My novel tool storage method

[Elkins45]

I was working in the garage today and it struck me that someone might possibly be able to duplicate my tool storage method as cheaply as I did. Back 17-18 years ago I got in the habit of attending the monthly state government surplus auction in Frankfort. I would go on my lunch break and it was always amusing to see what the State of Kentucky deemed unworthy of keeping any longer. The bid format was in numbered lots. You got a clipboard with your bidder number and you wrote your max bid beside any lot you were interested in, and at the end of the day the bids were compared.

This was around 2008 and practically every record that existed had been digitized by then, so they were auctioning off a lot of four index card filing cabinets and I won them with a $28 bid. One is my tool cabinet, one holds fasteners and parts, one is in the basement for reloading components and one contains photo prints and 35mm slides.

I'm starting to run short on room so I'm off to Craigslist and FB marketplace to see if there are any of these little gems still out there for sale. This is the best $7 tool cabinet you could ever imagine. I wasn't smart enough to put it on wheels before I filled it up but I'll get around to making a rolling platform for it eventually. I suppose one bright spot is that if someone wants to steal my tools they'll need to bring their own boxes for them LOL.

 

[Elkins45]

The bad news is that there don’t seem to be any card filing cabinets currently for sale near me.

 

[The_Eric]

I too have some filing cabinets (standard size drawers) for storing things. I really like them because they reliably keep the mice out!

 

[cptbarkey]

My ranch workshop has a few. Dad has a hoard of screws, nuts, bolts, wires he collected over the years. I've been looking for more tool storage but sticker shock for used toolboxes has deterred me greatly, and this seems like a great idea. Thanks for posting it.

 

[nickaluch]

I have 8 free 2/4 draw metal file cabinets going in the trash

 

[GaryMX5]

I too have some filing cabinets (standard size drawers) for storing things. I really like them because they reliably keep the mice out!

Same here, my wife's employer gave away lot's of 5 drawer file cabinets for free and we jumped on several. Unfortunately they seem to collect more junk than tools!

 

[DWS507]

I have the HD Cardboard singles,they are perfect for bulky ,light items.I have some,spread out up on some shelving with a light plywood, I put my hardwood shorts lined up between and plans in the drawers.I make small projects,so this works for me

 

[JohnnyG]

I had a fireproof one once. Lined with CONCRETE!
That brought some big bucks at the scrap yard.