Medicine Bottle Parts Organizer

As we get older, we most likely end up on some type of medication. Instead of throwing away the bottles, we can re-purpose them to hold small parts. I like making things with electronics so I use them to store electrical components and small screws, bolts, nuts, washers, etc.

This is one design that I created and actually used. I also have other ideas using a lazy susan.

Supplies

Medicine Bottles of the same size (labels removed and washed) - I used 3 1/2" by 1 7/8" bottles

48 quantity of 1/2" Wood Screws (deck Screws)

24 quantity of 2" Wood Screws (deck Screws)

48 quantity of flat washers (inside hole small enough that the screw will not go through)

Wood glue

1 quantity of 3/4" x 8" x 8' Lumber to be cut into 1 quantity of 3/4" x 2" x 79" Lumber and 12 quantity of 3/4" x 2" x 9" Lumber

Epoxy

Water based polyurethane

2" angled paint brush

Saws (I used a Miter saw for cross-cuts and a table saw for rip-cuts)

Sand paper (80 grit and 600 grit)

Drill

1/8" twist drill bit

1/4" twist drill bit

Phillips screwdriver #2

Step 1: Collect Medicine Bottles.

Save your bottles as well as the bottles from family and friends. I used 48 medicine bottles with lids of the same size for this project, which I gathered pretty quickly.

Step 2: Prepare Bottles.

Remove the labels from the bottles to remove private information as well as make the inside more visible. Most labels put on medicinal bottles are removed easily. However, if the label is stubborn, I have had success removing them with a scrapper and WD40.

Wash the bottles with soap and water to remove any remnants of the medicine they contained.

Step 3: Prepare Lid for Mounting.

Drill a 1/8" hole in the middle of the medicine bottle lid and scuff the top of the lid with sandpaper to prepare it for epoxy.

Step 4: Build Wooden Frame.

I used a 3/4" x 8" x 8' piece of pine lumber to create the frame for this project. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand.

Rip the board at 2" three times.

Cross-cut one of the 2" boards at 79" to use as the backbone for the rack.

Use the other 2" boards to make 12 pieces 9" long.

Sand all pieces with the 80-grit sandpaper.

Drill pilot holes in the 2" x 79" board for the 2" screws to attach the 9" boards. Use two screws for each 9" board and wood glue. The 9" boards should be attached to the 79" board with a separation of 6".

Step 5: Clear Coat the Frame.

I like the natural look of wood, so I chose to clear coat the frame with a water based polyurethane. You should do whatever you prefer such as stain, paint, etc.

Put the first coat of polyurethane as a sealer coat. Allow it to dry 24 hours and then give it a quick sanding with 600 grit sandpaper.

Apply two more coats of polyurethane without sanding and allow to completely dry.

Step 6: Attach Lids to the Frame.

Attach 4 lids to each 9" piece of the frame using epoxy and a 1/2" screw with flat washer.

Step 7: Mount Rack on the Wall.

Select a suitable location for the parts organizer and mount it to the wall. Insure that it is screwed into the wall studs.

Step 8: Fill the Bottles and Enjoy.

Put the items to be stored into the bottles and screw into the caps of the rack. Enjoy your new parts bin.

Step 9: Future Version

At some point I am planning on making a revolving version of the parts bin. I have included my drawings of this version just in case anyone wants to give it a try.