Storing With Plastic Bins: Hanging Tips And Tricks

how to hang plastic storage bins

Hanging plastic storage bins are a great way to save space and keep your belongings organised. These bins are typically hung from shelves using cleats, which are made from two pieces of wood glued together and screwed to the underside of the shelf. The bins can also be hung from louvered panels or rails using a rear hang lock, which is moulded to the back of the bin. It's important to consider the weight of the items you'll be storing in the bins, as well as the overall weight capacity of the bins themselves, to ensure they are safely secured.

Characteristics Values
Materials Wood, plastic
Tools Screws, glue
Weight limit Around 5 pounds
Heat resistance Withstands autoclave sterilization
Colors Blue, yellow, red, green, ivory, clear, black

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Fasten plastic bins to the undersides of shelves

To hang plastic storage bins from the undersides of shelves, one method is to use cleats. The cleats are made from two pieces of scrap wood that are glued together and screwed to the underside of the existing shelves. The top lip of the bins hangs on rails incorporated into the cleats. The plastic bins can be purchased at Home Depot for a low price. When creating the cleats, it is important to use pieces of wood that are the appropriate length and thickness to ensure the bins are fully supported.

Another option is to use plastic storage bins with a rear hang lock feature. These bins can be hung from louvered panels or rails. They are available in a variety of colours, including blue, yellow, red, green, ivory, clear, and black.

It is important to consider the weight of the items placed in the bins to ensure they can safely support the load. For example, keeping the weight of each bin under 5 pounds can help prevent any potential issues.

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Use cleats to hang bins

Using cleats is a great way to hang plastic storage bins. This method is inexpensive, sturdy, and customisable.

First, you will need to create your cleats. Cut a 1x4 board in half at a 45-degree angle to your desired length. Paint the wood with interior paint and let it dry. You can also use scrap wood, gluing and screwing two pieces together to create a stronger cleat.

Next, you will need to attach the cleats to a wall or shelf. If attaching to a wall, use a stud finder to locate the studs and mark these spots with a pencil. Secure the cleats to the wall with screws every 16", ensuring you hit the studs for the strongest support. Check that the cleats are level as you work. If attaching to a shelf, screw the cleats to the underside, ensuring they are placed so that the bins will be fully supported.

Once the cleats are in place, you can hang your plastic storage bins. The top lip of the bins will hang on rails incorporated into the cleats. You can also attach crates to the cleats using wood screws, or glue and screw a cleat to the back of each bin.

This system is highly customisable, allowing you to hang bins, shelves, or cabinets, and move them around as needed.

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Ensure bins are supported but not pinched

When hanging plastic storage bins, it is important to ensure that they are securely supported but not pinched. This can be achieved by using cleats, which are simple to make and effective in ensuring the bins are held in place without being constricted.

To make cleats, you will need two pieces of scrap wood. Cut the wood to the appropriate size, gluing them together to form a sturdy base. The size of the cleats will depend on the size of your bins and shelves, so measure accordingly. Once the glue has dried, screw the cleats to the underside of your shelves. Ensure the cleats are placed in a position that will fully support the bins but without pinching them. The bins should be able to slide in and out easily without any obstruction.

The top lip of the plastic bins will hang on rails incorporated into the cleats. Make sure the rails are positioned correctly to bear the weight of the bins and their contents without causing any pinching or damage to the bins. Test the setup with the bins to ensure they are secure and not pinched.

By creating this hanging storage system, you can efficiently utilise the space under your shelves for organisation while ensuring the bins are easily accessible and not pinched or damaged by the hanging mechanism. This method provides a simple, cost-effective, and customisable solution for hanging plastic storage bins, allowing you to maximise your storage space and keep your items neatly tucked away.

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Consider the weight of each bin

When hanging plastic storage bins, it is important to consider the weight of each bin to ensure that the hanging mechanism can support the load. The weight of the bins will depend on the items stored in them, and the total loading weight per bin should be taken into consideration.

For example, if you are using plastic bins to store lightweight items such as craft supplies and small tools, the overall weight of each bin is likely to be relatively low. In this case, you may be able to use a simpler hanging mechanism, such as cleats made from scrap wood that are screwed into the underside of a shelf. This method allows the bins to easily slide in and out while being securely fastened to the shelf.

However, if you plan to store heavier items in the plastic bins, it is crucial to choose a hanging mechanism that can safely support the increased weight. For instance, if using heavy-duty shelves, ensure that the cleats are screwed in securely with appropriately sized screws and placed in a way that provides full support to the bins without pinching them.

Additionally, consider the material of the plastic bins themselves. Bins made from polypropylene, labelled as PP, are commonly used for storage. However, polypropylene can become brittle at freezing temperatures, so it may not be suitable for use in unheated spaces. Instead, consider bins made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which can withstand much lower temperatures without becoming brittle.

By taking into account the weight of the items to be stored and choosing appropriate bins and hanging mechanisms, you can ensure the safe and secure hanging of plastic storage bins.

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Choose a bin with a rear hang lock

When hanging plastic storage bins, it is important to consider the type of bin you are using. One option is to choose a bin with a rear hang lock, such as the Quantum Storage Systems Ultra-Stack and Hang Bins. These bins are designed with a built-in rear hanger, allowing for easy hanging from louvered panels or rails. This feature makes them ideal for various organization and storage needs, including in the garage, pantry, office, or kitchen.

The rear hang lock provides stability and security when hanging the bins, ensuring they remain firmly in place. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing these bins to ensure proper usage of the rear hang lock feature. This may involve measuring and marking the desired location for the bins, attaching the necessary hardware, and securely locking the bins in place.

When using bins with a rear hang lock, it is important to consider the weight distribution. Evenly distributing the weight across the bins will ensure that they remain securely hung and prevent any potential strain on the hanging mechanism. It is generally advisable to keep the overall weight of each bin well under 5 pounds for safety reasons.

Additionally, the rear hang lock feature allows for efficient utilization of vertical space. By hanging the bins, you can create additional storage areas, especially in tight or limited spaces. This is particularly advantageous in areas such as garages, pantries, or offices, where optimizing vertical space can significantly improve overall organization and accessibility.

Overall, choosing a plastic storage bin with a rear hang lock provides a secure, stable, and versatile hanging option. By following the manufacturer's instructions and considering weight distribution, you can effectively utilize these bins to create a well-organized and efficient storage system, especially in areas where space is limited.

Frequently asked questions

You can use simple cleats to fasten plastic bins to the undersides of shelves.

Cleats are made from two pieces of scrap wood that are glued together and screwed to the underside of the shelves.

The top lip of the bins hang on rails incorporated into the cleats.

You can use 6-quart Sterilite plastic bins, which are available at Home Depot.

It is recommended to keep the weight of the items stored in the bins under 5 pounds.

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