Tool Storage Redux

[KC2IXE]

More "Throw out a question, see what answers folks come up with"

I'm finally really starting to clear out Mom and Dad's place, and I forgot just how MANY tools Dad had. One of the items he has is DRILL BITS - many new, the rest have been fairly recently resharpened (He borrowed my Drill Dr and went nuts one month)

They are stored "In bulk". I'm thinking about either getting some coin envelopes, or if I can get the real thing 'Drill Bit enveloped'. Another good thing would be a nice assortment of the tubes they ship bits/mills in

The "tackle box" idea isn't great, as there are often only 1-2 of a size, or there are other issues which would cause a huge waste of space to use lure boxes

 

[precisionworks]

Huot drill indexes are the most common method of drill bit organization:

http://store.huot-store.com/tool-storage/category/dtri-dus.html

$12 buys a case for drills 1/16" to 1/2" x 64ths, and makes it easy to see all the tips - so you can tell which are sharp and which are dull.

 

[gadget_lover]

There are no perfect solutions.

I have a 5 foot tall, 4 foot wide cabinet with about 15 drawers. Tools are sorted by type. In some drawers I've added cardboard 'bins' to keep the sub types different. Even so, I have several drawers where the tools are in two or more layers.

The real solution is to get rid of some tools that are not needed. Lord knows that I really do not need all 25 Phillips drivers that are in the top. The third socket set is probably redundant too. Not sure about the 5th hand drill...

The tool chest is so heavy.... I once rolled it 8 inches down the driveway and took two friends to help me move it back.

Yet I still see tools I don;t have yet.

Daniel

 

[KC2IXE]

Huot drill indexes are the most common method of drill bit organization:

http://store.huot-store.com/tool-storage/category/dtri-dus.html

$12 buys a case for drills 1/16" to 1/2" x 64ths, and makes it easy to see all the tips - so you can tell which are sharp and which are dull.

Great when you have 1 of each (I have 4-5 indexes) - when you have 14 1/4 bits, and 7 #36, and N size whatever - what I'm talking about is "Backup bit storage" - I have more of some sizes than I'll EVER use (I remember where we got the 24 1/4 bits - grarage sale - $1 for the 2 dozen)

 

[G1K]

Order some 4 mil plastic bags with a white spot to write on it, cheap from McMaster or US plastics. Fora couple bucks you'll have more than enough bags.

R

 

[KC2IXE]

Those are basically what are called "coin envelopes", only coin envelopes are paper - believe it or not paper is cheaper

 

[KC2IXE]

Just saw an idea over on Practical Machinist - and I'm shocked I never thought of it

Ammo Boxes - not ammo cans, but the plastic flip top boxes!! Store your end mills there