Wednesday, December 18, 2013

4 Required Tools to Install Overhead Rack

Even though other tools may get the job done, work with the best tool to save time and finish the job faster. Making use of the wrong tool might cause injuries. It can cause fatigue from doing work harder than you'll want to, which leads to aggravation or annoyance with the task. Take the easier route by using the right tools. In the event you do not already own them or perhaps it does not seem sensible to purchase them, ask friends or nearby neighbors whether they have the instruments you require and borrow the tools.

Impact Driver 

Hanging shelves must be installed securely to ceiling supports. Run those lengthy three inch lag screws in to the joists with an impact driver. It is best to drill pilot holes to ensure you do not chance splitting the wood which would weaken the beam. A rechargeable drill will drive lag bolts, perhaps with a bit of help from candle wax on the threads, however it is significantly less taxing to work with an impact driver. You should have an adapter for the impact driver to be able to connect sockets from your socket kit.

Deep Scan Stud Finder

A stud finder with double layer scan mode is necessary for locating studs inside your ceiling. This is because the ceiling may have extra sheets of drywall, popcorn texture, or insulation that disrupts the standard stud scan. I do not suggest you use hole punches, coat hangers, and long thin nails in an exhaustive effort to locate the center of the beams. Most mid quality stud finders have a deep scan function. Look at the instructions that come with it for how to enter deep scan setting. You can choose the style with digital display which will make clear the location of the edges of the joists are, and the best kinds include a light and/or tone to point out the center of stud.

Wide Tape Measure

A wide tape measure can be stretched to longer lengths without folding. Find a tape measure wider than 1” wide. Even though it’s probably the most convenient tape, the adorable little tool in pretty pink household tool kit isn’t going to work well for this project. Quality tape measures put special markings on 16” increments for wall studs, which may apply in the event your ceiling beams are also space 16" on center. The foot intervals should be highlighted on any tape measure.

Rubber Mallet

You should not be tempted to use a claw hammer where the instructions advise a rubber mallet. You will end up denting, mangling, or scratching the metal rack. First you will say to yourself you can be gentle. Then you’ll be angry at yourself for not bothering to pick up the mallet. You will also protect your hearing from the sounds of metal banging on metal. For those who insist on using a hammer, place a wooden block on top of where you are hammering. This method could benefit from growing another arm (or locating an assistant) so you can hold the part, position the wooden block, and swing the hammer simultaneously.

Conclusion

With the proper tools, your ceiling garage storage rack installation should be an pleasant and satisfying job. Purchase or borrow that which you do not already own. Acquire an impact driver, wide tape measure, stud finder with deep scan, and rubber mallet. This isn’t a complete listing of the tools you’ll have to install an ceiling rack, however they could make the job much easier and take less time.

If you're looking for a sturdy overhead rack (rated for 1,000 lbs) to install in your garage, consider a Topp Rax super duty 4x8 overhead rack from www.MaximizeGarageStorage.com

Monday, December 16, 2013

What to Look for In Ceiling Mounted Shelf


Your garage is a place to park your car. It may have a space for your workbench. It likely has some organized storage… and then there’s the clutter. The clutter in your garage could be depriving you of the usefulness and your enjoyment of your garage.

Redefine this useful space with shelving, cabinets, racks, and also other storage products. Turn bare walls into a zen-like space of order and serenity (or at least get rid of the stress and trouble the mess causes). If your next challenge will be to organize your garage, make use of this advice to assist you to reclaim your garage.

Well-organized garages across the country - especially homes without basements - have discovered they can mount a shelf on the ceiling. Rather than rummaging through stacks of boxes, organize them with an especially convenient ceiling rack.

Overhead garage storage shelving help you organize your garage. Take back floor space by mounting one of these unique storage solutions to the ceiling. It will assist you to conquer that clutter. Fill your wall space with shelving to keep used often items handy. Use the ceiling option to store seasonal and seldom used things in your garage.Things to consider in a Good Rack

A versatile design enables the rack to be installed with or across ceiling joists. Ceiling mounts should cover more than one ceiling joists. Length and width of 4’ x 8’ and 4’ x 4’ are common. It is normal since it spans across 12”, 16”, or 24” joists evenly.

Some companies sell racks in incrementally smaller sizes, too. Be sure to mount them securely to ceiling joists. You can even chain together several racks together with each other to maximize storage area. Drop height (vertical installation measurement) range between 18” to 46”.

Feel safe by using a rack built with heavy duty industrial strength construction. Many offer 14 gauge powder coated steel frame. Colors are generally white or metal gray. Solid decking will keep the shelf from sagging, bending, or breaking with time. The framing could be Z-channel, L-channel, or C-channel… but the best is C-channel framing.

All installation hardware should be included, to ensure you don’t need to search the home improvement store for anchors that can fit through the pre-cut holes on the mounting brackets plus are of sufficient length to go into your ceiling joists.

Weight ratings on ceiling shelving range from 250 lbs up to 1,000 lbs. The set up instructions for most racks say the load should be evenly distributed. That’s how most free-standing shelves get away with advertising their shelving get a “2000 lb” limit… although none of the ¼ particle boards on a 4-tier shelf holds 500 lbs.

Prior to making your final decision to purchase, read reviews and check customer feedback to check if the product meets the promises on the box (or website). Be sure exclusive framing and decking types haven’t compromised the sturdiness of the rack, and also that existing customers are confident and happy with the durability of the shelf.


For details on Topp Rax's 4x8 super duty overhead storage rack and to buy online visit www.MaximizeGarageStorage.com.