How to Build Shelves for a Plumbing Van

Draw up a design of the shelves, taking into consideration how the equipment is to be stored. Measure the distance between the support channels on the walls of the van with the tape measure to provide a length for the shelves. Once you decide how deep the shelves will be, figure out the type and quantity of materials needed. You will need four stand-up angle bars for each shelf unit and two widths and two lengths of angle bar for each shelf on the unit. You will also need four footplates and two corner brackets, plus four feet of angle bar for supports.

Measure, mark and then cut down the plywood to the size of the shelves required with the circular saw. Mark and cut with the metal saw two pieces of angle bar for the length of each shelf and two pieces for the width. Cut four lengths of angle bar for the standup side supports for each shelving unit.

Lay two side-support lengths on the floor. Bolt on one of the footplates to one end of each support length that will be the bottom of the shelf unit. Place angle bars for the shelves' length in position between the two support lengths, with the back angle facing towards the top of the shelving unit. Bolt them in place using the bolt and locking nut, hand tightening only. Repeat this process to make a second assembly. Bolt the angle bars for the width of the shelf in place on one unit. Have an assistant stand the unit up while you bolt the two sections together.

Place the unit in the van, lining it up with the support channels on the van wall. Use the wrenches to tighten all the bolts. Use the level to make sure the unit is square. Cut a two-foot piece of angle bar and loosely bolt a corner bracket to one end. With the shelf against the wall, screw the corner bracket on the angle bar into the support channel of the van using the power screwdriver and self-tapping screws. The angle bar should be touching the side of the shelves. Repeat for the other side, and then bolt the other end of the supports onto the angle bar of the shelves holding it in place.

Use the level again to make sure the shelves are standing straight and screw the footplates into the van floor with self-tapping screws. Lay the wood in position in the angle bars. Use a few wood screws that screwed in from underneath the angle bar to hold the shelves in place. You now have shelves with an edge around to keep tools from falling off. Use this process to make as many shelf units as you need for your plumbing van.