Who uses Flat files/Blueprint files for tool storage ?

[Hephaestus29]

I had some flat files one time but they were too deep "36 inches" so I sold them.
Now it seems the resellers are charging an arm and a leg for the flat files knowing the tool guys want them.

I would like to have some more since I found out they make them in a size very close to what I want which is about 28 inches deep. The guys around here are asking 175.00 to 200.00 a piece for a 16H x 40W x 28 D.

For that amount of money I could buy a new box from H.F. but I really want a
box about that size so I can put it in my pallet rack work benches and store stuff underneath them instead of having a tall rolling box. Any thoughts ?

 

[Fugio]

I find them free or almost free on CL once in a while. Yeah, they work great for storing stuff.

 

[trackwelder]

I have about a dozen that I use for storage of odds and ends. They are know where near as smooth as a tool chest drawer, but for the price they work well.

 

[twertsy]

I have two plat cabinets that hold all my tooling and some materials for my CNC router. They are simply too deep for tool storage (stick out too far into the shop). They have been great for storing aluminum/HDPE sheets. 36" deep and 50" wide and the drawers are very smooth.

 

[mikebaker1129]

I picked up 2 from Craigslist about 6 months ago when my crapsman box fell apart, from being over loaded.
They seem to be working well for me, and I often have my garage door open and they do not scream "Steal me" like a bunch of shiny red toolboxes do.

 

[ehaines]

I have two of them with five drawers each that I was given from a previous employer. They are not the best for storing everyday use tools but I do use them for odds and ends that don't have a home in the regular box. Plus it lets me sort things a little better because of the size. One drawer for electrical, one for plumbing, one for clamps, etc.
In the Dallas area I see them on CL for about $400 for ten drawers with the riser base.

 

[mikebaker1129]

I paid $190 for 2.
1 standard 4 drawer file cabinet, I keep pipe wrenches, pipe dies etc in and another that is for blue prints or something, I keep tons of small stuff in , files ,ratchet repair kits ,hack saw blades and consumables. It has 8 drawers .

 

[Hephaestus29]

If anyone decides to give up their flat
files for a different type of box let me
know, if you're not too far from Indy.
I might travel 3 hours or so.

 

[wkearney99]

I've got a stack of 3 units. 28" deep, iirc. Put them on a double-up sheet of 3/4" ply and some computer rack casters. They're great for laying out hand tools. But the 2" drawer ones are a bit tight for anything beyond the diameter of a screwdriver. Got some thin rubber sheet to line them. The drawers are nowhere near as smooth as ball-bearing slides in the shop chests.

Best thing was the price... FREE, found out on the curb on trash day.

At some point I'd like to clean them up, but for now they're great.

 

[CNGsaves]

I've got a stack of 3 units. 28" deep, iirc. Put them on a double-up sheet of 3/4" ply and some computer rack casters. They're great for laying out hand tools. But the 2" drawer ones are a bit tight for anything beyond the diameter of a screwdriver. Got some thin rubber sheet to line them. The drawers are nowhere near as smooth as ball-bearing slides in the shop chests.

Best thing was the price... FREE, found out on the curb on trash day.

At some point I'd like to clean them up, but for now they're great.

^ ^ Dude . . . you're killing us !! That's a a MASSIVE . . . YOU **** !!

Blueprint cabinets that are 28" deep are simply awesome and sweetspot size.

 

[Hephaestus29]

This is an older thread that I started but
I guess it's still relevant even though
I finally got 3 a few weeks ago.

 

[wkearney99]

^ ^ Dude . . . you're killing us !! Blueprint cabinets that are 28" deep are simply awesome and sweetspot size.

Yeah, any deeper would be problematic to use for tool storage. Even with these I still don't put anything anything toward the back unless it's not used very much.

Yes, I was damned lucky finding them. Couldn't believe my good fortune. Saw 'em on the way to my kid's daycare. Dropped him off and hustled back, relieved to see nobody else had snagged them.

 

[cheechi]

I have a 5 drawer set, sold as a Map Drawer cabinet. Was used in an art store to hold more expensive papers.

I don't have photos but they work best divided into thirds. hand tools, then tooling/accessories/bits etc, then the last third stuff you don't need often like instructions or that stack of Playboys that you won't toss out.

I do not think I could use it as my only toolbox or that anyone could really say it is the most efficient use of space if they do. They are neat to have but have their limits. Mine will become the cornerstone of a rolling cart eventually but for now it sits in the corner.