How to Build Overhead Storage Racks
- 1). Using the stud finder, locate the ceiling studs in the room you are placing the rack. You will be screwing the "J" hooks into the studs
- 2). Pre-drill the hole for the first "J" hook. Make sure the bit you use is the same size as the screw. You can hold it up to the screw and eyeball it to make sure it is the same size.
- 3). Screw in your first "J" hook.
- 4). The rack will be a rectangle. From the first "J" hook, measure 6 feet along the same stud and pre-drill the hole for the second hook. Screw the second hook into the stud, making sure the hook part is facing the same direction as the first hook.
- 5). Using the stud finder again, find a second stud which is about 4 feet from the first one. The second stud should be parallel to the first one. Pre-drill and screw in the third "J" hook so that it is in line with the first "J" hook. You should now have three hooks in the ceiling in an "L" shape.
- 6). On the second stud, measure 6 feet from the third stud, pre-drill, and screw in the fourth hook, you should now see the rectangle, with the four points being the hooks.
- 7). Place the 1x4 on the hooks. Each 1x4 should sit on the hooks which are on the same stud (i.e., only on the two longer sides of the rectangle).
- 8). Using the steel straps, screw the boards to the "J" hooks. The strap should go around the bottom of the hooks and screw into the boards on either side.
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