What is K.I.S.S.?
K.I.S.S. is an acronym for “Keep It Simple, Stupid”. The phrase is associate with aircraft engineer Kelly Johnson. The term “KISS principle” was in popular use by the 1970. The KISS principle states that most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complicated.
Keeping anything simple is always great, especially something that is constantly used in the shop. Drill Bits. FastCap created the K.I.S.S. Drill Bit Storage System, and it is truly simple to use.
K.I.S.S. Drill Bit Storage System
The KISS Drill Bit Storage System by FastCap is exactly that, it is a storage system that is simple! With the 92 color coated bits and drivers, it is nearly impossible to get mixed up. The simple storage system is comprised of a durable plastic sorting container that has 4 horizontal rows with 8 sizes per row. Each vertical column has a designated color. From left to right: white, orange, purple, yellow, green, blue, black, and lastly, red. The system goes from 1/16” to ½” split point HSS jobber drill bits in 1/64” increments. The bit sizes go from the largest in the top row and continually get smaller as you get to the bottom row. Each row gets smaller from right to left.
You may ask yourself, “If each bit size doesn’t have its own color, you can mix up the sizes in the color family?” That is possible but highly unlikely! The bottom row has four bits per size, the second row has three bits per size, and lastly, the top two rows have two bits per size. If you take a bit, the number of bits in the container for that size will have one less, easily allowing the operator to recognize the hole he or she needs to return the bit.
What is my current drill bit situation?
I have multiple sets of drill bits. Standard twist bits, brad point bits, auger bits, forstner bits, etc. You name it, I most likely have it. But with that said, I use the standard twist drill bit set 95% of the time. These bits are on my drill/driver assortment wall in their factory holders that were removed from the factory case they came in.
Is this the best solution? No. Does it get the job done? Yes. Is there a better way? Of course! Is the KISS system from FastCap the answer? It could be.
Why do I say that? Well, the system is meant to sit on a horizontal surface and doesn’t have the ability to hang on the wall. From day one my system has had my drill/drivers on the wall for easy access. Now I certainly could build a simple little shelf that the system sits on, which is probably what I will end up doing.
Overall
The KISS Drill Bit Storage System by FastCap is a great way to organize your drill bits. They are conveniently sit within easy reach and can be easily identified by the color coding on the back of the shank.
After having the system in my shop for the last few days, it has taken me a bit to get used to. Normally I want to read the bit sizes in my past storage solution from left to right. With the KISS system, the bits are not only left to right but also vertically. It takes a second or two to determine the row and then the column I am looking for to select the correctly sized bit for the job. I most likely am splitting hairs here as this isn’t a bit deal. It is merely something I will have to get used to.
I also want to note the drill bits are all packed in the same bag and the drivers and bottom row bits are their own bag inside the large one. At first I thought this could be tough on the bits but then realized the tips are the most important and there is no significant contact there. The drill bits are covered in significant packing grease. A quick soak in some degreaser will take care of that is a jiffy.
FastCap KISS DB SYSTEM 1/16-inch – 1/2-inch Color-Coded 82 Drill Bits
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Organization – K.I.S.S. Drill Bit Storage System What is K.I.S.S.? K.I.S.S. is an acronym for “Keep It Simple, Stupid”. The phrase is associate with aircraft engineer Kelly Johnson.