Plywood tool organizer. How to make a quality DIY tool box

The business card of a true master is the box in which he stores the tool.

It is impossible to do without this accessory if you need to do the job quickly and efficiently, without wasting time looking for drills and screws, taps, screwdrivers and dozens of other necessary little things.

A wooden box with a handle, which served as a repository for hand tools for centuries, can only be found today in the Museum of Wooden Architecture.

It was replaced by light and durable cases, suitcases and organizers that amaze the imagination with a variety of shapes, volumes and sizes.

How not to drown in a sea of ​​offers and choose a convenient, fairly compact and reliable tool box, we will consider in our article.

What is a toolbox for?

It performs three main functions:

• Optimizes storage space, allowing you to fit the maximum number of necessary devices in the minimum volume.
• Facilitates and speeds up work, since all the accessories in it are laid out in a certain order, clearly visible and easily accessible for use.
• Makes it easy to transport the tool with handles, shoulder straps or wheels.

It should be noted that the storage of tools is not the only function of such boxes. Since small fasteners are often required during work, the most “honorable” place at the top level is assigned to it.

Types of tool storage boxes

Depending on the method of access to the content, there are boxes of open and closed types.

The first ones resemble an ordinary travel bag. Their main plus is quick access to stored items, and the minuses are inconvenience when carrying (the contents spill out when overturned) and a low level of safety.

The most popular are boxes - durable boxes with a tight-fitting lid, equipped with latches and a lock.

Depending on the type of material used for manufacturing, tool boxes are divided into metal, plastic and metal-plastic.

Steel boxing is hardy and reliable. However, you can't call it easy. Therefore, aluminum is more often used in production - a lightweight, durable and corrosion-resistant metal. If you need a large portable tool box that opens its contents on several levels, then this material is better to give preference to.

Plastic is another material widely used in the toolbox industry. It is distinguished by an affordable price, sufficiently high strength and durability.

Two main disadvantages of this material should be mentioned - the low strength of the "body-lock" connection and fragility in the cold. Therefore, in the cold season, such a tool case should be protected from strong impacts.

The search for a material that combines the lightness of plastic with the strength of metal led to the creation of galvanized metal-plastic. The boxes made from it are roomy, fairly light and can withstand very heavy loads.

Another distinguishing feature of tool boxes relates to the way they are used: professional and household. The former are characterized by large capacity, maximum reliability and high price. Household models are small in size, and inexpensive materials and accessories are used for their manufacture.

The "specialization" of tool boxes is also different, which must be taken into account when buying. The box can be designed to store only carpentry tools or plumbing supplies. The universal version combines in its design compartments designed for different types of mounting equipment (screwdrivers, drills, grinders, clamps, drills, ties, self-tapping screws).

Often, all free space is allocated for a convenient layout of hardware. Such a box is called an organizer.

You can’t put a lot of tools in it, but all the small things necessary for work will fit completely.

How to choose the right option?

To get started, you need to answer the following questions:

1. How many and what tool do you most often need to work.
2. Will a standard compartment for hardware (self-tapping screws, screws, screws and nuts) be enough for your needs, or is it better to buy a separate organizer box for them.
3. How often do you move the tool over long distances (option with wheels, shoulder strap or conventional handle).

Having dealt with your needs, you can start choosing the right model, focusing on the products of well-known companies. There are not very many of them on the "box" market.

Foreign brands are the most popular Stanley, Kroft, Keter, Fit, Blocker. When choosing a toolbox of domestic production, you should pay attention to the products of the Zubr company.

The American company Stanley (Stanley) produces professional and household tool cases. Its products are traditionally of high quality, for which you will have to pay decent money. So for a standard 19-inch plastic box from this manufacturer (49x25x24cm), sellers ask from 2,000 rubles.

The average cost of a box made of metal-plastic (size 20 inches) is 2,900 rubles. Large boxes of this company, equipped with transport wheels, can be bought for no less than 8,000 rubles.

For domestic use, inexpensive tool boxes manufactured by the already mentioned companies Fit, Keter, Kroft, Blocker are well suited. Depending on the size and quality of the material, the price tags for these products range from 400 to 3,500 rubles. Models with wheels are usually a bit more expensive.

The Zubr company produces suitcases for tools in different cost categories (from 500 to 4,500 rubles) and competes almost equally with the products of foreign brands. Therefore, among her products, both an experienced craftsman and a simple lover of home crafts will find a suitable option for themselves.

When choosing a tool case, pay attention to the quality of plastic soldering, its thickness and the reliability of fastening the latches. The last point is especially important, since a tool case with spontaneously opening or broken locks is extremely inconvenient to carry.

Those who use not only small hand tools, but also larger electrified tools, will surely like the model with removable partitions. By removing them, you can significantly increase the internal volume of the box.

How to make a DIY tool box?

Such a design does not have particularly complex elements, so it is quite possible to do it on your own. The simplest homemade tool box is an open box with a handle.

For its manufacture, you can use a thin board, plywood or OSB plate. Having cut out two ends with holes for the handle according to the template, the side walls and the bottom are screwed to them with self-tapping screws. After that, one or two partitions are placed inside. Their height must be chosen such that there is room on top for installing a shallow wooden or metal box in which small fasteners will be stored.

Putting on such a box a cover made of durable artificial leather with pockets sewn to it, you can significantly increase the amount of stored tools.

The wooden handle can be replaced with a strap, more convenient to carry.

A more difficult task is to make a folding tool box with your own hands. It is very roomy and easy to use.

The most interesting feature of this design is the system of levers (metal or wood) with which it opens its compartments on several levels.

After assembling the large lower and four upper compartments, place them one on top of the other, as shown in the figure, and then mark the places for attaching the swing arms.

Before finally fixing them, check the ease of movement and the accuracy of opening the entire structure. On the side walls of the upper compartments, you need to fix two metal carrying handles.

All the necessary fittings (locks, locks and hinges) for a homemade box can be purchased at specialized stores.

As soon as the owner of the house decides that it is time to hang up the flower shelf, which the wife so insistently reminds of for the second month, it turns out that the necessary tools have disappeared somewhere. The situation is familiar, because usually hand tools, all these keys, hammers, screwdrivers, are stored so that they do not catch the eye. Of course, we don’t use tools every day, but the storage system must be organized correctly so that later we don’t rush to look for, for example, a key for 12.

Storage options

Let's decide right away that we will talk about a workshop that can be equipped in a garage, a separate shed, a summer kitchen, on a fairly spacious loggia or balcony. There are usually not many tools in the apartment, and the available screwdrivers, hammer and pliers can be folded into a specially dedicated box or bag that can take place on the mezzanine or in the hallway.

If there are noticeably more hand tools, they need their own separate corner, in which you have to put things in order. The main condition is that the storage place for tools should be dry, because metal parts do not like moisture.

There are many advantages to a well-designed storage system. You will always know exactly what and where lies, you don’t have to look for anything. If the tools are always in their place, you will remember in time that you gave your neighbor a nail puller a month ago, which was needed literally for an hour. In addition, well-placed tools take up less space in the workshop, freeing up space for work.

First of all, you should decide whether you will buy ready-made tool shelves, a metal mobile cabinet with drawers, or equip your workshop with your own hands from scratch. We note right away that ready-made storage systems for hand tools are not always 100% suitable, often they have to be redone for themselves.

Consider a few ideas for self-organizing the storage of hand tools in the workshop.

1. First of all, you should take care of the little things: nails, screws, bolts, which tend to get lost and scattered throughout the room. For their storage, you can adapt ordinary plastic bottles with cut necks - you will immediately see what is where. Small plastic boxes are also suitable, which are better to sign, noting that here, for example, there are nails of such and such a size. It is convenient to arrange such containers for storing small things on a shelf above the desktop so as not to clutter it up. But glass jars should not be used in the workshop. There are too many heavy metal objects that can accidentally touch such a fragile container.

2. Magnet. Real masters usually have a large magnet on their desktop, to which metal small tools successfully cling. Now there are also special magnetic surfaces, holders, on which you can conveniently and easily store many tools and parts.

3. Plywood shield - the choice of the masters of the old school. From pieces of bars on such a shield, you can create a whole storage system that will not take up much space and will allow you to place almost all hand tools. The cost of such storage places is minimal, and everything will be done according to the needs of the master.

4. You can also buy ready-made metal sheet with holes for tool holders. However, you can do this yourself. On ordinary nails or self-tapping screws, saws, keys, and other tools are hung in the right order, in the handles of which there are special holes.

5. For screwdrivers, it is convenient to allocate a separate storage, for example, a regular school stand for pencils and pens.

6. You can also adapt plastic boxes with compartments for small hand tools, which are usually used in the kitchen for forks and spoons.

7. If you don’t really want to build shields and make shelves, you can transfer an old sideboard or sideboard to the garage workshop. It has a lot of shelves and drawers, where a lot of tools will fit. The main thing is to lay everything out yourself in order to know exactly where the garden tool is stored, and where the carpentry tool is.

8. For drills and nozzles of a certain size, it is better to buy a ready-made lodgement - an insert with tools. Or drill holes in a wooden beam where the drills will fit. And sign - 3, 4.5, 9 and so on, in order to immediately know the desired size of the cutting tool.

9. When arranging storage areas in the workshop, care should be taken to ensure safety, especially if small children can get into the room. In this case, it is better to hang piercing and cutting tools on the wall higher, and chemical liquids to be securely closed in a locker with lockable doors.

10. For garden hand tools, a stand-alone rack with holders for long handles of shovels and choppers is perfect. Of course, you can just lean them against the wall, but remember the proverb about the same rake?

We state that organizing a workshop is not so difficult, there are a lot of simple ideas. Just tune in to the fact that once you have to tinker longer in the garage, make an effort, but then in your workshop there will always be a strict order and there will definitely be no problems finding a “cross” screwdriver.

There is always something to fix in the house. It could be a leaky faucet, a loose shelf, or a broken chair. Of course, for each of these actions, a man needs a special tool. As a result, this leads to the accumulation of a large number of screws, hammers, wrenches, etc.

Where to put all the tools so that they are in one place and at the same time do not attract attention? Of course, the best option would be to have a tool box, which can be purchased at a store or made by hand.

What are the boxes?

Hardware stores offer not only repair materials, but also special boxes in which it is convenient to store tools in a compact form. If there is no time and desire to make such a box with your own hands, then you can easily purchase it ready-made. However, it would be much better to do it yourself.

A homemade box will be direct proof that a man is a jack of all trades and can easily cope with any task.

Before buying or making at home, you should clearly determine the type of box that will be most useful. For this, its purpose is determined.

Irregular use does not imply the presence of a fancy design. Much better in this case, a simple box-box with one section is suitable. There is another type - an organizer box. It is more suitable for men who are constantly engaged in repair work, whether at home or in the workplace.

To make the right choice, you need to proceed from personal preferences. The choice of the box depends on the man himself and his ability and desire to make something.

How to make a box with your own hands in stages?

If it was decided to make the box yourself, then you need to have a step-by-step instruction, including a sequence of actions. It will allow you to accurately understand how to make a tool box without much financial and labor costs. Let's define the main stages of work:

Definition of a plan

This stage is very important, since the calculations obtained and the diagrams made will make it possible to draw up a prototype of the structure. If a mistake or error is made somewhere, then the final product may differ greatly from the intended one.

To depict a box in the form of a drawing, use paper and a pencil or a special program on a computer.

Work materials

It should be clear what materials will be used to create the future tool box. They are divided into mandatory and optional.

The latter depend on the specific case, and the mandatory group includes measuring devices, fasteners, a hammer, a hacksaw, etc.

Manufacturing process

The main work that will determine the outcome occurs precisely at this stage.

Manufacturing work

To understand the specifics of how to make a design yourself, let's give a simple example, which is shown in the photo of the tool box. The design is a box-box, which has a special handle for moving.

What is this box made of? Plywood, plastic or metal materials are best suited. Their choice again depends on the personal preferences of the master. As a rule, most use coniferous trees for manufacturing. It's all about their availability, high quality and ease of processing.

Let's take a step-by-step look at the process of making a box-box:

• After a drawing is made on paper or a computer, it is transferred to the material that will serve as the basis for the design. That is, on wood, plastic or metal, details are drawn with a pencil, and then cut out with a hacksaw.
• The main elements of the box: walls (4 pcs.), bottom. The simplest tool box may not contain a lid.
• As soon as all the parts are cut out, they are connected with glue and wait for drying.
• After a few hours, when the glue is completely dry, the joints are additionally fastened with nails or self-tapping screws.
• Installing the handle. As it is suitable rail made of wood.

By following these simple steps, you can get a great DIY tool box.

The finished structure is additionally coated with a varnish layer to give shine, a beautiful appearance and protect the material from liquid ingress.

The presented box-box is considered the simplest, but it is very convenient. Following the step-by-step instructions, even a beginner can make such a box with his own hands.

Of course, later you can make a more advanced and complex model, but for the first experience, a simple box-box cannot be better suited.

DIY tool box photo

A large and convenient tool box is the dream of any master. It is understandable, because in such a repository you can compactly put all your tools. They are not so expensive today, so one of the options is to purchase in a store or create a similar masterpiece yourself. Which option would be acceptable for you? Of course, the purchased one has a certain size, but there can be much more tools than can fit in it. But one way or another, you have to put up with it or run to the store again and buy a new one. It’s quite another thing to do it yourself: I picked up the right material and calculated it for all the available tools and even with a perspective. Conveniently? Most likely, you will agree with this argument. Therefore, we will talk in this article about how to make such a box yourself at home.

What HE should be?

If this is a home box, then it can be a regular box with a handle. Well, if you, for example, are a plumber, then it is clear that you will need a box that is more functional, roomy and durable. This role will be successfully performed by the organizer. However, in this article, as an example, we will consider a simple home option - a box with a handle. So, we will assume that we have decided on the type of box where we will keep all the tools we need, or almost all.

Where do we start? First, let's select the material. It can be plywood, wood or even metal, then we will make the calculations. Only then can you start drawing up a detailed drawing. This can be done in the classic way, that is, on whatman paper using a well-sharpened pencil, ruler, compass, square, etc.

The non-classical way is with the help of a special computer program. "AutoCAD" and "Compass" are just "sharpened" to make a professional accurate drawing. The advantage of such programs is that they will help to avoid errors in the calculation and, moreover, it is possible to preview in advance what you will get from all this.

These programs will only serve you well if you have certain skills in working with them.

The material was selected, and now for the manufacture it remains to assemble all the tools that we will need. Of course, the types of tools are individual. It all depends on what kind of box you want. They, too, are different. But, one way or another, there are universal tools. They are always needed. This is the measuring tool:

• fasteners;
• hammer;
• screwdriver.

Let's start manufacturing

We take the traditional material - edged board of coniferous species. As for processing, this is the simplest and most affordable material, which also has good strength properties.

As planned, it will be a wooden box, and our task now is to materialize the drawing itself into a material. For this case, we need a ruler and a pencil. After that, we mark up on the material and cut out the components of the product with a hacksaw or electric jigsaw. If we planned the usual non-closing option, then we need to make five planes: four walls and a bottom.

When assembling, it is usually best to use wood glue. The joints must be cleaned, and only then apply glue, after which we firmly compress the parts together. Be sure to let the glue dry completely.

After this operation, we can additionally strengthen the box with fasteners - self-tapping screws. Fixed. Now we need to make a handle. It can be an ordinary wooden lath, which we need to nail or screw to the upper edges of the side elements.

Organizer

Following the principle "from simple to complex", let's talk about the organizer. It is clear that in the open-top box, which was written above, you can put a large tool: a hand saw, a hammer, a mallet, and much, much more.

And where to put small things? There are all sorts of screws, bolts, nuts, etc. This small fastener tends to get lost or not be at the very moment when it is especially needed. This is where we need an organizer.

As already noted, this type of boxes, by their design, is the most functional in operation. What does he represent? It's kind of like a box on a box, or rather, a lot of drawers in one section for storing not only medium-sized tools, but also every little thing. Of course, at first glance, it may seem that it will not be easy to make such a design. But it only seems to be. Basically, difficulties arise in the manufacture of the sliding mechanism. Everything else is much easier to do. Now in more detail about manufacturing technology.

1. We start by making the main body. It should be open and deep so that we can put various medium-sized tools (hammers, wrenches, etc.) into it. We can say that the design of this main body is quite simple, but in essence it is an ordinary box that can be divided into several sections using vertical planes.
2. The next stage is the manufacture of 4 smaller boxes. You probably noticed that the number of these sections is even, and we mentally divide them into pairs, trying to adhere to the dimensions of their lower large counterpart during manufacture. They will be stacked on top of each other. One pair of boxes (upper) will be with lids. They will be either folding on piano hinges, or retractable like a Soviet school pencil case.
3. Now it remains to connect these boxes together. We will do this with the help of metal connecting strips. We need 6 pieces. On the one hand, and also on the other hand, we hook one plate (short) to each other in order to connect the two lower boxes to each other - small and large. Two more plates (long) will connect all the boxes together. And, finally, the longest bar will act as a handle, and at the same time connect the two upper floors of the organizer. As you can see, there is nothing complicated here, and the sliding mechanism is utterly simplified, as shown in the example of a metal organizer - the principle is the same.

Making a metal case for tools

Now let's talk about a homemade metal case. Don't jump to the conclusion that it's impossible. Of course, only an experienced locksmith can make an organizer out of metal on his own and with special tools and the appropriate material. Factory-made metal boxes are usually made from lightweight metals such as aluminum so that the box itself is not heavy. At home, working with aluminum is difficult.

In principle, a metal box for is loudly said. Rather, an ordinary box will be made of metal. The material that is needed to make such a box is ordinary soft galvanized steel (about 0.3 mm thick). From the tools we need:

• square;
• caliper (marking);
• sharpened small core or marker;
• ruler;
• hammer;
• anvil (wide metal bar);
• file;
• pliers.

Then everything follows the same scenario: drawing, markup. The most interesting thing is that all this can be done right on the galvanized sheet using a sharpened core (or marker), whatever you like. We then mark with a marker on the metal those places that we have to remove.

After that, we proceed to trimming using scissors for metal.

After trimming everything superfluous, we get such a complex geometric figure (“winged rectangle”).

Now let's work a little blacksmiths. For this case, we have an anvil, and, tapping with a hammer, gently bend the edges of our workpiece. It is better to do this not randomly, but in a certain order.

First we bend one sidewall, and then we bend the other.

Now the sides in turn.

After that, let's do the bending of the protruding petals. They will make the structure itself more rigid, and it will not “play”.

Pliers can be used to wrap protruding parts on the top of the box.

After such manipulations, you should carefully walk around the entire product with a hammer, straightening it.

In this case, it turned out to be a small box. But after all, according to this principle, you can make a similar one - more, and in the end you get such a metal tool box.

So, if you want, everything is possible.

We hope that this article will be useful for you, dear readers. If your tools are in order, then supplement it with the manufacture of a regular tool box. If your instruments do not have a permanent “place of residence”, then consider building a two- or even three-story “transformer house” for it. Try to do this, and your tool will always be in place, and you yourself will be pleased to use a product made by yourself in your household.

Video

This video shows how you can make a box for tools and scrap materials:

See how you can make tool organizer cases yourself:

Every man will agree that a high-quality and multifunctional tool box is an almost indispensable thing in the household. Many masters prefer to buy a ready-made box in the nearest store, where a wide range is presented. But such a device can be made independently, in accordance with personal wishes. Moreover, the manufacturing process itself is not considered difficult, thanks to which even a beginner can cope with this task.

Classification of tool boxes

There are several main criteria by which multifunctional products can be divided into several main groups.

According to the material from which the case is made:

By type of stored instruments:

Construction of modern boxes

Speaking about the design of such boxes, we mean not their shape, but the way of opening and the presence of auxiliary sections. The following designs are considered standard today:

Making a plywood box

To make a do-it-yourself tool box out of plywood, you will need the following tools and materials:

Before proceeding with manufacturing, you need to carefully work out the design of the future product (the drawing can be made on a computer or on plain paper). The necessary calculations are made, the main dimensions are fixed. Thereafter all marks must be transferred to a sheet of plywood. You can do this with a regular ruler, tape measure, marker or even a pencil. All blanks for the future box are cut along the marked lines. And also it is necessary to mark all the grooves and cut them on the blanks. The irregularities formed during the work can be processed with a chisel. It is thanks to the grooves that the final design of the box will turn out to be stronger and more durable.

The next step is to assemble the entire structure. To glue small parts, use high-quality wood glue. The main sides of the box are also glued together. To improve the result, they need to be pressed tightly against each other. It is best to use a special rubber strip for this. You can not remove it until the glue is completely dry. On the doors you need to round the corners.

A convenient handle for boxing with tools can be made from MDF. Initially, the layout is drawn directly on the wood and only then cut out. When the handle is ready, the surface must be treated. It is attached with carpenter's glue and screws.. If you don’t want to make a handle yourself, then you can buy it at a hardware store. The main criterion for the right choice is high strength and reliability. Now you need to attach the outer cover of the drawer and the door. All parts are applied in their places, and then the areas for fastening the loops are marked with a pencil.

To organize the order in the box, you can make small compartments. All components are cut out according to the same principle as the box. Grooves are made and glued. On one side of the box, you can make a special compartment for storing screwdrivers. The most convenient option is considered where this function is performed by special inserts with plywood slots. Velcro is attached to the other side of the drawer to store cables and extension cords.

Wooden box manufacturing technology

It is this option that is considered a classic carpentry. Drawings of this portable storage were printed in magazines 50 years ago. For the manufacture of you will need a high-quality board with a thickness of 10 to 20 mm, as well as a hacksaw for wood. Thanks to the simple manufacturing technology, many craftsmen still choose this option.

The classic design does not provide for the presence of separate compartments or special multifunctional devices. The final product will look like a neat deep box with a comfortable handle along the entire length. This shape of the handle has a practical purpose. After all, if the weight of the tools used is unevenly distributed, then you can always find the point of the center of gravity.

A practical addition can be an insert section with its own handle, the height of which occupies 50% of the entire drawer. This insert can be used for small tools(awl, screwdrivers, small keys), as well as consumables (screwdriver bits, electrical tape, drills). For its manufacture, you can use any type of wood.

Universal case made of plastic canister

If you want to make a do-it-yourself tool box, but there is no plywood sheet, then you can use a regular plastic canister. For work you will need:

• Hacksaw.
• Plastic container.
• fasteners.

The canister used must necessarily be rectangular in shape with a comfortable handle, which must be located in the center. In addition, it must be equipped with a screw cap that will be used as a lock.

The process of making a box is quite simple. Using a hacksaw, you need to make cuts in the canister. The first cut should fall on the center of the neck and the handle of the container, it is best to remove the cork and saw through the top wall. The second cut is made exclusively in the horizontal direction. It is best if it is located at the top of the canister, on the end sides. The plastic container itself needs to be sawn from the top wall at a distance of 4 cm, and on the sides by 3 cm.

When all cuts are made, the canister can be opened. To do this, you need to bend all the side parts of the top cover with the halves of the handle. In such a box, you can store various materials for fasteners: nails, bolts, screws, nuts. The upper part must be closed by folding the handles together. Such a device is fixed with a screw cap.

To make the box as strong as possible, on the end walls it is necessary to make additional gaps. Small holes are drilled in the lid itself or in the walls, into which hooks are inserted, as well as bolts with nuts.

Metal box for tools

This option is most suitable for experienced locksmiths who have the necessary equipment and material. Factory metal tool boxes are made from lighter metals such as aluminium. As a result, the product is as light and durable as possible. But working with aluminum at home is much more difficult.

Even a beginner can make this version of a metal box. After all, the most ordinary box and special partitions will be made of metal. Initially, you need to prepare the main material - galvanized steel (0.4 mm thick). From the tools you need to prepare:

• Marking caliper.
• Metal square.
• Ruler.
• Hammer.
• Pliers.
• File.
• Sharpened core or marker.
• Anvil.

Next is drawing and marking. You need to mark only those places that will later need to be deleted. Now you can start trimming with metal scissors. After trimming everything superfluous, you should get a kind of geometric figure (winged rectangle).

Next, you need to use the anvil. Tapping with a hammer, gradually bend the edges of the workpiece. It is better not to work in a chaotic manner, all actions must be consistent. First, one sidewall is bent, and then another. To wrap protruding parts, pliers are used.

After these manipulations, you need to go over the entire structure with a hammer to align it. In this case, you get a small metal box for storing tools. In the future, you can experiment not only with the sizes, but also with the shapes of such boxes.

Almost every home has one or another tool. When there are too many of them, you can independently make a multifunctional box for storing them. Experienced craftsmen believe that such a box is considered an essential attribute for storing various devices. Such boxes can be stored in the workshop and even taken with you on a long journey.