Determine what hardware units you will be placing in your rack and calculate the total dimensions of the stacked items. Use these measurements to purchase an appropriately sized rack. Items such as tuners and surge protectors should also be included in your list of items, as these will be essential elements on a touring or performing rig. Racks can be purchased at a majority of major audio equipment retailers and leading online vendors.
The rack you have purchased will included appropriately positioned holes to screw your equipment into. Use the rack rails provided with your rack to create individual compartments within the rack for your equipment. Secure the rack rails into your rack using 1/4-inch screws.
Place your items into your rack and screw them into the rack rails. It is typically advisable to create extra spaces within your compartment in case you decide to add extra equipment at a later point. If you decide not to do this, ensure that each of the items is securely screwed into the rack.
Wrap the exterior of your rack in protective carpeting. Many audio equipment retailers stock carpeting that has been cut to the specific dimensions of popular instrument racks. After covering the rack with carpet, screw the carpet into the rack using any extra holes that have been drilled into the case. This may require the purchase of additional screws. If no additional holes are available, use a hot glue gun or adhesive strips to secure the carpet to the rack. If you plan on transporting your equipment often, the carpeting will absorb any shock the rack might sustain from collisions and jarring. The interior lip of the rack usually provides enough space to secure the carpeting into the rack.