Change plate holder, rack mounted weight storage

It can be pretty convenient to store your smaller plates - 10s, 5s, and 2.5s - on your rack rather than on the floor or over on a weight storage tree. In this article, I’ll show you how to make a small rack attachment to hold change plates.

Diy weight plate storage

Materials I used:

2x12” - Home Depot link (homedepot.sjv.io/qn0JP5)

1.75 inch round dowel (or 1.5 inch dowel if you can’t find 1.75) - Home Depot link (https://homedepot.sjv.io/n1nGPM)

2 inch screws - Home Depot link (https://homedepot.sjv.io/zajEV7)

Titebond III wood glue - Amazon link (https://amzn.to/3gPf16z), Home Depot link (https://homedepot.sjv.io/yRr0jG)

6 inch long 1” bolts - Menards link (https://www.menards.com/main/hardware/fasteners-connectors/bolts/cap-screws-hex-bolts/grip-fast-reg-1-8-zinc-grade-8-hex-bolts/g8hb16-1/p-1444421559816.htm)

1” hex nut - Menards link (https://www.menards.com/main/hardware/fasteners-connectors/nuts/hex-jam-nuts/grip-fast-reg-1-8-yellow-zinc-grade-8-coarse-thread-hex-nut-2-count/g8hn1-2/p-1444421562659-c-8915.htm?searchTermToProduct=2325964)

Tools I used:

Dewalt sliding miter saw - Amazon link (https://amzn.to/3pdqFe3), Home Depot link (https://homedepot.sjv.io/3P7GRB)

Dewalt impact driver - Amazon link (https://amzn.to/31OpKZV)

Dewalt 20v random orbit sander sander (https://amzn.to/3CtQoED)

Drill press - Amazon link (https://amzn.to/3wh8beK), Home Depot link (https://homedepot.sjv.io/doRm3K) - alternatively, the holes can also be drilled using a cordless drill

1 inch forstner bit - Amazon link (https://amzn.to/3uJm44s), Home Depot link (https://homedepot.sjv.io/LPDQoZ)

1.75 inch forstner bit - Amazon link (https://amzn.to/3gGf6Ix) , Home Depot link (https://homedepot.sjv.io/RyRBVy)

rack mounted weight storage

I start off with a scrap piece of 2x12 and lay out my Bells of Steel mighty grip plates marking where they will go.

DIY weight plate storage

I do my best to make a symmetrical triangle. In this case accuracy is not super important.

DIY weight plate storage

I use the miter saw to cut the angled lines I marked.

DIY weight plate storage
DIY weight plate storage

Thes I cut off the sharp points of the triangle.

DIY weight plate storage

I’ll be hanging the weights on 1.75” wood dowel rods. I use my drill press and a 1.75” forstner bit to make counter sink holes for the dowels. I use a 1/8” bit to drill through the center - this is for the screws.

DIY weight plate storage
DIY weight plate storage

I use a stopper on my miter saw to cut my dowel into three 5” pieces.

DIY weight plate storage

I use a rounder bit on my table router to round the edges. This step is not completely necessary. Sandpaper is also a simple way to soften the edges.

DIY weight plate storage
DIY weight plate storage

The center hole is for the mounting bolt. I decided to countersink this one so the bolt does not come into contact with the weights. First I drill a 1.75” hole about halfway though, then use a 1” bit to go through the rest. For people with 5/8” holes on their racks, you’ll want to drill a 5/8” hole in the center.

DIY weight plate storage
DIY weight plate storage

I go over the entire thing with my sander to smooth the edges and get rid of the pencil marks.

DIY weight plate storage

I add some wood glue before inserting the wood dowels.

DIY weight plate storage
DIY weight plate storage

And use 2 inch wood screws to secure the dowels from the back.

DIY weight plate storage

It is super easy to mount using a 1 inch bolt. For people with 5/8” holes this is an easy thing to switch up.

DIY weight plate storage

All set. Now I have a super convenient option for storing my change plates.

DIY weight plate storage
DIY weight plate storage

Looking for other plate storage options? Check out my weight storage tutorials:

DIY A-frame weight tree

DIY wall mounted weight storage

DIY toaster rack