How to Make a Blueprint Hanger

Since they are so large, blueprints are often cumbersome to store.

Blueprints provide detailed information about building projects. A builder's collection of blueprints needed for ongoing projects can become unmanageable to store. Store blueprints safely to avoid damage to these documents and for quick reference if you're working on multiple projects. Also, a good filing system will allow you to effectively archive and reference your prints. Building your own blueprint hanger will allow you to safely store and quickly access all of your blueprints.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Saw
• 12 wood boards, 2 inches by 4 inches (sizes determined by blueprints)
• Hammer
• Nails

Instructions

1. Measure the blueprints that you need to store and purchase blueprint hanging clamps that are about 6 inches longer than the blueprints' short sides. Blueprints come in a variety of sizes, including 18 inches by 24 inches, 24 inches by 36 inches or 30 inches by 42 inches. Hanging clamps firmly squeeze a set of blueprints for a project together or can hold just one blueprint.

2. Cut your wood boards after measuring the dimensions of the blueprints. You will build two rectangular frames that are slightly wider than the plans' short sides and long enough enough to accommodate all of your plans. The final four boards are vertical supports for the stand and should be several inches longer than your plans' long sides. For example, if your blueprints are 18 inches by 24 inches, you will cut four boards that are 22 inches long, four boards that are long enough for all of your plans and four boards that are 30 inches long.

3. Nail together the top and bottom frames by nailing the short side boards on top of the long boards. Putting the short boards on top will also serve as a stopper for the hanging plans. Ensure that these frames are exactly the same.

4. Nail the four vertical supports in between both frames, positioning one vertical board in each corner.

5. Clamp your hanging clamps to your plans and place them in the hanging stand so that the ends of the clamps rest on the long side of the frame.

Tips & Warnings

• It's better to make a stand that is slightly too large for your plans than too small.

• You can build multiple stands or an extra long stand to support a large number of blueprints. If you make your stand more than a couple of feet long, add extra vertical support beams.

• You can also screw wheels to the bottom of the stand to make your blueprint stand mobile.

• Use care when sawing and hammering to avoid injury.

References

• The House Designers: Understanding Blueprints
• Engineer Supply: Document Hanging Clamps Explained
• 101 Blueprint and Copy: Supplies
• Engineer Supply: All About Blueprint Storage Products and Blueprint Storage Solutions