Tooling (Re)Organization

[zmotorsports]

For hell's sake Matt, now you're taking all of the fun away from digging through the cabinet looking for the exact can of paint you need. You're depriving yourself of that experience and more importantly, depriving your son. How dare you.

 

[Bob Heine]

Matt, I was feeling pretty good about my exhaust pipe spray can organizers and then you show that over-the-top solution. I love, envy and smile at your top-shelf solutions every time you post one. I'm going to go silicone something together now.

 

[fartymarty]

But I somehow believe there is a need of garage upgradation from your like adding a proper garage storage & cabinetry system that includes overhead racks, slatwall, wall panel, wall mounted racks and shelves, garage cabinets, locker cabinets, wall cabinets, tall wall cabinets etc

Huh?

Are you saying what he's built isn't "proper"???...Since he custom builds to suit his needs, I don't see how it could be any more proper...but maybe I'm just confused.

 

[lilscorpion]

Hey you have an amazing skill on Garage tool organization also thanks for sharing these innovative tips.
But I somehow believe there is a need of garage upgradation from your like adding a proper garage storage & cabinetry system that includes overhead racks, slatwall, wall panel, wall mounted racks and shelves, garage cabinets, locker cabinets, wall cabinets, tall wall cabinets etc

You should go check out my old thread. It documents my last full garage build that took almost 5 years to complete. It had much of what you're eluding to and, throughout the process and the years in accomplishing it, I've learned that some of those organization strategies aren't for me. What I have now is tuned mostly to my style and taste.

Overhead - Had it until I put in an high-lift garage doors specifically so I can install a 4 post lift shortly. Also, even though I have a 10.5" high ceiling, I did quite frequently whack something that was hanging and/or overhead with sheets as I was flipping them around. I prefer a clean ceiling except for one very small area where bikes and ladders are hung. For those there is no better way to store them.

Slatwall - at first I really liked having slat/French cleat walls. Was going to put them all over my shop. They're great for unobstructed access to tools, allow for re-organizing/moving things around the shop as your workflow and shop layouts change, and you can make a custom hanger for anything. I ditched them because they're a 2 dimensional storage solution. Shelving and drawers are 3 dimensional. Per square foot, you can store much more in a 6" deep drawer than you can hang on a 6" long hook...it's a density thing.

Panel/Peg wall - this was the first strategy that I ditched. Dislike pegs.

Shelves and cabinetry - I'm way over the top on this one.

Lockers - would like one for my coats, helmets, and face shields. Until then, sustainers seem to be working perfectly fine. The Systainer keeps everything super clean no matter what's going on in the shop.

Huh?

Are you saying what he's built isn't "proper"???...Since he custom builds to suit his needs, I don't see how it could be any more proper...but maybe I'm just confused.

Thinking maybe his preference is to use many different organizational strategies in a fit for purpose way. Without the experiences I've had with the other strategies though, it's unlikely he'll appreciate my strategies the same way.

 

[lilscorpion]

Matt, I was feeling pretty good about my exhaust pipe spray can organizers and then you show that over-the-top solution. I love, envy and smile at your top-shelf solutions every time you post one. I'm going to go silicone something together now.

That's slick. I like how you can see all of the cans (no hide-and-seek).

And thanks!

 

[lilscorpion]

For hell's sake Matt, now you're taking all of the fun away from digging through the cabinet looking for the exact can of paint you need. You're depriving yourself of that experience and more importantly, depriving your son. How dare you.

But he can find anything he's looking for in the shop in less than 30 seconds. I was hoping it would cause him to have a strong desire to be organized. Guess you're right though, if he ends up in a disorganized moment, he could cease to function...no one wants that.

 

[Steve V.]

Half the fun of a 4 hour day in the shop is the 3 1/2 hours I spend looking for things.

 

[lilscorpion]

Half the fun of a 4 hour day in the shop is the 3 1/2 hours I spend looking for things.

If it were really fun I'd have many less tape measures.

 

[mfg0772]

If it were really fun I'd have many less tape measures.

I've been following along for quite some time. I'm trying to get organized but I seem to be taking on too many project not leaving enough time to clean up. Anyways, that last one hit a little too close to home

 

[lilscorpion]

Today I got to messing around with my “cleaning supplies” organizer. Here I keep the common cleaning chemicals - my home made glass cleaner, Simple Green Crystal (food safe industrial cleaner and degreaser), and Simple Green D 5 Pro (Disinfectant).

I’ve also want to keep a box of rubber gloves in the same place since this is right outside the door that goes inside and somewhat central to the garage so it seemed like the right time to make few of these glove box retainers.



The squeeze bottles have the same chemicals in concentrate form so bottles can be quickly mixed when they run dry. I’ve used a sharpie to mark the concentration mix level directly on the squirt bottle so it’s a no measure affair.



Eventually I’m going to make a paper towel roll holder that’ll go between the two.

 

[Heifer Boy]

I might have missed it but what bolts are you using to hold the holders in place? Is it multiple nuts and washers and tee nuts in the wooden drawer?

HB

Sent from my XT1635-02 using Tapatalk

 

[Terranova]

All the crazy cool stuff you’re making for organization and I’m like “there’s more than one kind of simple green!?” <wanders off to google simple green>

 

[lilscorpion]

All the crazy cool stuff you’re making for organization and I’m like “there’s more than one kind of simple green!?” <wanders off to google simple green>

I know right? I too thought there was the Green spray bottle stuff (SG industrial cleaner and degreaser)until I read a post somewhere online that was talking about how the green stuff shouldn’t be used for food prep surfaces because of the dyes and scent chemicals that are added. Instead, you should use the Crystal which works just as well but is designed without the bad stuff for food processing industries. I’ve now switched to use only crystal since it’s safer for the family and dogs.

When the CoronaVirus kicked off, we found ourselves with cleaners that were ineffective. A search on the CDC site showed that Simple Green D 5 Pro is effective against just about everything and it’s also food contact surface safe (when mixed at the correct ratios). I apparently it’ll etch metal if you mix a stronger batch. Can’t use it on granite counter tops but can on any non-porous surface. Leave it wet for 60 seconds and it’s disinfected.

There’s a **** ton of formulas for just about every situation - https://cdn.simplegreen.com/downloads/Chart_EN-US_SimpleGreenApplicationsDilutions_Alternate.pdf

 

[lilscorpion]

I might have missed it but what bolts are you using to hold the holders in place? Is it multiple nuts and washers and tee nuts in the wooden drawer?

HB

Sent from my XT1635-02 using Tapatalk

I’m not sure I broke it down. There’s three components to each organizer that can be stacked differently as things go together.



Aluminum standoffs create the space between layers and are connected together with a small piece of thread rod.







The top HDPE layer is them attached with a stainless button head screw.







The entire assembly is attached to the wood shelf/slide out tray with the same button head screws.

All of the pieces and parts were sourced through McMaster. Standoffs are between $0.70 and $1.20 a piece and the stainless fasteners are about $8 per box of 50. I’m sure they could be found or made less expensively. I could have $30 in the most complicated organizer but the average cost is about $12.

 

[zmotorsports]

Freakin' amazing organization work Matt.

 

[Stuart in MN]

There are other threads on organization but I think this is the most popular and most viewed one, so I'll post this here (apologies to lilscorpion.)

One of the Youtube channels I watch is Frank Howarth. He's a woodworker with an amazing shop, and his videos are very well done. He recently put up a couple videos about a large storage drawer system he built for his shop.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Screenshot of the completed project:

 

[jeffmoss26]

ooooohh

 

[Trapps]

There are other threads on organization but I think this is the most popular and most viewed one, so I'll post this here (apologies to lilscorpion.)

One of the Youtube channels I watch is Frank Howarth. He's a woodworker with an amazing shop, and his videos are very well done. He recently put up a couple videos about a large storage drawer system he built for his shop.

Part 1:

Part 2:

1st - Thanks Matt for keeping us informed on your techniques,
2nd - Stuart in MN, I'm not sure whether to thank you or blame you. I am now sliding rapidly down the Frank Howarth rabbit hole

 

[lilscorpion]

There are other threads on organization but I think this is the most popular and most viewed one, so I'll post this here (apologies to lilscorpion.)



One of the Youtube channels I watch is Frank Howarth. He's a woodworker with an amazing shop, and his videos are very well done. He recently put up a couple videos about a large storage drawer system he built for his shop.



Part 1:

Part 2:

Screenshot of the completed project:

Frank’s stuff is amazing. I’ve been sub’d to his channel for quite a long time. Frank has an extremely well equipped shop (dual table saws, dual radial arm saws, lathe, planner, jointer, and a very well set up CNC router table where he’s very skilled at fixturing work in clever ways. I only wish I had his space and setup in all regards...’cept maybe add my metal working machines.

 

[jake28]

Frank’s stuff is amazing. I’ve been sub’d to his channel for quite a long time. Frank has an extremely well equipped shop (dual table saws, dual radial arm saws, lathe, planner, jointer, and a very well set up CNC router table where he’s very skilled at fixturing work in clever ways. I only wish I had his space and setup in all regards...’cept maybe add my metal working machines.

I would watch that. Hop to it!!
(Side note, he fabricates novel ways of attaching his cameras to his tools, and then makes videos of how he did it. [emoji2962]

 

[lilscorpion]

I would watch that. Hop to it!!
(Side note, he fabricates novel ways of attaching his cameras to his tools, and then makes videos of how he did it. [emoji2962]

If my wife and I find that house, the one that has the 40 x 80 external building, I’m so doing it z(we’ve been looking). It will be awn... [emoji817][emoji845][emoji845]

Yes (in his ways if attaching cameras), my favorite is the one he attached to the ceiling that allows the camera to hover around a work area like it’s in planetary rotation. Who thinks of **** like that?!

 

[Heifer Boy]

I’m not sure I broke it down. There’s three components to each organizer that can be stacked differently as things go together.



Aluminum standoffs create the space between layers and are connected together with a small piece of thread rod.







The top HDPE layer is them attached with a stainless button head screw.







The entire assembly is attached to the wood shelf/slide out tray with the same button head screws.

All of the pieces and parts were sourced through McMaster. Standoffs are between $0.70 and $1.20 a piece and the stainless fasteners are about $8 per box of 50. I’m sure they could be found or made less expensively. I could have $30 in the most complicated organizer but the average cost is about $12.

Awesome! Way more detailed than I thought... but should have expected. Thanks.

HB

Sent from my XT1635-02 using Tapatalk

 

[zmotorsports]

I didn't realize you and the wife were still looking to move Matt. Are you looking to stay in the same area?

 

[lilscorpion]

I didn't realize you and the wife were still looking to move Matt. Are you looking to stay in the same area?

The areas were hunting are not far away. They actually still feed the same schools but they’re 20 minutes east and away from town with ~5 acre lots and most have monster garages.

Given the economic climate, were thankful we haven’t taken on a bigger mortgage so we could have the bigger space. Even though we keep looking every so often, it’s going to take a special place for us to take on additional risk. That being said, the market here is clearly on hold and we may be entering a new world (upcoming year or so may result in a strained economy) so maybe I should just say we’re dreaming...

 

[Cruzan80]

Matt, I cant recommend where we ended up enough. The key is finding a house that works for you, while still having all of the outside extras. PM me if you want more info.

Sent from my Phone 2 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[zmotorsports]

The areas were hunting are not far away. They actually still feed the same schools but they’re 20 minutes east and away from town with ~5 acre lots and most have monster garages.

Given the economic climate, were thankful we haven’t taken on a bigger mortgage so we could have the bigger space. Even though we keep looking every so often, it’s going to take a special place for us to take on additional risk. That being said, the market here is clearly on hold and we may be entering a new world (upcoming year or so may result in a strained economy) so maybe I should just say we’re dreaming...

I know exactly what you mean. I was very comfortable in our last place and every time we discussed moving my first reaction was that I didn't want another mortgage and would just "stick it out". Now that we have moved I look back and realized how unhappy I was in the old neighborhood and this was the best decision we've made. The mortgage *****, but it's manageable and when paid off we'll be happy here until I'm underground.

Best of luck Matt. Now may be a good time to buy with the downturn.

 

[lilscorpion]

I know exactly what you mean. I was very comfortable in our last place and every time we discussed moving my first reaction was that I didn't want another mortgage and would just "stick it out". Now that we have moved I look back and realized how unhappy I was in the old neighborhood and this was the best decision we've made. The mortgage *****, but it's manageable and when paid off we'll be happy here until I'm underground.

Best of luck Matt. Now may be a good time to buy with the downturn.

Yeah, agreed. The neighborhood we've been hunting in is a little further out which helps reduce the cost. We'll just have to wait and see if something sweet enough pops up.

I would be a lot happier, I know it already. Just gotta be patient and when it's right, I'll hope to know it.

 

[Bob Heine]

Matt, we were looking at the house next door and were sad this one wasn't for sale. As we drove away the owner's wife came out of the garage with a For Sale sign. We turned around, met their offer and moved in two weeks later. Sometimes the perfect place finds you (but only if you are looking).

 

[lilscorpion]

Matt, we were looking at the house next door and were sad this one wasn't for sale. As we drove away the owner's wife came out of the garage with a For Sale sign. We turned around, met their offer and moved in two weeks later. Sometimes the perfect place finds you (but only if you are looking).

Agreed though I can’t say we’ve ever been that lucky...that’s almost stalker lucky. We’re going to keep looking even though timing ***** and pay attention to those that get our attention. If we find that house that checks the boxes, we’ll do like you and your wife did, we’ll grab ahold. We really would be much happier and we know it. We just need to be patient.

 

[niget2002]

I know two couples that swapped houses.

Couple 1 had a two story house and were getting older in years.
Couple 2 had a smaller one story house and were just starting a family.

Couple 1 found out that Couple 2 were looking to buy a larger house. The older couple's wife mentioned she was getting tired of walking up and down stairs. The husband went and talked to the other couple.

The math worked out and the two families bought each other's house.

When I heard about it I was thinking that they must really like their neighbors.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

Lilscorpion:

Do you ever work on real projects in the shop? Or is 100% of your time in the shop spent planing and building shop organization stuff?

Asking for a friend. Thanks! (keep up the good work!)

 

[lilscorpion]

Lilscorpion:



Do you ever work on real projects in the shop? Or is 100% of your time in the shop spent planing and building shop organization stuff?



Asking for a friend. Thanks! (keep up the good work!)

Yeah, actually spend a ton of time working on projects around the house just many of them don't seem cool enough to post about. I started a different thread to track just those so this thread could stay garage organization only so I'll start posting more frequently stuff that I wouldn't have posted to this thread before. I'm coming off off a year long build of a Jeep for my Son's 16th which constitutes most of the thread thus far but I'll start adding the smaller projects as I encounter them. I just added a pantry cabinet built for the laundry room which we're using for additional storage now that we're stocking up a bit on canned goods.


Check it out -> https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/to...ead.php?t=425872&share_type=t&link_source=app


Matt

 

[lilscorpion]

I’ve all but stopped buying any consumable in a size other than a gallon primarily for cost savings but secondarily, I’m tired of tying to figure out how to store each manufacturers random sized bottles and containers. Oddly enough, all of them use the same 1 gallon jug size...huh

So for chemicals, I’ll now store them 2 ways - smaller squeeze containers for concentrate and spray bottles for dispensing.

The spray bottles I’ve been using with success I found on Amazon (usually in stock) sold by Mop Mob in 24 and 32 oz sizes - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BSTZ4ZV/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Concentrate will be stored in 16 oz HDPE squeezable bottles I found for $1 each - https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=131862.

These were the biggest orifice possible (.195”). I bought a bag at $.11 each hoping that they’d work perfectly. https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=134842

As luck would have it, a light squeeze on the 16oz bottle yields 1 oz. Fat/heavy squeeze yields 2oz. Couldn’t have worked out better.

Today I used paint pens to mark the various containers and bottles so they’re easy to identify by all.



Makes something organized even more organized.



Another problem I’ve had is with glue bottles and clogging tips. Yes there are cool glue bottles available with fancy tips but they’re expensive. These 10oz wire mount honey bottles cost $.60 each. A ribbon applicator lid to fit costs a mere $.71 each. Cheap enough to stock spares.

Honey Bottle - https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=121044&catid=941

Ribbon Lid - https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=119835&clickid=search

4 different kinds of glue color marked and labeled on 2 sides, top, and bottom. Bottom marking allows me to store the bottles tip down which is how I plan to design the organizer.



Think that will be the next organizer to make.

 

[Bob Heine]

Matt, I've entered a 12-step program for US Plastics addicts. Thank goodness those honey bottles are out of stock but I noticed there's a discount if I order 288 of those ribbon lids.

Like you I buy most stuff in gallon cans and found they fit perfectly on a 1"x8" dimension shelf or cabinet. It appears my go-to chemicals, like Acetone, can be safely stored in HPDE bottles so I have a 10-bottle 16-ounce exhaust pipe rack over my stationary workbench and a 7-bottle 8-ounce rack on my rolling paint cart. I have been using the Sample Bottles with Yorker Caps. They sell a screw-on funnel that fits 24mm and 28mm Sample and spray bottles so I can reduce the fluid loss when filling bottles from gallon containers.

https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=85598

On my best day I couldn't print neatly on a bottle so I have been using Brother P-Touch label makers with clear tape -- black on clear for the light fluids -- white on clear for the dark fluids. When I can get those honey bottles and ribbon caps for my glue collection, they'll get color coding at neck and bottom (and P-Touch labels).

I have gotten this far in the program:

1. I admit I am powerless over plastic containers and my life has become unmanageable.
2. I believe that a power greater than myself could restore me to sanity.
3. As soon as I get those honey bottles and ribbon caps, I'm going to start over....

 

[jeffmoss26]

and here I was just proud of this little thing I made for work lol

 

[Strouty]

Bob, if you order 1728 of the ribbon lids the deal is even better. I only needed a dozen, but it will save me a bunch of money, then I can sell the rest on eBay for a profit.

 

[lilscorpion]

Matt, I've entered a 12-step program for US Plastics addicts. Thank goodness those honey bottles are out of stock but I noticed there's a discount if I order 288 of those ribbon lids.

Here and I thought I was the only one. Who'd a thunk that a site full of plastic bottles would be interesting to shop guys. Yesterday, when labeling the bottles, my wife came out into the garage and said "Oh honey, you're getting into crafts!". I was about to say something snide when I realized she's right...

It appears my go-to chemicals, like Acetone, can be safely stored in HPDE bottles so I have a 10-bottle 16-ounce exhaust pipe rack over my stationary workbench and a 7-bottle 8-ounce rack on my rolling paint cart. I have been using the Sample Bottles with Yorker Caps.

Have you seen these before?! I've been contemplating swapping these in place of the 1 gallon jugs. There are a variety of lids available for them including self-venging spouts. Would make transferring into the smaller jugs a no-brainer (though I'm not sure that the harsher chemicals like Acetone could survive many pours).

They sell a screw-on funnel that fits 24mm and 28mm Sample and spray bottles so I can reduce the fluid loss when filling bottles from gallon containers.

https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=85598

I've seen those but I've not yet pulled the trigger. I'm using standard (lame) funnel and I end up dribbling on 2 out of 5 pours. I'll add the screw-on's to my next order. You're right, they're a no-brainer.

On my best day I couldn't print neatly on a bottle so I have been using Brother P-Touch label makers with clear tape -- black on clear for the light fluids -- white on clear for the dark fluids. When I can get those honey bottles and ribbon caps for my glue collection, they'll get color coding at neck and bottom (and P-Touch labels).

Interesting you mentioned that - yesterday evening I was pondering getting Laser printable labels instead of using the paint pens. Good idea putting clear tape over the top, that solves my concern of the tables just getting eaten the first time liquids get on them.

It's a crazy addiction. For whatever reason there's just no way to skip buying a dozen bottles that cost $.60. Every time I add something to the cart, the shop devil on my shoulder is whispering "remember, you paid $90 for one end mill.."

 

[lilscorpion]

and here I was just proud of this little thing I made for work lol

Dunno, I kinda like what you did Jeff. Just don't know what the thingies are.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Those are steel stamps for marking keys. I use letters and numbers daily which are in wooden holders on the stamping block.
At one time our shop stamped the name and phone number on every key.
Nowadays we just stamp master or do not copy if requested.
I got tired of digging through a box when I needed them so I had this magnetic knife holder laying around, screwed it to the wall and put some labels on the stamps

 

[Firebrick43]

I have been using a brother label maker for years now. Most of my spray bottles are labeled with such and covered with some clear tape. This morning I noticed that the labels just two years ago are quite faded! They have been in sight of a window but it never has direct sunlight and it is good glass with some of the selective coatings.

Any thoughts?