Drill Bit Organization - I'll show you mine if you'll show me yours

[mike newall]

Originally Posted by jsenft

We have every tool labeled with a location. We also have a designated spot for all our parts. We use a database with Van?s Part number, Description, and a picture of the part to help keep track of every rivet, nut, and bolt. We also have our Bins, shelves, and boxes labeled. These labels coordinate with a specific location of a part. Jim

https://www.zazzle.co.uk/i_have_cdo_...33449886714843

[NavyS3BNFO]

Very timely. I got tired on searching through my bag 'o bits to find the correct one. Here is my (not so original) solution. There's no rhyme or reason to the groupings.

[Bullseye]

This was taken almost ten years ago, and was before my drill bits were added, but it works great:

[RV6_flyer]

I have a number set but the image is not included.



Tool Box where bits are kept.


Yes we had 5S at work and used it in my own shop before I retired but still use it as much as possible in my shop.

[scard]

The most important part of our shop drill bit organization is clearly defined "Tanya drill bits" in their own special index, and MY drill bits. Never are the two to be mixed. It is the rule and is enforced...

When I'm sure the potential is high that I'll destroy a bit, I ALWAYS reach for the "Tanya drill bits". Snap it in two and fly across the shop is always a possibility.

Come to think of it, she doesn't really need the index much anymore as, how shall I say, her "selection is limited". AHH, lightbulb! Happy Valentines day honey, look what I got you...

[SHIPCHIEF]

I'm glad that I fit into the average for drill bit and rivet tool handling and storage.
I also keep 2 boxes of drills: The standard fractional drill set, and a 60 pc Numbered drill assortment:
https://www.amazon.com/ATE-Tools-Num.../dp/B010619DA0
which I replace individual drills that break, get lost etc.
RV's are usually drilled with Number drills, so I also keep several of the often used sizes in the standard length and a few longer ones. #30, #40, #19.
The drill gauge is a 'must have'
I tried to start building with the traditional speed chuck drill bits and air drills, but soon settled on battery drill with hand tightening chuck and standard bits.
Those new Lithium battery drills are small and handy!

[azrv6]

I've been working on a project with parts at my home shop and parts at the hangar and routinely move this back and forth as needed. I always use a digital caliper to confirm drill size before drilling. Drill size and tap chart on my phone for easy access when needed. Looks messy, but over the last several years this has worked out great.



It looks like my bench top could serve as a drill index!

[AAflyer]

Hmm...My bits usually cohabitated in a tray, (aka giant lid of a peanut jar), and I had to use a micrometer to confirm each bit's size once the lettering wore off.
Every time I picked up the micrometer, I muttered, "I REALLY need to make a drill bit rack"....tomorrow...but never did.

[dave4754]

Almost wore mine out!

Originally Posted by az_gila

Just buy one of these and keep it handy. It also tells you what sizes you need for tapping and clearances above the usual RV ones.



Available at any good hardware store and better than a piece of paper.

[dave4754]

The first is a box dedicated to drill bits.

It contains that great device above and a number of loose drills. Also has a small indexed box of common drills in the fractional inch category.

Finding the need for Numbered drills i found a piece of 1 x 4 drilled individual bits into it upside down to store there. # 12 # 19 etc. Works well

Sorry no pic.