How to Build an Easy Workshop Cabinet

For your drill bits, disks and bits & bobs this simple cabinet is a quick easy build and a great addition to your workshop storage.
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[@ucdailoi]

Dont forget that those grinder and cutting disks have a shelf life, as marked on the interior metal ring, after which they may disintegrate when used. So, for your safety, throw them out after the use-by-date.

[@TheRaven078]

I love how he seamless talks about his projects in both English and Metric units. He's still pound for pound (or is it kilogram to kilogram?) the best DIY video maker on KZbin.

[@ProperDIY]

Very kind of you to say that.

[@niwty]

“English” units? Do you mean imperial? To be fair I think its only Americans that use imperial measurements today. In the UK though we’re quite comfortable using both. Especially when we’re downing a PINT at the pub whilst complaining about the price per LITRE of petrol we’ve just paid to fill up the car that only does X MILES per GALLON! We woodworkers will also buy an 8x4 sheet of 12mm or 18mm ply or 2.4 metres of 3x2!😂

[@user-ni9gr1qn5t]

I use both unit's we call it Welsh and Metric

[@markywellsboy2182]

I got a mate who will confuse me when relaying a measurement to me. "It's 640mm........plus a quarter inch!" 🤦‍♂️

[@phil2544]

He clearly swings both ways, metric and imperial

[@garulusglandarius6126]

Why this channel doesn’t have at least a million subscribers is beyond me. Excellent as always Stuart 👍

[@dannybaker2763]

Right? One of the best, most natural presenters on KZbin, who creates informative, instructional content with absolute clarity on the process. It is a brilliant channel.

[@moodophile]

My guess would be the muzak. Excellent information, well presented, but good god Stuart needs to use less early '90s Sky TV DIY channel music.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you!

[@user-ni9gr1qn5t]

I do enjoy watching Stuart, he makes DIY enjoyable and it feels like you are there with him and you understand when he explain thing's to you ,well what can I say I enjoy what he dose

[@dannybaker2763]

@@user-ni9gr1qn5t Absolutely. He is funny with it, too.

[@THusbands]

Best thing for cleats is to cut the width of 2x your cleats then make one 45 degree down the middle of the board. Great video as always!

[@LincolnHawk-bk5yr]

I see this comment all the time. Why does it matter how wide the cleats are? The only thing that matters, as far as I can see is that the 45s match. At that, I could hang a 60 on a 45 and it would never fall off. Just wondering why some people feel the need to be precise when it's not necessary. Or am I missing something? I'm not being a dlck, I really don't understand.

[@THusbands]

@@LincolnHawk-bk5yr one cut instead of 2...

[@LincolnHawk-bk5yr]

@@THusbands I get that. I've seen many videos where the presenter goes on about the importance that the cleat on the wall must be exactly the same as the cleat on the tool holder and I can't see why.

[@arkansas1336]

@@LincolnHawk-bk5yr...I agree, any angle above 20-30 degrees will work.

[@LincolnHawk-bk5yr]

​@@THusbands Thank you. It doesn't matter now though. I've already decided that the system is too much of a waste of wood for me. When I hang something, I never move it again, so using wood for the cleats and all of the tool holders don't make sense for me.

[@Quaker521]

"It doesn't smell French" 🤣🤣 Great video Stuart and a great project, I do like the idea of double layer. As always, useful information delivered with a nice degree of humour! Cheers.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@marlinstudio.]

French Cleat originated from the origin of France when in the 1800s French shipbuilders began building wooden ships. Once the main ship was built, details were added. One detail was the French cleat hanging system

[@Foodie-yj1qe]

I don’t even have a garage, but here I am watching this 😅

[@ProperDIY]

Look at it as investing into the time you will have one!

[@gwarski]

Same here

[@inflamable1977]

Nice one Stuart. You are a master. But maybe.... Some sliding dovetails,pocket hole screws,rebates,dados and a nice bit of shellac and your own homemade wax(the one you sell on etsy)would elevate the project etc etc etc... I love this channel,honest and straight forward. I need to make this myself and I will. Thank you

[@MadAsKiwi]

As well as the full range of sandpaper from 40 to 12000 grit, real woodworkers all have SawStop table saws.. lol. That is a cool wee project, and would be easily adapted to most needs depending on the size of someone's shop, and it is great to see someone keeping it real with their projects (not everyone has all the tools in their shed, and most people could make this with limited tools). Smashing work!

[@stephenweston1807]

Nice cupboard. I think I would have the two halves facing each other and maybe just hang a few thin things on the outside. Helps keep the dust out. I'll await Peter's retaliation with glee.

[@David-bl1bt]

You would think in this day and age that french cleat "strips" would be available off the shelf, it would make a woodworkers life so much easier. A very informative, instructional, engaging and enjoyable

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@DiHandley]

You really have built yourself an amazing channel Stuart. I always leave thinking “I could do that”, and quite often I do!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you very much - my job is done!

[@mcgannpster]

Only found your channel yesterday. Love your videos mate, cheers

[@KevAsh]

Great video. When cutting the cleats though, could you not have cut 1 strip at 60mm wide, then set the blade at 45 and cut down the middle. Then you would have 2 bits that could be used for top and bottom cleat?

[@ProperDIY]

Yes but they would not necessarily be the same width - dependent on how accurate the 2nd set up is.

[@iancathcart3751]

When I first started using a table saw a good friend of mine who is a qualified cabinet maker and wood machinist told me don't use gloves. If the gloves get caught on the blade they will pull your whole hand in. The same can happen on a belt sander. Take care, love your videos.

[@richardphillips3303]

As always another great video describing how we all need to DIY! Thank you 😊

[@k.hussain360]

Nicely done. Great way to organise Drill Bits.

[@CollectiveConsciousness1111]

Great content, thanks for sharing💚🌍

[@davetay44]

That sanding block bit had me genuinely laughing out loud - love it. Another great video bud, keep it up

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@williamfotiou7577]

That’s really a great build, well thought out. Thank you.

[@valborchardt3596]

Thoroughly enjoyed that Stuart, thank you

[@mariv2476]

Nice job I need to make this for my bits and sockets

[@shynebox]

Very relatable and achievable. Nice work, dude. Thanks.

[@David.M.]

Thanks for the project, very nice.

[@ahorton6786]

Brilliant video with lots of great explanations along the way. Makes me want to have a go at this myself, thanks.

[@TheShaker53]

Another plain and simple build from Stuart. keep up the good work...

[@SimonBurke-ny2qr]

Brilliantly explained and very easy to follow I’m so glad I subscribed

[@ianpearse4480]

Nice simples build. Cheers.

[@jibcot8541]

Great no nonsense video with plenty of helpful tips and some humour. Good job.

[@philquinn6375]

He always does project's that you can do in your own workshop/shed ,with the same tools, well explained and great camera work. Very good channel.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@deanmcclusky9955]

Brilliant idea

[@jmorv8866]

I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this video. :)

[@thepharmacydesignchannel3655]

Brilliant Stuart, the French Cleat thing has got me thinking of so many things I can store in the workshop in a more convenient way. Thanks for sharing.

[@markhannan5167]

I need this for my drill bits thanks the simple things in life are the best . Verry clear explanation as always

[@PhG1961]

Great craftsmanship and very enjoyable to watch!

[@danielgrabske3545]

Nice weekend project to get tour drill accessories organized and uncluttered

[@domenicfp]

I love it and thank you.

[@jaimegutierrez5125]

Great idea, simple, practical and inexpensive. Thanks very much for sharing your ideas

[@Mike_5]

If only there was a channel on KZbin that did top notch high quality Proper DiY?

[@ProperDIY]

That is very kind of you to say that.

[@andymiller8677]

Excellent stuff, I am building a workshop and have drill bits everywhere, so might give this a go!

[@SteveMonk1956]

Nice project Stuart, I know what my next project will be now. Just got to decide what I will put in it 🙂Thank you.

[@netherwent2725]

Liked it - quick and easy. Just what I need!

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you liked it!

[@rebeccaboyette866]

Just subscribed! I love this!

[@billmartin4446]

This video about your drill bit cabinet is really excellent and very helpful! That’s going to be a winter project for me, where I’ll also use your approach to build a cupboard or two for my hand tools. Thank you. 😊

[@gashead2]

Great job thanks

[@martinwilliams9098]

Cool,I really like this idea I think I’ll make one the weekend Thank you for the video

[@iancoombs4324]

great job stuart will be making me some of these cabinets

[@scottgaines2677]

Another great video! Keep them coming, I love your channel

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you! Will do!

[@leeberry9666]

Nice video.simple to make

[@GrumpysWorkshop4]

That's a brilliant idea. I've been thinking lately about drill bit storage & this may just be the way to go. Thanks Stuart great job

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@davesanderson707]

Great video Stuart, keep them coming , they just get better 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks, will do!

[@somewhereelse3813]

Make it or not, great bunch of tips and experience here to draw from. Usual quality from an excellent creator

[@r.d.1991]

Neat little project that was. Nicely done. 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@sHrG78]

Great little shop project! You are hilarious! I had some good laughs. Thanks 😊

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@NWGR]

Great job on this. I need to come up with something similar. All my different drill bits are just sitting on shelves. I really like the multi level approach. Well done. Subscribed. 🙂

[@tepidtuna7450]

The quality of that plywood far exceeds Australian suppliers. Very impressed with the project.

[@awantamta]

A great idea and a very nice build

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you like it

[@kmfkmf5305]

Thank you. You demonstrate and explain things beautifully! I especially like that unlike some, you don’t skip or miss out some of the important parts, so that even the most average of Diyer can follow along and achieve the desired results. After watching this and a few other videos, you a now my favourite DIY KZbinr. I only wish I’d found you sooner.

[@cliffcarlo180]

Nice build as usual Dave. Well done again👍👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks 👍

[@mickdownes9265]

Great video, I must make one myself. I think I might use the outer cabinet as a door so it keeps the sawdust and other crap out of both cabinets.

[@ProperDIY]

Go for it!

[@user-ni9gr1qn5t]

Excellent project Stuart I made a cabinet like this about 2-3 weeks ago What I did with the one I made, the front of the cabinet I turned it other way so it closed in on it self to avoid dust getting in so both sides opened like a book As usual a brilliant video cant wait for the next one Take care mate

[@nigelmills7594]

I did exactly the same. Added benefits are 1) I can see everything when the doors are open (usefull when I can't remember where I put something) 2) my workshop is tight for space and I have 100mm more headroom over my bench with the doors openened back.

[@Dunc2222]

Makes sense. And I suppose you could then still hang some things on the front, if you chose to (yes, they would be exposed to dust).

[@simonmiddleton4977]

Great video, great content and great humour what else do you need? 😃👍

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@fus149hammer5]

I made something like that years ago. Our old house had the old style ugly fuse box just inside the front door. By the time I'd finished it had a nice bespoke varnished cupboard with a brass latch. Very nice 👌

[@nas979]

Finally an English guy doing real stuff, I am sick of the American Hollywood one thausand of an inch measurements wtf.. You earn my subscription.

[@thetessellater9163]

I went through a major box making phase about six years ago, after looking at the same few sheets of hardwood ply for many years before ! Long term record storage, CDs too, cabinets for some special book collections, like all my 'Observers Books', a box for my antique key collection, and others ! Never to such accuracy !

[@johnfitzgerald4274]

Thank you.

[@patrickarchuleta9594]

Your work is second to none may God continue to bless you and your family outstanding job great attitude great idea. Bottom line

[@mrspudly1]

Realy clever but simple design using the French cleats to hang stuff from, great video Stuart.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks 👍

[@christophereddy4517]

Hello from the United States! Just discovered your channel, and wow lots of good info here! I've got a spot in my basement that I'm making into a workshop and now I've got a solution for all my bits.

[@markirish7599]

Fantastic video

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks! 😃

[@johnvodopija]

KZbin just popped this in my feed and I’m am super pleased. A nifty project plus I spotted your evolution tablesaw (fellow Rage5S owner here). Subbed! The icing on the cake is that you have saved me a fortune on sandpaper. I just went out and bought a shed load of sanding blocks instead. Cheers 👍😎🇦🇺 P.s. I laughed out loud at your “it doesn’t smell French” quote 😂

[@Quickhandlename]

The best and safest way to make the cleats is to cut your stock and 1/8 inch heavy, for example if your final dimension is 2 inch cut your stock at 2 1/8. Once you cut a few pieces at 2 1/8 then just 45 the pieces then cut them to size on the miter saw

[@Cradley684]

Very tidy Mate, great job have a nice day !!!. 😀😃👍👍.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks 👍

[@PaulO-mv6ku]

Excellent

[@peterburley2086]

French cleats? Many moons ago I worked for a small company that contracted to build exhibition stands for clients who were displaying there wares at venues like Earls Court and Olympia. Most of these stands were only in place for a few days normally, so being able to break them down again quickly was important. Amongst other tricks in the arsenal was what we referred to as ‘split battens’ which are now commonly called French cleats. I have been using the system ever since ideal for hanging everything from a picture to a cabinet. Great video, keep them coming.

[@michaelhollands3250]

😂 love it, like me nearly knocks thing's on the floor and still stands them up on end to try again later 😂😂😂

[@adamstone4905]

Brilliant little build that one! Simple, useful, easy and nice to look at too! A nice bit of clear Perspex on the front with a similar hinge and catch would be great to stop bits falling out whilst getting to the rear unit!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MLFranklin]

Very cool. My grandfather had a similar design, except it was about 3' wide and 4' tall, and it had a few pages to it. It also had a heavy clasp on the side that locked up the whole thing to keep his tools safe and secure.

[@martinhunt6004]

Great video well narrated Stuart. I have several drill sets also and finding them is difficult!

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@k.hussain360]

I like the little Makers Central Salvage in the background.

[@kevinroberts9814]

Bob's your uncle! Brilliant little project.

[@UrFavGinger13.]

LOOKS ACE

[@bluecurlygirl]

Brilliant video. I was just thinking yesterday that I need a little storage cabinet for screwdrivers etc - all the little bits that get buried in tool caddies and this would be just perfect. Thanks Stuart.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lbridet]

The fingertips as square comment is important and easily missed. Fingertips are astonishingly precise and can detect small gaps and bumps that the naked eye would really have trouble identifying, and if your square is ever slightly inaccurate you are indeed better off *feeling* it.

[@dannybaker2763]

That is a crackin' idea, ideal for a pokey little workshop like mine. Consider this idea nicked!😁👍

[@ProperDIY]

Go for it!

[@BillCoale]

"They don't smell very French" 🤣 For what it's worth, I first learned about them from a Canadian, who called them v-cleats. 🤷‍♂️

[@3y34wah]

Hi , another great vid . Agree with ash could cut down middle for cleat and if you mark both even if your saw angle is out they will match for on board and hooked item . Also if your wall isn't square a couple of inset magnets would stop it swinging out and catching your head on when you're bent over underneath . OUCH , not that it's ever happened to me .

[@perks25167210]

Might scale up nice and hinge with a foldout support to make a mini workbench between the arches of my van. Seems simple and robust enough to be worth a shot. Thanks!

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one!

[@redcastle12b31]

The sanding pad is a very useful tool in my shop. And like you, it is within arms reach during a project.

[@genghisbunny]

I've always just cut the board in half at 45°, no waste and only one cut. Just have to calculate the middle accounting for the depth of the piece.

[@perlyking]

"not like Peter Millard"! Laughed

[@andyc972]

A pleasure as always Stuart, and a well thought out practical solution to a common problem ! Everyone loves a workshop project, I guess you'll be making a sanding sheet organiser next then Stuart ? 😉 I tend to think French cleats are over-rated and over-used but in this contained specific use environment they appear to be a sensible and practical solution, so thanks for opening my mind to them again ! My new weekly quiz, spot which "Error" or "poor practice" Stuart has intentionally included just to keep the "Smarties" happy and keep them commenting ! 🤔 Perhaps you could leave us some clues like the next frame showing you with an obvious new sticking plaster or some fake blood stains on the timber ?

[@ProperDIY]

Now you are one of a few who have obviously worked out the 'gist' of my videos!

[@twincamtim]

Good save! 😎

[@woollysoxx]

Great, as usual

[@markmcgrath4853]

good video again !

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@AJellySnakeRebel]

As usual I love the video, I would add it might be worth adding a lip on that bottom shelf to stop the bit falling out when you open the door, as it could (im not saying it will,) hit the wall or even as you stop the door the bits fall off. However, otherwise, actually something I might make because I know i need something similar.

[@niwty]

Yet another great video of a practical no nonsense project built with common sense and a brilliant sense of humour! 😂 Steve Ramsey would definitely approve.👍 Only one problem though Stuart. I’ve watched it! That means now I’m “inspired” to go into my garage/workshop, tidy it up (again) and sort my drill bits out when I’d really rather sit in the garden in the sunshine and enjoy a beer! Bugger. Ps. Did you know your “PD” sign on the wall is a bit squew-iff?😂 (Also looking forward to Peter’s response!😉)

[@ProperDIY]

To be mentioned in the same sentence as 'Steve Ramsey' is an honour. Sorry about the inspiration. Yes the PD is a bit skew on purpose - a bit DIY!

[@niwty]

@@ProperDIY 😂😂Should have realised! 😂😂

[@thedj5914]

Superb Stuart 👌 one tool I need is a nail/staple gun !!

[@ProperDIY]

I would recommend it - just the cheap one I have is all you need

[@thedj5914]

@@ProperDIY I’ve got a load of old Oakwood 18mm flooring!! Ime going to use your planter video to help me along 👍

[@coreystock5361]

Love the channel. Love how you politely tell the accuracy nut jobs to take a hike. It’s not that big a deal guys. Relax.

[@Edsbar]

I love the skit about sanding blocks but according to Robin Clevet Woodworkers use blade and decorators use abrasives.