If you own a lot of tiny things — fasteners, finishing nails, model train parts, vintage mechanical keyboard springs… whatever — when a small parts organizer is a great pickup. Most of these organizes are designed to be built into vans or a garage shelf, but for those of us with smaller spaces there is nothing better than a portable organizer.
I was recently in need of just such an organizer, and here is what my research turned up!
Sortimo T-boxx
The coolest cases in town are made by the German manufacturer Sortimo. They make a number of boxes, with the T-boxx being more or less the standard case for storing and transporting small items.
If you are trying to sort out their range, here are the options:
- L-Boxx: Secure storage, tough case, $100+
- LS-Boxx: Secure storage, but in a tool chest design, $150+
- LT-boxx: Open top tool carriers, $50+
- i-Boxx: Lightweight, stowable storage containers, $40+
- T-Boxx: Heavier duty then the i-Boxx with more compartments, $60+
The main ones I’d recommend a the i-Boxx and the T-boxx, mainly the T-boxx. These cases look great, they are highly functional, they are made well, and they come from a brand that does nothing but organize tools for professionals. You can’t lose here.
Bosch L-Boxx
Sortimo actually makes the Bosch L-Boxx, which is why they are so good! There are a few options so make sure you know what you are searching for.
- L-Boxx-1A: 17.5″ x 14″ x 4.5″, 19 compartments, foam insulation for protection, about $50
- i-Boxx 72-10: 13.75 “x 12.25″ x 2.75”, 12 compartments, lighter duty then the L-boxx, about $50
- Bosch i-Boxx53-12: 17.5″ x 14″ x 4.5″, another light duty box, one of Bosch’s cheapest, about $30
Stanley Compartment Organizer
If you want organizers that come from a brand that you already know and trust, then Stanley organizers are a great way to go. The most popular case — the 25-compartment model 014725 — is 16.25″ x 13.5″ x 2.1″ and built Stanley tough, so it’s designed for use outdoors, in workspaces, and so forth.
Stalwart Portable Organizer
The Stalwart organizer is a lot like the Stanley, but it’s a lot more affordable because you get a set of organizer cases, not just the one. Stalwart sells a set of four organizers for about $35, which is a killer deal compared to most of the other options here.
Pelican 1510SC Protector Studio Case
No list of storage cases would be complete without an entry from Pelican. These cases are super tough, backed by a company that does nothing but make awesome cases, and they preserve their resale value incredibly well. Unfortunately they are quite expensive, so getting a Pelican case is no impulse buy.
The 1510SC Protector Studio Case is the case for smaller items. It’s note quite what you think of when you are considering a small parts organizer, but if you want your small parts intact post-disaster or extended travel, Pelican has you covered.
Storehouse 20 Bin Medium Portable Parts Case
If you are a Harbor Freight fan, they have the lowest price in town (as usual). The 20-spot, briefcase style medium portable case from Storehouse looks like Dewalt and others, but comes in at an incredible $9. There is a transparent top for visibility, as you’d expect, the bins are removable, and the case is stackable so you can benefit from buying a bunch of them — which is something you’d do when they are $9 but maybe not when they are $50.
The same case comes in 8- and 15-bin options as well, if you need larger internal compartments.
Dewalt Tough System Tool Storage Organizer
Dewalt’s Tough System organizer (model DWST08202) is, like the Stanley, a harden carrying case for little parts and hand tools. It’s built for Dewalt’s typical handyman/contractor audience so you know it’s tough, but at under $40 it’s reasonably priced too. This one will be bigger and heavier than what most of use need, but you know it’ll take a drop.