Project to organize/maximize my safe

[dogcaller]

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/

[Little Dutch]

The link didn’t post.

[ray1970]

I know a guy that uses those things. It?s a pain getting things in and out but he definitely has a bunch of long guns packed in his safe.

I have more money than free time so I would just buy them rather than make them.

[Wulf202]

So you need to bevel a hole in a washer?

Buy a dremel. Grind the inside edge at an angle and the way around.

[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.

[DenverGP]

can't help on the DIY version, but I'm very happy using the commercial product. My smallish safe was set up with 1/2 the width for rifles, and 1/2 the width for shelves. I ended up removing the shelves so I have rifles on both sides, and use the rifle rods.

[dogcaller]

I know a guy that uses those things. It?s a pain getting things in and out but he definitely has a bunch of long guns packed in his safe.

I have more money than free time so I would just buy them rather than make them.

I understand that. I'm in the same spot, but I kind of like having a project to work on--especially if I think it'll be an improvement on the original.

[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.

[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).