Tooling (Re)Organization

[Strouty]

Those rails are made by VIM, they are called mag rails, totally adjustable, they are so adjustable, they can remove money from your wallet until it hurts.

 

[lilscorpion]

Those rails are made by VIM, they are called mag rails, totally adjustable, they are so adjustable, they can remove money from your wallet until it hurts.

LOL. Like the mag rails. Wish I'd gone that route instead of the MTS's. Socket organization will be my "next thing" after I get the fronts done. I've over-ran my socket organizers and have decided I'm not buying anymore. So instead, HTPE chips are in my future.

 

[Strouty]

The concept of the mag rail is great, i spent something ridiculous, like $1200 on socket rails, I want to make something that utilizes their pins without magnets. I rarely drag full rails out of my box anyways and I could easily make up a short rail that was magnetic if needed. If I think back to what I have spent on organizing the shop, I definitely have more money in the organization than what I spent on tools, seems a bit like a WTF when I think about it, so I try not to.

 

[lilscorpion]

Drawer Fronts - Day 2

I have plenty of prep work to do to get me by while the drawer pull extrusions are on order. I had to run up to Home Depot to get a few sheets of laminate, picked up a few sheets of baltic birch ply, and got a fresh gallon of the adhesive at the box store. When you don't have anything on the shelf, it takes so much longer to just start...

I started by cutting down the 5x5 sheets of baltic birch into rough dimensions appropriate for the various drawer fronts so I'd have minimal waste. Took me a few hours to get all of them laminated one at a time, flush cut them around the perimeter, and file the edges so I don't cut the **** out of my hands. With the blanks cut, I'm ready to start slicing and dicing. Here's 4 of the 8 sheets ready to go.

Now I have a little catch-up to do on the main bench. Back when I made and installed all the drawers, I found that two of the drawers were slightly over-sized so I pushed them in the holes without slides (putting them off until later). Since my process is dependent on the lower drawers being done I can’t put off fixing the problem any longer.


One by one I pull out the drawers, empty the contents on to the bench, disassemble the drawers, make the necessary adjustments, put them back together, install the slide, and slip them in.


I decided to start on the left and work my way right. After getting the lowers done I used two of the drops from the hand-rails as spacers to get the next drawer front above set correctly.


And work my way up the box

I’ve had a few inquiries about the Blum drawer adjusters so I’m going to back up and explain how they work. After you machine the holes in the drawer fronts you put these little metal gizmos in the holes. If you got the depth right for the Blum nylon adjuster, the little pointed thinning will protrude out of the hole like this.

I put a spacer on top of the drawer front below and hold it in place.

Using a square, I make sure that it’s side to side alignment is correct.

I then tap the drawer front with the palm of my hand and the marking tools tell me where I need to drill.

I use a tapered drill bit to drill the hole slightly oversized for the screw I plan to use. Tapered bit help prevent the back of the plywood from blowing out when the bit punches through.

With the holes drilled, I select the correct length screw. In this case, a 1” is perfect.

Now to the drawer front. The adjusters is a nylon plug that has a nut inside. The size is just slightly oversized for the bit I drilled the holes to so it stays put once you break it in place. The nut inside the plug can move around in all directions which is how the adjustability of them works.

A whack with a dead blow and the plug is solidly in place.

With both of the plugs inserted into the face, I can now take it over and thread the screws through the hole and into the alignment plug.


I tighten the two screws down so they must make contact with the material. This allows me to move the front around until it’s perfectly aligned.

I’ve found that the easiest approach is to set the front a little high on the drawer, close it with the spacer above the lower drawer, and then push the front down so that it’s perfectly on top of the lower drawer making the gap and alignment perfect every time. Warning: if your drawer slides are slopping in such a way that the drawer below moves around when you push down on it, you may not be able to use this alignment trick.

Once the drawer is where I wanted it, I can then tighten the screws down. Because the adjusters don’t have really heavy duty nuts, I typically put a medium amount of pressure on the drill (into the screw) and tighten until the bit slips. This prevents stripping caused by over tightening.

Add the spacers to the drawer, close it, and I’m ready to move up.

A quick measurement off the reference of the below drawer tells me how tall the next drawer needs to be. See the mistake here? I’ not measuring off of the drawer pull (which is .120 higher than the front.

nothing ever goes fast enough and I know it.


Knowing I won’t get my pulls for a little bit, I decided to cut down some of the drops and make little 3” long pulls so I can open the drawers in the meantime. Since I don’t have nearly enough for one on each drawer, I decided to put them on the drawers most used.

I felt like this part of the process would go much faster but part of me isn't shocked at all that it's not. With only half of the main bench done and half of the tooling bench done, I'm thinking it will take another day to wrap up the bases so I can move on to the uppers. Still like how it's turning out. Will be very excited to see how this full bench looks with the full length pulls.

 

[1/2 Cup]

lilscorpion top job..

 

[lilscorpion]

lilscorpion top job..

Thank you. I’m so ready for them to be done. Right now the shop is cold enough I can tell it’s slowing me down. Might be time for the heater project I’ve been saving for 8 years..

 

[Strouty]

I don't think we need to guess how things will look, they will look awesome. Thanks for taking the time to explain what you are doing, there is a lot going on for sure.

 

[lilscorpion]

Got mine! Came fast and I should have plenty now.

 

[Strouty]

First impressions? I figure you had not felt the stuff before our recommendations.

 

[lilscorpion]

First impressions? I figure you had not felt the stuff before our recommendations.

You’re right, I had not. I can see why it’s desirable. The surface feels kind of tacky and the density is much lighter than I would have expected as well. Certainly behaves like slow rebounding memory foam. It does seem like it will be easy to cut which is awesome. The last stuff I used - floor runner from the big box store - wasn’t.

Good thing this stuff looks awesome, I now have an S-ton of it.

 

[Strouty]

I was pretty sure it would be what you wanted. I had used lots of stuff and the snap on was definitely the best I had found, just too expensive to buy, this raptor grab takes away that hurdle. I too will be ordering a bunch more of it.

 

[Prometheus]

I blame you guys for this.....

And for anybody else considering, yeah, it seems like it's going to be pretty awesome for the price.

 

[lilscorpion]

I blame you guys for this.....

 

[Strouty]

We can take the heat..

 

[lilscorpion]

Last weekend I went to the box store to get some 8 - 32 drawer pull screws. No bulk packs so I paid $3.65 for a package of 8. I needed 114 of them. Big box store had 3 packages, I paid $12.



Called up AHTurf Monday And ordered a box of 1000 in 2 different sizes for $12.95 each plus $12 shipping. They arrived in 2 days.



By means of comparison, I would have purchase 10 packages at the box store for the same coin and now I’ll never need to buy screws in this length again. Nor will my neighbors...or children. [emoji857]

 

[Strouty]

Now you need a drawer to store them.

 

[lilscorpion]

Now you need a drawer to store them.

Heh...I’ve been putzing around the shop trying a few things. When I have a hundred or so, the viewtainers seem to work very well and they’re easy to grab and take to the work. More than that and the excess needs to be stored somewhere.

I also tried moving all like hardware to a Systainer but I still can’t fit all 1000. Even if I did, I wouldn’t likely take the Systainer to the work if it weighs 45lbs.

Ideas for storing bulk hardware? I’ll have higher shelves where I could stick longer term storage items like bulk fasteners. Prefer not to have a pile of odd-sized boxes tho..

 

[lilscorpion]

I’ve settled on having one Systainer that I keep all my cabinet hardware in. Seems to fit well.

 

[Strouty]

I haven't gotten that specialized in my storage, I have machine screws and metal screws in the same drawer.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

The concept of the mag rail is great, i spent something ridiculous, like $1200 on socket rails,

I had to see what a guy could spend $1200 on just SOCKET RAILS!!!!!!

I want to make something that utilizes their pins without magnets.

What would that save? Much? I don't think the magnets on the pins are the big expense. Or do you see something besides savings a couple of nickels on the deal by eliminating the magnets.

If I think back to what I have spent on organizing the shop, I definitely have more money in the organization than what I spent on tools, seems a bit like a WTF when I think about it, so I try not to.

The money is only part of it. Think about the time spent organizing your shop and researching … especially just reading this thread!

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

I've never had trouble with drawer pulls coming loose because of the threads in the pull getting stripped … until I ran into these kind of screws.

The idea behind them is good. Allows the assembler to very quickly adjust the length of the screws without the pull manufacturer including six sizes of screws in the packages.

The drawer and cabinet door pulls on our motorhome have (had) these kind of screws. I noticed that some of the pulls were stripped and would pull off the screw quite easily. All the drawers and cabinet doors in the M/H have Southco latches to keep the drawers and doors from coming upon as we go down the road, so to open them it takes quite a stout pull.

I was getting ready to replace all 88 pulls until I started to play around with the screws and pulls. I noticed that on some of the stripped pulls when I threaded the screw (off the drawer) deep into the pull it "caught" and I couldn't pull the screw out of the pull. I then realized that some of the stripping was probably caused by the unthreaded part of the screw not grabbing threads.

So off to the hardware store I went to buy Phillips head screws that same thread size (#8-32) in two or three different lengths. Problem solved!

What I learned? Pitch the pull manufacturer screws with the notched/unthreaded sections!

 

[lilscorpion]

The idea behind them is good. Allows the assembler to very quickly adjust the length of the screws without the pull manufacturer including six sizes of screws in the packages.



...Pitch the pull manufactured screws with the notched/unthreaded sections!

Agreed, I won’t use them for the same reason. I only bought them because I needed 3/4” length and the big box store didn’t have any that short...’cept these. Good news is 3/4” is the shortest so after they’re cut down,
There’s no more interrupted threads.

I did notice that they’re quite a bit softer than the ones I typically use (I cut a few 1 1/2-inch long ones down first). I’m sure my stuff was higher quality anyway. Softer would certainly make stripping easier.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

I did notice that they’re quite a bit softer than the ones I typically use (I cut a few 1 1/2-inch long ones down first). I’m sure my stuff was higher quality anyway. Softer would certainly make stripping easier.

Softer probably makes cheaper too! Volume, volume, volume.

You guys and gals who put drawer and door pulls on for living … listen up! We'll be watching what you use.

 

[Strouty]

I had to see what a guy could spend $1200 on just SOCKET RAILS!!!!!!

It wasn't planned by any means, but it happened, I still need more...


What would that save? Much? I don't think the magnets on the pins are the big expense. Or do you see something besides savings a couple of nickels on the deal by eliminating the magnets.

I would buy a T-Slot cutter and then you could make any size or shape of holder out of aluminum. It would give you infinite possibilities.


The money is only part of it. Think about the time spent organizing your shop and researching … especially just reading this thread!

I always say that for some of us, the shop is the project, organizing is our restoration or custom fabrication. It doesn't make sense to everyone, but that doesn't really matter in the long run, it is the same reason I like green tools, they just put a smile on my face when I use them...

In the end, I have spent way too much time, but I have learned a lot about myself. Threads like this are where I get inspiration and cool ideas, heck sometimes just seeing someone else produce beautiful results is all the motivation I need to get myself going after getting "stuck".

 

[Strouty]

6% is cutting it close, when I get to 20% I freak out, the other day I had my iPad down to 11% and I was worried I wouldn't be able to get my emails sent out.

 

[lilscorpion]

I had to see what a guy could spend $1200 on just SOCKET RAILS!!!!!!

It is so easy to do. Too easy.

I would buy a T-Slot cutter and then you could make any size or shape of holder out of aluminum. It would give you infinite possibilities.

I’ve wanted to do this badly but can’t make the cost of the aluminum alone make it make sense. I’ve figured that there’s likely an extrusion out there that would be close enough of a start to make it work. Haven’t found one yet.

I think the real key is to come up with an interlocking rail system (aluminum or plastic) that allowed part or the whole rail to be lifted up and away from the rest (which would stay in the drawer). Maybe dovetails could handle the interlocking. I have this idea in my head but haven’t taken the time to play with it. Originally I was thinking I’d 3D print it but a little while ago I was thinking simple woodworking tools would be much easier, faster, and yield better results.

I always say that for some of us, the shop is the project, organizing is our restoration or custom fabrication. It doesn't make sense to everyone, but that doesn't really matter in the long run, it is the same reason I like green tools, they just put a smile on my face when I use them...

I’m absolutely in that group. I probably spend 75% if my time working on the shop. I’m not sure that ratio will hold in upcoming years - at some point I’m anticipating I’m going to struggle to find significant changes I can make...maybe that’s a silly statement.

As for the green tools comment...no ****. What’s up with green?!

Threads like this are where I get inspiration and cool ideas, heck sometimes just seeing someone else produce beautiful results is all the motivation I need to get myself going after getting "stuck".

I’ll agree in 2 ways with this statement:

(1) I find so damn much inspiration from others I sometimes wish there was a way I could come visit shops in person because I KNOW the inspiration I’d get if I could actually be there would be 500x what I get from pictures.

(2) posting and sharing of my stuff actually motivates me to make progress. I actually want to complete something so I have something to show. At some point I sit down at the computer, go through the pics, and type something up. It’s kinda like a retrospective of sorts which keeps the juices flowing because , throughout the process, I tend to come up with other ideas. Maybe 25% or so. Receiving support and feedback eggs me on to do it again.

 

[lilscorpion]

6% is cutting it close, when I get to 20% I freak out, the other day I had my iPad down to 11% and I was worried I wouldn't be able to get my emails sent out.

I use all of it. Right at 10% I switch into battery saver mode to get everything I can out of what’s left. Many times I’m quickly typing at 1% hoping I can complete whatever I’m doing before the phone dies. Then, when it does, I treasure a technology free moment.

 

[Strouty]

They make an off button, that is how I get my tech free time.

The green tools make me smile when I pick them up, I figure that is a good thing.

I often find myself watching YouTube videos and just wishing they would shut up and walk around the shop, even some of the worst shops have hidden gems, you just need to see them. Sometimes I just find things that I know I don’t want to do, but it all works towards the goal.

I too plan on being able to back off from the “shop project” and move into other projects. I get frustrated when I walk into a mess, my big issue is that things don’t really have a home and finding a home for them is hard for me, I am a perfectionist and I can see too many directions at once, this essentially paralyzes me, so I am working on becoming an imperfectionist as I think that is the only way to keep my sanity. I used to want like with like, but I can easily cross over tools and supplies to multiple projects or uses, this in turn makes me put things together that really have no reason to be together and when I need them I can’t always find them. I also have way too many drawers.

 

[RonRock]

I’ve settled on having one Systainer that I keep all my cabinet hardware in. Seems to fit well.

Where did you get the labels? Identifying the item is the biggest problem I have with small containers. I usually keep screws and stuff in the box just so that it is easy to identify for the next time I need it. Problem is I have many different size boxes from many different companies. They don't store well to say the least.

 

[andy013]

It is so easy to do. Too easy.

I’ve wanted to do this badly but can’t make the cost of the aluminum alone make it make sense. I’ve figured that there’s likely an extrusion out there that would be close enough of a start to make it work. Haven’t found one yet.

I think the real key is to come up with an interlocking rail system (aluminum or plastic) that allowed part or the whole rail to be lifted up and away from the rest (which would stay in the drawer). Maybe dovetails could handle the interlocking. I have this idea in my head but haven’t taken the time to play with it. Originally I was thinking I’d 3D print it but a little while ago I was thinking simple woodworking tools would be much easier, faster, and yield better results.

Hey guys, long time stalker of this thread. There are so many great ideas between this one and Strouty’s, and a few others. I’m going through a major revamp of my garage/shop area and you guys are a huge help for motivation and ideas. Thanks.

Have you guys checked out the Ernst socket organizers? Been using them for a few years and love them. Able to configure in a ton of ways, lengths of rails, and pull a rail from the drawer with a quick release.

https://www.ernstmfg.com/Socket-Organizers.aspx

Might not be what you guys are looking for but thought if you haven’t seen them before might be worth a look. Summit Racing has the best prices on them I could find. I’m reconfiguring my socket drawer and want to get my impacts on the rails this winter but currently this is it. I like being able to take a single rail where I need it.




Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Strouty]

Andy, those are what I will be using for the truck and handheld tool box. The magrails keep everything upright no matter what you do, the magnets are really strong. I grab a rail every once in a while and hang it upside down on a truck frame rail. I feel the Ernst would need to be mounted to something and that increases the thickness of them.

 

[magtl]

Anyone wondering if the Magrail TL is powerful enough to hold your sockets in place, even through your drawer liner or overhead.
Ron

 

[Strouty]

That is a nice picture, you really can’t just pull the sockets of, you need to tilt them, then pull them up, that gives you some initial leverage to break free one side of the magnetic rails. I am pretty sure the guy that designed them is a member here too.

 

[lilscorpion]

Crazy pic. Really like those rails. My problem with rails in general - unless you can live with a hodgepodge solution, you get married quickly and there’s no turning back. By the time I found out about these I already had too many MTS rails. These are, by far, better.

 

[lilscorpion]

Another Kaizen foam drawer Organization attempt. Thinking this is one of those drawers that maybe it won’t be ideal for. Air tools before



After some whittling



I’m thinking I could add a little box in the top right corner for the pieces and parts...still have to cut in the body saw. I have that feeling in my stomach though that I don’t like it. Yes, everything has a place but now I’ll need more places. Think this drawer gets a mat and that’ll be good enough.

 

[Strouty]

What about making smaller wood boxes to put foam in, then you could have bulk storage of the tools and the bits could go in the foam? I agree that the foam is taking up way too much space for that particular drawer.

 

[lilscorpion]

What about making smaller wood boxes to put foam in, then you could have bulk storage of the tools and the bits could go in the foam? I agree that the foam is taking up way too much space for that particular drawer.

Yeah, or dividers in the drawers...same same. Someone on Instagram recommended ditching the foam and making standoff’s for the tools so they stay put. Maybe do that. Standoff’s would allow the tools to be much closer.

 

[Strouty]

Where I like the foam the most is in a drawer with tools that are used a lot, it makes them easy to see, easy to grab, and you know when they are missing. I don't think I would want to add foam to a lot of drawers, but I do think a drawer that has machine specific tools would be nice, then you need a cabinet at every machine or a cart that can be moved to each machine with enough drawers for the machines it would service. The cart is probably the best solution for me, but I am still learning what I like and don't like. I really need to make some holders for my lathe's aloris holders, they are a mess right now.

 

[Strouty]

After some whittling

If you are like me, I have three air tools that I use a lot, so I would make one drawer for your most used tools and supplies, then put the rest in a drawer with no foam.

 

[lilscorpion]

If you are like me, I have three air tools that I use a lot, so I would make one drawer for your most used tools and supplies, then put the rest in a drawer with no foam.

Like this idea a lot..