Ideas for storing fasteners?

quicksandfarmer · Oct 22, 2018

I'm slowly trying to get my workspace organized. One of the things I'm dealing with is boxes of fasteners and similar hardware. I'll do a project and buy materials for it, and when I'm done I'll be left with part of a box of nails, screws, bolts, rivets, staples or whatever. Now, I always feel rewarded when I need something and I can save a trip to the hardware store because I just happen to have what I need on hand, but the number of containers keeps building and it gets harder and harder to put my finger on what I need, or even to tell if I have it. Right now I have a shelf where I keep fasteners and for the most part just keep them in the container they were sold in, although a few things I keep in plastic tubs or a wall-mount rack. But since I don't really have a place for things or an organizational scheme they just sort of pile up. And now my boys are getting to the age where they sometimes help with projects, and with more people involved the need for organization just gets greater.

So I'm looking for thoughts on an organizational scheme.

I'm also considering just pitching the whole lot into the scrap metal bin at the dump. Maybe keep a stock of things I use regularly -- drywall screws, deck screws, 16d nails and nails that fit a nail gun -- but if I buy for example some stainless rivets for a project, once the project is done just toss the extras. Please talk me out of this idea!

Thanks.

newbury · Oct 22, 2018

quicksandfarmer said:
I'm slowly trying to get my workspace organized. One of the things I'm dealing with is boxes of fasteners and similar hardware. I'll do a project and buy materials for it, and when I'm done I'll be left with part of a box of nails, screws, bolts, rivets, staples or whatever. Now, I always feel rewarded when I need something and I can save a trip to the hardware store because I just happen to have what I need on hand, but the number of containers keeps building and it gets harder and harder to put my finger on what I need, or even to tell if I have it. Right now I have a shelf where I keep fasteners and for the most part just keep them in the container they were sold in, although a few things I keep in plastic tubs or a wall-mount rack. But since I don't really have a place for things or an organizational scheme they just sort of pile up. And now my boys are getting to the age where they sometimes help with projects, and with more people involved the need for organization just gets greater.

So I'm looking for thoughts on an organizational scheme.

I'm also considering just pitching the whole lot into the scrap metal bin at the dump. Maybe keep a stock of things I use regularly -- drywall screws, deck screws, 16d nails and nails that fit a nail gun -- but if I buy for example some stainless rivets for a project, once the project is done just toss the extras. Please talk me out of this idea!

Thanks.

I'm partial to "bins" and clear plastic jars. My Father always used coffee cans on shelves, because that's what he had.
I like the HF style 3 Bin Wall Mount Parts Rack wall bin. But it flexes under a full load of bolts. I've one ant it's full of bolts, nuts, and washers.
We consume prodigious amount of nuts, mostly peanuts, and the 34.5 oz rectangular containers that Walmart sells stack well. I fill them and try to at least tape the tab from the box on the side.
So I've boxes of 34.5 oz containers with washers, bolts, nuts (for the bolts), hitch pin clips which I try to sort by application. Stuff for the tractors and trailer, stuff for general carpentry, etc.

One thing I've found that is ESSENTIAL, especially if anyone else is to use your stuff, is GOOD LABELING. I try to either put an OEM label or print neatly. But a proper labeler, like a Brother P-touch really helps.

Just today I was assembling a form to make aircrete blocks. Needed some fasteners, walked back to my "connector" area, scrounged up some angle brackets from years ago and some wood screws from last fall, and made a mental note that I need more angle brackets.

kthompson · Oct 22, 2018

Stacked bins you can look into without having to pull them open is good just will get dusty. Agree with good labeling. But if you decide to save parts like this save them till you use them. If you are not going to save them then trash quickly so you do not look for something you saved for years and then junked it only to ask, "where is those odd fittings". been there done that.

jaxs · Oct 22, 2018

I don't think is pratical to organize odd fasteners in same bins with those that are normally used. Over the years,I bought fishing tackle boxes,amo boxes and small tool boxes at garage sales. I label front of them and store pop rivets,rivet tool,blind screws,concrete anchors,sex bolts,eye bolts and other seldom used small items on a high shelf. Commonly used screws,nails and bolts are organized in open bins from Northern Tool. Having said that,it's an on going struggle and as you mentioned,some spares from projects are better trashed so they don't occupy space in the shop. What I find to be the biggest pita is keeping metrics separated from U.S. I occasionally ruin threads because I used a stray in wrong place. It was a huge mistake not adopting metric world wide long ago.

Ellen B · Oct 22, 2018

I use those clear plastic drawer sets like the kind in the pic I'm attaching. You can't see in well enough to tell what's what without opening them, so I label them with duct tape on the front of each drawer. You can pick them up for cheap at thrift stores and yard sales, and I just use the ones with big drawers for common stuff and the smaller ones for the rando bits. I also eat too much Talenti, so I use those empty containers for often-used hardware too, as they are sturdy, clear, and the lids are secure for carrying them all around the property.

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Big Barn · Oct 22, 2018

I find bins and labeling works best for me.

Howling · Oct 23, 2018

Parts and hardware collection grows over the years.

I have a bunch of drawer units mounted on a wall for common smaller hardware.

Then a shelves full or parts storage cases.

Larger quantities and items are roughly sorted in a few cabinets.

Key is labeling whatever storage containers so you know what you have and can find it when needed.

Diggin It · Oct 23, 2018

I try to recycle stuff instead of buying new. I have general assortments in old Ice Cream buckets; nails, bolts & nuts, screws, etc. No, you can't see through the sides, but the quantities are such that it doesn't take long to open, search and either find or move on. Peanut Butter jars work good for smaller items and they don't break if drooped like glass jars will. I keep odd things like shade and curtain rod hardware in old coffee cans. Special purpose hardware like the kind that come with flat packed furniture is separate into another coffee can. They all have handwritten labels (that I can't always read).

ZTMAN · Oct 23, 2018

If you have a Fastenal store near you, stop in and see if they have any old bins. I got one, I think it has about 48-50 open bays. It is metal, about 4" wide and 2' high. Amazing how quick they fill up.