Space-Saving Rack for Bar Clamps
Nested, hinged frames are a great way to rack up your clamps if wall space is tight.
Wall space is at a premium in my shop. As my bar clamp collection grew, I found that clamp racks were taking up precious wall real estate. To solve the problem, I built this space-saving rack.
The design is simple enough-just three wood frames of varying heights attached to each other with hinges. The hinges let the frames open like a book. Now I can store 30 clamps in a space that used to be limited to 10.
To make the racks, cut all the pieces and notch the top and bottom member of each rack. Size the notches wide enough for the thickest bar clamp and space them to allow the clamps to fit side by side.
Assemble the three frames with biscuits, glue, and screws. Use heavy-duty hinges to join the frames so that they won’t sag from the weight of the clamps.
Reinforce the notches with support blocks. Also, add small pieces of foam weatherstripping between the notches on the top of each rack. The foam pieces serve as protective cushions and keep the clamps from moving around when you open the frames. Two magnetic cabinet-door latches keep the frames closed.
Click here to enlarge the illustration.
Drawings: Jim Richey
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Starrett 12-in. combination square
Veritas Standard Wheel Marking Gauge
Veritas Micro-Adjust Wheel Marking Gauge
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