This project was built and designed by Jason from PatriotDIY. It’s a floating hand saw holder that mounts to a French cleat wall, offering a smart, space-saving way to store your hand saws and keep your shop tidy.
Designed to be functional and easy to access, this holder keeps your tools off the workbench while still within reach. It also features a clever dowel-locking mechanism that allows each saw to be held securely but removed with ease.
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Why Use a French Cleat System?
French cleats are a favorite for workshop organization because they’re strong, flexible, and easy to rearrange. Each holder mounts to the wall using an angled back piece that interlocks with a cleat fixed to the wall.
This approach not only keeps your tools visible and accessible but also lets you move or swap out holders as your tool collection grows or changes. Jason’s holder is fully compatible with this system and built for easy removal or repositioning.
Why Build a Floating Hand Saw Holder?
Leaving hand saws on a bench or stacked in a drawer increases the risk of damage and makes them harder to reach. Jason’s floating design keeps them in a dedicated space where each saw slides in and out smoothly.
The use of dowels that pivot out of the way is what makes this holder stand out. The dowels tilt when a saw is inserted, then return to position to hold it snugly in place. It’s a smart solution that blends form and function.
Materials and Tools
Jason uses a mix of plywood for the main body and hardwood for the dowels. This keeps the holder light but durable enough to hold several saws without sagging.
Basic tools like a miter saw, brad nailer, drill, and glue are all you need for this project. For accuracy, a speed square and a sander help clean things up and ensure flush joints and edges.
Cutting the Panels and Wedges
The project begins by cutting down the back panel and internal wedge pieces. These wedges are the key to the dowel mechanism, as they guide and secure the dowels that will hold each saw.
Each wedge is cut at a slight angle to allow movement. Once cut, they’re glued and nailed to the back panel with consistent spacing, forming the internal skeleton of the holder.
Assembling the Holder Body
With the wedges in place, front support pieces are attached across the face of the holder. These create slots that align with the internal structure and leave room for the dowels to operate.
The top covers are then added to enclose the unit and increase rigidity. Each piece is glued and secured with brad nails, keeping everything aligned and square. Taking the time to check for flush joints ensures a clean final look.
Making and Fitting the Dowels
Jason cuts each dowel to length based on the spacing of the internal wedges. They should fit snugly but move easily with a light push.
To help with movement, the edges of the dowels are lightly sanded or rounded. Once installed, the dowels pivot inside the slot, pressing lightly against the inserted saw to hold it in place.
Mounting with a French Cleat
A cleat is attached to the back of the holder with glue and screws. The opposing cleat is mounted on the wall, forming the interlocking connection that allows the holder to be removed or moved at any time.
For added security, Jason adds a locking bar at the bottom. This simple strip of wood is fastened to the wall just below the holder, preventing it from lifting upward when removing a saw.
Final Adjustments and Benefits
Once mounted, the holder performs exactly as intended. Each saw has its own place, and the tilting dowels keep them secure without needing extra hardware.
The floating design helps protect the saw teeth and clears space from cluttered workbenches. It also makes inventory easier—when one’s missing, you’ll know instantly.
A Clean, Functional Shop Upgrade
This project checks every box for a practical shop improvement. It’s fast to build, uses simple materials, and adds immediate value by keeping essential tools organized and easy to access.
Jason’s attention to detail and thoughtful layout make this holder easy to customize for different shop needs. Whether you use it for backsaws, panel saws, or dovetail saws, the concept is adaptable and scalable.
Please support Jason by visiting his Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/patriotdiy.