The Ultimate Small Part Storage Carts

I built small part storage carts for all the Harbor Freight storage bins I've collected. These carts roll underneath the raised office to maximize storage in my workshop. This is all part of the grand plan to make my workshop as organized as possible. Enjoy!
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[@SullyUSA]

Great stuff. An idea to put the guides under your office, make them full length. Take the guides off the top of your carts so you can use them as a work top. To lock the carts when using as a work top, at each end, notch a loose 2x4 to receive a same sized piece of plywood. Use close tolerance for a sturdy worktop table. When done, knock the 2x4s out and slide the carts back under the office. My $0.02.

[@gazsibettina713]

The first half of the kzbin.infoUgkx3ICSK6nSknaL_45CU2NmFSoXjarGMDiJ book is everything about wood: types, tools, finishes, setting up shop etc. The second half is all about doing projects for inside and outside of the home. The color pictures are helpful. After reading a dozen of these types of books, this is probably the best overall (layout, color photos, plans). Only detraction is that many of the projects use a table saw/router/planer, which are usually expensive and take up space, so the plans are less friendly to newcomers and the budget conscious. But I know I can use a drill, circular saw or a jigsaw to make the projects.

[@ChasingTheAdventureOutdoors]

Definitely should get a label maker and take it to the next t level!

[@FearsomeWarrior]

I got one for labeling cords for electronics and have since found dozens of other places. Keeping track of which parts came with a tool. Drives me nuts finding a wrench or charging cable and having no idea what it came from.

[@Rogn1]

Great carts. Love your dogs. Our dogs are watermelon lovers too. Just a suggestion. Maybe a sheet of acrylic on the painted end that you could use a marker to write notes on, keep lists of needed item etc.

[@A..n..d..y]

Instead of adding blocks to the top of the carts I would think about hanging wood from the bottom of the office. The thought here is to keep the tops of the cart flat as a work surface. I would also make a way to have the cart attach to each other back to back to create a larger work space. seems like you can use some assembly table space. As for the casters I would go with locking casters to make the carts more stable when using them as tables. Just some thoughts.

[@frrapp2366]

we love our harbor freight storage boxes i need to make something to store our boxes in

[@kevini5043]

awesome video! As someone who does 5S in the manufacturing world Im a big fan of your color coding and putting the most used parts at the front of your cart. A few ideas to continually improve your organization, mark each of your bins to match the cart color with either colored tape or a spray of paint. You will never have to read or remember which cart a bin goes to, just match the colors :)

[@nicowilson]

Genius. Thank you

[@stevenstandley1241]

So a variation I did was to build as you did but then I hinged them together on the back ab latched the front. This way I can roll it out and use it as a mobile workbench. If I need them separate for some reason I can unlatch front and pull hinge pins on back. Does double duty.

[@markwilliams3148]

I just love it how you're working in the shop and the dogs are just playing away having a good time in the background

[@jameshalleron7484]

Love your parts cart ideas. You seem to have throughly thought out every detail. Your correct in stating that swivel casters have a mind of their own. Love the track idea and using simple wood strips is something we can all replicate without having to add to the cost. Thank you.

[@donf3739]

Great ideas, thanks! If I may make a suggestion, if you want to be able to mix and match the deep and shallow trays within the same rack, I've found (on paper, at least) that if you lay your 1/2" X 1" rails flat against the sides, and have a horizontal distance of 16" between them, you can hang the trays by the 4 tabs on the trays' sides. Then, if you space them vertically at 2-9/16" on center (top to top). The shallow ones will have a space 7/32" between, and the deep ones will have a 15/16" space. Of course you could increase the 2-9/16", but I felt like that would be the minimum.

[@Queenpezz]

There needs to be a LOVE ❤️ LOVE ❤️ LOVE ❤️ option on KZbin!!! My husband and I watch all your videos and he DREAMS of transforming his garage into something this amazing!!! You are so talented (and patient) ... Great Job!!!!

[@elerosvecchio]

they used to have a favorite button but youtube removed it a long time ago

[@randallsmith7885]

Free handing plywood cuts like a boss! Well done!

[@EtecMax]

Turn the left one 180 degree, so you can reach the tools from the side without the need to pull the rack out

[@voto4154]

Then the handle is on the wrong side

[@EtecMax]

I guess he can handle this problem. I feel so dad right now. Unscrew the handle, paint the other side and screw the handle in is minutes of work.

[@Matanzabe]

@@EtecMax Are you shure that is going to work ?

[@jaylove5088]

@@EtecMax But then you will see all that clutter as you enter. I think it's just fine this way

[@rosannefarrell1243]

Maximilian Kollmann Or maybe just remove the back and replace on the other side?

[@canadude6401]

Ben, thanks so much for steering me towards those Harbor Freight storage bins! Most stores, they are double that price, and the removable containers are a huge plus since nothing worse than trying to pick out small parts in a little bin your fingers can barely fit it. It's also cool that you can remove these containers and use the tray without them too! I know where to go to get my containers now! Also, I am going to look out for a cordless router I've seen you use on the channel....it's one tool where the cord always gets in the way! Thank you thank you thank you!

[@canadude6401]

update: I finally made it to Harbor Freight in Dearborn, Michigan! I picked up 2 medium, 2 large and 1 small storage bin. Also got my cordless router! You were my inspiration to get more organized!

[@ibubezi7685]

Straightforward and solid. One thing you 'need' to fix: the two guide-blocks at the back should be angled - so they direct the cart towards the rail. Strangely enough, you angled the two front-blocks. I figure you will end up with just two angled guide-blocks (back) plus strips towards all the way to the front (like tongue & groove) - it doesn't have to be a tight fit - only to prevent the cart from wobbling. And oh, yes, keep including the dogs, they seem great helpers and moral support!

[@kevinphanson]

Loved this! I was thinking "probably could use guide blocks on the fronts of those carts, as well... and then a moment later, you DID it! lol. One minor change that I thought of, was to make the back guide blocks the same "Y" shape as the front ones, to make it easier to get the carts "on track" from the get-go! Keep up the great work! I might just do something like this myself, if I ever get organized!!

[@LogHouseFarm]

The track was a smart idea!

[@jimsulsona4128]

In addition to the great organizer storage video, I really love that you included bonus footage of the dogs!!

[@SalvoDan]

I use fixed casters at the back end/side of my carts and benches. This gives me more control of the back end. It’s like driving a forklift or reverse parking a car.

[@corydriver7634]

Awesome build-I like those HF storage bins also, think I’ll try this. Must be nice to be young and still be able to work on the ground, my knees were killing me just watching you. You’ve probably already heard this one but get yourself a sheet of styrofoam insulation to cut your sheet goods on. It supports the plywood throughout and you don’t need to worry about where your blade is. It lasts quite a while since you’re only cutting into it less than a 1/4 inch.

[@johngunning2123]

I thought the same thing. I can get down but struggle to get back up.

[@barryroberts6470]

Love those Carts i have some Stanley Fat Max Boxes the same as those ones with lift out part boxes, and at the moment they are stacked on top of each other, i don't have the room for carts in my shed but i do love this idea. When you put the 2 blocks at one end and the 2 at the front, i think i would have gone with 2 long strips from front to back the full length, that's my OCD bit done. Stay Safe, Barry (ENG)

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I now have a fairly large workshop. I'm used to something much smaller. It is so easy to lose lots of space by just having poor organization. This is a great project. I also like the office you build off the floor.

[@marybethduke3263]

I can already see the need for a third cart: tennis balls and dog toys! 😂 You never cease to amaze! Thanks for sharing your incredible workshop journeys. Who was the third doggo in this one? Another cousin or a neighbor?

[@t0nyxgq]

The most organized horder of tools and materials! Living my dream…

[@drhender6943]

I am new to your channel. I like the video-- it's a good idea. Suggestion-- By putting all of the deeper boxes in the last column, you'll have to pull them all the way out to reach any of the deeper boxes. If you had put, say 2 deep boxes low down in each column and then shallow boxes up top, you could make some of those deep boxes much more readily accessible.

[@DRPowell]

Isn’t what you need always in the box farthest away though?

[@greggiono8789]

Making workshop improvements is your superpower!

[@KiatHuang]

This whole video shows a lot of intelligence and practicality. Impressive cabinets. And the videoing thoughtfully organised to help people make similar with the "why" as well so we understand the decisions. Well done!

[@TheDonJoyner]

Brilliant and practical. Really enjoying watching your shop come together.

[@constantinosschinas4503]

nice, simple work, and very explanatory, not overdone video = high quality, to the point youtube!

[@baba-sm1fm]

Very nice! I ha e a similar set up which has worked well for a while but I have grown tired of having to pull the container out and open it every time I need a part. I installed sliding drawer brackets and removed the container covers so all I have to do is slide out and reach.

[@armidaperez5360]

Great ideas so organized

[@killiemon]

6:25 it absolutely needed that 5th caster, plywood has such a tendency to droop

[@RyanSmith-zx9vx]

Ben, whatever that background music is, NEVER change it. Its perfect.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

DOESN'T need ANY at all

[@aarontate1861]

I have 5 similar storage containers in my garage for screws, drill bits, nails etc. I thought I had a few.. until I saw this video 😮 I need to get some more 😂👍🏻

[@JamieRogers95]

This is an awesome idea. If you find the tracks get sticky just rub a thick candle down the tracks and guides

[@FearsomeWarrior]

Oh boy! My 4 month old puppy is gonna get watermelon soon now! Great video as always. If I added my own touch it would be to separate the added cart, adding casters, but put on some hardware to lock them together again. More casters probably a pain to redirect though...yeah two uniform carts is better.

[@billygrow3d]

Great job and a cool idea. Maybe widen the V shape in the back or first contact when putting them away to save yourself some bump stop grief. Love this idea.

[@DonaldSmith1]

Your dogs are like mine..... big help. Good to see them in your videos.

[@brucewilliams6292]

You did a great job on these. I hope they fulfilled your mission for them.

[@jamesward7365]

Very nice. My son has a wood shop at his house and I plan on sharing your video with him and I plan to build a tall cabinet just like yours only 4' wide and 7' tall with front doors

[@l.h.carsten]

If you replace the 5th caster in the middle with a fixed wheel, you can steer the cart and still turn it 360 degrees. You might not need the guide rails under the office. I will certainly be making a cart based on this design. Thanks for sharing this.

[@jinhomui7713]

What a smart design. Feel like it would make it easier if you also change the back end guides the same shape as the front end guides.

[@essexmirage]

I would add a strip of angle ali to the underneath of the office floor to be able to guide them all the way back and then out again, excellnet build I'm doung somthing similar so I'll share pics when done 👍

[@gpm9333]

I love your dogs🥰. I also love what you have built.

[@dek3373]

Great instruction video Ben. You demonstrate how doable building a project like this is. Where can we get a long straight edge like the one you use? Thank you again Ben.

[@foxchick242]

Omg he’s gotten sooooo big sense the last video you made your office. No more clumsy and rolling around. He over powers the other dog 🐕 now hahah

[@denniscarreno5882]

A true craftsman! Enjoy !

[@Rubin5342]

You have the best channel going. I have go back and watch them all now. ;//John in Oregon

[@ILM787]

Great job...I would suggest the same rail guide on both ends. The wide part of the “V” pointing in the same direction as the ones next to the handles.

[@awsomeman26]

Ben, great design, one improvement I personally would add would be strips to keep the organizers along the track the whole time as I can see they still have some play while going in and out from under your office. Otherwise great job👍🏻

[@jeffeverde1]

If the cart had full length cleats, he'd have to pull it all the way out before he could turn it. Cleats at the front and back only allows him to start turning the cart as soon as the front cleat clears the rail.

[@oscrfsh]

I love it....I think I would have put non swivel casters on the inside and locking swivel on the outside...that way they won’t switch lanes and u can keep tops flush..then u could wheel them out and put them together to make a work bench if need be

[@fk6001]

Really cool idea. I coincidentally use the same storage boxes, so this is perfect for my setup. Thank you.

[@elliottsmith3632]

Maybe change the track system to a divider between the carts. Remove the guides from the cart top and use the tops as extra work surface. I like the idea of the raised office too, but I see a time when you are going to be to tired and don't want to jump up and down.

[@dspeer11]

Ben, great instructions. very thoughtfully done. good job.

[@601salsa]

Build a third cart and park it where the orange one is but keep the side open so you can access it at all times. Do a peg board type thing for hand tools, easy access but neat and tidy

[@jeffeverde1]

One down side in your design -- with the glued/nailed "shelf" cleats, you're locked into your number and arrangement of tall and short containers. Screws only would allow you to rearrange (albeit somewhat awkwardly, after it's assembled). Dadoes and removable shelves would give you flexibility in your container arrangement - plus the ability to put anything else in that fits the "shelf" width.

[@eduardolozano3561]

Just built a single tier organizer just like yours under my rolling work bench I made. Well explained video as always Ben. 👍

[@BenTardif]

Awesome!

[@fredtillman3152]

Good move on the fifth wheel on your carts. Round off the leading edge of your guide rail on the bottom of your shop little easier to line everything up

[@JohnnyG2573]

Ben, I really enjoy the way you clearly walk us through your projects. You channel adds a ton knowledge to KZbin - thank you! One question, what’s the story behind those stadium seats in the shop?

[@marybethduke3263]

He has a video on the stadium seats! I won't spoil it for you...look it up...good one!

[@JohnnyG2573]

Marybeth Duke TY

[@can5projects563]

Totally cool great job

[@edmondli9126]

this is one of the coolest ideas I've seen on youtube; might have to build a similar system myself!

[@youngsuk3329]

Extravagant, tks for the inspiration.

[@josiecapps2555]

Love your dogs🐾🐾

[@Gigglezzz]

an idea if no one has mentioned it yet. like a guide rail at the bottom of the office floor, like a beam attached to it. Then this is your guide rail. ( every cart width and beam ). this way the cart always gets straight in. I've done this too. Hoop it helps and you get the idea.

[@MJCPeters]

Well Done - The Corgi sealed the deal!!!

[@Sqwince23]

Ben, stop working on the floor. Make a workshop table already!

[@Grevlain]

That would be an excellent project and vid.

[@jasonelliott3401]

When he is in his 50’s he will wish he built benches 1st

[@Grevlain]

@@jasonelliott3401 I believe he is a stunt man...so knock that down to 40's. lol

[@KeithDiSarno]

ijessup sees nothing wrong here.

[@EvanGundersen]

Yes, Please do

[@leon_mnl]

your workshop “office” is as big as my complete workshop hahaha , i have a ton of those cheap boxes ,so i really like this idea , thanx

[@taylormcintyre5759]

I think it would be worth extending those guide blocks to be full length of the box to make it almost more like a drawer. It would help with the wobbling around

[@pietgdgc]

Nice system.. very practicle indeed.. i would however make the guideblock in de back wider at the start and y shaped like the front one.. that makes putting them back much easier.. :D

[@kmr4244]

ThIS IS A MARVELOUS IDEA

[@frijoli9579]

Loved this build!

[@skipmcgrath]

great use of space.

[@SeanHodgins]

These are awesome! I personally would remove the Y's on the top because its a great surface for opening/using the bin(or bins) that are current in use. Then just make the guides under your office stick further down to catch the sides of the carts. I haven't found these inexpensive organizers anywhere in Canada yet. Only ones that are double/triple the price.

[@Lawrence330]

I believe this is the equivalent: www.princessauto.com/en/detail/parts-organizer-with-removable-bins/A-p8439143e Edit, and the small one: www.princessauto.com/en/detail/parts-organizer-with-removable-bins/A-p8439226e

[@hunterofendermen367]

lovin the carts!!! this is definitely something I'm doing next year for my workshop!

[@mindi.m]

I like those bins! Your ideas are always so innovative, yet you make it look so easy.

[@veromashka]

Wow! Such a great way to organise small pieces, pure inspiration ❤️

[@nathannewman364]

Thank you, you saved me some time 👍

[@dwagnerful]

Great work, Ben. Love your pups!

[@rjpoldfart]

looks to me that you need to build a workbench next!

[@FGUK1973]

Awesome Idea dude!!! Really cool solution for all of your stuff!!! 10/10

[@twoPomsPlus]

nice work. love the dogs too.

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Awesome video! thanks for sharing. I need to build some for my shop!

[@geoffsmith82]

If you turned the orange cart around.... you could access the draws in that cart while it was still in the stowed away position.

[@adamsfamilynfun1409]

i was thinking the same thing, have the outside carts turned outwards.

[@syncRamon]

so inspiring!

[@Martina_Vintage_Motorcycles]

@1:56 He's like "stop! here comes dad!"

[@lorismith8887]

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing a great and economical idea!

[@shermanlab9477]

Really simple and functional, with a touch of pipe-art. Congratulations, nice work. I follow you, keep it up. SL

[@PartTimeMakers]

Very cool!

[@jimboinsa]

Very nice!

[@nutsmcflurry3737]

Full length track. White edge banding for labels.

[@mlo527]

Have you though about a track system to line them up when storing? Could be as simple as a channel in the top of the cart and a 1x1 piece of wood under the office as a guide. This way you can push them in straight and in right spot every time.

[@chrisfesko9920]

Very Cool, Really Love what you did with this!

[@Siminfrance]

Very nice and clever

[@martyjosephson4937]

Hey Ben, very nice storage idea, I have almost the same system on my island and works awesome and love it.

[@miloe1er]

Great job man! Very efficient

[@jeffforbes3772]

Pretty cool my friend...I need something like that as well. Thanks for posting.

[@davidbutton3500]

A rectangle is a parallelogram.

[@Tensquaremetreworkshop]

What makes these 'ultimate'? Best on the planet? Using drawers instead of boxes means that you pull it open- you do not lift it and place it on top you do not undo two catches you do not lift the lid you take the part you do not close the lid you do not close two catches you do not lift the box and align with the slot you close it. Three steps instead of nine. New meaning of 'ultimate' that I had not previously met...

[@briansd6869]

Good build and video. You have a lot of good ideas.