AR-15 Spare Parts Storage

[Navigating Collapse]

Quib's post:

http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1690

Has prompted me to bring this up. I am working on organising my "Man Cave", and building a dedicated firearm cleaning/building/maintenance work station, and I'd love more info on what everyone's using for storing miscellaneous spare parts.

Quib's setup is gorgeous, and I'd love the details on that, especially how he made the labels and where the jars came from. My OCD forces me to organise as such. Labels = Awesome.

[wareagle700]

I use plastic tackle boxes. They work fine for storing spare parts. I dont have anything in jars though. Quib is just extra OCD I guess. haha. I think you can buy those little jars online though.

[Stickman]

http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Miscellaneous/mobile-parts-Stick.jpg

[bayouben]

http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Miscellaneous/mobile-parts-Stick.jpg

Dude you are sick!

[Stickman]

A plastic tackle box and a Lower Parts Kit (LPK) or two is a good start. Throw in an extra bolt and a few bolt parts, and you are on your way to a great setup.

[Optimus Prime]

I've got a box from a Magpul stock full of left overs and take offs from other projects, and a bolt core in my MOE grip with the main bolt parts...

I should swing by Fleet and get a decent box and organize things.

[Bowser]

I have a similar box as Stick's I bought at OSH. The first level is for all the tiny parts, and the deeper lower level is for the bigger pieces like pistol grips, d-rings, barrel nuts, muzzle brakes/flash hiders, etc.

[Navigating Collapse]

Stick, that is righteous.

I've been eyeballing something like this that I can mount to the side of my wall-locker, which rests next to the workbench I'm working on:

http://img.meijer.com/assets/product_images/styles/xlarge/1002472_758725_A_400.jpg

Then again, I may just go the tackle/tool box route...especially considering I have a drawer big enough for several of those boxes, that currently houses nothing but manuals...

[Quib]

LOL......OCD huh? I call it attention to detail. [:D]

The parts box I use is actually part of a case with two such boxes. One case houses my spares, the other my cleaning gear. The top contains my armorers tools.

The clear containers once held avionics connector pins, I’ve collected them over the years from various employers. Similar containers can be had if you search using Google.

ETA: The labels are nothing more than Avery Labels which can be purchased just about anywhere. Microsoft Word allows you to print on the various labels available.

[Navigating Collapse]

ETA: The labels are nothing more than Avery Labels which can be purchased just about anywhere. Microsoft Word allows you to print on the various labels available.

This...is awesome, mostly because it means I can print the labels in the same font I use for my stencils.

I'll try my best to see what I can do to hunt down similar bottles.

Stick, what sort of box are you rockin'? I went to Lowe's, HD, and The 'Mart, looking tonite, and couldn't turn up anything worth a damn.

[Seagrave7]

I stumbled upon this forum looking for Pencil barrel builds. Long and behold I find this great thread regarding Spare Parts Storage. I had to post a picture of my storage. Quib & Stickman, I like how you organize. I put mine together last year right before I took my first Magpul Carbine Course. BTW, I got my parts storage container at The Container Store. Quib, I like your smaller containers. Need to find something like that.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn60/Seagrave77/IMG_0529.jpg

[Quib]

Seagrave7...Looks like you have the identical storage box I use. The adjustable dividers come in real handy.

Navigating Collapse...I can’t believe your search turned up nothing. Lowes usually has these types of storage boxes right at the front of the store where the garage organization things are displayed. WalMart usually has them in two places, Sporting Goods and back around the Hobby/Sewing Department.

[Sak007]

Where is a good place to get all the small parts for an ar at a good price or am i gonna have to buy a bunch of lpk's to get what i need plus a bunch of extra grips & various other things that i would add different components too ?

[Eric]

This is an old photo and the box is rather empty as shown, but this is what I use to go to classes and the range. It's usually supplemented by a tackle box stuffed full of other parts.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/P1010040.jpg

[Seagrave7]

Stick, what sort of box are you rockin'? I went to Lowe's, HD, and The 'Mart, looking tonite, and couldn't turn up anything worth a damn.


Navigating Collapse try this:

http://www.containerstore.com/shop/garage/partsBoxes?viewAll=true

[Navigating Collapse]

Seagrave7...Looks like you have the identical storage box I use. The adjustable dividers come in real handy.

Navigating Collapse...I can’t believe your search turned up nothing. Lowes usually has these types of storage boxes right at the front of the store where the garage organization things are displayed. WalMart usually has them in two places, Sporting Goods and back around the Hobby/Sewing Department.

Negative. I've noticed that different stores in different areas carry different items. For instance, near me there are TWO Wal*Marts within 4 miles of each other. As an example, one store carries one type of pegboard & hooks, and the other carries a totally different type. It's pure craziness.

I did find a Plano box at Lowe's, but they only carried one model, and three of the four on the shelf were cracked.

I did a search, and The Container Store has two locations near me, both in the two Ritziest areas of Atlanta. Next time I'm visiting the in-laws, I need to check 'em out.

[Venom]

You could also check out IKEA, thats where I got mine

[Quib]

Where is a good place to get all the small parts for an ar at a good price or am i gonna have to buy a bunch of lpk's to get what i need plus a bunch of extra grips & various other things that i would add different components too ?

I originally started my spares inventory by purchasing the various spares sets offered by Bushmaster. Then over the years, as components get swapped out, or other weapons get built, my spares inventory increased. One habit I like to try and keep up, is when I order something online, I’ll toss in a few smaller items with the order as well.

My spares kit doesn’t support an agency at the range, as in the example Stick has above. But, it comfortably supports the few AR’s I own.

[ReadnFool]

I would recommend the snap lid plastic boxes that are the more common approach pictured then the wall mount bin that you were considering. Having used those bins previously they are usefull if you are regularly accessing the items contained inside (patches, qtips, etc). I don't like them for longer term storage of specific small pieces because they are not very secure, not moisture proof, and I have had the whole drawer fall out when I just try to open it. Think about picking up all those little pieces from every corner when the drawer falls.

[ColdDeadHands]

I'm just getting started but here's the box I found at Walmart;

http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz170/mw1311/Misc/DSC_0117.jpg

http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz170/mw1311/Misc/DSC_0118.jpg

Still looking for small containers like Quibs has.

[GraphiteBrawler]

Still looking for small containers like Quibs has.


Not exactly the same but close :

http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=973

[ColdDeadHands]

thanks for the link. I just wish they had measurements in the description. I might have to order one to make sure it fits in my box.

[Navigating Collapse]

I'm just getting started but here's the box I found at Walmart;

http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz170/mw1311/Misc/DSC_0118.jpg

Still looking for small containers like Quibs has.

Case in point! After visiting three different Walmart stores, NONE of them had those. I did find a Plano box that looked decent today, but I wasn't quite ready to bite on it.


Not exactly the same but close :

http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=973

100% Weapons-Grade Awesome. Thank you for finding/posting that. I'll give it a shot. I've had good experiences with the small Nalgene bottles for backpacking odds 'n ends.

[GraphiteBrawler]

[:D]No Problem, I'm a Mountaineering, so i've been using those to carry Chili powder and salt for years. Nalgene actually has a pretty huge selection of almost any size and style container you could ever want, a lot of people just think they make those bottles!

[Quib]

A little Google search revealed a site which sells exactly the type of small plastic containers I use for parts storage.

Measuring what I have here in hand, it appears that my containers are Caplug No. CVV-35.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4413299793_e752d3a807_o.png



http://www.caplugs.com/productdetails.aspx?id=1000022&itemno=CVV+SERIES


Link to the Mfgr's web site: http://thorntonplastics.com/

[Quib]

Updated original post: http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?p=14470#post14470

[Navigating Collapse]

Quib, you are the man. First the killer cleaning threads, and now this.

FWIW, I can NOT, for the life of me, find the screen/mesh basket though. I found a small one (6"x9") but the only pans I can find are 9"x13".

[Quib]

I don't want to drag this thread off into another topic, but maybe this can help track down the wire mesh basket.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4414259176_7f1d895165_o.png

[Navigating Collapse]

I don't want to drag this thread off into another topic, but maybe this can help track down the wire mesh basket.





Thanks, explains what my problem has been: I've been looking in the office-supply section of Walmart.

[devilpig]

This is how I keep up with my small parts:

http://i46.tinypic.com/23r67w4.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/16k3wbk.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/6hp9j6.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/xpahyv.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/3ajao.jpg

[Quib]

Devilpig,

That’s a sharp set-up you have there. I like it! Very organized!

[Sudslinger]

Devil pig....WOW... great great set up

[Seagrave7]

Devilpig, well done. Time to bring home the label maker from work.

[devilpig]

Thanks guys...I like it...I have pretty much every small part you could ever need for an AR in there....but I do have stuff I need to add.

I'm also about to make an AR field armorers kit in a similar setup in another ammo can. But I won't be using the same trays.

[GraphiteBrawler]

Thanks guys...I like it...I have pretty much every small part you could ever need for an AR in there....but I do have stuff I need to add.

I'm also about to make an AR field armorers kit in a similar setup in another ammo can. But I won't be using the same trays.

If my rifle breaks during the Zombie invasion, i'm finding you.

[Navigating Collapse]

Where did you pick up the ammo box organisers/trays?

[devilpig]

If my rifle breaks during the Zombie invasion, i'm finding you.

Haha, well the kit still has a ways to go...but it's coming along nicely. I still have some spare parts I need to supplement it with.


Where did you pick up the ammo box organisers/trays?

I believe they came from Cheaper Than Dirt. IIRC they were around $20 for the set of trays.

[223nbecker45]

Devilpig is correct they sell them at cheaper than dirt.

[devilpig]

The small containers were bought at http://containerandpackaging.com/

If anyone needs part numbers I will be happy to provide them.

They sell a boat-load of different sized containers and I have looked through just about all of them. Unfortunately I couldn't find a container that would fit a bolt carrer or bolt really well. So I picked up some paintball tubes (tubes with the green caps in pictures I posted). They hold firing pins, dummy rounds, etc pretty well and will work fine until I find something that fits the parts more closely.

[Quib]

I apologize for the crappy cell phone pic.

With spring right around the corner, my local WalMart is now stocking up on fishing equipment. They have quite an assortment of storage boxes for those looking to start a spares inventory.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4424478715_5386d93b2c_o.png

[devilpig]

I love containers....maybe it is a sign of OCD or at least hyper-anal retentiveness....but you can't have too many around.

[Quib]

I love containers....maybe it is a sign of OCD or at least hyper-anal retentiveness....but you can't have too many around.

I’ve used them in one form or another my entire adult life.

In the military we used various storage containers in garrison and in the field. When I was working as an aircraft mechanic I used them in my toolboxes to hold various small tools. At home I use them out in the shop/garage, to organize small items for around the house, or for storing hardware.

I’ve been meaning to work on my AR stores/cleaning box, by “shadowing” the top portion used to keep my armorers tools. I have the block of foam, I just need to find the time to sit down and start.

[devilpig]

For whatever reason, the last time I went to look for containers at wally world they were running pretty low on anything that looked usable.

I just happened to run across these trays and thought Id try them out.

My plan as of now is to make a separate can for tool storage. But I did originally think about trying to find a box that I could use for storing both tools and parts. I think there are merits to both keeping them together and separate.

I guess I'll just have to use it some and see what works.

[GraphiteBrawler]

Edited: Let's keep this on topic please.- Quib

[Quib]

Here’s a shot of my set-up. The two containers for cleaning and spares can be separated from the whole unit. I just toss the entire unit in the back of my truck when I head out. If I need it, it’s there.

Back at home on the bench in the shop, it has its place on a shelf. I can pull out and set on the work bench which ever section I need whether it be for cleaning or for parts.

I’ll post more pics of the entire set-up after I complete the “shadowing” of the tool section.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4424566011_7091945b9d_o.png

[Quib]

Here's the top compartment, shadowed with the tools I've gathered so far.....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2772/4427732639_a8c1585347_o.png

[devilpig]

Here's the top compartment, shadowed with the tools I've gathered so far.....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2772/4427732639_a8c1585347_o.png

Good stuff, Quib

I'm in the process of finishing mine up. Pics will follow.

[Quib]

Looking forward to the update.

[devilpig]

In the mean time....here is where my larger parts go:

http://i43.tinypic.com/zjc7pi.jpg

[Quib]

In the mean time....here is where my larger parts go:

http://i43.tinypic.com/zjc7pi.jpg

Very nice!

I haven’t seen a Vidmar since my days working for the airlines!

Can you guess who was in charge of the special tools, and ran this tool room? His name started with Q.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4428715050_e434b6cfdb_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4427949793_52fa1c35a0_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4427947831_c8384b0027_o.jpg

[devilpig]

It was a free hand-me-down....it has some issues, but works well enough for my uses.

That blue cabinet looks like a Lista. If only I was made of money all the storage in my house and shop would be made of Lista cabinets.

[Uglyduck]

Here's the top compartment, shadowed with the tools I've gathered so far.....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2772/4427732639_a8c1585347_o.png

Where's the armorers wrench from?

[Quib]

Where's the armorers wrench from?

DPMS

[Navigating Collapse]

Quib: I am currently looking for a good torque wrench specifically for my AR toolbox; what've you got there, and how has it been holding up?

[Quib]

Quib: I am currently looking for a good torque wrench specifically for my AR toolbox; what've you got there, and how has it been holding up?

The torque wrench pictured above is a Harbor Freight 20-200 in/lb. I ordered it about 18 years ago when I was a US Army contractor in Germany working on AH-64 Apaches. It’s been sitting in my roll-away now for quite sometime unused, and since I recently used it for a tutorial on installing an Aimpoint, I decided to keep it with my AR tools.

As far as holding calibration goes, I’ve been pretty impressed with it. It passed the calibration program tests required to use it on Army aircraft, and has passed numerous civilian calibration tests over the years at companies that allowed the use of personal calibrated tools.

When it comes to installing barrels, I do not use a torque wrench. Instead I use a breaker bar, armorers wrench, and my calibrated elbow using German torque which is “Gut n’ tight” [:)]

[Navigating Collapse]

When it comes to installing barrels, I do not use a torque wrench. Instead I use a breaker bar, armorers wrench, and my calibrated elbow using German torque which is “Gut n’ tight”

Funny, this is the answer I keep getting on torque wrenches for barrel installs...

I am NOT comfortable with winging it; mostly because I've never done an upper assembly/build.

Ironically enough, I was eyeballing that very wrench last week. I ended up getting some new safety glasses to replace my old Uvex Patriots.

I've also got this one bookmarked:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200263524_200263524

[Navigating Collapse]

In the mean time....here is where my larger parts go:

http://i43.tinypic.com/zjc7pi.jpg

That is so awesome, words cannot describe it.

For "big parts storage" I've contemplated everything from an upright/rolling toolbox to a filing cabinet, to one of these:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20107873

[Quib]

I am NOT comfortable with winging it; mostly because I've never done an upper assembly/build.


I do not consider NOT using a torque wrench in the case of tightening barrel nuts as “winging it”.

After doing a couple barrel installs using a torque wrench, I realized I could accomplish the same task safely and with the same results, without the use of a torque wrench.

I’m by all means someone who emphasizes doing things by the book. In my profession, things have to be done by the book, it’s mandated by the FAA. References to the work performed are required, and the proper tools for the job are a must.

But in the case of installing barrels on my personal weapons, for me it boils down to A) previous experience and B) comfort level.

I’ve done enough barrel swaps or installs, that through previous experience I know what would be considered too loose, and what would be considered too tight. I’m comfortable with my level of mechanical experience and feel confident that I can accomplish the task without the use of a torque wrench.

[Army Chief]

For those who may have an interest in expanding upon the topic, there is a omplementary discussion on workbench configuration and layout, located here (http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2109).

AC

[ColonelColt]

Thanks to this thread I have a stack of storage boxes from the fishing section of my work place waiting for me to get back to work tomorrow after being paid. I realized that while I might know where everything is, it might be a better idea to keep all of my various AR-15 and M1911 gun parts in one container rather than several.

Quib: Where did you get the AR-15 exploded diagram for the top of your box? I've seen it various places but not one that's really printable. Does someone sell these? I have access to a laminator so all I really need is the image for each side. And any idea who actually made your storage setup? While I don't have that many parts right now, I can easily see myself expanding into something of that size and I'd like to get compatible storage containers. Too many of the ones at work are geared specifically toward fishing.

[Quib]

A Google image search for "AR15 Parts Diagram" should pull up some good examples.

[Shrockp]

I found mine on bushmasters website it is from there online catalogue I think page 42/43 but I am not sure

[Quib]

I found mine on bushmasters website it is from there online catalogue I think page 42/43 but I am not sure

I believe it can be found there as well.

[103m 95g]

I thought I was doing well, but apparently I have what is known a organized confusion.

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww237/Modularweapons/DSCN2370.jpg

[Shrockp]

Here is a pic of my spare parts box.. I actually have 2 but one is parts and the other ends up with furniture and tools in it...

The spar box now has a complete BM BCG in it as well... that is until I have it staked, Eric, then it will go in the rifle and the stag will go in the parts box... if it weren't for a friend of mine selling me parts cheap I wouldn't have the parts I have...

http://i459.photobucket.com/albums/qq311/shrockster/018-3.jpg

[XCoastie]

I just picked these up.

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd357/ADKICE/IMG_1484.jpg

[jdhill]

http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Miscellaneous/mobile-parts-Stick.jpg

I have a similar tray to this, though not nearly as well stocked... beginning additional trays for other platforms, but so far its just some the trays.

[TangoFoxtrot]

Quib's post:

http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1690

Has prompted me to bring this up. I am working on organising my "Man Cave", and building a dedicated firearm cleaning/building/maintenance work station, and I'd love more info on what everyone's using for storing miscellaneous spare parts.

Quib's setup is gorgeous, and I'd love the details on that, especially how he made the labels and where the jars came from. My OCD forces me to organise as such. Labels = Awesome.

I keepspare parts in the starage compartment of my grip for the field and some in my tool box...Ya never know!

[BrimstoneGuns]

Harbor Freight is a great place to find those organizing trays, especially when they have sales. We have shelves full of them, each labeled for a particular weapon type, for example, AR, GLOCK, 10/22, Winchester 94... Whatever we see a lot of in the shop. When we go to work on one we can just grab a tray off the shelf and it will have most spare parts we need along with any firearm specific tools (GLOCK armorers plate for example). That keeps you from ever wondering which drawer you put that custom tool in!

Anyway, Harbor Freight great for those organizing trays.