• Shop the Store
  • Best Sellers
  • eBooks
  • Books
  • Plans

  • Videos
  • Tools & Workshops
  • SketchUp

  • Finishing
  • Turning
  • Joinery
• Books
• Plans
• Videos
• Magazine
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Give a gift

  • Current Issue
  • Digital Issue
  • Online Extras

  • Magazine Index
  • Contact Us
• Subscribe
• Renew

• Blogs
• Knots
• Gallery

Free Woodworking Plans

Free Plan: Space Saving Tool Rack

Ed Pirnik, Senior Web Producer

44 users recommend

Store your tools with an ingenious space-saving tool rack that operates much like a book. It's this month's free project plan.

Add Comment
Print

When wall space is at a premium, tool storage can become a real hassle. Anyone with a small garage or basement shop has probably been confronted with this problem at some point. Virgene K. Adams, of Frisco, Texas, solved it with a simple set of swinging pegboard panels.

The secret is in the simple pin that allows the rack's various faces to swing left/right for access to either side.

See how he did it with this month's free project plan.

CLICK HERE to download the free PDF article and woodworking plan for this space-saving tool rack.

More on Tool Storage Tech • Shop Cabinet Done Right  • The North Bennett Street Tool Chest  • Simple Storage Rack for Handplanes  • Quick-to-Make Tool Cabinet

Add Comment Print

Comments (13)

DocGHines writes: If I were going to do this, I would probably use a double layer of peg board. That would keep your hooks from one side from interfering with the other side. I would also definitely put it high enough that the swinging action does not interfere with the bench under it.
Posted: 4:06 pm on June 22nd

caappold writes: I've seen this idea before except they used PVC pipe for the "hinge". Would make them a lot easier to fabricate than the washer system described here.
Posted: 6:52 am on April 19th

suobs writes: Calling this a "plan" is a pretty big stretch. Like sizes of the metal spacers (where do you get these things anyway?) and bolts, and how the frames on the "pages" would go together with a 1/2" gap between the pegboard panels, how it would support say 20 lbs or more of tools, etc. It's going to take some engineering and experimentation to make this contraption work . . . More like a free concept from FW than a plan! Given the line drawings instead of photos, you have to wonder if the author has actually built one . . .
Posted: 8:17 am on November 20th

bravo20 writes: You could also use the pivot pins used for bifold doors to hinge the panels on; they are inexpensive, and easy to get at any decent lumberyard, hardware store, or home center.
Posted: 6:05 pm on November 18th

GAdams writes: To MEwoordworker. The steel washer is what I had on hand. It was actually a steel tube, cut to length. It was the correct diameter to accept the bolt. You may find aluminum or copper tubing that works. However, if you find the hinges the sepltura999 found, sounds easier. This was originally made several years ago and had to be taken apart to remember how I originally made it. Any improvement is accepted. Note: The workbench in the drawing is smaller than mine. I have plenty of work space. You may wish to use a spacer between the peg boards so that the steel hooks for the peg board hangers have enough room against the opposite peg board.
Posted: 9:28 am on November 18th

sepultura999 writes: I've done this idea. I used left over 2x2s, made a frame, and put a quarter inch perforated panel on both sides. I found it rather annoying though to use these parts to make it functional. I looked in my local hardware store and they had pivot hinges. For 2 dollars a set, it saved time and money, and works just as well if not better than using nuts and bolts and fabricating.
Posted: 8:26 pm on November 17th

MEwoodworker writes: A steel spacer over the bolt (see drawing) - where do you buy that? It is not in the largest hardware store in my area, not in the 2 woodworking stores nearby, and not in the 2 big box stores. Is it called something else? Or used in another more common application?
Posted: 8:36 pm on November 16th

lpower writes: great idea but i can't grasp how the leaves fold back w'out taking up a large space over the bench. perhaps more detail wd help.
Posted: 5:45 pm on November 16th

svturner writes: to andrew's point, it looks like this would work a lot better just hung on a wall somewhere. Maybe over a portable planer stand or something like that.

I do like the concept!
Posted: 3:20 pm on November 16th

Blayne_Overman writes: More detail on the rack construction would be appreciated. Especially with some dimensions and list of bolt and screw sizes would be a great addition. Great idea! Just a little more detail please....
Posted: 12:32 pm on November 16th

GAdams writes: Good comments Andrew;however, I found that when the racks are folded to the right (I am right handed) there is plenty of room on the work bench. I alos have them set back slighyly. Plus being able to flip to the tool area I need helps greatly. i.e. all the screw drivers on front, pliers on one side, tape in one area, saws on one side,etc. Thanks again for your comments. VKA
Posted: 10:01 am on November 16th

epirnik writes: An EXCELLENT point, Andrew. In a tight shop - positioning is EVERYTHING!

Thanks for that tip!

Ed

Posted: 9:15 am on November 15th

AndrewR73 writes: Nice idea, but I can't help but think if this was placed over a workbench that the bench would have to be cleared off before the rack(s) could swing back and forth. Would be fine with a clean bench, but when in the middle of a project, could get to be a pain in the butt. Appreciate the tip regardless!
Posted: 5:56 pm on November 12th

You must be logged in to post comments. Log in.