The Outdoor Storage Solution That Comes From An Old Tie Rack

There's nothing worse than having to dodge rusted hand shovels and not-so-hypothetical creepy crawlies every time you need to grab a gardening tool. Not to mention the momentary dread that washes over you when you realize you unintentionally left your gloves out as an offering to the spiders. Thankfully, the social media green-thumb community is always there to call out cuter and more functional storage solutions for gardening tools. A perfect example, @whitneyleighmorris on TikTok shared how she upcycled an antique rotating tie rack for outdoor storage.

Apart from the piece's vintage charm, its rotating design makes it easier to retrieve essential gardening tools without the need to dig down through layers of gear like you would in a storage bin. This way, you can quickly move onto your next outdoor task or project.

The spacing between each individual hanger plus the rack's vertical configuration may also promote better airflow, which could help with storing pairs of work gloves along with freshly washed tools that need a bit of time to dry. Since they aren't mixed together in a heap of supplies, they may be less likely to develop rust and mildew, minimizing the amount of times you have to replace them.

There are a bunch of vintage rotating tie racks on sites like Etsy and eBay for varying prices but you can also try antique stores and secondhand shops. When you search, just make sure that the one you choose is labeled as a wall-mounted rack, as there are some freestanding and hanger-style racks that would require you to clear extra table space or put it where there's a mounting rod.

Opt for heavy-duty mounting kits for your wall type to ensure the rack and wall can support the weight of multiple hand tools at a time. That said, don't try to reuse a tie rack to display full-sized equipment, since after all, it's old and could be a bit worn down. Plus, its original purpose was to store and display light fabric ties, so be very selective about what goes on it.

@whitneyleighmorris

Repurposed an old, rotating tie rack for garden tool storage on the porch. 🪏 Even a small sliver of space like this can be put to endless clever, practical uses with the help of simple, versatile items. Considerations like this seem minor when considered on their own, but they add up to help us fully use — and better enjoy — all of our square footage without feeling cramped. #storagehacks #smallgarden #smallspacesolutions #smallspaceliving #upcycledhome

♬ A Flower – Elia Lo Monaco

As far as choosing an installation spot, mount it wherever it makes the most sense for you. You may need to add a protective sealant to wood or metal racks before installing them on exterior walls or in areas that lack temperature control. Since you'll likely be storing metal tools and fabric gloves, make sure the spot is covered by a roof overhang or another structure to protect them from rain or sun exposure.

Alternatively, you can put the ensemble on the wall beside a utility sink to hang items to dry after washing them. This setup could be especially useful if you're weeding or removing pest-damaged foliage from your garden — the last thing you need is powdery mildew or fungal diseases from unwashed pruning shears transferring to unaffected plants during your next gardening session.