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How to Make Rod Holders

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By Beau Prichard
How to Make Rod Holders
One of the pleasures of becoming a serious angler is collecting specialty equipment. Particular kinds of fishing, notably fly fishing and trolling, require particular rods. These rods can quickly take up space in your home. A simple, tasteful rod holder can turn a collection into a display, as well as provide a convenient storage location.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Build Rod Holder Base

Things You'll Need:
  • 1 8-foot 2x4
  • 1 sheet of lumber, 12 inches wide and 3 feet long
  • 1 3-foot 1x6 plank
  • 2 wood screws, 1 inch
  • Wood stain
  • 2 staircase newel posts
  • Power drill/screwdriver with 2-inch drill bit
Step 1
Cut the 2x4 into four pieces. This will form the base of your rod holder. Cut two lengths to 3 feet long and two lengths to 9 inches long.
Step 2
Assemble the base by screwing the two 3-foot 2x4s to the two 9-inch 2x4s, forming a 3 foot by 1 foot square.
Step 3
Complete the base by screwing the 1 foot sheet of one to the top of the square, forming a box.
Step 4
Using the power drill, create a 1.5-inch hole every six inches in the top of one of the long sides of the box, two inches from the side. This should create 5 rod holes.

Complete Rod Holder

Step 1
Adjust the height of the newel posts so that they stand 30 inches tall. If you have newel posts with round heads, remove them and adjust the height accordingly.
Step 2
Attach the newel posts to the corners of the base assembly. Place them at the two corners of the long side that does not have the rod holes in it.
Step 3
Drill more rod holes at the same distances in the 3-foot 1x6. Saw the 1x6 in half length wise, leaving a 1x3 board with semicircular cutouts. This is the upper support.
Step 4
Screw the upper support into the tops of the two newel posts. The rods will socket into the holes in the base and then recline in the semicircular grooves.
Step 5
Stain your completed rod holder so that it will last longer.

Tips & Warnings

 
Always use protective gear when using power tools.
 
Re-stain your rod holder every few years and it should last a lifetime.

About The Author

Beau Prichard has been a freelance writer and editor since 1999. He specializes in fiction, nonfiction, journalism, biography, marketing and publicity. Prichard has traveled extensively in England, North America, Mexico and Australia and holds a bachelor's degree in writing from George Fox University.
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