We get two pound packs of hamburger in these nifty plastic trays. The small one contained fresh mushrooms (not that kind, ones for cooking). The big ones are surprisingly sturdy and I figure I’m paying for them so I might as well get my money’s worth. They wash up pretty easily and can be replaced if they crack.
I thought about building a rack of some sort. like maybe shelf with big cutouts for the trays to slide in. I suppose you could attache some sort of metal or plastic channel, even wood, to the underside of a shelf and slide the trays in and out.
you know that i sa very unique repurposing of a every day item that we all usually would throw away… thanks for opening my eyes to those trays being reused. i hadnt ever thought about it. Good ideas too on the rack type system
Glad someone benefits from the post. These trays are just the right size to hold pistol parts, or a stripped AR lower and it’s various components, or an upper with BCG—but sans barrel of course.
We’ve no doubt all seen project trays, most notably at eye glass stores, which is I think the vague, almost subconscious inspiration for the idea.
I just checked and it turns out a Dagger S frame with Compact X slide (basically a Glock 17 clone) fits on the tray bottom, although the optic prevents it from laying perfectly flat. Yeah, this seems like just the ticket for keeping a pistol project organized. Tupperware does have one advantage: a snap-on lid to keep out dust and dirt, and to keep small parts from spilling.
FYI for those of you who live in Upstate SC: these trays are made by Cryovac.
Speaking of plastic trays, on my workbench I see a plastic tv dinner tray that is sort of useful for hobbies because it has several compartments of different sizes. This tray has kept some small drill bits, files, and other items within easy reach, without anything getting lost, for the fourteen years it’s been resting at the far end of my basement work table.
Just cut open a cow, put the gun in a plastic bag and stick it inside the cow. Sew the cow back up. If you have seen the movie, Gun Woman, then you will understand.
Shop tips: keeping track of small items. I have a habit of carrying around some item like a flashlight, then laying the item down momentarily to free a hand for some distraction. Eventually, I forget where I laid the flashlight or other tool. My solution was to affix a bright orange, plastic ribbon to a few items that I seem to use often and therefore misplace frequently. So far, I’m sure I’ve saved hours not having to tear the house apart looking for my favorite flashlight. Maybe I’m the only one who, if I lose a screw driver, can’t just grab a different one from the collection of several dozen. I’ve got to find the screwdriver I lost just because! Anyway, if you lose small items at the workbench, take a look at marking them to make the items easier to spot.
The flashlight is a Harbor Freight item and I like it because it is fairly bright, uses AAA batteries, and I can hold it in my mouth. The tiny combo wrench is for my chamber iron used for 22 rimfire. The plastic tray is I think from zucchini gotten at Aldi. The tray forms a home base for items, a focal point for me so I put things back where I got them. If “back” means on the workbench instead of back in the tool drawer, that works because there is a special spot on the workbench delineated for small, frequently-used items.
HAPPY PSA Anniversary! Yeah, I lose stuff too. With me, I have to move something out of the way every time I need to work in the shop. Then, when I need that item - proof it’s gone! Off to the hardware store, then after I get done, the missing thing reappears and is in my way again.
Second, that having to move stuff to get at other stuff is something I’ve been doing for about 55 years. It does get old but I realized that I actually remember where most things are, except the tool that I had in my hand and then set down five minutes ago.
There is a sense of accomplishment from knowing exactly what to move and what is behind or under it. Okay, I guess I need to admit it: I’m sort of a hoarder. Not like the people on tv but I do like stuff and have too much of it. Okay I’ve admitted it. Now that I’m half way to solving the problem, I can go back to collecting guns and parts.
And yes, the easiest way to find a lost tool is to buy another one.
The slice is what you leave, out of politeness, for someone else. And if there is a slice left, then someone else gets to clean the plate. Life can be simple if you have the right perspective.
i’ve found that a disposable cupcake tin is good for holding bolts, screws, pins etc, from different things in different areas while taking it apart and putting things back together. just a suggestion
Glad you mentioned cupcake tins. I still have some old, metal cupcake tins, six and twelve count, and they are sturdy containers for keeping small hardware. Also useful for sorting the coffee can filled with miscellaneous screw.
not the whole darn cake 
Off to the hardware store, then after I get done, the missing thing reappears and is in my way again.