How to Organise Small Parts and Components with Grip Seal Bags
Loose screws, fixings and small parts are easy to lose and hard to count. Clear grip seal bags give you a cheap, simple way to keep them organised in a workshop, van, stockroom or at home. Here is how to set up a system that actually stays tidy.
Why grip seal bags work for small parts
- Clear: you can see what is inside without opening the bag.
- Resealable and reusable: open and close them as often as you need.
- Easy to label: add a label or marker note for the contents and quantity.
- Protective: they keep items clean and resistant to water, dirt and dust.
- Cheap and flexible: you can bag anything, from a single washer to a full kit.
How to set up a simple system
Step 1: Sort first
Group parts by type and size before you bag anything. Do a quick tidy of what you have, and throw out damaged or unwanted parts.
Step 2: Pick the right bag size
Small fixings suit the 40mm to 60mm sizes, while larger parts and kits suit 100mm to 150mm. See our size guide.
Step 3: Label every bag
Write what the bag holds and how many. A permanent marker works on the bag itself, or put a printed label inside.
Step 4: Keep bags together by job or project
Use a box, drawer or tray for each project, or each part family. Label the box as well as the bags.
Step 5: Check stock regularly
Clear bags make it quick to see what is running low. Set a regular time to check, such as the first Monday of each month.
A simple label format
Part name, size or code, quantity, location. For example: M6 x 20 bolts, 25 pcs, shelf B. Consistency makes searching much quicker than free-form notes.
Ideas for different places
Workshop and garage
Bag fixings by thread and length, and keep them in labelled drawers or trays. Hang larger bags from a rail or pegboard if you have one.
Van or toolbox
Keep a bag of common fixings for each job type, so you are never short on site. Replace what you use at the end of each job.
Stockroom or warehouse
Pre-pack kits, such as a set of fixings for one product, which saves time at the point of use and makes stock counts easier.
Home and hobbies
Keep spare screws that came with furniture or appliances, labelled with the item they belong to, in one box.
Common mistakes
- Mixing different sizes in one bag
- Not labelling, then forgetting what a bag is for
- Overfilling bags so they will not close
- Using bags that are too large for the contents, which wastes space
Frequently asked questions
What size bag for screws and bolts?
Small screws suit 40mm to 60mm bags. Longer bolts and larger quantities suit 100mm x 100mm or 150mm x 150mm.
Can I write on the bags?
Yes. A permanent marker works well, or use labels or a card inside.
How many bags will I need?
Count your part types, then add a margin. A pack of 100 of a common size is a good starting point.
Find the right size
Browse all 16 sizes in our grip seal bags collection. If you use thousands of bags, our wholesale cartons may suit you better. For a full project example, see our guide on restoration project parts storage.