Is it safe to just glue plywood for a tool rack, or do I need to worry about end grain?

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Asked By CraftyNinja42 On

Hey there! I've recently started collecting tools and I want to build a budget-friendly tool rack for my cordless gear like drills and impact drivers. I've noticed that most DIY videos suggest using 1/2 or 3/4 plywood. I'm planning to use Titebond 2 for the glue but got to wondering: is there anything specific I should know? For regular lumber, I've heard you shouldn't glue end grain without adding some reinforcements like biscuits or dowels because the end grain can suck up the glue. Does this apply to plywood too? Since the edges and end grain seem similar, I hope it isn't a big issue, but I just want to make sure my tools don't end up on the floor! Thanks in advance!

3 Answers

Answered By PlywoodPal On

You're good to go! You can definitely glue butt joints on plywood without biscuits or dowels if you let the glue soak in first, adding more as needed. It might be worth it to use some fasteners too, just for extra security. Better safe than sorry with your tools!

HandyAndy88 -

Good point! Fasteners can definitely give some added peace of mind, especially when holding heavier items.

Answered By JoineryMaster On

Besides gluing, consider using triangle gussets for more support. They can add tons of durability to your rack, and if you want to really secure it, use dowels along with the glue. Just screw everything together while the glue dries, then take out the screws and drill your dowel holes using the same spots. That way, you'll have a long-lasting rack for your tools!

Answered By ToolTamer99 On

Absolutely, you can glue plywood edges together just fine! I've used birch plywood in various thicknesses and glued end grain to face with no issues. Just to be safe, if you're using thicker plywood for supporting your tools, consider reinforcing it with screws or dowels for extra stability. They really help with the joint strength!

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