Every house has a use for a good quality toolbox or two, even if you are not much of a woodworker. This list is compiled of several different toolboxes that you can make yourself for whatever purpose you might need. Many of these DIY toolbox projects will require you to use basic shop equipment, but there are several that you can make without that equipment. Toolboxes are great storage organizers and can be used by anybody, from woodworkers to teachers.
1. DIY Maple Portable Toolbox
The two-tone look of this toolbox makes is really nice to look at. It is small, compact, and perfect for taking along with you, whether it is just a trip from the garage to the house or to the car. It is just big enough to house all of your necessary hand tools for most basic jobs. If you don’t want to use this toolbox for tools, it can also make the perfect art supplies box.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1-2 hours
Materials You Need:
- Maple boards
- Wood planer
- Router table
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Table saw
- Box joint jig
- Belt sander
- Stain and finish
- Hinges and clasp
- Leather handle
2. DIY Tackle Box Toolbox
This DIY toolbox strongly resembles a tackle box that is used for fishing, but with the intention of housing woodworking tools. It is fairly easy to make, but the box joint jig does take some getting used to. With a little patience, you can make this tackle box toolbox in an afternoon.
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Duration: 3-4 hours
Materials You Need:
- ¼ inch plywood
- Table saw
- Box joint jig
- Wood glue
- Stain and finish
- Belt sander
- Angle grinder
- Piano hinge
- Screws
- Clamps
- Drill bit and drill
3. DIY Classic Tool Chest
This DIY toolbox is pretty involved since there are so many little steps that you must complete to make it look as good as possible. However, taking your time on each step will pay off in the long run because you will get a beautiful tool chest that will last for generations. You can also check out how to make a workbench.
Level of difficulty: Intermediate – Experienced
Duration: 4-5 hours
Materials You Need:
- Plywood
- Table saw
- Wood glue
- Box joint jig
- Router table
- Nails and screws
- 6 Drawer slides
- Stain and finish
- Clamps
- Mortising chisel set
- Wood chisels
- Piano Hinge
- Belt Sander
- Sandpaper
- Doorknobs
- Handles
- Hinges and clasp
4. DIY Cheap Easy Toolbox
This is a great project for the inexperienced woodworker because it is simple, but will introduce you to several pieces of equipment and the woodworking process. Kids as young as three or four could even help make this toolbox. With it’s simple, yet classic design, it is the perfect size to store your basic tools. Check out the tutorial below for the exact steps to take.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Materials You Need:
- 2 8ft pine boards
- Table saw
- Wooden dowel roads
- Paddle bit
- Round over bit
- Screws and screwdriver
5. DIY Teacher Toolbox
This project doesn’t actually require any woodworking skills or equipment. The tutorial caters to teachers and how to make this toolbox work in the education field, but you could take this same idea and use it in a workshop to store little items, like screws, nails, fittings, and hardware. There are many uses for this kind of DIY toolbox.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 20 minutes
Materials You Need:
6. DIY Wooden Tool Chest
The wood used in these stackable tool chests are made up entirely of 2x4s, which you can pick up at any hardware store or lumber yard. This project is super easy because supplies are easily attainable and you can make it, even if you have just the basic woodworking tools. Stack two or three of them to create plenty of storage space while not taking up too much room.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1 hour
Materials You Need:
- 2x4s
- Hand saw
- Angle brackets
- Corner brackets
- Cabinet handles
- Wood glue
- Hammer and nails
- Stain and finish
- Card label holders
7. DIY Easy Drawer Tool Chest
Most of the time when people engage in a DIY toolbox, they will start with the outside box, and make the drawers last. This can become tedious and frustrating when there are several little boxes to make. This video explores the process from the opposite direction, making all of the drawers at the same time, and then building the box around them.
Level of difficulty: Easy-Intermediate
Duration: 1 -2 hours
Materials You Need:
- MDF board
- Hardboard
- Table saw
- Playing cards
- Wood glue
- Paint, if desired
8. DIY Vintage Style Toolbox
This vintage camera toolbox has a unique shape by today’s standards, but actually makes use of the space very effectively. The multiple compartments help make it a great toolbox for a specific set of tools that you only use for certain projects, like camera equipment or this lady’s leather tools. Check out this tutorial for the steps to make this beautiful box.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2 hours
Materials You Need:
- White Oak Boards
- Box joint jig
- Wood glue
- Table Saw
- Router table
- Wood chisels
- Hinges and clasps
- Leather handle
- Leather puncher
9. DIY Pallet Wood Truck Toolbox
Inexpensive projects are great when you can create something that will not only look good but will also be useful. This pallet truck toolbox costs next to nothing if you already have the tools to make it, and this video goes through each step of the process.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1 hour
Materials You Need:
- 1 Pallet
- Table saw
- Hand saw
- Wood Planer
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Screws and a screwdriver
- Belt sander
- Wood chisels
- Handles, hinges, and clasps
- Paint
10. DIY Classic Toolbox
This tutorial shows you how to make a classic toolbox with a tray. Most people are familiar with this style of toolbox that you can buy from the hardware store, but it is actually fairly easy to make. It is the perfect size to store the basic tools that everyone should have, such as hammers, screwdrivers, and a few larger hand tools.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2 hours
Materials You Need:
- White oak boards
- Table saw
- Wood planer
- Router
- Box joint jig
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Belt sander
- 1″ nails and hammer
- Box joint clamps
- Wood chisels
- Hinges, lid stop, clasps, and handles
- Plunge router
- Stain and finish
Conclusion
With the right equipment and tools, you can create these toolboxes for a fraction of the cost of buying a new one, while experience and patience will make even the most detailed projects easy to make. These projects can range anywhere from so easy a kid can make it to something much more complicated. Let us know if you have any suggestions or thoughts for a DIY toolbox!
