Best Workshop Storage - File Cabinets?
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- Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
- I feel USED file cabinets may just be one of the BEST options for tool storage in your workshop or garage! When purchased used they offer affordable, sturdy, mouse proof, versatile shop storage for less than building something similar. I picked these 3 file cabinets off of craigslist for a total of $36. And likely, building something similar would cost more than that just in the cost of the plywood and drawer glides.... much more!
In the video I'll also talk about some of the cons of using file cabinets like these.... but overall I feel they have many more benefits than drawbacks :)
Please let me know if you have any questions! - Joe
Music sourced from the UA-cam audio library and/or from EpidemicSound.com... credits as follows....
Feel So lucky by Cody Francis
via Epidemic Sound (license/subscription via partnership with Studio71)
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#shopstorage #workshopstorage #toolstorage
Tags: shop storage, file cabinet storage, workshop organization, shipping container, DIY workbench, workshop, organization, tool storage, spray paint, how to, best workshop storage,
Bloody genius. Love the idea of putting a plywood top over them so you have a work bench.
I bought a pre-made counter top (with a built in backsplash) and laid across two 2-drawer file cabinets. Instant work bench/desk. Damaged countertops can sometimes be bought at a discount at the home centers.
I put my shop file cabinets on the large furniture dollies available from Harbor Freight. Makes the so easy to move as the shop layout changes for different projects.
Rolling toolbox
Great stuff as always! I always fall behind in the videos and I'm always so glad to get caught up with all the great projects you have going on! Cheers my friend !
You have opened my eyes to the uses of the file cabinet, Thankyou.
That is a good idea and you did a great job of painting them! I have to say I am really impressed by your patience in masking the metal areas off. Masking is something I do not do well but the metal areas on the cabinets look nice and sharp. Thanks for sharing this, it was great to watch.
I love file cabinets for storage!
Can't wait to see the new bench with them.
❤️🌵☀️⛈️🌈☮️🐎
As always this is relaxing to watch perfection on every projects you have.
I have 50 File cabinets in my shop. Bought then from Rene Bates Auctions for less than 50 cents a piece. Great video
.50 cents a piece?! Wow! That sir, was one heck of a deal!!!😀👍
No freakn way!! Wow. That's awesome 👌
This awesome! I've been using file cabinets for years now, they come in many different shapes and sizes too! I find them at thrift store's for pennies on the dollar of their original cost! Thanks for the video!
I'm glad that you are drawing attention to filing cabinets. These things a huge resource that nobody is doing much with. And since nobody keeps files, we have to find something else to do with them!
Great tip!!!! time to head out to a local thrift shop to grab some. Been looking for good storage solutions and this is idea. Thanks for the tips :)
I wanted to thank you for this awesome video! I showed it to my husband who thought it was a brilliant idea and we have since picked up two free file cabinets. We plan to paint them and enjoy a tidier garage space. Thank you and Happy 4th of July!!! 😊🇺🇸
You got a deal on those file cabinets and they are great for storage. Thanks for sharing and I might have to buy a few for ammo storage but I’ll probably re-key the locks.
Did the same thing with a bunch of military surplus (disposal) that were going to be dumped into the metal recycler. Although, I didn’t think about topping it with ply boards to make work space. 👍🏼 Great idea. Thanks for sharing.
My shop here in the Bronx is lined with them. Especially the horizontal type shown here that housed your Ryobi tools. Long handle tools like pipe threaders, castiron snappers and four foot bolt cutters are safely stored and scured in the cabinets that comes with locks already installed. We get them from office cleanouts as debris. A lot of office spaces in the Big Apple so it just cost you the time to pick them up and organize. :)
I am with you. I have two that I use for tool storage as well. Good price as well.
I've been using file cabinets in my shop for years. Yesterday I found a very nice 3 drawer with full extension drawers for $10 at a thrift store. I also have a full set of cabinets scrounged from a former Sears store photo gallery remodel. These have very nice extension hardware and nice formica finishes.
I have an old three drawer cabinet I picked up off the side of the road. It's fantastic for power tools.
Your work is always Top Shelf Joe. I enjoy your videos!
Great job Joe!!! I just threw out a pair of these, dangit.. Excited to see your new saw. I have a Makita 1016 compound slider. I've had it few years and it my go to for miters..
Good idea , can’t wait for next video!👍
I got a bunch of cabinets from my work when they changed our modular furniture. Some two deep drawers, but most were 1 deep drawer with two shallow drawers. This is a great option as lots of small stuff gets lost in the deep drawers. You can also get the cabinets at used office furniture stores. I used one of the cabinets to make a welding cart.
I have fasten my filing cabinets to the wall thru the back of the cabinet. Result now sturdy enough for heavy tools in each drawer and a planer on top. Getting all machines out of sight gives the shop a clean look at least in between each project and more fun to not start in a mess.
I picked up a couple of filing cabinets at a garage sale and used them for out shop area. Couldn't be happier with them. Sturdy, holds plenty of weight, and for such an a low price.
I built a desk from two file cabinets two or three decades ago. I used a door for a counter top and built a wood bookcase on top of the desk top. YIP: If you do not have keys to the lock you should remove the locking hardware so you do no accidentally lock yourself out.
My dad has been using a pair of cabinets with an old hollow core door for his desk for years👍😀
Nice! We have a couple of standing 6’ metal cabinets with the 2 doors that swing open and shelves inside that we’re using, as well as an old set of lockers. And one filing cabinet like the first ones in your shop. They’ve been great for storage of a variety of things!
One tip.. if you have any retail stores that close in your area, you can generally buy pretty much anything in the store.. shelving, cabinets, displays, etc. Just ask for the manager as soon as the closing is announced & get your name on the items you want. I’ve gotten ALOT of great stuff that way. 👍
Been doing this for a few years. Highly recommended
Totally) Bonus you can find them. THANKS for this video 🇺🇸
I use filing cabinets for storage too. They definitely a great option if you can buy them used. I had.one of those super heavy duty ones that you have under the bench.
What a great idea 💡, got to find me some 👍👍
I’ve used file cabinets for years now to store all kinds of stuff. But I never painted them, yours look great painted.
I agree.. I use to work up in the air as a Flight Attendant and I have four really nice galley carts in my place that serve me well in May applications . So ya! Recycle those things.....
Yeah, those carts are super well built too! 😀👍
Yea well you did it again....... Another great idea and video. I have 2 used cabinets looks like they have a new purpose.
Great idea! Thanks
I use these in my shop, and in the kitchen!
Metal file cabinets are a wonderful addition to any workshop. You forgot to mention their ability to hold weight; a case of paper weighs about 50 pounds,, significantly more than your tools. If you ever consider building a smoker, a 4 or 5 drawer metal file cabinet can be easily modified with fire box in bottom drawer and chimney vent out the back.
Trusting that you and your family enjoyed your thanksgiving holiday and are remaining safe as the pandemic continues to evolve. Greetings from NE Ohio. Peace brother.
Terrific workshop. Great idea, these cabinets are expensive in U.K. , even second hand ! Regards AJ
Hey Joe! Just a thought I had while watching this. You mentioned your new bench top was out the side of the shop because you were spraying it and needed to be out of the wind. Then when I watched you spraying these cabinets, I could see the wind blowing the paint as you sprayed.
Have you thought about building something like a flip out paint booth/area on the back of your container shop. Something that was mounted and could fold out quickly to help shield from the wind when painting/drying? Just a thought I wanted to share! Love the videos and keep up the good work!
OLD LEATHER SMITH here, I WOULD LIKE 2 WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A SAFE AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR GOD'S BLESSINGS ✝️⚾🙃
Brother, you work really cool!!
Send to your beautifull Family Hugs from México
I've repurposed my grandfathers old 1960's ArtMetal 5 drawer file cabinet into a tool chest! The slides on that thing are stronger than newer tool chests!
Been doing this a while. Those big ones are great for extension cords and all the ryobi tools. You can really put some weight in them. I put them on the cheap moving dollies when i can get them cheap at HF. That way i can move them real easy. The tops of the long ones can have a piece of cdx put on them or a piece of countertop and makes another great work surface as well.......and you can still tuck the whole thing under the bench to get it out of the way.
That’s awesome! 😃👌🏽
Scored 20 cabinet like bedside tables from a hotel that was being remodeled. They have a pull out drawer and we are going to use them to build a platform bed with storage under, just need to remove the legs to sit them down lower. On line auctions are another good source for inexpensive file cabinets and such.
Great idea... Thx 😁👍🏼
I went to an auction of a company gong out of business and bought 4 cubicles for $50. They make fantastic drawers and upper storage as well and are built to hold a ton of weight. They are all mounted in the repair section of my shop and hold a ton of tools with no issues.
Edit* the desk tops are extremely sturdy as well and have metal support across them to make them more sturdy.
this is a best workshop. thanks for video. I am from to Vietnam
file cabinets are great. they're designed to handle hundreds of pounds. paper is stupid heavy. may need to bolt it down to prevent tipping.
I got mine for free. I put them on castors for mobility (my wife thinks that my workshop is still a garage) and added a top panel for mounting tools such as my mitre saw and thickness planer. The resulting arrangement is such that the working surfaces are at my standard bench height (900mm) and the cabinets can be moved around to create a level working surface when required.
What a fantastic idea.....
You make several great points in favor of filing cabinets- time to start keeping an eye out! They are definitely not all made equal either - Ive had some REALLY flimsy ones in the past. Seems that the units with the protruding handles are thicker in material than the ones that have the recessed pocket handles.
I’m kind of surprised that realtor actually took a single dollar instead of just giving it to you 😀
She listed it for a dollar, probably just to put something in the price area... haha. She actually never asked for it.... as she was not at the house.... just had the cabinet in the carport. Said to take it if I wanted it. So I just figured I’d put a dollar under the entry mat just incase😉. And when I let her know I did, she said she just wanted it gone and didn’t care about the money.
I never thought of this. I have a big ass file cabinet empty. Needs cleaned and painted so I have a new project to look into. I need temporary storage. You can grab these all day at the goodwill or salvation army for a couple bucks.
Yeah, the big sturdy one that I have in the middle of my shop was from a goodwill type store in Tucson! Great cabinet👍😀
Damn those look great.
Perfect, but as with mine It limits you to not carrying tools around the property effeciently unless a tool bag fits in there. For example put grinder and disk and wire disks in one bag, drill stuff and bits in another bag, nail guns and nails in another bag, etc. Then you grab bags you need to do projects. Try a 16" I think I saw them on sale at home depot or harbor freight for $5 each this weekend. Then you can grab bags as you need to go do a job. Its still easy to get in the bags out of the drawer. Have one bag for misc stuff so you dont toss bits etc in a bag they don't belong in, but tape mearure, pencil, etc misc stuff has a go bag. Its great for roofs, electrical, plumbing, other odd jobs
Super!
Mouse proof. Good point.
Unfortunately used file cabinets seem not to be that much available here.
Cheers from Bulgaria
I have a heat press to keep my 60 pound heat press on. I can't find what the weight capacity is on it. In your opinion do you think it will hold. Great video. Thanks
If I had your skills (and tools!) I would always look for old stuff to refurbish and restore instead of getting new raw materials and building something from scratch.
How did you attach the wooden top to the file cabinet? Thanks👍
Another issue, but one you will not have with filing cabinets, is rust. Our basement is occasionally a bit on the damper side, and my big filing cabinet loves to rust along the bottom.
I used those for years in my shop. Great value for sure but they can be a little deep.
damn good show. great options. i used an old dresser but it broke into pieces. the weight on stuff was too much.
i have at least 15 of the 5 drawer ones in my shop. they hold a lot of weight and still move easy. a shelf above for bulk storage.
Wow! Sounds like you’ve got the storage solution tackled well😀👍
I have recently bought 10 4-drawer filing cabinets second hand. I am already a convert. However, I thought I would tell you what I am considering. The metal shallow drawer cabinets are very useful for storage of smaller items, but they do not have the same depth as a filing cabinet (2feet). So, I have been thinking about canibalising two 4 drawer cabinets and halving the height of each drawer and creating an 8 drawer cabinet. I just need to work out how to change their height. Maybe I could simply saw through them. The front would lose strength though. But I lack the workshop equipment to refold the drawer front. I could then use the runners and drawers from the second cabinet. What do you think? Is it doable?
OLD LEATHER SMITH here, I like your idea, I do handmade leather craft and I have always built my cabinets, I used 3 old file cabinets and covered then with 3- 2x12x16' 4 my carving and belt bench, all my carving tools R kept in the drawers and my granett stone works very well on top, also I installed 3 inch casters on all 3 cabinets, I like the new file cabinets 4 power tools I will have 2 try that, GOD'S BLESSINGS ✝️⚾🙃
Hi great video as always. I have been using file cabinets for years .The only main change I do is cut down some of the units to give me smaller size drawers. I take most times a 4 drawer unit and keep the one big drawer ,cutting down the other 3 in to smaller ones .Then drop the height of the unit fitting all 4 drawers in to about the height of a 3 or some times 2 unit .Yes it’s a little work but suits me better . Thanks David Australia
David, I would love to see how you alter the height of those drawers. You don't have a video of them on UA-cam, do you? I think I would just cut through the sides but the drawer fronts are folded double. What did you do with them?
@@nowthenad3286 most of the units around here are put together not welded . Most times it’s a matter of as you say cutting them down to what you are after .I use a mig at times to weld sides and bits to suit . I find that full size drawers are too big and use too much space . You tend to fill the drawers and have trouble finding the right bits you are after .Only thing I have is some photos of finished units . Thanks for asking.
@@davidadam2531 Thanks for replying. So how do you deal with the drawer front, with it having two layers?
@@nowthenad3286
In a lot of cases I pull the fronts apart and refold them .If I can not do that I cut them down and weld the edges .
@@davidadam2531 OK. Gotcha. Thanks again for the reply. I think I might give this a go at some point.
Nice kitty at 7:50
You let the cat out of the bag. Now used prices will skyrocket
Haha.... luckily I can’t fit too many more in this shop😂👍
@@homesteadonomics but what about the rest of us
@@kenl5217 watch craigslist see lots given away for free I found a church that was closing their school and filled a 16 foot cartrailer for free 2 2 drawers of flimsy construction 7 4 drawer of varying quality 2 8 foot tables and a 4 drawer lateral that's built like a bank vault
File cabinet makes great storage, make sure you put weight on them to minimize chance of tipping over (forward) when open.
Look great
Thank you!
Instead of plywood, pick up a plain solid-core door from the damaged pile or used (and trim as needed). Some thin plywood could be used over a hollow or 6 panel door.
nice!
Thanks for checking it out Harry!
Ask friends and families that work in offices, often businesses just want rid now everything is shifting onto computers. They are a good source of mild steel plate for projects.
That’s a great idea for a good resource👍😀
Genius.
how long does it take for the paint to fully cure and the fumes to go away?
i used some file draws, 20+ years still going
Are some file cabinets heavy duty? Ones I've seen and thrift stores seemed to delight to hold heavy work tools.
I like it. Any way they could serve as a faraday cage? I keep my tools in s couple of insulated metal trash cans to protect them but it's NOT convenient
What are you protecting them from?
That's better storage than cryobi tools deserve.
Great for guys with "Tons of stuff" .
:-p -KJ
Yep, lots of room to throw the junk and keep it outta site.... like the kid strategy of cleaning your room by stuffing stuff under the bed😂
Omg you look like Nick from csi Las Vegas! 😀
I have 1. 4 drawer. Very rugged.
What is your camera setup
get the 4 drawer ones they're sturdy mouse proof good for flammables and emp protection for diagnostic tools & shortwave repeaters. long ago got the idea from a batman movie bruce wayne had a change clothes in a office file cabinet
Yep! All good aspects of them.... especially the Batman reference! 👍😀
How many cans of paint did you use
I have 4 5 foot file cabinets that hold all my large tools
I have found many two drawer files in the trash
They do have a second life but that life seem to be shorter then the first.
the 3 of them for 36$, does craigslist ship to Ireland ?
Haha.... I don’t think so. Kinda like a ‘garage sale’ sight where people sell things face to face
I get my filing cabinets at goodwill when it's 50% off. 5 dollar cabinets are nice
😃👍🏻👊🏻
use three drawer cabinets for base of work bench!!
Hell yes! Ryobi! My favorite brand. Well probably because the batteries are freaking universal and let me tell you, that's the best thing to do.
Yes! I’ve been a fan for nearly 20 years! Tons and tons of tools that run off their 18+ platform 👍😀
Hey, Man, Do you need a good supplier of Steel Filing Storage Cabinet from China?
😯👍👍👍👌❤❤❤
Redback boots?
Joe, put them on wheels :-) Then you can move them around.
New work bench is going to be much deeper than existing bench. Are you going to lose a lot of your walkway?
حلوووو
Using File Cabinets is a great idea but this video boiled down should of been less than a minute long - nothing useful about how to build inner boxes to optimize storage, what to do to prevent them from tipping over, nothing...
Sorry about that. I will probably build some organizers inside them when I do the bench project. But I won’t get to that until I figure what I will store in them.
Thanks for checking it out and sorry there was nothing useful here for you.
You don't like the free ice cream so you take time to complain about it? Don't let the door hit you on the way out.
Israel is fighting for Trump 🇺🇸🇮🇱 💪🏻