Plans for this French Cleat tool wall system are available here: www.thebencompany.com/store/p/ultimate-french-cleat-plans 51 Pages of detail with instructions for 30+ individual holders!

The first half of the kzfaq.infoUgkx3ICSK6nSknaL_45CU2NmFSoXjarGMDiJ book is everything about wood: types, tools, finishes, setting up shop etc. The second half is all about doing projects for inside and outside of the home. The color pictures are helpful. After reading a dozen of these types of books, this is probably the best overall (layout, color photos, plans). Only detraction is that many of the projects use a table saw/router/planer, which are usually expensive and take up space, so the plans are less friendly to newcomers and the budget conscious. But I know I can use a drill, circular saw or a jigsaw to make the projects.

I've had the chance to use this table a couple of times now. It's fun to whip out in front of people:) I can see what people are talking about when they say the legs are delicate, but they're design to support a "mostly" vertical load, not be torqued from the side or pushed back into place. If you just let the table open or close on it's own and don't force anything, it works great kzfaq.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh Once it's set up, it's pretty solid. My only gripe would probably be related to the clamps provided. They're not the highest quality. They do the job, so no big deal, but they could be better. All in all, pretty cool gadget.

Recommendations: Put a piece of foam in the bottom if you're dropping freshly sharpened pencils in there so they don't get dull again immediately. Use the weirdly placed plug to your advantage and mount all of your drill battery chargers on a shelf that plugs in there and hides the cord cleanly.

Only thing I would change about this is putting the wall-mounted strips onto a plywood board and mount that plywood board to the wall -- this way you can easily relocate the whole assembly once your workshop is more fleshed out and you start to realize you actually would prefer to mount it elsewhere. (at least I know that's how i would feel)

Small tip - take the very corner of the cleats off with whatever you have (plane, sand paper, table saw, router etc). It’ll avoid small debris interfering with the seat, prevent your cleat from getting chipped out over time, and you won’t cut yourselves on the edge :0

Love the whole French cleats approach! A couple of ideas (no criticism at all): 1) Add a power strip to one plug by the outlet and build a shelf for battery chargers for the second outlet. 2) retractable extension cord and air hoses would be awesome in that space. 3) anti fatigue mats under that tool wall-eventually something expensive is going to fall. 4) make a disposable glove dispenser 5) mount a bench grinder on the wall or nearby. 6) you could integrate a work surface underneath the wall. Cut plywood the width of the wall and the height of the floor to bottom of the tool wall. Attach with hinges and have foldable legs. Pop it out when you need it & fold it away when you don’t. Idk if I could have done all the smaller assembly on the floor- just a sawhorse/plywood table would have made the work more comfortable. Awesome work. Looking forward to seeing more.

I made one of these about 6 years ago, and have learned a few things from it. One is that you don't want to have all your tools out in the open, they get covered in dust over time, and it get's caked on over time. I put very often used tools out, but things like drill bits, tape, brads etc, I find better kept in cabinet with a door. Good news is you can put cleats on the back of cabinets and still move them around as your needs change. Another neat thing, is to mount magnetic bar, either on a hanger, or onto the cleats themselves. Then spaces can be used for those "catchall" tools, or specifically mounted for a set of wrenches say, without needing a box - which also collects dust. Good job though!

Ben your parents are proud. You’re very quick. Celebrate your ingenuity, help make America great. Thank you

I finished my french cleat tool wall this month and this video was huge inspiration! it feels sooooo nice to have everything grab and go rather than hunting around in drawers/bins/boxes. Thanks dude!

who in the heck are the 60 people that disliked this video?!? its a freaking awesome storage solution.

"I'll never put an unsharpened pencil away again" Ahhh the idealism of youth, how I miss it. ;D but seriously great project, wonderful space you have there

Hi Ben, I’m over 5200 miles away from the LA area and from my home in Las Vegas... specifically my garage/work shop... I watch your great videos and remember so long ago at you age (and younger)/how I loved building “stuff”... I made specific tool holders for many of my tools just like you. I know have gray slot-wall that I use but I would much rather have your set up. Well done! I can’t see my wife and daughter who are in singapore (they’re Americans, wife vice principle of school and daughter has one more year to graduate high school) I can’t get to vegas and stuck in Seoul South Korea or in hotels (pilot with airline) but what I CAN do is watch your great videos to live vicariously through you and your projects... makes me feel like I’m home. Thanks for your work and your technical problems... boy do I remember everyone of mine... just like yours. Wishing you all the best!

Ben I have watched quite a few videos on how I want to organize my shop. Yours has to be in the top three, precise, simple, easy to follow, didn't waste time with rhetoric, and above it all FUNCTIONAL, this is exactly what I'm going to do, So cool thanks for sharing

I've watched several 'how to's' on French cleat systems and you are efficient with your time, not over-explaining and boring. Good job.

As with everyone that made suggestions I would include some clear pvc or acrylic to the items you don't want dust on (tape, paint brushes, batteries, etc) Looks great. Good job! Also consider a hinged bench from the wall with other benches on wheels.

Nice! I usually work alone. I use French cleats when I install cabinets in kitchens. Just hang them on the wall and work from there. I order filler strips to make up the 3/4 inch difference between the wall and cabinets. The best part is in old houses once the cleats are on you don't have to worry about finding studs. Up here in Boston there are a lot of old houses!

I noticed you are a fan of Ryobi tools like I am. Something you may want to add to your collection are the Ryobi tool lanyards. They clip into the battery slot and give you a dog clip to hang the tools wherever you want. I use them for my frequently used tools and lights.

Another good way of using that outlet is to mount your battery chargers near and plug them

finally something semi-original. There are more "mobile workbench" videos than I care to count. Nice work

I used a french cleat to mount my old TV on the wall in front of my treadmill. The problem was, because it was old, it weighed something like 70 lbs, so I had to hack together a hoist system to lift it into place. Works great though.

I was telling my wife about the french cleat system I wanted to put in the workshop and she wasn't really on board (she didn't fully understand how the shelves would attach). After she watched your video, she was giving me ideas on things I could hang on the shelves to better organize my workspace that I hadn't thought of. Basically because how well your video was laid out, I had her support. She also saw your other video on the double cleat and suggested I do the same "because I know you'll buy more tools and need a place to store them". I originally started out with a 1/2 wall of cleats and have now expanded to a full wall cleat system, effectively being a full 14' wide x 8' high cleat system. Thanks Ben!

16, 8' x 4" x 3/4" cleat strips spaced 4" apart. @3:43 A single cleat (presumably ~2 in wide), screwed to a stud, can hold a person's weight so no need to make it any wider. Thanks for sharing the dims!

I don't have a shop building, but I've got a third garage bay that I finally get to make into a permanent shop now that the kid is in college. I miss her, but I can permanently setup a shop now, and this French Cleat system is exactly what I need.

I never get bored from this video, like if you watch it again. good job!

At 5:19, I was legit scared for you. lol Thankful for creative people like you to get ideas from. Thanks for sharing!

I've been looking for a way to organize some tools and thought I would be going the peg board route. Now I know what I'm going to do. I love the idea of being able to move thing around as I get more tools. I also love the idea of making all of my own holders for things.

Probably the best French cleat system I’ve seen

Thank you so much for explaining how you cut the 45% angle I've got my strips cut at 5" but need to cut in half at a 45. You are the first person to explain this to a newbie like me.

Awesome job and video! I haven't had my OCD stroked so hard since I used a label maker

I've never thought of this, afforable for everybody aswell.

Trim the sharp edges on the cleat on the wall and on your boxes. Dust will settle on the wall cleats and your boxes won't slide down enough to get a tight fit. And you won't get hurt anymore.

I use the french cleat system as well. This is a little over zealous cart before the horse situation though. I would have installed all my large equipment first because they take up lots of space and have specific locations. Once my shop was laid out I the would have installed my cleats in the most efficient locations. Also, I likely would not have dedicated one entire wall, but rather installed the system where those specific tools most likely be used. Thats just me though. Good work!

Nicely done! As simple as it is, one of my favorite take-always is attaching the pencil sharpener to the pencil holder (with foam at the bottom of the bucket)! My pencil sharpener is currently mounted at the end of a work bench and, while I don’t always use that end of the bench, if I want to, the sharpener is in the way. This puts it right where it needs to be! It’s simple add that will save time and frustration in the long term.

I have seen a few different ways to organize things, but this is by far my favorite that I have seen. I have a very small garage that I am working in, so this would be a perfect addition to the mobile workbench I am making.

nice video with smart tips. And you did it the right way: 1st step: toolstorage, 2nd step: project work, unlike me arranging a nice toolstorage after most of the projects were completed only 😁

Woodworking videos with animals are so much better than regular ones!

I have 330x160cm space to make my workshop. Your method seems to be revolutionary for me and my needs. Thanks a lot

Cut about 1/8" off the top and bottom of the cleats. No more injuries. and, the fit will be perfect and the sharp edge won't get stuck in the wall cleat. Great job.

I went to school at a studio that had the same style French cleats on the walls for the modular sound absorbers (soft) and sound deflectors (wood shapes). The cool part is there were rails on the walls for them to hang, but also a few movable walls on casters that you could rearrange any way you wanted. This would be a useful idea for your system. A small rolling wall with cleats to bring any of those modules over to whatever you are working on.

Just put a french cleat system on one side of my rolling workbench. The opposite side has open drawers to place Milwaukee boxes in for screws etc. One end of the bench has stain and glue storage, the other end clamps. Each corner has a speed square and pencil holder. Best bench yet. Getting ready to finish the outside edge of the top with hardwood, and then router in a recess on part of the top for a 24”x30” piece of granite. I like the granite because I can sharpen chisels on it, and also glue things up on it without worrying about glue residue...which just scrapes right off.

Great video, i'm gonna try building these after i finish my garage. Loved the dog parts a well, had to show my wife who loved it as well.

I just had a man moment of bliss watching this video. Well done dude.

Excellent idea the French cleat for re-purposing space as your needs evolve. Thanks for reviving the concept in your workspace. You've provided some very practical holder ideas too. Great vid! Thanks.

Fantastic wall organizer! Great way to have tools and accessories at your finger tips. It wood work in a construction trailer as well. Always great to have a built-in wall organizer on the job. Make it exactly to match the one in your shop and you can find what you need blindfolded.

Sir,, You organized your tools more than my life,, Well done

Brilliant good man I watched a lot of you tube videos but no one mentioned the angle of the French strips and you are giving a great detailed description how to make and the dimensions good man thank you

did mine after watching the C Reeves vid on this. I also added a swinging hanging wall for the hand tools. You can run out of room fast on a cleat wall and more time is spent on making the customised tool hangers than the wall itself, but the ease of rearranging the wall is awesome. good vid.

Best step once the French cleat strips are cut: sand them. Sand them enough to eliminate excessive sharpness or roughness/splinters. Just use an orbital sander and do it quickly.

Hi Ben: I like how you hung off the wood to show its capacity. I am trying my first workbench/carpentry project. This video is useful:) Thanks, Rick

Yeah, it's really worth doing one more rip to dull that 45 degree edge. It'll make the whole system more durable to repeated use.

I've stumbled across your videos mate I'm from scotland dont know why I ended up here but I'm glad I did, you've done a magnificent job and your attention to detail and work ethic is admirable well in lad keep it up 👍

Color me impressed. In awe, actually.

master of ergonomic productivity, may your ways spread far

Beautiful organization! That is so satisfying to see the balance and genius functionality of your French Cleet system. I really admire your precision and attention to detail. Your puppy is so freaking cute! Stay safe. Peace and Good Fortune to you and your family.

This is so fantastic! I think it would work great for a sewing room, as well! Thank you for sharing!

BEST organization setup (and video) I have ever seen! Many thanks!

Small advice - replace screwdriver stands with magnets - those for kitchen knifes or even those from old hdd drives (i use them). They not only nicely organise things but also they keep screwdrivers tips magnetised well. Even those which dont have magnetised tips. But great project anyway!

Sonny, You are on top of my list now! Jealous I am but You are up with the very best. Now I will try to get rid of my bucket system and hanging Pegboards cheap stuff!

Ryobi fan here: your shop is awesome.

Love the wall of tools. One tip.... route or sand all the edges of your system. It takes a little time, but you will be glad you did.

I do sublimation printing/vinyl printing and a number of other thing i have a number of desk top printers computers along with heats presses x3 and so on, they take so much room up but now i see how you've done this i can free up so much space and the functionality of it will save time, along with more work space with comfort of not having to pick thing up move them from one side to the other and the floor space will open up to and its all down to you Ben Tardif thank you.

I am glad I found your channel. I was planning on putting a plywood, fastened on a concrete wall, and use nails for hanging tools, which isn't flexible.

That was a great Dude Perfect trickshot at 8:56

Once you cut your strips you can actually run them back through with the blade at 90 degrees and just rip off 1/8 or 1/16th of an inch of the pointed side.. Knocks that sharp point off them and doesn't hurt the holding power. Keeps from getting those finger slices. Nice Work.

On my cleats, I always run the 45's back through the table saw (set back to 0) to take a half a kerf (roughly a 16th) off. It gets rid of the sharp edge without affecting the cleats holding power.

Perfect idea for tools that are topsy turvy. Well done.

Never heard of French Cleat until I found this channel.

I always cut a flat on top of the point of the French Cleat so it's not so sharp. Nice work on this video!

Thank you. Clear, direct and do-able for quick, efficient and useable result. Great vid.

Im currently building a workshop and learning about french cleats. I like your ideas. I think im going to use this system but also add 1 to my work bench so i can bring a whole rack to my work station

I don’t know where you are, but I need this in my life and I can’t cut wood at angles to save my life! Ha! This is gorgeous! It can be applied to so many spaces!!

I bet you are so glad you did this before lumber prices went insane.

One of the best french cleat videos on KZfaq. I have used the french cleat often but have never placed the wall cleats so close together. Using plywood instead of 1X4s offers many more choices. Love it.

Oh man, just what I was looking for in an idea to organize my tools. I can never find anything and wanted an adjustable system. Thanks so much. Beauty is you can make it to individual preference

Thank for you video …. I have now installed my first French cleats……I made a few mistake but I loved the process

Perfect timing, I just finished rewatching the mini golf marble machine build and I wanted to watch more of your videos

You can cut two cleat strips at the same time by ripping a strip down the center on a bevel, which can be tricky, just take the width of the board and subtract half its width and half the thickness.

awesome ... im in the middle of putting a peg board in my office ..if this wasn't an apartment .. id totally change it for the French Cleat .. love everything about this and your presentation as well.!!!!

Good rule of "thumb" If the cut is less than 4 inches, use a push stick (because you have 4 fingers on a hand) EG: 4:35

Tune in for the great projects, stay for the pups!

This is the best cleat wall design and build video I’ve seen. And I’ve watched a lot. Thank you for making this simple and to the point. I’ll definitely be subscribing.

I have nothing but respect for you bro😍good god you just opened new doors for me.

I made a French cleat sliding shelf for my glue bottle since I glue stuff and work my way down the bench. I was having trouble with it staying on. So I cut some wooden wedges that just wedge in place and it holds the shelf securely while being easy to remove.

I JUST bought a bunch of pegboard... My wife is going to kill me if I change plans now. This looks sick dude.

I'm digging the holders for specific things like your nails and sand paper. I'm an OCD freak about that stuff. I'd be buying sizes just to fill the wall lol. Nice job dude!

Most french cleat systems leave apx five inches of SPACE between each wall cleat. That amount of space allows for more versatility in the use of the system.

This is the best organizer video ive seen so far 👌👌

REALLY HELPFUL IDEA

Outstanding young man 👍 from all the way across the pond 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Isn’t the most important part of a workshop the workbench, come on BEN build a work bench 👍🏼

Tools and functional organization 🔥🔥🔥

This is amazing, the best garage org video I’ve seen, tysm

Absolutely great video(s)! Thank you for having posted them. I really like how you’ve constructed each item with “regular” tools and techniques versus others that might be more “advanced” or using a tool that a fair amount of ppl may not have (yet) etc. Anyways - thanks! Awesome videos!

Best tool organizer.

Your Imagination and thought processes are fantastic!

Omg your videos andddd organization! Two of my favourite things all in one! Can’t wait to see your home and shop come more together so excited to see more !! And more Doofy!!!

Bravo! Yay!!!! Also, Doobie for a dog's name? Awesome. I don't even smoke, but that's a good name!

Such a great custom setup very clean. The little "extras" you did were super awesome. Level Level level.. lol. Only add would be to add a removable thick dowel for your tape row and extend the serrated blade and flip it upside down from end to end so you can run the tape underneath it and pull then cut thus not having to remove any rolls. But what the hell u did awesome already. BTW that freaking dog is insanely cute I appreciate you leaving in the audio of the toy squeaking lol.

Very nice! I would put handles on the side of your multitool box so you can easily grab it and place the whole box where you are working..