3 Simple Steps to Building Your Perfect Tool Storage

Santa knew you wanted to finish the basement this year. Because he is wise, he knew you’d choose to frame it out with steel studs. They’re lighter weight, 30% cheaper, never warp, and aren’t susceptible to insect or water damage. Because you’ve been good, he gifted you a pneumatic nail gun and plenty of SteelThread SCRAIL® to go with it. Now that you have the right tool, your job will be sturdier, last longer, and be done sooner. You’ll go from boring basement to Man Cave in no time. 

But now you’ve maxed out your storage space. You need a special place to store your treasured new tool, along with your entire air powered arsenal. Because we think you were good last year too, we’re giving you the solution. Below, find a simple guide, from FamilyHandyman.com, to building the ultimate wall-mounted air tool storage cabinet. You can make it for under $100, in one day, and it only takes one sheet of plywood to make!

Materials:

• 4’ x 8’ x ¾” plywood
• 1” x 2” x 8’
• ¼” x ¾” strips of wood, 16’
• 1-5/8” Screws, 1 lb.
• 2” Finish Nails, ½ lb.
• Wood Glue
• Clamps
• Miter saw
• Tape measure
• Circular saw
• Stud finder
• Belt sander
• Drill/driver, cordless
• Countersink drill bit
• Finish nail gun
• Drill bit set
• Framing square
• Hearing protection
• Jigsaw
• Straightedge
• Safety glasses
• Table saw
• Wood glue

Step 1: Cut out all your parts. For a printable diagram, see the link at the bottom of the tutorial.

Start by cutting out the plywood pieces according to the diagram. Use a table saw or a circular saw fitted with a sharp carbide-tooth blade to minimize splintering. If you’re using a circular saw, clamp a straightedge or a saw guide to the plywood for straight, accurate cuts.

Build the hose holder by marking four half circles with a gallon paint can and a half circle with a 5-gallon bucket on a plywood strip. Cut out the parts with a jigsaw. Glue and clamp the four small half circles together. After the glue dries, use a belt sander to smooth the edges, then glue the half round block to the larger half circle.

Step 2: Assemble the Station.

Once the parts are cut, assembly is straightforward. Mark the centerline of the shelves (E, F and G) on the sides, and the centerline of the dividers (D) on the top (C) and upper shelf (E). Drill holes and countersinks for screws on the centerline of all shelves and dividers. Space screws about 1-1/2 in. from plywood ends and about 8 in. apart.

Start by driving 1-5/8-in. screws through the sides into the back and attaching the shelf and hose holder with screws. Then screw the top to the sides and back and add the dividers. We made the first space 6 in. wide and the three remaining spaces 4-3/4 in. wide to fit our nail guns. Adjust these dimensions to fit your own tools. Screw the wide shelf (E) to the dividers and then screw through the sides into the three shelves (E, F and G).

Step 3: Finishing Touches.

Finish the station by adding a 1x2 edge to the top and to the accessory shelf. Align the 1x2s with the plywood so they protrude 3/4 in. above the top and shelf to create a lip. Glue and nail the 1x2s to the plywood. For a more finished appearance, we covered the raw plywood edges with 1/4-in. strips of wood, but screen molding would work fine.

We brushed two coats of clear polyurethane on the station before hanging it on the wall. When you mount the station, be sure to locate wall studs and attach the station firmly to them with four 1/4-in. x 3-1/2-in. lag screws and washers. To reduce noise and compressor movement, cut a rubber mat or piece of carpet to fit under the compressor. *

*SOURCE: The Family Handyman

Finally, load up your new storage rack with your air tool collection and compressor. Now they may be properly stored, easily accessed, and readily awed. You’ll also notice you’ve just cleared up your workbench so you can start drafting the plans to get your Mega Man Cave finished in time for SuperBowl Sunday. Get more information on SteelThread SCRAIL® fasteners and choosing the right fastener for your basement build out, by downloading our brochure here.

Click HERE to see the printable cutting guide and materials list.