33. Ditch pegboard for shadowboxing

One of the biggest and costliest tool storage regrets I have is surrounding my garage walls with pegboard. If you’re just starting out, my advice is to stay far away from this pressed paper: it’s ugly, weak, expensive, frustratingly cumbersome and I, myself, regret ever using it. Because it has to be anchored away from the wall, you’ll have to trim each section, which takes away hook placement. If it’s not anchored to the wall right, you’ll get dips as the pegboard will collapse under stress.
A much better solution, I have found, is the shadow box technique. Hang a piece of plywood on the wall and create individual tool holders out of construction pine and dowels. Your tools will be better secured to the walls, you’ll feel more pride in your customized organization and you’ll never forget where each tool goes. With a quick glance at my wall, it’s easy to see any missing items. Tool holders can be as complicated as you want them to be, or as simple as removing a nail head and, hammering it in.
Become a patron!: Patreon.com/makethings/
Thank you to my patrons!
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Tommy QR
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
#MTbitesize

[@MakeThings]

Check out my Building the Wall series (yes it's old and crusty!): kzbin.info/www/bejne/haDbl4trgdqEd6c

[@lourias]

This is a wonderfully inexpensive option! Thanks!

[@MakeThings]

@@lourias Aw thank you back. Send me a pic of what you come up with! [e-mail]

[@anusrepairman]

Best method, throw everything into a large tool bag. Take 20 minutes to find the 10mm socket

[@choccolocco]

Only to realize there’s is no longer any 10mil sockets. As a side, I’m a relic hunter, and I’ve found 4 sockets in the past 6-8 months. 3 of them were 10mil. I laugh every time……

[@Sonovabioch]

my favourite method is simply putting nails into a piece of plywood, hanging it on the wall and outlining the tools with a marker, quick, easy and simple

[@brentbennett5401]

I just use nails or screws just what ever I have on hand but I don't bother to mark it

[@turtleman190]

That's a simplified version of the shadow box method it's the best

[@contraband1543]

Yeah maybe if plywood wasnt 80$ a sheet Pegboard is cheaper now

[@joeschmoe6908]

With pegboard I can more easily make room for new tools. Your method is good too, but makes more sense for someone who already owns all the tools they will ever need. Which is nobody.

[@MrAdeuhtyr]

That. Unfortunately, is not true. Need some tools?

[@tombprospectorvulcan6440]

Just build it as you go?

[@bluedragontoybash2463]

why would somebody who own no tools need a peg board ?

[@dancaissie6379]

@@bluedragontoybash2463 some tools is not no tools.

[@billwilson2160]

@@bluedragontoybash2463 NOT what he said

[@odie2763]

That’s funny. I’ve been using my late fathers old pegboard in his old garage for the past 70 years… and still works perfect

[@FJBsaidcornpop]

I agree, mine is 25 years old and it still is in perfect order. Don't hang 40 pounds of concrete on them and don't rip the hooks out like wild man and they will last for a long time. Just don't get them wet.

[@WoodworkingforAnyone]

I sort of have to disagree. I'm awful to my peg board and it's just dandy. I don't even fully support it. ​@@FJBsaidcornpop

[@sgdummy]

I just skinned my garage with pegboard and I LOVE it!! WAYYYY cheaper then plywood, not hard at all to secure and my tool placement can be adjusted and reworked with ease as I try different configurations and locations. Also finding a cheap hook that works for things is a lot less work than custom building a holder for everything.

[@Duramax_Rollin_Coal]

its about the same price

[@tylerk.7947]

I like pegboard because it’s easy to install and you don’t have to make anything. I don’t want to have to make special holders for each tool. I don’t have time to tinker all day in my workshop unfortunately. So for me pegboard is good. It’s easy to change organization too

[@paulciley3727]

French cleats have a more polished look and offer flexibility if you want to rearrange your tool display.

[@QurttoRco]

Yep was gonna say that french cleets all the way

[@whattheschmidt]

Yep, the real way to go imo.

[@nocturnechanson]

My pegboard is around fifty years old, no problems. 😃

[@coreyevans835]

My peg boards seem to be holding up well too, and I've moved them to three shops now

[@2nd-place]

Yeah came here to say I love my peg board and I use anchors so they don’t move and just use little spacers to gap them off the wall. His peg board looks really shitty. Mine doesn’t flex or peel like that and it’s nearly 10 years old. Also you can buy coated or metal board. I like 3D printing custom accessories for it.

[@BikingVikingHH]

Yeah, plus they make little clips to hold the hooks in place against the pegboard so they stay in place when you take the tool off. This was like one of those as seen on TV product commercials from the 90s where people cartoonishly struggle with simple household tasks 😂

[@PLr1c3r]

ROFL how much money this guy spend on tooling plywood and time making all that. 3D printing makes pegboard so much better than this guys shadowbox.

[@wesfields9322]

Seems like he's addressing tool addicts that accumulate a mechanic shop amount of tools just for their home garage

[@CeeJayThe13th]

I really like the holder for the speed squares. I just made a really jank one and now I want to take it down and try this lol

[@MakeThings]

Thanks Cee Jay. Send me a pic when you make yours. I love how organized it feels.

[@ouimetco]

The only think I know is “my shit is in the garage somewhere”

[@Soandsoguy]

It's the antipegboard revolution!

[@tomb70]

I like peg boards. Then again, I don't grab stuff like I'm having a violent seasure!

[@EnlightenedSavage]

I haven't had any problems with my peg board. If you set it up correctly it will have the sam functionality as cleats or your set up.

[@nickkk420]

I 3d print custom holders for my pegboard, I too like it, just installed it properly. It's really just a way to have a modular system, too many people use it as just random storage

[@SullivanScientific]

Also worth mentioning: french cleats. Especially if you are into diy/learning joinery - you can build a holder for each type of tool and use that as practice

[@giordanobruno1333]

I hate pegboard. You forgot to mention that dust builds up behind it and even worse…. A home for mice.

[@treowayne]

My garage and basement are set up this way. The only difference is that I paint the plywood sheets white before I put them up on the wall. The white helps make the most of the lights in my shop. It also makes it easy to patch holes and repaint when I want to move things around.

[@crabmansteve6844]

I went with French cleats everywhere I could and then holders like this for certain tools.

[@nakedhombre]

A useful and sensible video which demonstrates useful things for others in an intelligent and palatable way bravo you give me hope.👍🏼

[@TheKeithterry]

I put up pegboard at my previous home and lived it for years. Doing it right now at my new home and was coming here to get ideals.

[@dale8809]

He's totally right. Peg board is very inefficient use of space.

[@proaudiorestore8926]

IKEA’s Skadis has done a good job of modernising peg boards. And if you own a 3D Printer, there’s loads of models for mounting a lot of things

[@derekgreen5943]

Thank you for this. This morning I was talking to my daughter about putting that cardboard pin hole thing for her tools. When we have finished making her shad. You have saved use money and time thank you

[@mr.pavone9719]

I throw my tools in a bag and leave them disorganized. Cons: I have to dig through the bag to find a tool. Pros: NOBODY TAKES MY TOOLS.

[@JT_70]

I installed stainless steel pegboard in my garage. Not inexpensive but looks and works great.

[@mikeirvin9694]

I covered the shelving along the upper half of the garage wall with raised panel doors made out of pegboard I had taken off a different wall to make room for a new work bench. If you open the door with the funnels hanging off pegs, you will find quarts of oil and spare filters. If you open the door with the paint brushes hanging off it, you'll find my paint. And so on. I'm not a huge fan of pegboard on walls, but I do prefer using it for painted cabinet doors for utility/storage applications like in garages. Store the big/bulky items hidden behind the door, while storing the small, easy to get lost on a shelf items right on the door in plain sight. Pegboard is the only thing I have found to quickly and cheaply make the front of upper cabinet doors into usable storage. Just be sure to construct it heavy enough to handle the weight. Don't confuse inexpensive with a license to cut corners. Some of my taller doors have four hinges just to make sure nothing sags. Most are good with just three. I also try to keep the doors about 18" wide or narrower.

[@aBusybee]

Even better in my opinion are tool chests. They're affordable, give you a lot of storage, and everything can have a home in them with foam shadow boxing (once you have an idea of where everything will be).

[@surveyingfleaproductions]

Like someone handling bread during an infomercial

[@WoodworkingforAnyone]

Are you tired of your jello falling off of your pegboard? Are things just too hard? Build a whole a$$wooden wall with bespoke tool holders for your 2 mostly identical speed squares

[@ricksanchez3176]

You run 1/2" furring vertical to avoid losing hook space. You use 1/4" hooks in 1/4" pegboard.

[@Gator-357]

I installed steel pegboard on one wall of my workshop. Pegboard is pretty much a neccessity for me as I am constantly needing easy access to different tools as I work on different projects. With pegboard I can rotate which tools I need to have easy access to and can customize the pegs, shelves and storage bins as needed depending on what Iam working on at the time. Masonite pegboard is a nightmare but the steel works really well.

[@balipan09]

Plywood walls, stripped .10-.12 ga. Romex scraps, make a loop in the end of the wire, run a pan head screw through the loop and into the plywood and hang anything you could ever need 👍 wood walls are definitely the way to go!

[@jthoff8829]

I use plywood screwed to the wall with screws to hang stuff on, glad to see im not the only one. Personally best way to do it

[@dr.scientist3481]

Same here.

[@kirkjohnson6638]

Pegboard is actually pretty easy to use but a lot of tools can simply be hung by screwing plywood to the wall and using various threaded hangers and nails.

[@phillipthethird42]

This is what I did. I used 3/8 plywood. And at the time it was only about $13 a 4x8 sheet. Far cheaper than pegboard. I like many of your tool holsters and would like to see more of them.

[@kg4lod]

If you use 1970s pegboard ideas, you get 1970s pegboard results. Modern pegboard systems use pins and clips and require very little standoff as a result. Pegboard is waaaay cheaper and waaaay more flexible/adaptable than plywood.

[@cam7724]

French cleat. First thing I did when I moved in. I have reorganized my garage many times over the years. French cleat allows for your hobby expanding and changing. Plus you just make the holder you need.

[@Sneaky_ol_No7]

Pegboard was invented for for lightweight retail display, not tool racks.

[@spider0804]

I will stick with the pegboard fastened in place of drywall thanks.

[@SteelOfLegend]

Money. $20 gets me some temporary organization. $100-200 gets me some fancy permanent solutions.

[@bikeman9419]

Plywood works great. I just use nails. I can organize my tools just as I want them. I alway paint the plywood first, then if I add tools or move things around I just full the old holes with wood putty and then touch up the paint. Looks like new again. I get more compliments on my organized shop and it’s so easy.

[@amgprod.55]

I didn't realize this wasn't a martial arts video until halfway through

[@Depl0rable10]

Wait what?!

[@g4mmalotus937]

Hardware stores have these pegboard boxes now. They're square peices of metal or plastic, usually like 1.5'x1.5' that attach to eachother, and are designed to be directly mounted, they're already lifted off the wall, so no issues there. Only issue comes when you want to cover a whole wall with them, they're obviously much more expensive.

[@ryanp0342]

Pegboard is way better! Way easier to reorganize your tools, 3D print custom hooks to hang anything, and there are little plastic clips that you can install to prevent the hooks from coming loose when you grab your tools. And all you have to do is draw around each tool with a sharply to remember where each tool goes.

[@aBusybee]

Shadow box drawes in a tool chest is superior to wall hanging.

[@ryanp0342]

@@aBusybee Maybe for some things. I'm not going to hang everything but having the top 20-30 tools I most frequently use that I can see and grab without moving or opening anything is a must for quick workflow. The visual stimulus also lets you consider different methods, not to mention when you simply forgot what you have because you cant see them.

[@jjacktheripper2]

You could also do the 20 hole washer. Every 20 holes put a screw with a washer on it in. It's keeps The pegboard from dipping or bulging.

[@Eis_]

Reminds me of the Top Gear episode where James May spent all his time marking the outlines of the wrenches on the wall. Great idea, but not for that moment.

[@davidcosine]

Using 70 year old original pegboard. Works. New pegboard is usually sheet metal... requires bigger pegs.. Harbor Fraught sells both

[@thewingett]

Love this video. Love this channel.

[@bluebanana6753]

We use metal pegboard no need for prep work. It have its own spacers and just work. Great for the tools. But we use shelves for other stuff. Its only for tools or for me reloading and gun stuff. I only have enought for that.

[@-the-1-86]

In our shop we always put a dark spot behind whatever tool is there so you knew what was missing..

[@TC-kf9zw]

Slatwall panels are best (thats what they use in retail stores) very strong and can arrange in many different ways....

[@raj66kas]

A carpenter always blames his tools. It's a time saver, you move things around. Placements is the key and there are different types of hooks and ways to anchor. Use the 80/20 rule. If you have the time reinventing the wheel then go for it. For DIYers pegboard is a time saver than scrambling through a tool box.

[@josephpeluchette191]

One t g e biggest regrets he has is not knowing how peg board works ahhh

[@Spicy-Tuna]

Check this out!!!!! Its gonna blow your mind. They make these things called toolboxes. They hold all of your tools.

[@King_drew]

Think of it like a hospital (peg board) and an EMS (portable toolbox). They work hand in hand. Having both can always be a bonus.

[@genenco1]

I'd use pegboard simply as it's easier to change over sections or layouts.

[@the_original_van_d]

Can confirm! Shadow boxes are where it’s at.

[@Tony-Jabroni]

Brah, I’m still using the peg board out of my grandparents garage. The peg’s are cheap, and I recently bought another sheet, and it’s not expensive

[@MuseaBear]

Damn I was about to go all out with pegboard but now I’m thinking you are absolutely right thanks buddy.

[@cconnon1912]

I have peg board and it works but if you don’t used tool often. I wouldn’t do it again or have a hybrid approach.

[@Crossword131]

Really good advice.

[@thesheq5023]

I got some plastic pegboard on amazon and would highly recommend it. Easy to put up and able to hold weight. Plus it looks pretty good too

[@greengoat5654]

You must not use your tools very often if you've got the same set of tools that long goodness. I'll stick with my modularity thank you very much

[@autumn5592]

Looks like someone doesn't care for their tools. I use mine very regularly, maybe not as much as a trades person, but more than your average Joe, and my tools are from my grandads and fathers handed down to me, some from west germany, and are some of the best tools I own. I care for my tools, they will out last me.

[@MakeThings]

Maybe...christmas sucks for my wife and kids. They know I have every tool I need. I will take a tool if...you want to send me one. 😏

[@dawsonwilliams546]

My grandfather nailed all his tools up to the wall then outlined them with a marker. Too bad he doesn't ever put them back up lol

[@MrSen4lifE]

I'm not a math scientist but I'm pretty sure it would take less time to have put the peg board in the correct way instead of making all those custom tool holders.

[@captaincreator7657]

If you want peg board.. buy commercial grade peg board and fixtures. I've used it for over 30 years in my garage builds and never had any issues or complaints from my customers.. it is also half the price of the same grade of slat wall. Commercial grade peg walls provide my customers the flexibility they need and is easily modified to suit their changing needs. If you have the skillset, building custom storage like yours is great, but most people don't have the ability to build our modify.

[@zeropointzero]

I hate the idea of displaying my tools on a wall. I have a toolbox with drawers. If it doesn't fit there, it goes in a filing cabinet, shelf, cubby, or some other hidden space.

[@orion7741]

You're crazy. Pegboard is better than any other system for hanging tools on the wall, plus it's dirt cheap!!

[@ckdd8891]

Pegboard works well.

[@spudthegreaterusa8386]

I agree. one of my biggest mistakes in my shop.

[@KJMcLaws]

I just spent 26 hours printing 16"x8" of peg board on my 3d printer to hold my pliers and crimpers on my desk lol

[@MattGDesign]

Sounds like an even more expensive and unnecessary way to do it 😂

[@KJMcLaws]

@@MattGDesign I was going to buy some abs version on Amazon just for my desktop. They were $6.40/piece. I printed mine for like $3.

[@JDLarge]

Or… double the pegboard, too easy! I double covered the kitchen sink window with pegboard and hang all of my sauce pans, sauté and frying pans there and across the ceiling valance I used a 2x3/4” strip with dowels drilled and glued in at a slight upright angle allowing utensils to hang there. Screwing the doubled sheets to the window frame allows a nice space for the hooks because nothing gets hung on the two inch border Cleanup has never been easier, just wash and drip dry everything right on the rack. It’s all right there in front of you so you see everything without rummaging through any draws. It’s worked for me for the last 30 years anyway😉 doubling the sheet adds crazy strength for the hooks. I’ve never had one pull through or tear out.

[@blaizeatri]

Looks good!

[@TheBestEverEverEver]

Never thought about it but this is exactly what my grandpa did, your workshop looked so familiar.

[@telluride4017]

This video just made my day thank you very much

[@benf9267]

OOOO I LIKE!! I LIKE!! NICE, I AM STEALING THAT ONE.

[@Manhandle730]

Zip tie the peg board hangers. Pretty easy.

[@candeffect]

Keep making things and thank God for His creation to make the miracle of your life and projects possible.

[@cmendoza1094]

Yeah, I don't do well with desd tree carcasses. I'll use the pink slime hot dog of a peg board system. They make em out of plastics now too..

[@JosieStev]

Beautiful ❤

[@kaywhygg6980]

I did the same it and i was beginning at my diy stage i had to make them fit it took a good couple of inches off my wall and adding tools only makes it worse id knock things off while walking by now its empty I’m just glad i didn’t buy everything at todays prices

[@Everythingisgoingtobealright]

I change things around all the time, pegboard is the easiest and cheapest. French cleats would be better, but much more expensive.

[@brianbaumgartner7223]

I've always hated pegboard. However, it is NOT expensive. In fact, it's a fraction of the price of plywood.

[@King_drew]

He says the pegboard is expensive. Then shows a bunch of wood that he prolly bought at the store.

[@olivercollard8767]

Metal pegboard is expensive but very cool

[@samba2782]

I like french cleata better. You can move things around and you dont need to drill holes for every new tool.

[@psyience3213]

That’s a great idea. Looks very cool. If you have the time

[@barryhernandez6428]

Nice work 👍

[@KianGurney]

I'll admit, I was wondering why I'd throw punches instead of using pegboard

[@barbaraness4507]

Great idea!

[@Zancoth]

I love it!

[@buzza2077]

So true. Especially if you paint it too. I ended up screwing plywood over it and just using nails as hangers

[@bobcougar77]

I agree completely.

[@gamerdad9916]

They have metal pegboards now

[@MyChrisable]

Notre that's a thing of beauty!

[@fu3zy]

he's not wrong, but it sound like he's saying "make organization your new hobby"

[@marshallhawks6787]

You forgot to mention how much wasps love to build nests behind pegboard

[@assassinlexx1993]

Have thought about cabinets / tool chests Or slat boards like in stores. If you into showing your crappy tools like your comic book collection?

[@cocorkiller2322]

How I have my bench and wall at the shipyard.. usually have it set up for planking.

[@ramonbaart]

James may would be proud

[@XXjg_]

Sounds like the complaint about the pegboard is really about poor pegboard installation and loose hooks. Install it correctly, use hook locks, done.

[@Edub-em3rr]

I feel personally attacked.