Installing ShelfTrack™ Shelving

The shelving system includes a top bar (hang track), a series of vertical bars (standards), brackets and shelving that attaches to the brackets. The brackets and shelves can be moved to any positions on the vertical bars.

Before you begin the installation, take a few minutes to prepare the area. Start by emptying the closet and taking down any other shelving that is installed. If you need to paint the closet, do it now, while the walls are bare. When you're ready to install, be sure to find a good lighting source so you can see to work in the back corners of the closet.

Attach the hang track to a stud for best support.

The hang track sits horizontally across the top of the wall. It guides and supports the standards that hold the shelves.

You can put the hang track at any height, but the higher it is, the more space will be available for shelving. Choose the location of the hang track, level it, and attach it to the wall.

The ideal choice is to attach the hang track to studs, but if that's not possible, choose the right hardware for the location:

• Studs: Use #12x2" pan-head screws.



• Drywall: Drill 1/2" holes and secure the hang track to the wall with toggle bolts.



• Concrete: Drill 1/4" holes, insert #12 wall anchors and fasten to the wall using #12x2" pan-head screws.

Good idea:   Use a level for placement of the hang track rather than leveling it against the ceiling.

Measure and place the standards no more than 24" apart.

The standards have slots for attaching the shelving brackets, and they can be as long or as short as you want. The longer they are, the more flexibility you have to reconfigure the shelving.

Cut them to size with a hacksaw, and remember to smooth any rough edges with a metal file. Be sure to wear safety glasses when you cut them.

• Measure the distance from the hang track down to the point that marks the height of the lowest place you want a shelf. This number should be the minimum length of the standards.



• Standards should be placed no more than 24" apart, and no more than 4" from each end of the shelf. The closer together they are — and the more of them that you use on one wall — the stronger the shelving will be.



• For maximum strength, you should install standards along studs.



• Slip the standards into the hang track at the top, and use a level to make sure they hang straight. Let them hang, without securing them to the wall, while you "dry-fit" the brackets and shelves.

Decide where you want each shelf to sit and how long it should be. Have the wire shelving cut to size at your local Lowe's, or cut it yourself with a bolt cutter or hacksaw. Avoid cutting closer than 1" to the vertical spacers on the front lip of the shelf.

Always wear safety glasses when cutting the shelving.

Install the brackets at the levels where shelves will be placed.

Make sure the shelves fit in place before securing the standards to the wall.

For each shelf you install, you will need a bracket for every point that the shelf touches a standard. For example, a shelf that runs the length of a wall, touching six standards, will require six brackets. Do not install shelving without all the required brackets, because there will not be sufficient support for the weight of the shelves and their contents.

• Slip the hooks on the wide ends of the brackets into the slots on the standards and press down to secure the brackets. Place all brackets for a shelf before installing the shelf.



• Place the shelving on top of the brackets with the lip facing you and pointing down. Pop the shelving into place on the bracket to secure it.

• Secure each standard to the wall by running a screw through the hole that is closest to the center of the standard. See the section above for fastener information.



• If you are using a toggle bolt to attach the standard to the wall, you will have to drill a hole in the wall for the toggle. Remove the toggle from the bolt, place the bolt through the hole in the standard, and reattach the toggle to the bolt before you place the standard on the hang track.

• Cap all the cut ends of the wire shelving to keep you and your belongings safe.



• Install accessories to further customize your closet.