DIY Magnetic Knife Holder With a Vintage Ruler
I've seen posts about creating your own magnetic knife rack, but I decided to use something a little different for my knife holder. I also figured out a couple of tricks along the way that made this project a success!
I found this massive ruler in the corner of a garage at an estate sale. $1.00? I'll take it! It was painful to cut it, but I have a couple of other projects planned for the rest of the 4 foot ruler, so I think I'm happy with my decision.
Instead of sitting in the corner of a garage, it's now a unique, and functional addition to our kitchen.
1/2" by 1/8" thick neodymium magnets worked perfectly for this project, but boy are they strong.
I drilled holes with a 1/2" forstner bit, and the magnets fit in perfectly. I just continued to drill holes across the entire back, making sure to drill close to the thicknesses of the wood, but not through it.
As I added new magnets to the empty holes, I made sure to cover up the magnets that were already in place. If not, those magnets just wanted to jump right out of their little holes.
Those knives at the back are pretty heavy, but with the amount and type of magnets I used, it's strong enough to hold them!
Check out the full post on the blog!
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Darlene Lambertson-Fettermanon Jul 2, 2018This is a fantastic idea. I WHANT to try it in a small version over my desk, but with the magnets spaced farther apart. Then use it for misc desk supplies, then put a tiny flat magnet on the back of pictures to add randomly on the board.
Thanks for thinking idea
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Kathy Aon Jul 3, 2018Awesome job!
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Does it also hold the meat (translated from Spanish): aguanta tambien el acha de la carne
I would say yes! Excellent work, no? (translated from Spanish): Diría que sí! Excelente trabajo, no?
Where did you get the magnets??
You can buy various magnets on e bay
The Container Store had them at one time.
Harbor Freight has them cheap. They are strong too.
Lowes and Home Depot also carry them.
Hobby Lobby has them
My Mom had a janitorial firm and she bought heavy magnet incased in a medal frame that was screwed onto the vacuums fronts to pick up staples and paper clips. I'm sure if you go to a vacuum store you can use them for your knives, and they came with screw holes...
Omg! I've never heard of that! What a great idea for the vacuum!
Amen to that! My husband just took home a bunch of SUPER strong magnets that they were throwing away at his work. I'm going to ask him to figure out a way to attach it to the front of my vacuum! I bet vacuums last a lot longer when they don't have to pick up all those items. Now we need something that will pick up the tiny fuzzies that vacuums can't seem to suck up! They can pick up bowling balls but not fuzzies!
How many magnets per knife did you use? Thanks for the tutorial.
Mine have held up. As long as the part you are using isreally cleaned well.
Plus the command hooks are the only thing I could get to hold up any large racks on tiles in my shower.
I used a heavy duty double sided tape and stuck my magnet bar to the side of my fridge since it is near to my prep area. make sure the refrigerator is squeaky clean and free of dirt and grease before applying.
I find also that if I hold the command strip for 30 seconds (as recommended) When first adhering and then waiting at least an hour before hanging,!they really hold up for a long time! I say try it!
Command strips may hold this project in place if you aren't messing around with it, but when you start pulling your knives off the bar I think that tugging action will bring it crashing down...knives flying everywhere!!!
I think her whole point of doing this project was to use the antique yard stick, and with its thickness it makes sence to use the heavey duty magnets!
Omg. I didn't even think pf that! Thank you!
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How did you cover (or what did u use) to the individual magnets to prevent them from "jumping" up from their holes to the neighboring magnets?
Hi Linda, I would use duct tape or a heavy duty tape that sticks well to wood. The other thing I would most likely do is glue the magnets in their holes with E-6000 glue and then back the ruler with felt or any cushy fabric, Maybe a strip of leather. Be careful with these magnets they are extremely powerful and can give fingers a good bite.
you're not kidding...those magnets have really done a job on my fingers more than once.
Where can I purchase that type of magnets? I live in Auburn, Indiana.
It shows her covering them with one hand while placing the new magnet with the other hand.
I love the idea about gluing them in and covering with felt or other think fabric!
You say you "added" magnets, but I missed HOW. Glue? What kind? If just inserted in the holes, won't they eventually pop out?
they are sandwiched between wall and ruler. they have nowhere to go.
Adele I would most likely use E-6000 glue and then cover with a strip of felt or leather. This type of magnet is extremely powerful and if not very secure they very well may "jump" out. :)
Sad, to bad the ruler had to be cut. It would have made a great conversation piece on a wall. I love old rulers .
What brand of kitchen knivesare those?
They look like HINKLES ,
German knives of very good quality. Very sharp.
Plus a good heft & feel in your hand. Pricy too.