Project to organize/maximize my safe

[Great-Kazoo]

I bought my safe at age 22 or so, owning a couple of handguns and ~5 long arms. I bought big, sure that I'd never be able to fill it, so I dedicated ~1/3 of the safe to shelf space. Fact forward 25 years and here I am with more guns than safe. I ran across these organizers on Amazon but wasn't convinced the juice was worth the squeeze. They look both expensive (for what it is) and pretty bendy. Then I ran across this tutorial for a much-improved DIY version.

I purchased all of the supplies, but I can't drill out the washers as shown in the instructions--they just won't dish out in the "countersunk" manner shown in the instructions--and you need to get them flush with the washer so the adhesive/velcro will stick. I was trying to do it with a drill and vise (as shown) and it was not even close... So I broke down and bought a portable drill press from Harbor Freight, confident that would do the trick. No joy. Still nothing but ruined drill bits.

So, it's true that I'm not Mr. Handyman, but I'm also not completely useless, and this project seemed well within my abilities. Any suggestions? What am i doing wrong?

Edited to say: Not sure why the links aren't working. Here they are again, and if needed you can cut/paste:

1st link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/GunSto...6-49FDD686DA42

2nd link: https://www.instructables.com/Gun-Safe-Firearm-Support-System/

They do offer countersunk washers, at most hardware stores. W/out reading the tutorial i "think" what you might want to use are these finishing washers.
https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/f...a6047b74060bb1




If not, Wulf's suggestion is the way to go. Or go to the hardware store and browse

[Osmosis]

I would also peruse McMaster-Carr for parts that might work. They have an amazing selection of random hardware.

[dogcaller]

I would also peruse McMaster-Carr for parts that might work. They have an amazing selection of random hardware.

I appreciate that. I checked there and they seem to have beveled washers that would do the trick, but there are large enough. I want 1.5-2" OD so there's enough room to have a good velcro patch.

[ray1970]

I appreciate that. I checked there and they seem to have beveled washers that would do the trick, but there are large enough. I want 1.5-2" OD so there's enough room to have a good velcro patch.

1.5 - 2 inches is a lot of velcro contact. Keep in mind every time you take something out of the safe you?ll be having to basically pull straight down to release the velcro and probably on several of them depending on what your going after and how much other stuff you have to move.

Personally, I?d be going for a 0.75 - 1 inch pad.

Also, as far as countersinking the washers, if you had access to a press you could use a ball bearing or maybe even one of the screws you plan on using and basically press your indent into the washers.

[dogcaller]

1.5 - 2 inches is a lot of velcro contact. Keep in mind every time you take something out of the safe you?ll be having to basically pull straight down to release the velcro and probably on several of them depending on what your going after and how much other stuff you have to move.

Personally, I?d be going for a 0.75 - 1 inch pad.

Also, as far as countersinking the washers, if you had access to a press you could use a ball bearing or maybe even one of the screws you plan on using and basically press your indent into the washers.

I appreciate that feedback. I will look into the 1" range. I don't have access to a press of that type.

[Osmosis]

Try this....

Place flathead large screw pointing up on a hard surface (steel plate if you have it).
Place 1" washer over screw.
Center short piece of 1" black pipe centered over washer.
Put on safety glasses and work gloves.
Take all your aggressions out by wailing on the top of the pipe with the biggest mallet you have.

Also 'Belleville Spring Lock Washers' might work: https://www.mcmaster.com/conical-was...-lock-washers/

[dogcaller]

They do offer countersunk washers, at most hardware stores. W/out reading the tutorial i "think" what you might want to use are these finishing washers.
https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/f...a6047b74060bb1




If not, Wulf's suggestion is the way to go. Or go to the hardware store and browse

Those would be perfect if they were just bigger (OD).

[Great-Kazoo]

Those would be perfect if they were just bigger (OD).

They are offered in other sizes. I have the stock velcro and rod setup. I used a staple gun and some spray adhesive, to secure the velcro mats to the underside of the shelf. No issues, so far.

You're way over thinking what should be a simple project. ..

[dogcaller]

They are offered in other sizes. I have the stock velcro and rod setup. I used a staple gun and some spray adhesive, to secure the velcro mats to the underside of the shelf. No issues, so far.

You're way over thinking what should be a simple project. ..

I've been accused of that before--with reason! The thing is, I now have all of the supplies for the DIY project, and I'd like to complete it. What is the approximate OD on the factory "tops" you have?

[Ah Pook]

Those would be perfect if they were just bigger (OD).

They are made in bigger sizes.

The handgun hangers are made by other mfgs for less. Not really a high dollar concept.

Watching this thread to maximize my own safe needs.