DIY PVC Shovel, Rake Holder and Garden Tool Rack
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Time to read 4 min
Any homeowner will tell you that garage storage is difficult. Things are always ending up in the wrong place, and finding a spot for all your stuff can be nearly impossible. The most common culprits of not being where they belong are garden tools, such as rakes and shovels. They lie on the ground or propped up against the wall, where they can easily fall right back down to the ground. Many pre-made tool-holding solutions are available, but they can be expensive and may not exactly suit your needs. Make your own custom DIY rake holder instead!
Creative people all over the world have developed their own version of the DIY rake holder, many of which are made of PVC pipe. PVC is a great material that is strong and inexpensive. It is also the perfect shape for holding rakes and shovels! This post highlights some of our favorite designs from across the internet. Materials are listed under each, as well as links to full instructions for each project. Each project only requires a few materials, so building these will not cost much out of pocket, especially if you already have screws around.
PVC Ring Garden Tool Holders
This PVC shovel/rake holder design incorporates PVC and uses the interior space of the pipe to hold tools. This project is great if you want to use little time and money, as it only requires a few feet of PVC to make 5 or 6 tool holders. The most important thing to remember when making this DIY PVC rake holder is to cut the pipe at an angle. This makes screwing it into the wood much easier! This project requires a saw to cut the pipe. For more specific instructions on this project, visit the Ashbee Design blog.
Materials
PVC Multiple Tool Racks
If you have a lot of rakes, shovels, and other tools that need hanging, you might need a more utilitarian tool holder. This design for a tool rack is great because each holder can carry multiple tools. This DIY rake holder uses two PVC pipe sections, cut at angles, to hold tools, which slide right down and settle against the wall. The pictures do not show it, but the PVC lengths are each being held by a screw that enters behind the wood and that goes through the top of the pipe. To eliminate some wiggle that could occur, you may want to apply glue around the PVC to hold it in place. Learn how to build your own DIY PVC garage tool racks at Dave Wirth's blog.
Materials
PVC "Mouse Ear" Shovel/Rake Holders
This DIY project uses PVC pipe in a very interesting way. By manipulating PVC rings with a heat gun, they can be shaped into "mouse ears" that will hold onto tools placed in them. The "ears" grab onto tools placed in them, making this an ingenious design. We understand that most people probably do not have access to a heat gun, but if you do, this project could be a lot of fun! It requires very little material and is very space-efficient. If you already have the tools, this project will probably be the least expensive. Check out the full, in-depth guide at Instructables.com. To view the whole thing, you will need to create a free account.
Materials
Cost-Effective Garage Storage: Uses low-cost PVC pipe (Schedule 40) as a customizable, budget-friendly alternative to expensive pre-made wall racks for organizing garden tools.
Three Simple Design Variations: Features simple angled PVC rings for individual tool slots, dual-pipe racks designed to hold multiple tools per slot, and heat-molded "mouse ear" clips that grip handles securely.
Easy DIY Assembly: Requires minimal tools and materials—primarily PVC pipe cut at an angle, screws, wood backing, and an optional heat gun for custom shaping.
FAQs
What size PVC pipe works best for a DIY shovel and rake holder?
A 3-inch Schedule 40 PVC pipe is ideal for most standard long-handled garden tools like shovels, rakes, and brooms. It provides enough clearance for tool handles to slide in easily without wobbling excessively. For specialized designs that grip handles directly (like heat-molded holders), smaller diameter pipe or thin rings cut from a 3-inch pipe can also be used.
Why should you cut the PVC pipe at an angle when mounting it to the wall or board?
Cutting the top or bottom of the pipe section at an angle creates easier access for your drill or screwdriver when securing the pipe to a wall stud or wooden backing board. It also gives the rack a cleaner look and makes inserting and removing tool handles smoother.
Do I need to use Schedule 80 PVC, or is standard Schedule 40 strong enough?
Standard Schedule 40 PVC is strong, rigid, and more than durable enough to support heavy garden tools like steel shovels and pitchforks. However, if you plan to build a larger multi-tool rack that supports a significant amount of weight in one section, using Schedule 80 PVC provides added wall thickness and extra structural strength to prevent sagging or cracking over time.
Mark Ligon
Mark Ligon is the marketing manager at PVC Fittings Online, a supplier of commercial PVC and CPVC pipe, fittings and valves. Ligon enjoys educating businesses on the parts of piping systems so managers can make informed decisions. He can be reached at webmaster@commercial-industrial-supply.com.
