Hanging Harmony: Installing An Accordion Coat Rack

Hanging an accordion coat rack is a simple job. All you need are some nails, hanging hardware, and a hammer. First, you need to install hangers on the rack. You can use sawtooth hangers, which are often used for hanging picture frames, or you can use wall hangers with a teeth-like design. Place the hangers at the outer top corners of the rack with the teeth facing down. Then, hammer nails into each hanger to attach them to the rack. Once the hangers are secure, measure the space between them and mark the corresponding distance on the wall. Hammer finishing nails into the wall at this distance, slightly angled upwards, and hang the rack by hooking the hanger teeth onto the nails.

Choosing a location

When choosing a location for your accordion coat rack, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, think about the purpose of the rack and what items you plan to hang on it. If you intend to use it for coats, hats, umbrellas, and bags, placing it near the front door makes sense so that guests can easily access it when they enter your home. You could also consider hanging it in a mudroom or entryway to keep everyday items organised and clutter at bay.

Another factor to consider is the weight of the items you'll be hanging. Accordion coat racks are designed for light items, so avoid hanging heavy objects that could cause the rack to detach from the wall. If you plan to hang heavier items, ensure you use appropriate hardware and consider adding an additional hanger in the middle of the rack for extra support.

The height at which you install the rack is also important. A good rule of thumb is to install it at roughly shoulder height so that it's easily accessible for most people. You'll also want to ensure it's not too close to the door, so it doesn't get knocked when the door is opened or closed.

Additionally, think about the direction in which the rack will expand. Ensure there is enough clearance for it to fully extend without hitting any obstacles, like furniture or walls. This is particularly important if you plan to hang items of varying lengths, such as scarves or umbrellas.

Finally, consider the surrounding decor and aesthetics of the room. Accordion coat racks come in various colours and styles, so choose one that complements your existing decor. You can also paint the rack to match your colour scheme or add a unique touch.

Overall, when choosing a location for your accordion coat rack, consider its purpose, the weight of items you'll hang, height accessibility, clearance for expansion, and aesthetic appeal.

Required tools and materials

To hang an accordion coat rack, you will need the following tools and materials:

• Accordion coat rack (store-bought or DIY)
• Nails or finishing nails
• Hammer
• Sawtooth hangers (optional)
• Needle-nose pliers (optional)
• Tape measure or ruler
• Pencil
• Level

If you are making your own accordion coat rack, you will need the following additional materials:

• Drill or drill and driver kit
• Various drill bit sizes
• 1x2 scrap wood
• ⅞″ poplar dowel scraps or other size dowel of your choice
• (10) 2 ½″ wood screws
• Beeswax or finish of your choice
• Spray paint (optional)

Store-Bought Accordion Coat Rack:

If you are purchasing an accordion coat rack, it will likely come with the necessary hardware for installation. However, if not, you will need to acquire nails and hangers. Finishing nails are small and thin, perfect for light jobs like hanging frames. Sawtooth hangers are often used for picture frames but can also be used for coat racks. Ensure the nails that come with the hangers are not too long, as you don't want them poking through the rack.

DIY Accordion Coat Rack:

For those interested in a DIY project, you can make your own accordion coat rack using scrap wood and a few additional materials. A drill or drill and driver kit, various drill bit sizes, wood screws, and beeswax or another finish of your choice are essential for assembling the rack. Poplar dowel scraps or other similar pieces can be used for the pegs, and you can cut down 1x2 scrap wood to the required sizes. You can also personalise your rack by spray painting it; just be sure to apply light coats so that the rack still opens and closes smoothly.

Cutting and measuring wood

To cut and measure wood for an accordion coat rack, you'll need to follow some essential steps to ensure accurate and straight cuts. Here are some detailed instructions:

Measuring and Marking:

Before cutting the wood, it's crucial to accurately measure and mark the cut lines. Always double-check, or even triple-check, your measurements with a ruler or tape measure. A sharp pencil is typically used for marking, but for maximum accuracy, use a razor blade or a box cutter. Making a slight cut along your mark will relieve the wood grain, reducing the chances of splintering during the actual cut.

Crosscut or Rip Cut:

Depending on your coat rack design, you may need to perform a crosscut or a rip cut. A crosscut slices across the grain direction of the wood, and a table saw or miter saw is ideal for this type of cut. On the other hand, a rip cut follows the direction of the wood grain, and a table saw with a rip fence or a miter saw with a wide blade can be used. Always use a push stick to guide the wood when using a table saw; never push a board with your hands.

Resawing:

If you need to create thinner boards from thicker pieces of wood, resawing is the technique to use. Cut along the edges of the boards with a finely tuned miter saw. After resawing, you can use a wood planer to ensure flat surfaces on your thinner boards.

Miter Cut:

For any cuts at an angle other than 90 degrees, such as when creating boxes or picture frames, a miter cut is necessary. A miter saw is the best tool for this. To create angled or rounded edges, perform a bevel cut by holding the board's face against the fence of the miter saw, with the blade tilted away from the fence for safety.

Curved Cut:

For cuts that are not straight, such as those with curved or rounded edges, a band saw is perfect. For thinner wood, a jigsaw can provide better results. Always cut to the outside of your mark for curved cuts, as you will need to round off the edges afterward.

Safety and Precision:

When cutting wood, safety should be a priority. Wear appropriate protective gear, including eye and ear protection, and ensure you have a firm grip on the tool you're using. Additionally, always strive for precision. Even if not every cut is critical to the success of the project, being accurate and consistent will lead to better results and help you develop good woodworking habits.

Drilling pilot holes

Step 1: Determine the Location

Before drilling, decide on the desired location of your accordion coat rack. Consider the height and accessibility of the rack. Mark the position on the wall lightly with a pencil. The optimum height for a coat rack is about 44 inches from the finished floor. Also, ensure that there are no electrical wires or plumbing behind the wall by using a digital wall scanner.

Step 2: Level the Rack

Hold the rack against the wall, ensuring that the mark you made is touching the bottom of the rack. Use a spirit level or a torpedo level on top of the rack to check if it is level. Adjust the rack until the bubble in the level's vial is centred. Draw a light reference line along the bottom of the rack.

Step 3: Mark the Holes

If your coat rack has pre-drilled holes, ensure they are aligned with the studs in the wall. If there are no pre-drilled holes, mark the positions of the studs on the rack. Mark the locations of the holes with a pencil. You can also make a starter hole, a small hole made with a screw, to indicate where the anchors will be screwed in.

Step 4: Drill the Pilot Holes

Drill about 3/4 of the length of the screw to make the pilot holes. Ensure that the holes are not too big, as this will make it difficult to secure the anchors or plugs. If your wall requires anchors, use a drill and select a drill bit similar in size to the screw. If you are drilling into drywall, make sure the anchors or plugs are flush against the wall.

Step 5: Fasten the Coat Rack

Drill the screws halfway into the coat rack, not into the wall yet. This will guide you in aligning the anchors correctly. Now, use a screwdriver or screw drill bit to screw the coat rack into the wall.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your accordion coat rack is securely attached to the wall and can bear the weight of coats, bags, and other items.

Attaching hangers

To attach hangers to your accordion coat rack, you will need to buy two small sawtooth hangers. Sawtooth hangers are often used to hang picture frames, but they can also be used for this project. Visit a hardware or craft store and purchase two hangers that match the size of your rack. You will probably need the smallest size available, but it's always best to double-check. Ensure the nails with the hangers are not long enough to poke through the rack.

Two hangers should be enough to support the weight of most accordion racks. However, if you plan on hanging anything heavier than bags or coats, consider adding a third hanger in the middle of the rack for extra support.

Once you have your hangers, place one at the outer top corner of each side of the rack. Open the rack horizontally and find the two top corners. Place the hangers in the top corners with the teeth facing down. Try to make the hangers as level as possible, but they don't have to be perfectly level to function properly. Ensure both hangers are facing the correct way.

Each hanger will require two small nails that should come in the package. Before hammering the nails, confirm that each hanger is straight. As the nails are very small, you may want to hold them with needle-nose pliers to avoid hitting your fingers.

Now, open the rack and measure the space between the hangers. Set the rack to the length you want it mounted at, then take a tape measure or ruler and measure the distance between the centre of each hanger. Remember this measurement, as it will be important when mounting the rack on the wall. Ensure the rack is opened to the desired length before measuring to avoid errors.

If you are unsure about the length, test it by holding the rack up against your wall at different lengths and seeing which you prefer.

Frequently asked questions