Tool Storage Hack

 By Matt Weber

Every once in a while, my friend Randy Stephenson, an expert remodeling pro with Core Resources in Birmingham, Alabama, will send me a “pro tip” to share with our readers. His latest tool storage hack makes a great space-saving solution for anyone with hand tools they need to organize. This is also a budget-friendly project, because the materials required are limited to a 2x4 backer-board, a few U-shaped fencing staples, and some double-arm pegboard hooks.

Double-arm pegboard hooks? Yes, those thin metal hooks commonly used to organize pegboards are often rated to hold 40 lbs. each. They’re available in 4- and 6-inch versions and are sold in packs of ten for around 15 bucks. The storage rack photographed here consists of eight hooks, which equate to 320 lbs. of tool-carrying capacity in a very small space. Pegboards generally occupy much more wall space than this simple rack, which is why Randy came up with the 2x4 approach.

How to do it:

Cut your 2x4 backer board to length and draw a center line down its length. The board should probably be at least about 20 inches, which is long enough to cross two wall studs while allowing space for wall anchors at the ends. Mark placement of your tool hooks along the board, spacing them equally.

The rear of each hook has four prongs. The two inner prongs are angled down toward the floor to brace against a vertical surface. The two outer prongs are angled upward to hook into a pegboard.

Use a hammer to tap the back of the outer hook prongs along the center line of the board, so the impact of the outer prong tips indents the 2x4 where the tool hooks will be inserted.  

Repeat this along the length of the board to mark placement of all the hooks.

Next, Randy used a hammer and anvil to bend the outer hooks backward in line with the double arms, so that they pointed to the rear of each tool hook.

Repeat this for all the tool hooks so the outer prongs are all straightened out (but leave the inner hooks in their angled position).

Fasten the hooks by hammering the straightened outer prongs into the board at each location until the bent inner prongs are flush with the board. Strengthen the connection by driving a U-shaped fencing staple into the board over the center of each hook. Secure the connections with a high-quality adhesive.

Repeat for each hook.

Once completed, make sure the storage rack is screwed securely into at least two wall studs, or mounted securely into block or concrete with the appropriate concrete anchors.

Thanks, Randy!

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You can contact Randy and Caleb Stephenson at Core Resources:

Coreresourcesal@gmail.com / 205-612-9021