Do It Yourself

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How do I sort screws for reuse? (feddit.online)

submitted 1 week ago by Binzy_Boi@feddit.online to c/diy@beehaw.org

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Hi all,

Recently got myself a popcorn maker from the thrift shop that unfortunately refused to work. Wanted to try and get it operating as it should again, but it seems the issue wasn't so much something being broken in the machine, but rather extremely cheap build quality.

Repairing the thing just didn't seem worth it, so I disassembled it and am recycling the individual parts. However, I am thinking about making a toolbox so that I can learn some repairs and all, and am hoping to save the screws that I've salvaged from the machine.

My question is this. How does one sort and categorize the screws they keep? Are there codes the screws have, or does it come down to personally measuring and determining the length and type of screwdriver needed for them? Currently just keeping them in a sandwich bag for the time being.

Thanks for any help in advance.

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[–] echo@lemmings.world 5 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I tend to loosely/grossly sort them by type and size. Machine screws go in one pile, bolts in a different pile, sheet metal screws in another pile. Otherwise, I have a number of adjustable slotted cases where I just drop them in. When I need a random screw then I have a decent idea the size and type I need and I can quickly find it without additional sorting, in most cases.

https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage-organization/parts-storage/24-divider-storage-container-94458.html

[–] BearOfaTime@lemm.ee 3 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

Type (machine/wood/bolt) , then size (diameter of shaft), then head type (pan/flat/pancake/countersink) then pitch (for machine screws) then length.

A screw organizer is crucial. I tend to split things up between different organizers by Type first (one organizer for Wood, etc).

I have a small organizer for "around the house" screws.

Those HF organizers are the way to go. I've never seen them cheaper anywhere else. And they often have coupons for them.

HF Coupons app for Android https://www.hfqpdb.com/android-app/install.html