Tips for Storing and Organizing Clamps
George VondriskaDescription
Clamps, clamps, everywhere a clamp. If you’re lucky. :) Yeah, George stores A LOT of clamps because of the classes he teaches, but even if you don’t own the boat load of clamps that he does, you’ll find this a very easy way to get started organizing clamps.
The challenge
Clamps are very heavy, and you probably have a variety of sizes and types. This can make organizing clamps a big challenge. The storage system has to be robust enough to tolerate the weight, and versatile enough to accept different sizes. It also needs to be easy to grab clamps as you need them, and put them away when you’re done. One of the systems George shows you is fastened to the wall. The other only leans against the wall, so your clamp storage could be moved if your organizational or clamp storage needs change.
The systems
Everything you need for these solutions to organizing clamps can be found at a home center. The rack that leans against the wall is made from ¾” plywood, and the hangers for the “F” style clamps are made from plumbing pipe, and a variety of plumbing components. A 10-degree angle on the leaning rack gives it enough angle to stay put against the wall, once the clamps are on it. George’s leaning rack is a full 8’ long, but you can size yours to fit your needs.
More storage solutions
Most of us have more to organize than just our clamps. Check out these tips on storing wood. It also take advantage of home center items. If you’ve got things you want to put away, you should have a look at How To Build Shop Storage Cabinets.
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3 Responses to “Tips for Storing and Organizing Clamps”
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Great ideas. Question: For the "flange and pipe" holders solution, could these be attached to blocks of wood as part of a French Cleat system?
I live in an earthquake-prone area, so I would not depend on simply leaning a rack against a wall at a 10 degree angle. Everything in my shop (and most things in my house) are attached in some way to a structural member. Of course, if a really big one hits it's all going to be rubble, but even minor "shakers" can knock down things that aren't solidly attached. Great clamp system, George!
Great idea to use pipes for the F style clamps.