MENU

Tie It Down

An easy-to-build organizer will help you tame jumbled messes of tie downs, bungee cords, and other straps.

By Chris Hill

DOWNLOAD: Click here to download the PDF file with detailed instructions. >>

Tie-down organizer

Tie-down organizer

A full load of materials or supplies is plenty work enough just packing into a trailer, truck or in some sort of storage apparatus. Then comes securing everything to keep what you’re transporting from flying off during travel. Straps, tie-downs and bungee cords make this chore easy. That is, if they’re not a jumbled mess when you try to retrieve one or more of them. Organization is what you need, and we’ve got just the organizer.

Making the Organizer

Folks have long used lengths of PVC pipe to store a lot of things, from building supplies to fishing rods. And PVC has been used to organize tie-downs as well, by simply hooking them on the ends of the pipe. But here we offer a new storage option: a Tie-Down Organizer that combines this basic method with a carrying case to allow you to transport your tie-downs where you need them, and store them in your vehicle or hang them in your shed or workshop.

As you can see in the exploded view, all the material this project requires is a few pieces of 2 x 6, a strip of 1 x 2, some 3/4-inch plywood and a few lengths of PVC pipe. It’s a perfect way to clean up and use some scrap you may have lying around. The only special tool you’ll need is a 2-inch Forstner bit to create a flat-bottom hole in which the pipe will fit.

Using the Organizer

Hook the ends of your tie-downs into the pipe notches and tighten the straps fully. Wrap the excess strap around the pipe. For bungee cords, hook one end into a notch and wrap the cord around the pipe until it is taut enough for the other end to hook into the opposite notch in the pipe. You can put one or two tie-downs and at least three bungee cords on each section of pipe. Store additional cords or supplies in the bottom of the organizer.

The exploded-view illustration below, along with the parts list, is a good start for the experienced carpenter or woodworker. Click to enlarge.

The exploded-view illustration below, along with the parts list, is a good start for the experienced carpenter or woodworker. Click the image to enlarge.

Parts List

Ends (1 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 18) – 2 

Bottom (1 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 18) – 1 

Ledge (3/4 x 1 1/2 x 18) – 1 

Pipe (1 7/8* x 19 1/2) – 4 

Back Panel (3/4 x 21 x 20) – 1 

*outer diameter of pipe

Dimensions

Length: 21 inches

Depth: 5 1/2 inches

Height: 20 inches