Easy Wall Mounted Storage Bins for Hardware Parts
by Mike Begley in Workshop > Tools
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Easy Wall Mounted Storage Bins for Hardware Parts
If you're a maker, they you probably have acquired a vast assortments of parts, screws, widgets and assorted random bits. And if you're like me, then they've all disappeared into cabinets and drawers, never to be found when you really need them.
I decided to organize all my parts into bins that allow me to easily see in a glance what parts I have. At first I was going to build standard shelving, but then I came upon a solution that's inexpensive, easy, flexible and fast. And it looks pretty cool, too!
I decided to organize all my parts into bins that allow me to easily see in a glance what parts I have. At first I was going to build standard shelving, but then I came upon a solution that's inexpensive, easy, flexible and fast. And it looks pretty cool, too!
The Storage Bins...
The key to this project is the bins. I picked up these made by Akro-Mils at a local Grainger store. They're also available on the web for $0.90 each, in cases of 24. This is the model that is 5.5" deep by 4" wide by 3" tall. Blue, yellow and green.
The key feature for the bins is the hook along the back, that is designed to fit into their shelving systems.
These bins also have a 3" by 1" slot in the front for a label.
Other brands & models may work well, but I can vouch for these.
The key feature for the bins is the hook along the back, that is designed to fit into their shelving systems.
These bins also have a 3" by 1" slot in the front for a label.
Other brands & models may work well, but I can vouch for these.
...and the Mounting Rails
The hardware I used as mounting rails is actually intended to be flashing for dry wall. It cost about $8 for an 8 foot length, which will hold 23 4" bins. Yeah, the math doesn't work out perfectly there, but the bins are actually a hair wider than 4", and you want a little bit of space between the bins when you hang them.
Preparing the Mounting Rails
This is pretty sttraight forwards. Drill a hole at each end and about every foot along the rail. I think I used a 3/16th bit, but it just needs to be large enough for your mounting screws.
Mounting the Rails
Using a level, mount the rails on the wall.
This would probably be a fine time to point out the obvious: You should be mounting this on some sort of finished walls, rather than on a wall that's just exposed studs. If you have the latter, hang 4x8 sheet of plywood on the wall, and attach the rails to it.
I seperated the rails by 4 inches, and used a level to guarantee some semblence of levelness. Although I mounted them myself, it probably would have been a bit easier with an assistant.
This would probably be a fine time to point out the obvious: You should be mounting this on some sort of finished walls, rather than on a wall that's just exposed studs. If you have the latter, hang 4x8 sheet of plywood on the wall, and attach the rails to it.
I seperated the rails by 4 inches, and used a level to guarantee some semblence of levelness. Although I mounted them myself, it probably would have been a bit easier with an assistant.
Hang the Shelves on the Rails, Fill With Parts, Label and Resort
Once it's all mounted, hang the bins. I got 92 bins to fit in this space. Amazingly, when I went through all my stuff, I ran out. I guess I'll be building more...
For $150, this gives me a really nice organization scheme. Parts are visible, classified, and easily accessible. I will be investigating using some larger bins in other areas to handle oversized parts, but so far, it's been an unqualified success.
For $150, this gives me a really nice organization scheme. Parts are visible, classified, and easily accessible. I will be investigating using some larger bins in other areas to handle oversized parts, but so far, it's been an unqualified success.