How to Make Clothesline Hangers

Clothesline hangers are simple devices that help to maximize the amount of wet clothing that can be hung on a single clothesline. The device works by using a simple hook to position the body of the hanger, which runs in the opposite direction as the clothesline proper. Hangers are great for shirts, skirts, diapers, and many other washables. Here are some quick instructions on how to make your own clothesline hangers using materials you have around the house.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic hangers
• Stainless steel wire
• Wire cutters
• Pliers

1. Gather your materials. Heavy-duty plastic hangers should be used. Even plastic coated wire hangers may eventually develop rust spots that could create a permanent stain on clothing. For the stainless steel wire, go with 19 gauge or lower. Lower gauge wire will be heavier and thus hold its shape with greater ease. The pliers and wire cutters should be simple household tools that fit well in the hand.

2. Create oblong loops with the steel wire. The loops should be roughly six inches in length. To achieve the look of the loop, cut a thirteen inch length of steel wire and bend the length in two. Use the pliers to seal the open ends of the wire by twisting the ends together. The result will be a 6-inch oblong length of wire.

3. Bend the loop in two. This will result in creating a three inch clip design that can be used to hold the hanger and the clothing in place.

4. Make the remainder of your clips. You will need two clips to go on the handle of the plastic hanger and three to four clips to arrange on the bottom bar of the hanger.

5. Attach the clips. Begin with the bottom bar of the hanger. Slide the clip into place, then use the pliers to bend one section under and across the plastic. Make sure the section is threaded through the other section. This will create secure clip that will hold the clothing in place. Repeat until all the clips are in place.

6. Secure the clips on the hook of the plastic hanger. This is done by following the same pattern as used for on the bottom bar. Make sure the clips face inward on the hook, as they will be used to secure the hanger to the clothesline. Once in place, the homemade clothesline hanger is ready for use.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don’t have wire around, you can use standard spring loaded clothespins instead. Simply use a strong adhesive to secure the pins on either side of the hook and along the bottom par of the plastic hanger. The end result is not as durable, but it will provide a workable clothesline hanger that will last for a season or two.
• Never use untreated wire for the body or the clips on the clothesline hanger. The end result will be rust that will ruin the clothing. Always go for a simple plastic hanger from any discount retail store and use stainless steel wire that will hold up well in all sorts of weather.

[mjyl]

on 2/18/2009 Can you post pictures of this? I can't wrap my mind around it.