As part of my home electronics workbench, I purchased some storage drawers, so that I had a plentiful selection of storage for my small parts and components, and they’re then individually organised so that I can quickly find them
After buying a couple of these. I noticed that they had holes at the top of each one, which in theory means they could be stacked. When I first looked at this, I couldn’t find any obvious connection point, but figured it was possible. There’s holes there right?
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Why the need to join the bins?
This wasn’t really needed, I just wanted to do it. So that I could have a small set of parts drawers, and a large set stacked on top of them. I then get a few large components drawers as needed for my electronics workbench.
In order to stack the Mac Allister storage bins on top of each other, I used a few tools, and had to do a quick small modification to the one that was stacking on top.
I’ll document it here, because I noticed in the FAQ for the B&Q website that some other people have thought of the same thing, and found it to be a problem. As they can’t be stacked either, so this is how I did it. So if people find this article, and want to do it themselves. Feel free to use this as a starting point if it helps you.
I’ve been revising this procedure each time I do it, so that I can figure out what works best and is the fastest. The first time I went to join them together took about 30 mins+ because it was so fiddly. Using the technique I use here, I can join two sets of bins together in about 5 mins. They’re nice and stable.
What you need to join the bins together?
You don’t need many tools or components, but these are the items I used to join the bins together. In terms of the consumables. I normally buy pan head screws as they’re what I had on hand. The nuts and washers I already had as I purchased these from screwfix before in a yellowbox. The items I note below are close enough to what should work. The nuts and washers are small that I have, maybe 6 or 7 mm in size for nuts and 9mm for washers max (can get away with not using washers).
- M4 nuts, bolts and washers (the nuts / washers aren’t exact I used but should work)
- Philips and Flathead Screwdrivers (assorted sizes) MAGNETIC IDEALLY!
- Longnose Pliers (or scissors work)
What do the bins look like?
These are the two Mac Allister parts bins from B&Q that I purchased for use in my electronics workbench storage (I now have 6 of each in total). For the price they’re “OK”, the metal isn’t exactly thick, it’s like 1mm, but the benefit is they’re made of metal. The drawers are a hard plastic. The only downside is the spot welds can break easy. Other than that for the price you can’t really complain, when you compare it against other storage bins for the same price.
Initially I was using B&Q, but the problem is that each storage regionally only has 1 or 2 of each. You can buy them from B&Q sister site (Screwfix), at a more expensive option, but they’re ordered in (my local stores didn’t do click and collect). I had to hunt around because people were damaging and stealing the drawers which was irritating, as it cost me an extra £30 overall, but I plan on making that back by manufacturing parts for sale anyway
These are the products that I purchased and their links if needed. The larger smaller drawers are the 24 compartment ones.
- Mac Allister 50 Compartment Drawers (£25 at B&Q, or £34.99 at Screwfix)
- Mac Allister 24 Compartment Drawers (£21 at B&Q, or £27.99 at Screwfix)
Just another picture of the Mac Allister parts bins. I have to give credit to the person from Screwfix in the stores who looked after them. He actually inspected them all as he purchased some himself for his own project. Called to advise one was damaged, and offered a refund, or could order more from the warehouse. I chose the latter. Got the final four of them today (£111.96 lighter).
A pic of the larger unit. The good thing about these two designs is that other that the height, and number of bins. The external dimensions are the same. So they’re basically designed for stacking
Stacking the Mac Allister drawers together
In order to minimise any damage to the metal, using a small pair of needle nose pliers, then using a piece of tissue, rag, sock, whatever. Cover the edges of the needle nose pliers, then stabilise against the outside of the metal, and squeeze inwards (using the tips of the pliers). You don’t need to squeeze much as it’s only thin metal anyway so bends easy. It’s just enough to get room to put the nut on the bolt and inserting it.
After using the pliers, you can see how the metal has been folded inward into the housing to get access to the holes for inserting the bolts from underneath.
As you can see, it does leave minimal damage. If you’re really funny about any kind of damage marks, either this isn’t the mod for you. Or just press in the metal with your thumb on the inside. Just be careful not to injure yourself. The metal is thin enough so it should bend easy
I’ve found the best way is to remove the top set of drawers from the Mac Allister storage bins that you will be inserting the bolts into for stacking. This helps give room to work with
Needle nose pliers (or a pair of scissors) are a handy tool to have for this. I find myself using them to put the washers on top of the bolts once the bins are joined together
Another useful thing is if you have fingers like oak trees (like me), you aren’t quite dextrous, so nimble tasks need a bit more perfection. Here I’m inserting the bolt with the pliers for fitting. The procedure is actually a bit different now, but picture just for clarity.
After the bolts have been inserted, attach a nut
After inserting the bolt, add a nut on the top, this makes it easier to assemble it. Don’t tighten the nut all the way up, this is just enough so it holds the bolts on for easier fitting when stacking together. Eventually it will all tighten up once fitted
For the Mac Allister storage drawers where you will be stacking them on top. Removing the bottom drawers should be all you need to do for access.
After the top storage has been mounted over the bolts, there will be limited accessibility. I normally hold the washer with a pair of pliers or scissors, then use the magnetic side of a flat blade screwdriver to slowly turn the nut onto the bolt. It only needs to get on a couple of threads, then you can turn the rest by finger
A magnetic screwdriver for all its usefulness
Once the bolts have been inserted between the stacking units. It’s quite hard to get access to tighten the nuts, or even put them on. The best way I find is by using the magnetic screwdriver tip to slowly turn it onto the bolt. Normally you can draw a circle using the nut once it’s on the bolt and it will self tighten. After this you can use your fingers
Holding the rear nut in place with the flat blade
Position of the Pozi screwdriver through the rear access mount
This is the position of the screwdrivers I use to tighten up the rear. A Pozidrive through the rear screw mounts, and holding the nut from moving with the flat blade
After the drawers have been mounted, I simply bend the metal back into place
After the unit has been fully assembled. Just use a small screwdriver to bend the metal back if it bothers you, or thumbs to bend the metal as its thin enough. Just be careful as it can be sharp.
Straight up the metal in place
The drawers are then fully secured at each end after tightening them up. I recommend leaving the washers off from the front to save room
The drawers are then fully assembled and you can reinsert all the trays as it’s secured together
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