How to Make a Bike Hook out of Pipe Fittings

Learn How to Hang your Bike Using Pipe Fittings

When you’re on a budget and don’t have much woodworking experience, cheap and simple are the name of the game. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t create a cool shabby-chic bike hook to store your bike in small spaces or in the garage!

This design uses pipe fittings that you can find at your local hardware store to make a hook that allows you to hang your bike vertically by the wheel.

Don't miss our video collaboration with Lowes Home Improvement on YouTube

Why We Love It

The only tool you need to create this awesome vertical bike rack is a drill, no sawing or complicated assembly required! The hook is made out of items that you can easily find in the plumbing section of the hardware store and is large enough that you could hang any type of bike from it, no matter the size of the tire. Plus, the wooden plank will keep your wall from getting scuffed and dirty from your bike's tires! 

Tools

  • Cordless Drill
  • Adjustable Pliers
  • Sharp Scissors or a Knife
  • Ruler
  • Stud finder or Toggle Bolts
  • Level

Pipe Hook Tools

Supplies

Pick up the following items, or download this shopping list with part numbers to take to your local Lowes Improvement Hardware Store.

  • 1/2 inch (15 mm) Black Iron Pipe Fittings
    • Floor Flange Fitting
    • 90-degree Starter Elbow Fitting
    • (2) 90-degree Elbow Fittings
    • 3 ½ inch (90 mm) Nipple Fitting
    • 4 1/2 inch (115 mm) Nipple Fitting
    • Cap Fitting
    • 1 in X 6 in X 6 ft (2.5 cm X 15 cm X 180 cm) Select Pine Board
    • 1 inch (2.5 cm) Clear Vinyl Tubing (about 5 inches/13 cm long)
    • (4) #12 X 3/4 inch (6 mm X 19 mm) Flat-Head Interior/Exterior Wood Screws
    • (2) Cabinet screws with large diameter head
    • Scrap wooden plank
    • Wood stain or paint (optional)

Pipe Hook Supplies

Make It!

  1. Using soapy water, clean the pipe fittings to remove any grease.
  2. Grab a spare piece of wood long enough for you to kneel on and secure the black iron floor flange pipe fitting to it with the wood screws.
  3. Secure the 90-degree starter elbow fitting to the floor flange until hand tight, then use the adjustable pliers and tighten thoroughly.
  4. Follow with the small nipple fitting, 90-degree elbow fitting, medium-sized nipple fitting, second 90-degree elbow fitting, and large nipple fitting with the same method to create a hook-shape. Make Hook
  5. Take your clear vinyl tubing and hold it up to the last secured piece of pipe. Mark the tubing where the threads on the iron pipe begin and cut with sharp scissors or a knife.
  6. Slide the tubing over the iron nipple fitting, screw cap fitting onto the end of the pipe and tighten. The tubing will ensure your wheels do not get scratched by the rough pipe when you hang your bike.
  7. Remove finished hook from the scrap piece of wood.
  8. Sand any rough edges and add desired finish to your pine board (stain, paint, etc.) and let dry.
  9. Using the finished hook, center the hook at the top of the finished board and mark the holes with a pencil.
  10. With the pencil marks as your guide, drill pilot holes using a 1/8 inch (3 mm) drill bit. Do not go all the way through the wood.
  11. Secure hook to finished board with wood screws and drill. Assemble bike rack
  12. Use a ruler to find the center of your pine board and make a mark with your pencil below the hook. Measure the mark’s distance to the edge of the wood above the hook and make a matching mark on the other side of the board.
  13. Drill pilot holes using a drill bit that is the same size as the shank of the screw all the way through the pine board as guides for your cabinet screws to secure your rack to the wall.
  14. You can mount your rack two different ways: 1.) You can use a stud finder to mount your rack securely to the wall. 2.) If you can’t find a stud where you want to mount your rack, you can use toggle bolts. Toggle bolts will allow you to securely fasten your rack to the wall without a stud, just follow the instructions on the package.
  15. Whether you are using a stud finder or toggle bolts, use a level to ensure your rack is straight vertically before marking your wall and mounting your rack.
  16. Secure your rack to the wall using cabinet screws and hang your bike by either the front or rear wheel. Nice job!

Mistakes to Avoid

When storing your bike, here are some things you should NEVER do:

  • Never store your bike dirty for long periods of time. Dirt left on your bike’s frame can damage the finish and any water can cause rusting, bolts to seize or other damage
  • Never keep your bike outside overnight. The elements can cause your bike or its components to rust, not to mention it could easily be stolen!
  • Never store your bike where it could fall on the derailleur, is leaning against something on the derailleur or laying on the ground with the drivetrain down. You risk bending or breaking this important (and expensive) part.
  • Never store your bike upside down if you have hydraulic disc brakes. When the bike is upside down, air can travel in through the calipers more easily, causing squishy or non-existent braking.

Now Go Hang your Bike! 

Hang your Bike

Check out our other bike storage solutions: 

How to Make a Wall-Mounted Shelf to Hang your Bike

How to Store Multiple Bikes and Gear in Small Spaces