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How do you store your small items, like screews and such

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4K views 41 replies 27 participants last post by  Finn 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have tried different things and different ideas but nothing seems to work as I wish it did
 
#2 ·
I use a combination of these

Https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-25-Removable-Compartment-Professional-Organizer/dp/B00005QWYF/ref=mpsa11?keywords=stanley+small+parts+organizer&qid=1574018033&sprefix=Stanley+small&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Kreg-Company-KTC25-Screw-organizer/dp/B01LQC9UTM/ref=mpsa13?keywords=kreg+screw+organizer&qid=1574018136&sprefix=kreg+screw+or&sr=8-3

They are currently just stacked on the counter in my shop. But one of my next shop projects is to build a cabinet for them.

I really like the ability to either take an entire container with me or to open them up and take just the individual tray.

The kreg option has the lids on the individual trays which is nice for carrying them to a project without risking spilling.

The reason I use two types is that while I prefer the kreg option, sometimes I don't need such large containers and it ends up being a waste of space for some of my parts.
 
#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
I've been using clear plastic food containers for my smaller lots, and clear plastic canisters for the large lots, like pounds of screws. I like that I can stack them, I can see at a glance what the size is without checking the label or opening them, and if I need them out of the shop I can just grab the sizes I believe I'll need and take them with. Plus the lids seal them from dirt and moisture. I keep them on a shelve at eye hight in the shop, so I can see them at a glance.
 
#8 · (Edited by Moderator)
The Everything really is a Dollar place in town had these same cases. When something both works, and is way cheaper than I could make them for, I buy me some.

I haven't made it yet, but plan to make a stack cabinet, and I'll put 10 of them in there. Something just like what Rayne posted.

For stuff I have a lot more of than what I can put in 1 or 2 of the bin openings I use this HF jewel. This would be like entire boxes of screws, stuff like that.

Shelf Shelving Rectangle Wood Gas


https://www.harborfreight.com/24-bin-bench-top-parts-rack-69572.html
 

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#10 · (Edited by Moderator)
Right now, mine are scattered between two spots. Eventually, they'll all be on the rolling rack of pull out bins, which has storage for large containers, since I buy my square drive and other screws in quantities.

I love the deals I found at garage sales. Because of them, I have been able to organize small parts for a fraction of the price these bin holders would have cost. The one looks horrible, but it's still sound.

As I move to the multi drawer unit, my buddy gets my old, wood bins.

Wood Gas Building Hardwood Box


Wood Wood stain Rectangle Hardwood Gas


Wood Shelving Wood stain Hardwood Shelf
 

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#13 ·
Here s my system. Each container (ideally) is categorized to typs of screws, bolts, washers, etc. It s not 100% the way I want it, but it works great when I need to find certain kinds of screws and such.

- Rayne

Nice, Next time I can t find what I need I m coming to your house. :)

- LeeRoyMan
Funny you should say that because my neighbor came by yesterday looking for a certain length of screws and I got him some in under 10 seconds. lol. It was out of the blue, but the system worked. :)
 
#15 ·
I use a combination of the items mentioned before. The advantage of the Stanley, DeWalt and the Milwaukee containers is you can gain them together. The Milwaukee is designed so you open the lid while in this setup. Sp maller groups I keep in Kreg Hardware boxes https://www.menards.com/main/tools/power-tools-accessories/pocket-hole-jigs/kreg-reg-small-hardware-container-4-pack/kss-s/p-1497525481602-c-10090.htm?tid=9070615215309591391&ipos=30 and Viewtainers https://www.menards.com/main/tools/tool-storage/socket-organizers-small-parts-bins/viewtainer-reg-2-x-6-spill-proof-container-assorted-colors/cc26/p-1444445834108-c-9189.htm?tid=-6522116278126436866&ipos=84. I also use some metal drawers and plastic bins.
For the larger cases I made a adjustable shelf to hold some of them, need to build another one. Dan
 
#16 ·
I go with the closest container is where the screws and bolts go. This system make for a scavenger hunt when looking for something. I do find things I was looking the week before. Maybe I will get some good organizational suggestions on this thread. The trick is putting them to practice.
 
#21 ·
I do what I can not to use screws, nails or staples, But I do have them on hand if needed. I use empty 16oz spice bottles to store various dowel pins and 2" oak spindles. When buying screws, I get them in the clear plastic containers and line the up on a shelf out of the way. The orange organizer is looded with all different sizes and types of lag bolts & lag screws. I have one drawer in my tool box dedicated to finishing nails, nails, bolts, nut, washers and brass screws (all in their original boxes with the labels up). Also have separate containers for used misc.
Electrical wiring Wood Gas Technology Machine


screws, machine screws, bolts, nuts and washers (I'm frugal so I save all the old hardware).
 

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#23 · (Edited by Moderator)
I found these on black Friday sale several years ago and built a cart to store them under my workbench. I was able to organize smalls into several categories, nuts & bolts, screws, wood parts, jig parts, etc..

It was only a partial solution and I added drawer storage for many other screws that I use. I still have a couple of these use too.

Ultimately it will come down to time, budget and available space. Lots of different ways to solve this problem.

I will say that my combination has vastly improved my shop space and ability to find things when needed.
 
#25 ·
My organization is a bit of a mix, but there are a couple of things worth mentioning:

If you come across a lot of small single containers, for me that was a bunch of plastic slide containers with a clear top, a bunch of chewing gum containers with a clear top… it could also be glass containers of your favorite marmalade that you eat all year long… keeping those and store screws and nuts etc. in it has the big advantage that you can just take that single container out, and take it with you. This is great when you have to work on something outside of the shop, and even if you only ever work within your shop. I just find using single containers much less hassle than maneuvering those larger containers that hold 20 pounds of screws and take up half my workbench.

When I work on a specific project, I often buy screws nuts and bolts just for that, and keep them all in one ice tray. I have several, and sometimes each one is dedicated for one project. I store these in a drawer, and then just take out the tray for my project and have all I need at hand. Those ice trays are very cheap, and can often be found at thrift stores. They also stack.

Another thing I definitely agree with is to keep everything in closed containers. A shop gets dusty, and dirty over time. It also helps a bit with keeping moisture away.

Not really solution for you… just a few thoughts.
 
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