This post will show you a simple way to build a tool box and it will only take about 30 minutes. It’s a great plan to help you get started with your other projects!
![how to build a toolbox in 30 minutes](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pinterest-13-1-683x1024.jpg.webp)
I have been talking about building a toolbox for approximately three years. But I’ve always had it on the back burner because I had an actual deadline project going on, like building DIY side tables or something.
Meanwhile, I kept spending three or four trips juggling small tools for different projects up and down the stairs whenever we worked upstairs.
Now I feel dumb because I finally built one and it was the fastest project I’ve probably ever done. I want to share with you how to build a toolbox in 30 minutes.
DIY Toolbox Build
This toolbox can be built in 30 minutes from one piece of 2’x2′ plywood and a short piece of dowel. I designed this toolbox to work well for carrying several smaller items for projects.
![Final photo of toolbox made in 30 minutes](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_0665-1024x683.jpg.webp)
For example, think about what you need just to hang a picture. A hammer, nails, pencil, level, measuring tape or ruler.
If it’s a big thing you’re hanging, you might also need a drill and drywall anchors. That’s a lot of stuff to carry for such a simple project. It’s easy to put it all in this toolbox.
Steps to build a tool box
We have all the steps to build this toolbox in the how-to card below, but here’s the basic premise.
Step one: cuts and holes
Start by making all the cuts in the how to card below. You’ll need a table saw or a circular saw because some of the cuts are longer than a miter saw can handle.
Then drill your holes for the handle on the two end pieces. Drill these center with the top and about 1″ down.
![All cuts needed for DIY toolbox](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_0654-1024x751.jpg.webp)
Step two: attach sides
Start building by attaching the end pieces to the bottom piece using wood glue and either brad nails or screws.
![Attach end pieces to base piece](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_0657-1024x758.jpg.webp)
Then, attached the two long side pieces to the outside of that the same way. The long pieces should attach to the base and the edges of the side pieces.
![Attach side pieces to base of toolbox](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_0661-1024x888.jpg.webp)
Step three: add handle
Finally, insert the dowel through the holes and nail or screw into place.
![Thread dowel through holes of toolbox](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_0662-1024x825.jpg.webp)
You can tap the dowel through using a mallet. If your holes are tight enough, you don’t even need to secure the dowel in place
![how to build a toolbox in 30 minutes](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_0677-1024x861.jpg.webp)
That’s it! Literally takes less than 30 minutes. You can stain or paint your toolbox or leave it plain. Considering you’re going to be tossing tools in there, that seems like a good way to go.
![how to build a toolbox in 30 minutes](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_0682-1024x907.jpg.webp)
Hope you love it! Download the full instructions and cut list below and share pictures with us on Instagram @CharlestonCrafted!
![How to build a toolbox - Charleston Crafted](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_0663-735x490.jpg.webp)
How to Build a Toolbox in 30 Minutes
Make this simple toolbox in 30 minutes and have a place to carry all the things! No more juggling tools from the garage to upstairs or in between. This toolbox is so easy to make and will change.your.life.
Materials
- 2'x2' sheet of 1/2" plywood
- 1 dowel
Tools
- Table saw or circular saw
- Drill with spade bit
- Nail gun or screws
Instructions
- Start by making your cuts
- Bottom (1)- 17"x9"
- End pieces (2)- 9"x12"
- Outside pieces (2)- 18"x6"
- Dowel (1)- 19" - On the two end pieces, mark the midway point on the 12" sides. Then, make a mark 3.5" in from each side on one of the 9" sides. Draw lines from the marks and cut off those angles.
- Drill a hole half an inch down from the top of the two end pieces.
- Attach the end pieces to the outside of the bottom piece.
- Attach the two outside pieces to the outside of the box.
- Slide the dowel through the holes and secure with a nail or screw from the top.
- Stain or paint as desired.
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Hey there, I’m Sean, the woodworking enthusiast and builder behind CharlestonCrafted.com! Since 2012, I’ve been sharing the magic of turning raw materials into beautiful creations. I love teaching others the art and satisfaction of woodworking and DIY. I try to inspire fellow crafters to make something extraordinary out of nothing at all.
Build a Toolbox – Free Woodworking Plan.com
Tuesday 10th of March 2020
[…] a toolbox using this woodworking tutorial. This is a quick and easy project you will wish you did sooner. […]