Larger component storage - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: bifferos
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2022, 12:58:25 pm
content: I'm having difficulty finding a cost-effective storage solution for stuff that won't fit into component drawers.I've got three of these:https://cpc.farnell.com/raaco/126762/cabinet-organiser-44-compartment/dp/SG32824But the bottom drawers fill up quite quickly.Larger stuff goes into plastic storage boxes, eg:https://plastic-storage-boxes.co.uk/shop/bedroom-plastic-boxes/plastic-shoe-boxes/5-x-80-litre-plastic-container-with-clear-lid-pack-of-5/But currently I have nothing in between. I'm out of space on the walls now, so I need to switch to something free-standing, so I'm going to make a shelving unit up from ply and put it on locking castors. To make the most efficient use of space, I want drawers for it that are narrow and deep. Surprisingly once you go over 400mm deep drawers they become a fair bit more expensive and rare.All I managed to find was this:https://ae.rsdelivers.com/product/rs-pro/rs-pro-pp-storage-bin-500mm-x-117mm-blue/7755299But they work out a little pricey.I just wondered if there's a source for similar other than RS. All I found was this link:https://m.made-in-china.com/product/Hardware-Store-Plastic-Storage-Box-for-Wire-Shelving-757037892.htmlThey could be deeper, up to 600mm but I I don't want them too much wider or higher so they're still easy to pull in and out. I would prefer steel over plastic but I found nothing in steel around that size.Thanks for any ideas!

author: jonpaul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2022, 01:31:47 pm
content: We bought knockdown cardboard bin boxes from UlineAvailable in many sizes and depths, 3..5" hhttps://www.uline.com/BL_302/White-Corrugated-BinsWe built metal shelves into the lab and storage walls, 3..4' w, 1..1.5'dWe spaced the shelves vertical to fit the bins.That was in 1992, some bins got beat-up, but most still in use, a cheap and effective solution.bon courageJonThis was in USA but surely similar in UK or EU.

author: golden_labels
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2022, 01:46:36 pm
content: I wonder… why don’t we store smaller components in paperboard too? Instead we use expensive plastic boxes?

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2022, 02:07:53 pm
content: biscuit/ sweet tins,you can often get them free from friends and relatives,or if needs must empty them yourself.

author: tepalia02
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2022, 05:45:08 am
content: Not 500 mm. But you may like this :https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000013011486.html

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2022, 06:37:48 am
content: Buy a used roll around tool box or a new one if you have lots of cash. While not a vidmar they can be just as good for light use. This especially since the advent of third party supplier of bins such as "https://www.schallercorporation.com/".Generally you get a range of drawer depths so you can accommodate everything from capacitors to rather large steppers. The tool boxes come with wheels so that is a great benefit if you are out of wall space. Such tool boxes may be lockable also which may or may not be important to you.There are other options but if you are already out of space they would require building a cart or other system to support small plastic boxes. With a custom cart you can configure in any way you want. You can use a range of bins like Ark-mils has but a self built cart (done right) requires a bit of effort on your part. An alternative would be to spend the big bucks on something like an arko-mils ProCart.In any event if you think I'm obsessed with stuff on wheels you are right. If you are out of wall space you really want your bulk storage to be easy to move. Wheels make it easy to park things out of the way, use the storage on the back side and organize for a project.