Having an organized system for nails, screws, and other fasteners can make home improvement and repair projects go much more smoothly. When these small items are properly stored and labeled, you’ll be able to quickly find the exact size and type you need. A good organizational method will also help ensure that your fastener inventory stays neat and doesn’t turn into a jumbled mess of loose parts.
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Why Proper Organization Matters
There are several key reasons why taking the time to organize your nails, screws, and other fasteners is worth the effort:
- Saves time – When you need a certain fastener for a project, you don’t want to be digging through piles of unmarked containers trying to find the right one. An organized system allows you to go right to the item you need.
- Prevents loss – Small items like nails and screws can easily get swept up, thrown away, or lost if they are not properly stored. Keeping them organized can help prevent accidental loss.
- Allows for inventory tracking – When you can see at a glance what sizes and types of fasteners you have in stock, it’s easier to take note of what needs to be restocked. This avoids running out halfway through a project.
- Looks neat and tidy – An organized fastener storage system keeps your workshop or garage looking clean and professional. It’s also satisfying to open a drawer or bin and see contents neatly sorted.
Clearly labeling your storage containers and compartments is key for an effective organization system. If items are not accurately labeled, you defeat the purpose of organization since locating what you need becomes difficult again.
Storage Containers for Organizing Fasteners
Clear Plastic Organizers
Clear plastic organizers with multiple compartments are a popular choice for organizing small hardware like nails and screws. The clear construction allows you to easily see contents while the compartments keep items separated by size or type. Look for organizers with different divider configurations so you can customize the layout.
Some benefits of clear plastic compartment organizers:
- Allows visual identification of contents
- Wide range of sizes available
- Can customize compartment configurations
- Typically inexpensive
Be sure to get an organizer with a lid to prevent spills and keep dust out. The box-shaped designs tend to work better than soft cases for keeping hardware contained.
Storage Drawers
Installing a set of small storage drawers in your workshop is another excellent way to organize fasteners and hardware. Look for drawer organizers that have several small compartments in each drawer. This allows you to group like items together in each drawer while keeping them separated into the divided compartments.
Compared to plastic compartment boxes, drawer storage has some advantages:
- More permanent storage solution
- Drawers tend to hold more volume
- Contents are hidden from view when drawers are closed
Make sure to accurately label each drawer so you know what types of items it contains without having to open it. This allows you to quickly retrieve the right drawer.
Magnetic Parts Tins
For small shops with limited space, magnetic parts tins can be hung on pegboard or the wall to hold nails, screws, and other metal hardware. The magnet on the bottom and inside the flip-top lid keep contents securely contained.
Benefits of magnetic parts tins:
- Hold a good amount while taking up little space
- Can mount on vertical surfaces
- Metal construction is durable
- Magnets keep contents from spilling
Just be sure to label the lids so you don’t have to open each one when looking for a certain size screw or nail type.
Pegboards
Mounting a pegboard helps get tools and supplies up off workbenches for a less cluttered workspace. Pegboards are also great for organizing small parts like nails and screws. Use a combination of small parts bins, containers, or magnetic parts tins attached to the pegboard.
Advantages of using a pegboard:
- Makes efficient use of wall space
- Can easily customize locations of storage attachments
- Creates visual storage that makes locating items quick
- Gets items up off work surfaces
Be sure to outline each item’s location on the pegboard with a marker so it gets returned to the proper spot each time.
Labeling & Identifying Contents
An organizational system for hardware is only effective if you accurately label each storage container, drawer, or compartment. Don’t just write “nails” or “screws” – be as specific as possible about sizes and types. Here are some labeling tips:
- Use permanent marker to label plastic organizers and compartments.
- For small compartments, list just the main 1-2 sizes rather than every size.
- Masking tape works for labeling removable dividers.
- Adhesive labels allow you to be very specific with size and type.
- Label the lids of magnetic parts tins so contents are identified when closed.
- Consider a label maker for clean, consistent labels on drawers.
Beyond text, also consider color coding nails and screws according to their size, function or type. For example, paint all compartment dividers holding 1″ screws red. Use blue for 2″ and so on. This provides an additional visual indicator when retrieving items.
Grouping by Size and Function
When deciding how to group nails, screws, and other fasteners in your new organized storage system, keep these guidelines in mind:
Size
Grouping items by their size is the most common approach:
- Keep fasteners separated by measurable size – length and diameter.
- You can use one compartment for a range, like 1”-2” screws.
- Nails and screws often have compartmentalized cases designed specifically for their graduated sizes.
- Store very small sizes like brads and tacks separately.
This makes it easy to quickly see and retrieve what you need for a project based on dimensions.
Type and Function
Beyond size, you can also categorize by:
- Head type – flat head, Phillips, hex, etc.
- Point type – blunt tip, needle point, self-tapping, etc.
- Material – stainless steel, galvanized, brass, etc.
- Use – drywall, woodworking, metal, etc.
separating by function allows you to go right to the fastener suited for a particular task or material without sorting through multiple sizes first.
Frequency of Use
Position the sizes and types you use most often in the most convenient and accessible storage locations. This allows you to get to your commonly used fasteners without having to dig deep into a cluttered drawer or container. Reserve less convenient spots for rare/specialty hardware used only occasionally.
Storing Fasteners Properly
In addition to organization, storing nails, screws, and other metal fasteners properly helps keeps them in good condition and prevents accidents:
- Prevent rusting by storing in a dry location.
- Small tins or plastic vials for tiny items help prevent loss.
- Seal containers tightly to keep out dust and moisture.
- Don’t store loose fasteners in aprons or pockets.
- Discard any rusty items which could break during use.
Proper storage also improves safety:
- Cover compartment box edges to avoid cuts from sharp metal.
- Keep heavy items on lower shelves to prevent falling.
- Secure freestanding shelving, cabinets, and drawers to prevent tipping.
Take time to periodically clean out sawdust, dirt, and any humidity that has accumulated in storage containers. This keeps contents organized and free of damaging debris.
Examples of Hardware Organization Methods
To give you some visual ideas on organizing fasteners, here are a few examples of effective storage methods:
Plastic Organizer Boxes
| Compartment Size | Contents |
|---|---|
| 1” x 1” small | Brads, tacks, very small screws |
| 1.5” x 1.5” medium | Nails, screws under 1” long |
| 2” x 2” large | Screws 1”-2” long |
Having different compartment sizes allows you to separate contents according to size. You can also use dividers to create custom slots.
Storage Drawers
| Drawer | Contents |
|---|---|
| Top drawer | Most used sizes: 1”, 1 1/4”, 1 1/2” Wood screws |
| 2nd drawer | Standard drill bits organized in case |
| 3rd drawer | Drywall screws |
| Bottom drawer | Specialty screws: stainless, brass, hex head |
Frequently accessed items go in the top drawers while less common fasteners get bottom, out of the way drawers. Each drawer organizes its contents differently based on the size variance and quantity of the items.
Magnetic Storage
| Magnetic Tin | Contents |
|---|---|
| Red tin | Brad nails |
| Blue tin | 1″ wood screws |
| Green tin | 1/2″ metal screws |
| Orange tin | 2″ drywall screws |
Using color coding provides quick visual identification of each tin’s contents. Keeping like items grouped together allows for easy retrieval.
Tips for Maintaining Organization
Once you have your nails, screws, and other fasteners organized into an efficient system, these tips will help you maintain order:
- Make putting items away properly a habit, don’t just toss them in random bins.
- Conduct periodic inspections of all storage units to check for proper order.
- Remove any unneeded or duplicate items during inspections.
- Re-label containers or slots if original labels become unclear.
- Look for better storage options if your current method becomes outgrown.
- Designate someone to be in charge of the space for accountability.
discipline and consistency are key – don’t allow random clutter and “junk drawers” to develop or your organizational system will fail. Appointing someone to be ultimately responsible helps enforce proper maintenance.
Benefits of Organizing Your Fasteners
Implementing an organizational strategy for your hardware collection provides a wide range of benefits:
- Saves substantial time when trying to find the right nail or screw.
- Prevents buying duplicates when the size you need is already on hand.
- Allows for convenient routine inspection of your inventory.
- Reduces frustration and hassle when starting projects.
- Makes putting items away properly much simpler.
- Maximizes your storage space due to efficient use.
- Creates a sense of satisfaction from a clean and orderly workshop.
The time invested in properly organizing your fastener collection will pay back multi-fold over years of smooth-running projects. Maintaining organization as an ongoing habit will keep your hardware storage running efficiently for the long term.
Conclusion
Organizing your nails, screws, and other fastening hardware is an essential practice for any home DIYer, construction pro, or workshop hobbyist. Take the time to sort your collection into logical groups stored in clearly labeled containers and drawers. Place the most frequently used sizes in the most accessible locations. Maintain discipline in always putting items away properly so order is retained. Employ magnetic parts tins, compartment boxes, pegboards, drawer organizers, and other practical storage solutions to build an organization system tailored to your space, needs and usage tendencies. The ability to quickly retrieve the exact fastener required will make all your jobs go smoother. Your investment in organization will pay off every time you successfully complete a project!