Wasted area above toolboxes

[ukiltmybrutha]

Hi,

I have two toolboxes and there is dead space above them. I don't want to spend very much but I would like to utilize the area above the toolbox for items like compression gauge, leak down tester, radiator pressure tester, A/C gauges, magnetic tools and grabbers (possibly hammers and sledgehammers etc. Those items are now sitting in other shelved areas or at the top of the toolboxes Things are hard to find and I have to worry about crushing the more delicate ones.

I want it to be functional but look good.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[510ebl]

Peg board or slat board would be the first thought to my mind.

Construct a shallow cabinet with “deep” doors with the same type board to double your space.

 

[bob15]

I have been using these Knape & Vogt standard & brackets which have a 450 pound rating and have depths from 9"-24" and come in white which would match your walls

https://www.knapeandvogt.com/82182-series?

 

[Hack Fabrication]

You've got equal size shelving units on either side. Rip/cross-cut a piece of 3/4" plywood and extend the shelving over the tops. If 3/4" plywood is too wimpy, double it up by gluing two together. Or add a re-enforcing strip to the front/back.

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

Thanks guys. I am thinking pegboard due to easy access. The pegboard idea actually crossed my mind. It's been a while, but how do actually space the pegboard so that you can get the hooks in? Back in the day, we'd cut pens into pieces to "backspace" the pegboard sufficiently so that the hooks had space to lock in.

 

[bobemmerich]

Most of the hook kits have the spacers in them. Only isue I have with it is if the tool is too long, it hits the toolbox

 

[ukiltmybrutha]

Got it, I usually keep the toolboxes tops open for ease....partially because they are starting to get too full. I am just average height and the top of the toolboxes and the tops of those shelves are a bit taller than they appear....I mean nothing I can't deal with but interesting point.

 

[rsanter]

Step,stool under the toolboxes.
Mound shelves or a cabinet to the wall

 

[Steve in UT]

I have often thought about building something like this. Of course I would make it out of metal. And a longer/taller throw. Google search pull down shelves.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I kinda built them in, the red one can be rolled out, the 2 stacked huskys are built in. I made a custom corner cabinet with storage above both.

 

[rharman]

For the spacing, I use 1/2" stock for runners around the perimeter. Then, to support the floating part, a hole saw and cut 1" donuts out of 1/2" think stock. Hot glue on the back side strategically and then run a screw through to mount the pegboard.

If you want to get fancy, use 1x2 and dado a grove to make a frame. Adjust the thickness of the donuts accordingly.

 

[danfromsyr]

Most of the hook kits have the spacers in them. Only isue I have with it is if the tool is too long, it hits the toolbox

 

[HenryAZ]

I could probably use more efficient storage, but currently just have 3 spikes driven into studs above two roller cabinet/top box tool boxes. 4ft level and 4ft skilsaw guide on one, handsaws on another, and grinding/cutoff/flap wheels on the third.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I think my pegboard is spaced out with 2x stock.

When you buy pegboard, buy good pegboard, 1/4" not that 1/8" ****.

 

[CraigStu]

I think my pegboard is spaced out with 2x stock.

When you buy pegboard, buy good pegboard, 1/4" not that 1/8" ****.

And I'd source the hooks first. Some are so wimpy it's almost impossible to get the tool off w/o the hook falling out of the board. Ones w/ thicker wire really help. Ones w/ the little stub that goes into the hole just below where you inserted the hook help. The little plastic holders that go across the downleg part of the hook and snap into the holes on either side help too.

 

[rsparks64]

I think simple furring strips would work to allow the pegs room in the back. I used to have half of an entire wall in pegboard and loved it. Now, I use the garage wall panel/organizers on parts of the wall and above one work bench and use various pegs and hooks on that organizer. Two of my tool boxes, which also have work surfaces, have built on peg boards. I agree that 1/4 inch is better for the peg size. Some pegs will be loose so if you can secure them it will keep them from popping off when you grab a tool. Those little black plastic things that come with peg kits work on some pegs but not others. My tool boxes with pegboard are on wheels so once I placed the pegs if they were loose I used the very small zip locks to lock them on (as well as the black retainers) and had access to the back to make the job easier.

 

[Big Cleve]

Peg board with the shape of the tools outlined in magic marker. Then you can feel like you're back in HS shop class!

 

[ScottsGT]

I kind of went the opposite direction. I have cabinets over mine, so I had to disconnect the drawer lock mechanism the lid operates for my top box. I keep things I rarely use in the top.
Pic is of the bench I built, but look to the right in the pic.

 

[PWC Repair]

In my opinion, the easiest, cheapest, and most functional is pegboard. Screw up a couple 1x2s and mount it. Get the 1/4" thick stuff.

 

[Cypress]

Another vote for pegboard. I just ripped some scrap 1x3’s to get some standoff and screwed them into studs with 2.5” construction screws. Its pretty sturdy imo.

 

[nadogail]

I have a repurposed kitchen cabinet over my tool box.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Either pegboard or build cabinets for above the boxes.

 

[Kenstone1]

Hi,

Any ideas?

Thanks.

I have those same type plastic 5 tier selving units that I use to store light stuff and totes full of light stuff in my garage.

Once assembled, there's a lot of wasted space above the top shelf in my garage so Ibought another shelf unit and used it to add a 6th "tier" to each 5 teir shelf.

I found a stud behind each selving unit and drove a screw thru the top shelf into the stud to keeping it from falling over.

Not the info you are looking for, just something that worked for me,

 

[no704]

Fail,fall.

Use a French cleat wall board system. Make a mount for the heavy tools custom. Gang mount for smaller stuff. Sturdy and ya can move **** around.