For any woodworker, mechanic, or dedicated DIYer, the workshop is a sanctuary. It’s a place where creativity takes form and projects come to life. But there’s a common enemy that lurks in every creative space: clutter. And in the modern cordless era, the biggest source of that clutter is often a tangled pile of power tool batteries.

They slide off shelves, get lost under workbenches, and are never fully charged when you need them most. It’s a frustrating cycle that wastes time and kills productivity. Power Pro ambassador Bruce Ulrich (@brudaddy) was facing this exact problem. His existing shelf was functional, but it wasn't an efficient system. So, he decided to tackle the problem with a clever, simple, and incredibly sturdy DIY solution.

Using just a piece of scrap OSB, some custom 3D-printed holders, and a handful of reliable Power Pro Wood Screws, he transformed his battery storage from a cluttered shelf into a clean, grab-and-go wall-mounted station. Here’s how you can do the same.

The Problem: Why Your Battery Storage Isn't Working

Before diving into the solution, it's important to understand the problem. A simple shelf, while better than nothing, often leads to what Bruce was experiencing:

• The "Battery Pile-Up": Batteries get stacked on top of each other, making it impossible to see which ones are charged without digging through the pile.
• Wasted Space: A deep shelf often leaves a lot of unused vertical space, while the front edge becomes a mess.
• Lack of Security: Batteries can be easily knocked off a shelf, potentially damaging the expensive power packs.

An effective organization system isn't just about tidiness; it's about creating a workflow that makes your time in the shop more enjoyable and productive. Bruce's project achieves exactly that.

The Fix: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Better Battery Station

This project is perfect for a weekend afternoon and uses materials you might already have lying around. The core idea is to create a solid mounting panel that can be securely fastened to the wall.

Step 1: Create a Super-Sturdy Mounting Panel

Bruce started with some scrap OSB (Oriented Strand Board). OSB is an excellent choice for shop projects because it's strong, stable, and inexpensive. To ensure his panel was thick and rigid enough to hold the weight of multiple batteries without flexing, he laminated two pieces together.

He cut two sheets of OSB to the same size on his table saw. Then, using 1 ¼” Power Pro Wood Screws, he fastened the two sheets together. Using screws instead of just glue creates an immediate, powerful mechanical bond that doesn't require clamping or long dry times.

Step 2: Secure the Panel to the Wall

This is the most critical step for a safe and secure installation. The panel, loaded with batteries, will have significant weight. It must be anchored directly into the wall studs.

Bruce located the studs in his wall and used 3” Power Pro Wood Screws to mount the OSB panel. The 3-inch length is key here, as it provides the necessary depth to go through the OSB and drywall and get a deep, secure bite into the solid wood of the stud. This ensures the organizer will never pull away from the wall.

Step 3: Attach the Battery Holders

With the foundation securely in place, it was time for the final step. Bruce had custom 3D-printed holders designed for his specific tool brands. These holders are widely available online, or you can print them yourself if you have a 3D printer.

He arranged the holders on the OSB panel for easy access and then used more of the versatile 1 ¼” Power Pro Wood Screws to lock them into place. The sharp point and aggressive thread of these screws make driving them into the dense OSB a quick and easy task.

Step 4: Load it Up!

The result is a clean, perfectly organized, and robust battery charging and storage station. Every battery has its own dedicated spot, is easy to see, and is simple to grab when needed. This is the kind of shop upgrade that pays dividends every single day.

Why Your Choice of Screw Matters for Shop Projects

A project is only as strong as its weakest link, and in woodworking, that link is often the fastener. Bruce’s choice of Power Pro screws was deliberate. For shop projects that need to be durable and reliable, you need a screw that won't let you down.

• Holding Power: The 3" Power Pro screws used to mount the panel to the wall are engineered for superior holding power. When you're hanging something heavy, you need absolute confidence that it will stay put, and Power Pro delivers that peace of mind.
• No-Strip Star Drive: The star drive head provides a positive, slip-free engagement with the driver bit. This prevents stripping the screw head, especially when driving long screws into dense material like a wall stud.
• Versatility: The 1 ¼" Power Pro screws demonstrated their value twice in this project—first for laminating the OSB and then for attaching the holders. Having a go-to, reliable screw for multiple applications is a huge time-saver in the shop.

Bruce’s ongoing quest is for better organization so he can get back to building more things. By using the right materials and the right fasteners, this simple project is a massive leap forward in that quest.