Introduction: How to Build a Compact Tool Storage Shelf

About: Hello, I'm Niki. I like to make things and save money while I am doing it.

This tool storage shelf is compact and functional.

It cost me less than $20 to put together.

As most the materials were reclaimed or scrap.

We all have different shaped tools and different sized areas to work with.

But this build can easily be adapted to fit any sized area that you may have.



Supplies

I am using both pallet palings and pallet stringers for this build.

I am also using some scrap non-structural pine.

I use chipboard screws, because they are affordable.

I also used under a meter of flat bar.

Step 1: Understanding the Area

The area I am working with is 880mm wide,

800mm deep and 1640mm high.

To get a bit of an idea of the space I am working in . . .

To the left of this area is the vertical drawers

and above this area is the built in television cabinet.

Step 2: Top Shelf

For the front edge of the shelf,

I ripped a length of 35x90 down the table saw at 30 degrees.

This angle holds my drills and impact drivers in a sturdy and easy to grab position.

Step 3:

I attached this angle to another piece of 35x90 via pocket holes.

PVA glue between them, pipe clamped together and attached with screws.

Step 4:

For additional shelf support.

I attached a length of 35x35 to the front of a wall paling.


Note: The shelf will rest on top and attach into this.

As well as getting attached into the existing wall frame.

Step 5:

For my Trim Router to sit neatly on the shelf,

I used a spade bit larger than my biggest router bit,

and drilled a hole for the router to sit over.

Step 6: Flat Bar Rack

Added a length of 35x35 to attach the side wall palings to.

As well as to attach the flat bar to.


The flat bar holds my angle grinders

and my small clamps.

Step 7: Bench

Framed up a small bench and attached a paling bench top.


Note: I attached the bench top underneath the frame,

only because I liked that height a bit better.

Step 8: Power + Chargers

I mounted the power board to the back wall

and also mounted my small battery charger to the wall as well.


Drilling a hole so I can run the cord down the back.

My spare battery also clips onto the flat bar.

Step 9:

I sat my 3 larger chargers on the bench and ran

those cords through a paling that juts out from the back wall.

Step 10: Sides

For the vertical side pieces, I needed some long palings.

Luckily for me, my parents saved this extra long pallet for me.

Step 11:

I filled in the right hand side wall with palings.

And used a Jigsaw to cut a slit for the flat bar.

Step 12:

I then started to fill in the left hand side wall.

Step 13: Finishing Touches

I raided my dad's shed for a hook, to hold the extension cord.

For extra strength I attached the hook into the frame, not just the palings.

Step 14:

Finally, I made an access lid

to hide the power board.

Step 15:

I clamped 2 palings side by side.

Flipped that over and attached a single paling that gets attached to both top pieces.

square up and cut the ends to fit.

Step 16:

28mm spade bit to drill a hole,

to help pick up the access lid.

Step 17:

I am currently building 4 pallet wood drawers underneath this storage area.

The top drawer holds my batteries and a few other things.

Step 18: Thank You

Thanks for checking out my build

and I will see you next time.