Now that school is out for the year, expect "back to school sales" to start in a week or two ;-)

 

One item that I've gotten is the plastic pencil storage boxes.   Generally run less than $1 and work well for small parts, small tool assortments, etc. Stack well, snap close, and most are translucent so you can get an idea for what's inside.  Available at most office supply (Staples, OfficeMax=-Office Depot) and department store chains (Target, Walmart, etc.) or at dollar stores.

 

They used to also run small bottles of Elmer's glue that were great for popping in a tool box, but recently they seem to have gone to "School Glue."

Edited December 5, 20178 yr by Ron Dudelston
tags added

I'm always on the lookout for plastic cases. Dedicate them to specific tasks- chuck hardware, hinge screws, etc.

14 minutes ago, kmealy said:

One item that I've gotten is the plastic pencil storage boxes.

I happened to hit Waldo-world a couple of years back in the fall after the Back-to-School Supply went to Close-Out Specials ...I managed to buy 20-25 of the pencil boxes for 25 cents/each...mine are red & blue translucent...I use a piece of blue painters tape across the top and a yellow x-tra fine tip paint marker to label. Need to restock as I've used almost all of them.

Those boxes are very handy indeed

On 6/13/2017 at 1:29 PM, Chips N Dust said:

Those boxes are very handy indeed

That is the PROBLEM! Many times I've come across a storage box of some type, and bought it because it "looked like it would be handy for whatever!" Then, once I get it home, the original use is forgotten, and I have to find something else to put in the box. I buy more screws and assorted fasteners than I'll ever use, just so I can justify the original purchase!!!

John

my wife buys sliced ham that comes in plastic containers with tops.  make perfect little containers for stuff, or for mixing custom stains or washing out brushes.  they were free, so tossing them when dirty isn't as painful as tossing something i had to buy.  have about 20 stacked up, waiting for use.

We used to buy ice cream in plastic gallon tubs. The empty tubs are not much good for storage purposes but, the lids and bottoms are great for mixing stuff like epoxy and Bondo. Also great for holding a dab of glue for use on box joints and dovetails. Let the substance dry and twist the lid. It pops right off. 

Plano, or similar, tackle boxes are great for small stuff. I find them at yard sales. Usually less than a buck.

Edited June 15, 20178 yr by Gene Howe

4 hours ago, HARO50 said:

That is the PROBLEM! Many times I've come across a storage box of some type, and bought it because it "looked like it would be handy for whatever!" Then, once I get it home, the original use is forgotten, and I have to find something else to put in the box. I buy more screws and assorted fasteners than I'll ever use, just so I can justify the original purchase!!!

John

There's a solution to that problem.  I have a daughter that's super organized.  I bought her a label maker, and tried it out.

 

That's a good idea, I had forgotten about label makers. Thanks for jogging my memory

17 hours ago, kmealy said:

There's a solution to that problem.  I have a daughter that's super organized.  I bought her a label maker, and tried it out.

 

What, exactly, are you labeling there, Keith?

John