Systainer Storage Ideas: Wall Banks, Mobile Carts and Benches
Published by Ahmed Hamade · Woodworker & Cabinetmaker
Organizing a workshop around Systainer tool cases requires selecting the right storage format for your workflow. Whether building wall-hung cabinet banks, mobile rolling carts, or integrated assembly bench bases, proper layout planning protects tools and improves shop efficiency.
Storage Configuration Comparison
| Storage Format | Best Use Case | Mobility | Max Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall-Hung Bank | Dedicated tool stations, high-capacity storage | Fixed | 1800 mm (71 in) |
| Mobile Sysport Cart | Job site transport, assembly table access | High (Casters) | 1200 mm (47 in) |
| Workbench Base | Compact shops, outfeed table integration | Fixed / Semi-mobile | 900 mm (35 in) |
1. Wall-Hung Systainer Banks
Wall-hung storage banks utilize vertical wall space without consuming valuable shop floor area. Group vertical columns by tool function: cutting tools in one bay, sanding and finishing in another, and joinery tools nearby.
Mount wall cabinets securely using 19 mm French cleats or heavy-duty cabinet screws driven through solid structural back stretchers into wall studs. Never rely on thin 6 mm plywood backs alone to support a full wall of heavy power tools.
2. Mobile Systainer Carts & Sysports
Mobile carts allow rolling an entire tool setup directly to your work area. Build carts with a wide base and low center of gravity to prevent tipping when extended pull-out trays are fully loaded.
Equip carts with heavy-duty 75 mm or 100 mm locking swivel casters. Locking wheels prevent cart movement while operating routers or saws attached to top work surfaces.
3. Workbench Base Integration
Integrating Systainer pull-out trays beneath an MFT or assembly workbench turns dead lower space into functional storage. Standard 900 mm workbench heights accommodate 3 to 4 tray levels below the top surface.
4. Ergonomics, Weight Distribution and Vertical Spacing
Place heaviest tools like routers (OF 1400 / OF 2200), plunge saws (TS 55 / TS 75), and vacuums on lower trays. Reserve upper trays for lighter accessory cases, sanding discs, and fasteners.
Maintain a 15 to 20 mm clearance gap above each case handle to allow comfortable two-handed access when lifting boxes off trays.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum recommended height for a wall-hung Systainer bank?
Keep top tray heights below 1800 mm (71 in) from the floor. This allows comfortable two-handed lifting when removing heavy cases from upper shelves.
How do I secure a heavy Systainer cabinet to shop walls?
Use structural 19 mm French cleats or screw directly through a 12 mm solid plywood back into wall studs using heavy cabinet screws. Avoid relying solely on thin 6 mm back panels for wall mounting.
Why build a mobile Systainer cart instead of a fixed wall cabinet?
Mobile carts on locking casters let you wheel tools directly to the assembly table or job site. They are ideal for compact shops where wall space is occupied by stationary machinery.
How much vertical gap should be left above each Systainer case?
Leave 15 to 20 mm clearance above the top of the case handle. This vertical gap allows your hand to reach the latch and tilt the case slightly when pulling it off the tray.
Where StackDesign sits
StackDesign is one product in a suite. CabDesign is the full cabinet design product, the one that draws kitchens and whole rooms of cabinetry; StackDesign is the piece that plans a wall of tool cases, and it stands on its own. Buy the whole thing, or buy just this part.