Magnetically Attached Small Part Bins

Like most unfinished basements, mine has several support post which generally just get in the way.

This simple and inexpensive project makes basement posts more useful by magnetically attaching small part bins.

I believe repurposing a magnetic tool holder as a small parts bin mounting bracket is an unique idea (see photos).

Parts

one each unless otherwise noted

18 in. Magnetic Tool Holder

(4x) 2" x 5" Protection Plates

(4x) Stackable Red Bin

JB Weld Epoxy

Optional - black spray paint

Tools

Hammer and pliers

(4x) Small Spring Clips

Dremel with plastic cut-off wheel

Hand held or bench grinder

Metric ruler and combination square

Silver and black Sharpie markers

Each red bin needs to have a small section of the "rear hook" area removed to provide clearance with the tool holder.

Referring to the photos, mark 30 mm section (b), and remove using Dremel with plastic cut-off wheel (c).

Since the plates are normally used in construction to protect plumbing and wiring, we'll need to make a few modifications for our use. Refer to the photos.

Using pliers and hammer flatten the spikes (a).

To prepare for epoxy in a future step, remove the coating and slightly roughen the surface at the plate center (b).

Slightly round off the corners (c).

A hand held or bench grinder works well for steps (b) and (c).

Finally, on the side opposite the one which the coating was removed, mark two centering lines (d) - these will aid plate positioning when they're epoxied in a future step.

On the non-magnet side of the tool holder, use silver Sharpie to mark metal plate attachment lines 30, 150, 270,and 390 mm from one end as shown (a). these will help position the top edge of metal plates in a future step.

Extending for about 50 mm below each line, remove the paint and slightly roughen the surface (b) - I used a hand held grinder with a metal cut-off wheel lightly moved across the surface.

Using a black Sharpie, re-mark the 30, 150, 270, and 390 mm lines as in the previous step (because they probably became obscured during paint removal). Slightly elevate the tool holder (a) to provide clearance for spring clamps in the next step.

To aid in squarely attaching metal plate to tool holder in the next step, remove the sliding square head from combination square(b).

This is the most critical step, so I recommend a practice run before mixing up the epoxy.

Position first metal plate at 390 mm reference line and center the plate across the tool holder using the previously marked centering lines (see drawing). Secure with small spring clamp, and check squareness between plate and tool holder using the square head, see photo.

Repeat for remaining 3 plates at 270 mm, 150 mm and finally 30 mm.

After you have the process well rehearsed, Remove the plates, mix up two part epoxy per the package directions,and cement the 4 plates in place as described above. Allow 24 hours for the epoxy to cure.

Optionally, after 24 hours paint the assembly.

Congratulations you're now 99% done !!

Place bracket assembly vertically on basement support post, or other ferrous metal surface, install part bins, and load with (photos: a, b, c). In my case since bins are near my woodworking assembly bench, I loaded bins with wood glue and Kreg screws.