How to Fix a Wobble Storage Shelf - Home Improvement...Help! How do I reduce the sway of a shelf?
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I used 2x4s and plywood to build this storage rack.It is stable but has some wobbles.More than I would like.Is there a way to increase the unit's stability?I'm not sure how adding diagonal braces would work.Any help would be greatly appreciated.
The same problem that affects your rectangular shelves is caused by the fact that most things we build are rectangular.
There are ways to counter it.There are other shapes that are not prone to rack.In the picture, you attach the rectangle to the triangles by using knee braces.
It looks like the vertical boards in the front of the shelf are attached in a way that won't allow your shelf to rack left to right, which is another way to make joints that are not as flexible.
Attaching a sheet over the rectangle is another way to prevent racking.If you put plywood over the sides of the shelf unit, it's not possible to rack it front to back.The whole side doesn't need to be covered.Adding a triangle of plywood in the four corners will make the shelf nice and solid.
Some methods of fixing pieces of wood together result in a more rigid joint.One of the most rigid joints, more so than a single screw, is a well-made and glued mortise and tenon.
Adding diagonal bracing can make a big improvement.
Simply bolting the top rear rail to the wall behind it will stop any forward and backward wobbling.If the shelves are free-standing in the middle of a room, you have less options than if they are in a basement.