So Strouty, did you turn the forklift too sharp and twist the u joint out? Or was it just old and needed to be replaced?
I used to have a 73 chevy p/u that we put a ls 454 in and I had to replace the u joints about every 6 months. I got real quick at changing them.