Screw storage

[donkmeister]

I've got various boxes of woodscrews - the typical sort of cardboard ones from Screwfix and Toolstation.

Can anyone recommend some sort of pigeonhole system that's good for woodscrew box storage? Or maybe a version of those wall-hanging bins that closes to avoid the contents of infrequently used sizes getting dusty?

I've previously tried decanting them into a few screw storage cases but frankly found it annoying... Find the right case in the stack, check the cardboard box ends I'd torn off and placed with the screws, realise I'd grabbed stainless when I wanted passivated... Bah. Then when refilling, find I can't empty a whole box in so end up with boxes of screws still.

So, I returned to keeping them in the boxes they are supplied in. But you can't really stack partially used boxes more than 2-3 high.

[donkmeister]

I just googled "wall mounted storage bins closed" and found a few of the storage bins with lids/flaps!

Still interested to hear if anyone has found pigeonhole storage for screws to work though

[TUS373]

I've seen systems where a jar with lid are used. The lid is fixed to underside of shelf. Screws I'm jar, and jar gets twisted onto lid. Keeps Screws from going rusty and you can see contents.

[Geffg]

I just use a Stanley fat max box. Different tubs inside and large enough to take a full box of screws or near enough. Only tend to use a few different ones so can use a couple of tubs for each

[GliderRider]

How about taping an example of the screw inside the box onto the end off it, so you can see what the contents are?

I have inherited my Dad's large but shallow cupboard full of assorted jars of screws. Changing all the glass jars for plastic ones (either Lidl's instant hot chocolate or peanut butter) seems a good way of avoiding having to clear up broken glass and screws across the floor at some point.

[Simpo Two]

Nothing is more annoying in DIY than a coffee jar full of random screws...

If you're doing it try to do it properly - ie boxes not just for length but thickness. Label the front.

[thebraketester]

I use the Quest Q4 system... very good, but they don't have a sealable lid if that matters to you.

[pingu393]

It's not quite what you have asked for, but I sellotape one screw to the box, and the box can go anywhere a box can go. It saves having to open each box to see if it's the one I want.

[Chumley.mouse]

Ive always just kept them all in the cardboard boxes they come in. It tells you on the box what gauge/ length is in it. Why do you need to see them ?

[pingu393]

Chumley.mouse said:

Ive always just kept them all in the cardboard boxes they come in. It tells you on the box what gauge/ length is in it. Why do you need to see them ?

I don't know if a No.4 is larger or smaller than a No.5, and why read a box in my hand when I can see a screw from across the room?

[Chumley.mouse]

Because that way you will learn that a 5 gauge is bigger than a 4. Or a 10/ 8 if your old skool.

[Yabu]

Milwaukee packout parts bins can be bought cheap enough, the deep ones have 2 notches on the back to hook onto a screw head for hanging up, (simple board made up with screws/bolts set out in the right place to clip onto) lids can be bought separately from 3rd party makers but that might get a little pricey if you wanted a lot of them, or just use the packout organisers for the stuff you don’t use much if they aren’t a little too pricey for what you want- although a big advantage is that they will stack or clip to a wall on cleats/mounting brackets

https://www.powertoolworld.co.uk/milwaukee-detacha...

Get a cheap label maker, dymo/brother and each tub could be nicely labelled to know what’s in each

Edited by Yabu on Monday 20th May 22:07

[Slagathore]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/193238052585?mkcid=16&a...

There's a few version of those.

Might need the bigger ones for large screws, think you'd struggle to get a full box in the smaller drawers.

[Black_S3]

Chumley.mouse said:

Ive always just kept them all in the cardboard boxes they come in. It tells you on the box what gauge/ length is in it. Why do you need to see them ?

Same, before you know it you can spend more on storage kit than you’ll ever spend on screws…

[Aluminati]

TUS373 said:

I've seen systems where a jar with lid are used. The lid is fixed to underside of shelf. Screws I'm jar, and jar gets twisted onto lid. Keeps Screws from going rusty and you can see contents.

Still one of the best ways.

[BlackZeD]

Have you thought of the pet food containers ?

[Turtle Shed]

I use the plastic food containers that takeways come in. Lids fit well, can easily fit a box of Toolstation screws in them.

Sharpie to write the size on the box, stack them three or four boxes high.

[LooneyTunes]

[quote=Simpo Two]Nothing is more annoying in DIY than a coffee jar full of random screws...
/quote]

Doing a fair bit with old houses, I can say with the benefit of some experience that even more annoying than a jar full of random screws is when someone has used random screws (with different heads) in whatever it is you’re trying to remove!

Best storage boxes are the metal kit ones with removable inserts. For in the workshop/store, just keep them in their original boxes on a shelf…

[donkmeister]

I've ordered one of these sets:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/404142268562?mkcid=16&a...

I'll report back when I've had a chance to fit it and use it. It would be good to put in dividers so I can have 2 or 3 of the smaller sizes of screw in the same box, but will see if that's possible when I get the boxes. Bit concerned about the louvre panel being plastic, but that seems to be pretty common these days and provided it's suitably thick should be fine. No idea about compatibility with the more traditional steel panels.

Thanks for the suggestions and recommendations. I've found myself in the situation of having about 20 different types on the go, and stacking half-full boxes has led to a very precarious pile taking up a fair bit of shelf space, hence the desire to get them off the shelf. Admittedly I could probably put 15 types into deeper storage and leave 5 out for easy use but I know I'd quickly end up leaving a crate with 15 boxes of screws out on the bench instead of putting it away. I'm doing Human Factors Engineering to reduce the likelihood of my bad habits

[Mr_J]

Geffg said:

I just use a Stanley fat max box. Different tubs inside and large enough to take a full box of screws or near enough. Only tend to use a few different ones so can use a couple of tubs for each

Me too. Works really well.