Projects / Tool tote

Tool tote

An open carry box with tapered ends and a dowel handle.

Intermediate2½ hours5 parts1× board
1×8 · 7¼″ × 48″C BottomA EndA End1×4 · 3½″ × 36″B SideB Side

Cutting diagram

1×8 · 7¼″ × 48″C BottomA EndA End1×4 · 3½″ × 36″B SideB Side

Bright pieces are your parts; the dimmed wood is left over. Every cut allows ⅛″ for the saw blade.

Cut list

PartQtyWidth × lengthCut from
AEnd27¼″ × 10″184 × 254 mm1× board or ¾″ plywood
BSide23½″ × 16″89 × 406 mm1× board or ¾″ plywood
CBottom17¼″ × 16″184 × 406 mm1× board or ¾″ plywood

How to build it

  1. Cut the parts. Stack the two ends and mark a taper from full width at the bottom to 3″ wide at the top.
  2. Cut the tapers on both ends at once so they match, then sand the edges together.
  3. Drill a 1″ hole centered 1½″ down from the top of each end for the handle.
  4. Screw the sides and bottom between the ends, then slide the dowel through the holes.
  5. Pin the dowel with a screw through each end so it can't turn.