Spray Can and Oil Bottle Shelf, From an Old Step Ladder

A neighbour was throwing out a damaged aluminum stepladder, I took it, with the thought of making something useful out of it.

A shelf that can lean against a wall, in the garage or basement. The inverted steps were wide enough to hold spray cans or automotive chemicals or motor oil.

Supplies

One broken aluminum step ladder.

Tools:

Drill with 3/16 and 5/32 drill bits.

Hack saw.

Tape Measure.

bar clamps.

Pop rivet tool and pop rivets.

Vice grip pliers.

Marker pen.

Step 1: Salvaging Material for Back Braces

The damaged part of the ladder was disassembled, by drilling out the original rivets, I used a 3/16 inch drill bit to drill out the rivets.

Step 2: Cutting the Parts Needed

I ended up with two 3 foot long pieces of angled aluminum. I measured the length needed for the back braces for each shelf. I planned to mount the back brackets 4 inches above the bottom of the shelf. Marked that location and measured across the ladder to find the length needed.

I then cut the pieces to the length required.

Step 3: Assembling the Shelf

The back braces were then clamped in place at the lines I marked. I drilled a 5/32 inch hole and then pop riveted it together using 5/32 pop rivets. Moved clamp to other side and continued drilling and pop riveting. Then attached the rest of the back braces.

Step 4: The Completed Shelf

I was happy how the shelf turned it out.

I then loaded it up, to show what can be put on it.

Depending where you decide to have it, you can attach it to the floor and wall.

It took about two hours to make.

I'm glad I was able to make something useful, from something that would have ended up in the landfill.