How to Install ClosetMaid Shelf Track?

how to install closetmaid shelf track

Last Updated on October 2, 2023

In order to make your closet look nice and neat, it is important to install a variety of shelves and storage options. One popular type of shelving unit is the ClosetMaid shelf track.

A ClosetMaid shelf track is a great way to organize your closet. It allows you to easily move shelves up or down to accommodate different-sized items.

Installing a ClosetMaid shelf track organizes your closet efficiently. To install, measure the space, mark locations, drill pilot holes, and finalize installation with appropriate hardware. Ensure tracks are level and secure. Add clips for hanging items and enjoy an organized closet space.

This article will teach you how to install this type of shelving in your home. This is not a professional installation guide, but we can tell from experience that following these steps will result in a very sturdy closet maid shelf track installation.

Simple Step-by-Step Guidelines How to Install ClosetMaid Shelf Track

Step-by-step Guidelines About How to Install ClosetMaid Shelf Track

Tools

You will need a power drill, level, stud finder, and a 1/8th inch drill bit. These items can all be found at your local hardware store.

Supplies

You will also need between 30 and 40 shelf clips, your choice of Closetmaid shelf track hardware (the metal bars that hold the shelves up), masking tape or painters tape, measuring tape, rubber gloves to protect your hands from the oily residue on many metals, drill bits, pencils, and screwdriver.

Purchase a Track of ClosetMaid Shelf and Hardware kit

First, you need to figure out how many tracks you will need for your closet. Some tracks come with this hardware kit while others do not so you will have to purchase them separately. Make sure when purchasing your shelving unit that they are compatible and will work together (ie: the hardware kit screws into place with a certain size of shelving unit).

Measure the Space for Your Shelf

Depending on what kind of Closetmaid track you purchase it might come with wall anchors or drywall hangers already attached to the shelf. If it doesn’t, measure the height and width of where you want to install your shelves.

Measure along the floor of your closet using a tape measure and mark where each track will be installed. You want to place the bottom of each track at least 12 inches from either side of the closet so there is enough room for hanging clothes.

Mark Your Location

Mark where you are going to drill the holes using a pencil. Be sure to place each hole at least 6 inches from the floor, no more than 12 inches above the floor, and at least one foot away from either side of the closet.

After marking your locations, use your stud finder to mark where there are studs on the wall. You will want to drill your shelf into a stud or use anchors if you are unable to hit a stud when drilling into the wall.

Mark where you will need to drill holes for each track and then begin pre-drilling with your 1/8th inch drill bit. The best way to do this is by using a piece of scrap wood as a guide for your drill bit. You can also use tape to mark the location of your holes in the wood before drilling if you do not have access to scrap lumber. Once you have properly pre-drilled, it is best to finish off each hole using the power drill

Drill the Pilot Holes On the Wall

Take one shelf track and clamp it to a piece of scrap lumber. Be sure that the side with the metal bracket is against the wood and that there is no gap between where you are clamping. Drill through each hole in your track using your 1/8th-inch drill bit.

Drilling at the same time you are clamping, ensures that each shelf track will be at exactly the same height on your wall. Remove the shelf track from the wood and place it against the wall so you can mark where you will need to drill holes on each stud for screwing in your hardware. Also, be sure that both ends of the track are level with one another using a level.

After marking where you will need to drill, remove the track and drill into your wall, making sure you do not go all the way through the drywall.

Finalize Installation

After you have drilled pilot holes, take one part of your shelf’s hardware kit and attach it to the side of each shelf track using a screwdriver. Place this hardware on each stud so that both ends of the track are at the same height.

After you have done this to each shelf, attach all the hardware in the middle of your tracks. Lastly, place your metal brackets on either end of your track and screw them into place using a drill with an appropriate bit attached (be sure that they are screwed into studs).

Add Clips to Your Track

Lastly, add the clips to your shelving unit so that you can hang clothes on them. You can either attach a small arch or a hook to each metal bracket at either end of the shelf track. If you have purchased a hardware kit with your ClosetMaid tracks then it will come with an additional piece required for hanging clothes from the shelving unit.

Put Away All Your Stuff!

Now that your shelves are installed go ahead and start putting all of those shoes, sweaters, hats, and mittens away. It’s time to step up your organization game!

Conclusion

In the end, you will have a tidy and organized closet that’s ready to store all those items from your winter wardrobe. You can also use these tracks as storage for sweaters or scarves during other seasons if you don’t want them taking up space in your dresser drawers! The best part about installing this type of shelving is how easy it was thanks to our step-by-step instructions. Let us know what challenges you were having before reading this article and we’ll do everything we can to help make organizing easier for you.

How to Install ClosetMaid Shelf Track?

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