Keep It Sharp!
by Tony Hill

I have a "hack" or for us old guys: a way to recycle end mill containers that I have found to be extremely useful.

From my apprenticeship, one of the things that resounds in my mind is the toolmakers harping on me to NEVER EVER allow files, reamers, drill bits, and/or taps to touch when in storage. I am now fanatical about the same things and completely understand why. However, in the real world keeping things from touching is not easy if you don’t have a fancy storage drawer or the like for these tools. So here is my simple solution for reamers (or taps) that is basically free.

Like most machinists I always save end mill containers and have many on hand. Take one that is sized to suit the cutting head of the tool, then, using a soldering iron, make a hole in one end (for cardboard containers use a razor knife and cut a pie shape) for a snug fit on the shank of the reamer or tap. Insert the tool into it and slide it together.

The cover may need to be adjusted for length so that you can still read the shank. If so, simply cut it down using a razor knife and voilà, the cutting tool is fully protected, you can still read the shank, and they stack in a drawer organizer much nicer!

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