How do you store extra hardware?

Serbonze

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I've collected a rather large collection of random bolts, nuts, and washers. I have no idea what size most of them are, and they are all sitting in a large box. I've found myself running over to Ace to buy new stuff instead of taking the time to try and sort through what I have.

What do you all do to sort and store your extra hardware?
 
Sits in plastic tupperwear box until I need it. When I do, I dump it out and sort for what I need:)

There is definitely a better way, but I cant bring myself to toss hardware like that.
 
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1 lb. & 3 lb. coffee cans, plastic containers from the grocery store.
A strip of masking tape to Id. it.
I've been doing this for years so that shit has been separated into Metric vs. Std. for bolts & nuts.
Flat, lock and fender washers. And of course cans and small cardboard boxes (all identified with tape or Sharpie) for everything else vehicle or house related.
And I'm on a first name basis at our local Ace Hardware, going on 40 years.
 
I have those little plastic bins (akrobins) that I use. All leftovers go in them. They hang on the wall. One bin for bolts, one for nuts and washers, separated by size (1/4, 5/16, 3/8, etc) For my smaller screws and stuff, I have one of those divided cabinet things, like this.

I used masking tape to label the drawers and it holds a lot of random hardware. If I'm working on a project, (like say, restoring a garden tractor) I go buy new and keep them all together in a tote...and sort through them as I need them.
 
Mine has evolved over 50+ years into the system I use now. It helps to be a bit OCD!

These are Plano 964 4 drawer organizers.
2657B4D9-AE0C-475C-8875-5DB04D3F7728.jpeg

I’ve been using some these for well over 20 years and have only broken two latches in all that time. They vary widely in price. For example, Amazon has them for $28!! But here is a link for much less:
https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/plano-stowaway-organizer-rack/0000000017950

The individual drawers have either 6 fixed compartments or the 12 compartment drawer shown below. This drawer has my misc. stainless fasteners.
789CF2DB-F3F4-43D1-A316-F42EC9A34A62.jpeg


The above plastic Plano drawers work well for the way I work. You can take the drawer right to the job at home or stack several in a milk crate for jobs that require a road trip.

A lot of my nuts and bolts are in these organizers. All were obtained at garage sale, estate sale, work scrap, etc. Always be looking, try to never pay retail!
5148AB98-AD8E-4EF6-92F3-B1FE24B7856B.jpeg


I have a few other organizers stored in my vehicle bins for fuses, light bulbs, etc.
As I said, time, patience, and OCD. YRMV
 
If I was starting over with my hardware storage (which I’m not). I’d be tempted to incorporate some of these from Harbor Freight. Last time I was there they were $5.99. There are several really nice cabinets shown on line to hold multiples of these storage cases.
https://www.harborfreight.com/19-bin-portable-parts-storage-case-93928.html

This is one I set up to store all my various types of 1/8” thru 3/16”rivets all in one place.

DE838594-02E5-4CB0-96BA-1678839D8C2A.jpeg
 
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If I was starting over with my hardware storage (which I’m not). I’d be tempted to incorporate some of these from Harbor Freight. Last time I was there they were $5.99. There are several really nice cabinets shown on line to hold multiples of these storage cases.
https://www.harborfreight.com/19-bin-portable-parts-storage-case-93928.html

This is one I set up to store all my various types of 1/8” thru 3/16”rivets all in one place.

View attachment 54190
Two of my nephews, 6 & 4 just had birthdays. My wife and I got 6 of those storage boxes so they could organize their Legos. And I cut up a bunch of racing stickers to spell their names (ransom note style) on each box.
 
If I was starting over with my hardware storage (which I’m not). I’d be tempted to incorporate some of these from Harbor Freight. Last time I was there they were $5.99. There are several really nice cabinets shown on line to hold multiples of these storage cases.
https://www.harborfreight.com/19-bin-portable-parts-storage-case-93928.html

This is one I set up to store all my various types of 1/8” thru 3/16”rivets all in one place.

View attachment 54190

So far, I like this the best. I'll look around to see if there is a cheap thread pitch gauge somewhere so I can identify what I actually have, and then label them accordingly.
 
So far, I like this the best. I'll look around to see if there is a cheap thread pitch gauge somewhere so I can identify what I actually have, and then label them accordingly.

Sounds like a good plan.

Type “Harbor Freight storage bin cabinet” into Google search.
There are some amazing DIY cabinets ($!) and some simple but effective builds found there.
 
Depending on your assortment you might find one of these useful with your metric bolts
00EACDF3-E418-4146-A751-46532AC1D8DC.jpeg


Most automotive metric fasteners you’ll come across will be either 1.0, 1.25, or 1.5 pitch thread.
Some M5 screws will be 0.8 pitch.

For most of the bolts you’ll probably use you can verify thread pitch with a known nut. But for the occasional odd ball screws, especially small sizes, the thread gauge is handy.
 
Man you guys are way too organized. Here is my nut and bolt drawer. Maybe you can figure out why it takes me so long to get anything done haha

IMG-0474.JPG