How to Build a Toolbox

By: Chrystle Fiedler, This Old House online

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. 2x4 foot piece of ½-inch birch veneer plywood

2. Plastic jars
(optional: for keeping nails and screws organized in the toolbox)

3. 120-grit sandpaper

4. Stainable wood glue

5. Clean Rag

6. 4d finish nails

7. Stainable wood putty

8. Water-based stain

9. Latex gloves

10. Hockey-stick tape

11. Nail-on furniture glides
(optional)

Close
Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Tape measure
- Hammer and nailset
- Combination square
- Spring clamps
- Jigsaw, circular saw, or handsaw
- Drill/driver with ⅜-inch drill bit and ½- and 1-inch spade bits
- Safety glasses
- Random-orbit sander or sanding block
- Bar clamps
- Putty knife
- Paintbrush
- Straightedge saw guide
Close
Product Gallery
Product selections for this project
Close

Photo: Wendell T. Webber

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10

1. Lay out and cut the parts

Using spring or bar clamps, clamp the plywood to a sturdy worktable. Make sure the piece you will cut hangs free over the edge.

Using a jigsaw, circular saw, or handsaw, cut the plywood into the individual pieces. For added accuracy, clamp a straightedge saw guide next to your saw.

To parents: Using a jigsaw or circular saw is a job for grown-ups. Be sure you and your children wear safety glasses before you start.