Installation Guide: Fleximounts GR38 Classic 3′ X 8′ Overhead Garage Storage Rack

A neat and organized garage space is on everyone’s must-have list for the home. And installing overhead storage is one of the best ways to achieve this. When you use overhead garage storage, you can maximize the ceiling space as it will free up floor space to store more oversized items such as your vehicles or workbenches and more area for the needed activities in the garage. Overhead garage storage racks add value to your garage space by keeping your seasonal items, workshop stuff, and other items that don’t belong anywhere else at home clean and tidy. This Fleximounts GR38 Classic 3′ X 8′ Overhead Garage Storage Rack uses a ceiling-type installation. The stable and sturdy design is made possible as the grid design and frame are welded together, and the material used is heavy-cold rolled steel. It has a safe and high-loading capacity due to its high-quality construction. It can carry up to 600 lbs in weight. Moreover, Fleximounts includes thicker screws than other brands offering overhead garage storage. The Fleximounts screws go through strict tests to assure of their high quality. This garage storage is height adjustable from 22” to 40” ceiling drop-down. It is perfect for customizing the height fit perfectly for you and your garage space, and it is also suitable for securing either ceiling studs or solid concrete ceilings. Optimizing overhead garage storage is advantageous in avoiding flood damage by storing your things off the garage floor and protecting your items. It will also make your garage look neat and get away from insects and rodents. The integrated grid design is made for easier assembly. Trust us when we say that you do not need to be a pro in construction when installing our overhead garage storage racks. Even newbies can assemble the racks in no time. Everything you need to know when it comes to installation, you can find in the package. Moreover, this article will let you follow the step-by-step guide for easier understanding.

What’s in the box

Everything you need is neatly tucked in one box: all the necessary hardware and instructions are included. Also in the package is the installation template that will guide you to mark the holes. Inside the package, you will find the rack parts, rack installation manual and template, and screw sets.

Rack Parts

1. 6 pcs Ceiling Brackets
2. 4 pcs L-Shaped Upper Vertical Posts
3. 4 pcs Upright Upper Vertical Posts
4. 4 pcs L-Shaped Lower Vertical Posts
5. 4 pcs Upright Lower Vertical Posts
6. 4 pcs Connecting Plates
7. 4 pcs Wire Grids

Screw Set

1. 12 pcs St8.0 x 60 Tapping Screws
2. 12 pcs M8 x 15 mm Bolts
3. 12 pcs M8 Nuts
4. 1 pc Socket Wrench
5. 1 pc 5 x 5 mm Hex Key
6. 6 pcs M8 x 15 mm Bolts
7. 6 pcs M8 Nuts
8. 28 pcs M8 x 10 mm Bolts
9. 8 pcs M8 x 10 Bolts

Tools needed when installing the Fleximounts GR38 Classic 3′ X 8′ Overhead Garage Storage Rack

The tools you will be using to install the GR38 are pretty basic. They are the tools that you invested in when first building your toolbox.

1. Pencil
2. Cordless Power Drill
3. Tape Measure
4. Stud Finder
5. Ladder
6. Safety Glasses
7. Wrench
8. Screw Driver

*You can use an electric drill to tighten the bolts and screws for a faster installation process.

Quick Overview of the Installation Process

Here is the summary of the installation process when assembling the GR38.

1. Plan the location in your garage where you will install the rack. You should include in the decision-making the orientation and spacing of the joists.
2. Install the ceiling brackets.
3. Assemble the vertical posts.
4. Attach the vertical posts to the ceiling brackets.
5. Assemble the wire grids.
6. Place and attach the wire grids.

Install the Fleximounts GR38 Classic 3′ X 8′ Overhead Garage Storage Rack in these easy-to-follow steps

1. Take out all the package contents in an open area in your garage or lawn. Two or more persons are recommended to do this task for an easier and quicker process.
2. Next is to plan the installation location.
3. First, you must determine if you will install the ceiling rack parallelly or perpendicularly to the direction and spacing of your ceiling joists. For a parallel installation, ensure that the ceiling joists are 36” apart.
4. Use a stud finder to locate the joists if your ceiling is finished with drywall.
5. For parallel installation of the ceiling brackets, locate the wooden ceiling joists using a stud finder.
6. Then, use the installation to mark the mounting points with a pencil. The installation template is reusable for marking the mounting points on each side.
7. At the center of each marked point, drill a 2.4” or 60mm deep, 0.18” or 4.5 mm diameter pilot home.
8. Install the ceiling brackets using tapping screws and tighten them with a socket wrench.
9. For perpendicular installation of ceiling brackets, locate the wooden ceiling joists using a stud finder.
10. Then, use the installation to mark the mounting points with a pencil. The installation template is reusable for marking the mounting points on each side.
11. At the center of each marked point, drill a 2.4” or 60mm deep, 0.18” or 4.5 mm diameter pilot home.
12. Install the ceiling brackets using tapping screws and tighten them with a socket wrench.
13. For perpendicular installation of ceiling brackets, use a stud finder to locate the wooden ceiling joists.
14. Then, use the installation template to mark the mounting points. Note that the installation template is reusable for marking mounting points on each side.
15. Drill a 2.4” or 60mm deep, 0.18” or 4.5mm diameter pilot hole at the center of each marked point.
16. Install the ceiling brackets using tapping screws and tighten them with a socket wrench.
17. The next step is to assemble the vertical posts.
18. Determine the hanging height. Then attach the L-shaped/upright upper vertical posts with L-shaped/upright lower points using the M8 x 15 mm bolts and M8 nuts. Ensure that the length of all the vertical posts is uniform.
19. Tighten them with a socket wrench and hex key. Then, proceed to tighten the screws one by one. Do not tighten any screws until all screws are loosely installed to avoid the misalignment of holes when installing the screws.
20. The next step is to attach the vertical posts to the ceiling brackets. Be wary of the distance between the posts.
21. Attach the L-shaped vertical posts to the ceiling brackets using the M8 nuts and M8 x 15 mm bolts. Tighten them with a socket wrench and hex key. Always install the vertical posts between the bolts in the ceiling bracket. Do not attach the vertical posts outside. Otherwise, the ceiling brackets will bend, causing personal injury or property damage in case the stored items fall.
22. Attach the upright vertical posts to the ceiling brackets using the M8 nuts and M8 x 15 mm bolts. Tighten them with a socket wrench and hex key. Always install the vertical posts between the bolts in the ceiling bracket.
23. The next step is to assemble and attach the wire grids.
24. First is to assemble the wire grids side by side and attach them using the M8 x 10 mm bolts.
25. Tighten with a hex key. Then, tighten the screws one by one. Do not tighten any screws until all screws are loosely installed to avoid misalignment of holes when installing the screws.
26. Attach the connecting plates at the joints using the M8 x 10 mm bolts.
27. Tighten with a hex key.
28. The next step is to place and attach the wire grids.
29. Insert the wire grid set. The corners of the grid fit into the slot of the L-shaped vertical posts.
30. Using a hex key, tighten the M8 x 10 mm bolt.
31. Attach the upright vertical posts with the side of the grid by tightening the M8 x 10 Bolts with a hex key.
32. Double-check all screws. Make sure that all are tightened perfectly.
33. You can now load up your ceiling shelf and declutter your garage.

Installation Tips

1. Use of Metal Expansion Bolt. A metal expansion bolt is needed if installed on a concrete ceiling. However, the metal expansion bolts are not included in the package and must be provided by the customer.
2. Installing on Slanted Ceiling. One can install the Fleximounts ceiling rack on a slanted ceiling by adjusting the length of the vertical angle post assemblies. Make sure that the angle of inclination is within 15 degrees. And you must install the ceiling rack with a horizontally level storage platform and vertically-leveled vertical angle posts.
3. Installing against Wall. One can install the Fleximounts ceiling rack against the wall on one end by attaching the vertical posts to the wall studs. However, the wall studs must be 48” apart. The additional hardware needed for installation is not included in the package.