Typical workshop pegboards are too small for a big tool collection. The solution? Take a cue from the office Rolodex and build a Tool-O-Dex, a pegboard flip book that packs 4 m² of storage area into 0,5 m² of wall space.

Builder: William Gurstelle
Maximum tools per panel: 42 Pipe
Options: PVC, thin-wall conduit

1 Leverage wall space
The Tool-O-Dex consists of four 500 m x 1 m pegboards, each attached to a 25 mm-diameter ABS pipe. The pegboardto- pipe assemblies are held vertically in wooden supports. The individual pegboard sheets swivel, allowing access to tools as needed and folding flat against the wall when not in use.

2 Split spines
Start by carefully cutting straight slots lengthwise in four 1,5 m lengths of ABS pipe using a table saw. To do this, fi rst bolt the ABS pipe to a scrap piece of timber and lower the blade height so the saw’s teeth will cut the plastic but miss the bolts. Once the slot is cut, remove the timber backing and pound the pegboard into the slot with a rubber mallet. Secure the pegboard to the pipe with five evenly spaced bolts.

3 Stiffen pegboards
To stiffen the panels, attach wood or metal strips to the edge of the pegboard opposite the ABS spine. Drill five evenly spaced holes in the strips and pegboard; use bolts and nuts for assembly.

4 Add supports
Scraps of timber form blocks that support the Tool-O-Dex’s ABS spines at the top and bottom. To make the bottom support, use a spade bit to drill four 20 mm-deep mortises (of slightly larger diameter than the spines) into an open-sided box made of five wood blocks (see illustration). Screw shelf brackets to the box, and bolt fi rmly to the wall. For the top support, drill similar-sized holes through a plank. Fit the pipes in the bottom support and slip the top board over the pipes. Cap the pipe ends. Once again, use bolts and brackets to secure it fi rmly to the wall.

5 Hang tools
Use pegboard hooks to position your tools. For large items such as circular saws, cut a tool-size hole in the front or rear pegboard page, then hook the tool above the hole. The extra space will allow the page to fold flat.

More to do in January
Take down Christmas tree decorations
If you’re like most people, you’ll rip those expensive baubles off the tree without due care – and probably break a few. Then, when the Festive Season comes around (as it’s wont to do), you will have to go out and spend good money on replacements. Rather take your time, and store the decorations in a safe place.

Give the deck a treat
South Africa’s summer sun can do terrible things to untreated wood, so protect your investment with a good coating of oil or similar preservative. While you’re about it, treat all wooden chairs and outdoor furniture, and don’t forget wooden window frames and garage doors.

Build a braai
If you’re happy with your portable braai, good for you. However, if you feel the need to invest in something more solid and permanent, visit our Web site at www.popularmechanics.co.za and check out the brick braai project on our “Home” page; you can build it in a weekend.