The most difficult items to keep organized are usually the ones that are smallest and most plentiful -- like nuts, bolts, screws and nails. For items like these, it's particularly important to have dedicated and organized storage space. Being able to keep track of these types of items will save you time and aggravation as you work on projects.
Small drawer organizers mounted within easy reach of a workbench or workstation (figure A) can help you keep all of the small items -- like drill bits, nuts and bolts, nails, washers, dowels, picture hangers, screws, screw-anchors, electrical parts, pens, pencils, etc. -- at your fingertips while you're working.
Other organizing aids include nail grips, portable organizers and stackable bins: - A nail grip is a variation on the classic tool grip -- a simple open-design carrier made from wood. Instead of housing tools, the nail grip is divided into compartments for separating and storing nails according to size and type (figure B). The compartments should be large enough so that you can easily reach in with your hand, and the handle should be sturdy since a good supply of nails can be quite heavy.
- Portable organizers offer numerous small compartments for storing and organizing small items, a see-through plastic top and a handle for easy carrying (figure C).
Some advanced models have removable compartments (figure D) so you can take out only the specific parts you need, then replace the whole compartment when you're done.
Once the top is locked down, the items are prevented from spilling out even if the whole box is turned upside-down or stored on its edge (figure E). Because these are plastic, the organizers can be emptied and washed when they get dirty. Tip: When you purchase screws, nails or other small fasteners in a box, tear the tab off the box or bag (figure F) and save it in the storage drawer with the its corresponding items . This will provide a quick reference for when you need to go back to the hardware store for refills.
- Stationary organizers are perfect for organizing and storing small items on or near your work surface. Most are wall-mountable, and come with mounting brackets already in place on the back corners (figure G). Once full, these organizers can get heavy, so mount them to the wall using all four corner-mounts.
The drawer-fronts are clear so you can easily see and identify the contents. If you save the tab from the packaging on small items, you can place it facing outward as a label to identify the contents by name or designation (figure H).
- Plastic stackable bins are also useful for storing small and medium-sized items, and you can customize the stacking arrangement to fit your needs (figure I).
RESOURCES :
The Small Wood Shop (The Best of Fine Woodworking)
Author: Helen Albert (Editor)
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561580619
Special thanks for DIY's The Ultimate Workshop
Popular Woodworking magazine
Web site: www.popularwoodworking.com
American Tool
Web site: www.americantool.com
Black and Decker
Web site: www.blackanddecker.com
Ryobi Technologies Inc.
Web site: www.ryobitools.com
Stanley Tools
Web site: www.stanleyworks.com
Vermont American
Web site: www.vermontamerican.com
Setting Up Shop: The Practical Guide to Designing and Building Your Dream Shop
Model: 156158360X
Author: Sandor Nagyszalanczy
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
The Workshop Book
Model: 1561582719
Author: Scott Landis
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
How to Design and Build Your Ideal Woodshop
Model: 1558704817
Author: Bill Stankus
Popular Woodworking Books
Setting Up Your Own Woodworking Shop
Model: 0806983140
Author: Bill Stankus
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
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