How To Build A DIY Bike Rack To Free Up Space In Your Garage

Most garages seem to become a haven for all things clutter, ranging from assorted tools to seasonal storage bins. Amid the mess, it might be hard to find clever places to store your bike indoors, especially in the off-season. That's where wall-mounting your bike comes in, providing a simple yet effective solution that makes it easy to store a bike in your garage or even a small apartment. With a bit of DIY magic, you can quickly bring more order to your messy garage, keeping your bike out of the way and freeing up floor space.

One of the best options for maximizing garage storage space is a wall-mounted swiveling bike rack. Unlike a fixed rack, it allows you to move your bike flat against the wall, keeping it out of the way while also freeing up that much-needed floor space. Once you're ready to take it down, simply pull the rack out for easy removal. However, one of the major downsides of this type of rack is their cost, often running you about $50 to $100 for just one. With such an expensive investment, it might not be feasible for casual bike riders, who instead opt for fixed racks that are less effective storage options. But why settle for less? Creating your own DIY swiveling bike rack is not only cost-effective but surprisingly simple.

To make your own swiveling bike rack, you'll first need a few supplies including two heavy-duty door hinges, a 2 by 6 wooden plank, and a sturdy bike hook, like these SMARTOLOGY 8-Pack Bike Hanger Hooks. This DIY can be a great way to use any leftover scrap wood so it can realistically be any size that you have handy. Most bikes may only require one hook to hold up its weight, so keep that in mind when grabbing your supplies, but additional hooks can be used for especially heavy bikes. Start by cutting your board to your desired length and sanding it down. On the back of your board, measure about two inches from the top and bottom of your board and screw your door hinges into place. Once they're secure, flip the board over and use a ruler to find the center. Use a pencil to mark a dot in the center of your board for your bike hook.

With everything marked, drill a small pilot hole so that your hook can easily twist in until it sits flush with the board. Just be sure not to drill completely through the board. The bike hook will bear the weight of your bike, however so you want it to be deep and secure. After the rack is completely assembled, you're ready to mount it. For maximum support, drill your door hinges into the studs on your wall. If you want to make the rack more aesthetically appealing, consider painting it to blend in with the wall. Your bike rack is now free to swivel back and forth, making bike storage so much easier while keeping your garage clutter-free.