Introduction: Utility Sink Rack Made Using Upcycled Bicycle Spokes

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Utility Sink Rack {Wall mount} for convenient storage, and drainage, of dish-washing utensils, washcloths and hand towels.

Supplies

Supplies:

1.a. 3DPrint file: Sink-Rack V3.stl (listed below)

1.b. 3D Printer filament. Your choice of color and material type.


2. Reclaimed bicycle spokes: Acquire some Used Spokes [YouTube Video]: Reclaiming Bicycle Spokes


Tools:

You'll need a 3D Printer. Almost any commercially available printer will do {minimum bed size 200mm}; this project, along with my other '3-Bar' projects, is designed to produce acceptable results on even the least expensive and simplest 3D printers available. Your choice. I use an "old" Anet-A8 "kit" printer I bought for 150$ just to make sure the designs work on 'anything' :).

Tools List for using reclaimed bicycle spokes with 3DPrinting

  1. Small bolt cutters, similar to: [Small Bolt Cutters @ Amazon.com]
  2. Deburring Tool, similar to: [Deburring Tool @ Amazon], {not typically necessary, but nice to have handy.}
  3. Needle-noes pliers, similar to: [Needle-noes Pliers @ Amazon.com]
  4. Exact-o knife and blade(s), similar to: [Exacto & Blades @ Amazon]
  5. Small hammer, similar to: [Mini Hammer Multi-Tool @ Amazon]
  6. Sanding Block and Sand Paper, similar to: [Sanding Block @ Amazon]
  7. Calipers {not strictly necessary, but highly recommended} [Calipers 8" @ Amazon]

Aux. 'Clean-Up' tools list: {additional tools I like to keep handy}

  1. Rotary tool similar to: https://amzn.to/3pTrBoo
  2. Sand paper similar to: https://amzn.to/3IPjjGW
  3. Wire brushes similar to: https://amzn.to/30trbMU
  4. Dykes similar to: https://amzn.to/3m8aWwk
  5. Nail files similar to: https://amzn.to/3s8T5Jr
  6. File set similar to: https://amzn.to/3DYLr6M

Spoke Acquisition

  1. Spoke Removal Tool, similar to: [Spoke Tool @ Amazon]
  2. Screwdriver(s) { at least two } [ flat blade ] for wheel/tire disassembly
  3. OrTire Leavers [Tire Leavers @ Amazon]

The Flat Blade screw-driver(s) are necessary when removing the “used” spokes from bicycle wheels/rims. Optionally I’ve found ‘your local bicycle shop’ is a good place for finding used spokes, though they may charge for the items.

Attachments

Step 1: Print the File

Slice the stl file using your favorite slicing software; which ever your printer requires. Then use your 3D Printer to print the associated file.

Step 2: Trim & Bend Bike Spokes

 a. Trim the spokes to length:

#1. Trim: 60mm {Bend 15° at 30mm from tip; it helps to hold the sponge in place as shown.}

#2. Trim: 87mm

#3. Trim: 87mm

#4. Trim: 70mm

#5. Trim: 57mm

#6. Trim: 42+125mm (167mm) {Bend 90° at ~42mm from tip}

#7. Trim: 42+125mm (167mm) {Bend 90° at ~42mm from tip}


Note: Another ‘bend option’ exist; e-me 4 it. I also intend to ‘eventually’ include a video showing how to bend spokes more precisely; but simply put, you use the pliers and your hand/fingers to bend the spokes to 'about' the desire angle. It's not as if it's rocket science :)

Step 3:

b.1 Insert spokes into associated post-holes in the drainage sphere; use Superglue-Gel to cement firmly in place.


Note: Do Not use adhesive on #6 or #7 as these two can easily rotate; making them a bit more useful.


b.2. Allow 24hr cure time (Not strictly necessary ☺)

Step 4: Mounting

4. Mounting:


Method A. I use Nano-Tape as it does not damage the wall: https://amzn.to/3ENcMu5


Method B. Holes provided for “standard” mounting technique using #8 or #10 screws.

Step 5: Additional Info & Notes

 Utensils (Suggestions Only, Shown in image)

Scotch Brite Heavy Duty Scouring Sponge: https://amzn.to/3yfvbND

Palm Brush: https://amzn.to/3DHxs57

Bottle brush: https://amzn.to/3DQziRk


Notes:

Like most Bicycle Spoke Re-Use/Up-cycle/Reclaim designs in the 3Bar series the Sink-Rack can be configured in more than one fashion. Specifically the two ‘top-spoke’ inserted spokes [#6 & #7 on the image above] can be bent to hold either hand towels {a bit longer} or wash cloths.

Simple to assemble: Printing takes a while but depends on print speed, as it always does, my print runs ‘about’ 9hrs at 70mm/sec, my preferred speed. Print options, including materials, are, of course, up to you. My machine is both old and cheap, and works wonderfully well even after all this time and abuse; it has more than payed for itself, plus it’s fun! :) a 3D Printer of your vary own is a Highly recommended tool/item for your workshop or garage.