Custom Collapsible Clothes Hanging Rack

We had a need for a spot to hang clothes in our wash room for drying or sorting for the closet. Limited space required a custom rack and self storing was a plus. A few feet of PVC pipe and an assortment of connectors was the answer to my problem. I'm sure there are commercial solutions similar to this design but mine is completely adjustable for the odd spot available. This thing is really strong too! Follow along as we get this project done.

1" PVC Pipe approx. 12' total

1" PVC pipe fittings - six 90 degree connectors, two end caps, two 1/2" spacers made from the 1" pipe

2- 1/4 x 2 1/2" bolts with washers and nuts

4- 1" metal pipe hangers

Drill and 1/4" drill bit

6- toggle bolts for wall (I used toggle bolts for strength)

PC glue

Pipe cutter or saw

Screwdriver,pliers,tape measure,level, just the usual tools for the handyman.

Begin by determining where you want the rack to go. Make sure there is clearance for the widest part of the rack at the sides and don't forget that hanging clothes will be draped below the hanging rail when in place.(Our space allowed for shirts and sweaters but pants must be folded over the rail and it hangs over the washer for drip dry). Our rack had a maximum width of 24" to allow for a light switch and shelf. Cut the cross pipe for the Hanging Bar first. (HINT: Always best to cut the longest part first so if you make a miscut it can be used for shorter cuts - don't ask me how I know...). Allow about 1/2" extra for the connectors on the end for your total width. Prefit the 90 degree connectors on each end of the Hanging Bar. Cut the arms for the Hanging Bar Arms and prefit the caps. Leave extra length for these because you'll make the final cut after hanging the rack. Measure for the top Rack Square and allow about 1/2" inside the Hanging Bar Arms.

Dry fit the pipe and connectors for double checking the dimensions. Lay out the parts on a flat surface. Glue the Rack Square together and press flat on the flat surface to make it as flat and square as possible. If you haven't worked with PVC glue you might want to practice on some scraps. It grips quickly and won't allow for adjustments once it begins to dry. As an alternative I have used E6000 glue. It seems to work ok for non water-tight joints and hobby projects and has a much longer work time and also takes longer time to set. Glue the cap onto the Hanging Bar Arm but DO NOT GLUE the end that fits into the 90 degree fitting. That comes later.

Now the project starts coming together! Lay out the parts on your workspace and place the Hanger Bar Arms outside the Rack Square. Drill the hole for the bolt in the location shown in the pictures. Assemble the sides with the bolts and a washer and the washer and nut on the inside. Use a 1/2" piece of pipe for a spacer between the pipes. Tighten enough to allow free movement.

Determine how high the Rack Square should be. Mine is about 22" from the ceiling to the top of the rack. A helper is handy for this step. Center the rack and place two pipe hangers across the top pipe and a couple of inches from the edge and mount to the wall. Make sure it is level. I originally used screws and replaced them with toggle bolts after I made sure everything fit.

Time to level the top of the Rack Square. Adjust the Hanging Bar Arms until the Rack Square is level from front to back. Mark the arms for cutting allowing for inserting into the 90 degree fitting.I suggest dry fitting before gluing, just to be sure.

Use two of the metal pipe holders to make clips for the bottom brace. Flatten one side to fit flush with the wall and bend the other side frontward to prevent sharp edges and male a "J" shape. Clip or hold the clips to the cross bar. Level the Rack Square to get the location for the clips and screw them in place.

Enjoy making doing laundry a little bit better! To fold the rack just remove the bottom rail from the clips and the entire rack lies quietly on the wall. Also, if the PVC pipe or fittings have writing on them, it can be removed with alcohol, fingernail polish remover or fine sandpaper. Make your project look good.