Compiling a list of tools needed for rack building...

[Peter Williams]

So far I've built three very nice melamine racks, and in my journey I've discovered several tools which are invaluable to building a rack. When I start a new one, I like to not have to dig around to find all my tools. So to prevent this I am buying a toolbox to store all my rack building supplies. I've started a pretty comprehensive list of things I need to gather up, and I'm just looking for some input on anything I may have left out, or tools that you guys find very useful as well.

Ok, here's the list:

Measuring tape
Chalk Line
Pencil
Particle board screws
2 drills (one for drill bit, one for screw bit, I hate changing back and forth every 2 seconds)
Drill & screw bit set
Iron-on melamine finishing tape
Melamine tape edge trimmer
Soldering Iron (rack building includes doing the flexwatt too!)
Solder
Pliers
3/4" pipe brackets (for the RDR conduit pipe escape protection)
screw caps (to cover all those ugly screws when your done)
Electrical tape
Aluminum tape
Packing tape
Duct tape
Iron
Right angle assembly clamps
Scissors
Level
Extension cord

That's all I got for now, any additions?

[twh]

good job,the only thing i might add is a 2' drywall square.i use this for pencil lines to make sure screws are centered in the shelfs on the side of the rack.have fun !

[Peter Williams]

good job,the only thing i might add is a 2' drywall square.i use this for pencil lines to make sure screws are centered in the shelfs on the side of the rack.have fun !

thats what i use the chalk line for, i make a sort of grid as i go to know where the screws go

[Freakie_frog]

Table saw to make the cuts your self, Mitar saw to cut rails and up rights. Counter sink (trust me you want to use this) and a framing square and quik square. When it comes to rack if your off a little or off alot.

[Gloryhound]

This is my main list for building a tub rack.

Tools:
Folding rule
Framing square
combination square
Pencil
chalk line
circular saw
Saw horses (I hate working on the ground)
extension cord (12 gauge minimum)
Miter saw
90 degree right angle drill
Cordless drill
Drill index
caulking gun
Phillips head drill adapter
Flex Watt crimping tool (made by Amp connectors)
wire strippers/cutters
Phillips screw driver
Flat tip screw driver (open paint)
Paint stir stick
Roller paint pan
Paint roller
Paint brush

Material:
Melamine shelving (proper size is dependent on tub)
1X2's
1X4's for base
1 1/4" drywall screws
foil tape
Electrical tape
Tubs
3/16 inch piece of paneling for spacer (Usually scrap stuff I have laying around)
1/4" dowel rod for holding pins
2 MFD 4X8 sheet for sides (adjust depending on size of rack. May actually use more shelving depending on design depth.)
Flex Watt
Flex Watt connector kit
Power strip (1 plug per shelf)
House hold extension cord for each piece of flex watt
High gloss Latex paint (Outdoor is really the best as it completely seals, but indoor will work)
Caulking tubes
Elmer's wood glue

End Results:

[JayBP]

I think this thread should be stickied. It's very useful for people looking to build racks and enclosures like myself.

[LarryS]

These quick change flip countersink kits are an awesome little tool to have around. I use mine all the time.

It eliminates the time consuming drill and drive between bit changes or as stated earlier it takes the place of having to have two drills.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/ima...766826&sr=1-22

[Somed00d]

I use a table saw with a dado blade to cut grooves for any racks that are using 4" flexwatt.. could also be done with a router if you don't have the saw/blade.