This project was built and designed by Stan Sullivan.
It’s a clever, space-saving clamp rack that mounts to the wall and swings out for dual-sided storage—perfect for small shops where every inch counts.
Instead of taking up floor space or settling for a bulky fixed rack, this solution keeps clamps easily accessible and folds away when not in use.
Stan’s approach offers a smart blend of function, accessibility, and efficient use of materials.
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Why This Clamp Rack Works
Clamp storage is one of the most common challenges in a workshop. Traditional racks take up floor space, and wall-mounted options can be limited to one side.
Stan’s swing-out design solves both problems with a rotating arm that stores clamps on both sides while taking up minimal wall space.
When folded against the wall, the rack stays out of the way. When open, it reveals double the storage and keeps your clamps right where you need them.
It’s especially useful in compact shops or for anyone looking to reclaim wall space.
Using Scrap Wood and Common Tools
Stan builds the entire project using scrap wood—making this a budget-friendly project as well.
After selecting usable lumber, each piece is cut to size using a miter saw for square edges and consistent lengths.
Instead of relying on routers or table saws, Stan makes use of a circular saw and a homemade crosscut jig.
This jig allows him to cut accurate dadoes and rabbets using only a circular saw, which makes the project more accessible for woodworkers with limited tools.
Cutting Dadoes and Rabbets with a Circular Saw
To create the joinery, Stan marks the locations of all dadoes and rabbets before making two passes with the circular saw.
A stop block ensures that each cut is repeatable and accurate.
A spacer the same width as the dado is used between cuts to remove the center material.
While not as precise as a table saw, this method is effective for workshop storage builds and shows what’s possible with simple jigs and planning.
Sanding and Shaping the Components
Once the joinery is cut, Stan rounds over the corners to eliminate sharp edges. This not only improves safety but gives the rack a clean, finished look.
All parts are sanded smooth using a disc sander. This step ensures the rack operates smoothly and helps eliminate small imperfections in the wood.
Drilling for the Swinging Mechanism
The rack rotates on dowel rods, so drilling accurate holes is essential.
For the outer frame, holes are drilled completely through both the top and bottom cross pieces.
On the fixed mounting side, holes are drilled only partway through the inner pieces to seat the dowels without weakening the structure.
Stan uses a drill press to keep all holes square and centered, which helps the rack swing smoothly without binding.
Assembly Tips and Shop Suggestions
Assembly begins with the fixed section that mounts to the wall. Clamps are used throughout the process to ensure the frame stays square while the glue dries.
A small filler block is glued behind the rear frame to strengthen the mounting surface. This simple addition helps support the weight of the rack and the clamps it will hold.
Cross members are added with pilot holes and screws to prevent splitting.
These cross rails will hold the clamps, so it’s important that they’re spaced evenly and attached securely.
Mounting to a Masonry Wall
Stan mounts his rack to a concrete block wall, which requires a few extra steps:
- Pilot holes are drilled into the wood and masonry to avoid cracks.
- Concrete anchors are used for a secure hold.
- Washers and countersunk holes help distribute the load from each screw.
These steps ensure the rack stays firmly in place even under a full load of clamps.
Loading the Rack and Final Touches
Once mounted, the rack is ready to use. Clamps are added to both sides, and the swing-out motion provides full access from either direction.
Because of the fold-away feature, the rack doesn’t get in the way when not in use.
It’s a smart design that turns a wall into highly functional clamp storage.
Customization Tips for Your Shop
If you’re thinking about building your own, here are a few ways to make it work for your space:
- Adjust the dimensions to match your wall space or clamp collection.
- Use reclaimed wood to save on materials and reduce waste.
- Add locking hardware or stops to keep the rack from swinging unintentionally.
- Apply a protective finish to guard against shop humidity or wear.
- Consider your wall type—anchors vary for drywall, concrete, or studs.
A Simple Build with Big Benefits
Stan’s clamp rack is a practical solution to a common woodworking problem.
With a simple swing-out frame and dual-sided storage, it offers more organization in less space.
This project is a great example of efficient shop design using scrap wood, basic tools, and a little creativity.
It’s approachable, repeatable, and adaptable to just about any workspace.
Get Stan’s plans: https://www.simplyeasydiy.com/2016/04/diy-clamp-rack-wall-mounted-swing-out.html.