What do you guys use for tool and parts storage in the shop?

[fearofpavement]

I have a number of tool chests, rollaways, etc. but primarily what I have is a bunch of is file cabinets. On a per cubic foot basis there is nothing that's a better deal in my opinion. I did some inventory of my file cabinet collection a few days ago and this is what I have at present:
I have 14 two drawer file cabinets
I have 2 three drawer file cabinets
I have 26 four drawer file cabinets
I have 5 five drawer file cabinets.
That's a total of 163 drawers.
The most I ever pay for file cabinets is $10 per drawer and more recently I am paying an average of about $5 per drawer. Estate sales are the primary source but thrift stores and Salvation Army/Goodwill etc are a source as well.
Why file cabinets? They are made to contain a considerable amount of weight per drawer. (sorta like tools, eh)
They are rodent proof. They are durable and typically not rusted but maybe dented a bit. They are space efficient but mostly they're cheap. A tool truck brand tool box set can easily exceed 10 grand and that wouldn't come close to holding all the junk I have.
So what do you guys use to manage chaos?

 

[Moparmyway]

I am still trying to figure something out. I put up a continuous shelf that runs about 7' off the floor, all around the wall perimeter, but its just not enough. Been looking for steel shelving, but what I really need is a bigger barn

 

[Marshy]

Does one person really need 6 tool boxes? I cant imagine you really need all that speace for tools. Of course, more room is needed if its not well organized.

 

[fearofpavement]

Does one person really need 6 tool boxes? I cant imagine you really need all that speace for tools. Of course, more room is needed if its not well organized.

6 boxes wouldn't come close to holding my tools. It depends on what you're working on. If I was just working on saws, I could fit everything in a lunch box. Working on tractors and backhoes and forklifts and cars and trucks and airplanes and mowers and .... it's a different paradigm.

 

[fordf150]

here is tool storage for what i have in the shop. have another batch of tools in my garage at the house but they are just hanging on nails or in a couple small organizer boxes on and under the benchs.

 

[1Alpha1]

My oh my......some of you are quite messy and unorganized.

 

[fordf150]

parts bins are old bolt organizer bins.

 

[Wayne68]

 

[Wayne68]

I use one of my spare boxes to store booze in my rec room, does that count?

 

[Moparmyway]

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NICE Camaro !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Wayne68]

Thanks. I love old cars, and trucks lol

 

[farmer steve]

Does one person really need 6 tool boxes? I cant imagine you really need all that speace for tools. Of course, more room is needed if its not well organized.

just like women and shoes. never enough tool boxes.

 

[NH Hunter]

I use a stacked tool box to hold most of my hand and air tools.

I did a kitchen/bath reno a couple years ago and use the old cabinets in my reloading area and in my workshop. 3/4 inch plywood on top with stick and peel cheep linolium squares on top for easy clean up and casters on bottom for easy movement. Very cheap to make useful and hold a lot. I have two old vanity cabinets screwed together, plywood top, casters etc - it holds my 36" sheet metal break and arbor press and is mobile. The cabinets hold routers, skill saws, nail guns etc - you get the idea.

Use what you have and make the most of it.

 

[juttree]

I picked this up recently, have to clean it up but it's actually in pretty good shape.

 

[fearofpavement]

Ok, I snapped a few pics and will get a few on here. This first group is up on one of two mezzanines in the shop.

 

[fearofpavement]

 

[fearofpavement]

This next group is my boy's tool boxes.

 

[fearofpavement]

 

[Ray Bell]

I

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have enough overhead cabinets, and bench mounted drawers too store things. Unfortunately I am a slob, and unorganized. Also have a 98" x 48" work bench, that I usually have to clean off a corner just to find a little space to work on. Sometimes I wish my wife would take up WOODTURNING ( na, not really) she would have this place shipshape at all times

 

[fearofpavement]

Here's more file cabinets in action: