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One of my upcoming Toolbox columns is going to cover shop storage tech. So I was happy to see this positive review of Akro-Mils storage cases in today's Cool Tools:
Working in industrial design, I constantly acquire small sets of parts to use for multiple clients and projects. I've tried using a variety of translucent plastic boxes to contain and organize these parts, but they've been flawed in a number of ways: the parts are difficult to pick out with your fingers; the small pieces migrate from compartment to compartment; and finally, the latches break.
I think Akro-Mils has solved all of these problems with their cases. The latches span the entire front side of the organizer, work well, and don't seem to break. The bottom of each compartment is curved on at least two sides to allow picking up those 0-80 screws, and the top has ridges that surround each divider to make it much less likely for the parts to jump out of their compartments. The two Akro-Mils organizers I have been using are the small (05-705) and the large (05-905). There's a medium available, too. I think I paid $4 and $7, respectively, which is about the same price as products with none of these features or durability. -- Arthur Carr
I have one of these that I bought at some craft store in Texas while I was visiting. The large size, I believe. They are every bit as good as listed. Far more substantial feel than average. Unfortunately they do seem to be a bit hard to find at retail. One downside not listed is that the dividers are, in fact, removable in one direction, and while there are substantial grooves to fit them in, parts can slide if you have bad luck.
I recently picked up a great kit from Walmart, of all places. It's a black tote bag that contains 5 storage organizers, which are each considerably better than average in design. I couldn't find a picture of it online, though.
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Small world! I just wrote a similar review for these cases on Amazon (and ordered a case of 'em) a couple days ago :)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TQO2VC/
They truly are the best in the biz...
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