DIY Heavy Duty Retail Shelving Unit for Local Brewery
This heavy duty shelving unit was built by Byron and his wife, Kalita, for a local brewery in their hometown of Richmond, Virginia. Byron and Kalita own and operate a small custom fabrication shop in the area called Small Axe Forge.
When the two were approached by Triple Crossing Brewing for a solution to display their merchandise that also fit the look and vibe of the brand, they immediately though of Kee Klamp as a viable solution.
Using Kee Klamp fittings and pipe, Byron and Kalita were able to create this super heavy duty retail display that adds an industrial element to the brewery but is also very functional with racks for hanging clothing and shelving for displaying other merchandise.
Additionally, since the unit is constructed completely using Kee Klamp fittings, it can be dissembled and reassembled if need be or repurposed for other structures in the future.
So with all that said, in this post, we're going to cover the full details of this retail display and cover exactly what fittings you'll need to build one just like it. let's get to it.
Heavy Duty Shelving Unit Project Details:
As mentioned above, the entire unit is constructed using Kee Klamp fittings and industrial pipe. Kee Klamp fittings are different from traditional thread-on pipe fittings in that they secure to pipe using a set screw (that can be tightened down using an Allen Wrench). When the set screw is tightened down, the fitting is secured to the pipe.
This allows the fittings to be adjusted easily if needed. This makes them especially handy in shelving units as the shelf height can be adjusted. Additionally, the entire structure can be dissembled and reassembled if needed (making it great for transport).
Lastly, the fittings and pipe can always be used for another structure should the brewery decide they no longer need the retail display or they simple want to add onto the design or change it completely.
They aren't stuck with one complete unit as they would be if it was a completely pre-fabricated or welded design.
How to Build the Shelving Unit/Retail Display:
This retail shelving unit uses four different types of Kee Klamp fittings: the Flange fitting, 90 Degree Elbow, Side Outlet Elbow, and the Single Socket Tee.
At each corner of the top of frame, the Side Outlet Elbow is used to connect all four corners. This fitting has three sockets for connecting pipe in three different directions. It's popular for "box-like" structures.
To connect the horizontal bars (used for shelving and as a hanging rod) the Single Socket Tee is used. This fitting has two sockets. One allows pipe to slide through completely in one direction while terminating pipe in the other direction. This fitting is popular in shelf structures like this one.
Since the fitting secures to the pipe using an adjustable set screw, the set screw can be loosened to reposition the height of the shelf and then tightened back down to secure it in place.
A few of the shelves have a "winding" or "floating" appearance. This is achieved using the 90 Degree Elbow to change the direction of the pipe.
Lastly, at the bottom of the shelf frame, Flange fittings are used at the structure's "feet". The Flange fitting has a socket on one side to connect pipe and a circular plate on the other side. It also has four countersunk holes in the mounting plate. This allows it to mount structures to a wall or rest on the ground.
Get Help with Your Kee Klamp Project
If you're thinking about building your own custom shelving unit or retail display, make sure to check out our entire inventory of fittings to find the perfect fittings for your project (we have over 80 different types). Additionally, for more inspiration, try checking out our projects area for more ideas.
With Kee Klamp, your imagination is the only limitation to creating something truly unique and perfect to your exact dimensions.
If you need any help at all, don't hesitate to reach out to our projects team for assistance. Our team is experienced in designing and building Kee Klamp projects and will work with you to come up with the perfect design for your exact application. They'll even go so far as to create a 3D Sketchup drawing so you can see how the structure will look before you make a purchase.
The projects team can be reached via email at projects@simplifiedbuilding.com or by visiting our free design assistance page here.
