FAQs about Roll Out Racks
What installation and safety considerations should I be aware of when using Tool & Die Racks for heavy tooling or palletized materials?
The uprights (columns/posts) must be anchored to an adequate concrete floor to meet safe loading and compliance standards per installation guidelines.
Load capacities are rated under the assumption of non-seismic usage, equal loading on both posts, proper vertical (plumb) installation, and correct shelf spacing (e.g., 36″ vertical spacing). If any of those conditions change, you should re-evaluate the capacity.
Because these racks are built for heavy loads, they are substantially heavy themselves. Improper assembly, anchoring, or floor preparation could risk structural failure, load shift, or injury. Follow the manufacturer’s installation guide carefully.
Can the tool & die rack system be expanded if my storage needs grow?
Yes, tool & die rack is a modular rack system, designed to expand. You can add more bays, with their upright, shelves and steel decking to scale as your storage requirements change.
Since components are bolted together on-site and shelf levels are adjustable (in 2″ vertical increments), the system is flexible and adaptable.
What type of construction do tool & die racks use? Is it strong enough to support industrial tooling, dies, molds, or heavy palletized loads?
Tool & Die Racks are built from hot-rolled structural C-channel steel for uprights and beams, not light-duty roll-formed steel. The beams and uprights are welded one-piece, with full vertical welds, providing superior strength and rigidity versus spot-welded alternatives. Beam-to-column connections use heavy 7-gauge wrap-around connector plates with two-bolt hardware per beam, which offers ≈ 57% more strength than typical single-bolt designs.
Solid steel decking, with bolt-on crossbars underneath for reinforcement, is used instead of wire mesh or wood, making it good for heavy, irregular loads like tools, dies, molds, or palletized slit coils.
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What are the standard dimensions and configuration available?
Common sizes for a free-standing “starter bay” are: 120″ W × 48″ D × 144″ H or 144″ W × 48″ D × 144″ H, 3 shelves per bay. Other offered footprint sizes include 120″ W × 60″ D × 144″ H or 144″ W × 60″ D × 144″ H. Custom sizes beyond these standard configurations are available. The system is modular and can be tailored to your space and storage requirements.
What is the per-shelf load capacity of tool, die, and mold storage racks, and is that based on uniform load?
Each shelf level on the SK3000 structural tool, die & mold rack is rated for 20,000 lbs. (UDL – uniform distributed load). This rating assumes the load is evenly distributed across the shelf.
Are roll-out shelf racks safe and easy to install?
Roll-out shelf racks are engineered for safe handling of heavy loads, using structural channel frames, heavy-duty rollers, and high-capacity shelves. Units must be anchored securely to the floor and set perfectly level for smooth operation. During installation, always finger-tighten bolts first, ensure all shelves roll smoothly and the unit is completely square, then fully tighten bolts and anchor the rack. This is a critical step for proper performance. The system is built to protect expensive molds and dies, preventing equipment damage and reducing downtime.
Can roll-out shelf racks be expanded or configured into rows?
Yes. Roll-out shelf racks have a modular design and are available as starter units and add-on units that share common uprights, allowing you to build a continuous row as your storage needs grow. This modular design provides flexibility for operations facing ever-changing tooling demands.
What sizes and capacities are available for roll-out shelf racks?
Our roll-out shelf racks are available in six standard heights ranging from 60¼” to 120¼”, with 72″ being the most popular. Standard shelf sizes include 36″ x 36″, 48″ x 36″, and 48″ x 48″. Units typically include 3 or 4 roll-out shelves plus a top stationary shelf (that holds equal capacity), and each shelf offers 2,000 lbs. capacity at full extension. There are optional upgrades to 3,000 lbs. per shelf upon request. Shelves adjust on 2″ vertical increments to accommodate changing storage needs.
What makes roll-out shelf racks beneficial for tool and die storage?
Roll-out racks dramatically increase die storage density and improve handling efficiency. The slide-out shelves allow operators to safely load or remove heavy molds and dies using a crane or forklift without straining or reaching into the rack. This reduces handling time, minimizes damage to expensive tooling, and increases overall production uptime. Their durability and ergonomic access make them a favorite across the automotive, aircraft, plastics, steel, and fabrication industries.
What are roll-out shelf racks, and what are they used for?
Roll-out shelf racks are also known as injection mold storage racks, die racks, or roll-out mold racks. These are heavy-duty storage systems designed specifically for storing molds, dies, fixtures, tools, and other industrial components. These racks feature shelves that extend fully, providing access to stored items without having to move multiple pieces or enter the rack. They are the top choice for tool & die storage, especially when materials are handled with an overhead crane.
