Building Tool Storage System

Tools:

brooms
portable workbench
spring clamps
power drill
nail gun and nails
paintbrush
corner blocks
screw gun
screws
level
dust pan
table saw
miter saw
C-clamps
wood glue
carpenter's square
pencil
metal brackets
tape measure
spring clamps
safety glasses
dust mask
plywood
2x4s
2x2s
wheels
pegboard

1. Clean everything out of the garage and sweep up debris so you're starting with a clean slate (figure A).

2. Sit down and draw up a plan for a system of shelves, workbenches and other desired items (figure B).

3. Measure and mark the plywood for the first element of your storage system. In this case, Harrison and his guest started by building a moveable workbench. Use a carpenter's square to mark lines for cutting.

4. Mark dimensions on plywood sheets and cut pieces using the table saw (figure C). Always wear a dust mask and safety glasses when working with power tools.

5. Cut 2x2s and 2x4s for the framing elements using a miter saw.

6. Clamp a corner block to the workbench and use it as a guide when joining the 2x2 framing components. This assures you have a perfectly square fitting. Spread wood glue evenly on the ends to be joined using a paintbrush. Use spring clamps to hold the pieces together while you secure them with a nail gun (figure D).

7. Place 2x4 uprights on the floor and join them with the 2x2 end frames. Spread wood glue at attachment points and permanently attach frame using the nail gun (figure E).

8. Set shelf heights depending on the size of items you'll be storing. Attach shelves using metal brackets and screws (figure F).

9. Build a workbench/cabinet for the moveable workbench by constructing boxes using plywood and 2x2 cleats. Fasten cleats to plywood using a nail gun. Use corner blocks and spring clamps to make sure the box is square and assemble using the nail gun (figure G).

10. This cabinet featured a boxed section on one side and an open area on the other to fit the moveable workbench and used 2x4s as uprights on the open side (figure H).

11. Build the rolling workbench in a similar manner, using 2x2 cleats that are glued and nailed to the plywood panel sides (figure I)

12. Pre-drill holes and attach wheels to bottom of rolling workbench using screws (figure J).

13. Hang a piece of pegboard on the wall behind your work area (figure K). Move items back into garage and organize using your new system.