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How to Build a Spool Rack

Spool racks are wooden structures that are used to hold spools of rope, chain or cable. The wooden structure consists of a box-like frame that has a horizontal metal pipe at the top to hold a spool. The spool is supported by a pipe so it can be rotated with little effort, allowing the rope or chain to be pulled off easily. Spool racks like these are built out of standard construction lumber that can be found at any local hardware store or lumber yard.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • 4 pine boards, 2-by-6-by-41-inches
  • 4 pine boards, 2-by-6-by-39-inches
  • 4 pine boards, 4-by-4-by-28-inches
  • Drill
  • Drill bit, 1-inch
  • Screw gun
  • 56 wood screws, 3-inch
  • 4 swivel wheels, with screws, 3-inch
  • Metal pipe, 1-by-43-inches
  • 2 end caps, 1-inch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Drill a 1-inch hole through the center of two 41-inch boards. The center of the hole is 20-½ inches away from each end of the boards and 2-¾ inches away from each edge of the board.

    • 2

      Set the two 41-inch boards with the holes on edge, parallel, 39 inches apart and set two 39-inch boards between them at right angles so they're spaced 39 inches apart. The corners made up by these boards are flush. Screw through the 41-inch boards and into the 39-inch boards so three screws enter each end of the 39-inch boards. Repeat this step using the last 41-inch and 39-inch boards.

    • 3

      Lay one of the frames flat and position a 28-inch board vertically inside each corner. Screw four screws through each corner and into the vertical boards. Lay the second frame flat and set the four 28-inch boards upside down inside the frame. You will have a box shape. Screw four screws through each corner of this second frame and into the 28-inch boards.

    • 4

      Screw the swivel wheels to a set of ends made up by the 28-inch boards that are opposite the ends that are close to the 1-inch holes. This is the bottom of your spool rack, and the wheels will provide easy mobility of the rack. Turn the rack over so they are resting on the wheels.

    • 5

      Hold your spool inside the rack so the hole in the spool is aligned with the two 1-inch holes. Insert the pipe through all three of the holes and screw the end caps on the pipes to keep the spool secured.