After completing multiple home, studio, and office moves in the past couple years, I’ve been frustrated by the challenge of finding tools and supplies after packing them away – not just between moves, but also day-to-day. In 2014 [Tape Op #99], my two favorite briefcase-style organizers with anti-migration features were the Akro-Mils Portable Organizer for smaller parts, and the Stack-On DCOG-10 Deluxe Deep Cup Organizer for large screws and other fasteners. Unfortunately, Stack-On is no longer manufacturing general storage solutions, and the Akro-Mils briefcases lack removable bins. When I mention “anti-migration features,” I’m referring to divider and lid strategies that prevent small items (like thin washers) from moving inadvertently between bins, especially when an organizer is tipped or turned over. Moreover, removable bins have become a must-have feature, as my collection of electronic components, fasteners, and other parts continues to grow both in expanse and segmentation. The ability to flexibly rearrange the bins is a great help for sorting items of varying size and specification; and when a grouping of bins outgrows its briefcase, I can effortlessly divide the bins between briefcases. Also, when I need to grab a tiny item from a smaller bin, it’s often easier to pour a few of the items into an empty bigger bin to grab the needed part, then pour the extras back into their original bin. Therefore, I’m now relying on Allit EuroPlus Pro K organizers (allit.de). Each Pro K case is about 17" × 14" × 3", and bins come in various sizes, colors, and configurations. A rigid, 3D-molded polycarbonate lid clamps down on the bins, ensuring that even tiny parts can’t migrate. Conveniently, the briefcases can interconnect using integrated latches, so I can carry multiple cases using a single handle. This description may remind you of the better-known Sortimo T-BOXX line that Adam Savage of MythBusters (adamsavage.com) first endorsed about a decade ago and is now selling from his website in his exclusive orange color. I own two dozen boxes made my Sortimo [#136], and they’re awesome; but the Allit Pro are also awesome, and they’re less than half the price ($40 vs. $84-$105). I also own a dozen cases from the lower-priced Allit Flex series ($24) that lack the handles, interlocks, and rigid tops of the Pro Ks. The Flex organizers utilize shallower removable bins that are suitable for holding lighter-weight parts, while a single Pro K case can handle several pounds of nuts and bolts. Readers in Europe have countless buying options for Allit. For North American readers, I recommend Lee Valley (leevalley.com), a Canadian retailer with 19 storefronts and an easy-to-navigate online store. I’ve purchased all of my Allit products (as well as numerous specialty wood/plastic-working tools) from Lee Valley, and the few times I wanted to contact them, I called their customer-support number and immediately reached a knowledgeable human who was helpful. For larger items, like cable bundles, headphones, wall warts, desktop mic stands, percussion instruments, power tools, and anything else I might otherwise throw into milk crates, I use Quantum Food Service RSO Straight Wall Stacking Containers (quantumfoodservice.com). As their name implies, the insides of these heavy-duty totes are straight-walled, without any interior buttressing (or holes) to snag (or lose) whatever I throw in; and the totes stack just like milk-crates do. But what’s extra cool is that they’re available in many sizes and heights, and smaller ones can stack side-by-side in tandem on top of the next bigger size. I prefer to use these without tops; but optional lids, which thankfully don’t impede stack-ability, are available. Quantum also manufactures totes made of conductive copolymer specifically for storage of sensitive electronics. I buy Quantum RSO containers ($10-$44) from Webstaurant (webstaurantstore.com), another online store I recommend for competitive pricing and exemplary customer service.

Tape Op is a bi-monthly magazine devoted to the art of record making.

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