How to Make a Bike Rack
Making something from your bare hands is a productive, and very rewarding task to complete. While it is easy to run down to the local super mart to pick up most items today, this does not even begin to show the craftsmanship and quality of doing it yourself. This is also true when you need some parking solutions for your active lifestyles. Bicycle racks are easy to make, fun to customize, and will show the world that you have the I can do it attitude that has been lost in the recent years.
One method on how to create a bicycle rack is a simple cut and glue. You will need some PVC pipe, pipe cleaner and glue, and some PVC tees to make this option work. First you will cut the end pieces to around a three foot length, while taking care to ensure that there are no jagged edges that may possibly puncture the tires. Depending on the length you want for your bike rack, you will then cut multiple pieces of shorter pipe that are connected with the tees provided. After getting the outside frame together, you will then install the center divider pieces into the tee ends, While this seems like a simple procedure, the recommendation from all do-it-yourselfers is to do a dry run before gluing all of the items together.
For something a little more permanent, and not quite as lightweight is to use steel tubing in place of the plastic PVC pipe. Some welding skills may be required here, but it will lead to a work of art that can provide a accentuating accent to any yard or parking area. When making this choice, you will want to cut the end posts around a foot and a half longer than if you were making the rack out of plastic. This will give you the length you will need to set the posts in a concrete foundation in holes dug at the ends that will give the rack stability, and permanency.
After making the bike rack of your choice you have many options on decorating this work of art. While common spray paint can be used on the plastic rack, you will want to use a sealer to ensure that the decorative quality does not fade over time. When painting or decorating a metal rack, the recommendation from the experts is to use a steel type of rust resistant paint, and prime the metal first. No matter what your choice is, the main focus on the project should be fun. This is a wonderful project to take on in a weekend with your children, or just something to tinker with on your spare time. Remember why you are building this and that bicycling is a important part of remaining healthy, and you are sure to have plenty of fun taking on this project.
Category: 
Tags: 