If you’re a rotary tool enthusiast, you likely have a growing collection of accessories—bits, sanding drums, polishing wheels, and more. Keeping these items organized is key to ensuring that your projects run smoothly. You can purchase a pre-made storage solution that may work for your needs, however, why not create your own? Here are six DIY ideas to inspire you to craft your own custom accessory storage system, tailored to your specific needs.
1. Compact Wooden Organizer
Materials Needed: Scrap wood, a drill, dowels, and wood glue.
Create a small wooden tray or with compartments for different accessories. The compartments will help sort and organize bits, polishing wheels, or cutting discs. Drill holes in the base to add dowels to hold sanding drums. For added functionality, label each section to keep things neat and accessible. A rotary tool and the plunge router attachment with a routing bit can help you create precision slots for the dividers.
2. Wall-Mounted Pegboard with Accessory Holders
Materials Needed: Pegboard, hooks, and small containers or jars.
If you want to save workspace, pegboard is a fantastic vertical storage option. Use hooks to hang small containers or jars to hold bits and other accessories. Customize it further by cutting shapes or adding carved wooden mounts with your rotary tool for unique, specific holders for tools and attachments.
3. Magnetic Bit Holder
Materials Needed: A piece of wood or acrylic, magnets, and adhesive.
Cut a piece of wood or acrylic to your preferred size. Attach small magnets in rows, using adhesive, to create a magnetic bit holder. This solution keeps bits visible and easy to grab while preventing them from rolling away. Use your rotary tool to rout out a recessed section for the magnet to create a sleeker design.
4. PVC Pipe Storage Racks
Materials Needed: PVC pipes, a saw, and hot glue.
PVC pipes are versatile and inexpensive materials for creating storage. Cut small sections of pipe to make cylindrical holders for accessories. Glue or screw these to a wooden base or a wall-mounted board for an organized, modular system. Customize the sizes based on your collection.
5. Recycled Tin Can Organizer
Materials Needed: Clean tin cans, a drill, and paint or fabric for decoration.
Clean and upcycle tin cans to serve as accessory holders. Drill a hole near the rim of each can to attach them to a rotating carousel or mount them onto a wall. Decorate the cans with paint or fabric for a personalized touch. Use your rotary tool with an aluminum oxide grinding stone to smooth the edges of the cans for safety.
6. Drawer Insert with Foam Blocks
Materials Needed: Foam blocks, a drill, and a utility knife.
Dense foam rubber blocks with holes drilled in it is a great way to organize rotary tool bits and keep them ready for use. Drill 1/8-inch diameter holes into the foam and store your bits vertically in each hole. Insert the foam blocks in a tray or in a drawer.
If you prefer to keep your rotary tools out of sight, create a custom drawer insert. Cut foam blocks to fit your drawer and carve out sections for tools and attachments using a utility knife. This approach keeps everything snug and prevents shifting when opening or closing the drawer.
Tips for Starting Your Storage Projects
- Plan Ahead: Sketch your design to ensure all accessories have a designated space.
- Customization: Organize accessories by type, size, or frequency of use for maximum efficiency.
- Portability: If you work in different locations, consider adding a handle or making your organizer modular.
- Safety First: Use proper safety equipment when cutting, grinding, or sanding materials.
Building your own rotary tool accessory storage isn’t just practical—it’s also a rewarding project that lets you put your creativity and tools to use. Have fun crafting a solution that fits your workspace and showcases your DIY skills!
Got your own ideas or solutions? Share them with your fellow rotary tool enthusiasts in the Dremel Community—we’d love to see your creations!
--John
