Introduction: The Best Bit Holder
Regain control of all those loose 1/4" tool bits with this durable bit holder.
Fast, cheap, easy, and useful. Truly. A great Father's Day Item - you can make it quick!
Step 1: What You Need
MATERIALS | TOOLS |
Foam Rubber Floor Tile | Utility Knife |
Small Piece of Wood | Drill & ¼” Bit |
Epoxy | Ruler |
Saw |
Step 2: How It's Made.
- Decide the capacity you want for your bit holder You can either think in terms of how many items to hold, or instead what is the desired final dimensions? The example shown has a single row of bits running down a 2 foot board. I like this size because it’s too big to misplace or not notice. My 2 foot board holds 48 bits! Spending half your time looking for that tool can really slow a process down! Have you ever bought more of the same tools because you’ve misplaced them? That’s not me of course – I heard about that from a friend…
- Cut the backer board accordingly. I had a bunch of L shaped molding, so I used it. You could choose a board as simple as ¾” square by 1 or 2 feet long. The L shape is not required, I just had a lot on hand.
- Cut a piece of foam tile to match the surface of the wood backer board.
- Mark and Drill holes in the foam tile ½” apart. Use a sacrificial backing board while drilling holes in the foam.
- Attach the foam to the board with glue – I used epoxy. Recently, I’ve been using super-glue with good results. Epoxy is probably better.
- Optionally, Drill out some holes in the end and glue in some stiff wire hangers. Or you could simply drill a good size hole in at one of the ends. Essentially make the last hole on one end a bit bigger.
- Get all those bits under control with your new organizer.
You can place it horizontally or to save space, hang it vertically.
Step 3: Video A
Step 4: Video B
Step 5: Other Photos

First Prize in the
Father's Day Contest

Participated in the
Epilog Challenge V
18 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
Interesting storage idea! Surprised nobody has come up with it before and the holder made of rubber makes it actually quite flexible for different sized bits too!
9 years ago on Introduction
Great idea! I'm thinking about putting a square of foam in a box with a secure lid and laying the holes out in a grid (like you did for your router bits) to make a portable bit holder.
9 years ago on Introduction
i like this idea. where do you get that type of flooring tile or foam rubber?
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
You can get it at the big box hardware stores. Also Harbor Freight. I am often seeing a 1/2" variety more common than the 5/8" that I show on this project. I believe the 1/2" will work fine. Also if you are in pinch - go to the Dollar store and get some flip flops - often those can be a source...
9 years ago on Introduction
You've saved a lot of people a lot of grief...
Gone to my Blog:
http://faz-voce-mesmo.blogspot.com/2013/06/facam-um-quadracoptero-numa-hora-e-um.html
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Edgar, Thanks for the support and glad I could help... Bob Z
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Keep posting, workplaces all over need these ideas. :)
9 years ago on Introduction
Good Job :). Thanks for sharing your awesomeness.
9 years ago on Introduction
This is a great idea! I'll probably sandwich a couple sheets to make holders for my router bits! This is a much better solution than using wood or buying ready-made holders.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
I use a similar setup for the router. I find this works better for them. My router bits I tend to keep on stable horizontal surfacel, so holes all the way through are OK. And I have noticed that the foam still grabs the bits enough that they are not falling out. I particularly like how the surface is clean white (I used white pegboard). Also the natural 1 inch spacing worked great with router bits as they often need a bit of elbow room.
9 years ago on Introduction
Good job! I'm big on organizing and appreciate this approach. What software did you use in labeling the introductory photo: "the best bit holder". Thanks in advance.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thanks much for comment on bit holder. I used Adobe Photoshop CS 5.5. As you may have seen main tricks were 1) some small shadowing on type and 2) Perspective on part of the type. It's not perfect. I've decided if I wait for things to be perfect, they never get published. I have a lot left in my "drafts" folder.. :)
9 years ago on Introduction
Great idea, would make a nice Fathers Day gift
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Maude, That's really a great idea - I may edit and stick your suggestion in the instructable itself - so timely - hard to pass up. Thanks!
9 years ago on Introduction
Great ible, but I found it in the 'Living' category. Might get some additional attention in the 'Workshop' one.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thanks! - I'll check into the category thing - I would agree with you.
9 years ago on Introduction
I use a magnetic dish to hold all mine but this a good idea
9 years ago on Introduction
Interresting design, thanks for sharing. Might be exactly what I need for my workshop...