When in need of any tool to get a job done quickly, or only for a small number of times, it’s great to have a local “discount tool” company locally for some working, yet often low-quality solution to whatever problem might arise. While there are some gems, most of these tools won’t last through heavy, sustained use like their more expensive counterparts will. On the other hand, there are other things to be had at these discount shops, such as inspiration for tackling a storage problem.
This particular storage system comes from Harbor Freight, and uses a set linked crosshairs, the center of which is hollowed out. A set of movable compartments sits on top with feet that can interlock inside the crosshairs. This allows much more efficient use of space within the toolboxes, but [Alan] wanted it to be useful for more that that. He designed and implemented the Storage Case Base Template (SCBT) which allows for a container of any size to be fitted with a similar crosshair network.
With this non-proprietary system implemented and printed, the original goal of reducing the clutter in [Alan]’s workspace was accomplished. The 3D printing files can be modified easily for any space, and are available both on Thingiverse and Printables. For some other ways of packing a lot into a small space, we featured this tiny workshop a while back that’s packed with storage hacks.
Shout out for Gridfinity!
+1
Gridfinity has over 500 models on Printables.com now, and it’s still growing.
Check! https://hackaday.com/2022/04/18/gridfinity-3d-printed-super-quick-tool-storage-and-retrieval/
Gridfinity is cool and I’ve used up a couple spools making little thingies, but this is so much bigger and faster if you’ve got a Harbor Freight nearby.
What? No STL for bins? Meh. Can probably Tinkercad them up in a jiffy.
Harbor Freight’s motto – “Obviously someone else can build it better but you’re broke.” You might as well buy tools from Amazon.
I use this customizable SCAD model to make my bins (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2836113) but there’s also pre-made STLs available on both Thingiverse (https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=harbor+freight+storage+bin&page=1&type=things&sort=relevant) and Printables (https://www.printables.com/search/all?q=harbor%20freight%20storage%20bin)
“You might as well buy tools from Amazon”
And not have it in your grubby hands the same day?
Hazard Fraught tools are OK for those that are priced, more or less, by weight.
Are you going to pay $300+ for a Snap-on prybar? Just don’t be stupid and buy precision or power tools there.
Even Amazon tools are getting better every year. Same old shit, unless your using your hot air soldering tool all day, everyday, Amazon model is good enough. Much better than HF. Sure sometimes it goes back, but Amazon so no problem. It’s not so much that Chinese tools have gotten better as American tools have gotten worse.
Can’t generally get the good German and Japanese tools here. I wound up getting a set of small JIS screwdrivers from Snap-on (for model airplane engines). They’re not labelled as JIS, forget the marketing term they use, but it’s JIS. Cost a boat. Snap-on guy didn’t even know they were, in fact JIS. Had to do the research myself. Should have just replaced the fasteners with hex head.
Taiwan makes some very good tools, much better than China. They also make some crap.
I miss the HF coupons.
Me too. Everything in their store is 20% overpriced.
20% over compared to where? Genuinely curious.
It has been so long since I’ve shopped there, I didn’t know the coupons have disappeared.
I’ve found that the little feet on these bins also align nicely with Lego studs, e.g. on a baseplate. They don’t snap in, but they won’t slide around.