Craftsman Small Drawer Organizer

There's nothing quite like having a well-organized workspace, and the Craftsman Small Drawer Organizer (CMST40730) aims to be a staple in achieving that goal. This 30-drawer storage unit is specifically designed to help manage small parts, making it an intriguing option for those of us who deal with a plethora of screws, bolts, beads, or any other tiny items that tend to get lost in the shuffle.

Design and Build Quality

The first impression of the Craftsman Small Drawer Organizer is that it is both simple and functional. Made from plastic, it’s lightweight yet surprisingly sturdy. The unit measures 17.8 inches in height, 14.2 inches in length, and 6.2 inches in width, making it compact enough to fit comfortably on a workbench or be mounted on a wall to save space. The transparent drawers are a standout feature, providing high visibility of the contents inside. This is particularly useful when you need to quickly identify the parts you need without pulling out multiple drawers.

While the outer shell is robust enough, the drawers themselves are made from a more flexible plastic. This has its pros and cons. On one hand, the flexibility means they are less likely to crack or break if dropped. On the other hand, the material does feel somewhat flimsy, especially when the drawers are empty.

Functionality

Setting up the organizer is straightforward. The modular design allows for stacking, which is a significant advantage if you have multiple units. This stackability is a real space-saver and helps maintain an orderly work environment.

One of the most practical features of this organizer is the ability to mount it on the wall. This is particularly useful for those with limited bench space. The mounting process is simple and quick, requiring only a few screws to secure the unit in place.

The drawers move smoothly in and out of their slots, and they also have catches to prevent them from falling out completely. However, it’s still easy enough to remove the drawers entirely if you need to take them to a different part of your workspace, which adds to their versatility.

The Divider Dilemma

One of the most glaring issues with this organizer is the lack of included dividers. Each drawer has slots designed to fit dividers, allowing you to create up to three compartments per drawer. Unfortunately, the dividers are not included in the package, which feels like a significant oversight. Finding compatible dividers can be a challenge, and it often requires purchasing them from third-party suppliers or crafting makeshift dividers from materials like cardboard or paint sticks.

This omission does affect the overall functionality of the organizer. Without dividers, it’s difficult to make full use of the available space, especially if you need to store very small items. It’s a bit of a letdown considering how well the rest of the unit performs.

Practical Uses

Despite the divider issue, the Craftsman Small Drawer Organizer excels in several areas. For instance, if you're into electronics, this organizer is perfect for storing resistors, capacitors, and other small components. The transparent drawers make it easy to identify and access the parts you need without having to open each drawer.

For those in the crafting community, this organizer is a boon. Beads, buttons, and other small crafting supplies can be neatly sorted and easily accessed. The modular and mountable design also means you can keep your crafting area tidy and free of clutter.

Price and Value

In terms of pricing, the organizer sits in a mid-range bracket. It's not the cheapest option available, but for the quality and features it offers, it presents good value for money. That said, the absence of dividers does make it feel slightly overpriced, especially since you may need to spend extra to get the full functionality.

Final Thoughts

The Craftsman Small Drawer Organizer is a practical, well-designed unit that offers a lot of advantages for anyone needing to organize small parts. Its transparent drawers, modular design, and wall-mounting capability make it a versatile addition to any workspace. However, the lack of included dividers is a significant drawback that Craftsman should address in future iterations of this product.

Would I recommend this organizer? Yes, but with some reservations. If you are ready to invest a bit more time and possibly money in acquiring or creating dividers, this unit can be a highly functional and valuable tool in your organization arsenal. For those who are looking for a plug-and-play solution, the absence of dividers might be a deal-breaker.

In summary, the Craftsman Small Drawer Organizer stands out for its sturdy build, ease of use, and practical design, but falls short in providing a complete solution due to the missing dividers. If you're willing to overlook this flaw and find or make your own dividers, this organizer can be a great asset in keeping your small parts neatly arranged and easily accessible.