Storage Bins for Parts: 5 Best Akro-Mils Picks Compared (2026)

By Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

Storage bins for parts work best when they keep small items visible, separated and easy to reach. Whether you are sorting screws, fasteners, electronic components, craft supplies or hardware for a workshop, the right bin depends on the size of your parts, how often you pull them out and where the bins will live. This guide compares five plastic bin options from one consistent product line so you can match the right size and configuration to your space.

Selection criteria: We looked at bin dimensions and how well they suit small parts, whether bins stack or nest, the number of compartments, lid and drawer options, and the general reputation of the manufacturer. We also considered patterns that appear often in owner feedback, such as whether bins hold up to repeated handling and whether the labels or compartments are easy to use. This is a research-based comparison; none of these products were tested by us.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Akro-Mils 30230 AkroBins Plastic Storage Bins, 11″x5″x5″, Blue, 12-Pack

Space-Saving Design for Garage, Classroom & Warehouse Use, Parts Sorting, Supply Management, Inventory, Hardware & Crafts Akro-Mils 30230 AkroBins Plastic Storage Bins, 11"x5"x5", Blue, 12-Pack

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Best for: General parts sorting in a workshop or classroom

This is a practical starting point for anyone who needs a lot of small, separate containers. The 11-inch length and 5-inch depth suit screws, bolts, clips and small hardware, and the 12-pack lets you build out a full row on a shelf or workbench.

Key specs:

• Dimensions: 11 x 5 x 5 inches
• Color: Blue
• Quantity: 12 bins

Pros:

• Sized well for small parts and hardware
• Pack count makes it easy to set up a full shelf at once
• Bins are easy to label and rearrange

Cons:

• Lids are not included, so dusty environments may need extra covers
• The 5-inch depth is too shallow for larger items

Bottom line: A strong pick for anyone organizing a mixed collection of small parts on open shelving.

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Akro-Mils 30120 Heavy Duty Plastic Shelf Bins, 12″x 4″x 4″, Blue, 24-Pack

Heavy Duty Nesting Storage Bins for Garage, Closet, Refrigerator, Kitchen, Cabinet, Drawer Organization, Pantry Organization Akro-Mils 30120 Heavy Duty Plastic Shelf Bins, 12"x 4"x 4", Blue, 24-Pack

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Best for: Small nesting storage in tight spaces

These bins are designed to nest and fit into narrow spaces such as drawers, cabinet interiors and refrigerator shelves. The 24-pack is useful when you want to fill several shelves or drawers with uniform containers.

Key specs:

• Dimensions: 12 x 4 x 4 inches
• Color: Blue
• Quantity: 24 bins

Pros:

• Nesting design saves space when bins are empty
• Large quantity covers many shelves or drawers
• Heavy-duty plastic suits repeated handling

Cons:

• The 4-inch height limits how much you can store per bin
• Bins are not ideal for very bulky parts

Bottom line: Best for people who want many uniform bins in narrow spaces and mostly store small, lightweight parts.

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Akro-Mils 30235 AkroBins Plastic Storage Bins, 11″x11″x5″, Black, 6-Pack

Akro-Mils 30235 AkroBins Plastic Storage Bins, 11"x11"x5", Black, 6-Pack

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Best for: Budget-friendly bulk storage

The wider 11-by-11-inch footprint gives you more floor space per bin than the narrower options here. It works well when parts are slightly larger or when you want fewer, roomier containers.

Key specs:

• Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 5 inches
• Color: Black
• Quantity: 6 bins

Pros:

• Wider footprint holds more per bin
• Black color hides dust and wear
• Six-pack is a manageable starter set

Cons:

• Fewer bins per pack means more units for large setups
• The 5-inch depth limits vertical storage

Bottom line: A sensible choice for shoppers who want larger open bins at a budget-conscious level.

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Akro-Mils 24-Drawer Plastic Storage Cabinet, 20″ W x 6″ D x 16″ H, Black

Plastic Cabinet w/ Drawers for Garage Organization, Beads, Building Bricks Storage, Teacher Toolbox, Makeup, 10124 Akro-Mils 24-Drawer Plastic Storage Cabinet, 20" W x 6" D x 16" H, Black

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Best for: Organizing many small part types in one unit

A drawer cabinet keeps dozens of part types in one footprint. Each drawer can hold a single category, which is helpful for electronics, beads, building components or hardware that you want to find quickly.

Key specs:

• Dimensions: 20 W x 6 D x 16 H inches
• Color: Black
• Drawers: 24

Pros:

• 24 drawers separate many categories in one unit
• Compact depth fits on a workbench or shelf
• Drawers keep dust and light away from contents

Cons:

• Small drawers cannot hold large or heavy items
• Drawers can be harder to slide when fully packed

Bottom line: Ideal for anyone who wants a single unit to sort a wide mix of small parts by category.

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Akro-Mils 30250 AkroBins Plastic Storage Bins, 15″x16″x7″, Black, 6-Pack

Space-Saving Stackable Bins for Garage, Pantry, Craft Organization Akro-Mils 30250 AkroBins Plastic Storage Bins, 15"x16"x7", Black, 6-Pack

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Best for: Larger parts and stacking in garages or pantries

These are the largest bins in this set. The deeper 7-inch sides and 15-by-16-inch footprint suit bigger parts, spare components and bulk supplies stored on garage shelves.

Key specs:

• Dimensions: 15 x 16 x 7 inches
• Color: Black
• Quantity: 6 bins

Pros:

• Deeper bins handle larger and heavier parts
• Stackable design saves floor space
• Black color resists visible dirt

Cons:

• Large footprint may not fit standard shelf depths
• Heavier when filled, so lift carefully

Bottom line: Best for garage or pantry users who need bigger, stackable containers for heavier parts.

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Buying Guide

Bin Size and Fit

Measure the parts you plan to store and add room for your hand to reach in and out. A common rule is to leave at least one inch of clearance on each side of a bin for easy access. Confirm that the bin footprint fits your shelf depth and that the height leaves room for the shelf above. Smaller bins suit screws and clips, while deeper bins work better for larger components.

Good picks for this: Akro-Mils 30230 AkroBins; Akro-Mils 30120 Heavy Duty Plastic Shelf Bins

Material and Durability

Most parts bins are made from polypropylene or similar plastics. Look for a heavy-duty or thicker-walled design if bins will be pulled out often or loaded with metal parts. Thin walls can crack under repeated stress or when a shelf is overloaded.

Good picks for this: Akro-Mils 30120 Heavy Duty Plastic Shelf Bins; Akro-Mils 30250 AkroBins Plastic Storage Bins

Open Bins vs. Drawers

Open bins give quick access and make it easy to see contents at a glance. Drawers keep dust out and hide contents, which can be useful in a shop where you want a cleaner look. Drawer cabinets also pack more categories into one footprint, but small drawers cannot hold bulky items.

Good picks for this: Akro-Mils 24-Drawer Plastic Storage Cabinet; Akro-Mils 30235 AkroBins Plastic Storage Bins

Stacking and Nesting

Stackable bins lock together and keep stacks stable, while nesting bins can be placed inside each other when empty. Check whether bins stack or nest before buying a large quantity, since this affects how much shelf space you will need for storage between uses.

Good picks for this: Akro-Mils 30250 AkroBins Plastic Storage Bins; Akro-Mils 30120 Heavy Duty Plastic Shelf Bins

Pack Quantity and Setup Cost

Think about how many bins you need before buying. Packs of six, twelve or twenty-four give you options for building a full shelf at once or starting small. Buying a larger pack can be more efficient if you need uniform bins across a whole wall.

Good picks for this: Akro-Mils 30230 AkroBins; Akro-Mils 30120 Heavy Duty Plastic Shelf Bins

Labeling and Visibility

Clear or light-colored bins make contents easier to see, while opaque bins hide clutter. Plan for labels on the front edge of each bin, and consider a consistent label style across your setup so you can scan quickly. Black bins are common in garages, but they make small parts harder to see without good lighting.

Good picks for this: Akro-Mils 30230 AkroBins; Akro-Mils 24-Drawer Plastic Storage Cabinet

Use Case and Location

Match the bin to where it will live. Garage shelves can handle heavier, deeper bins, while closets or kitchen cabinets call for slimmer nesting options. Consider temperature, humidity and dust in the space, since these affect plastic and fasteners over time.

Good picks for this: Akro-Mils 30250 AkroBins Plastic Storage Bins; Akro-Mils 30120 Heavy Duty Plastic Shelf Bins

FAQ

What size storage bin is best for small parts?

Bins around 4 to 5 inches deep work well for screws, clips and small electronic components. Choose a width that lets you fit several bins side by side on your shelf, and leave enough room to reach into each one.

Are stackable bins safe on a garage shelf?

Stackable bins can be safe when the shelf is level, rated for the load and the stack is not too tall. Keep heavier bins on lower shelves, and do not exceed the weight limit the shelf manufacturer specifies.

Do I need lids for parts bins?

Lids help keep dust and moisture off parts, especially in a garage or unfinished basement. If you store fasteners that may rust, lids plus a dry environment will extend their life.

Can I label parts bins easily?

Yes. Use label holders or adhesive labels on the front edge of each bin. Keep label text consistent so you can scan a shelf quickly.

How do I choose between open bins and drawers?

Open bins are best when you pull parts out often. Drawers suit situations where you want dust protection and a cleaner look, or where you need to store many part types in a small footprint.

Are plastic bins strong enough for heavy parts?

Heavy-duty plastic bins can hold moderate weights, but very heavy items should go in metal or reinforced containers. Check the manufacturer’s load information before filling a bin to the top.

Conclusion

For most people, the Akro-Mils 30230 AkroBins is a practical general-purpose choice for sorting small parts. Choose the Akro-Mils 30120 Heavy Duty Plastic Shelf Bins for tight nesting storage, the Akro-Mils 30235 AkroBins for larger open bins at a budget level, the Akro-Mils 24-Drawer Plastic Storage Cabinet for organizing many part categories in one unit, and the Akro-Mils 30250 AkroBins for bigger, stackable garage storage. Measure your shelves and parts first, then match the bin size and format to how you will use them. For more on choosing containers, see Storage Bin Buying Guide: Sizes, Materials and Lids and Clear vs. Opaque Storage Bins: Where to Use Each Type.

Sources

• Workplace storage and shelving safety guidance, including load and stacking considerations (osha.gov)
• Consumer safety information on storage furniture and tip-over prevention (cpsc.gov)

Related reading

• Racking for Storage Bins: How to Choose, Plan and Install It Safely
• How to Choose the Right Storage Bins for Your Home
• How to Choose Refrigerator Storage Bins and Containers
• Best Clothes Storage Bins

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home organization guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.