In a sliding drawer under the dinette, I have 8 plastic containers about 5" square and 4" deep, like those commonly used for food. Find 'em in any supermarket.
The tops are marked with indelible ink as follows:
- Machine screws (i.e., self-tapping screws)
- Wood screws
- Large bolts (5/16" diameter and larger)
- Small bolts (1/4" diameter and smaller)
- Nuts
- Washers
- Cotter pins and rings
- Hose clamps
All items are stainless steel. All screws are Phillips head.
Larger and specialty items which won't fit in the boxes are kept separately in the drawer, along with other items like bolt cutters, NicoPress tools, thru-hole plugs, large hose clamps, etc.
There is a separate plastic organizer chock full of s/s machine screws of various sizes and lengths and types. Each little bin is marked on the lid of the organizer.
This simple and inexpensive "system" has worked well for 20 years. Sometimes it takes awhile to find, e.g., a matching bolt and nut (I just dump the two containers on the settee and paw thru them), but IMO further organization of these items really would be overkill.
Bill