Introduction: Simple and Effective Gaming Accessory Wall Rack

About: I love building things. There's little more satisfying than bringing an idea to life whether it be for my kids, or the big kid in me.

If you're fed up with your desk being cluttered with gaming accessories, why not make a gaming rack? This is a simple way of getting things organised. Skill level - beginner.

Materials:

  • 12mm MDF
  • Wire, plastic coated coat hangers
  • Blackboard vinyl
  • Heat shrink tubing

Tools:

  • Jigsaw
  • Drill
  • Router (optional)
  • Pliers
  • Heat source (hair dryer, gas hob)

This can take as little as 2 hours to complete.

Step 1: Cut the Board.

The first task is to cut the board which will attach to the wall. Ensure that you get a sensible idea of the length and width required. This can be done by simply placing those accessories which you wish to organise in a line and taking some approximate measurements. Ensure that you leave sufficient space in between each accessory to allow easy access.

Optionally, bevel the long edges of the board with a chamfer bit. This will add a little interest to the general shape.

Step 2: Cut the Coathangers and Cover With Heat Shrink Tubing.

A single coat hanger will give you sufficient material to hand alt least one accessory. You may need to bend out the curves for larger items - I've not had to do that, even for headphones; the longest straight length of wire is sufficient for a more complex shape to hang headphones for example.

Once you have a straight length, cover with an appropriate length / width piece of heat shrink tubing. Apply heat to this to attach it. I pass it over gas hob in the kitchen to do this.

An alternative is to leave as is or lightly sand and spray with plastic paint.

Step 3: Bend the Wire.

Using a pair of pliers, bend to the appropriate shape. Be sure to make the ends sufficiently long to provide some contingency. I would suggest placing some foam inside the jaws of the pliers to avoid damaging the shrink tubing or plastic coating on the hangers.

The white wires above show shapes for an XBOX controller and a pair of headphones.

Step 4: Mount the Wire - Test Fit.

Draw a line down the middle of the backing board to use as a reference point. Place the wires on the board to determine where to drill the holes the wires will be inserted into and mark them out. Ensure the holes are sufficiently large to accept the wires. Make sure the fit is as snug as possible (i.e. don't use too large a drill bit).

Drill holes into the backing board.

Screw some additional small wood blocks to the backing board. This will provide some additional stability for the wires and allow some clearance from the wall when mounted.

Drill holes through the wood blocks using the previous holes as a point of entry.

Drill 2 further holes through the middle of the top and bottom block - this is where the screw will go when attaching to a wall.

Step 5: Cover or Paint the Back Board and Attach the Wires.

Cover the board with vinyl (I use blackboard vinyl - it's relatively thick and has a nice texture to it), or paint as desired.

Once complete, feed the wires through the holes drilled in the previous step and determine the correct length. Cut off any excess wire protruding from the back.

Either glue the wire in place or wrap sufficient sellotape around the ends of the wire to allow the wires to fit firmly in the drilled holes when inserted.

Step 6: Attach to the Wall

You now have an accessory rack to attach to a wall! Use the holes in a previous step for this task,

I use these next to my gaming desk for headphones, an XBOX controller and case for my glasses. I have another next to my racing simulator for a hat, gloves and headphones.

If you enjoyed this project, please feel free to leave a comment and look at my other designs.