Fitness Equipment: Quick & Dirty Plate Rack

Quick & Dirty Plate Rack

Plate racks are a rip-off. There, I said it. They require minimal, relatively low-quality steel, and aren't exactly remarkable feats of engineering. Instead of spend money on expensive plate racks (most of which aren't that great anyway) that could be put to better use buying... plates... we threw together some simple racks that can store both a full set of bumper plates and the metal change.

The following is a simple guide to doing the same yourself. Keep in mind the thickness of our plates may be different from yours. Make sure you measure the gear you intend to store before cutting your pieces.

What You'll Need (per rack)

(6) 17" lengths of 2x6"
(2) 35" lengths of 2x6" (make sure to measure what you'll need for your own plates)
(2) 1" x 4" x 17" (cheap pine is fine)
(1) 1" x 6.5" x 17" board
(2) 1.5" lengths of 1x4"
2" and 3" drywall screws (lots)
Drill, bits, Tape Measure, Square, Pencil

Cut Your Wood

Make all your cuts and collect the pieces. If you're patient and meticulous, sand all edges.

Assemble the Change Rack

Mark a line down the center of one of the 17" lengths of 1x4 - this will be 8.5" from either edge. Place one of the 1.5" lengths along the line. Drill pilot holes and screw together.

On the opposite side of the 17" board, repeat the previous, but with the 1.5" piece on the other side of the center line.

To one of these 1.5" pieces, attach the second 17" board with the edges aligned with the first. Finally, screw the 1x6.5x17" board to the bottom of this assembly, with the outside edge of the open 1.5" piece flush with one of the long sides.

Assemble the Frame

Next, assemble the frame of the rack by placing one of the 17" 2x6s at each end inside the two 35" 2x6s. Drill and screw. You may want to leave the screws somewhat short of fully tightened to account for possible variation in the remaining 2x6 dividers.

Insert the Change Rack into the Frame

Slide the assembled change rack into one end of the frame, and enclose with another 17" 2x6. Drill and screw this 2x6 into the long sides of the frame while pushed tightly against the change rack. Next, make sure the top of the change rack is even with the top of the frame, and drill and screw it in.