How to Make a Clothing Rack

How to Build a Clothing Rack

Follow these steps to assemble a rolling garment rack made from pre-threaded black iron pipe.

1. Assemble Base

   Assembling the garment rack from the bottom up will be the quickest and easiest method. Start by screwing a 5-inch nipple into opposing sides of a tee, then screwing a 3-inch nipple into the top of the tee. Repeat with the second tee and remaining nipples.

2. Screw Elbows Into Place

   At the end of each 5-inch nipple, screw an elbow in place until it faces opposite the direction of the top of the tee.

3. Connect Bottom Sides

   At the exposed end of each 3-inch nipple, screw another tee into place. Connect the two bottom sides by screwing a 4-foot section of pipe into the end of each tee. Screw a 2-inch nipple and one half of a union fitting in the remaining open end of the tee. The end result should be a base that sits on four feet with two open union halves facing upward. Adjust each elbow until they each face the floor.

   Tip

   To ensure each fitting faces the exact direction necessary, use a pipe wrench or channel locks to tighten as needed.

4. Install Casters

   Tighten the nut on the expansion stem casters until the rubber gasket tightly fits into the end of each elbow and slide into place. Set completed lower section aside.

5. Assemble Top Section

   Screw the remaining elbows into the ends of the remaining 4-foot section of pipe, and screw the 6-foot sections of pipe into the other side of the elbows. Screw the other half of the union fittings into the lower ends of the 6-foot pipe.

6. Connect Sections

   Set the top half of the clothes rack onto the bottom half and tighten unions together.
   

7. Clean With Acetone

   In a well-ventilated area, wipe down the entirety of the clothing rack with acetone to remove any oily residue from the pipe.

   Warning

   Acetone can cause skin irritation. Wear gloves for protection.

8. Seal With Wax

   Wipe on and buff out paste finishing wax to seal the pipe and protect your clothing from rust and oil stains.

How to Increase the Size of Your Clothing Rack

Follow these steps to increase the size of your black iron clothing rack.

1. Remove Top Half From Bottom Half

   Unscrew union fittings on each side to separate the top half from the bottom half. Unscrew one side of each 4-foot section of pipe and place the removed side of both halves on the ground (this will be much easier with a helping hand).

2. Install Tees and Union

   Screw a tee into the end of each 4-foot pipe, facing the bottom tee upward and top downward. In the top of the lower section tee add a 2-inch nipple and one half of a union. Screw the other half of the union into one end of another 6-foot pipe, and screw the other end of the pipe into the bottom of the top tee.

3. Add Section and Reassemble

   At the end of each tee, add another 4-foot pipe section. Reassemble the removed sides of clothing rack at the other end of the new 4-foot sections.

4. Reconnect Top and Bottom Halves

   Set top half of clothes rack onto bottom half and tighten unions together.

5. Clean and Wax

   Clean the new section with acetone and follow up with paste finishing wax.

How Often to Reapply Wax

There is no set interval for reapplying wax to black iron pipe. Simply pay attention to the pipe to ensure it isn't rusting or leaving residue on your clothing. Furthermore, consult the instructions on your specific paste wax for reapplication.