The rake’s progress

By Catherine Doherty

Here’s an idea that holds up: In true “Revival” style, clever cottagers repurposed an old rake that would have lingered, unused, at the back of a shed for the rest of its days. In this reincarnation, the rake comes back as a functional pot rack, but we thought of several other variations for the little gem. Use it to hang coats, fireplace utensils, barbecue tools, dishtowels, beach towels, garden tools, or just about anything that needs a hook. 

• Step 1: Salvage

  You’ll easily find old garden tools at garage sales, flea markets, and in your own tool shed. 

• Step 2: Prep

  Remove the metal rake head from its wooden handle. If you have trouble separating them, throw the rake in a campfire and fish out the head once the ashes have cooled. Clean the rake well with soap and steel wool to get rid of soil and leaf residue. To remove rust, see “Rusty Rouster,” on page 104.

• Step 3: Mount

  Drill a pilot hole where you wish to hang the rake. Then screw through the existing hole in the rake head and into the pilot hole. 

Tips

• Be sure to screw the rake rack into a wall stud if you plan to hang heavy objects.
• Paint the rake with latex paint to match your space. 

Published in the March 2005 issue of Cottage Life magazine.

Copyright © 2005 by Cottage Life. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph, or artwork, for other than personal use, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden.