Three Clamps Racks From Scraps

For some reason I have been okay with clamps scattered around the shop for far too long. So while preparing for our next Roubo-style workbench build, I decided that it was time to finally give our clamps a proper home! These three clamp racks hold several common clamp styles and sizes and can be made from scrap MDF, plywood, or real wood.

The first pair of clamp racks will hold 12 smaller F-Clamps each. I started these by cutting a few pieces of scrap 3/4” MDF to length and width at the table saw. The final size of the rack can really be any multiple of the stud spacing in the walls (plus a few inches extra on either end). I then marked where the mounting screws will go on the back piece based on the 16” stud spacing in my shop. I also marked the location of the rear of each slot on the top piece.

Next, I drilled the slot holes in the top using a bit that was just a little larger than the width of the bar on the largest clamp. Then I marked the slot locations with a square and headed over to the band saw and cut the slots out. (A jigsaw works well for this as well.) Once that was finished I cleaned up the bottoms of the slots with a file and some sandpaper.

Assembly was pretty simple. I ran a bead of glue along the top of the back piece and used several 2” nails in my nail gun to attach the top to the back. I then counter-sunk and predrilled holes for the mounting screws and rounded over the front edges a bit with a sanding block.

To finish the small racks I used a couple of coats of black matte spray paint. Once they were dry, I mounted them to the wall (into studs) with a pair of 2-1/2" cabinet screws.

The second rack is just a larger and longer version of the first that will hold 14 large F-Clamps including Bessey K-Body parallel clamps. The main differences were the larger drill bit size used for the slots, some heavier duty mounting screws, and having to use a jigsaw to cut the center-most slots as the back was too long to fit through the bandsaw.

Since the bar widths on my larger clamps were a bit different it was hard to get a snug fit all the clamps. To solve this, I over-sized the slots a little and added small pieces of felt pads used to protect hardwood floors from furniture. This worked quite well, but another option would be to simply glue a thin strip of wood or hardboard to the front edge to make a lip prior to cutting the slots. This would provide the best security while while allowing for a wider range of clamp sizes in the same rack.

The final rack, which holds 12-14 quick-clamps, is a little different as these clamps don’t fit into the F-Clamp style racks. I cut the back and sides at the table saw and then beveled the front edge of the side pieces a bit at the bandsaw. Next, I used a 5/8” Forstner bit at the drill press to make a 1/2” deep hole in the sides to hold a piece of dowel.

To finish the assembly, I used a bit of glue and clamped the pieces together for a few minutes. I then finished it up by attaching the sides to the back with a few nails.

After a little more paint, it was finally time to move all the clamps off the floor and into their new homes.

PDF and SketchUp plans for all three racks can be found at our website.