When shopping around at the home improvement store for small tool wall storage, I was quickly taken aback by the mounting costs. First, I would need the track system wall panels (x4). Next, I would need the mounting brackets, and various accessories to attach and store the small tools. Quickly adding up to over $80, I thought there had to be a more cost effective way. Trend setting style is unnecessary for our garage. Give me function at a reasonable price, please. Fortunately, I got creative.
Roaming the aisles of the hardware store always leads to moments of DIY inspiration. On this particular occasion, I ended up with a 1×2 poplar board for 61 cents a linear foot ( a little over $5 total), a package of brass cup hooks ($5), and a couple packages of screw eyes ($17 for both). So for the same amount of storage, I saved over $50. Here’s how you can too.
Supplies:
- 1×2 poplar board (I got a little over 9 feet)
- 1 inch Brass Cup Hooks (I went with a pack of 50)
- Screw Eyes #208 pack of 50
- Screw Eyes # 8 pack of 50
- Saw- cut off, hand saw, or circular saw
- Ear protection
- Eye protection
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Straight edge
- Masking tape
- Drill and bits
- Screws for anchoring into studs on the wall
- Level
- Assorted small tools that you plan to hang
- Spray paint (optional)
Instructions
Step 1:
Divide the wood board into even strips that will fit the space. For my wall, that was a three foot wide section. Mark the desired length on the board using the tape measure and pencil.
Step 2:
Wear eye and ear protective gear and then cut the wood along the marked measurements. Knock down any jagged cut ends with a little sand paper, if needed.
Once the wood is cut, lay out the tools that you want to hang on the wall to get an idea of how to arrange them. I decided to use the cup hooks along the bottom of the board to hang the various wrenches. Screw eyes will be inserted along the front to hold the pliers and then cup hooks for those pliers that have larger handles. The screwdrivers will be held with using two parallel wood strips with screw eyes.
Step 3:
Use the tape measure and straight edge to mark the center with a pencil down the full length of the thin side of the board. Mark the spacing of the tools perpendicular to that center mark. It will form a “t” which will be the spots that the pilot holes for the cup hooks will be drilled. The spacing went from about an inch apart for the small wrenches to a inch and a half for the largest. Hence the importance of laying out the tools prior to drilling holes.
The crescent wrenches were spaced 3 inches apart on the underside of the board (mounted like the other wrenches), with the pliers offset on the front of the board every 3 inches.
The screw drivers were spaced one and a half inches apart on the face of the two parallel boards, be sure that the two sets of markings line up on the boards.
Step 4:
Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the thickness of your cup hook or screw eye to drill a pilot hole in the wood strip. Place masking tape on the drill bit to mark the depth in which to drill the hole. (see photo)
Drill holes at each intersection of markings in your wood strips. Screw in the cup hooks or screw eyes in their corresponding holes. Be sure the hooks and screw eyes are all facing the correct direction. Test out the tools on the hooks to to ensure accurate spacing.
Step 5:
Use a level to mark straight lines on the wall where you want to hang the wood strips. Make another mark where the studs are located in the wall, or use anchors if mounting solely into dry wall. Drill a pilot hole in the boards for the mounting screws.
TIP: Studs should be spaced about every 16 inches. This spacing is marked on the tape measure, see the post below to find out how to locate the mark.
Step 6 (optional):
Technically the tools were mounted and the project was done. Needing a punch of color, I pulled out some navy spray paint. After removing the tools and racks from the wall, I sprayed the wood pieces outside. I think it looks pretty snazzy. Once dry, I screwed it back into the wall and hung up all the tools. Looking good!
This project is pretty simple without any real building involved. My husband and I have already used the tools multiple times. It has been sooo much easier to quickly locate the needed tool without having to rummage through a drawer or tool box. You guys, there is an extra bonus! My husband has actually put away the tools he has used without me having to remind him. Yes, it is true! Not having to nag or clean up after someone else has definitely added to the harmony of the home. No contention regarding tools absolutely makes a house a home. 💙
More Easy DIY Posts
Simple DIY Battery Charging Station
Wood Grid Accent Wall (when you don’t have power tools)
Bathroom Make Over without Demo
Kitchen Island Makeover for Under $20
Looks good!
Thank you! I am LOVING how easy it is to get to all of the tools now. I can hardly believe I waited this long to get around to this project. It was so easy but has such a positive impact.