How to Build a Metal Storage Cabinet and Save

A metal cabinet offers a secure way to store objects such as gardening tools, equipment and supplies. Steel is strong and durable. Therefore, it can withstand heavy and abusive use. It is also more resistant to the elements such as cold weather and variable temperatures. While you can buy cabinets from J&A Industries, it can be extremely costly. Besides, it may not fit the space you intend to use it in. The good news is that you can learn how to build a metal storage cabinet on your own. Doing it yourself is not only cost-effective but you can also build it to your specifications. What Do You Need? • Corrugated steel sheets • 2-inch wide steel strips • Measuring tape • Welder • Shelf brackets or drawer glides • Screwsrn• Two handles • Four hinges • Plumb line • Drill • Safety goggles • Gloves Instructions Before you start working with metals, ensure you wear safety goggles and gloves. This is for your own safety. The process of building a metal storage cabinet may not be so simple but you can pull it off if you have some metalwork skills and ability to follow simple instructions. Here are the steps to follow: Step 1: Demarcate the Confines of the Cabinet The first thing to do is to define the area where you intend to place the cabinet. Measure the length, width and height of that area. Record these measurements because you will require them to design your steel cabinet to those specifications. Step 2: Sketch a Diagram of the Cabinet You Intend To Build Draw a sketch diagram of the cabinet using the measurements you obtained in the first step. The basic structure of a cabinet includes a rectangular metal box with 2 doors that open outwards as well as metal shelving fixed in the inner aspect of the box. There is also the allowance for adding locks for security and chrome handles for easy operation of the doors. Step 3: Fix the Back Panel Find an open working area. Place the corrugated steel sheet that will form the back panel of the cabinet flat on the ground. Lay the two 2-inch even steel strips in a diagonal fashion across the surface of the back panel forming an ‘X’. Fix these strips in place by drilling screws and their nuts along the length of the strips. The screws will provide support and strength to the back aspect of the cabinet. Step 4: Fix the Sides, Top and Bottom Panels of the Cabinet Build the basic shape of the metal storage cabinet by fixing its sides. Make a right angle joint at the end of the back panel and side panels and weld. This will provide a sturdy and rigid joint between the edges at their meeting point. You can then attach the top panel of the storage cabinet by joining it with the sides and back panels. Weld them firmly into place. Your welding must be at right angles to design a box. Remember the back and side panels must -sit vertically while the top panel sits horizontally. Follow the same procedure to weld the bottom panel of the cabinet with the sides and back panels. Step 5: Create the Shelving Here, screw the brackets to the inner surface of the side panels of the cabinet where you will fix the shelves. As an alternative, screw drawer glides if you prefer them to the side panels to maintain the drawers in their place. Use a plumb line to guarantee the horizontal axis of the fittings. Step 6: Put the Doors in Place Along With Custom Features You can now attack the cabinet doors using the 2 hinges on both sides of the cabinet. Test to see that the doors fit perfectly. If all is well, add a security lock and chrome handles if your design includes these custom features. Conclusion Building a metal storage cabinet is as simple as that. You do not have to be a metalwork expert to create this. Using these few steps can help you save hundreds of dollars which you could have spent buying a prefabricated metal storage cabinet. Besides, you will not have the trouble of buying a cabinet that is disproportionate to the space you have set aside for it. You will not regret giving it a try.