Bill’s Wall Hanging Tool Cabinet

Ever since I read Chris Schwarz’s book, The Anarchist Tool Chest, I became obsessed with hand tools. Just over a year ago I purchased my first Lie Nielsen and now have several more. I have been scouring EBay and a few other tool sites picking up vintage tools. During the spring of 2012 I knew it was time to build a storage cabinet for my collection. I thought about a tool chest but after watching the Marc Spagnuolo series on the wall hanging tool cabinet, I decided this was the best option for me.

I basically followed Marc’s plans with a few changes of my own. The cabinet and door frames are made from red oak purchased from Sweetwater Lumber in Austell, GA. I used dovetails for the joinery on the corners. I picked up some ¾ inch ply for the back panel and ½ inch ply for the door panels. I also made my doors a bit thicker in order to hold tools on the back of the door panels. I used oak scraps to make holders for each tool, along with a few dowels and magnets. Piano hinges connect the door to the cabinet. I applied a coat of BLO/shellac/alcohol and then 2 coats of straight shellac.

I had to remove a 4×4 foot section of my pegboard, use concrete screws to attach a 2×6 to the block wall for support and then reattach the pegboard. A French cleat system went through the pegboard into the support. This was the first time I have used the cleat and I am very impressed with the strength. I am very happy with my tool cabinet. It has a little room to add a few more tools in the future. I filmed a 3 part video series on the project, the first one is here.