learn me french cleat storage system and fold down work benches

[dusterbd13]

so the French cleat storage racks are very appealing for my garage renovation. I've seen it in a few of the garage builds around here, and seems like the best solution for some storage problems im having. what's the best size/dimensions for this? any good links? the blueprints I found online call for something like 6 inch cleats, which seems a bit overkill.

on the other topic, I would also like to build some wall mounted, fold out work benches. the hinge would be about waist level, and the table top would fold towards the floor. any links/plans/suggestions?


the only catch with all this is my walls are concrete filled cinderblock. so we need to tailor things or modify them to work with what I have.

garage is used for automotive restoration/repair, woodworking, and general tinkering.

 

[LB-1911]

This should help -

My newest addition is the rail wall tool storage system, because of my budget I couldn't get a slatwall system so I came up with this very inexpensive solution. I bought 2 sheets of 18 MM plywood at HD; I don't know why it was listed in MM but they are very sturdy and straight as an arrow, they were priced at $40 a sheet so it didn't break the bank. I ripped the sheets down to 6" strips the 3" strips @ a 45° angle, this yielded over 12 8' long rails that are mounted on the wall with enough left over to make more brackets than I know what to do with.

Before

Rails getting wipe-on poly

Rails getting mounted every 20" or so

Bracket design some are 4" some are 12" depending on load and width of what it's holding.

I also mounted a few things that are useful to move around the wall

And here is a view of some of the tools I am storing on the wall now.

 

[DRP6833]

Variations on the theme:

http://www.familyhandyman.com/garage/storage/customizable-garage-storage/view-all
http://www.familyhandyman.com/garage/storage/garage-storage-systems/view-all

 

[mx185sw]

I built a couple folds down work tables.. basic 2x4 with some heavy door hinges that are working out great for me.. think they only cost about 30 bucks to build both. here is the link to a few pics if it helps with some ideas.

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Good Luck.
Sean

 

[Kaizen]

Just saw this on create tv. For you it might work as its built on plywood and you can just hilti the plywood to the wall. Their storage things look pretty bulky I think 1/2 inch plywood would suffice.
http://www.woodsmithshop.com/episodes/season8/805/
supposedly they will give you the plans for free with your email. but looking at it will give you ideas

 

[Angelfire]

I think LB1911's photos were pretty descriptive in themselves. The French cleats I've seen, and plan to install myself, have been 1x4 anchored into studs. Given you're in block, you'll need to sort out an appropriate anchor.
Cheers.

 

[jockeylot]

Very neat system.

 

[dusterbd13]

The other forum I frequent has a tradition of"learn me" being in the subject line when a request for information is the main purpose of the thread. I sometimes forget that other forums have different traditions.

Thank You all for the information and education so far.

If im understanding the French cleat walls correctly, 3/4 ply ripped 3 1/2 wide will be plenty for most anything i want to hang.

What do I need to know about the fasteners for concrete? Ive only ever used tapcons, and only with moderate success. Is there something better? Some sort of methods for use that I don't know? What sort of spacing between fasteners should I be using for the French cleat walls?

 

[Kevin54]

I thought I posted this before, but may have forgot to submit it......look in my signature and click on Lilscorpion's link about organization. He is like the resident French Cleat master. LOL!!!

 

[RickP]

For concrete fasteners, I really like the Ramset system:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ramset-Hammer-Shot-0-22-Caliber-Single-Shot-Tool-00022/100091715

The nails will attach the plywood directly to the block wall. You can buy different power levels for block walls or solid concrete - make sure you use the right one or it will blow a hole in your block.