How to Make a Coat Rack Using Knobs

Handmade coat racks can be mounted just about anywhere.

Producing a coat rack using door knobs is a basic woodworking project that can be accomplished in just a few hours if you have the right tools. You can use practically any style door knob that you wish, as long as it uses a threaded mounting hole. This means that the best door knobs to use for this project are closet door knobs, which do not always need to be turned in order to open the door. These types of knobs are readily available at your local home improvement store.

Things You'll Need

• Wood board
• Table saw
• Router table
• Palm sander
• Framing square
• Pencil
• Drill press
• Drill bits
• Paint or wood stain
• Closet door knobs with threaded mounting holes
• Machine screws

Instructions

1. Cut the lumber you intend to use for the coat rack to the length you require using the table saw. The knobs will be approximately 6 inches apart, with the last and first knobs 6 inches from the edges of the board.

2. Rout the edges of the board with your choice of pattern using the router table. Work slowly with the router so that you do not burn the wood.

3. Sand the coat rack board smooth with the palm sander to remove any grit or raised portions of wood.

4. Measure along the length of the board and make a pencil mark every 6 inches. Use the side of the framing square for this, and then turn the square to produce a straight vertical line that indicates the spacing of the mounting holes for the coat rack.

5. Measure the width of the board to determine the middle of the board, and make a pencil mark at each end of the board to indicate the exact center line. Use the framing square to draw a line with a pencil through all of the vertical lines between these two marks. The intersection of the horizontal line and the vertical lines is where the mounting holes will be drilled.

6. Select a drill bit that is the same diameter as the screws you will be using to hold the door knobs in place, and place it in the drill press chuck. Use the drill press to drill a mounting hole at each of the points where the lines you drew intersect one another.

7. Paint or stain the coat rack board as you wish, and then allow the covering to dry completely before continuing.

8. Insert a mounting screw through the back of the board, and thread a door knob onto each of the mounting screws. Make sure that the knob is tight to prevent it from working loose after it is used.

Tips & Warnings

• The distance between the knobs can be greater than 6 inches if you prefer.

References

• "Woodworking Basics: Mastering the Essentials of Craftsmanship"; Peter Korn; 2003