HomeMade Modern DIY Screwdriver Coat Rack

This post is the first part of my tool scavenger experiment. I budgeted $150 and bought a bunch of different tools – mostly from Craigslist and eBay. I then sorted through and separated my newly purchased collection into two neat sets of hand tools. After I was done, I sold the remaining, miscellaneous tools and was able to recoup $142 of my original investment.

Many people these days are using cordless drills and drivers, or hand screwdrivers that have replaceable heads. While these are great in their own respect, sometimes a traditional driver is all you need.

Let’s say you're in the middle of a project and are in need of a screwdriver. Sure, you could stop what you're doing, go pull out your toolbox and scrounge around until you find one; but wouldn’t it be more convenient to always have one right where you can see it?

This made me think,"Why can’t tools be displayed out in the open around the apartment?"

This project encapsulates a few of my favorite concepts. First off, it includes screwdrivers that are reclaimed and refurbished – so there's no waste involved. It also incorporates a disparate assortment of orphaned objects into a single, unified design. All of the pieces are useful and they are arranged in a design that prevents them from being hidden. That ultimately saves you a ton of frustration. Not to mention, this set can also do double duty and serve as a coat rack, which makes it incredibly versatile.

This project acts as the first part of my exploration into what an urban toolbox should look like. Tools can improve your life but are often designed and marketed to suburbanites who have extra storage space in large garages and spare rooms. It’s time to figure out what the most essential and compact tools are so that urban DIY projects are feasible in even the most cramped of spaces.

Step 1: Supplies + Tools

Old Screwdrivers or Hand Tools
Purchase Online or at Thirft Stores

Oak Table Leg
Purchase at Home Depot

Plasti Dip (Multi Color Set)
Purchase at Amazon.com

220 Grit Sandpaper
Purchase at Home Depot

L-Brackets
Purchase at Home Depot

RYOBI 18 Volt Cordless Drill with Assorted Drill Bits
If you want to keep the screwdrivers from rattling around, match drill bits to the head size of the screwdriver to ensure that each hole is the right fit. If you don’t mind the slightly wobbly fit, just drill all the holes the same size.

Step 2: Clean the Tools + Dip

Make sure to remove all dirt and grease from your tools.

I used Performix Create Your Color dip to re-coat the screwdriver handles in white and then re-dipped the white screwdrivers in an assortment of colors.

Step 3: Layout the Pattern

I laid out the holes pretty close to each other, which compromises the function of a coat rack. If you want to build the display as a coat rack, space the holes out every 4 inches at a minimum.

Step 4: Drill the Holes

I bought an oak table leg at Home Depot to make the rack and 2 L-brackets to for mounting it.

Step 5: Sand

I used 220 grit sandpaper to sand the oak and remove the pencil marks.

Step 6: Install

Screw the L-brackets to the wall and then screw the oak leg to the L-brackets. There are a lot of ways to do hidden supports but this is easy and sturdy.

Step 7: Done!

Good luck making your own screwdriver coat rack and please email or tweet photos to @benuyeda or [e-mail]. For more detailed instructions, dimensioned drawings and different variations of the project, check out our soon-to-be-released book.