15 Easy Workbench Improvements | Upgrading The Garage Workbench | Adding Storage

Recently I built this easy 2x4 and plywood workbench for my garage. And today I'm showing you how I made 15 easy but super effective upgrades like more storage, organization, a vice, more workspace, accessibility and more!

Things I Used in This Project:

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Welcome to the official April Wilkerson YouTube channel! I’m April and I’m the creator of Wilker Do’s. I am an obsessed DIYer and Woodworker. I'm not professional or have any training, so I just pick the project I want to tackle and figure it out step by step. On this channel you will find a variety of content like DIY home improvement, How-To’s, construction, design and more!

#AprilWilkerson #workbench #upgrades

[billbryan]

Love your channel I am 63 and was a contractor for 25 years. I have a 32 X 56 shop and have made alot of different woodworking projects over the years and feel I have a good skillset and I still pick up great tips from you. I enjoy your videos very much !! Keep up the good work ! ❤️

[mikedurkac]

Watched dozens of these kinds of videos, and I gotta say you've come up with some really creative ideas here! Great job

[benparry]

The PVC pipe "clamps" and other PVC hacks are probably my favourites, though the folding workbench extension is pretty slick too.

[tcufrogfan]

Oh my gosh! The simple shelves!! I’ve been looking all afternoon for just a basic shelf. Every other one someone is trying to show off there skills, or hardware that’s more than a workbench! Thx much for giving just basics for a bench for those of us that use their garage for everything. The candy holder is cool too!

[manikandanganesh]

April, that drawer with handle on both sides was truly a masterpiece. Such a simple idea but mighty effective. A warm hug for that from India.👌👌🌹🌹

[Steve-vthl]

Sooo, in about 2 weeks, I'm having a 12' by 24' Tuff Shed installed in my back yard with 8' walls. The slab gets poured Monday November 6th. I have scoured the internet (and obviously YouTube) looking for ideas on benches as well as folding benches that go up into the wall to save space. The shed will have a 4 person golf cart, lawn tractor, as well as much other lawn equipment. Obviously, it will have a lot of tools as well, so I have probably watched 50 different videos getting ideas. This is the 3rd one, I believe, of yours. So far, you have utilized the type of space I am looking for. Thank you VERY MUCH Steve :)

[SoniaBDorsey]

YOU have been SO selfless and giving and sharing with all the wood working community and many others not in the community this year. Thank you for your outstanding contribution and dedication, you are an inspiration to many. May 2022 bring you peace, love, and continued success! From one Texan to another: Happy Holidays!

[juliehaley]

Thanks, April. After finding your channel today I’m definitely on the team now!
My first year of nursing school was all on zoom. Being at a computer for that many hours of the day found me wanting to chase the sun. My home office was south facing, but I noticed as the year progressed the sun moved more to my living room (also south facing).
My dad was a contractor in our small community on the Olympic Peninsula, WA for 33 years. He passed away 7-months before I got my acceptance letter to nursing school.
I used my own mind and creativity to build a 6’ long hinged cedar desk/plant shelf/computer and study space in my living room out of some of his amazing leftover wood from his shop.
I can’t remember how many times I went to the hardware store trying to figure out how to bracket it. I googled and looked for locking hinges forever (still never found them but created a not so gorgeous dowel system, but it’s functional). I would sit down in the aisle sometimes and just process it out.
I made it! And it was a great brain and study break and stress release for me.
I too, like figuring things out. It’s a mind workout in a satisfying way.
Wish I could share photos on here :)
I’ll keep watching :)
-Julie

[donwilliams]

Thanks for giving these clever gems to your viewers. I will add a couple of them in my shop. I highly recommend anyone looking for shop drawers to try the laminate glides. They really aid in sliding heavy drawers in and out.

[louisleroux]

electric drill on the end of the threaded rod, and a vice grip on the nut makes getting the nut on very very easy!

[GrantOakes]

None of these tips were worthless! Every single one was a great idea that can easily be implemented and is VERY useful! THANKS! One thing I did for my modular workbenches (see Ben Tardif channel) was to make my tops hinged so I can flip them up and under the top 2x4's I screwed 1/4" plywood, so I have a 3-1/2" deep storage area. It gets better, I ripped more plywood and made dividers for my drills, batteries, jig saw, blades, tape measures, glue, etc. I also installed a french cleat on the end of one of them, built a stand for my table saw and can quickly hook it to my bench and it now becomes a run off table, yet can be easily stored under the bench. Same cleat holds another stand for my router table. One last thing, dump the beer, you deserve a fine wine!

[pteddie]

Hey, April. The 'hand screw clamp vise' idea blew my mind. I think that this idea will provide me with all the clamping capabilities that I need for my simple workshop and workbench.
I also found the screw on cap for hanging pipe clamps to be a stroke of genius.
Really, I couldn't stop saying, "Oh yeah, I'm gonna totally do that.", after almost everyone of the tips. Thanks a lot for this video.
Merry Christmas. (Ain't nutin' like Christmas in Texas!)

[TraumaChaplain]

I like your ideas and I am a highly vision oriented organizer myself. So for drawers I take a picture of what's inside, laminated, and put it on the front so there is no guessing and for the children as well they know where things go without any instruction

[johnstegen]

Hello: I ham 65 years old and been doing woodworking since 6th grade shop class. I have watched alot of videos when I need some ideas and have to say you have some of the best I have seen. Keep up the good work.

[jamestaylor]

I've seen many workbench accessory videos. Most are repetitious. This is unique. Good job Lady!

[cindywinger]

Love this workbench! I think you are amazing! Just recently found you and am so inspired by your videos. I am 59 years old and just found out I love woodworking so I purchased a cnc machine and it's still in the box. lol Just built the workshop and finishing the insulation over the next few days so I can get heat turned on. Temps are in the minus double digits so hands get cold fast. As soon as heat is on I will help hubby get electricity in and lights and then we will build the table for the Shapeoko 4 XXL. Then I have tons of learning to do but watching your videos makes me believe in myself. I can do this!! Thanks from the bottom of my heart. Merry Christmas

[tellepa]

April thanks to getting back to the basics. I was disappointed when you out grew the small DIY type of projects and weekend build projects.
Love what you are doing and hope you all have a happy holidays.

[getTerrapin]

April, you are fantastic.
That's all, folks.
Carry on. 😊

[diamond]

YOU ROCK. Thank you so much for the tips. ESPECIALLY storage for candy. LMAO 67 in Texas, divorced after 18 years because he cheated. I am fixing everything he didn't. Got most of it done from sprinklers to garage. Now the shed. What a mess.

[rosswitte]

Outstanding ideas! Thank you. My favorite is the workbench extension. My favorite is the under storage with the magnets. My favorite is the drawer slides... Seriously I will be building the put away extension. Great videos. I am super happy for your success.