Introduction: Modified Tie Rack

About: Eric J. Wilhelm is the founder of Instructables. He has a Ph.D. from MIT in Mechanical Engineering. Eric believes in making technology accessible through understanding, and strives to inspire others to learn …

I always try to look my best. At least, I always try to look my best on Fridays. Formal Fridays.

The dress code where I work is a bit below casual: Few people wear shoes, and shirts are often optional after an afternoon of surfing. To be blunt, we're a bunch of slobs. To combat this, even if only in a mocking fashion, I started Formal Friday. Sort of like causal or Hawaiian shirt Friday, except with ties, dress shirts, and classy footwear.

This has resulted in a literal explosion of cheap and eye-bleedingly bright ties. My tie rack just wasn't up to the task, so I had to improve it. I'm sure I could have bought something to do this very job, but that's just not my style -- isn't it always more fun to make whatever you need?

Step 1: The Problem

This vertically hanging tie rack really can't handle as many ties as it has rungs. The ties end up all piled on top of each other and impossible to find. Plus, at the end of a grueling Formal Friday, I just didn't have the energy to put a tie back on its rung. It always ended up dumped on the top.

Step 2: Attach Clothes Hangers

The cheap-o metal tie rack broke when I tried to bend it, so instead I resorted to using cable ties.

Step 3: Make Triangles

Triangles are always the strongest option.

Step 4: Trim Cable Ties, Load Up Ties

Now it works so much better! I've smiled every morning when I see it. I can actually see all my ties and they're not just piled on top of each other.