Delta 3-Tier Wide Heavy Duty Storage Rack, Gray

Lighter gauge metal than anticipated; other engineering observationsFIRST IMPRESSION:Material thickness was difficult to measure with the textured paint applied however when measured with calipers the upright pieces that attach to a wall measure 0.085” thick including textured paint which means that the sheet metal they are made from is likely to be 2mm (0.079”). Support arms measured 0.045” including textured paint so they are likely made from 1mm (0.039) sheet metal. The u-channel support arms had insufficient painting on the inside surfaces, with a visually detected presence of slight rust in some areas.Because the first two words in the product title are “Heavy Duty”, I expected something thicker and more stout than my existing clothes closet system, but these are actually constructed from lighter metal than my closet system. Additionally, my existing closet system is fully painted including inside surfaces of the u-channel shelf supports.I became curious as to why my existing closet system cantilevered support arms are in a u-channel orientation, while these lumber rack cantilevered members are in an n-channel orientation. For more information, I suggest searching as I did online for “Is u-channel or n-channel orientation stronger for a cantilevered support?” One simple example that seems to come up regularly in response to that question is “Metal tape measures can be extended and stay straight when in a "u" orientation, but collapse the other way round”.CONFLICTING or CONFUSING INFORMATION:Load capacity for these shelves is listed in the product listing title as “Holds Up To 720 lbs - 3-Tier” yet in the small print of the Product Listing there is a seemingly conflicting statement “holds up to 160 pounds per tier” (SEE PHOTO). These do not seem to agree with each other and the discrepancy should be cleared up.ADDITIONAL CONCERN ABOUT SOME INSTALLATIONS:The width of the product is listed in the Product Information section of the listing as 32”. There are three tiers and two spans between; therefor the designed span appears to be 16”. It is very concerning to see photos in some of the reviews that show a much longer span, and include seriously heavy loads. I strongly suggest that you stick within the manufacturer’s design loads.**IMPORTANT**For whatever you do to fulfill your storage racking project, you absolutely must start by reading the manufacturer’s use and installation information to determine if it is appropriate for, and possible to be installed at your location. Please be very mindful of your load and distance between tiers to prevent overloading of support members. Overloading any rack can cause collapse due to deformation of the cantilevered shelf supports. This may be a slow bending process or may be sudden, unexpected, and extremely dangerous. This is VERY IMPORTANT. CHECK WITH AN ENGINEER CAPABLE OF LOAD ENGINEERING IF YOU ARE UNSURE!SUMMARY:I really wanted these to work as “Heavy Duty” rack/shelf supports however they seem to be of a lighter duty than what I need for my garage. I will not be loading my shelves with sparsely placed light weight items as shown in their photo; I will be substantially loading my shelves with lumber (as listed in the product title), paint, tools, and fairly heavy totes full of holiday decorations (that include plates, glasses, cups and other table settings) and additional items of varying weights and sizes. If you have a light duty project these are probably okay.My rating for these starts at 3.0 Stars and loses points for reasons cited in this review such as due to confusion within the ad regarding load capabilities, for incomplete paint and rust, and for what in my opinion an overstatement by calling this racking “heavy duty”. At 0.25 points each deduction, this comes out to 2.25 Stars.MY RATING SYSTEM: Ratings are based on my personal use and research. All items are in the middle “average”3.0-Star until I discover otherwise. Only whole point scoring is recorded so partial scores will be rounded up at half point or more and down if under half point. Rating scores are occasionally revised at a later date; if that is the case an explanation will be provided in the particular review. Thank you.5-STAR = Much better than advertised and/or expected. Claims are realistic; ratings & certifications are appropriate and checked out where possible. Exceeds 4-STAR. “ WOW” kind of items definitely to be recommended.4-STAR = As expected or better. Claims are realistic; ratings & certifications are appropriate and checked out where possible. Fairly priced, good quality & usability, not likely to fall apart. “KEEP & USE” items to be recommended or purchased again repeatedly as needed.3-STAR - As expected. Claims are realistic; ratings & certifications are appropriate and checked out where possible. Items are good quality, well finished, and priced fairly however nothing stands out. Examples include mass-produced “ME-TOO” items for sale under many different names.2-STAR = Not as good as expected. The item works, but does not quite meet specifications of 3 STAR or better as described above. “NEEDS IMPROVEMENT”1-STAR = Far below expectation. Claims, ratings, certifications are blatantly inaccurate and/or inappropriate. Low quality possibly resulting in failure, injury or worse; poor durability. “NOT RECOMMENDED”