Storage Solution For Clamps

Storage space is a high priority in my shop.  Maybe in yours too?  It’s not that there is not enough space, it’s the prime space where tools are super accessible for any moment you might need them.  This is particularly true for tools I use frequently, so I’m keen on great ideas as a storage solution.

Storage Solution for Clamps of All TypesClamps — C-Clamps, Scissor Clamps, Bar Clamps — fit that category for me.  I used to keep them in a bucket, which was a great storage solution because you could easily carry them all to your workspace.  But, it seems they are always hooking on each other.  I had one bucket for large clamps and another for the small ones.  Even with that, the one I want is inevitably at the bottom, under the others.

One day I just said “Enough!” I’ll keep buckets for transport, but in the shop I need a better way to store and access clamps.  I need something clean.

Turns out, I was also noodling about drill access and storage since I want the drill bits right at my fingertips when I’m using the press, but I don’t want them cluttering the workbench or off on a distant shelf.  I considered shelves on the wall behind the drill press, but that means reaching over for drills.  Again, I want something clean.

Storage Solution!

It was pondering the combination of the 2 ideas that spurred this “Tool Door” storage Solution!

The Solution! for Easy Drill AccessI’ll build a fold-away prime storage space near the drill press and put the drill bits on one side and the clamps on the other.  I’ll make it fold against the wall when not in use, or when I want something big on the drill press.

A quick look around the shop found all the needed wood pieces.  But, I did have to buy hinges and metal angle mounts.  (I could make them, but since I was running to the store anyway, it’s easy to buy a few.)

This arrangement gives easy access to the drills right by the press when I’m working on small things.  Then, when I need some added space for big stuff — like drilling on long parts — the “tool door” just folds out of the way.

On the back side, when the door swings out, the clamps are in view.  Beneficially, the clamp side is my workspace for bigger projects like trailer frames.  That is where I use clamps the most anyway.

Building the Tool Door

The Tool door hangs on one 2×6 bolted edgewise securely to the back wall.  Several metal angle brackets anchor it with long, strong screws.  It hangs on a stud in the wall (actually a double stud).  The long 2×6 and the brackets support the weight whether sticking out, or folded against the wall.

Illustration of the Tool Door MountingOrientation of the 2×6 and hinges allows space for the clamps between the tool door and the wall when the door folds all the way back.  A 2×4 framing around three sides of the plywood gives rigidity.

Next, I put all the additions for the storage solution on a piece of plywood with arrangements for the tools.  The plywood becomes the “Tool Door” with a couple of stout hinges — because that stuff is pretty heavy.  The hinges are separated as much as practical for mechanical advantage by spreading out the load to the wall.  Also, the position of the hinges with respect to the door and the 2×6 puts the screws in shear more than pulling on the threads.

My finishing was just using a rasp on all the edges to remove potential splinters.  I suppose if I had more time and patience, I could paint it.  Or, I could paint outlines of the tools or something and make it look nicer.  Oh well.  The drill and clamp storage solution works well just like this.

What Would I Do Different?

I try to learn with each project.  When I finish, I look back to see what I might do different to improve unknown projects of the future.  There are 2 things:

  1. I would make the 2×6 on the wall go all the way to the floor so weight of the tools and door is on the floor.  The wall would have less stress by only holding tilt forces.  It’s not a big deal, but it’s something.
  2. I would use a 2×8 against the wall for a little more space when folding the tool door closed.  Mostly it works fine, but it would be nice for closing when things are against that wall.
  3. A little taller would be nice too.  I guess you never have enough storage space, but in this case, I love the clearance under it, so I would not go lower, just higher.

This Is Your Solutions! Category

This is another post in our Solutions! Category.  Don’t forget, this is your place to share.  All our readers would love to see what you create as solutions in your shop, like this other storage solution for pneumatic tools submitted by a reader.

Join in with your ideas.  We would love to see them.  Please submit your stories hereThanks!

Comments

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View All Comments

We Found These For You . . .

Article
Spiraling the DIY Project Plans Back Online
January 7, 2016.  Mechanical Elements is back online with a new look, a new logo, new functionality, and a better shopping experience. — With — an expanded offering of the Same Great DIY Project Plans and so much more.

Read The Article

Article
Which Crane Winch?
There are dozens of ways to lift with a crane.  Chain falls are popular.  Come-alongs are another common method.  There are also a variety of winches – from the hand crank to an electric crane winch for lifting.  Is one…

Read The Article

Article
DOT Approved or Certified Plans
This is a great question we get a lot, in many variations.  Are your plans DOT approved?  Are the plans Stamped?  We think it’s great to know the level of plans you get when you buy, so asking about certified…

Read The Article

Article
Adjustable Ball Mount Search
While studying adjustable ball mount styles I noticed nearly all have a stationary rack and a floating attachment.  Have you noticed that too?  It’s a pretty important detail when we look at which one to choose.

Read The Article

Product
Torsion Axle Conversion

Build your trailer with a Torsion Axle instead.  Use these Conversion Plans to make the axle change with confidence.  The design fits all our 6' Width, 3500#, Single Axle Utility Trailers.

Article
How We Make The Plans
What goes into the engineering of Do It Yourself Plans?  How do we make them?  When you purchase and download project plans from Mechanical Elements, you get a TON of work and information, much more than first meets the eye.

Read The Article

Article
There is always more to the story.  Our previous post titled “Where Does The Axle Go?” has spawned a lot of great questions.  Here is one particular question asking for some very relevant info about calculating axle position.

Read The Article

Article
Harbor Freight Improvement
You’ve seen them, the inexpensive bolt-together Harbor Freight trailer kits.  While they pack a lot of function, they unfortunately are often something like a rattle trap.  (Not always, of course.)  While they have a cheap rap, they sell a lot

Read The Article

Article
DIY Legacy Tools
Who influenced your creativity and Do-it-Yourself enthusiasm?  Was it your dad?  A shop teacher?  Or a neighbor that was into cool projects?

Read The Article

Article
Trailer Suspension Equalizer Link
There are many different sizes and shapes of the suspension equalizer link.  What are they for?  Better yet, when should I choose one shape over another? If you’ve read much on this website, then you know

Read The Article