How to Make a Portable SCUBA Tank Rack

Scuba diving is a recreational pastime enjoyed by thousands of people the world over. There are few things as exhilarating as experiencing the aquatic world on its own terms. When diving in groups, storage and transportation of the tanks can present an issue. It is often convenient to store scuba or other oxygen tanks in a horizontal position, especially when hauling tanks to dive sites. Using PVC pipe and polypropylene rope is an affordable way to create a lightweight and portable rack to provide easier transportation.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 inch PVC pipe
  • 1/4 inch polypropylene rope
  • Hack saw
  • Marker
  • Power drill
  • 1/4 inch drill bit
  • Duct tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the PVC pipes in to lengths of 18 inches using a hacksaw. The number of pipes will depend on how many tanks you will want your rack to hold. Add two extra pipes to act as the ends of the rack.

    • 2

      Score the pipes using a marker at the measurements of 6 inches and 12 inches, except for one. Mark four holes at the measurements of 2 inches, 6 inches, 12 inches and 16 inches on the other pipe.

    • 3

      Drill 1/4 inch holes into the marked areas on the PVC pipes using a power drill. Drill straight through to the other side.

    • 4

      Lay the pipes on the ground spacing them 4 to 6 inches apart depending on the size of your tanks. Start with the pipe with four holes in it.

    • 5

      Insert the polypropylene rope through the outside hole on the starting pipe. Choose a side from which to start. Run the rope through one side of the pipes and loop it around, threading it through the other side making a U-shape. Take the open ends of the rope and insert them into the inside hole of the starting pipe. Tie a knot in the rope. The knot should be in between the first and second pipe. This will create a large handle on one side and two smaller handles on the other.

    • 6

      Wrap the exposed rope with duct tape to ensure the pipes do not slide on the rope. This will also create consistent spacing between the tanks.