Wooden Squirrel Oven-Rack Pusher

A simple project that can give years of use is a wooden pusher for the oven rack. This one is carved to look like a squirrel and can be easily made from scrap wood or pallet wood. You could easily get a dozen or so from an average pallet.

The idea for this project was first born when I burned my hand when it brushed against the inside of the oven door (I'm a klutz). An uncle created several copies of this squirrel to give away to me as well as all his brothers and sisters.

Use the notch between the head and front leg to push the oven rack in. Use the notch behind the ‘ear’ to pull out the oven rack.

(This was originally meant for On A Budget contest, but I did not realize there was a deadline for that.)

SUPPLIES

Wood- pallet wood is ideal, but any scrap pine or plywood is good

Wood Stain, your choice of color from clear to black

2 brads per unit, for eyes

TOOLS

Saw

Jigsaw

Brushes for wood stain

Hammer

DIRECTIONS

Cut lengths of pallet wood to approximate length of squirrel.

Print out squirrel pattern onto sheet of paper.

Use scissors to cut paper pattern.

Outline squirrel onto bare wood, using paper pattern.

Use jigsaw to cut squirrel shape along the pattern lines.

Stain wood to suit yourself, anything from clear to shades of brown to black will do fine.

Hammer a brad onto each side of squirrel in approximate position of ‘eyes’ being careful not to locate them exactly in same spot on each side, as you will then drive the first one out of the hole.

Gift wrap if desired, or tuck into Christmas stockings.