2x4basics 90124MI Custom Shelving and Storage System Shelflinks, Black, 6 Pack

This system allowed me to build a basement storage unit that was 8ft wide & 8ft high with 4 shelves that can store about 20 total Rubbermaid containers (18 inches between shelves)! I used 8 total shelf links and 20 2x4s (~$3.00 ea). Using a hand circular saw it's tough getting the middle pieces cut by exactly 6 7/16" and instead mine are more like 6 1/2". I'm not sure I could've done any better without a miter saw, but I'm not sure it's that necessary. This still seemed fine, and I still had to hammer most of them down. Overall it seems very strong, but there was a little sway. I attached the top of the vertical studs to the basement ceiling joists for extra support and to reduce sway and prevent toppling. I'm pretty confident these things will be fine.My original plan was to build a second unit directly in front of this one to double the shelf depth from 16 to 32 inches. I've yet to fully load it up with weight, but after seeing how strong this shelf is by itself that doesn't seem necessary. Instead I'll just build a second one along side it for a full 16 feet of 8ft high shelving.Clearly you have to take some time and plan everything out first, especially if you're building large units that sort of need to be assembled in place. In my case I needed to lay everything on its side while I slid the shelves onto the vertical supports, then raise up the entire unit, and then lift and screw in each shelf at the desired height. I realized that I also needed to add the mid pieces to the bottom shelf and screw that one in completely before lifting the unit up, otherwise I would never be able to get under there to do that. Pay attention to where you will need to access for screwing in the pieces and plan ahead, especially if you're positioning these into a tight space.It definitely would help to have a second pair of hands, but I did it myself and it was ok. I also didn't have any issue with the screws.This is a great system that allows you to build shelves to fit whatever you need.

We built two shelf for our basement. These units worked will for a our needs and I have some suggestions for those thinking of using this product to build shelf units after reading all the other reviews on Amazon.1. Building and assembling the shelf units required two people. My recommendation unless your very strong don't attempt by yourself to assemble the shelf units due to the weight of the 2X4 lumber.2. Ensure all materials are in the box when you receive your shipment. Our had all materials and screws. Return if missing parts.3. Use the following items to help ensure level storage - Table saw or Miter saw to make your lumber cuts. We used a miter saw.4. Use a good quality multi-speed drill using an extension bit to drive in the screws with the right size Phillips head bit.5. Do some planning before building and assembling your project. Example: our basement is 8' 6". In order to use the top shelf, we cut the vertical 2X4 lumber at the 5'. This allowed for each shelf to hold 2' 6" between each shelf and our first floor joist.7. Depending on the weight of the items to be placed on each shelf, please use on 2X4 by 8' and not attempt to use 2X4 by 10' or 2X4 by12' lumber.8. Although the instruction do not state this item, the second shelf slides down the vertical 2x4 post. Only cut needed on the vertical posts are to size the top shelf space to fit your space where the unit will fit.7. I would recommend on purchasing on prime 2x4 lumber from Home Depot or Lowes (my came from Lowes) to ensure that lumber is straight and not too many defects.

I bought some of these shelving brackets from my local hardware store, and when they no longer stocked it, I ordered a further set from Amazon in 2015 to complete the shelving in my garage. I liked the way it installed quickly and simply.What I didn't know was that when constructed as recommended this shelving will not tolerate even moderate loads. Over time the plastic fractures and cracks under the load. When I say "load" I'm referring to a shelf load of aerosol spray cans, paint thinner, and in one case a 16" scroll saw. I attach photos of the shelving showing the cracked shelving brackets, and showing the moderate loads put on them. Approximately 50% of the plastic brackets have fractured and are threatening to collapse, leaving me with the messy job of now cutting them out and replacing them with 16" pieces of 2 x 4". In retrospect I wish I had just made up the shelving from 2 x 4's instead of trying to take a short cut with this product.I am surprised that others haven't commented on the inherent weakness of these plastic shelving brackets.UPDATE -18 May 2018This is a long over due update to my above post. I was extremely grateful to Luke and James in their comments for pointing out that I had in fact failed to install the additional required screws at the lower part of each bracket. How I missed this I don't know but in my defence it wasn't completely intuitive in the instructions since the brackets come with predrilled holes in which I inserted screw, but the brackets also have what are effectively slots in the lower part of each bracket which you can see in my attached photos, and which require a screw also.Thanks guys - very embarrassing but this does illustrate the value of these Amazon reviews. I now have to take the shelving apart and fix it - a job I have been putting off.Paul