Good waders are invaluable for hunting or fishing in cold water; however, high-quality waders are not cheap, and you must take good care of them so that they will last for years. Accordingly, it is imperative that you hang them up so they can dry thoroughly after each use. While you can purchase wader hangers, it is relatively easy to build a wader-hanging rack of your own that holds three pairs of waders.
Items you will need
Tape measure
Pencil
¾-inch plywood, exterior grade
Jigsaw
Medium-grit sandpaper
Stain or paint
Water sealant
Paintbrush
Cordless drill
Drill bits
3 angled shelf brackets
½-inch-long wood screws
1 ½-inch-long wood screws
Step 1
Measure out and mark a 6-inch-by-36-inch rectangle on the plywood with the measuring tape and pencil. Cut out the rectangle using the jigsaw.
Step 2
Cut six U-shaped slots into the plywood with the jigsaw. Each slot should be between 2 and 3 inches wide, and placed approximately 2 to 3 inches from neighboring slots. The open side of the slots forms the front of the rack, into which you will insert the waders. Sand the plywood with medium-grit sandpaper to remove any rough edges.
Step 3
Apply a coat of paint or stain using the paintbrush, and allow the paint to dry completely. Add a second coat, and allow the wood to dry again. Apply a water sealant on top of the dry paint or stain, allow the sealant to dry completely and apply a second coat. Allow the piece to dry for at least 24 hours.
Step 4
Turn the plywood upside down. Measure and draw lines 2, 18 and 34 inches from either end of the board. These mark the locations in which you will place the shelf brackets. Rest the shelf brackets on the board in the appropriate spots and drive a ½-inch-long screw into each of the holes to connect the brackets to the plywood.
Step 5
Flip the board back over, and have a helper hold it against the wall in the place where you intend to install it. Be sure to line up the shelf brackets with the studs in the wall, as drywall may not be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the hanger and three pairs of waders. Drive a 1 ½-inch-long screw into each of the remaining bracket holes to secure the hanger to the wall.
Warnings
- Always exercise care when using power tools.
Tips
- Be sure to mount the hanger high enough to prevent your waders -- including the straps -- from contacting the floor. In most cases, this means installing the hanger 6 to 6 1/2 feet above the ground.
- It is a good practice to wash your waders in hot water before allowing them to dry.
References
Tips
- Be sure to mount the hanger high enough to prevent your waders -- including the straps -- from contacting the floor. In most cases, this means installing the hanger 6 to 6 1/2 feet above the ground.
- It is a good practice to wash your waders in hot water before allowing them to dry.
Warnings
- Always exercise care when using power tools.
