Maximize Garage Space By Organizing Tools With A Nifty Magnetic Solution

At this point, you're doing yourself a serious disservice if you haven't figured out a wall-hanging organization system for your garage. We've all seen the hacks for pegboards, French cleats, and even a tool storage system that outshines the alternatives, providing more than enough ways for DIYers to improve their storage setup. And the options don't stop there! When you're ready to maximize your garage space, take a look at the unique benefits of a magnetic solution. For starters, it's an easy installation to build a magnetic tool organizing wall that offers near limitless configurations to hold your most-needed equipment and make any task more efficient.

Making this organizer only takes some magnetic metal sheets, such as galvanized steel, and some space in your garage. You can then add some magnetic hanging accessories to hang your tools. Setting up the wall holder is as easy as dropping four screws into the wall, saving you the time and trouble that come with more complicated solutions, like French cleats. And since the entire field is magnetic, you have far more possible configurations than systems with set attachment points like pegboards.

You can attach metal sheets to your wall, shelving systems, and workbench, and set up magnetic holding pieces with any spacing or orientation. First, you'll want to measure the space to cover with your metal sheets, and plan your layout accordingly. From there, it only takes a few minutes to install your system. You can then conveniently move your most-used items around while keeping them organized and out of the way, letting you get more from your garage space.

When choosing metal sheets for this project, you'll need to ensure the metal is not only the right material but also strong enough to hold your magnetic holders. Thicker metal allows for stronger magnetic holding power, so compare your options to get the support you need. You may need several pieces for large areas. If necessary, cut sheets with tin snips or power saws with appropriate metal-cutting blades to help them fill the space perfectly.

When attaching metal sheets to a flat surface, like drywall, the process is easy. Locate the studs, and position your metal sheets where you want them on the wall. Mark the studs' relative locations on the metal sheet to show where to drill for screws. Drill holes in the sheet with a suitable drill bit, such as a cobalt or carbide bit, following the proper practices and tips for drilling holes into metal. Attach the sheet to the wall by drilling screws into the studs. If needed, you may also secure some screws without a stud using one of the eight types of drywall anchors. Just don't forget to check the weight rating to ensure your anchors can support your tools.

Maybe your garage is like many others and has exposed studs or uneven walls. In this case, you'll have to add a step and use an appropriate solid backing for your metal sheet, such as plywood. Cut a plywood piece to match your area, and install it to your wall's studs. Then, screw your metal sheet into the plywood.

Once your metal wall is up, you just have to start filling it with hanging holders for your tools. Versatile garage hooks, like these ULIBERMAGNET Heavy-Duty Hooks, can manage a host of items, including power tools, extension cords, and light-duty lawn equipment. Simpler hooks can handle anything with a hanging hole, such as saws or putty knives. Meanwhile, magnet straps like the Juformin Heavy-Duty Magnetic Hooks will hold handled tools they can wrap around.

While these solutions are ready to use, you can also create DIY holders for your items. By making custom pieces, there's virtually no limit to how you can use your magnetic wall. Plus, crafting a bracket is easy. Neodymium magnets are among the strongest magnets in the world and perfectly capable of holding heavy tools, especially when you get higher grade varieties (i.e., a higher "N" number) that have a greater pull force. Magnets like the heavy duty products from TOP MAGNETS come in disc shapes, with a hole in the middle that allows a screw to enter. Screw several of these into the back of a small plywood panel, and you have a magnetic mount to which you can attach any custom holder. Install a small shelf, screw in hanging hooks, or attach organizing bins. With a little creativity, you'll see this magnetic solution can be the perfect spot for almost any garage gear and an ideal way to maximize your storage space.