Introduction: Tool Rack

This my first Instructable. I have various hobbys and many of them use common tools. I have a peg-board on a wall but since that is a few feet away from my work table I just pile the tools on a desk. Yuck. I was thinking of a better way to keep them available yet close and so I don't have to go through a pile. I had some wire shelving. I had some wire. I have a 3-D printer. I could have designed all for 3-D printing but I found that if I used mixed-media I get stronger and better results.

So on with my creative adventure.

Supplies

Closet wire shelf

wire (from lawn flag)

pliers

wire cutters


I must say to use caution and safety glasses! Wire can be sharp. If you need to build one of these you should be aware of the potential dangers, but eyes are not easily repaired. And cuts are no fun.

Step 1: First Attempt

My first attempt was simply to cut and bend the wire to make a hook for the tools. Yuck. Didn't turn out very well. Bending wire is difficult with just pliers.

Step 2: Hey Wait. I Have a 3-D Printer!

There had to be a cleaner/better way.

Since I printed parts for my peg-board why not this?

My first attempt worked, well kinda.

i simply made a bar with a slot for resting on the shelf wire and places holes vertically and horizontally for the wire to go through. It was still a bit sloppy and messy. Yet it worked.

Step 3: The Solution!

Why not simply make a shorter bottom piece to rest in the lower shelf-wire to hold the upper piece stable. A bit later I had a sample. I also added another vertical hole in the center for just one wire to be used. YES.

Step 4: A Few Different Holders

I then thought of simply using the short piece on top and bottom. for the tools that would be hung from a single wire, The longer bar for the tools that needed a couple bars to hang from.

Step 5: Screwdrivers!

Then I remembered the screwdrivers. This one I would 3-D print the full upper piece, yet use same short piece for the bottom. It worked, kinda. The screwdrivers needed a bottom support. So I just used the same piece for the top and bottom. Success!

Step 6: Ready for Work

I now have a tool rack that is convenient and I can move around.

This can be mounted (a bit more solid) or can be built to move.

You can make it any size, using whatever is on hand. It can be absolutely customized for any need. I am totally satisfied with the result and the potential!

Give it a try modify it to your own needs.

Step 7: A Few Close Ups

Here are what the final (for now) 3-D pieces look like.

Organization Challenge

Participated in the
Organization Challenge