MY solution to parts storage

ugly_woofer

I got tired of piles of plano boxes, and this was my solution-a cheap HF tool box and homemade dividers.  Nothing fancy, just thought I would share the idea, and show pics of a couple drawers to give a visual.  By the way the tool box is strong enough for parts...tools not so sure.

dynamo

That is awesome! Way better than my big plastic bag o’ parts.. I’m jealous of your parts stockpile btw!

Wolf

Looks about like my stash. I bought a small toolbox when I came into the foil horde, but I've since used quite a few of those and likely will load it up with the others I recently acquired. The issue comes with the movement of it when it's full- at least you have casters on yours! I've thought about doing just as you have done a few times or more.
How much was the toolbox?

ugly_woofer

Admittedly my parts collection has gotten a little out of control.  I believe that I currently have two large drawers of resistors, three large drawers of poly caps, more than three large drawers or inductors, couple of plano boxes of electrolytic caps, about 60 of the madisound 10uf poly caps, about 80 ASC 20uf caps, and a pile of miscellaneous parts that are as of yet unsorted.

Wolf

I see nothing wrong with what you have there! Reminds me of me...

ugly_woofer

Wolf the tool box was about $480, really not bad for the storage capacity.  I used one of the deeper drawers to store tweeters.

Wolf

Wow- that's not what I call 'cheap'.

ugly_woofer

The price for the size is much less than most other options, if I had it to do again I probably would opt for the Menards tool box, it is noticeably heavier, but like I said this one is strong enough for parts.

4thtry

I like your almost continuously variable divider system!!  Very efficient solution.  The "KAR PRODUCTS HARDWARE PARTS STORAGE 4 Drawer Metal CABINET" that I inherited forces me into a few fixed sized dividers, which results in jamming stuff in to some areas and wasting space in others.

  Here is an ebay link with pics of my Kar products unit:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/KAR-PRODUCTS-HARDWARE-PARTS-STORAGE-4-Drawer-Metal-CABINET-WITH-CONTENTS-/173933440197

 

4thtry

Oh, forgot to ask:  How many years did it take you to build up this collection?

ugly_woofer

It took about 6-8yrs, I bought some new and some second hand.

jr@mac

I'm currently space constrained, but this is a good idea. Expansion of the Nerdery is an objective when we buy our house, and a toolbox is an obvious evolution from the 12 Stanley things I currently have packed.

jhollander

Just got this one for my tools I think it's great value, 24 inches deep with full extension slides.  https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-46-in-W-9-Drawer-Deep-Tool-Chest-Mobile-Workbench-in-Gloss-Black-with-Hardwood-Top-H46MWC9XD/303101236

DanP

Nice stash bro.  I was using an oversized Husky toolbox with 3 drawers and a fliptop.  It worked pretty well, but when it was loaded with copper it weighed about 80 pounds, kind of negating the portable aspect.  I've since outgrown it and now just use the toolbox for caps and a shelf full of open boxes for inductors and resistors.  I think you've got my collection beat though. 

squamishdroc

jhollander said:

Just got this one for my tools I think it's great value, 24 inches deep with full extension slides.  https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-46-in-W-9-Drawer-Deep-Tool-Chest-Mobile-Workbench-in-Gloss-Black-with-Hardwood-Top-H46MWC9XD/303101236

Those are great for the garage - I have 2 of them and then 2 of the tall 2 door cabinets - makes the shop look so much cleaner!

ugly_woofer

I wasn't trying to compare collections, but the reason I have collected such  a nerd pile of parts is that I no longer have to purchase parts to build, I really only purchase to replenish, but on the other hand, I'm glad that i'm not the only one with this kind of collection.

jr@mac

I'll document my collection someday...

Wolf

I'm sure JR and I are in that camp as well...

Tom_S

It sure adds up quick. My wife would be stunned if she knew how much I've spent over the years. And I'm not even close to what you guys have on hand!

jhollander

Collecting parts is fun.  I like the shiny multi colored caps. Copper and lacquered coils are almost as cool. Resistors are ugly but then OCD kicks in and I need to buy some more 20 watt 12 ohm resistors because I only have 2 left.

If you threw a few Audyns or Jantzens on the floor I'd probably chase them.  I'm not chasing Solens.

Wolf

I'd chase Amber caps...

Tom_S

jhollander said:

If you threw a few Audyns or Jantzens on the floor I'd probably chase them.  I'm not chasing Solens.

That would be a fun new game at the DIY gatherings!

PWRRYD

You guys have seen how fast I can move when I really want something LOL

hifiside

Harbor Freight 169.99 with the right coupon. 

6thplanet

Why is it so hard to throw away the roundies left over from speaker holes?

PWRRYD

My kids collect them when I'm machining baffles.

PWRRYD

You guys are WAY TOO organized.  I feel like a slob.

4thtry

6thplanet said:

Why is it so hard to throw away the roundies left over from speaker holes?

I often use them as clamping pads to even out the pressure. 

hifiside

4thtry said:

6thplanet said:

Why is it so hard to throw away the roundies left over from speaker holes?

I often use them as clamping pads to even out the pressure. 

Exactly. Bill. I throw a lot away too. 

ugly_woofer

I also have a pile of rounds, I use them for test cutting driver recesses, and then throw them out.

ugly_woofer

This is the box that I bought.  The large drawers at the bottom are useful for storing small drivers.