Storage for small lengths of steel

[Tom Snodgrass]

How do you all store short to med. lengths of steel? Say pieces of angle and rods that are 1 to 3 feet in length. Am using an old metal 5 gal bucket, but it isn't too easy to find anything. I'll bet there are some good ideas floating around out there! Thanks Tom

[cope]

Tom, thats how I have done it. I used to have a steel bin approximately 12"x10"x24" that I kept such in, but when I moved, I had my shed cleared out and forgot to have the guy bring it to me. Not only lost a nice storage container for short cut-offs, but lost a lot of good metal!

[Sberry]

When I figure out a way for all those bits and pieces I will let you know. I try to use them when I can as often I find something that is prefabricated by looking on the rack. Larger shops just toss it because of storage problems. If you have the equipment to make it fast that is often the best option. I also have a couple racks outside for used steel that I dont want to take up indoor space with.

[Sberry]

Main rack

[vwguy3]

I work in a hardware store and the receiving kids have standing orders when the store manager goes on a cleaning frenzy they are to throw anything steel in a separate pile and I inspect before they throw anything out. I have found some decent steel displays that I use for projects. I also used one for storage of steel. Might check local retail stores alot of times they get displays for free when buying new product and throw out the old displays.

[gnewby]

Tom, I have used a couple of old grocery shopping carts. usually can find a few that they are planning on getting rid of for one reason or the other, sometimes they might take a little fixing up. They work good for me as I can always move them around my shop from place to place by rolling them.

[Roger]

Sberry27
Nice storage racks.

[Tom Snodgrass]

Thanks for the ideas!

Cope--
What a bummer.

Sberry27--
Nice racks! What is the small rack or shelving on the end of the large rack used for? Do you have a closer picture? Looks interesting.

Vwguy3 & gnewby--
I have worked in both a hardware store and as a meat cutter at a grocery store and I have picked up serveal displays that they were throwing out--made good shelving. I also pick up a carry out cart that I made into a OA cart. Still need to put the finishing touches on that project.

Thanks again guys Tom

[Sberry]

Tom, you are observant thats for sure. That little rack has been modified again since that pic and I will get a close up of it soon. Your question kind of slipped by me but that rack is very useful indeed. It is a storage for steel pipe fittings up to 3/4 with all the reducing bushings, couplings, T's, nipples and plugs. I added a rack for valves since and on the side is for air fittings and water hose adapters. I have another for brass also. The 1 inch and larger is in those plastic berry lugs on the bottom of the big rack. I like that fitting rack near the benches with vices so its great for making up assemblies right there.

[Royal Fe]

OK, What's the punching bag have to d with welding?

Now thats a great idea for frustration!!

[BillC]

Re: Storage for small lengths of steel

Originally posted by Tom Snodgrass
How do you all store short to med. lengths of steel? Say pieces of angle and rods that are 1 to 3 feet in length. Am using an old metal 5 gal bucket, but it isn't too easy to find anything. I'll bet there are some good ideas floating around out there! Thanks Tom

Tom, buy some PVC pipe, cut it into appropriate lengths and make a box to stand them in. You can then stand the lengths of steel in the upright PVC pipe. Big diameters for big pieces or larger quantities, and smaller diameters for unique items...

Have Fun!

[Snidley]

I portion of my storage rack has expanded metal on the bottom just so I can toss all the shortends onto. You can spread them out or group them by type and it makes it easier to spot those short pieces when you need them.

[Tom Snodgrass]

BillC
Great minds must think a like!! I have been thinking about building a small rack and had thought of PVC pipe. Thought it could be stair step like, maybe even be able to roll around.

Snidley
Expanded metal for the bottom is a good idea--hadn't thought of that.

Thanks again guys for all the great ideas. Tom

[Guest]

I made 5 of these and attached to the side of the garage to hold 20' sticks of material...at one end I spaced them closer to hold short pieces.