Introduction: Compact Pegboard Tool Case

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Several years ago (16) I moved into a new house and had a young child.  My problem: how to store all of my tools in a limited space in a way that is safe from children.

I built this pegboard tool case which can be closed and locked that gives me about 32 x 4 feet of tool storage space while taking up as little as 11 feet of wall space.


Step 1: Tools and Materials

Tools:
  Saw for cutting 2x6 lumber, 1x2 strips, and pegboard.
  Screw driver (or drill driver with screw bit recommended!)
  Drill and drill bit (for drilling pilot holes)
  Square

Wood:
  11   2x6 8 feet long
  12 1x2 firing strips, 8 feet long
  4   4x8 3/8th inch pegboard
  1   1/4 inch plywood (good on one side is fine)

Metal:
  2   1/8 inch x 1.25 inch wide x 3 feet long steel bar (for hanging the case
  2   5 1/2 inch angle bracket
  8   5 1/2 inch hinge
  ~100  1 inch long deck screws
  ~50  1 1/4 inch lag screws  (I call these the short lag screws)
  ~50  3 inch long lag screws (I call these the long lag screws)

Other Materials:
  1 bottle of wood glue

You may be tempted to use 1/4 pegboard but I find the 3/8th inch or better is stronger and can take the span I've indicated here without warping.


Step 2: Assemble Back Frame

The tool case is composed of three frames connected by hinges.

The back frame is the largest frame measuring 4x8 feet.

Begin by cutting one of the eight foot 2x6's into two boards measuring 45 inches long.
On a flat surface make a 4x8 foot frame by attaching the 45 inch boards to two of the eight foot 2x6s as shown in Figure 2A.  Drill a pilot hole and connect the 2x6 boards using the long lag screws.


Now cut the 1x2 firing strips and glue and screw them inside the 2x6 frame using the deck screws.  See Figure 2B for details.


Now cut the pegboard to 45 inches by 93 inches keeping the corners square.
Add glue to the top sides of all of the firing strips and then insert the pegboard and screw it to the firing strips using the deck screws.  When the glue dries the pegboard will act as a webbing increasing the strength of the frame.  See Figure 2C for details.


Step 3: Assemble Center Frame

The center frame is composed of two sub-frames.

The center frame is constructed similar to the back frame except it is made up of two frames.

Begin by cutting two of the eight foot 2x6's into four boards measuring 45 inches long.
Cut two of the eight foot 2x6's into four boards measuring 48 inches long.

On a flat surface make two 4x4 foot frames by attaching the 45 inch boards to two of the forty eight inch 2x6s as shown in Figure 3A. Drill a pilot hole and connect the 2x6 boards using the long lag screws.


Now cut the 1x2 firing strips and glue and screw them inside the 2x6 frame using the deck screws. See Figure 3B for details.


Now cut two of the the pegboard sheets into four 45 inch by 45 inch squares keeping the corners square.

Add glue to the top sides of all of the firing strips and then insert the pegboard and screw it to the firing strips using the deck screws. flip each frame over and repeat the glue and pegboard screwing on the other side of the firing strip.  When the glue dries the pegboard will act as a webbing increasing the strength of the frame. See Figure 3C for details.


Step 4: Assemble Front Frame

The Front frame is composed of two sub-frames.

The front frame is constructed similar to the center frame except for:
    o the position of the firing strips,
    o only one pegboard web is used,
    o the front is covered with a 1/4 inch sheet of plywood.


Begin by cutting two of the eight foot 2x6's into four boards measuring 45 inches long.
Cut two of the eight foot 2x6's into four boards measuring 48 inches long.

On a flat surface make two 4x4 foot frames by attaching the 45 inch boards to two of the forty eight inch 2x6s as shown in Figure 3A. Drill a pilot hole and connect the 2x6 boards using the long lag screws.


Now cut the 1x2 firing strips and glue and screw them inside the 2x6 frames using the deck screws. See Figure 4C for details.


Now cut one of the the pegboard sheets into two 45 inch by 45 inch squares keeping the corners square.

Add glue to the top sides of all of the firing strips and then insert the pegboard and screw it to the firing strips using the deck screws.  When the glue dries the pegboard will act as a webbing increasing the strength of the frame.  New cut the 1/4 inch plywood and into two 48 inch by 48 inch squares.  Attach each plywood sheet to the front of the frame.  See Figure 4C for details.


Step 5: Assemble All Frames and Mount.


Lay the frames together with the back frame on the floor, then the center frame(s) then the front frame(s) on top. 

Add the hinges to the frames so that the frames will open up when the case is hung and secured to the wall.

At this point you can add the hardware to lock the front frames together.  In my case I used a simple hook and eye latch.

You will need help attaching the frame to the wall.  Make sure it is level in all axises.  I used two three foot straps to attach the back frame securely to the ceiling joists.  When the frames are opened, the top is pulled away from the wall.  To prevent this I attached the L brackets to the top of the back frame and secured it to the wall.

Best Wishes