How to Make a French Cleat Storage System for Your Hand Tools

What are the steps to build your own French cleat storage system?

Step 1: Choose the right kind of wood

Step 2: Plan everything before cutting and building

Step 3: Cut the pieces accordingly

Step 4: Attach all of the pieces

Step 5: Attach the Wall Cleat

Step 6: Test Your Tools

Step 7: Add support

Step 8: Add some varnish and color

Step 9: Do some regular maintenance

When it comes to building and construction, most of the world uses the same kinds of electrical and hand tools. Whether it be an American or a Philippine toolbox, most of the primary tools would be the same. Storing your electrical and hand tools properly is always important, as you would want them to be in proper working condition, while also being safe to carry around.

One of the most organized ways that you can store your tools in an orderly manner is by making your own French cleat storage system. This is an effective way to store your tools in your garage or tool shed, and ensures that you have enough space for other tools and materials as well. To help you out, here are the steps on how to make one:

Step 1: Choose the right kind of wood

To make your own sturdy French cleat storage system for your electrical and hand tools, you can start off by picking the right kind of wood, one that is strong and sturdy enough to be able to hold your tools. The best type of wood to use is plywood, which is strong, light, and affordable. Usually, ¾ plywood gets the job done well.

Having the best type of wood for your Storage System would guarantee that your storage would be able to handle all of the tools you have.

Step 2: Plan everything before cutting and building

Before building your storage system, be sure to have all your plans laid out. Along with the basic design, be sure to measure all of the tools you would be placing. Having the right dimensions will have your tools fit right into place. You can also create your own organizer as part of the storage system, where you can put screws, nails, and drill bits in one convenient location.

Step 3: Cut the pieces accordingly

Once you have all the planning and measurements done, it is now time to cut them. Use a circular saw or jigsaw to cut your wood into blocks with a 45 degree angle on one side. The amount of cleats and pieces that you have to cut vary on how many tools you have to place as well as the materials you have to store. Cutting all the pieces takes around 15-45 minutes, depending on the amount.

Step 4: Attach all of the pieces

Once you have cut all of the pieces, it is now time to assemble them together. Use wood glue and screws to attach the pieces together, for a more secure fit. This is the best time to make sure that all of the pieces fit together well, and see if you need to cut the other pieces again.

Step 5: Attach the Wall Cleat

Once you have all of the shelves assembled, you can now attach the wall cleats. Make sure that the section of the wall that you are attaching these cleats is strong enough to hold the weight of your tools.

Step 6: Test Your Tools

Once you have the storage system in place on your wall, test it out by placing your tools. Check if your shelves are holding the weight properly and see if there are no signs of cracking and breaking happening to your wall.

Once you’re sure that these tools are able to hold up, you can now place some extra support.

Step 7: Add support

You can cut extra pieces of wood to add some support for your storage system. Having support would improve the strength of your cleats and shelves, which would help them last longer. You can also add some dowels and racks for your hand tools like screwdrivers and hammers. For your electrical tools, you can add racks for your drills and electric screws, while adding another rack for your cables.

Step 8: Add some varnish and color

To make your cleats last longer and stronger, add some varnish to protect it from daily wear and tear. This would prevent pests and moisture from damaging the wood, and add some shine to your storage. You can also paint it by adding some colors that match your garage, or even do some color-coding and assign each color for a specific set of tools.

Step 9: Do some regular maintenance

Once you have finished creating your French cleat storage for your electrical and hand tools, don’t forget to do some basic maintenance every now and then. This would make sure that you would be able to see if there is some damage or other issues that you would need to fix.

Key Takeaway

Constructing your own French cleat storage system for your hand tools would guarantee that you have a sturdy and organized station, where you can place all of your important tools. While using a toolbox is still highly recommended when you are bringing your tools around, having French cleats at your garage would help give your garage or tool shed some much needed organization.

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