I have a lot of fly tying material, most given to me, found in garage sales, etc. I have three big plastic bins, each 7" x 11" x16", filled to overflowing with 1) feathers, 2) fur, and 3)synthetics. That's not including lots of thread, floss, hooks, beads, etc., in a couple more shoebox-sized bins.
My problem is that when I want to tie up a certain pattern, it takes me a long time to dig through each bin to find what I'm looking for. I have a big square table of about 4' x 4', and one of those thread-holders from JoAnne Fabrics (another garage-sale find), so the thread/floss/lead is set. I want to find a way to be able to find what I'm looking for more quickly. I assume this means that the goods have to be in view, or at least better organized. I'm open to ideas!!
I have large Ziploc freezer bags with materials in them, one has chenille, the another has hackles, another has marabou, and so on... If you plan on tying 10 different fly patterns you want to tie that range from midges to Intruders, set aside bags with materials you think you'll need. That's what I do
And those 6-10 freezer bags I have are all in a large see-through blanket bag.
I finally resolved the problem (mostly) by framing a 3x5ft piece of peg board and hanging it on the wall. It is still a little congested but I am building another one. I found stuff that I didn't even know I had, lots of duplicates, and long lost items. My desk drawers are still full but I'm gaining on it!
A couple 5-drawer Sterilite plastic organizers, a smaller one atop these for hooks plus a small tub for larger hooks, a large compartmentalized plastic storage box for beads/eyes/etc., 2 Rubbermaid tubs sized appropriately for hair & hackle necks, plus the drawers of a yard-sale diaper-changing table for yarns/reels/adhesives/books/extra vises/miscellaneous.
You can never have enough storage. The longer you tie, the more you accumulate. I currently have 34 (I think) shoe boxes many of which are overflowing. I have to go back and re-separate further down in order to find more room.
I'll second the pegboard approach. Sadly, I'm so overpopulated with fly tying materials that I use all of the systems mentioned above and I still need to use a spot in the garage for some overflow items.
(storage is a problem when an idiot like myself keeps buying the latest and greatest in materials and/or tying tools over the decades)
Another vote for pegboard. Keeps everything in direct view, easy to find. I'm getting close to covering an entire wall with stuff. My wife isn't to crazy about the decor aspect.
I'm leaning toward the pegboard idea, although I am sure my wife will also not like the look (my tying desk is in the guest bedroom, and we do have actual guests from time to time). I don't want to tie in my garage, as it's too cold during these Chicago winters.
How about a pegboard fold up like some fly shops use. That way you could put it away in a closet when guests arrive that worry about a bunch of feathers and fur in their space.
I have stuff on pegboards, stuff in in plastic tubs very similar to Norm's, stuff in plastic drawers, stuff on thread racks, stuff in plastic tubes, stuff in desk drawers...
The only problem with peg boards is whatever you need will always be at the very back of the peg with six packages in front of it.
I have a lot of fly tying material, most given to me, found in garage sales, etc. I have three big plastic bins, each 7" x 11" x16", filled to overflowing with 1) feathers, 2) fur, and 3)synthetics. That's not including lots of thread, floss, hooks, beads, etc., in a couple more shoebox-sized bins.
My problem is that when I want to tie up a certain pattern, it takes me a long time to dig through each bin to find what I'm looking for. I have a big square table of about 4' x 4', and one of those thread-holders from JoAnne Fabrics (another garage-sale find), so the thread/floss/lead is set. I want to find a way to be able to find what I'm looking for more quickly. I assume this means that the goods have to be in view, or at least better organized. I'm open to ideas!!
For many years now, I have kept just about all my materials in good quality freezer lock bags in various sizes and stored them in plastic rolling cabinets. Some of the cabinets have different drawer arrangements. However, I am now leaning towards individual plastic containers (Sterlite) etc. like the ones Norm showed us. They are fairly inexpensive and often on sale. I will be going that route and see how it works out.
Hope this helps you.
Jack
I use an old wood flat file cabinet. The drawers are all stacked vertically, about 16 drawers total. It's the best solution that I've found for bulk storage of fly tying materials. It's difficult to find the right one as many will be over-priced, but if you keep an eye out on craigslist, ebay, and antique stores.... you'll eventually find a good deal. Some places call them blueprint drawers, specimen drawers, flat files, drafting drawers, etc. Most of them have a slot for a label on the front of each drawer. It's incredible how much more productive you are when the materials are easily accessible! I use to dig through bins like you, and it was a nightmare compared to a well organized flat file cabinet!
Sterilite drawers. Couple different size options. Stackable, not too expensive.
These are an option for bigger (longer) things.
You can find racks of small storage drawer organizers in the automotive departments of some stores.
I dislike pegboard because you can't stack deep on it or else you'll spend half your time re-threading bags onto the posts. And then the bag holes tear, etc.
You can order bulk ziplock bags in various sizes. W/ holes even if you go the pegboard route.
I also like metal clips for grouping bags of similar items together if they're in a drawer.
If you haven't switched to dubbing dispensers, do so. They're freaking great. And you can make up your own label sheet and tape it on the underside of the lid if you get the clear versions
For hooks I've been using these. I still haven't found a bead system I'm happy with.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Washington Fly Fishing Forum
1.8M posts
21.3K members
Since 2000
A forum community dedicated to fishers, anglers and enthusiasts in the Washington area. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, boats, tackle, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!