Introduction

This compact rack is strong and simple to build. You can store shovels, rakes, a sledgehammer and any long-handled tools in one convenient place.

Compact shovel rack

If you have more tools than a handful of 16-penny nails pounded into a 2×4 will accommodate, this shovel rack is for you. (Save space and money with these affordable DIY garage storage projects.)

It looks simple, and it is. Yet this is a serious storage rack that will put its store-bought counterparts to shame. It will hold more than a dozen items — from shovels and rakes to sledgehammers and pick-axes — with room to spare.

It’s constructed from a 16- by 48-in. chunk of 3/4-in. plywood with 2×6 supports and lag-screwed to the wall. Take an early morning break from your yard chores and put the rack together in a couple of hours.

After cutting your pieces to size as indicated on the materials list, lay them out and cut the slots for the handles. We’ve made some suggestions about spacing, but feel free to customize it to fit your tools.

Pro tip: Make your slot wide enough to fit the “flare” where a handle meets a blade. The flare is usually wider than the handle itself.

Caution: If you have young kids or toddlers, attach an eye screw and hook to secure each slot so the tools won’t accidentally fall out (Fig. A).

Shovel rack details

This illustration shows all of the parts of the shovel rack.

Family Handyman