DIY Network

Doorknob Apron-Rack From "Ask DIY" episode ADI-706

Figure A

Q: I've collected some antique doorknobs, and I'd like to put them to use. Do you have any creative ideas?

A: (Bruce Johnson, DIY antiques and woodworking expert) You could use a variety of vintage doorknobs to make a hat rack or coat rack. Better yet, make an apron rack for the kitchen (figure A). In that way, the doorknobs you're so proud of will be displayed even when aprons are hanging from it. It's an easy project. Here's how to do it.

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Safety Alert: Always wear eye-protection, and exercise proper safety precautions, when using power tools.

• You may have to do some digging, but you can probably have good luck finding a variety of vintage doorknobs (figure B) at salvage and "junque" stores. They'll probably range in price from a couple of dollars to $15 or so for the glass ones with beveled edges.

• If they come attached to their original spindle, you'll need to remove the set-screw and detach the knob from the spindle.

• Where the spindle was attached, there's generally a square hole at the base of the knob (figure C).

• You can use the square hole to accommodate a wooden peg that will be used to attach the knob to the rack's wooden backing. Use a wooden dowel of suitable size to make the peg. You'll need to square off the end of the dowel using a utility knife (figure D).

  Figure B

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  
• Secure the squared end of the dowel inside the square hole using woodworker's glue. Tap the dowel down securely, and allow the glue to dry.

• For the backing of the rack, we used a pre-finished piece of leftover wood-flooring. Decide on the length that you want your rack, and how many doorknobs you'll be using. Measure and mark the locations for the doorknobs (figure E), spacing them evenly along the length of the back piece. We used a board that was 24 inches long, and we spaced our three knobs 8 inches apart.

• Once the locations are marked, use a drill-bit matching the size of your dowels to drill the mounting holes. For ours, the holes were drilled using a 3/8-inch bit, and each was drilled about 1/2-inch deep.

• Once the glue on the dowels and knobs has dried, use a hand-saw to cut off the excess length of dowel (figure F).

• To secure each doorknob, place woodworker's glue in the predrilled hole in the backing, and insert the dowel into the hole. Turn the knob to spread the glue evenly (figure G). Allow the glue to dry.

• Metal fasteners for hanging your rack can be attached to the back of the board. Fasteners like these are available at home centers and crafts stores.

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

RESOURCES :
How to Recognize and Refinish Antiques for Pleasure
Model: 0762701145
Author: Jacquelyn Peake

Decorating With Architectural Trimwork: Planning, Designing, Installing
Model: 1580110789
Author: Jay Silber
To order: www.amazon.com