The Ultimate Guide to Steel Clip Shelving
A closer look at how clip shelving is built, where it works best, and how to plan a setup.
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Open and closed units use the same shelves, posts, and clips, and carry the same weight ratings. The difference is how the sides and back are built, which changes how items are accessed and protected.
Steel cross braces hold the unit square instead of solid panels, so items are visible and can be reached from the front, sides, and back. A good fit for fast-moving stock, cartons, and general storage where quick access matters.
24-gauge steel back and side panels enclose each unit, which keeps small parts from falling out the back or sides and helps keep stock clean. Closed units can stand against a wall or run in back-to-back rows.
Closed units that combine adjustable shelves with 3, 5, 7, or 9 full-extension modular drawers, each rated up to 400 lbs. Drawers include layout kits with adjustable partitions and dividers for small parts, and the shelves above hold bulkier items. Available 18" or 24" deep by 36" wide and 85" tall, as starter or add-on units.
8000 Series shelves come in three gauges. A lower gauge number means thicker steel and more capacity per shelf. Capacities are the same for open and closed units and assume the load is spread evenly across the shelf.
| Shelf Gauge | 36"w Shelves (12" / 18" / 24"d) | 48"w Shelves (12" / 18" / 24"d) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22-Gauge, Medium-Duty | 500 / 500 / 550 lbs | Not available | Lighter stock, small parts, and supplies |
| 20-Gauge, Heavy-Duty | 800 / 850 / 800 lbs | 500 / 550 / 550 lbs | Everyday industrial and maintenance storage |
| 18-Gauge, Extra Heavy-Duty | 1,100 / 1,200 / 1,250 lbs | 750 / 900 / 900 lbs* | Heavy parts, tooling, and dense inventory |
*48"w extra heavy-duty units and shelves are available in 18" and 24" depths. Individual box shelves are also sold in each gauge, including 36"-deep 18-gauge shelves.
Clip shelving parts and accessories let you add shelves, repair or reconfigure units, and set up shelving for small-parts storage.
Both are steel shelving systems, but they are built differently. Clip shelving holds box shelves on T-posts with clips, offers closed panels and drawer options, and adjusts on 1-1/2" centers. That makes it a strong fit for parts rooms, maintenance shops, and organized small-item storage. Boltless shelving uses riveted beams in an open frame and is often chosen for bulk storage and larger, hand-loaded items.
For a full side-by-side comparison, read Boltless Rivet vs. Clip Shelving.
Answers to common questions about configuring and expanding Lyon 8000 Series steel clip shelving.
Each shelf is held by 4 metal shelf clips that lock onto the T-post uprights. To move a shelf, you reposition the clips on the posts, so shelves adjust on 1-1/2" centers without taking the unit apart.
Yes. Extra box shelves are sold in each gauge and width, and they work in both open and closed 8000 Series units. Match the shelf width and depth to your unit, and choose a gauge that fits the load you plan to store.
Yes. Closed units are designed to stand against a wall or in back-to-back rows, and galvanized back-to-back ties join two units for added stability and even alignment.
Lyon offers floor anchoring parts for 8000 Series shelving: a metal foot plate, an upright-to-floor angle, and a 3/8" x 3" concrete wedge anchor, each sold separately. Follow the assembly guide for your unit when installing.
Assembly guides for Lyon 8000 Series open and closed clip shelving are on our assembly guides page and on each product page.
Reach out if you are outfitting a full parts room, planning long or back-to-back rows, mixing open, closed, and drawer units, or adding onto shelving that is already installed. Our team can put together a complete parts list and quote.
More detail on how clip shelving works and how it compares to other metal shelving.
A closer look at how clip shelving is built, where it works best, and how to plan a setup.
Read the Guide →Compare the two most common steel shelving systems by construction, access, and typical uses.
Compare Systems →How boltless, clip, aluminum, and mobile metal storage fit different facility needs.
Read the Selection Guide →Tell us what you are storing and how much space you have. We will help you choose open, closed, or drawer units, the right shelf gauge, and the parts to complete your rows.
We don’t just sell stellar shelves. We design custom organized spaces that fit your needs, large or small.
We Can Help YouWe don’t just sell stellar shelves. We design custom organized spaces that fit your needs, large or small.
We Can Help You