Storage uses for a filing cabinet

[autorepairguy]

Anyone find a good use for an old 4 drawer filing cabinet for storing tools or whatever? Pics? Ideas?

 

[charlie v]

I picked up a couple of filing cabinets many years back for next to nothing. Use them to store all manner of things:

To list a few...........

Tools that don't go in the Craftsman tool chest
Tape - masking to black electrical to double sided
Gloves
Spare nuts, bolts, screws
Spray cleaners, penetrating spray, grease
Oil filters for grocery getters (purchase in bulk from Rockauto)
Auto electrical - wire, connectors, heat shrink

I find them very handy and always amazed at the amount of "stuff" one can throw in there.

Debated labeling each drawer, but I find I can open the right drawer 8 out of 10 times.

 

[Playwme]

Ideas?
Open drawer, insert tools, close drawer.

I keep my surplus cheaper power tools in one. Another drawer has all the oils and aerosol cans you only use once in a blue moon.
No need to overthink it, just put stuff in them. They're strong, well built, and cheap. Perfect for the garage. I've just picked up a filing compactus for garage storage as well. Holds a ton of stuff neatly away in one corner of the garage.

 

[Gojeremy]

Thanks for posting this because i was just checking Craigslist for a file cabinet for this exact purpose. Although, it can't keep beer cold like a small fridge would so I'm debating which one to put in that designated area.

 

[PCO6]

I have a 2 drawer file cabinet at each end of my bench. They're great for storing power tools. In one drawer I have various aerosol cans (lubricants, etc.) and in another I store sheet sandpaper and some actual "files".

View media item 38661
View media item 36801

 

[katy]

I have 4 of the 4 drawer filing cabinets, excellent for storing stuff in, parts, tools, manuals, etc. a friend in Oregon has about 20 or 30 of them in his shop, picks them up cheap at garage sales

 

[rockinacummins]

I have a 4 drawer wide body one. Screws and stuff in coffee cans in the top drawer, detailing supplies in the second, gallon paint cans in the third, and misc. in the bottom. Works perfect for the large power tools!

 

[Timpala]

I had a four drawer in the shop for a few years. For me it just got full of **** that should have been put away someplace else. I eventually threw out nearly everything that was in it and set it on the curb. I consider it a personal incompatibility.

 

[astroracer]

I use a few filing cabinets. Put them on casters and they can be moved and re-arranged. Making them mobile is also good for cleaning.

Mark

 

[jesse72]

I think that filing cabinets are great for big items; like everyone else has said power tools, saws, and aerosol cans...and most can lock too so that your kids cant get into your paint/flammables.

I actually think that using actual filing cabinet dividers/folders can be a great way to store sand paper too. Easy to label and find the right grit! Also, keeping maintaince records and parts/tool receipts in a manner that you can find them is nice.

This is a dispatch style desk that has some filing cabinets built in. I would like to find a few lateral style (horizontal) cabinets for other items.

 

[wnstwolf]

Target or other big box stores have plastic bins that can just fit between the sides of mine but allow the container to rest like a tray. I use the draw for hardware and big stuff then two bins that slide for the smaller stuff. My entire base of my work bench is made up of salvaged box,box,file cabinets. This was done prior to seeing Steevos set up. ��

 

[zkling]

Yep, great for storing bulky power tools, cases, fluids, wire, hose. Only downside to some is their depth of ~28". The lateral cabinets are nice at ~16" deep, but ~36" wide.

 

[raddksn]

I have a 2 drawer lateral I got for free, could have had 6 if I wanted. (DOH) I made some plywood dividers and used it for a bottom box for the basement box.

 

[raddksn]

Only one pick at a time from my phone

 

[erty67]

I keep a lot of power tools and air tools, as well as blade, wheels, bits, etc that go with those tools. After seeing that pic with the cans in it, I might be moving things around. I like that idea.

 

[jgorm]

I have 4 of the single wide ones. I love them! The drawers will hold a ton of weight!

 

[sdavis622]

I use them for all kinds of stuff. Extension cords, oil change supplies, jack stands, spray paint, yard chemicals, etc.

I especially like the lateral ones or unique card catalog type.

Also as my garage desk.