Storing things is important but if you can't easily find things once you have stored them you might as well throw them down a hole. So like everyone else I store stuff on shelves and in organizers but then I number the container and use my cell phone to photograph my organizers and shelves. I take a photo looking straight down into the organizer keeping the contents clearly visible in the photo. I crop the photos and print them 2 to a page then staple the pages together to create a simple visual catalog that I keep near my parts shelves, I also keep a PDF copy on my phone for use when I am not in my shop. It is much less frustrating to leaf through my catalog than to stand in front of my shelves pulling out organizers one at a time trying to find a particular part.
Just a DIY guy and I’ve been frustrated by the organizers made for small parts because they always get mixed up and slip under the dividers. The only box I’m happy with is a little waterproof tackle box. The extra seals and stronger parts designed for outdoor tackle is what makes it work for me
Another possibility are the Allit brand of bins available from Lee Valley. They have two series at different price points and the replacement bins are available separately.
I am DIY guy (not a jobsite contractor) who ended up with a high-low mix of organizers. If it leaves the garage, even if it’s just to the driveway, I use Packout. If it stays in the garage, just shuttling between shelf and workbench, it’s Harbor Freight Storehouse. The Storehouse is the most cost-effective system IMO but only if it will not see any rough or even mild handling - the hinges are too fragile and the plastic is cheap. It works very well to supply workbench projects then go back to its resting place. Packout has the ruggedness to take places but is stupidly expensive. So, I select the one at either extreme of ruggedness that is best suited, and have saved myself hundreds if not thousands in the process. Stanley and its parent company DeWalt are great and straddle the middle ground. Perhaps more than you need for just the garage, but not as rugged for outdoor use as Packout.
If your willing to go even cheaper, check out store house from harbor freight. The Stanley feels like higher quality plastic. Both are great at their price points, so it depends on the value of what you are storing and how much abuse they need to take.
I use the Stanley organizers and created some custom 3D printed inserts so I can store the tools with fasteners. For example, I have one that fits my rivet tool -- two bins wide down the right side of the case -- so it is always with my rivets. Last weekend, I created one for my Kreg pocket hole tool and drill bits. In this case, I removed the plastic insert from the plastic box that the tool came in and built a base that is the same footprint as two large bins. The insert drops in perfectly. Also did one for my Pex crimp ring tool and pipe cutter. Although, this is for one of the deep Stanley organizers. It's so nice to just grab the case and have everything you need all in one place.
Nice video 👍 I'm a hardware guy too and have ran into some of the same issues you talked about. I was shopping for an adjustable drawer hardware storage system for my service body an came across Durham manufacturing on Amazon. All drawers are formed sheet metal with adjustable plastic dividers. The drawers are all the same size but come in a wide verity of cabinets sizes. Price is not bad for medium size storage of parts.
You seem to focus on deeper bins. Keep in mind Harbor freight has the Stanley type bins in both 2 in. and 4 in. depths. They are 1/2 the price as Stanley type but not half as cheaply built.
Stanley tool boxes pro stack and ordinary has transformed my van, i can now find everything i need, cannot recommend the Stanley system too much, excellent price durable and stack ability.
i went to harbor freight to get a few smaller compartment containers they have one like that stanley yellow one for 9 dollars or 13 dollars. walmart has a nice stackable one for 10 bucks for a set of 2 but you can buy more and they lockable to each other and stackable.... i use to make a first aid kit.
www.thingiverse.com/thing:951543 or www.thingiverse.com/thing:579033 mind you, i haven't gotten to print and try these out yet. but they are out there.
