Free Parts Inventory Software
for Mechanics & Small Shops
Tired of hunting through a spreadsheet to find a part — only to discover you ran out three weeks ago? PartsHound is parts inventory software built for mechanics. Free to try, $29/mo flat when you scale. No per-user pricing. No enterprise bloat.
The Spreadsheet Problem Every Shop Knows
Most small shops start with a spreadsheet for parts tracking. Makes sense — it's free, it's familiar. But spreadsheets fall apart fast when you're running a real shop.
No Search That Works
Ctrl+F through 400 rows to find a part number you half-remember isn't a system. It's a time sink.
Zero Reorder Alerts
Spreadsheets don't know when you're down to your last 2 bolts. You find out when you need them.
No Location Tracking
"It's in a bin somewhere near the back." With 200 parts, that's a 15-minute search every time.
Disconnected Work Orders
You fix a piece of equipment, deduct parts from inventory manually, hope you didn't miss anything.
These aren't small annoyances — they compound. A part you thought you had, you don't. A work order you thought was fully stocked, isn't. You find out at the worst possible time.
What PartsHound Does Instead
PartsHound is a dedicated parts inventory system built for mechanics and small maintenance shops. It replaces your spreadsheet with a proper database that works the way your shop works.
- ✓ Parts Vault — Add parts with part numbers, descriptions, costs, quantities, and photos. Searchable in seconds.
- ✓ Bin Locations — Assign each part to an aisle, shelf, and bin. Find anything in under 30 seconds.
- ✓ Reorder Alerts — Set minimum quantities. PartsHound flags when you're running low — before you run out.
- ✓ Work Order Integration — Create work orders, link parts to equipment, auto-deduct inventory when a job closes.
- ✓ Equipment Registry — Track every machine with model number, serial, location, and service history.
- ✓ Mobile-Friendly — Pull it up on your phone on the shop floor. No laptop required.
- ✓ Works in Browser — No download, no installation. Works on any device you already own.
PartsHound vs. a Parts Tracking Spreadsheet
| Feature | Spreadsheet | PartsHound |
|---|---|---|
| Part search | Ctrl+F through rows | Instant search by name, number, or location |
| Bin locations | Manual text field | Structured aisle / shelf / bin tracking |
| Reorder alerts | None (manual check) | Automatic alerts when stock hits minimum |
| Work orders | Separate document | Linked to parts — auto-deducts inventory |
| Equipment tracking | Another spreadsheet | Built-in equipment registry with service history |
| Mobile access | Awkward on phones | Mobile-optimized for shop floor use |
| Cost | Free (but costs you time) | Free to try — $29/mo flat for unlimited parts |
📋 Get a free parts tracking template
A ready-made spreadsheet to bridge the gap while you get set up — plus shop tips from mechanics who ditched Excel.
What Does "Free" Actually Mean?
We don't hide a paywall behind fake "free forever" promises. Here's what you get:
- ✓ Free tier: Add up to 5 parts, full access to work orders and equipment. Test it with your real data, no credit card.
- ✓ $29/mo flat: Unlimited parts, unlimited equipment, unlimited work orders. Full access, one flat fee.
- ✓ No per-user fees: $29/mo is for your whole shop. Enterprise systems charge $45+ per user — that's $225/mo for a 5-person team.
- ✓ Cancel anytime: No contracts. No commitments. Cancel from your account settings.
💡 Real talk: Most "free parts inventory software" is either a stripped-down demo, a spreadsheet template, or a tool that charges per user once you grow. PartsHound is priced for small shops. $29/mo is less than a single oil filter on most machines.
Common Questions
Can I import my existing parts spreadsheet?
Yes. PartsHound supports CSV import so you can move your existing parts list in without re-entering everything by hand.
How long does setup take?
Most shops are up and running in under 30 minutes. Add your parts, set bin locations, configure reorder thresholds. That's it. No training required.
What if I have multiple shop locations?
PartsHound supports location tracking per part (aisle, shelf, bin, area). If you run parts across multiple physical locations, you can use area codes to distinguish them.
Do I need to install software or buy hardware?
No. PartsHound runs in your web browser. Any device with a browser works — desktop, phone, tablet. Nothing to install.
Is this for manufacturing or just vehicle shops?
Both. PartsHound works for auto shops, machine shops, food processing plants, HVAC shops, and anywhere that tracks maintenance parts and equipment. If you have parts in bins, it works for you.
Ready to Ditch the Spreadsheet?
The free demo has 25 real parts, 10 pieces of equipment, and 6 work orders pre-loaded. Takes 2 minutes to see if PartsHound fits your shop — no account required.