Reclaimed Tool Storage (Peg Board)

So I have a new shop space.
This project was made from 100% reclaimed materials.

I am not a total fan of using peg board and would much rather used a wall cleat system. The problem is that we spent a bunch of money to get the place and there is not a bunch of wiggle room to buy more raw materials. Another problem is that some of my tools do not have homes yet. I am a woodworker by hobby and follow many of the popular Instructables and YouTube makers, especially the ones that offer ideas on how to do things from a limited budget.

Inspired by their wisdom and creativity I came up with this one on my own. These are double side peg board tool storage cabinets that hang on a wall and with the help of reclaimed hinges swing away from the wall.

Each panel holds 2 sheets of 2'x2' pegboard.

Step 1: Basic Box Frames

This was simple. I used reclaimed pallet wood to make 2 frames with the internal size of 2'x2'.
I used rabbet joints and glue and 2 nails for my joints. I had to use a clamp to hold one box in square with everything set up. Sometimes with reclaimed wood you just have to do what you can to make it work.

Step 2: The Peg Board

I found 2 sheets of used 2'x4' peg board. On the back with the mounting screws I found these plastic spacers. I cut each of the sheets in half to make 4 sheet at 2'x2'. The spacers are important because with peg board hardware you need some clearance to allow the hardware to pass to the back.

Step 3: Okay the Glue Has Dried

I made a few decisions as to what I needed from this design and offset the pegboard from center. I measured the plastic mounting hardware and then ripped some scrap wood to that width. This ripped width of wood will be the center of a system that is sandwiched together. I then added peg board to each side and then added another thin strip of wood to the outside edge of each side to hold the peg board in. When I mounted all the strips I used wood glue and screws.

Step 4: Time to Hang Them

The glue has dried. Everything is square(ish) and I have a bunch of reclaimed door hinges.
I used four everyday door hinges to attach the boxes to the wall. It did take me a good deal of time to level and plumb everything but in the end it was simply great.

Step 5: Time to Test Our Work

So this bag is how many of my hangable tools have been living for the past few months. I hated having to go get a simple pair of pliers from this bag. I think overall I am pleased with this idea. The inside of each cabinet is a bit deeper then the fronts and this allows me to still use the wall where they are hung. As an example the magnetic bar on the right wall that holds my plane and my quick access set of wrenches. I know there is room for improvement here and your comments are truly welcome. For now, I am just happy that I have a home for my tools on the wall rather than a bag on the floor.

Comments

[tcs79]

First of all, amazing project. I have something similar, but not nearly as well planned as yours. Gave me ideas to fix some parts that is annoying me.
Can you share some information about the gray saw that you have on the left side of your project? thanks and congratulations...

[Catfishy]

Good Morning TCS79,
First off, thank you for the kind words. I am happy that my idea was able to help you with your project. That grey saw is part of a Shopsmith system. There are many who think that there is almost a cult following for Shopsmith. The Shopsmith I have is from the early 80's. The Shopsmith is a multi-tool system that is 5 tools in one (I think the newer models are 7). The Shopsmith as it stands alone is a Table Saw, drill press, disk sander, lathe, and a horizonal boreing machine.

There are other attachments that can be purchased. One of those attachments is the 10 inch Band Saw. That is whay you see in my picture. I made the shelf to store my Bandsaw on the wall and that is what you see in my pictures.

If you have any other questions please ask. I love my Shopsmith.

[tcs79]

Ow. Should be an amazing tools indeed. Thanks for the detailed response.

[Antzy Carmasaic]

I have been planning since forever to make something like this. Maybe now I will...

[Catfishy]

You should. I was a crazy simple build.

[DennisO22]

I made a free standing version of this idea about 10 years ago. My design is slightly different to yours. Instead of having '1 wide door' for each half cabinet width. I made each of my doors the width of half the half the width of my cabinet. BUT '2 deep'. So each door is in two sections. An outer door and an inner door. The inner doors are hinged onto the main cabinet and the outer doors are hinged onto the inner doors (each on the same side). The left hand doors are hinged on the left and the right hand doors are hinged on the right. Latches on the top of each pair of doors allows either the outer door to be opened separate to the inner door or the inner door (with the closed outer door) opened to reveal the cabinet and the tool stored in the inner door, but without having to open the outer door. In effect it's like opening a book. It means that the doors only extend a small way into my workshop when I open them to get access to my tools. It sounds complex but it is really simple.

[Catfishy]

I would love to see yours. Do you have it up anywhere?

[DennisO22]

No I don't usually bother with stuff like that. But I will try and take some pics and post them for you.

[Catfishy]

I look forward to seen them. Take your time. No rush.

[Eh Lie Us!]

Bravo, my brother in sawdust. I know the problem well. Limited resources (time, space, $) but lots of need. This is when creativity really hits us. Embrace it!

A while back, I really wanted some peg board but the price was prohibitive. It also looked very blah for what I'd be paying. I thought, what if I painted it? A solid bright color? Or a mural?! Then it hit me, an old street sign. I have one that I've always wanted to put up but again, no space so I drew out a grid and drill, baby, drill. Style and function. (sample pic attached) Good luck.

[Catfishy]

LOVE IT!

[big_F]

Why exactly have I not done this already. This design is completely scaleable and will fit into my workshop once completed. No nasty bags and shelves full of tools for me. Thanks for sharing your work.

[Catfishy]

Thank you so much.
I would love to see what you make as well

[Jdserrano1]

Exactly what I need for my craft room! Thanks for sharing. Now I have an idea of what I was wanting to do. I had the idea in my head but couldn’t articulate it! Appreciate your project, design and instructions

[Catfishy]

Thank you so much! I am honestly very happy to see that my idea is helping you and others. I really did not think it was going to be such a popular idea. If you have any questions about the make please let me know. I will do my best to help.

[AnandM54]

Cool..

[seamster]

This is a GREAT idea. Love it, thank you! : )

[Catfishy]

Thank you so much. I so needed to get things hung up.
I may add a short video later today just so I can show the whole thing in "action"