Tool Tote
Draft · not yet checked by a carpenterAn open wooden tote with a dowel handle for hand tools, garden tools or craft supplies. A quick build and a classic gift.
- Skill
- Beginner
- Build time
- 1 to 2 hours, plus finish
- Lumber
- 1 1x8 and 1 1x4
- Joinery
- Glue and brad nails
- Finished size
- 20″ L × 8¾″ W × 11″ H
What you need
A 1x8 is actually ¾″ × 7¼″ and a 1x4 is ¾″ × 3½″. Every measurement in this plan uses the real size.
Shopping list
- 11x8, 6 ftEnds and bottom.
- 11x4, 6 ftSides.
- 11″ hardwood dowel, 36″For the handle. Cut it to 20″.
- ~201¼″ brad nailsOr 1¼″ screws with pilot holes.
- 1Wood glue
- —Sandpaper, 120 grit
- opt.Oil or paint
Tools
- Miter saw or circular saw
- JigsawFor the tapered ends.
- Drill/driverWith a 1″ spade or Forstner bit.
- Brad nailer or hammer
- Clamps
- Tape measure, pencil
Cut list
Five pieces from two boards. Label each piece with its letter in pencil as you cut it.
| Part | Qty | Size, inches | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEndsCut to shape after you cut the blanks. | 2 | ¾ × 7¼ × 11 | 1x8 |
| BBottom | 1 | ¾ × 7¼ × 18½ | 1x8 |
| CSides | 2 | ¾ × 3½ × 20 | 1x4 |
Board layout. Each row is one board, cut left to right, with the remainder hatched. Dark lines are saw cuts, about ⅛″ wide.
Build it
Six steps. The 3D view follows along as you scroll. The parts you're working on are yellow, and the pocket holes or screws for that step are red.
- 01
Cut the pieces
Cut every piece on the cut list, and cut the 1″ dowel to 20″ for the handle:
- A Ends, two at 11″
- B Bottom, one at 18½″
- C Sides, two at 20″
- 02
Shape the ends
On each end blank (A), mark 6″ up both long edges. On the top edge, mark 1¾″ each side of center. Join the marks to get the two tapers, and cut them with a jigsaw or circular saw.
Drill a 1″ hole for the handle, centered side to side and 1½″ down from the top, with a spade bit or Forstner bit.
TipClamp the two blanks together and cut and drill them as one. The ends come out identical and the handle slides straight through. - 03
Fix the ends to the bottom
Stand the bottom (B) on edge between the two ends (A), flush with their bottom and side edges. Glue and drive three 1¼″ brad nails through each end into the bottom.
- 04
Add the sides
Glue the sides (C) to the edges of the bottom and ends, flush at the bottom and the ends. Nail them on with 1¼″ brads: three into the bottom and one into each end.
- 05
Glue in the handle
Slide the dowel through both holes until the ends are flush with the outside of the tote. Put a little glue in each hole and twist the dowel to spread it.
- 06
Sand and finish
Ease every edge with 120 grit, especially along the handle and the tops of the ends. Finish with a wipe-on oil or a coat of paint.
TipBurn or paint a name on one end to make it a gift.
Build at your own risk. Check every measurement against your own lumber before you cut, test-fit before you glue, and wear eye and ear protection. Full disclaimer.
