How to Make a Magnetic Tool Rack

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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A magnetic tool rack makes keeping your tools together simple and easy. Magnetic tool racks mount on the wall of your work area or garage and help keep tools organized. You can make more than one rack to handle a large tool collection. Read on to learn how to make a magnetic tool rack.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

1 2-by-24 inch piece of wood
1 22-inch strong magnet bar, at least 10 pound capacity
Glue
Stud finder or hammer
Screws
Screwdriver

Step1

Place the magnets in the center of the wood. Glue them to the board with wood glue, a strong craft glue or super glue. Allow the glue to dry.

Step2

Find a stud in the wall to hang the tool rack on. Use a stud finder or measure out 16 or 24 inches from the corner of the room. Tap on the wall with a hammer until it sounds solid. Most studs are placed at 16-inch increments but some interior non-load bearing walls are at 24-inch increments.

Step3

Line the rack up vertically on the wall. Secure one screw through each end of the rack and into the stud to hold it to the wall.

Step4

Place the tools on the rack. These racks are made for metal screwdrivers, drill bits, wrenches and socket sets.

Tips & Warnings

The wood used for the tool rack does not have to new. Use old scrap pieces as long as there are no splits in the wood. Magnets are available at most craft stores. If you can't find a 22-inch long magnetic strip, buy multiple magnets instead.
“L" brackets mounted to the back of the tool rack allow it to hang horizontally like a shelf. This horizontal version is great for screws nails and small items.
Use round earth magnets to hold heavier tools. They are more expensive to buy. Strong magnets that hold ten pounds usually do the trick.