UPGRADE
YOUR
GARAGE
(OR WORKSHOP)
TOOL CHESTS
TO BUILD ON
Storage and organization save
are key to an efficient workspace. When choosing a tool
storage system, consider your
size and mobility requirements.
Although an enormous 72-inch
tool chest might be the envy of
your neighbors, a fully stocked
tool box can weigh well over a
thousand pounds and encroach
on a great deal of precious
space. Is your work space at a
premium? If so, bigger may not
be better. Will the tool chest be
mobile or stationary? Because
the larger the chest, the more
difficult it is to move, casters
or not.
Gladiator Garage Works now
offers a line of stackable tool
storage chests, each sold separately so you can add to the system as your storage requirements expand. The Premier
series of stackable chests
includes the 7-Drawer Roll-Away,
a 3-Drawer Intermediate Chest,
and a 6-Drawer Tool Chest. Each
tool chest features heavy-duty,
welded steel construction, sleek
recessed handles, steel ball-bearing slides , cushioned drawers and a combined weight
capacity of 1,000 pounds. The
7-Drawer Roll-Away makes a
strong, mobile base with its
rugged, reversible casters and
reversible side-push handle. To
expand the system, stack on the
3-Drawer Intermediate Chest,
which is compact, modular and
ideal for frequently used items.
Then top it off with the 6-Drawer
Tool Chest, which has ample
room for large and small hand
tools that are easily misplaced,
plus it has a divided top till for
even smaller items.
Available in Classic and
Premier stylings, both versions
will be sold as three-piece
stackable units available for purchase separately. Additionally,
Gladiator will soon introduce
Wide Tool Chests for more tool
storage options, which will be
available in a 41-inch two-piece
stack or a 52-inch two-piece
stack ( www.gladiatorgw.com).
OVERHEAD STORAGE
RACKS
Simply put, overhead storage
racks make the most economical
use of your living area by utilizing
space that would otherwise go
unused. Easily installed by a
DIY’er a quality overhead storage
rack can hold up to 600 pounds
and be customized to fit any
garage.
One popular system, called
SafeRacks, is solidly constructed
of 14-gauge industrial steel horizontal supports with a c-channel
design with wire mesh decking
on top. The support structure of
each rack is tested to hold up to
1,500 pounds. To maximize the
amount of weight that can be
held when attached to the ceiling
of your garage, each vertical support in the SafeRacks system is
attached to at least 2 ceiling
supports. The dual connection
design helps to displace the
amount of weight bearing on any
single joist for additional
strength. SafeRacks is available
in sizes ranging from 2-by- 2 feet
to 8-by- 4 feet. The system comes
with powder-coated finish and
limited lifetime warranty
( www.saferacks.com).
Another overhead storage system comes from Hyloft, which
offers both ceiling and wall storage units available in various colors, sizes and finishes. Hyloft’s
flagship 45-by-45-inch ceiling
storage unit is made of strong,
durable steel and adjusts in
