Unistrut
As an alternative to the previously-reviewed shelving system, I recommend Unistrut, a system of slotted metal channel, framing and tubing that can be connected and interconnected with various nut and bolt fittings to create storage racks, shelving, work tables, support for overhead lighting and a lot more. The parts are industrial quality (steel and/or pre-galvanized steel), but priced to be used everywhere. If you want to see it in use, go into any garage, gym or building where the structure is exposed. You will usually see Unistrut brackets used to hold up the water pipes for the fire sprinklers. The real wonder of the stuff is that you are not limited to using it on the wall; they have a large variety of fittings available specifically for hanging. It's often used to anchor mezzanines and catwalks in warehouses.
The variety of fittings makes Unistrut very versatile. My dad uses it to make ski and ladder racks in the garage in the 8 inches of space above the garage door and the ceiling. He also used the tracking system to make a sliding door. I once welded a bunch of shelf brackets for him out of 2 x 2 x 1/4 inch angle iron. You can create shelving with the light gauge, 1 1/4-inch width channel or with the heavier gauge, 1 5/8-inch width with 24 inch brackets, which is good for 1200 pounds. The fail weight is two or three times the rated weight. We have a pile of the stuff in the back of our shop next to the scrap wood. If the shelf needs more capacity, we usually just double them up. What's also wonderful is that if you don't want to purchase pierced channel and/or additional brackets, you can take any standard bracket, drill a bolt hole, and create adjustable shelving. You can buy Unistrut fittings online. Channel, the part which is expensive to ship, can be found next to electrical conduit at Home Depot.
-- Michael McMillan
Unistrut
Prices vary depending on the channels, brackets and fittings
Available from Unistrut
The General Engineering Catalog and Application Showcase (pdf) provide a good primer. -- SL
Favorite (15)
Rick
I love Unistrut and have used it a few times in a past life as a mechanical technician. The problem is finding a supplier that will sell the stuff to mere mortals (aka consumers) who are not "in the business."
Jeff
Unistrut is second only to duct tape as far as being a universal tool/material. I saw a stairway built of the stuff at the Beeline warehouse in Sherman, TX (they are a maker of the stuff).
We use it to build support structures for data center cabling/grounding pathways.
Thanks for another cool tool!
Vince
Could you share the plans for the over-the-garage door storage? maybe a photo? I am looking to do something like that as well. Thanks!
craig1st
Unistrut really is killer stuff. My pop bought a ton of the stuff from a clothing processing plant that went bust in Eaglerock back inthe mid-80's. We used it for years and years for everything. Need palette racks strong enough for barrels of chain? No problem, just cut up and double the channel, bolt to quad channel uprights, and fire up the forklift. Need adjustable walls? Cut, bolt, and throw up the plywood. Outdoor overhead roof needed? Easy. Great stuff.
Laral
A quick search revealed no online sources. It looks like it is expensive and hard to find. Please include at least one online source when you post.
cc
To find a local dealer, use the "Locate Unistrut" links under the "Contact Us" menu on the Unistrut homepage. You'll find that some of those dealers do accept orders online (for example, Eberl Iron Works: http://store.eberliron.com ).
Joe
OH MAN! That brings back memories of my days as an electrican apprentice in New York City, Unloading thousands of feet of 3/4 inch 1 1/4 and 3 inch strut for the conduit racks and electrical panel supports. We used Kindorf strut, same thing just another company with their own line. Its good stuff.
Michael McMillan
Next time I go up there, I will take some photos and post a link. I may go up there this weekend, or maybe next weekend.