Need solution for gauge pin storage

[SHughes]

So…..
Moving tools and things to a new shop and my box of gauge pins slipped and fell, popped open (of course) and dumped the entire contents of a .251 - .500 gauge pin set. Adding insult to injury, the plastic divider basically shattered. I have all the gauges but they’re now just piled in the box. Really not a usable setup.
Looking online I haven’t seen any gauge pin storage boxes, unless of course you buy them full of pins.

Does anyone have a good storage solid idea? Drilling 250 holes in a block of wood or delrin is the easy fix, I guess. Just didn’t want to miss a better option.

Thanks!

 

[ltlvt]

So…..
Moving tools and things to a new shop and my box of gauge pins slipped and fell, popped open (of course) and dumped the entire contents of a .251 - .500 gauge pin set. Adding insult to injury, the plastic divider basically shattered. I have all the gauges but they’re now just piled in the box. Really not a usable setup.
Looking online I haven’t seen any gauge pin storage boxes, unless of course you buy them full of pins.

Does anyone have a good storage solid idea? Drilling 250 holes in a block of wood or delrin is the easy fix, I guess. Just didn’t want to miss a better option.

Thanks!

There are many on here with 3d printers maybe someone could make one from your needed dimensions. Personally, I would go with the wood idea.

 

[pontiac428]

Egg crate diffuser for overhead lights, stack two together for height and fit into a drawer.

 

[Chip Hacket]

Make a mold out of material that will harden. Maybe kids Play-Doh? Fit in appropriately sized box with strings placed in grid fashion to keep the alignment. After you have spent 3 hours sorting the pins for size . Push them in the Doh and wait for it to set.

 

[woodchucker]

my USA made set has a styrofoam holder. Just take a soldering iron and burn the holes in. mount it in a drill press.
Or any delrin or hdpe.

edit:https://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/cleaning-my-new-to-me-gauge-pins-holder-fail.95746/

 

[extropic]

For a temporary aid, I group my spares in zip-lock bags in .010 range (.011>.020, .021>.030, etc).

For the long term, I suggest you telephone Meyer Gage and see if they'll sell you a replacement box.
Let us know what happens. You're not the only one.

 

[Flyinfool]

+1 on 3D Print a new tray. You can even recess print in the sizes and fill them with paint for visibility, or if you have a dual extruder print in the text. Add any other text you want like maybe your name.

 

[projectnut]

I bought 2 gauge pin sets a couple years ago. They both came in a lockable storage case similar to a briefcase. The inside has a piece of closed cell foam with appropriately sized and labeled holes. You can buy similar size cases from Harbor Freight for less than $50.00. Here are 3 they sell. There are several others. I just Googled "storage case" on their website.

3800 Weatherproof Protective Case, Large, Black

Amazing deals on this Lg Weatherproof Protective Case Black at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

APACHE 3800 Weatherproof Protective Case for $34.99

Inside Track Club members can buy the APACHE 3800 Weatherproof Protective Case (Item 56766) for $34.99, valid through February 2, 2023.Compare our price of $34.99 to PELICAN at $149.95 (model numbe…

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APACHE 2800 Weatherproof Protective Case for $27.99

Buy the APACHE 2800 Weatherproof Protective Case (Item 58655) for $27.99, valid through January 26, 2023.Compare our price of $27.99 to PELICAN at $109.95 (model number: 1400). Save $81 by shopping…

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Here are some pictures of the sets I purchased.

 

[Ischgl99]

Vermont Gage sells replacement boxes. I would rather buy a box than spent the time drilling and labeling 250 holes.

 

[SHughes]

Vermont Gage sells replacement boxes. I would rather buy a box than spent the time drilling and labeling 250 holes.

I'm going to give these guys a call. $60 for a case and insert is pretty good compared to the time required to drill that many holes.
Thanks!