This project was built and designed by Tim from Casual Builds. It’s a smart, space-saving clamp organization system built around a French cleat wall, perfect for small shops and mixed clamp collections.
Instead of settling for a one-size-fits-all rack, Tim designed a system that adapts to different clamp types and sizes. Using scrap plywood and simple joinery, he built a modular solution that keeps clamps secure and easy to access—without taking up precious floor space.
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The Challenge of Clamp Storage
Clamps are one of the most important tools in a woodshop, but they’re also some of the most difficult to store neatly. With various lengths, thicknesses, and handle styles, no single rack style works well for all of them.
Traditional clamp racks often use fixed slots or shallow shelves, which may not hold heavier clamps securely. Over time, this can lead to piles of clamps on the floor or tools that are hard to reach when needed most.
Why a French Cleat System Works
To solve the problem, Tim turned to a French cleat system—a wall-mounted approach that allows components to hang securely while remaining movable and adjustable. This makes it easy to rearrange tools as needs change or clamp types grow.
The cleats are cut from scrap plywood and mounted to the shop wall, forming the base of the rack. Individual clamp holders attach to the cleats, allowing them to be spaced or repositioned at will.
Cutting the Plywood Backers
Tim begins by breaking down scrap plywood into strips that will form the backer panels. These pieces mount directly to the French cleat and support the angled holders that grip the clamps.
Each backer is cut to a manageable size to make layout and assembly easier. This isn’t a project where premium material is necessary—repurposing offcuts is encouraged.
Making the Clamp Holders
The heart of the system lies in the angled clamp holders. These pieces cradle the clamps at an angle that balances accessibility and security.
Tim cuts rectangles from plywood and then rips them diagonally to create angled pairs. He uses the table saw fence to keep the cuts consistent, ensuring that every clamp holder fits and aligns cleanly on the backer board.
The angle helps keep clamps from tipping or sliding off while still making it easy to grab and return them during a project.
Assembly with Dowels
Rather than using visible screws or brackets, Tim assembles the rack using dowels. This approach adds strength and keeps the front of the rack clean and unobstructed.
He uses a dowel jig to guide hole placement, making sure everything stays aligned. This attention to detail is a hallmark of his build style—simple techniques done right.
To aid in the glue-up and sanding process, Tim builds custom jigs to hold parts in place. These jigs may take a little extra time to make, but they pay off in accuracy and ease during assembly.
Glue-Up and Final Build Steps
After all the pieces are prepped, the angled holders are glued to the backers and clamped until dry. The dowels lock everything in place while the glue sets, forming a sturdy base for each clamp set.
Once dry, each completed rack module is ready to be hung on the French cleat wall. This system makes it easy to rearrange racks, add more holders, or remove a set temporarily without unmounting the entire system.
Customizable and Expandable
One of the standout features of this project is its flexibility. Each clamp holder module is built to support a specific type or size of clamp, so you can tailor the setup to your exact needs.
As your tool collection grows or changes, simply build more modules and rearrange them as needed. This adaptability is especially helpful in small workshops where wall space is limited and every inch counts.
Practical, Sustainable, and Skill-Building
By using scrap wood and focusing on strong, repeatable joinery, this project stays affordable and efficient. It’s also a great opportunity to practice key woodworking skills—cutting angles, using jigs, and working with dowels.
Tim emphasizes that organization shouldn’t come at the cost of flexibility. This project makes it easier to work smarter, not just cleaner.
A Better Way to Store Clamps
This adjustable clamp rack offers a cleaner, more functional way to store one of woodworking’s most awkward tools. It’s simple, effective, and customizable—exactly what small shop owners need to stay efficient.
By turning scrap plywood into something this useful, Tim shows how organization and craftsmanship can go hand in hand. It’s a great reminder that even small projects can make a big difference in the shop.
Please support Tim by visiting his website: https://www.casualbuilds.com/.