Garage Wall Mount Brackets "On the Cheap"
Intro: Garage Wall Mount Brackets "On the Cheap"
We've all been into our local home improvement store and seen the aisles with all the garage organization gear. If you really look at it, the DIY voice inside you should be screaming something about how their has to be a cheaper way... Well... their is!
STEP 1: The Tools.
All you need are some simple hand tools and a small drill.
...Hacksaw
...Drill and bits (Bit size will be determined by the mounting hardware you choose)
...Tape measure
...Marker or pencil
...scissors
and finally (and most scary of them all...)
...A hand conduit bender (http://eaglemountainrentals.com/images/conduit_bender.jpg)
I understand not everyone has a conduit bender laying around...
...Many large home improvement stores have a tool loan program. Also if you have never used one of these I would suggest you purchase a few extra pieces of EMT conduit for practice. (it's cheap)
You will also need mounting hardware of some sort. The hardware you use will depend on how/where you plan on hanging the brackets. I used 1/4 inch toggle bolts, these say they will hold 185lbs. You'll find that in most case your mounting hardware will determine the strength of your bracket as the EMT conduit (thanks to the bends) will support much more than you think.
Finally I suggest adding some pipe insulation just to protect the items you hang on the brackets.
...Hacksaw
...Drill and bits (Bit size will be determined by the mounting hardware you choose)
...Tape measure
...Marker or pencil
...scissors
and finally (and most scary of them all...)
...A hand conduit bender (http://eaglemountainrentals.com/images/conduit_bender.jpg)
I understand not everyone has a conduit bender laying around...
...Many large home improvement stores have a tool loan program. Also if you have never used one of these I would suggest you purchase a few extra pieces of EMT conduit for practice. (it's cheap)
You will also need mounting hardware of some sort. The hardware you use will depend on how/where you plan on hanging the brackets. I used 1/4 inch toggle bolts, these say they will hold 185lbs. You'll find that in most case your mounting hardware will determine the strength of your bracket as the EMT conduit (thanks to the bends) will support much more than you think.
Finally I suggest adding some pipe insulation just to protect the items you hang on the brackets.
STEP 2: Doin' Work
I purchased 5' (60") sections of conduit as these seemed to be perfect for making 2 brackets of an appropriate size for a surfboard.
So... On to the manual labor.
Step 1 Measure twice, cut once!
Measure each piece to 30 inches mark and cut.
30 inches is a good length for most bends and general purpose hangers. With some practice you could use an entire 5ft stick and make some interesting hangers. (Sorta like the wall mounted garden hose hangers)
So... On to the manual labor.
Step 1 Measure twice, cut once!
Measure each piece to 30 inches mark and cut.
30 inches is a good length for most bends and general purpose hangers. With some practice you could use an entire 5ft stick and make some interesting hangers. (Sorta like the wall mounted garden hose hangers)
STEP 3: Gettin' Bent
Ok well if you've made it this far you should strap in and hold on! Bending conduit is a bit of an art. I'm not gonna sugarcoat it, you're gonna have to practice to get things straight, even and in the dame plain. Don't worry, conduit is cheap and you'll get it soon enough.
Step 2 Measure and mark you material. For 2 of my 3 brackets I used marks at 11 and 12 inches.
Depending on the size and shape you are hoping to end up with place one of your pre-measured marks under the index or start point of the bend and make your first bend. once you've got the first bend in, reposition the tubing in the bender and make any other necessary bends to complete the shape.
Step 2 Measure and mark you material. For 2 of my 3 brackets I used marks at 11 and 12 inches.
Depending on the size and shape you are hoping to end up with place one of your pre-measured marks under the index or start point of the bend and make your first bend. once you've got the first bend in, reposition the tubing in the bender and make any other necessary bends to complete the shape.
STEP 4: Holy Wall Hangers!
You know the drill! Yeah, the one we talked about in the tools needed section! It's time to get it out and plug it in.
Step 3 Mark and drill the holes.
Where you drill, what size you drill, and how many holes you drill will depend on the type of hardware you use to mount the hangers. I opted to use 2 toggle bolts per bracket. This will give me enough strength to use them for anything from surfboards, lawn chairs, and garden hoses to extension cords and power tools.
If you are using the insulation now would be a good time to slide it on.
Step 3 Mark and drill the holes.
Where you drill, what size you drill, and how many holes you drill will depend on the type of hardware you use to mount the hangers. I opted to use 2 toggle bolts per bracket. This will give me enough strength to use them for anything from surfboards, lawn chairs, and garden hoses to extension cords and power tools.
If you are using the insulation now would be a good time to slide it on.
STEP 5: Hung Up
This is where my portion of the project will end. How you hang the brackets will be a function of the type of hardware you choose. I suggest following the manufactures instructions.
Total cost for all material = $15.00 (US)
Total cost for all material = $15.00 (US)
4 Comments
drakesmith 13 years ago
Gh0stT0wnC0wb0y 13 years ago
Gh0stT0wnC0wb0y 14 years ago
Gh0stT0wnC0wb0y 14 years ago