Rustic Coat Rack (Using Railroad Spikes)

In this Instructable, I build a rustic coat rack utilizing railroad spikes as the hooks.

Supplies

Tools:

Marking Pen

Mitre Saw

Hammer

Drill

3/4" Spade Bit

Palm Sander

60/150/220/320 Sand Paper

Wood Clamps

Rust Remover

Chisel

Tuck Tape

Rag

Speed Square

Drill Block

1/2" Drill Bit

1/8" Drill Bit

Flush Cut Saw

Material:

(1) 4"x4"x6' Cedar Board (alternate option: pine board)

(1) 2"x4"x6' Cedar Board (alternate option: pine board)

(6) Rail road spikes

(4) 4" Deck Screws

1/2" Diameter Dowel

Epoxy

Wood Filler

Stain

Spray On Lacquer

Black 2in1 paint/primer

Wood Glue

Step 1: Cut Wood to Length

Cut the wood to length using a mitre saw. See picture above for standard coat rack dimensions.

Step 2: Construct Base

The plan is to notch the two 2x4's and wood glue them together for a strong bond.

Mill the 2x4's by setting the depth on the mitre saw to half the thickness of the board.

Cleanup the rest with a chisel and 60 grit sandpaper.

Apply wood glue and clamp together.

Step 3: Drill Holes for Railroad Spikes

Drill holes for railroad spikes using a 3/4" spade bit.

Tilt spade bit at ~45 degrees. I used a mark on my speed square for reference. Tape on the spade bit for a depth guide.

As for location of holes please see picture with dimensions for reference.

Step 4: Install Base Onto Post

Mark center points on post and base.

Drill 1/2" hole through the base using a drill block.

Drill 1/2" hole to a depth of 4" in the post using a drill block.

Apply wood glue to mating surfaces and insert wood dowel (hammer in dowel if necessary).

Align base and drill 1/8" pilot hole for the screws.

Screw in the 4 wood screws.

Cut off excess dowel with a flush cut saw.

Step 5: Prepare Railroad Spikes

Remove rust from railroad spikes. I used Evaporust. I let it soak for 24 hours and wiped them clean with a rag.

Cut 1 inch off the end of 4 railroad spikes. These are the spikes that oppose each other. This will eliminate any interference when installing. (See video)

Two coats of black 2in1 paint/primer.

Step 6: Install Railroad Spikes

Smooth surface around the holes with a palm sander.

Mask surface around the holes with tuck tape to avoid epoxy runoff.

Coat the inside of the holes with epoxy and hammer in the railroad spikes. Let epoxy cure for 24 hours.

Fill in small gaps with wood fill.

Step 7: Finish Rack

Sand entire rack to 320 grit.

Rub stain into rack with a lint free rag and let dry for 24 hours.

Spray on a coat of lacquer for protection.

All done!

If you are confused with any of the steps, please refer to the video for more clarity.

Thankyou!