What's on your walls? Neat storage ideas!

[zer01]

I like my bins. They are pretty cost effective and keep everything visible.

 

[PassnThru]

This is my nut and bolt storage area. I love nuts and bolts. Never throw them out and am always on the lookout for them on the jobsites that I'm on. The bolt bins and the louvers they hang on are from Northern Tool. Then I just framed a 2x8 frame around the whole thing and put doors on it. The other smaller bins are for smaller nuts, bolts and trinkets.

That's a great idea. Really makes things neater. I noticed from the one picture that the bins seem to be recessed into the cabinet. My thought was it would be great to recess them further, put some really sturdy hinges on the doors, and mount the boxes next to the cabinet on the inside of the doors. Just shim the bottom of the boxes out slightly so the little drawers won't try to come out when you open the doors too quickly. Then everything would be in the same cabinet and from what I can tell from the picture it wouldn't stick out that much more.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I've been working on this in my spare time this week. Here are some hidden bins for fasteners:



And slightly larger ones for everything else -- 42 of these bins inside the cabinet. Three across and two deep on seven shelves.



All out of sight when the doors close.

 

[jmh21586]

My thought was it would be great to recess them further, put some really sturdy hinges on the doors, and mount the boxes next to the cabinet on the inside of the doors. Just shim the bottom of the boxes out slightly so the little drawers won't try to come out when you open the doors too quickly. Then everything would be in the same cabinet and from what I can tell from the picture it wouldn't stick out that much more.

Well, the cabinet thats there now is a 2x8 if I remember right. The bins on the outside are probably another 5-6". So it would be at least a 2x12 framed cabinet. I guess it would be possible, but those plastic bins on both sides are pretty heavy, the ones on the right side being pretty much full. I'd have to use something diferent for the door material to hold that much weight. The door hinges would still work though.

But the way I have it now works, plus I already use the inside of the doors for hanging odds and ends as you can see in the picture. I've added quite a bit more stuff since the picture was taken. I made another cabinet just like this one, but out of 2x10. Just shelves on the inside for automotive type stuff and lawn and garden things. Thats already full and I could now use another cabinet.

 

[jmh21586]

Jack, did you have to make the hangers on the doors or were they already there?


Looks like all you need is some nuts and bolts to fill em up.

 

[sberry]

Steel stuff.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Jack, did you have to make the hangers on the doors or were they already there?

Looks like all you need is some nuts and bolts to fill em up.

The mounts were already there. I got bins to fit from Harbor Freight. I've got a lot of fasteners in all kinds of containers -- but I expect I'll still have room to grow.

 

[jmh21586]

Steel stuff.

Wish I had that much stock around. It's a pain is the a$$ to get steel around where I live. Just the local junkyard carries a few things. Most of the time they're out of it, and don't rush to replace it.

 

[PassnThru]

Actually slightly off the wall but may be of interest to any woodworkers out there. Pipe clamps are a pain to store. I had an unused space between my garage doors so I took a piece of L shaped steel and bolted it to the flag brackets between the doors. Karma said it would be a good idea because I actually had a piece the exact width laying around - and the holes lined up. I added a few strips of electrical tape across the top to add a little cushion and friction. The top clamp has enough play against the pipe to cause it to kick back against the wall.
View media item 3372View media item 3373The nice part is it isn't mounted to the wall - if I need to move it later there are no holes to patch.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Looks like a smart use of space.

I guess you don't have earthquakes in Kentucky but in SoCal I'd suggest you put a couple of eyelets so you could put a bungee cord across the clamps. In an earthquake those would come down and smack your cars.

 

[cobymedic]

Not in my garage and not on walls either but I thought this was a pretty creative storage idea.

http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/11/05/12-free-workshop-storage-plans-tool-cabinets-rolling-carts-under-stair-storage-and-more/

 

[PassnThru]

Looks like a smart use of space.

I guess you don't have earthquakes in Kentucky but in SoCal I'd suggest you put a couple of eyelets so you could put a bungee cord across the clamps. In an earthquake those would come down and smack your cars.

We only have very small earthquakes - and it doesn't happen often. Maybe every 20 years or so? We are close to the New Madrid fault though so it is only a matter of time for us. They are actually very secure - the top clamp has a lot of play in it - it holds very well. Also, the pipes stick up past the door supports so they can't go very far. And the one vehicle in the garage is well past the door.

 

[rustbucket49]

My only, semi unique, storage ideas.

BMW wheel used to store the air hose.

Brilliant !!!

I have been refusing to pay the price for a hose reel. You have opened my eyes to the ultimate solution!!!

 

[rustbucket49]

[/QUOTE]


Jack, where did you get the cabinets? Do you know the brand?

 

[rustbucket49]

[/QUOTE]

This is a really sweet idea as well. I can use this.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

We only have very small earthquakes - and it doesn't happen often. Maybe every 20 years or so? We are close to the New Madrid fault though so it is only a matter of time for us. They are actually very secure - the top clamp has a lot of play in it - it holds very well. Also, the pipes stick up past the door supports so they can't go very far. And the one vehicle in the garage is well past the door.

Excellent. I'm surprised you have erthquakes at all but I just thought I'd mention it for anyone else (like ME!) who might be tempted to copy this good idea.

Rustbucket, If you go look at Jack's "Retro Retreat" thread I'm certain he mentions the name of those cabinets several times. They're monsters.

 

[BetterDays]

Not in my garage and not on walls either but I thought this was a pretty creative storage idea.

http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/11/05/12-free-workshop-storage-plans-tool-cabinets-rolling-carts-under-stair-storage-and-more/

May use this in my basement to store small stuff (labeling the bottom, of course.

Would also want to make them removable, so I envision using something as the pivot point...

 

[Jack Olsen]

Jack, where did you get the cabinets? Do you know the brand?

They're Strong Hold cabinets. Very sturdy, and this model can hold a lot of bins.

They're ridiculously expensive.

Here are the specs:

Some guys on this board might be able to afford them, but not me. I got mine used on ebay for a little over $200 for the pair.

 

[sstruckguy]

I just received a h/f sales paper that has an executive safe on sale (249.99)

Overall dimensions: (outside) 59" H x 21" W x 15" D; (inside, to bottom of lock box) 49-1/2" H x 20-1/2" W x 11" D
Weight: 230 lbs.

Cheaper than most put-together cabinets / tollbox side cabinets. Not the bargain that Jack found, but reasonable / strong / secure enough for storage.

 

[mustangmccance]

I love all you guys's bolt and fastener storage. I have another basically free option that I use. not as cool as yours but very functional and the wife likes it because she hates too waste things and so if she thinks she is helping by saving these bottles she likes it. I use old tide liquid soap jugs. cut the top off with a utility knife and you have a basically indestructible bucket with a strong handle, water and oil proof so if you don't get around to cleaning up the greasy fasteners they don't get all over. they are puncture resistant so nails and screws won't go through them and if they get too dirty you just throw them away. they have square bases so they fit nicely on a shelf too.

<a href="http://s972.photobucket.com/albums/ae205/mustangmccance/?action=view&current=mailgooglecom.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i972.photobucket.com/albums/ae205/mustangmccance/mailgooglecom.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


<a href="http://s972.photobucket.com/albums/ae205/mustangmccance/?action=view&current=IMG00055-20100207-1141-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i972.photobucket.com/albums/ae205/mustangmccance/IMG00055-20100207-1141-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[godremmas]

<a href="http://s972.photobucket.com/albums/ae205/mustangmccance/?action=view&current=IMG00055-20100207-1141-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i972.photobucket.com/albums/ae205/mustangmccance/IMG00055-20100207-1141-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

.....and as an added bonus, your nuts will smell like a mexican on a Monday.

 

[rustbucket49]

Thanks for the info Jack. I guess you guys out in California are a lot richer than us Texas guys!! I'll stick w/ the home brewed I guess...

 

[Jack Olsen]

Thanks for the info Jack. I guess you guys out in California are a lot richer than us Texas guys!! I'll stick w/ the home brewed I guess...

Hey, nobody's tighter with his cash than me. I paid $62 for the cabinet on the left, and $147.50 for the one on the right. I guess Grainger would have charged me $4,724 for the pair (and who knows how much more for shipping). But I don't have that kind of money.

I waited through about 50 auctions on ebay before I snagged those two at those prices. Typically, they go for three or four hundred bucks used. They're great cabinets, but they're only cabinets, you know?

And all my cabinetry up above the steel units was built by yours truly:



If it weren't for used, re-purposed or home-made, I wouldn't have a garage at all.

 

[44boggers]

I guess Grainger would have charged me $4,724 for the pair (and who knows how much more for shipping). But I don't have that kind of money.



haha says the guy with a 911

 

[jonny01blaze]

If it weren't for used, re-purposed or home-made, I wouldn't have a garage at all.

Amen, glad someone else shares my philosophy!

 

[rieferman]

Similar to mustangmccance's Tide idea, ever since they went to plastic coffee containers (instead of the old metal ones) I save them for storage. I usually buy the large coffee containers. They have a durable lid, and a molded handle. They stack nicely on top of each other, or sit on a shelf.

I also use the same containers for painting. Much nicer to carry a small amount of paint for trim work.

 

[CharlieM]

Similar to mustangmccance's Tide idea, ever since they went to plastic coffee containers (instead of the old metal ones) I save them for storage. I usually buy the large coffee containers. They have a durable lid, and a molded handle. They stack nicely on top of each other, or sit on a shelf.

I also use the same containers for painting. Much nicer to carry a small amount of paint for trim work.

Ditto... Have a ton of them.. Work great....

 

[usmc_noma]

a few months ago i bought a bench vise from a local guy here in richmond. his idea of storing nuts and bolts was placing them in jars with lids in them. the innovative or unique thing to that was that he screwed the lids to trusses in his workshed and screwed the jars to the lids. everything was in clear jars above his head. kept everything off the bench and shelves clear of junk.

 

[pdl2mtl90]

a few months ago i bought a bench vise from a local guy here in richmond. his idea of storing nuts and bolts was placing them in jars with lids in them. the innovative or unique thing to that was that he screwed the lids to trusses in his workshed and screwed the jars to the lids. everything was in clear jars above his head. kept everything off the bench and shelves clear of junk.

My dad has done that for years using my daughters' old baby food jars.

 

[RoarkIndustrialSolutions]

Stronghold cabinets are built like tanks! They're great, but they're very expensive. There are lower costs alternatives and a great one is from Quantum Storage. I quoted a QSC-36 to a client in New York at just shy of $1,500 with shipping included. As well, Quantum has some new, great products that will work great for small parts storage. I've linked to pdf's below.

36" wide cabinets pdf
http://roarkindustrialsolutions.indoff.com/media/RIS/36-wide-cabinets.pdf
Clear View Bins
http://roarkindustrialsolutions.indoff.com/media/RIS/Indoff_Clear_View_Bins.pdf
Clear Tip Out Bins & Cart pdf
http://roarkindustrialsolutions.indoff.com/media/RIS/Indoff_Clear_Tip_Out_Bins_&_Cart.pdf
Q-Peg Wall Systems pdf
http://roarkindustrialsolutions.indoff.com/media/RIS/Indoff_Q-Peg_Wall_Systems.pdf
Stronghold info
http://roarkindustrialsolutions.indoff.com/media/RIS/SH_prodcat_small.pdf

 

[mustangmccance]

Similar to mustangmccance's Tide idea, ever since they went to plastic coffee containers (instead of the old metal ones) I save them for storage. I usually buy the large coffee containers. They have a durable lid, and a molded handle. They stack nicely on top of each other, or sit on a shelf.

I also use the same containers for painting. Much nicer to carry a small amount of paint for trim work.

almost makes me wish I drank coffee.

 

[bobx]

great thread. great ideas.

 

[swharris]

haha says the guy with a 911

Haha...says the guy with the RSR!! ;-P

Hi Jack!

 

[mcdtommy23]

May use this in my basement to store small stuff (labeling the bottom, of course.

Would also want to make them removable, so I envision using something as the pivot point...

Did anyone notice the wire running right next to the bin? I could see it now, pinch, rub-through, fire - not good.

 

[BerBer5985]

We've done the coffee container idea for years to hold bolts and all sorts of things. I want to say that an old friend of my fathers donated some old tobacco cans that are approx the same size that work extremely well for that too. I've learned a lot about reusing old things for new ideas from my father, He seems like the master of taking something old and using for it something new. In our office at our flooring store, we have no fancy desks or anything, but have cheap lauan door panels laying on top of 4 2-drawer file cabinets. Same idea would work great for an easy workbench. It seems like he has taught me everything about repurposing In the garage now, almost every thing in there from cabinets to the bolt holders had a previous life as something else and as nice as it would be to buy all new Craftsman cabinets and storage and nice track systems and all that, these older things are free and with a little creativity and cleaning can serve the purpose the well and look pretty decent too.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Folds up and out of the way:

Hey Jack, show me a close up on how you mounted the anvil to the wall. Thanx.

 

[Andy Griffith]

I also like the plastic coffee cans which we get from costco as well as the plastic creamer containers, though I like the popcorn containers even better as they are clear and you can see what is in them.

They do however take up a lot of room just storing them for future use, so I put them in a mesh ball bag and hang them from a rafter. I didn't want to be dragging a ladder out every time I needed access however. I modified the end of a paint roller frame into a hook shape, then I screw the paint roller onto an extendable aluminum drywall sanding pole so I can snag the bag to retrieve a storage container when needed.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

I also like the plastic coffee cans which we get from costco as well as the plastic creamer containers, though I like the popcorn containers even better as they are clear and you can see what is in them.

They do however take up a lot of room just storing them for future use, so I put them in a mesh ball bag and hang them from a rafter. I didn't want to be dragging a ladder out every time I needed access however. I modified the end of a paint roller frame into a hook shape, then I screw the paint roller onto an extendable aluminum drywall sanding pole so I can snag the bag to retrieve a storage container when needed.

Untill I read your post, I thought you had a bear problem.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

.....and as an added bonus, your nuts will smell like a mexican on a Monday.

...and just how is it I smell on a Monday?

 

[Jack Olsen]

Hey Jack, show me a close up on how you mounted the anvil to the wall. Thanx.

I don't have pictures, believe it or not. I took the plywood off the wall and used a steel piece to cross between the studs, and then bolted or welded the hitch to the crosspiece.