no matter what you toss, it'll be exactly what you need in two weeks

Screws

The four I use in all kinds of projects are basic drywall screws, 1 1/4 and 1 5/8ths. Then Torx-head deck screws in 9 x 2 1/4 and 10 x 3 1/2. Very rarely do I need other stuff. I never liked nails, and the deck screws work really well for framing and sheathing work..

You can buy kits but I'm told they are much more expensive than buying separate.

I bought the little red bins every time I went to Walmart and labelled them for each size of bolt #4 up to 3/8". I actually did separate bins for the washer, bolt and nut but I think this was stupid, can just group together. Screws are a bit more difficult since so many types, just keep them in the box they came with.

Main thing is every time you buy a bolt get the package that has 10-20 pcs. Its much cheaper per unit than the 1-4 pcs and the trip costs you much more than the bolts.

Take a look at Mcfeelys, they have lots of organizing bins etc.

My go-to fastener is a coarse-thread drywall screw. Good grip, strong for it's size, V-bottom head for countersinking, and you can get them in most any size you want.

Past that...I learned long ago that each screw, nail, bolt, nut, and washer I can save has a good chance of keeping me from having to run to the hardware store. The trick is to keep it all ONLY semi-organized...and for me, it works out best to split (ex: screws) into three groups - small (<3/4") medium (<2") and large (2"+). When I need a medium screw, I dump some of the container into a bowl I keep on hand for it, and parse through the available screws to find the size and type I need. If I don't find what I'm after, other options are still right in front of me that way.

What I've started to do is when I need a couple of a certain size, I buy the box of them.

Also, get construction screws for general projects, not drywall screws. Star tips are best.

For 1/2, 3/4, 1.0, 1.5 screws, I usually get coarse drywall screws. They are so cheap they are hard to beat. I hate Philips, but...they are cheap.

for 1.0, 1.5 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 I get #8 deck screws with a T25 head.

https://fascofas.com/products/green-color-t25-torx-star-drive-deck-screws-deck-dock-fence-building-construction-fasteners

They take a 1/8th inch drill for a pilot hole, and you can get a cheap 3-pack of 1/8th inch drills with hex shank so they will work in a drill, and also in a 1/4 hex shank driver.

https://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-impact-rated-hex-shank-titanium-drill-bit-set-3-piece-64889.html

For bolts, I always keep some 1/4-20 in several lengths. Anything else and I just go to the store if I really need a different size.

I got the 18V Ridgid brushless compact driver specifically because it has the shortest head for getting into tight spots. Nothing wrong with DeWalt/MilwaukeeMakita/etc, but...You can always add an extension, but you cant make it shorter. Others are stronger, but this one will drive T25 deck screws all day.

https://www.amazon.com/RIDGID-Brushless-Compact-Impact-Driver/dp/B09PPZDK9N/ref=sr_1_5

1/4-drive and 3/8ths adapters allow you to drive nuts and bolts with a socket set the 1/2 inch drive never gets used.

https://www.harborfreight.com/hex-shank-socket-driver-set-3-piece-68513.html

I buy peanuts in clear plastic bottles to use the empty bottle to store screws and nails in. Look for a large opening screw-top lid. I prefer the square shaped bottles. Sams Club, Costco, Menards

https://www.menards.com/main/black-friday-2022/fisher-reg-dry-roasted-peanuts-36-oz/7069069824/p-1444436540856-c-13917.htm

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I throw away practically nothing. I have 2 containers (costco size containers from mixed nuts): 1 for salvaged screws and 1 for salvaged bolts. I have smaller containers for washers and nuts. After that, I have a small shelf system that I built from MDF trim and hardboard where I keep the 1 lb boxes of fasteners from the big box stores. I have very few nails. Most of my boxed screws are Phillips head with lengths from 3/4 to 1.5 inch. I then have a 1 lb box of 3 inch torx head screws. I was fortunate (?) enough to have a contractor leave a 20 lb box of drywall screws (1 5/8" I believe) after they finished my job. I, nor any of my friends, will ever have to buy drywall screws for the rest of our lives