How to Make a Simple Tool Tote With One Board

This simple tool tote was created by B&O Craftsman, and it’s perfect for carrying tools around the house or even for gardening. Using only one piece of wood, a dowel, and some screws or nails, this project is beginner-friendly and highly functional.

Materials and Tools Needed

  • 1 piece of wood (6 feet long)
  • Dowel (16 inches long)
  • Screws or nails
  • Wood glue (optional)
  • Saw (miter saw or Japanese pole saw)
  • Carpenter’s square
  • Drill with a 1-inch paddle bit
  • Sandpaper
  • Polycrylic (water-based polyurethane)

Step 1: Cutting the Wood

Start with your 6-foot long board. The B&O Craftsman cut list is here for purchase.

Cutting the wood for the tool tote

Step 2: Measuring the Sides

Measure out a 12-inch length from the board and mark it at 5.5 inches high. Use your carpenter square to score a line at this measurement. If you don’t have a carpenter square, you can measure the height manually.

Measuring the sides of the tool tote

Step 3: Finding the Center

Find the center of the board, which is 2.75 inches for a 5.5-inch board. Mark the center and measure down 2 inches to find where the hole for the handle will go.

Finding the center of the board

Step 4: Cutting the Handle Hole

Using the center line, measure down 1.25 inches to find the center point for your hole. Use a 1-inch paddle bit to drill the hole for the handle.

Drilling the hole for the handle

Step 5: Assembling the Tote

Now it’s time to assemble the tote. Use wood glue and either nails or screws to attach the pieces together. If you are using this tote frequently, screws are recommended for better durability.

Assembling the tool tote

Step 6: Inserting the Dowel

Cut the dowel to 16 inches and insert it into the holes you drilled for the handle. You can secure it in place with a small nail or screw from the top.

Inserting the dowel for the handle

Step 7: Sanding and Finishing

Before finishing, sand the edges and corners to chamfer them slightly. This will help prevent any dings or dents. After sanding, apply a coat of polycrylic to give it a nice shine.

Sanding the edges of the tote

Step 8: Final Touches

Once everything is dry, you can add your logo or any personal touch. This tote is versatile and can be used for various purposes, including gardening.

Now you have a simple and effective tool tote ready for use! Whether it’s for carrying tools around the house or using it as a gardening box, this project showcases the beauty of woodworking with minimal materials.

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