MOUNT each shelf support to the stud with three 2-in. screws. Slip a string behind the points of the supports already mounted on the vertical shelf ends, and pull it in tight so you can position the remaining supports on the studs. Keep the back of the supports tight against the sheathing.		LAY shelves in place, and mark them for stud cutouts using a small square. Hold the heel of the square tight against the sheathing. Mark each shelf individually, since your stud spacing may vary. Cut the marked notches with a jigsaw. The vinyl coating on the particleboard chips easily, so if you want a neat cut, score just outside the lines before cutting, using a utility knife and straightedge.
SECURE shelves in place with two 2-in. screws at each end. Drill pilot holes at a slight angle into the shelf supports below. Note the combination bit used for pilot holes; it forms both the pilot hole and the countersink for the screwhead at the same time. The length of the drill shank is adjustable for different length screws. Buy combination bits at most home centers for about $3 — one of life’s great bargains.		BUILD 2x4 supports and 45-degree angle brackets for the workbench, securing them firmly to the studs with 3-in. screws. Our workbench, cut from two pieces of 3/4-in. plywood, is notched to fit between studs on both the back and side walls. We had to slide the two separate benchtop pieces in place from the bottom, because the garage door framing blocked it from the top. So we did this before building the supports, holding the plywood in place temporarily with two clamps. We mounted our workbench 39 in. high, but you should pick any height that’s comfortable for you.
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6 Great DIY Projects • Garage Shelving • July/August 1996 © 2000 The Family Handyman