Harbor Freight / Storehouse Bin Generator (Parametric)

While i have done some test prints, this is still very much “Beta”. All measurements were taken from bins and cases i have.

I have included several stl's generated by this scad file to show some of what is available.

Generator has been updated for better inserts and a new base style with pre generated support with the feet.

V5: Updated descriptions and added options to adjust the divider walls.

Harbor Freight / Storehouse Bin Generator

Ultimate Reference & Instruction Guide

This OpenSCAD generator creates fully customizable replacement bins and inserts specifically for the Harbor Freight Storehouse organizers. It supports both the 20-Bin (Shallow) and 8-Bin (Deep) case models.

⚠ Important Note: While these bins feature Gridfinity-inspired aesthetics (like the chamfered base and angled lip), they are dimensioned specifically for the Harbor Freight proprietary grid systems and are not dimensionally compatible with standard 42mm Gridfinity baseplates.

🚀 Key Features

• No Supports Needed: Every overhang, lip, and chamfer is optimized for 3D printing without supports (with the exception of the Standard Pegs base style).
• Two Main Modes:
• Replacement Bin: Prints a sturdy, standalone bin to replace lost or broken factory bins.
• Insert for Factory Bin: Prints a thin, lightweight liner that slips inside your existing yellow bins to divide them up.
• Adds Stacking Capability: Unlike the factory bins, this generator allows you to create "split-height" bins (e.g., two half-height bins) that stack perfectly within a single case slot.
• Scoops: Optional curved floors make retrieving small washers and screws easy.

🖨 Printing Instructions

• Supports:
• Generally NONE: Most configurations (Gridfinity Chamfer base, Flat base) are designed to print without supports.
• Standard Pegs: Requires Supports. The factory-style feet hang in mid-air and cannot be printed without support material.
• Inserts: Generally do not need support. The small dimple on the bottom (to clear the injection port) is a small bridge that most printers can handle easily. However, if your printer struggles with bridging, you may need a small support enforcer there.
• Material: PLA is great for indoor use. Use PETG or ABS if these will live in a hot garage or truck.
• Nozzle: 0.4mm or 0.6mm recommended.
• Layer Height: 0.2mm or 0.24mm works well.
• Walls/Perimeters: 2 or 3 walls.

1. Main Configuration

• Output Type:
• Replacement_Bin: Prints a complete, standalone bin to place in the case.
• Insert_For_Factory_Bin: Prints a liner/cup designed to drop inside an existing yellow factory bin.
• Dimension Mode:
• Presets: Select a standard factory bin size from the dropdown.
• Grid_Units: Create custom sizes based on the case's grid layout (e.g., 4x2).
• Custom_MM: Manually define Width, Depth, and Height in millimeters.
• Preset: Selects the specific factory bin size (e.g., HF_20_Med) when in Presets mode.

2. Grid & System Settings

• Case Type: CRITICAL. Selects the underlying system logic. This controls the bin height, wall taper, and grid pitch.
• HF_20_Shallow: Sets height to 53mm, pitch to 40.0mm x 55.5mm (Standard Shallow Case).
• HF_8_Deep: Sets height to 97mm, pitch to 40.0mm x 55.5mm (Deep Case).
• Grid Units (X/Y): Defines the bin size in grid slots (if not using Presets).
• X: Left-to-Right.
• Y: Front-to-Back.

3. Dividers & Interiors

• Dividers (X/Y): Splits the bin into a grid of sub-compartments.
• Scoop Settings:
• Scoop Enabled: Adds a curved ramp to the floor for easy part retrieval.
• Radius: Controls the steepness of the curve.
• Orientation: Direction the scoop ramps up to (Front, Back, Left, Right).

4. Label System

• Label Enabled: Adds a dedicated flat surface/shelf for adhesive labels.
• Label All Compartments:
• True: Adds a label flange for every sub-compartment divider.
• False: Adds one single label flange spanning the width of the bin.
• Side: Location (Front/Back/Left/Right).
• Align: Alignment on the wall (Center, Full Width, Corner Left, Corner Right).
• Depth: How far the label shelf protrudes into the bin (Default: 12mm).
• Top Clearance: Distance from the top rim to the label surface (Default: 3.5mm).

5. Stacking & Base Styles

• Stack Count: Splits the total height into stackable segments. Set to 2 to generate bins that are half-height, allowing you to stack two of them in one case slot.
• Lip Style:
• Standard: Factory-style vertical rim (Maximizes internal volume).
• Gridfinity_Flange: Adds an angled lip designed to mate with the gridfinity base for improved stacking stability and increased structural strength compared to the standard lip.
• Base Style:
• Standard_Pegs: Factory-style feet for locking into the dimples in the case floor. (Requires Supports).
• Peg_Holes: Generates holes instead of pegs. Useful if designing custom mounts or if you want to manually size the holes to glue in magnets.
• Gridfinity_Chamfer: Angled base for aesthetics (similar to Gridfinity profile). Prints without supports.
• Flat: Completely flat bottom.
• Best for: Stacked bins (top units).
• Pros: Easiest to print, uses less material.
• Cons: Does not lock into the case floor dimples (can slide around if used as a bottom bin).
• Stack Overlap Mode: Overrides the math used to calculate bin height when Stack Count > 1.
• Auto: Automatically detects overlap based on Lip Style.
• Force_Gridfinity: Forces 2.9mm overlap compensation.
• Force_None: Forces 0mm overlap.

6. Insert Settings (Advanced)

Used only when Output Type is "Insert_For_Factory_Bin"

• Auto Internal Dims: Automatically sizes the insert to fit the selected Preset bin.
• Auto Set Factory Wall: Automatically detects wall thickness (0.5mm or 1.5mm) based on system.
• Insert Gap: XY tolerance clearance between insert and bin walls (Default: 0.5mm).
• Height Reduction: Z clearance for floor/feet (Default: 4.75mm).
• Bottom Chamfer: Size of the corner cut to clear the factory bin's internal radius (Default: 2.5mm).
• Manual Factory Wall: Override if Auto is disabled.

7. Printer & Print Settings

• Generate Pegs Only: Prints only the feet (for gluing later).
• Fill Mode:
• Standard: Normal hollow bin.
• Solid_Block: Generates a solid shape. Designed for creators who want to boolean-subtract their own shapes to create custom holders for specific tools and parts.
• Custom_Depth: Creates a bin with a "false floor" (solid block with a cutout from the top). Use the Depth From Top slider to set the floor level.
• Wall/Floor/Divider Thickness: Physical print settings (Default: 1.0mm).

Printing Advice

• Supports: NONE (unless using Standard_Pegs). The design uses 45° chamfers and safe bridges.
• Material: PLA is great for indoor use. Use PETG or ABS if these will live in a hot garage or truck.
• Nozzle: 0.4mm or 0.6mm recommended.
• Layer Height: 0.2mm or 0.24mm works well.
• Walls/Perimeters: 2 or 3 walls.

✅ Do's and Don'ts

DO:

• Use the Presets: The easiest way to get started is to select HF_20_Med or HF_20_Small.
• Check your Case Type: The "20-Bin" organizer is shallow. The "8-Bin" organizer is deep. Make sure your Preset or Case Type matches your physical case.
• Use "Stack Count" for Layers: If you want to stack bins inside the case, set Stack Count to 2 or 3. This automatically calculates the height so they fit perfectly under the lid.

DON'T:

• Don't expect standard Gridfinity compatibility: These are sized for Harbor Freight cases (40.0mm/55.5mm), not the 42mm standard Gridfinity grid.
• Don't use supports: They are difficult to remove from the bottom chamfers and are not necessary (except for Standard Pegs).

Reference: Technical Specifications

Factory Lip Geometry

The standard lip found on Harbor Freight bins (replicated by the Standard style) features:

• Height: 2.5mm
• Overhang: 0.75mm (protrudes outwards from the wall)
• Profile:
• Bottom: 45° Chamfer (0.75mm rise / 0.75mm run).
• Top: Vertical wall (1.75mm height).

Gridfinity & Stacking Geometry

• Gridfinity Flange (Socket):
• Total Height: ~4.4mm (2.5mm Lip + 1.9mm Extension).
• Profile: Stepped design to match standard Gridfinity bases.
• Bottom Chamfer: 1.0mm @ 45°.
• Vertical Step: 1.25mm.
• Top Chamfer: 2.5mm @ 45°.
• Tolerance: 0.25mm clearance added to socket dimensions.

Feet & Base Details

• Standard Pegs:
• Diameter: 5.0mm.
• Height: 3.0mm.
• Inset: 2.5mm from the edge corners.
• Peg Holes: Creates a 1.0mm deep blind socket for gluing pegs. Adds 1.0mm to floor thickness to prevent breakthrough.
• Gridfinity Chamfer Base: Adds 6.5mm height to the bin bottom (4.0mm base + 2.5mm chamfer) to allow for a clean 45° printable overhang.

Factory Bin Internal Dimples (For Inserts)

The inserts include a cutout on the bottom face to clear the injection molding port found inside the yellow factory bins.

• HF 20 Series: 7.0mm Diameter x 0.5mm Height.
• HF 8 Series: 10.5mm Diameter x 2.0mm Height.
• Floor Compensation: The insert floor is automatically thickened (if necessary) to ensure at least 0.6mm of plastic remains above this dimple.

Reference: Master Dimension List

HF 20 Series (Shallow Case)

• Grid Pitch: 40.0mm (W) x 55.5mm (D)
• Height: 53mm Total (50mm Body + 3mm Feet)
• Wall Taper: 1.5mm (Total Width Reduction from Top to Bottom)
• Insert Internal Height: 48.25mm

HF 8 Series (Deep Case)

• Grid Pitch: 40.0mm (W) x 55.5mm (D)
• Height: 97mm Total (94mm Body + 3mm Feet)
• Wall Taper: 4.5mm (Total Width Reduction from Top to Bottom)
• Insert Internal Height: 92.5mm

Note: The HF 8 Series now uses a unified grid system compatible with the 10-unit wide case layout.

🛠 Getting Started with OpenSCAD

What is OpenSCAD?

OpenSCAD is a free, open-source software for creating solid 3D CAD objects. Unlike artistic 3D modelers (like Blender) or traditional CAD tools (like Fusion 360), OpenSCAD is script-based. You don't draw with a mouse; you configure settings, and the software generates the model for you.

1. Download & Install

• Go to the official website: https://openscad.org/downloads.html
• Download the version appropriate for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
• Install and launch the application.

2. Loading the Generator

1. Download the .scad file included with this project.
2. Double-click the file to open it in OpenSCAD.
3. You will see code on the left and a preview window on the right.

3. Using the Customizer

You do not need to edit the code!

1. Look for the Customizer panel on the right side of the screen. (If you don't see it, go to the menu Window -> Customizer and ensure it is checked).
2. Uncheck "Hide Customizer" if necessary.
3. You will see drop-down menus and sliders for all the settings discussed in this guide (Output Type, Preset, Dividers, etc.).
4. Change a setting, and the preview will update automatically.

4. Exporting for Printing

1. Once you are happy with your bin design, press F6 on your keyboard (or click the Render button icon that looks like an hourglass/cube). This may take a minute.
2. When the render finishes and the model turns yellow/green, press F7 (or click File -> Export -> Export as STL).
3. Save the .stl file