Pegboard lab drying racks are a common method of drying glassware and plastic containers. Using just gravity and air, they provide a simple yet effective method for drying a wide range of vessel types and sizes. They are made from several common materials and available in a wide range of sizes and configurations. In this blog, we outline the different types, mounting options and benefits of using pegboard drying racks.

What is a Pegboard Lab Drying Rack? 

Pegboard lab drying racks are very similar to common industrial pegboards. They are made from rigid materials and are filled with a number of holes to accommodate pegs that allow for hanging items from them. In the case of laboratories, beakers, flasks, cylinders and other containers are placed on the pegs and left to dry.

Pegboard drying racks must be durable, sturdy and versatile to accommodate a wide range of vessels, some of which can be quite heavy when made from glass. After glassware or plasticware has been washed, they are placed on the pegboard to gravity air dry. The residual water or cleaning solution from the vessel is often times drained away into a sink or receptacle.

Types of Pegboard Drying Racks

Pegboards are made from a variety of materials. For laboratory and industrial applications, the most common among them are stainless steel, epoxy, and acrylic. M2 Sci provides a range of pegboard drying racks from Inter Dyne Systems. Each style is available in a large selection of sizes, with a variety of peg spacing options, accessories, and mounting options. 

Acrylic Pegboard Drying Racks

An excellent solution for low-light areas, acrylic pegboards allow light to pass through, which improves workspace visibility, helps create a more open atmosphere, and provides lab workers with as much light as possible at their workstations. Transparent pegboards can also facilitate more collaboration between colleagues.

Acrylic pegboards from Inter Dyne Systems can be supplied with a frosted back to obscure the view of drying equipment and the workstation itself while only toning down—but not blocking— light. These acrylic pegboards feature eased and flame-polished edges for a clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing result.

Many sizes and peg spacing options are available in acrylic. Drip trays can also be added to drain water and cleaning solution away to a nearby drain or receptacle.

View our selection of acrylic pegboard drying racks.

Stainless Steel Pegboard Drying Racks

An excellent choice for almost any lab, stainless steel pegboards won’t corrode, will not stain, dry quickly, and are compatible with most chemicals. They are available in a variety of sizes and peg spacing options, and include an integral drip tray or drip deflector.

Stainless steel is inherently easy to clean, which is another plus for sterile environments: simply wipe down the pegboard with a recommended cleaner. Stainless steel is lightweight, making these pegboards less expensive to ship and easier to install than other materials.

Mod-Rack Pegboards

Inter Dyne Systems Mod-Rack stainless steel pegboards are customizable with a variety of accessories designed to provide additional drying capability. For irregularly shaped items, or those that are too large for the pegs, a selection of shelves, drain baskets, pipette racks and other accessories are available to attach to these pegboards using the same peg mounting holes.

Shop our large selection of stainless steel lab drying racks and Mod-Rack accessories.

Epoxy Pegboard Drying Racks

Reminiscent of laboratory countertops, black epoxy pegboards are a classic choice for labs for their exceptional chemical resistance and strength. Epoxy pegboards are resistant to corrosive chemicals and high heat, and therefore an excellent way to avoid risking any degradation. 

Like the stainless steel models, these epoxy drying racks are available in a wide range of sizes and peg counts, and include the option to add a drip tray.

Take a look at our large selection of epoxy pegboard drying racks.

Mounting Options for Pegboard Drying Racks

Freestanding Brackets

Freestanding assemblies can be mounted to any laboratory work surface. Freestanding assemblies include the necessary installation hardware. As an option, you may also choose to add a finished back panel for support. This is a quick and easy way to turn available countertop space into workstations.

Raised Top Assembly

If you're in a situation where there is limited countertop or wall space, raised-top assemblies lift the unit off the work surface and free up space below the pegboard. Maximize space to the fullest by mounting two pegboards back to back, or add a finished back panel to a single pegboard for support.

Wall Mount

Wall-mounted pegboards, along with the appropriate adjustable standards and brackets become fully adjustable, allowing you to raise or lower the unit to your desired height, making any workstation that much more versatile. Of course, you can also mount your pegboard directly to any wall that is capable of maintaining the load. 

We recommend fastening epoxy and acrylic pegboards into studs to ensure secure installation. Stainless steel pegboards from Inter Dyne Systems include a z-bracket that makes hanging and installation quick and simple.

View all of the drying rack mounting accessories for Inter Dyne Systems pegboards.

Benefits of Using Pegboard Drying Racks

Power Not Required: Pegboard drying racks are a great option for drying glassware without any complicated, expensive or energy consuming equipment. They use gravity and air to naturally dry containers. There is no need for electrical outlets or power consumption, which makes these a cost-effective and effortless solution for drying.

Minimal Maintenance: Once installed, there is little to no maintenance required. A simple cleaning from time to time is all that is needed to keep these pegboards in tip-top shape.

Space-Saving: Space is a commodity in laboratories, and pegboard style drying racks offer versatile mounting options to install them wherever they are needed. They don't take up any valuable floor space when installed at the ends of islands or on walls.

Chemical Resistant: Stainless steel and epoxy drying racks are resistant to many chemicals and solutions. This is particularly useful when working with various reagents, solutions and cleaning products.

Versatility: Pegboard drying racks are available in a range of sizes, materials and mounting options. They can be installed on the wall, at the end of lab islands, on shelving or using free-standing hardware to mount them to any work surface.

Cost-Effective: Compared to expensive glassware cleaning and drying equipment, pegboard drying racks are substantially less expensive and are a great solution when air drying is an option. Smaller operations rarely require dedicated cleaning equipment, making pegboards a great alternative. University research departments and classrooms may also benefit from using these due to their lower price-point.