Introduction: Parts Cup Dispenser

About: Retired Tool Maker ( 1980 ) Retired Mechanical Engineer ( 2009 ) Full time Tinkerer

I was always looking for something to put screws and nuts in when I was working on projects. I had started saving the cups from Jell-O Pudding and had quite a few. So I wanted a dispenser to keep them tidy. So here is a real easy project with just 4 or 5 parts.

Step 1: Gathering the Cups

So start buying Jell-O Pudding in these small cups. After you eat the pudding run the cups through the dishwasher. This will help keep vermin out of your workshop.

Here is the parts you will need:

A Section of 3" PVC pipe, the outside diameter will be about 3 1/2", 18" long is about right. I see this stuff as scrap all the time. Just make sure it is clean.

Three 1/4-20 x 1/2" long bolts, pan or dome head will be nice. If you find self tapping you can skip a step.

One or two screws to mount the dispenser to the wall.

Step 2: Cup Stops at the Bottom.

Sorry I don't have photos of accually doing this, but here is what you do. You need something to keep the cups from falling out the bottom, but still allow you to pull one out. I found that three 1/4-20 x 1/2" long bolts did the trick. Space them at thirds around the pipe about a 1/2" from the bottom. Having a drill press is nice, but a hand drill will work fine. Drill the three holes the right size for the 1/4" screws, usually 13/64". I used a threading tap to put threads in the plastic pipe, but if you find self tapping bolts this could save you a step. Then drive the three screws all the way until the head is touching the outside of the pipe.

Step 3: Drill Mounting Holes

I know this is a picture of a newly freed cup. So find where you want the cups to be handy. The pipe I had was full of holes up the front so I drilled a hole for a mounting screw on the back side. Then I could reach the mounting screw though the front hole. If you cut the top at an angle this could give you access too.

Step 4: All Finished!

So there you have it. A simple to build dispenser for Jell-O Pudding cups. As long as you have the tools out, make a bunch for your friends. Good Luck. Carl.