The Secret to Making French Cleat Walls Actually Work

Everyone building a French cleat wall is making the same mistake — and they learned it from YouTube. One simple change will double the tool storage on your wall. Here's what no one is telling you. Most French cleat wall guides show you how to display your tools so they look incredible. Matching holders, tools facing outward, everything neat and photogenic. I get it — I did the same thing for years. But here's the problem: looking good and maximum tool storage are almost always opposites. In this video I cover loads of tips and tricks, answer the most common questions I get about French cleat tool storage and workshop organisation, and walk through the thinking behind building holders that prioritise efficiency over appearance. Whether you're planning your first tool wall or trying to squeeze more onto an existing one — this is the video I wish I'd seen at the start. Good workshop organisation doesn't have to mean a beautiful showroom. It means finding everything, fitting everything, and actually being able to use your workshop. 3D print files for the cleat brackets 1/2 inch - https://www.start-making.com/3d-print... 3/4 inch - https://www.start-making.com/3d-print... Storage cabinet build plans - https://www.start-making.com/build-pl... Want to see the original video -    • I Thought FRENCH CLEAT Walls Were Bad. Unt...   OR More French Cleat Videos.    • 9 French Cleat holders, 1 is the MOST USEF...      • SIMPLE yet PERFECT | CLEATS and HOLDERS ma...      • By FAR the Best Tool Holder I have EVER Ma...   HOW TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL 💪 Become a Patron -   / membership   🎁 Free and Paid 3D Print Files - https://www.start-making.com/3d-print... 🚀 Start Making Website - https://www.start-making.com 🪚 Tools I Use - https://www.start-making.com/tools KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ME: 🟪 Instagram: / @startmaking2022 🟦 Facebook: /   / startmakingwoodworking   🟧 Patreon: /   / membership   🟥 3D Printing for Woodworking Channel: /    / @startmaking2   TOOLS SEEN IN THIS VIDEO ▸ ▸ Mellif Blower - UK LINK - https://amzn.to/497HwEL ▸ ▸ Makita Circular Saw - UK LINK - https://amzn.to/3HD6UX6 US LINK - https://amzn.to/3vOYhWN ▸ ▸ Trend Digital Level - UK LINK - https://amzn.to/4hUCpLZ US LINK - https://amzn.to/3QZqgKP ▸ ▸ Starrett Combination square - UK LINK - https://amzn.to/3vUSKOI US LINK - https://amzn.to/3SAHU9h ▸ ▸ Jorgensen 12" f clamps - UK LINK - https://amzn.to/3UcK408 US LINK - https://amzn.to/3ukHdrg A glimpse inside store for US laser cut cleats - https://aglimpseinside.org/?srsltid=A... Chapters. 00:00 - 00:45 - Intro - Why your French Cleat wall is not perfect. 00:45 - 01:45 - Tip 1 - How to put up your cleats. 01:45 - 02:40 - Question 1 - What Materials to use. 02:40 - 04:06 - Tip 2 - How to cut the cleats. 04:06 - 05:07 - Question 2 - What angle works best ? 05:07 - 05:28 - Tip 3 - Even spacing matters. 05:28 - 07:20 - Question 3 - Backer board Yes / No 07:20 - 09:02 - Tip 4 - What belongs on the wall ? 09:02 - 10:35 - Question 4 - Is dust an issue ? 10:35 - 15:14 - Tip 5 - Mega tool holder tip bundle - Materials, best, worst etc 15:14 - 16:17 - All the biggest mistakes. 16:17 - 18:20 - Ply Vs solid wood, changes of heart and brutal honesty 18:20 - 19:38 - Outro. The reason people don't get French cleat walls. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is a small income to the channel at no extra cost to the buyer. All UK links are for products that I have used. US links are the closest I can find. They are recommendations made from my experience, yours may differ.