I have been looking for a small compact organizer that I could grab and take with me on the go. Some of my goals and ultimatly features of this design:
- To be able to use a pre-made and inexpensive organizer (there are some great Gridfinity organizer boxes out there, I just didn't want to take the time or filament to actually make them)
- To use something smaller and more compact than the popular Plano 3700 series
- To be able to hold all of my basic metric hardware within one organizer
- To be able to easily remove and re-arrange the bins as needed within the organizer
- To securely keep small parts inside of their respective bins when transporting and/or storing in any orientation
- A tab for a label to easily and quickly identify parts
- A scooped bin to remove small items with ease
I could not find anything that met my criteria. So I decided to take a 1x1 Gridfinity bin from Zack Freedman and make some modifications to use them in the Plano Prolatch 3600. I had to reduce the overall size of the bin and totally do away with the base and the stackable lip. Sorry, this is not compatible with the Gridfinity system.
The 3600 fits 4 bins per column for a total of 24 bins (currently you can choose between 1-compartment or 2-compartment bins). The two middle columns of the 3600 are a little longer; to tighten things up simply use a divider that came with the organizer in the center of the two middle columns. If the bins not being perfectly aligned bothers you then use the included spacer (that I quickly made) in the front of the middle columns. If someone comes up with a better spacer LMK. I have also included label templates for Brother P-Touch for your convenience. I use the PT-P700 but the files should be compatible with most other USB Brother label printers.
I have tested by vigorously shaking the organizer upside down and all parts stay in their bins for the most part. I have only had issues small washers sometimes escaping out of their designated bin, granted it takes a lot of shaking for this to happen. To prevent this, I advise keeping super small parts in a small resealable bag.
NOTE: The Plano Prolatch 3600 has a small tab on the inside of the lid that will need to be shaved off with a razor blade.
Plano 23600-01 Stowaway with Adjustable Dividers (4-Pack):
https://a.co/d/02PsWGCt
I am happy to make other variations if there is any interest.
2024-07-06 - Added 1x2, 1 compartment bin (with label & scoop) as per request.
The author remixed this model.
This design is basically a 1x1 Gridfinity Bin with the length and width scaled down and the base and stackable lip removed.