AndyG
Established Member
One problem with a smaller workshop (read garage) is the lack of wallspace. Once you've got a few shelves up and the larger tools against a wall, there isn't much space left for tool racks.
After a bit of thought, I hit upon the idea of orientating tool racks perpendicular to the wall, on sliding panels. The major benefit is that you get a great deal more rack space than if you'd mounted the racks flat onto the wall.
Here's my almost finished sliding tool storage unit. It has 6 panels on the top, and 4 on the bottom. The difference, is so I can mount tools of different widths. Things like power tools can go on the bottom panels, whereas smaller items, like chisels, can go on the top panels.
Each panel is mounted on a set of drawer slides. The slides are from screwfix. They are very handy for any kind of sliding project. The only problem with them is actually attaching them. The mechanism doesn't allow much space for a bolt or screw head.
Here's the slide mechanism
One of the nice features of the slides is that they can be separated. This allows the panels to be removed, as shown below. This of course helps when it comes to attaching tools to the panels.
So here is one of the panels slid out. The panels are a mix of 6mm MDF or ply. They were originally all going to be MDF until my local B&Q decided that they weren't going to stock large 6mm sheets anymore.
I've not had much chance yet to actually attach many tools yet. But I managed to get a few attached before dinner!!
I'm really looking forward to actually being able to put this unit to use. I've got far too many tools in boxes. It'll be nice to be able to keep them separate, avoiding edges knocking together and getting blunt. Maybe it'll also help keep the workshop tidy too.
More photos soon.
Andy
After a bit of thought, I hit upon the idea of orientating tool racks perpendicular to the wall, on sliding panels. The major benefit is that you get a great deal more rack space than if you'd mounted the racks flat onto the wall.
Here's my almost finished sliding tool storage unit. It has 6 panels on the top, and 4 on the bottom. The difference, is so I can mount tools of different widths. Things like power tools can go on the bottom panels, whereas smaller items, like chisels, can go on the top panels.
Each panel is mounted on a set of drawer slides. The slides are from screwfix. They are very handy for any kind of sliding project. The only problem with them is actually attaching them. The mechanism doesn't allow much space for a bolt or screw head.
Here's the slide mechanism
One of the nice features of the slides is that they can be separated. This allows the panels to be removed, as shown below. This of course helps when it comes to attaching tools to the panels.
So here is one of the panels slid out. The panels are a mix of 6mm MDF or ply. They were originally all going to be MDF until my local B&Q decided that they weren't going to stock large 6mm sheets anymore.
I've not had much chance yet to actually attach many tools yet. But I managed to get a few attached before dinner!!
I'm really looking forward to actually being able to put this unit to use. I've got far too many tools in boxes. It'll be nice to be able to keep them separate, avoiding edges knocking together and getting blunt. Maybe it'll also help keep the workshop tidy too.
More photos soon.
Andy
