DIY French Cleat Oscillating Tool Holder

Tired of your oscillating tool cluttering your workshop? This DIY French cleat holder keeps it organized and ready to grab.

Does your oscillating tool take up too much space on your workbench or toolbox? This simple DIY holder keeps it organized, easy to find, and ready for your next home improvement project. Plus, it uses the space-saving French cleat system that adjusts to fit your needs, so you won’t waste valuable space in your shop. I’ll show you how to build this handy project in just a few simple steps.

Inspiration for This Project

I recently installed a French cleat wall in my garage to store tools I don’t always need in my workshop. It’s a great way to keep things organized and free up space.

Related: How to Make a French Cleat (2 Easy Ways)

Speaking of infrequently used tools, have you ever bought one that ended up being a bit of a letdown?

For example, I bought an oscillating tool to remove some fragile trim. I figured it would be safer to cut the nails rather than trying to remove them with a pry bar. It worked, but it destroyed the blade in the process. I thought maybe it was a fluke, but after some research, it seems like cutting metal is rough on these blades.

I know oscillating tools are a popular choice for cutting wood door trim when installing flooring, but besides that, I haven’t found many uses for mine. So, to keep it out of the way in my shop, I designed this hanger (with a shelf for extra blades, batteries, or chargers) to store it on my French cleat wall.

TIP: Jay, a faithful reader, messaged me to say he made a second holder to organize his angle grinder. Clever!

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What Wood Should You Use?

I made this project using leftover plywood from building my French cleat wall, tool shelf, jigsaw holder, router shelf, pencil holder, and Rip-Cut holder.

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What Tools Do You Need?

I used six tools to make my oscillating tool rack:

• Table saw: I used my table saw to rip the plywood to width.
• Miter saw: I used my miter saw to cut the holder’s parts to length.
• Scroll saw: I used my scroll saw to remove the waste area for the holder.
• Pocket hole jig: I used pocket hole joinery to assemble the holder.
• Drill: I used my drill to make the pocket holes and drive the pocket hole screws.
• Brad nailer: I used my brad nail and wood glue to assemble the rack.

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Step 1. Attach the Back

To make the sides, I ripped plywood to width using my table saw.

Dig the shirt? It’s a Saws on Skates original! Find more on my Merch page.

With my miter saw, I cut two pieces to length for the sides.

Related: Why Can’t I Make Accurate Cuts? (& How to Fix It!)

Following the diagram in the printed plan, I marked the side for a 45-degree angle. After adjusting my miter saw to 45 degrees, I made the cut.

I’m going to use brad nails to attach the sides to the shelves. To help position the nails, I marked reference lines on the sides.

The back and shelves are the same width. Using my table saw, I ripped enough plywood to width to make these parts.

At the miter saw, I cut one piece to length for the back.

Following the diagram in the printed plan, I marked the locations for pocket holes that will join the back to the sides.

Using my pocket hole jig, I drilled one at each mark.

Related: How to Use a Pocket Hole Jig (Beginner Pitfalls to Avoid)

I positioned it on the side and attached it using pocket hole screws.

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Step 2. Attach the Shelves

Using leftover material from making the back, I positioned it on the side and marked it for length.

At the miter saw, I cut two pieces to this length for the top and bottom shelves.

TIP: I set a stop so I could cut the parts to the same length.

Following the diagram in the printed plan, I marked the outline for the holder on the bottom shelf.

Using my drill and a Forstner bit, I made a hole in each corner to allow easier maneuvering of the jigsaw blade.

Related: What is a Forstner Bit? (& How to Use It)

I began removing the waste section with my jigsaw, but I realized it would be difficult to hold the workpiece safely, so I switched to my scroll saw to finish the cut.

With the holder area removed, I applied glue to the edges of the shelf, clamped it in position, and attached it using brad nails.

Following the diagram in the printed plan, I applied glue to the top shelf and positioned it using my Kreg Multi-Mark.

I clamped it in place and attached it using brad nails.

For the remaining side, I applied glue, placed it on the assembly, and attached it with brad nails.

On the back, I attached the side using pocket hole screws.

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Step 3. Attach the French Cleat

I cut a French cleat to length and marked the location for countersink holes.

Related: How to Make a French Cleat (2 Easy Ways)

TIP: Be sure to offset your countersink holes so they don’t interfere with the pocket holes already in your project.

Using an awl, I made a starting point for the drill bit.

Related: What is an Awl? (& How to Use It)

I clamped the cleat to the holder and drilled a hole at each mark using a countersink bit.

Related: How to Use a Countersink Bit

I attached it using wood screws.

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Video

Watch now, and I’ll show you step-by-step how to make a DIY French cleat oscillating tool holder.

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Final Thoughts

This DIY French cleat holder keeps your oscillating tool organized and accessible and frees up valuable workspace. Its adjustable design fits perfectly into any French cleat system, making it a versatile addition to your workshop.

Don’t wait. Get your PDF plan (including the detailed instructions and measurements) now!

Thank you for stopping by. If you enjoyed this tutorial, would you please take a moment and pin it to Pinterest? I’d really appreciate it!

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