DIY Compact Portable Magnetic Laptop Shelf Build Instructions
Photos of Portable Magnetic Laptop / Utility Shelves in use
Page 1: Overview & Step 1: Drill Holes
Page 2: Step 2: Mount Brackets
Page 3: Step 3: Glue Magnets
Page 4: Step 4: Add Anti-Slip
Page 5: Options & Variations
Page 6: Photos of Shelf in Use (IUEC)
It’s a Push Button how difficult could it be?
Elevator push buttons were once simple.
Not any more but we have Fabian Bravo the button programming wizard with the tools and the know how.
Stewart Spencer “Stew-Baby” is so important that his phone calls get put on speaker for everyone to hear and has a dedicated shelf.
Why won’t this old elevator run?!?
Wait…. should that motor somehow be coupled to the gearbox?
Something doesn’t look right… better plug up the computer!
Well that doesn’t happen everyday. Thats how you know you’re on an old cab, its magnetic.
Well that and the pull gate
Makes a nice utility shelf but I wish it were a recessed top.
I hate to have to repeatedly grab tools & material off the floor, even before I had a bad back.
And I hate to have a bad back because I like the active life.
Thats why I like my back saving carts and shelves!
I have found that I use these shelves much more for manuals, prints and material than for laptops.
Considering how useful this Portable Magnetic Utility Shelf if for holding material, I now recommend using 6 magnets on the top for the option to hold heavier material including Milwaukee Organizers.
Even though the elevator cab is not magnetic, the Portable Utility Shelf brackets fit between the handrail and cab creating an elevator shelf.
I don’t do the same task everyday so I need manuals and prints.
Elevator Shelf 
Elevator Shelf
I have always had deep admiration for people like my supervisor who didn’t need manuals or prints when in the field.
I would be a millionaire if I had that miracle talent!
Oh snap, Fabian got the UPGRADE!
We added a Velcro Cable Bag to Fabian’s Standard V2 Laptop Shelf
And he got a companion shelf for a set.
Its gonna get jelly around 32.
Yeah, why not?
In Connor MacLeod voice
“There can be only 15”
Only 15 made by me at least, not counting prototype & full magnet demo model. *See note
- KTFG_001_: David Luther – Gray Recessed Top w Cable Bag
- KTFG_002_: Kevin Gittemeier – Red Flat Top
- KTFG_003_: Eric King – Aqua Recessed Top
- KTFG_004_: Fabian Bravo – Gray Flat Top w Cable Bag 1/2
- KTFG_005W: Fabian Bravo – Gray Flat Top Wide Hinges 2/2
- KTFG_006_: Andrew Sauer – Gray Recessed Top
- KTFG_007_: [ ? ? ? ] – White Flat/Flat Faberware
- KTFG_008_: [ ? ? ? ] – White Flat/Flat Faberware
- KTFG_009_: Kevin Gittemeier – Gray Flat Top w Cable Bag 1/2
- KTFG_010W: Kevin Gittemeier – Gray Flat Top Wide Hinges 2/2
- KTFG_011_: Travis Hutcherson – Gray Flat Top w Cable Bag 1/2
- KTFG_012W: Travis Hutcherson – Gray Flat Top Wide Hinges 2/2
- KTFG_013_: [ ? ? ? ] – White Flat Top w Cable Bag
- KTFG_014_: Kevin Gittemeier – Red Recessed Top
- KTFG_015_: [ ? ? ? ]- White Flat Top
- Edit 2020_10 *See note
- KTFG_016_: [ ? ? ? ] – Details to follow
- KTFG_017_: Jimmy Jones – Red Recessed Top
- KTFG_018_: [ ? ? ? ] – Details to follow
- KTFG_019_: [ ? ? ? ] – Details to follow
- KTFG_020_: [ ? ? ? ] – Details to follow
- Prototype: Red with Cup Magnets
- Full Magnet Experiment Model Red
I built several to test out different variations and have sold some to co-workers to help recoup my expenses but I have no intention of building and selling these. I want people to build their own and customize to their needs and preferences and send photos if they would like them featured on website and YouTube video.
*Edit Note, ok so I built some more variations to compare and maybe I will sell off the extras but they won’t be cheap because I’m not cheap!
$200+ depending on model. Email if interested Contact Page
Version 1 Laptop Shelf from original idea in year 2000.
I made the prototype then 4 additional variations for co-workers, each better than the last.
The Fifth and final one turned out excellent and I really would like to make one for myself but didn’t because Version 2 is superior and easier to make.
Recipients of Version 1
- V1 Prototype: Kevin Gittemeier
- V1 KG001: Erik Ross
- V1 KG002: Stacy Manus
- V1 KG003: Eric King
- V1 KG004: James “Bud” O’Neill
What about Version 3?
Magnetic Laptop Version 3 will put Versions 1 and 2 to shame. It will be more than than just a Laptop Shelf or Utility Shelf yet Version 3 will be thinner, lighter and more compact.
I have to complete some other projects before starting Magnetic Laptop Shelf Version 3 but I am optimistic I will complete V3 before the Cole-Bar ships!
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totalElement is my magnet supplier and their magnets can be seen in many of my builds and science projects. totalElement offers great prices, fast shipping and excellent customers service.
https://totalelement.com/
- Most commonly requested magnets:
- 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/16 Block Magnet: buy here
- 1/4 x 1/4 x 1/32 Block Magnet: buy here
- Strong HD Magnetic Push Pins: buy here
- Magnetic Swivel Hook HD 55lbs: buy here
- Mounting Magnets Page: shop here
- Magnet Sale Page: shop here
Page 1: Overview & Step 1: Drill Holes
Page 2: Step 2: Mount Brackets
Page 3: Step 3: Glue Magnets
Page 4: Step 4: Add Anti-Slip
Page 5: Options & Variations
Page 6: Photos of Shelf in Use (IUEC)
*Edit Note, ok so I built some more variations to compare and maybe I will sell off the extras but they won’t be cheap because I’m not cheap!
$200+ depending on model. Email if interested Contact Page
Hey Kevin, how is version 3 coming along? I can’t imagine what your plans are for making it “thinner, lighter and more compact.” I’ve been a lurker for a while as I was going to make my own invention just as you have done, but you have done a ton of the trial and error as well research into making your shelf.
I came up with the same idea a year ago when I saw a shelf like it mounted with screws in a PLC console and I told the tech I was working with that it would be awesome to mount one of those with strong magnets and have it moveable around all of our different work areas and sites… they just shrugged and I stayed busy with work as I was the FNG. Finally with a little more down time and days of research several months ago, I saw that you had the same drive as I for a product/project like the one you have created. Anyhow, great work thus far on your personal project, I hope to order the materials soon so that I can have a couple of shelves lying around in my laptop bags/work truck.
Thanks,
Version 3 won’t start for a while as I have other projects to complete first.
Version 1 took me nearly 20 years to complete when I found the half started project while cleaning my basement and finally finished it. Version 2 had been in my head for years but took that long to find the proper hinges.
The key to Version 2 is the low profile hinges and the magnet configuration. I will explain the science behind the magnet config in a future update but its important to do the magnets exactly as I have, alternating the poles.
I have one model that uses 1/32″ thick magnets and holds very strong. Yes 1/32″ paper thin magnets. The key is the alternating poles.
I will update this post in the future with more info but time is very limited and I make little to no money off these posts (1-3% off amazon links) so its hard to justify the time.
Good luck and remember you can help support this website and YouTube channel by Subscribing, hitting Like & Commenting on videos.
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Hello Kevin,
Fantastic Idea and thanks for sharing with everyone. My question is about the magnet. Does the magnet can damage hard hard drive or any other parts on the laptop? How strong the magnet should be to effect and damage the hard drive?
Thanks,
Thanks, and good question.
Anything is possible but practically, no. Remember powerful magnets are in hard drives but fields are shunted. Just don’t store the laptop shelf magnet side touching the laptop (likely would still be fine but just to be on safe side). Store it cutting board side towards laptop. I will make an edit fully explaining the magnetic shielding, concerns etc later today but it’s important to use the magnets I specify and alternate poles.
I’ll post my edit as a reply here as well.