DeWalt Adjustable Floor Mount/Leveling Kit

One of the key challenges I often face in my workshop is dealing with uneven floors, especially when it comes to setting up heavy-duty storage racks. This is where the DeWalt Adjustable Floor Mount/Leveling Kit (DXSTA04MP) comes into play, providing a robust solution for stabilizing and securing my storage racks. After putting this kit to the test, I'm ready to share my insights into how it performs and whether it lives up to its promises.

Initial Impressions and Installation

The first thing that struck me about the DeWalt leveling kit is its solid construction. Made from steel, the mounting plates are designed to replace the existing nylon feet on compatible DeWalt storage racks. These include models DXST10000, DXST4500, and DXST4500-W. The steel build immediately gave me confidence in the durability and longevity of these mounts.

Installing the kit was straightforward, though it did require a bit of planning. The kit includes four mounting plates, each with the capability to adjust up to 7 inches in height, which is a significant range for tackling uneven surfaces. One aspect to keep in mind is that if you already have your storage racks loaded, you'll need to unload them to install the mounts properly. Given that the mounts need to be installed with a clip as you pass the all-thread end upward, it’s easier to manage with an empty or lightly loaded rack.

Adjustability and Stability

Once installed, the adjustability of the mounts proved to be a game-changer. My garage floor has a slight slope, and these mounts allowed me to level the storage racks perfectly. The threaded adjuster bolts are easy to manipulate, though I did find that in some tight spaces, getting a wrench in to make adjustments could be a bit challenging. Despite this minor inconvenience, the mounts held up well under load, providing a stable base for my double-stacked shelving units.

One notable feature is the inclusion of concrete anchors. These are essential for securing the racks to the floor, especially in earthquake-prone areas where additional stability is crucial. However, I did find that the provided anchors were not long enough to meet the minimum embedment requirements for such regions, so you might need to source longer anchors if you’re in an area with stringent building codes.

Performance Under Load

The true test of any leveling kit is how well it performs under load. In my case, I have two sets of double-stacked shelves, and the mounts managed to handle the weight without any noticeable strain. The steel construction and sturdy welding at the base plate to the all-thread ensure that the mounts can support substantial weight. While I'm not loading my shelves to their maximum capacity of 9000+ pounds, the mounts have shown no signs of buckling or instability with a significant load.

Practical Use and Versatility

Beyond just leveling, these mounts offer practical benefits that enhance the overall usability of my storage racks. For example, they allowed me to adjust the height of the shelves to accommodate an electrical box without having to move it. This kind of flexibility is invaluable in a workshop or garage setting where space and layout can be challenging.

The mounts also proved useful in a carport where the surface had multiple slopes. They efficiently leveled and aligned the shelves, making the workspace more organized and functional. The aesthetic appeal of the mounts is another plus. They fit the DeWalt shelving perfectly and maintain a professional look, which is always a bonus when you take pride in your workspace.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Robust Construction: The steel mounting plates are durable and well-built, ensuring long-term use.
- High Adjustability: Up to 7 inches of height adjustment accommodates a wide range of uneven surfaces.
- Concrete Anchors Included: Provides additional stability, especially important in earthquake-prone areas.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for various DeWalt storage rack models and even compatible with other brands.
- Enhanced Usability: Allows for height adjustments to work around obstacles like electrical boxes.

Cons:
- Installation Complexity: Requires unloading of shelves for installation, which can be cumbersome.
- Tight Adjustment Spaces: Limited space for wrench adjustments can make fine-tuning challenging.
- Anchor Length: Provided anchors may not meet all regional building codes for concrete embedment.

Final Thoughts

After thoroughly testing the DeWalt Adjustable Floor Mount/Leveling Kit, I can confidently say that it's a worthwhile addition to any workshop or garage with uneven flooring. The robust construction and high adjustability make it an excellent solution for stabilizing and leveling heavy-duty storage racks. While the installation process might require a bit of effort, the end result is well worth it for the enhanced stability and usability it provides.

If you're looking to improve the stability of your storage racks, especially on uneven floors, I highly recommend the DeWalt leveling kit. Its durable build, ease of use, and practical benefits make it a valuable tool for any organized workspace.