15 Easy Workbench Improvements | Upgrading The Garage Workbench | Adding Storage

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Recently I built this easy 2x4 and plywood workbench for my garage. And today I'm showing you how I made 15 easy but super effective upgrades like more storage, organization, a vice, more workspace, accessibility and more!
See me build this workbench here: • How To Build A Workben...
Watch my other workbench upgrades video here: • Four Easy Workbench Im...
Watch my clamp tips video here: • 11 Tricky Clamping Sol...
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Things I Used in This Project:
ISOtunes Hearing Protection: bit.ly/WilkerDos (use code APRIL for 10% off)
Stealth Mask Respirator: bit.ly/3pYLGrm (use code APRIL for 10% off)
Hand Screw Clamps: amzn.to/2K4rxjn
Reelcraft Cord Reel: bit.ly/3bPgfLu
Lufkin Crescent Tape: amzn.to/3hlRlEK
Metal Pull Handles: amzn.to/3dVV0cl
PVC Edge Banding: amzn.to/3yflsqm
Magnets: amzn.to/31U6MRm
Metal Folding Steps: amzn.to/3DLs1Cq
Storage Tubes: amzn.to/3efPxNq
Website: www.wilkerdos.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=257047
Instagram: / wilker_dos
Facebook: / wilkerdos
Manufacturing and retail site: hillcountrywoodshed.com/
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Welcome to the official April Wilkerson KZbin channel! I’m April and I’m the creator of Wilker Do’s. I am an obsessed DIYer and Woodworker. I'm not professional or have any training, so I just pick the project I want to tackle and figure it out step by step. On this channel you will find a variety of content like DIY home improvement, How-To’s, construction, design and more!
#AprilWilkerson #workbench #upgrades

[@AprilWilkerson]

Save 40% or more on your SimpliSafe security system during their holiday sale! Visit SimpliSafe.com/april to learn more!

[@youtukang]

Top 😊👍

[@user-jy1wi5gf1j]

بلغ عدد سكانها من فندي في تصنيف الفيفا يعلن

[@johnstegen999]

Hello: I ham 65 years old and been doing woodworking since 6th grade shop class. I have watched alot of videos when I need some ideas and have to say you have some of the best I have seen. Keep up the good work.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoy my Channel and find it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@billbryan1390]

Love your channel I am 63 and was a contractor for 25 years. I have a 32 X 56 shop and have made alot of different woodworking projects over the years and feel I have a good skillset and I still pick up great tips from you. I enjoy your videos very much !! Keep up the good work ! ❤️

[@manikandanganesh5952]

April, that drawer with handle on both sides was truly a masterpiece. Such a simple idea but mighty effective. A warm hug for that from India.👌👌🌹🌹

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much!

[@EngineerMikeF]

Easier, simpler & next to free: glue a small block to the top back face of the drawer, sand the edges to a round over & voila. One bitsy scrap & $.ooo2 worth of glue instead of a few dollar handle times however many drawers

[@TheAverageDrummer]

Or just cut out a hole big enough for your hand. That's what did. Works great.

[@mikedurkac661]

Watched dozens of these kinds of videos, and I gotta say you've come up with some really creative ideas here! Great job

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you like them!

[@louisleroux3556]

electric drill on the end of the threaded rod, and a vice grip on the nut makes getting the nut on very very easy!

[@benparry5318]

The PVC pipe "clamps" and other PVC hacks are probably my favourites, though the folding workbench extension is pretty slick too.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@tcufrogfan]

Oh my gosh! The simple shelves!! I’ve been looking all afternoon for just a basic shelf. Every other one someone is trying to show off there skills, or hardware that’s more than a workbench! Thx much for giving just basics for a bench for those of us that use their garage for everything. The candy holder is cool too!

[@juliehaley9286]

Thanks, April. After finding your channel today I’m definitely on the team now! My first year of nursing school was all on zoom. Being at a computer for that many hours of the day found me wanting to chase the sun. My home office was south facing, but I noticed as the year progressed the sun moved more to my living room (also south facing). My dad was a contractor in our small community on the Olympic Peninsula, WA for 33 years. He passed away 7-months before I got my acceptance letter to nursing school. I used my own mind and creativity to build a 6’ long hinged cedar desk/plant shelf/computer and study space in my living room out of some of his amazing leftover wood from his shop. I can’t remember how many times I went to the hardware store trying to figure out how to bracket it. I googled and looked for locking hinges forever (still never found them but created a not so gorgeous dowel system, but it’s functional). I would sit down in the aisle sometimes and just process it out. I made it! And it was a great brain and study break and stress release for me. I too, like figuring things out. It’s a mind workout in a satisfying way. Wish I could share photos on here :) I’ll keep watching :) -Julie

[@NottsKnots]

I far far prefer this type of content to the larger projects that use tools/space that most people will never have. Sure, I'm sure some things can be adapted from your more usual videos, but this one seems so much more down to earth and relivent to more people.

[@AprilWilkerson]

I've always just built what I need and want and bring a camera along to show what I did, what I used. Some of those projects are big, some small. My Viewers are such a wide skillset of experience if I do a complex project people complain I've lost my roots. If I do more simple projects people complain I'm lazy and slacking. Sure is hard to please everyone. Thanks for watching.

[@NottsKnots]

@@AprilWilkerson Don't get me wrong. It wasn't meant to sound like a complaint I'm just saying keep making stuff like this.

[@budfahnestock2418]

i love that we all know you could be throwing some serious money into everything you've done here, but you're using some of the cheapest options possible, fantastic video for us broke folks!

[@michaelbianco3736]

That beer opener is pretty slick.

[@pteddie6965]

Hey, April. The 'hand screw clamp vise' idea blew my mind. I think that this idea will provide me with all the clamping capabilities that I need for my simple workshop and workbench. I also found the screw on cap for hanging pipe clamps to be a stroke of genius. Really, I couldn't stop saying, "Oh yeah, I'm gonna totally do that.", after almost everyone of the tips. Thanks a lot for this video. Merry Christmas. (Ain't nutin' like Christmas in Texas!)

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@TraumaChaplain]

I like your ideas and I am a highly vision oriented organizer myself. So for drawers I take a picture of what's inside, laminated, and put it on the front so there is no guessing and for the children as well they know where things go without any instruction

[@chiefhayes2250]

Awesome idea!!! Thanks for sharing. It also tells them where to put them back… Lol

[@chrisnorton2837]

Your French clete bench extension is really a great work bench in it's own right. What a fabulous idea! Imagine storing one of these in an old shed. Then you can add a clete to the backside of your shed and have an instant outdoor work bench! No space loss either, if you hang it off of the outside of your shed. I think I need to build one of these at my family's cabin. 👍☺

[@lombardave]

That pipe clamp storage tip is GOLD!!

[@donwilliams3626]

Thanks for giving these clever gems to your viewers. I will add a couple of them in my shop. I highly recommend anyone looking for shop drawers to try the laminate glides. They really aid in sliding heavy drawers in and out.

[@The1stKukuDrifter]

That drop bin is perfect for sandpaper.

[@franklenihan]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Oh, the beer opener absolutely tops the list! A mind is a terrible thing to waste! Thanks for Sharing!

[@SoniaBDorsey]

YOU have been SO selfless and giving and sharing with all the wood working community and many others not in the community this year. Thank you for your outstanding contribution and dedication, you are an inspiration to many. May 2022 bring you peace, love, and continued success! From one Texan to another: Happy Holidays!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Aw thank you for your kind words. Same to you!

[@dabeamer42]

1) screwing on a handclamp -- I'm copying that, pronto. 2) using magnets with holes. Genius. 3) that folding extension thingy is very cool

[@matthyland1218]

That metal step is a game changer, short people thank you

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yep, makes life easier for sure! Thanks for watching.

[@jamestaylor8217]

I've seen many workbench accessory videos. Most are repetitious. This is unique. Good job Lady!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@duckmcduck007]

fabulous tips! Especially the last one :) One way to one-up it is to move the screw to the side of the workbench, and mount a small jar underneath so bottle tops fall directly into the bin :)

[@GrantOakes]

None of these tips were worthless! Every single one was a great idea that can easily be implemented and is VERY useful! THANKS! One thing I did for my modular workbenches (see Ben Tardif channel) was to make my tops hinged so I can flip them up and under the top 2x4's I screwed 1/4" plywood, so I have a 3-1/2" deep storage area. It gets better, I ripped more plywood and made dividers for my drills, batteries, jig saw, blades, tape measures, glue, etc. I also installed a french cleat on the end of one of them, built a stand for my table saw and can quickly hook it to my bench and it now becomes a run off table, yet can be easily stored under the bench. Same cleat holds another stand for my router table. One last thing, dump the beer, you deserve a fine wine!

[@MisterTee2010]

I love your puppies. I'd be lost without my little guy. Love your ideas and videos. Take care. See ya next time 🤗🤗🤗😘😘😘

[@dirtmover5111]

Love the pvc hangers

[@52Ford]

That dropdown bin would be great for bandsaw blades. Especially for narrow (1/8" - 3/8") blades. Would be good for dowels, biscuits, and dominoes, too. Anything that takes up a lot of space and doesn't weigh much.

[@tellepa]

April thanks to getting back to the basics. I was disappointed when you out grew the small DIY type of projects and weekend build projects. Love what you are doing and hope you all have a happy holidays.

[@AprilWilkerson]

I just build what I need and want and turns out it's a variety of simple and complex projects. My Viewers are a wide range of skillset. If I do a complex project, people complain I've lost my roots. If I do simple projects, others complain I'm lazy and slacking. Sure is hard to please everyone. Thanks for watching.

[@craigchristensen6082]

@@AprilWilkerson You can please some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, but you can never please all of the people all of the time.

[@thenickboy]

I'll admit, i really missed these non hydraulic requiring projects. This hit it out of the park, great work, April

[@cooperised]

I'll watch the remodelling and CNC videos but I'll be honest, *this* is the kind of content I subscribed for all those years ago!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks. I do a variety of projects and complexity. My Viewers have a wide variety of skillset. If I do complicated ones people complain I've lost my roots. If I do simple projects people complain I'm lazy and slacking. Sure is hard to please everyone. Thanks for watching.

[@cooperised]

@@AprilWilkerson It must be hard to get the right balance! For me it's not the simplicity, I'm fine with complex projects, it's the utility. I like seeing projects that enhance a workspace in ingenious ways. There's something everyone can use here, no matter how big or small their workshop.

[@loricraig3306]

I'm loving your back to basics, workshop and home use builds. These are the type of videos that hooked me 6yrs ago. I still go back to reference those on occasion.

[@AprilWilkerson]

I have always just built what I need and want and my Viewers are such a wide variety of skillset, regardless what I do, it upsets the apple cart. If I do complex projects people complain I've lost my roots. If I do a simple project, others complain I'm lazy and slacking. Sure is hard to please everyone. Thanks for watching.

[@ameliawest2378]

​@AprilWilkerson I have almost zero skills at the moment, but am almost at the point of building my bench to start. I find your basic videos to be easier to follow and reproduce, but that doesn't mean I dislike your more in-depth ones! They're more inspiration to start and continue my woodworking, even if they're out of my league at the moment! Keep on truckin', because you're doing AMAZING!

[@Steve-vt8hl]

Sooo, in about 2 weeks, I'm having a 12' by 24' Tuff Shed installed in my back yard with 8' walls. The slab gets poured Monday November 6th. I have scoured the internet (and obviously KZbin) looking for ideas on benches as well as folding benches that go up into the wall to save space. The shed will have a 4 person golf cart, lawn tractor, as well as much other lawn equipment. Obviously, it will have a lot of tools as well, so I have probably watched 50 different videos getting ideas. This is the 3rd one, I believe, of yours. So far, you have utilized the type of space I am looking for. Thank you SOOOOO VERY MUCH !!!!! Steve :)

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! I'm glad you found it useful. Enjoy your new Shed! Thanks for watching.

[@stevenrayhoward]

Which one do I like best?? Am I greedy by saying I like everyone of them! They ALL are favorites! Thanks April... it is really great having you back in the workshop "chatting" and "showing" us little guys more great ideas and methodologies! Cheers, Woodprobie

[@AprilWilkerson]

I just build what I need and want so sometimes projects are complex and other times simple. My Viewers are a wide variety of skillset if I do a complex project, people complain I've lost my roots. If I do a simple project, others complain I'm slacking and lazy. Sure is hard to please everyone. Thanks for watching.

[@stevenrayhoward]

@@AprilWilkerson In my book, you are doing great! Just keep it up... well, as long as you enjoy and are having fun! 😀 All the best! --Woodprobie

[@tommeyer3770]

AND SHE’s a golfer!!! Over the moon!!!

[@diamond6256]

GIRL!!!!!! YOU ROCK. Thank you so much for the tips. ESPECIALLY storage for candy. LMAO 67 in Texas, divorced after 18 years because he cheated. I am fixing everything he didn't. Got most of it done from sprinklers to garage. Now the shed. What a mess.

[@psbaker27]

What I did with the workbench(similar overall design) I built in my basement was add a power strip for plugging in tools/battery rechargers as well as an led shop light.

[@stevea3007]

Loved the pipe clamp storage idea and have done it in my shop. It's great to hang them up and them out of a corner!

[@lesliemccormick6644]

As usual everything is “magnifico”! I have so many ideas for my work spaces but struggle with the execution; thanks for the “keep it simple” approach I always find that works best.

[@valdius85]

The PVC pipe holders were my favourite. Good idea.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@brucedeville9053]

As usual, good down to earth ideas. #1 is beer opener. Thanks.

[@akbychoice]

Love the double handles removable drawer idea. All are great ideas to implement. TY.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks for sharing with us April, lots of great ideas for the garage/shop. Stay safe and keep having fun. Fred. 🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻✋🏻✋🏻

[@chrissewell1608]

I love the floating side bench idea! I have been toying with a similar idea, that hinged up, or slides out from under the bench top. But, you had me at the Beer Opener! 😍

[@dickbyrne2309]

Terrific ideas here. I especially like the side table with the French cleats.

[@thewarmth2000]

That top drawer is good for sandpaper it won’t be too heavy to get down

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great idea! Thanks for watching.

[@eddiebrannan5914]

Love the side table idea. I am in the middle of upgrading a workbench in my shop now and I will definitely be adding that and the PVC ideas! Thanks, God Bless and keep up the good work!

[@davidgoldsmith8371]

April, I like every one of these ideas! Very practical for me with a limited budget a far amount of the projects you do are beyond my reach! Bless you and yours!

[@Djk-cc2sr]

The Swiss Army knife of work benches, great job. 👍🇨🇦

[@AprilWilkerson]

Right? :) Everything nice and tidy within reach! Thanks for watching.

[@tseckwr3783]

Great idea for the wood clamp vice. Thanks for the idea about the pipe clamps and end caps!!

[@jasensanders]

My favorite is definitely the movable bench extension. My garage is small so I need the space engineered to the inch. Also the plywood you use is amazing.

[@dougc78]

Great, creative, useful & simple ideas! Thanks for sharing.

[@jaywimer4415]

Absolutely love your content! These with the ideas and suggestions for the weekend workers are tremendous 😀 Please keep them coming!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you like them!

[@eydallas3359]

Amazing tips! Incredible storage and organization - love it! Thank you!

[@weldsandwoods9961]

This is fantastic! I especially like the bench vice.

[@cynnon1]

You have some really clever tips and alternate uses for materials in here. I especially like the PVC clamps and hooks. Thanks for a great video.

[@texas_rascal3091]

Well scrapping my bench and building a new one now. THANKS! Bought these plans of the basic bench as a thank you. Will be making so modifications to the base of it but love the overall idea. Gonna add a vacuum sweep intake to the bench with a spot for the shop vac underneath and on the other side make a slide out to be able to place my saw on.

[@Mikidy303]

Nice tips & tricks. I gave up drinking beer but if I gotta go back, I gotta go back. Thanks,

[@ohu8one221]

My favorite thing about the video is you, great ideas and really good craftsman skills, thank you for sharing.

[@terrydavis9473]

April, this is the first time watching a video of yours. Very impressed, you are amazing. Thank you for the information and look forward to more videos.

[@lovejones7545]

Super cool stuff April! Thanks for sharing...

[@Tradekraft]

I've been with you for a LONG time. This is one of your best videos to date. This project was so well thought out and creative. Just AWESOME SAUCE.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@UppsalaSal]

A dollar bag with a hundred dollars of great ideas and techniques! Thanks for this one and links to products.

[@AprilWilkerson]

You are so welcome! Glad you like them. Thanks for watching.

[@stretchhurion6702]

I love all the additions that you have added to the work bench without a doubt they can be worked into any workspace thanks for the tips

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you like them!

[@petermurphy9330]

April simply you are inspiration. Your creativity, skills, energy and determination lift and sustain me. I am about to design and build my long desired, dream workshop. You are major source of ideas for that shop. Thankyou from Melbourne, VICTORIA. AUSTRALIA.

[@merlewarnsholz2094]

April - Once again, nicely done!! Great ideas that are easy peazy to put together. I will come back to this one many more times as I try to bring order to my shop. Blessings to you, your family, and your crew. A very Merry Christmas to you all!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much! Merry Christmas to you too!

[@carlwebinar1571]

Just simply elegant and excellent! Thanks for sharing April.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much!

[@glueupsscrewups]

This was awesome. I love videos like these. I am immediately going to store my pipe clamps like that, genius!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@cindywinger9450]

Love this workbench! I think you are amazing! Just recently found you and am so inspired by your videos. I am 59 years old and just found out I love woodworking so I purchased a cnc machine and it's still in the box. lol Just built the workshop and finishing the insulation over the next few days so I can get heat turned on. Temps are in the minus double digits so hands get cold fast. As soon as heat is on I will help hubby get electricity in and lights and then we will build the table for the Shapeoko 4 XXL. Then I have tons of learning to do but watching your videos makes me believe in myself. I can do this!! Thanks from the bottom of my heart. Merry Christmas

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! Merry Christmas and thanks for watching.

[@bobmcdonald6245]

Holy crap! These upgrades are brilliant! Simple, creative, useful. Thanks very much!

[@kristophermarsh9400]

Good project, well done, entertaining, educational. Thank you.

[@mfcosi]

So many good ideas!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@alanpules4105]

Dude!!! You rock!! I was telling myself "What can she possibly come up with that isn't hokey for a workbench?!"....."15 things, that's what!". Thanks for the cool video! 👍😎A+

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it and found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@j.j8089]

The beer opener did it for me🙌🏾

[@tattdskinz]

I love this design!!! Compact, versatile, and an easy build!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you like it!

[@IJustGotHere]

Love the folding step! Brilliant 😀✈👍

[@tellitlikeitis1828]

My favorite is the foldable extension...and all the other stuff:)

[@williammrdeza9445]

Love 'em all April. I like how creative you are with such simple ideas for improving the efficiency of your shop. My favorite is probably the workbench extension that folds and stores on the side of the workbench. Brilliant!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you like them!

[@montanawhite5699]

Thank you so much for this video. It’s so refreshing to see a lady post shop videos without using her body as clickbait. You obviously respect your body enough not to do that, and you are confident enough in your abilities to let them do the talking. Lots of great original ideas in here. Keep doing what you are doing.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoy my channel. Thanks for watching.

[@donwhitehead4587]

April, you are so crafty and ingenious👍🏻👍🏻

[@user-os4jx4sd5b]

Какая же ты молодец, не устаю восхищаться!👍

[@Restorology]

This is one of the more useful videos I've watched in a while. Thank you for sharing. Cheers!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@Grunt49]

Looks great!Pipe clamps are versatile.3/4" in union joins two to gether.

[@nw843x]

April is my favorite.

[@paulhasser625]

“I couldn’t not have a tube of Reese’s!” I love it!

[@jimmyjames3220]

Awesome upgrades April and the fold away extension table was brilliant!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@jjlynn6161]

It may seem funny, but I actually like putting the handle on the back of the simple drawer. Simply brilliant. I enjoy many of the ideas you come up with. The removable side extension is also a very practical idea.

[@ThomasG1971]

Loving all these ideas April ... the only thing I would suggest is using a spring type gate hasp for the hidden tray over head ... because with any sort of pounding the hasp that is being used now CAN open up and let the tray fall ... lol I can speak from experience for something I build and did not take that into account myself

[@funkintubin]

Aloha April! I follow your KZbin and I enjoy watching your tutorials. I have a lot of pockets in the ceiling of my laundry room, which is under my patio and until I saw this video, I knew I had to make use of the unused space but couldn't make up my mind on how. Now I'm inspired. Thanks for posting this video. I do have to agree with ThomasG1971 regarding the locks. A spring type has would probably work better. Happy holidays!

[@carlmclelland7624]

April... you knocked this one out of the park! How many times have I looked on, after the fact and said..., "WHY didn't I think of that?!" Not all the tricks you showed I need, but I saw a couple that'll get my attention soon. Yet another use for sawn PVC tubing... this is for all the RV/motor home owners out there. Cut a slot in 3/4 or 1" PVC to slip over your windshield wipers to protect the blades from UV - sun deterioration when parked. Those 32-inch wiper blades are not cheap!!

[@user-dz6uj3bc4d]

So many good ideas thanks cool video

[@seankreynolds]

So many great upgrade options here, thank you!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you like them!

[@porkchop3094]

love the table extension idea with French cleat.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Yes, it's a great feature. Thanks for watching.

[@jb158t]

Been watching you forever April. Always inspiring. I appreciate you and your work.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks for still being along for the ride. :)

[@2get2Terrapin]

April, you are fantastic. That's all, folks. Carry on. 😊

[@AprilWilkerson]

Aw thanks! Thanks for watching.

[@Bucko71]

Thanks for this there are some really great ideas here i will be using.

[@kevinbaerg]

You are a Rock Star! The timing on this is perfect for me - thanks for all the great tips!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

You are so welcome!

[@michelevitarelli]

These are really clever. Thanks for sharing.

[@patrickdugan4395]

love the extra work space! Great idea!

[@christimezzic8468]

All brilliant tips! Especially like the extra table space and melamine banding for drawers.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great! Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@code3ryder]

this video is GREAT! Thanks April!

[@lorenmeyer5290]

Great video April! Thanks for all the great ideas!♡♡♡

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.