Storage Problem Solved with Harbor Freight

Tom from Alley Picked built and designed the project featured in this video.

Tom turned a half sheet of plywood and a stack of Harbor Freight storage bins into a compact, mobile parts cabinet with side-mounted tool holders.

The build emphasizes shop organization and quick access to parts over elaborate joinery or decorative finishes.

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Design

The cabinet is sized to hold rows of stackable plastic bins so small parts are visible and organized. Mobility was built in from the start with casters and a latch to keep bins secure while the unit is moved around the shop.

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Lumber Prep

The project uses less than a half sheet of plywood, which keeps material costs and waste low. Preparation is straightforward: square cuts and clean edges are sufficient for a utilitarian shop piece like this.

Joinery & Assembly

Construction relies on simple butt joints reinforced with glue and screws, chosen for speed and strength in a shop-made cabinet. Shelves and dividers are placed to match the bin sizes, and clamping during glue-up keeps everything true.

Tool Storage & Organization

By mixing two sizes of Harbor Freight bins, the cabinet becomes a compact hardware system that stores a wide range of parts.

Homemade tool holders attached to the sides keep frequently used hand tools visible and within reach.

Finishing & Mobility

Finishing is minimal because durability and function are the priorities; a light coat of finish or bare plywood both work fine in a workshop.

Adding casters makes the unit easy to roll to wherever the job is, while the latch keeps bins from shifting in transit.

Overall Takeaways

Small, focused projects like this deliver big organizational gains with relatively little time and expense.

The approach is adaptable: adjust bin sizing, shelf spacing, and tool holders to suit individual parts inventories and workflow.

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