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Discussion Forum

Drill Bit Organizer?

MojoMan | Posted in Tools for Home Building on January 29, 2004 09:08am

OK, I spilled my drill bits all over the floor of the truck again. I keep them in a little tackle box that’s about 4″ x 8″, but the lid is busted because the longer bits don’t quite fit. I’m not anal enough to put them in one of those boxes with a hole for every size. I like compartments to separate them into general size classes and types. Checking around, I can find boxes like mine (too small) or bigger fancy boxes with movable dividers and all sizes of little compartments with flip lids (too big and complicated). I’m talking here about smaller bits: 1/16″ to 1/2″ twist drills and other small phillips bits, etc. I keep spade bits elsewhere. What works for you?

Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

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  1. rasconc | Jan 29, 2004 09:29pm | #1

    DeWalt sells a small 7.5X4.5 container that opens up to 7.5X9 with compartments with moveable dividers.  Works fine if you do not have a whole bunch and are not one of the Dewaltophobes that seem to reside here.  They also have a rollup sort of like the wrench rolls.  The black oxide bits you can buy with it are pretty much crap though.  I have seen the rolls on Ebbay for nesy to nothing.  I use vitamin bottles for some things like this.

    Added, HD has a set of three different sizes of white canvas zipper bags by McGuire-Nicholas that will work fine.  I also have some old small bank deposit bags (try not to leave them laying on the seat of a locked truck). 



    Edited 1/29/2004 7:14:29 PM ET by RASCONC

    1. steve | Jan 30, 2004 12:50am | #2

      i use the dewalt case too, its great, movable dividers, holds spade bits and tiny twist drills and doesnt require you to be anal about sorting sizescaulking is not a piece of trim

      1. AdamB | Feb 07, 2004 04:23am | #7

        twist drills down to about 1/8" in a box 5"X9" wood bo I made. (I keep a lot of bits around)

        I don't however keep little or tiny bits around.... Just grab one of the finish nails that I am about to install and cut the head off and chuck it up.... it makes a dandy drill, just the right size.

        spade bits I use a cloth roll I made.

        brad point bits are in the metal case they came in.

        also the forstner bits.

        the hole cutters I simply toss in a small cloth bag I made.

        all that junk, along with the current drill and the batteries, goes in a old plumber bag I bought at a yard sale years ago.

        1. MojoMan | Feb 07, 2004 05:07am | #8

          Thanks for the ideas. I picked up the Dewalt box. It seems a little fancier than I probably need, but it's way better than what I have now. For 5 or 6 bucks, it's well worth a try.

          Al

          1. rasconc | Feb 07, 2004 05:40am | #9

            One of the neat things about it is the fact that the two side lock levers must be in the right position to close, that way it cannot dump the contents when you open it.

    2. MojoMan | Feb 01, 2004 06:09am | #3

      Thanks RASCONC and Steve. I don't care what color it is. I'll look for the Dewalt box next time I'm out.

      Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

      1. rasconc | Feb 01, 2004 06:15am | #4

        I got mine at HD, I also bought a set of screwdriver bits from them that came in one.

      2. FastEddie1 | Feb 02, 2004 06:50am | #5

        I have two of the dewalt boxes.  One is a drill bit index that has specific slots for each size, and the other looks identical but is about 10-15% larger, the one the other guys are talking about.  I try to keep the bits in the correct slots cuz it makes finding the next larger size quite a bit easier. I use the bigger box for spade bits, vex bits, magnetic tip holders, countersnks etc.

        Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

  2. User avater
    BossHog | Feb 02, 2004 07:02pm | #6

    I took a 2X4 and drilled holes in it. I made it so the drill bits just barely slip into the board but don't pull out too easily.

    I stick the bits in sharp end first, then just throw the 2X4 in my toolbox.

    Danger and delight grow on one stalk [Scottish proverb]

  3. DanH | Feb 07, 2004 06:14am | #10

    Not what you want, I know, but I used to have (bought maybe 25 years ago) a B&D rotary index that was great. It an inner and outer circle, so you had about 20 sizes from maybe 1/16 to 3/8. Would love to have another one, but can't find them anymore, and the other rotary indexes available are all junk.

    So now I'm mostly using a set of 1/4" hex shanked bits for my carry-around work, with a big tub of assorted bits in the garage for when I need them. Would like to find a nice assortment of the hex-shanked bits in some sort of decent carrier, but haven't found anything that has a good assortment and isn't real bulky.

    1. rasconc | Feb 07, 2004 07:11am | #11

      One of the boxes I described above had an assortment of driver bits including three magnetic nut drivers and deeper nut drivers, three of each 1/4,5/16,3/8 I think. 

  4. User avater
    Dreamcatcher | Feb 08, 2004 08:00am | #12

    As a custom remodeler, I had that problem too. As I got more organized, I bought some Plano cases to put my bits in but then the problem was digging out those cases whenever I used my drill. Finally I just "slapped together" a case for my drill and all my drill accessories out of some scrap cherry.

    It has actually got me extra work. Clients seem to think that a remodeler/general carpenter is unable to produce cabinet or furniture grade craftsmanship. Since then I have built other cases and even a custom saw stand which my clients love to check out and admire.

    1. RalphWicklund | Feb 08, 2004 08:55am | #13

      That's nice.

      My drills have their own cases, holding the drill, batteries and charger and sometimes a few bits floating around.

      I use an old ammo box for the spade bits and holes saws and have a plastic box that came with about 20 sizes from 1/16" to 1/2" which snap into slots and are marked so I know which size to replace when I break one. The ammo box is waterproof - how many of you can boast rust free bits?

      Also have a set of 60 numbered bits I keep in a separate tool box for special needs.

      I tried the homemade, throw it in the box, wooden bit holder but the smaller bits would bend with the least provocation and with 20 bits sticking up it was guess work to know which size you were grabbing and too much of a pain to get around to labeling the holes.

      The Forstners come in plastic tubes and are kept in those tubes to preserve the edge.

    2. MojoMan | Feb 08, 2004 03:25pm | #14

      Thanks, Gabe. Beautiful! I'd be afraid of scratching that box every time I used it.

      Al

      1. steve | Feb 09, 2004 09:15pm | #15

        the only trouble with organizers, is that they only will hold one of each size

        i carry at least 5 of each of my common sizes, but then i drill a lot of holescaulking is not a piece of trim

        1. rasconc | Feb 10, 2004 08:51pm | #16

          View Image

          Zip & Click Multi-Purpose Bags

          Zip & Click Multi-Purpose Bags are versatile & affordable accessories for every day to organize your life!!  Includes 3 zippered bags with clips that conveniently clip on to belt loop, tool belts, etc..

          Sizes:

          9" x 7"

          7" x 6"

          6' x 5"

          currently on ebay

          Item number: 2378780915

          View Image

          1. ravenwind | Feb 11, 2004 12:33am | #17

               I keep my lose drill bits in a bag like these zip and click  mine came with a lg tool bag and it works great  and it holds anything thats under 10in long , I even have 4 or five hole saws including a 4 in one.   dogboy

          2. rasconc | Feb 11, 2004 01:11am | #18

            They are sort of like the ones I mentioned from HD earlier.  That is not my ad by the way.

    3. butch | Feb 11, 2004 03:04am | #19

      Thats a nice drill box.  How about some pictures of your miter saw stand.

      1. User avater
        Dreamcatcher | Feb 14, 2004 07:57am | #20

        sorry butch, I was going to get you some pics of the stand but my digicam when bad. 3 weeks to get it fixed.

        why don't they make those out of wood...then I'd just fix it myself.

        gk

        1. butch | Feb 14, 2004 12:02pm | #21

          Oh well, I can wait.

          1. User avater
            Sphere | Feb 14, 2004 05:13pm | #22

            I can't...wanna borrow mine? Need a good plan for the bosch 12" ..dam that thing is heavy, and big.  Old delta 10" compound is like a feather in comparison..and the Freud 8.5 slider is a one hand carry too.

            For the want of big wheels, the saw don't travel too far. Man, am I lazy or what?

            View Image

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          2. User avater
            Dreamcatcher | Feb 16, 2004 10:11am | #23

            well, sphere my stand was based on a picture i found on the internet of ol'norms saw stand. I think you can order a video from pbs.

            I slimed mine down from his, added a full extension drawer for all my small trim tools, and also added wheels from an old red wagon and a lexan handle.

            made it out of 3/4" BCX and stained/cleared it. It is almost 6' long unfolded and just over 9' folded out. It's heavy too...but not too heavy for me alone to haul in and out of my suburban every day and up stairs.

            The saw is held in using 4 bolts that are the same size as my arbor bolt so I can use the blade wrench to take it off.

            Like I said about the box, it looks great and is the focus of alot of conversation beteen me and my clients or fellow workers.

            Take pride in yourself and people notice.

            gk      (Ill have the pics soon)

          3. User avater
            Dreamcatcher | Feb 16, 2004 10:19am | #24

            heres norm with his

          4. MisterT | Feb 22, 2004 12:47am | #25

            How's this for anal retentive drill storage?

            Got tired of looking for drills.

            the one with the handle is for work and the other is for the shop.

            the work one has pretty much all quick change bits.

            It's hell getting old!

            Mr T

            Do not try this at home!

            I am an Experienced Professional!

            Remodeling Lead Carpenter w/ 20 years exp.

            + A Construction Engineering Degree

            Located in Elmira, NY

            Incessantly Whining Liberal

            Sarcastic Smartass

            Cunning Linguist

            Family Man

            Dog Lover (NOT THAT WAY YOU PREVERT!!!)

          5. User avater
            Dreamcatcher | Feb 22, 2004 09:11am | #27

            T,

            You don't scare me

            gk

          6. User avater
            Luka | Feb 22, 2004 10:02am | #28

            Quick change bits.

            That's the drill bit that is set into a hex shank, so you can change it quickly for the screwdriver bit, right ?

            I have yet to find one of those suckers that does not spin in the shank the first time I use it.

            Posting at Breaktime should not be a full contact sport.

            quittintime

          7. MisterT | Feb 22, 2004 02:52pm | #29

            Get the one piece ones.

            Everybody is making them now.

            Sears, Bosch, Default, Hitachi, Makita, Irwin, Fuller, McFeelys....

            And dont lean on em so hard big guy!

            :)

            How's that "new" vehicle you were aquiring?

            That was U wernt it?Mr T

            Do not try this at home!

            I am an Experienced Professional!

            Remodeling Lead Carpenter w/ 20 years exp.

            + A Construction Engineering Degree

            Located in Elmira, NY

            Incessantly Whining Liberal

            Sarcastic Smartass

            Cunning Linguist

            Family Man

            Dog Lover (NOT THAT WAY YOU PREVERT!!!)

          8. User avater
            Luka | Feb 22, 2004 07:44pm | #30

            The jimmy is coming along nicely.

            And yes, it was while I was putting in the plexiglass replacement window, that was the last time one of those bits spun in it's shank. It wasn't so much a matter of leaning too hard, as the fact that the thin sheet metal breaks through at the end, and grabs the bit. It'll be a while before I can afford the one piece bits, so I won't even try to find them right now.

            Posting at Breaktime should not be a full contact sport.

            quittintime

          9. MisterT | Feb 24, 2004 02:36pm | #37

            Jeff,

            I may be able to cure your spinning bit problem.

            File a generous flat on the drill shank for the set screw to set on.

            Bigger is better, like the tapcon bits, because it gives the allen screw more of a purchase.

            if it is to small, you run the risk of it twisting just enough to wedge the the whole shebang up tighter than a contractors checkbook.

            Mr T

            Do not try this at home!

            I am an Experienced Professional!

            Remodeling Lead Carpenter w/ 20 years exp.

            + A Construction Engineering Degree

            Located in Elmira, NY

            Incessantly Whining Liberal

            Sarcastic Smartass

            Cunning Linguist

            Family Man

            Dog Lover (NOT THAT WAY YOU PREVERT!!!)

          10. User avater
            Luka | Feb 24, 2004 03:09pm | #38

            No set screws in these. Can you say... cheap.

            ; )

            I figured that if they continue to do this, I would do essentially that. Only instead of tightening a set screw, I will simply be using a metal punch to tap the metal again, where they used a big punch press machine before.

            Posting at Breaktime should not be a full contact sport.

            quittintime

  5. gdavis62 | Feb 22, 2004 05:41am | #26

    Imagine one of those little plastic suitcases all the nailguns come with now, but scaled down, maybe 11" wide by 7" high, and thinner.  That is what all my bits are in.  The box came with a set of bits, and when opened, one side is all bradpoints, the other is high speed steel twisters.  Where the little small diameter shorties make room in the corners, there are places for some common size hexshanks, and masonry bits.

    I use it regularly, and replace anything lost or worn out.  Lee Valley Veritas is a great source for single bits, in any size, splitpoints or bradpoints.

    In my shop at home I have a big metal drill index box.  I like an index because it helps finding and putting away bits, with those close-clearance index holes sized to the bits.

  6. User avater
    Dinosaur | Feb 22, 2004 08:59pm | #31

    Mini-cigar boxes, the metal kind. Or flat tobacco cans, like the ones imported pipe tobacco comes in. I keep all sort of small items in them: allen keys, ¼" hex bits, drill bits, spare cutting wheels for the glass cutter and pipe cutters, you name it.

    Remember the old joke: 'Do you have Prince Albert in a can? Well, let him out!!!' Those cans (if they still exist; I haven't smoked Prince Albert in a dog's age) are perfect for holding longer stuff like coloured putty sticks or jobber length drill bits.

    Dinosaur

    'Y-a-tu de la justice dans ce maudit monde?

    1. User avater
      jonblakemore | Feb 22, 2004 11:33pm | #32

      I think I saw an Altoids can in your pic.

      I used to keep some bits in a rectangular Altoids can, but hte cheap pressed in hinge would always let go.  Altoids came out with a new line and the can is circular.  It is very well made-  will stay together when you want it too, no moving parts, easy to open.  I use it to store screw bits and the like.  It's about 3" in diameter, so only the smalles bits could fit, but for the insert tips it's great. 

      Jon Blakemore

      1. User avater
        Dinosaur | Feb 23, 2004 05:12am | #33

        You must be referring to the Fisherman's Friend throat lozenges can; I know Altoids but don't have any cans....

        Yeah, the hinges let go sometimes; the cigar box I keep in my main tool box lost its lid about 5 years back (after five years of service, not bad, actually) but the screw gun bits still stay in there 'cause I stick em in a little piece of ½x¾ with ¼" holes drilled in it.

        As far back as I can remember--and that's to the middle of the last century--I've seen steel cigaret boxes, tobacco cans, cigar boxes, and pipe-tobacco tins in virtually every well-set-up wood shop I've ever visited. I don't know what the next generation of carpenters is going to use for storing stuff since the world seems bent on eliminating the use of the evil weed. Perhaps my grandson will remember seeing cans with 'BC GOLD' printed on them instead of 'EXPORT' or 'PLAYERS'....Dinosaur

        'Y-a-tu de la justice dans ce maudit monde?

        1. ccal | Feb 23, 2004 10:25pm | #34

          I just got one of those little metal boxes in the mail with an AOL disc in it. Seem to get one every couple of months. Been throwing them out but they might hold a few bits in there. They are awful thin but just might work for something.

          1. User avater
            james | Feb 24, 2004 05:59am | #35

            those disks that aol sends out make good dado shims, that way none of that stuff goes to waste.

            james

          2. User avater
            Dreamcatcher | Feb 24, 2004 10:48am | #36

            Or you could put the disc in your circular saw as a training blade.

            gk

          3. User avater
            Dinosaur | Feb 25, 2004 07:58am | #39

            Oughta hold a few ¼-sheets of emery cloth or sandpaper....

            Or a whole bunch of Dremel/Rotozip bits....

            Or a CD for the site boom-box.

            Dinosaur

            'Y-a-tu de la justice dans ce maudit monde?

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