Easy DIY Project How to Make a Rustic Drawer Knob Rack

You know I am crazy about easy DIY projects (Do It Yourself) and enjoy tinkering with stuff. My folks think I can repair anything and in fact, over the years, I’ve proved it by my restoration skills. It is a habit born from having to be thrifty and get the maximum use out of what we had as we simply couldn’t afford to go buy a new one whenever we wanted. And? There’s a deep sense of satisfaction at having created something.

So imagine my absolute delight when I met Cher of Design by Studio C! For me, it was love at first sight. Here was someone who, in my view, lived the dream. I became a regular at her blog. I am fascinated by her expertise of offering easy to follow, free DIY woodworking plans and some amazingly easy DIY projects. And? She is ever-ready to respond if you have a question. Connect with Cher on Facebook

I love her Pinterest boards and you will too! Follow her on Google Plus and Twitter for regular updates.

Welcome, Cher. I am so happy you’re here today!

♥

How to Make a Rustic Drawer Knob Rack

by Cher

Thank you, Vidya, for inviting me to guest post on your site! I am so excited!

My name is Cher and I run a DIY site, Designs by Studio C, where I feature DIY projects, how-to information, and furniture plans. If you like sawdust in your hair and paint under your fingernails, this is the place for you!

For any questions or requests, I can be contacted at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!

Today, I have a special, easy DIY project I’ve created for your readers!

How to Make a Rustic Drawer Knob Rack

I love these cute little racks! They are perfect for hanging towels in the bathroom, for hanging scarves or jewelry, for organizing pet leashes or shopping bags, or really for whatever you want! They can be coordinated or customized with colors to match your decor, or the wood can be left bare like I did. Drawer pulls are easy to find at any home improvement store or hobby store. These racks can be made in any length and can also be fastened directly to the wall using screws through the wall studs or wall anchors.

Materials:

• 1 – 1×4 board (which actually measures 3/4″ thick x 3-1/2″ wide) measuring approximately 20″ long
• Three drawer knobs or drawer pulls (handles can also be used!)
• Saw to cut the board to length , if needed
• Drill with a 3/16″ drill bit
• Safety glasses and gloves
• Sandpaper (Medium and Fine grits)
• Paint or stain, plus a clear sealer
• Picture frame wire
• Two soda can tabs with two washers and two 3/4″ screws

Notes:

I used a board from an old shipping pallet. I sanded the board then applied a clear sealer. Use caution when pulling the pallets apart – wear safety glasses and gloves!

I also used drawer knobs that had a post and a nut on the back, rather than the regular type with a screw that goes into the backside of the knob. I have included instructions for both types of knobs!

Step One

Cut the board to length using the saw. Thoroughly sand the board using the sandpaper. Wipe the dust away, then paint or stain and seal the board.

Step Two

Mark the position of the knobs on the back side. Since the knobs I am using have a nut on the back, I will have to drill a countersunk hole (a hole that will allow the nut to rest below the surface). I used a 3/8″ Forstner bit (a bit that drills flat-bottomed holes) in the back side of the board, then used a 3/16″ drill bit to drill a hole completely through the board for the post.

If a regular drawer knob is being used (one with a screw on the back) use the drill and the 3/16″ bit to drill a hole through the board at each mark.

Step Three

Once I had the holes drilled, I inserted the knob post into the hole on the front side, then put the nut into the hole on the back side and tightened everything down. The post sticks out a bit so I used a hacksaw to cut it off.

If using a regular knob, insert the screw from the drawer knob in the back of the board and secure the knob in place.

Step Four

Mark the position for the picture frame hardware and wire. I measured down 1″ from the top of the board and 2″ in from each edge. I secured the soda can tab (my favorite way to hang frames!) using a screw. Cut the wire at lease 6″ longer than the board, and thread it through the loop in the can tabs. Pull it through the loops so that the wire is in a straight line across the back of the board (it will stretch slightly when hung on the wall) and secure the wire by wrapping it around itself.

Step Five

Hang it on the wall by driving a screw through a wall stud or by using the appropriate wall anchor.

Thank you again, Vidya! I hope your readers enjoy this project!

♥

Thank you, Cher! I am sure they will! I know I do!

Dear Friends,

I urge you to try this easy DIY project! Not only is it easy – the rack is absolutely multipurpose – you can use it anywhere! A few years ago, we had to dismantle a door. We helped ourselves to strips of the wood each time we needed to repair something. Now I have a few strips left and plan to use them for Cher’s project. We never seem to have enough hanging space!

Please check out some of my favorite easy DIY projects on Cher’s blog:

How to make a cork board using an old screen door – fabulous easy DIY project to make a display board
How to make a recycled gift bag – I love this.
How to Build a Corner Bookcase Using an Old Door – Clearly Cher shares my love for recycling doors!

Since I don’t do major sawing / cutting work, I go to my friendly neighborhood hardware store and get the cutting or drilling done. They are usually happy to oblige. Then I bring it all back home and take care of the nailing/nuts and screws/glue-ing to put it together.

Question for you:

What is your favorite easy DIY project?

Please share in the comments!

P.S.

In India, we’re celebrating Republic Day today! Jai Hind! Republic Day honors the date on which the Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950

I am linking up with the awesome Unknown Mami who hosts my favorite meme Sundays In My City.  She treats me to world travel