How To Assemble Your Fleximounts Garage Ceiling Storage Rack

Check out Fleximounts here: bit.ly/2QNqKU6
Here's a handy guide for installing your Fleximounts Garage Ceiling Storage Rack!
Watch step by step as we lay out, recommend tools to speed up the job, and install the Fleximounts Overhead Storage Rack System.
We'll give you tips to make the job go faster and to insure a quality installation that will provide you a great storage system for years to come.
Fleximounts published load ratings for their various Overhead Storage Racks are: 4' x 8' - 550 lbs. 3' x 8' - 550 lbs. 4' x 6' - 450 lbs. 3' x 6' - 450 lbs. Load ratings have been provided by Fleximounts, and are typically distributed loads. It stands to reason that any supporting structure performs more and can carry its maximum load when the weight is distributed as evenly as possible across both its structure and attachment points.

[@reynaldovalle1773]

You're absolutely right the little things mean a lot that washer means a lot especially with the weight pulling on those screws good tip great job well done keep up the videos I enjoy them

[@privateidho]

I love how you are working with your Dad! Very helpful video thank you!

[@jingweiwang3157]

Looks like you spent some quality time with your Dad. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@anewman0111]

Great video, thanks 😊 👍

[@michaelluque5142]

I would swear your dad looks like your brother. Great job on the video it was very helpful.

[@k2fuego620]

Awesome video… made my day much easier m…

[@truthdrums]

You're amazing and did an amazing job!!! 👏 👏👏

[@DirtFarmerJay]

It was a special video for me since my dad was here visiting and helped me. He's 86 now and still tries his best to contribute to family members even now. DFJ

[@TheOfficialSoulfire]

I agree I always use washers on everything even if the hole matches perfect, I still do it. I've seen things bend,bolts going in at angles and come loose on other jobs in past because they didn't use washers. Washers give a more straight uniform attachment and security

[@randysimpson2499]

Just take the flat washer off the concrete mounting hardware. That's what I did, and it worked perfectly.

[@crownchrist]

What size washers ? 1/4

[@JesusSaysMAGAtrashMAGAfilth]

@@crownchrist 5/16

[@junkgrave]

Genius

[@dilippatel3268]

excellent video

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thank you very much! Thanks to you also for watching and commenting. Best to you, DFJ

[@deansynan7424]

Well Done

[@BONENBERGER]

Nicely done! I’m currently trying to assemble this. What size drill bit did you use for the pilot holes?

[@TracyDavis904]

Hey thanks for the video! They still don’t include washers in 2022!

[@dle632]

Good video

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks!

[@jeanduong1024]

Thank you for this great video, was the most user friendly and well explained of all the ones I saw. What drill bit size did you use? I used 11/64 successfully to drill but then when screwing into it with impact driver cant get the screw fully into it. Thank you

[@DirtFarmerJay]

I consulted with DFJ and here was his answer. "Whatever the root diameter is of the lag bolt you used, subtract a 64th from the diameter and that is the drill size you should use for your pilot holes. It doesn't hurt, either, to wax the bolt with bee's wax to help it go in easier".

[@bri19b]

I have a question. When I put my racks together there are a few more pretapped holes that would go between the set of two rack. There ere not enough screws but can I add some to screw the racks together in the middle?

[@thor992000]

Great video! I have vaulted ceilings in the garage. Do you have a video on how to hang this type storage rack over the garage door rails?

[@jaked822]

Going to have to use a level and make sure both ends are between the 22" & 40" measurements.

[@jeffreycarroll5920]

All good but how do you open the garage door with the shelves that low?

[@xraargu6212]

It's twelve feet to the rafters in my (unfinished) garage. I hung these shelves down the full 40". It is *very* loose at that distance. Def needs cross bracing. In my case it is in a corner so I will brace from the wall out to the closest support.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Good insight. Thanks for sharing your experience and how you are going to solve it. Best, DFJ

[@digitraxdude4854]

Very good video of the installation. Thank you! One question.. is it a lag screw (with pointed end) or lag bolt (with blunt end), could you clarify please? I don't think it was shown in the video clearly.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Naseer - thanks for watching our video and asking your question. I learned something on this one as well, so thanks for the dialogue! I found this definition and it does a better job than I could. Here goes: "Although these terms are used interchangeably, lags should technically be referred to as a screw and not as a bolt. A bolt is a fastener with machine thread that can accept a nut. ... Since lags are not used with a nut and installed by turning the head of the fastener, the proper technical term would be “lag screw”. Jul 15, 2016 - Lag Screw vs. Lag Bolt - Portland Bolt Co. So, as you can see, the correct term is a lag screw, not a lag bolt. The whole type of fastener I was referring to is a lag screw, not a lag bolt. "Bolt" or "screw" doesn't refer to the hex end or pointed end of the fastener. I hope that clarifies. Best, DFJ

[@digitraxdude4854]

@@DirtFarmerJay Thanks again! I wanted to get a better idea of the fasteners. I bought something similar from a big box store and 4 of the lag screws 5/16" in size broke. Didn't want to get another rack with similar fasteners. Have a wonderful week ahead!

[@jsherman214]

Omg what size drill bit do you use to install the tapping screws!? Can't grind this info ANYWHERE! had high hopes for this video and all I got was some twang music during that part! 🤣🙄

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Here's how I determine that. Use a caliper of some type to determine the "root" diameter of the lag screw. That's the diameter at the base of the threads - the smooth part that spirals around the threads along the screw. Use a bit just slightly smaller than that diameter to drill with to assure lots of "bite." Does that help? Best, DFJ

[@climatetech511]

would be nice to show how you found the ceiling joists

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Climate Tech - thanks for writing. Good insight. In hindsight, we could have included that in the episode. There are 3 ways that I commonly find studs and joists. My go to method has become use of a small high-strength magnet with a small hook on it. I use the hook for a handle and move the magnet along the surface until it "grabs" a nail or screw. I lightly mark it and search again. A pattern in lines starts to develop very quickly and I confirm joist location with a screw or nail driven in. In an area where it's going to be covered, you can drive a short series of screws or nails perpendicular to the direction of the stud or joist. This gives you the edges so you can hit the center when driving lags or screws. The other two methods are the "sounding" method using a non-waffle faced hammer, and use of an electronic stud finder. The stud finder is self explanatory. The sounding method is by lightly tapping the surface and hearing the difference between hollow spaces and when a stud or joist is immediately behind the drywall or plaster. Confirmation nail or screws are utilized to affirm what you heard. I hope this helps! Best Regards, DFJ

[@154drummer]

If you're showing an install....the ceiling brackets is the most important part. You should have explained and demonstrated you spacing measurements.

[@karlostrand4568]

Great Video - thanks! Question... what size washers did you use (the ones you suggested they add)?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching and commenting Karl Ostrand. The washers were 5/16. Did you receive yours already? Would like to hear how the install went and how you like the shelves. Best, DFJ

[@karlostrand4568]

@@DirtFarmerJay Thanks for getting back to me... much appreciated. I will give you a report after I put them up.

[@karlostrand4568]

@@DirtFarmerJay I put 2 of them up today. Went pretty smoothly. They are now supplying the washers you recommended! Good job! Happy with the product. Only complaint was directions were very detailed in some areas and vague in others.

[@mikemed4603]

@@karlostrand4568 This is 2024 I just received my 3x6 Fleximounts from Amazon and the bolts didn't come with washers.

[@andrewkelly6287]

My ceiling bracket is 3” off from my nearest ceiling joist, I measured the ceiling joists and it was 51” from each other, any way to make this storage unit work?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Andrew, once you get this figured out, you'll really enjoy having these types of ceiling storage racks. It's really helped us organize our garage. If no matter what direction you go you can't get the layout to work well, you'll need to get clever. Here's what I recommend: surface-mounted 2x4's that are lag-screwed to the ceiling joists. They would be placed perpendicular to the direction the joists are running, across several and securely screwed into the joists. This allows you move the placement of the mounting brackets left and right as needed. You will need to be concerned with only one direction - the leading and trailing edges of the completed racks. Does this make sense? Write back if you need further clarification. If you wish to correspond directly, feel free to do so at [e-mail]. Best Regards - DFJ

[@bdbbdb9691]

My joists are 50" apart on center can this still be accomplished? I would like to have them perpendicular and not parallel to the joists btw thanks in advance

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Bdb Bdb, the way to address your joist spacing is to place 2"x4" "runners" perpendicular to your joists, screwed to the joists and then lag the downrods on the ceiling racks to them. Will this work for you? Best, DFJ

[@clingerfelt]

My joists run parallel across the dry wall ceiling i am attempting to mount this to. I would like to flush mount this storage to the end of my garage (closest to the house). Any tips to make this work? Thanks!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Charley Lingerfelt - thanks for watching our video and writing as well. Your joist placement is challenging but is still doable. If I understand correctly, the joists are located in a way that makes it difficult to get full attachment in the place you want to suspend the racks from. If that is the case, keep in mind that the attachment rails are about 24" in length, and can be affixed either in line with the joists, or across two adjacent joists. Additionally, the suspension rods and be attached from one of two adjacent sides. This should allow you to predetermine where you want your racks, then locate the joists that will give you firm attachment points. That's in contrast to finding the joists and then having that determine the location of the racks. Did this help? Write back and let me know if there's further info you need on this. Best, DFJ

[@addictedtogravel3552]

DirtFarmerJay thanks! I got it working today. I found on their FAQ that parallel joists are okay. I appreciate your video it helped greatly.

[@JohnWilliamsextremelog]

They added washers!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

The washers that were supplied were not sufficient. I wanted to make sure that the main support brakets were securely attached to the ceiling. Thanks for watching and commenting John Williams. Best, DFJ

[@earnieb5318]

Looking at where you've mounted the two racks....existing ceiling lights are not going to illuminate that entire garage space anymore?...is there a dark space now?....adding a new light?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Indeed it did darken it slightly. It's a future project that I had on the schedule anyway to add more lighting. Thanks for watching and writing. Best to you. DFJ

[@antoniotorres1140]

How much do you think you would charge for something like this? just a question, and do you have kind of an idea of how long it took you to install them?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Hi Antonio Torres. My dad who helped me install them is in his 80's so we didn't really push hard to get it done quickly. I'd say the total install was a good day's work. (that includes lunch, stopping for breaks, etc.) If you're a young guy, I'm sure you'd get it done faster. If you are looking to hire someone to install, I'd plan on the better part of a day to get it done. Best to you, DFJ.

[@myname2653]

I’m 70 years old and I installed 2 3x8 fleximounts by myself. Took about 5-6 hours and I survived

[@RocksNRuts4]

wish all these vids showed what metal n hardware went where...

[@bigsmitty1972]

Can you mount the ceiling anchors plates parallel with the joists or do they have to run perpendicular so they attach to two separate joists?

[@atomicdiamondx]

This question is also on the original fleximounts installation video, and the answer was yes, you can mount them parallel to the joists.

[@chanteewk6079]

@@atomicdiamondx running them parallel with the joist would put a lot of pressure on the joist...right??

[@atomicdiamondx]

​@@chanteewk6079 You're doubling the pressure on the joist by not distributing the weight between two. But relatively, it's still not a lot of pressure. As long as the wood you're mounting to isn't somehow rotting or defective, and you've never removed a load-bearing wall where you plan to mount these racks, you've pretty much got nothing to worry about. The heaviest rated rack at 550lbs means that you'll be putting 275lbs (the weight of two small people) of pressure on two joists instead of 137.5lbs on 4. Even then, there are also blockings between joists that help distribute the weight, and then it's also distributed across three points at about 17lbs per square-foot; so it's going to be even less than that.

[@chanteewk6079]

@@atomicdiamondx thanks for the advice. What do you mean by blockings? I see a standard truss used for attics/roof over a garage that I have researched. There is no cross beam running the opposite way. The joist all run from left to right when looking towards the front of the house. Above them is basically a W shape (web members) holding up the roof top. The joist lay on top of the 4 walls and nothing supporting them going the opposite direction. No large support beams at all in either direction. The joist are either 2 x4 or 2 x 6. I forgot to measure before responding.. Honestly I'm pretty sure they look more like 2 x 4. I'm definitely not stupid but don't know all the names of the roof parts but I know when to be cautious before installing something that can do damage or that my garage ceiling can't support it. I started to install it and then noticed a Crack in the ceiling drywall tape going from the front to rear of garage which would be the opposite way the joist go which made me think there has been stress on that area. I have been using the attic for storage for seasonal things and was recently up there taking things out. When I saw that crack in the tape but not the other taped areas I stopped the install thinking I am not sure the garage joists could support it as that might be.a sign there is stress in the center of the ceiling from me getting up there and storing some things or the tape in that area just cracked and it's no big deal. Does mine sound normal? It was built in 1982 I think.

[@Kurtiscott]

Would have been good to actually show the process of lifting and mounting the platform pieces. Not sure why you would cut that part out. Oh, well. Still got a lot out of this so thanks for posting

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks, Scott for the insight. Best, DFJ

[@edwardw5387]

I started to install my Fleximounts Ceiling Storage rack and already installed the ceiling brackets with the provided lag bolts. Should I pull out the lag bolts now and reinstall with washers?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Edward, if the heads of the lag bolts are covering a large majority of the openings in the brackets, you would probably be OK. I will say this. We tend to underestimate the amount of load we'll put on those racks, so the washers are a cheap form of insurance. Thanks for writing. Let me know how all this turns out for you. Best, DFJ

[@edwardw5387]

Thanks Jay! - Do you think it is a bad idea to withdraw the lag bolts and then reinsert the same bolts with washers? I wonder if reinstalled, the bolts would not be as secure in the rafters.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

@@edwardw5387 I think you'll be fine as long as you didn't over torque the bolts in the first place.

[@andreaschiavino5444]

I installed 2 of these and they are both bowing in the middle. Can someone help me figure out what I did wrong? I can send photos, if someone is available to look at them.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Hi Andrea. Here is my personal email address, please send me some photos. [e-mail] Thanks for watching and letting me know of your situation. I hope we can help. Best. DFJ

[@MAALEMAN1025]

What size washers?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Miguel, my apologies for not getting back to you sooner. Thanks for writing! We typically use 5/16" or 3/8" SAE washers, but it depends on how smooth the bolts are and if the washers are galvanized or not. Also, using a fender washer, with a bigger outside circumference, is a good approach as well to making sure the racking is securely affixed and supported by the lag heads. Does this answer you question? Best Regards, DFJ

[@chanteewk6079]

I'm confused with the bracket instructions. Some people are placing them parallel with the rafters and some are attaching one end to one rafter and the other end to the other rafter which should be 16" apart??

[@DirtFarmerJay]

@chanteewk6079, the basic idea is that you have sufficient attachment points to loadbearing components in the ceiling. If the lay out you have requires you to attach the "down-legs" to the storage units "in-line" with the rafters, you will need to place the units so that they are in-line with the rafters. That limits where you can place it to where the rafters are. If that won't work for you, then you need to attach 2x4 material crossways on the rafters and lag-bolt them in, and then attach the storage units to those 2x4's. The same holds true if you need to lay out the storage units going cross-way to the rafters. Does this help? Best, DFJ

[@chanteewk6079]

@@DirtFarmerJay thank you!! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do it right now. I will need to have someone come look at my garage ceiling joists as I noticed a Crack in the center of the ceiling drywall tape from one side of garage to the other.

[@user-en5ij2xt8f]

Someone get gramps another sunglass lense!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

LOL! He loved wearing a "decoration" over the eye that didn't work well - he was almost blind in that eye. Thanks for watching and writing! Best, DFJ

[@LocsShorty]

Not one video says how big the drill bit needs to be before you install the brackets

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Shortys Dead - thanks for the question. I'll do my best to describe this. Envision the lag bolt. There's the smooth part under the head, and then the threads begin. The diameter at the base of the threads is what I call the root diameter of the lag screw. Measure that diameter (a caliper device of some kind comes in really handy for this). Now, you need to choose a pilot hole drill bit that is sized in such a way that there is both a significant amount of material for the threads to "bite" into, as well as there being significant grip on the root section of the screw at the base of the threads. In softwood, such as rafters and joists, a pilot hole about 1/8" smaller than the root diameter should suffice. I like to use beeswax to lube the screw before driving it. Let me know how it turns out for you! Best Regards, DFJ

[@chrisdport614]

Did you use your own bolts? The ones they gave me i think are to short..and there is no clear instructions on which to use for what..

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Chris, the bolts they supplied in our kit worked just fine. It's possible they have changed the kit, or your application doesn't allow for enough "bite" into the ceiling joists. In that case, 4" 1/4" or 5/16" lag bolts, with washers would do the trick. I hope this helps! Best, DFJ

[@chrisdport614]

@@DirtFarmerJay gave up and got.rid of it but thank you 😅

[@morphinegirl3446]

Man, I wish you hadn’t skipped the actuall install of the first one 😮

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Hope you ended up with a good install nonetheless. Best, DFJ

[@kens962]

4 years later and still no washers. HD 1/4 in zinc plated flat washers make a pretty snug fit.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for the update. How did the installation overall go for you? Are you happy with the results? Best, DFJ

[@alexanderthegreat58]

What is. The phone # to fleximount

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Their website shows 855-585-5618. I hope that helps! Best, DFJ

[@LaurenKinsey-dw4vf]

You did Skip probably the most important part to the whole project finding the studs, spacing and hanging the Shelf. It was very informative up until you skipped over the where reason why I was watching the video

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for letting me know.

[@James-by9pl]

Not enough details

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for the feedback. Best, DFJ

[@bobsmalser8304]

Meh. Smaller structures don't have 2X6 or larger ceiling joists, they have the bottom 2X4 chord to the roof truss, and those chords are NOT designed for loads of any sort, especially in snow country. You need to mention this.

[@chanteewk6079]

Interesting that you mention this as I live in Colorado. Can you explain it better. I've been in my attic above my garage and I'm unsure if my ceiling has the support I need for 2 of the 4 x 8 fleximounts. What am I looking for when I look at the boards going across? I see all the same ones size with no large support beam so I am concerned about the support.

[@bobsmalser8304]

Talk to a structural engineer or architect and get a range of permissible loads.

[@chanteewk6079]

@@bobsmalser8304 thanks!

[@malanalan1]

no mention of the distance between joists, no mention of parallel vs perpendicular installation, another useless video. Hammer nail will find a stud/joist center. Stud finder is a trick. Dude, what are you saying? Washers might only be useful when you do perpendicular installation, of course you failed to grasp that detail too. not to mention odd spacing of wholes on the ceiling brackets.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Joe, thanks for stopping by. I find your comments to be as useless as you find the content we produced for you to watch. I'm sure you can find other sources that are more to your liking. -DFJ

[@malanalan1]

@@DirtFarmerJay Unfortunately all other youtube videos on this subject are pretty bad.You see I did it type of videos including yours.