Storage Bin ? Wonder if others have better solution

[Elbert C.]

Hello,

I'm not a frequent poster here, but I do read through many of the postings and pick up some good ideas.

I have a number of these large plastic bins or totes on shelves in my shop and I'm wanting to put labels on the ends, to remind me whats in there. These bins are made of some type of plastic type material with a fairly smooth surface. These bins sit in an non-heated / non-cooled shop building. I've started putting labels on them , but I'm concerned with the labels coming off over time. I'm presentably using a DYMO printer and some of their large labels.

I'm wondering what I can do as far as tape or glue or some solution to ensure the labels stay adhered to the surface of the bin. I'll post pics, once I can cut the file size down. These are 27 gallon bins like you find at lowes/home depot with the yellow plastic top.

 

[LeeG]

Clean them with acetone where you are going to affix the label. Before you close up, use your phone to take a photo of the contents. Store those photos in a folder on your phone. That way instead of digging through them looking for stuff, you can look through your photos.

 

[Elbert C.]

posted pics of what I have now and what I'm using. New to this forum on posting so...hopefully the pics show up...I chopped the good pics down to the acceptable size.

 

[Elbert C.]

Clean them with acetone where you are going to affix the label. Before you close up, use your phone to take a photo of the contents. Store those photos in a folder on your phone. That way instead of digging through them looking for stuff, you can look through your photos.

Good idea...what does the acetone do to the plastic to help the label adhere to it? I assume it may get rid of some of the smooth surface...just wondering.

Yeah I have a lot of **** I'm trying to either figure out what I need, and what I need to get rid of , and then some things I just need to give away or simply donate.

 

[mbarone]

The acetone will clean off oil from your fingers and dirt/dust that will not allow the label to adhere properly.

those are bigger labels and should have good holding power, sometimes I will put clear packing tape over the labels to give protection to the label and have more sticky surface area to hold it on the plastic.

Sent from my PH-1 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[karoc]

Buy some good quality clear packaging tape and put over the labels,that would help them last longer

 

[Stuart in MN]

Like they always say, test the acetone in a small inconspicuous place first...depending on what kind of plastic the bins are made of it could damage them.

 

[firetruck41]

Some of the label makers have an "extra adhesive" label that they offer, I have used this on textured surfaces on our fire engines and they last quite a while, they might do the trick. I also always clean off the area with alcohol before placing labels.

 

[nadogail]

Xylene, which is sold as Goof Off, cleans well also,

 

[slim39]

Along with the contents put a number and a small tablet somewhere near your work area with contents listed by numbers

 

[rlitman]

Like they always say, test the acetone in a small inconspicuous place first...depending on what kind of plastic the bins are made of it could damage them.

Good advice, but all the bins I am familiar with are polypropylene. And I've not had luck with getting much to stick to this stuff. Especially in hot environments.

On a black bin, I'd mark it with silver Sharpie markers.

If you want it to look really professional, rivet on metal label holders. Or get some of those stick on clear label holders, shoot through a pair of T50 staples and fold the staple tails in on the inside. Mechanical attachment FTW.

 

[Elbert C.]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/COMMANDER-...ck-Yellow-Tote-with-Standard-Snap-Lid/3551290

Looks like the ones I have are from Lowes. I don't see specific information as to the material they are made from. Similar to the other types I've seen but minor design differences in the style. I tried to buy all from one source so no issues with stacking or replacing a lid or something. I think I may try the tape idea first to see what happens. I'm in north AL, I think the humidity and heat play a big part along with the type of surface that the labels stick to. I"m using a DYMO label printer and labels, because thats what I have. I have read good things on some of the other dedicated label making devices. The DYMO device prints well and the labels are very sticky..but its the surface of the bin that's the critical issue as far as "staying stuck".... Appreciate all the feedback

 

[PugetDude]

Magnetic label on the outside with a piece of steel sheet on the inside.

 

[rlitman]

... I think I may try the tape idea first to see what happens. I'm in north AL, I think the humidity and heat play a big part along with the type of surface that the labels stick to...

Well, if you want to cover your labels with tape, if the packing tape adhesive doesn't stick well, you should look at Frost King tape. A roll is a little expensive compared to even really good Scotch packing tape, but I've had better luck with it sticking to plastic and painted surfaces, particularly in cold weather.

You'll find it alongside the weatherstripping in most hardware stores (HD, Lowes, Ace, etc.).

Magnetic label on the outside with a piece of steel sheet on the inside.

I like the sentiment, but magnetic labels have just enough stick to stay on steel sheets. I doubt the'll hold onto something with a layer of plastic in the middle.

 

[Jagmandave]

I use clear bins instead of those solid color ones, and slide a note in a big font down the inside with the contents.

On the ones in the shop I use a Dymo label, but I put it over the original sticker on the tub - I figure if their sticker will stay on mine will too!

 

[Elbert C.]

I'm going to try the tape approach first. I have the storage bins already...so I'm stuck with what I have.... I'll apply a section of tape to the top and bottom of the label that is already on the storage bin and see what plays out. Essentially taping the label that is stuck to the bin....at the top and bottom. I bought some 3M "super tough" duct tape.

I'll report back on this thread as to how that plays out.

 

[Elbert C.]

Well, if you want to cover your labels with tape, if the packing tape adhesive doesn't stick well, you should look at Frost King tape. A roll is a little expensive compared to even really good Scotch packing tape, but I've had better luck with it sticking to plastic and painted surfaces, particularly in cold weather.

You'll find it alongside the weatherstripping in most hardware stores (HD, Lowes, Ace, etc.).



I like the sentiment, but magnetic labels have just enough stick to stay on steel sheets. I doubt the'll hold onto something with a layer of plastic in the middle.

I bought some of the 3m super tough duct tape before I saw this, so I'll try it out on a few of the bins and see what happens. Next time I'm at lowes I'll pick up some of the frost king stuff and test that out.

 

[MileHighRover]

Rubbing alcohol is a good prep for stickers. Definitely safer than acetone if you're concerned with discoloration.

 

[APEowner]

I just use a Sharpie

 

[Elbert C.]

no real concern on appearance as these things are just storage for all kind of things and they just sit in a shop environment. Basically I want a legible....label to stay on the bin/tote so I know whats there and I can also consolidate some of these items. The old saying out of sight and out of mind is true...maybe my new title should be "wanna-be organized hoarder"

 

[WarDamnEagle]

I used yellow duct tape and then "print" the contents with a sharpie. Lasts for years......so far anyway.

 

[Lynden]

If you want it to look really professional, rivet on metal label holders.

I agree. Make as many holders as you need out of light weight sheet metal. It would be easy -- make two 90-degree bends, use a piece of sheet metal as a spacer and then bend each side the rest of the way. You could make them any size. A note card is 3"x5". Attach each holder with two pop rivets.

 

[The Cobbler]

course you know the DYMO printer is a thermal printer & the labels don't last forever.

 

[bri_man57]

I went with a different approach. I marked my boxes ”parts a, parts b, parts c, etc" and created a Google sheet list with the contents. Sort of like an inventory management system. That way I can update it as I take things out, have the list with me at all times, and didn't have to update labels. I had random stuff in a lot of them so this system was easier to capture the contents and I knew exactly, to the t, what I have.

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

 

[gtcs]

I am using an app called pack&track, it uses QR code’s and is pretty easy to use, the labels however are not liking life in my 130 degree shop, but are just starting to peel after a year. There is another system called outlinx that is more expensive but from what I can tell never comes off. I chose the pack & track because it’s stores the data on your phone not just the cloud.

I’m normally a duck tape and sharpie guy but this has been a game changer for me to track car parts and the like.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Elbert C.]

I used the 3m super tough duct tape I got from the local Lowes (no home depot locally). So far it has turned out good. Time will tell, and I'll post up later on after some time has gone by where I can evaluate the product over time. I saw some discussion elsewhere about gorilla tape vs. the 3m product. What I can say from first hand use is the 3m product I've noted is very "sticky" on application and adheres well... and I'll just have to see what plays out over the long haul. Of course it makes a difference as to the environment and surface you are applying the tape product to, I have no real way to compare the products but beyond marketing on face value it would seem that 3m has been in the marketplace a very long time, hard to see how another product would be that much different in the "tape world", but thats just my observation. Like all those duct tape products I've seen, I'm sure there will be a sticky residue / mess on the surface of the storage bin where the tape was/is applied, but that is of no concern to me. I have a fairly large quantity of these storage totes/bins so getting to some reasonable status as to organization is a plus

 

[Elbert C.]

I am using an app called pack&track, it uses QR code’s and is pretty easy to use, the labels however are not liking life in my 130 degree shop, but are just starting to peel after a year. There is another system called outlinx that is more expensive but from what I can tell never comes off. I chose the pack & track because it’s stores the data on your phone not just the cloud.

I’m normally a duck tape and sharpie guy but this has been a game changer for me to track car parts and the like.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

so how does this work? You have QR labels and you pick a label and scan that (I assume by your phone) and then you identify the contents through input on teh computer or phone and then you go stick the label to the item/bin/tote in question. So this means you have to go scan the QR label to determine the contents? as in my example of storage bins.

 

[gtcs]

That’s pretty much it. I put the label on the bin, scan it, then voice dictate the contents. I can also add a photo, but have only done that with a few.

This is what it looks like to retrieve the info



I just numbered the tubs, I look on my phone to see what number the desired parts are in and go straight to it.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[JamesW84]

That’s pretty much it. I put the label on the bin, scan it, then voice dictate the contents. I can also add a photo, but have only done that with a few.

This is what it looks like to retrieve the info



I just numbered the tubs, I look on my phone to see what number the desired parts are in and go straight to it.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

So the qr code doesn't seem like it's helping? You're basically using a spreadsheet with contents and numbers or letters on the bins.

The spreadsheet and tote designation or simply the sharpie written on the tote seem like the easiest and least hassle. KISS

What will you do if you remove items from the box, but they're on the printed label? Make another label? Sounds like busy work to me. This is coming from a guy who tracked every penny spent in a spreadsheet for several years.

 

[bri_man57]

So the qr code doesn't seem like it's helping? You're basically using a spreadsheet with contents and numbers or letters on the bins.



The spreadsheet and tote designation or simply the sharpie written on the tote seem like the easiest and least hassle. KISS



What will you do if you remove items from the box, but they're on the printed label? Make another label? Sounds like busy work to me. This is coming from a guy who tracked every penny spent in a spreadsheet for several years.

That's funny, I do my budget on a spreadsheet too. I use Google sheets for that as well. The spreadsheet inventory method works well for me because it's like that app, without the app. Mark a bin whatever you want, and inventory it on the spreadsheet. When I add or remove things, I edit the spreadsheet as neccesary. No fancy labels, no crossing things out, just an easy inventory management system.

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

 

[welder4956]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/COMMANDER-...ck-Yellow-Tote-with-Standard-Snap-Lid/3551290

Looks like the ones I have are from Lowes. I don't see specific information as to the material they are made from. Similar to the other types I've seen but minor design differences in the style. I tried to buy all from one source so no issues with stacking or replacing a lid or something. I think I may try the tape idea first to see what happens. I'm in north AL, I think the humidity and heat play a big part along with the type of surface that the labels stick to. I"m using a DYMO label printer and labels, because thats what I have. I have read good things on some of the other dedicated label making devices. The DYMO device prints well and the labels are very sticky..but its the surface of the bin that's the critical issue as far as "staying stuck".... Appreciate all the feedback

Polypropylene

https://www.centrexplastics.com/products/r19

 

[gtcs]

A spreadsheet inventory would require a computer, which I don’t even own at this point. The app allows me to voice dictate, although it’s not the greatest. I can also sync this data from my shop phone(no sim, plays music and runs this app) and my phone.

I have found it to be very useful as the contents of any one tub may change completely in an instant Like when I sold the BMW, I dumped the tub of parts in the trunk and deleted the contents on my phone, changed the name to empty before the car was gone from view.

The labels have stayed on over a year in my shop that regularly sees over 130 degree temps. They do not, however, tolerate liquids well at all. These are on the black and yellow tubs from Lowe’s.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[santagary]

After all this, I think we might need an OBD section of the forum

 

[PelicanPines]

Brady BMP21 Nylon Cloth labels. Good luck if they ever come off. Seriously... they stick to textured too.

 

[rayra]

Seconding the suggestions to use contrasting Sharpie markers. They come in all colors.

paper label adhesives don't hold well to HDPE or polypro bins. Especially in a hot storage environment.

 

[Elbert C.]

ThatÂ’s pretty much it. I put the label on the bin, scan it, then voice dictate the contents. I can also add a photo, but have only done that with a few.

This is what it looks like to retrieve the info



I just numbered the tubs, I look on my phone to see what number the desired parts are in and go straight to it.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Guess I'll see how longs the tape lasts

On further reflection .....tie straps are not crazy money and easy enough to cut when needed and I don't have to be in these bins that often for the most part. If I were to find some type of small metal tag (with a hole in the end or I make the hole) that would solve the the easy retention of the label over the long term. I would tie strap the metal tag which contains the computer generated label to the bin....long term solution.

Not trying to over think this or one might say over engineer this, If I screw with it again.....I want to be done with it. I may hunt around amazon or the web for some pre-made large metal tags, or other suitable thing that a label of the type and size I"m using....would easily stick to,long term. The labels I"m using are about as small as I want to go, for the utility of being fairly legible as to the font size.

Previously I was concerned about using a tie strap, but thats a non-issue, I did not really consider that for the most part I don't need access to these bins that often and when I do...its not that painful to cut a tie strap. These bins have pre-made holes on the lip of the bin and the edge of the lid....so you can lock the lids (not thats worth doing) but its an option.

OH well, something along this line would work, pending the right size.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016C3APRQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

and maybe something like this or tie straps

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C98Y6GR/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Just floating ideas...may or may not help me or help others but if I have to do anything in the future...its going to be a better permanent solution.

Yea I realize you might be able to use some type of permanent marker, not my choice. Also I'm sure there are many ways to approach this... some may appeal to some and not to others.