I have a ton of different specialty tools that come in blow molded cases. Things like puller sets or specific testers and whatnot. Today I have them in some wooden shelves which are VERY old, probably covered in led paint and need to be replaced. I'd like to get something that goes more vertical for storage and is a bit deeper as well. How do you guys store all your blow molded cases? Any recommendations for specific cabinets/any that are more space efficient than the rest?
Blow molded case storage for specialty tools
- Thread starter Rusty67
- Start date
gahrajmahal
Well-known member
Xtreme Garage® 53"W x 72"H x 17"D 3-Shelf Rack
The Xtreme Garage® steel component shelving system is designed to offer maximum flexibility as well as ease and quickness of assembly. This modular shelving system includes beams, end frames and shelves. Each welded end frame features tapered slots for the bracket tabs on the steel racking beams...
www.menards.com
I have two sets of these. 24” wide separating the cars and 18” wide against the wall. I use plywood for the shelve part as the wire shelves don’t allow the boxes to slide easily
nadogail
Well-known member
Adjustable shelving is something you might be able to make at home.
tyyost
Well-known member
I bought a 5 drawer lateral filing cabinet for $25 that I use that’s working well for me.
4xdog
Well-known member
The IKEA Ivar system might be interesting to you. It's solid wood (not MDF) and has tons of flexibilty around the number and spacing of shelves. Ivar comes in various heights, depths, and widths. One buys the pieces -- as many or few -- as one needs to put together what's required
I have it in my basement library and the family archive in one of my bedrooms. Recommended.
www.ikea.com
I have it in my basement library and the family archive in one of my bedrooms. Recommended.
IVAR System
Shop our IVAR storage system and customize your space. The system is designed so you can combine different pieces to suit your space.
www.ikea.com
The Ikea Ivar is an interesting idea. I wonder what a reasonable weight limit on the shelf is? They are 3/4" pine but where the hook to the frame might be a weak point?
The lateral file cabinets might work if I could stack 2 together or get one that was really tall.
The lateral file cabinets might work if I could stack 2 together or get one that was really tall.
4xdog
Well-known member
Ivar shelves have a full-width steel channel on either end, and that steel channel clips into steel pegs that fit into a series of holes in the Ivar uprights.
I haven't checked the load rating on the shelves or the uprights, but some of my shelves probably have 60+ lb on them, and I typically configure a set of uprights with 4-5 shelves. This doesn't seem to be pushing the shelves at all.
4xdog
Well-known member
Update: For the 33" wide, 12" deep (smaller) shelf, the weight limit is specified as 77 lb. For the 20" deep shelf, the ones I use most, it's 99 lb.
Depth: 11 3/4 "
Thickness: 3/4 "
Max. load: 77 lb
Depth: 19 5/8 "
Thickness: 3/4 "
Max load/shelf: 99 lb
Measurements
Width: 32 5/8 "Depth: 11 3/4 "
Thickness: 3/4 "
Max. load: 77 lb
Measurements
Width: 32 5/8 "Depth: 19 5/8 "
Thickness: 3/4 "
Max load/shelf: 99 lb
Thanks, I briefly looked on the page for the 12" deep shelf and I didn't see the load rating. Must have looked right at it and not seen it. I would prefer an enclosed cabinet but the Ivar's shelf configurability might end up being the way to go, especially with that 20" shelf depth. I don't have the time or willingness to fab up anything myself. I also don't have the skills to weld anything (now that I've admitted I can't weld, I will be immediately shunned).
4xdog
Well-known member
IKEA sell wood or steel front doors, in sliding or swinging styles, for the Ivar system. I don't have any, so no personal experience.
And they also make a 1half-width shelves in both depths (17" vs the normal 33"). I do have some of the 17" wide shelves to maximize space.
And they also make a 1half-width shelves in both depths (17" vs the normal 33"). I do have some of the 17" wide shelves to maximize space.
lateral file cabinets are ok for storing stuff, but I'm not wild on them (unlike my friend). you can try a shelf system like what they use at Half Price Books (used book store). they don't need fancy shelving and they use wooden dowels to set the shelf height which can be adjusted.
also take a look at adjustable Metro rack shelving. get some stuff used that rolls. you can typically get a 72"h x 48"w x 24"d stainless for about $60-70. each shelf will hold about 400lbs
also take a look at adjustable Metro rack shelving. get some stuff used that rolls. you can typically get a 72"h x 48"w x 24"d stainless for about $60-70. each shelf will hold about 400lbs
crewchief888
Well-known member
I have several of these types of wire shelving units around. Works for melateral file cabinets are ok for storing stuff, but I'm not wild on them (unlike my friend). you can try a shelf system like what they use at Half Price Books (used book store). they don't need fancy shelving and they use wooden dowels to set the shelf height which can be adjusted.
also take a look at adjustable Metro rack shelving. get some stuff used that rolls. you can typically get a 72"h x 48"w x 24"d stainless for about $60-70. each shelf will hold about 400lbs
I have a couple 18x36x72 tall cabinets where I store large tools. One of them I have my DeWalt planer on the bottom, but I added a 1/2" piece of plywood to strengthen it.
The upper, cheap sheet metal shelves are strong enough for my power tools in thier blow molded cases.
The upper, cheap sheet metal shelves are strong enough for my power tools in thier blow molded cases.
This is the direction I was originally thinking of. I looked into it a bit and found that it isn't easy to buy additional shelves if needed/wanted, at least not from the brands I looked at.
LWB
Well-known member
I always thought it would be beneficial to build a "closet" in the back of a garage for stuff like this. I hate clutter and open shelving. Even if you had 3-4 feet you could wall off and add a door. If I ever build a garage from scratch this is what I would do.
Out of site out of mind.
Out of site out of mind.
65ranchero
Well-known member
What about metal storage cabinets, fairly narrow and tall 5/6 shelves that may be adjustable.
look at used office /industrial sellers.
look at used office /industrial sellers.
LWB
Well-known member
Just see it as being welcomed into a small, more elite group of forum members, like myself...
damn; how long are your legs?The IKEA Ivar system might be interesting to you. It's solid wood (not MDF) and has tons of flexibilty around the number and spacing of shelves. Ivar comes in various heights, depths, and widths. One buys the pieces -- as many or few -- as one needs to put together what's required
I have it in my basement library and the family archive in one of my bedrooms. Recommended.
gahrajmahal
Well-known member
I place the lower shelf in the photo starting at around the 3 foot mark. The lower space is consumed with many things on casters to roll out from under the shelves. Table saw, generator, cart full of jack stands etc. My three shelves have about 20” between them, plus my ceilings are low in my two car attached garage.
gahrajmahal
Well-known member
At the 10 ft. X 15 ft. Storage unit we rent I built a wooden rack that spans the hood of our MG. I measured the storage tubs and spaced the shelves to match that. This was the more cost effective way, especially if you can use used lumber.
Shortbuscandid8
Active member
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2013
- Messages
- 37
I've got a few cases as well. I use something very similar to what ybnormal posted. Very versatile in how many shelves and how far apart they are. I got mine from Costco with six shelves. The wheels make it nice if you need move it also. They also come in black.
I've got the black (anthracite) ones from Tractor Supply, they are also the heavy-duty version so each shelf will do 1,000 lbs.I've got a few cases as well. I use something very similar to what ybnormal posted. Very versatile in how many shelves and how far apart they are. I got mine from Costco with six shelves. The wheels make it nice if you need move it also. They also come in black.
get two of the shelf units, then get extra shelving with S-hooks and hang them between the 2 units for more shelf space
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I use a 5 drawer file cabinet
Shortbuscandid8
Active member
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2013
- Messages
- 37
That is a great idea!
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I know, right?!
I'm sure I got it hererayra
Well-known member
Loving the shoe organizer for the spray cans.I've got a few cases as well. I use something very similar to what ybnormal posted. Very versatile in how many shelves and how far apart they are. I got mine from Costco with six shelves. The wheels make it nice if you need move it also. They also come in black.
My plastic cases are likewise arrayed, but on top of my workshop wall cabinets. Only picture I have handy.
Attachments
Zeke
Well-known member
I use 24" deep office 2 door cabinets and lock my doors. All the clow molded cases I have fit in there or another 18" deep.
This is increasingly becoming what I think will win out for my storage option. Not sure I need anything 24" deep but maybe the most tucked in cabinet could have some extra depth, just in case.
