Retro / Old Fashioned, Traditional (Rural American) Tool Tote / Box

A Tool Tote is a portable container specifically designed for carrying and organizing tools and equipment. It is practical and convenient way to store tools and get them from one location to another location, making them readily accessible for various tasks, for professional trades-person or DIY-enthusiasts.

This types of tool boxes are also called "Carpenter's tool box", "Wooden tool chest". These type of tool box are commonly used by carpenters and craftsman. These tool box are known for their durability, craftsmanship, and distinctive design.

 

Making these types of tool box is very easy we just need to cut plywood for base and all four sided plywood wall. And for handle we need metal pipe or Bamboo stick, or round wooden bar made of hard wood for handle. First decide how much length and width and depth you need in your tool box so that you can put all your required tools in the tool box. In my case I decided to make to tool box of two different sizes one for electrician's tools and second one for plumber's tools. Here are the dimensions of plywood needed to make that tool box that I made.

Requirements - 

Material Required - 

Base - 

Plywood L*W*T (2'*7"*12 mm)

Side -

Plywood L*W*T (22.5"*7"*18 mm) 2 Pcs

Plywood L*W*T (12"*7"*18 mm) 2 Pcs

Nails - https://amzn.to/3QA7El7

Wood Glue (Fevicol) - https://amzn.to/48ZhxQA

Pipe - L*T (2'*1") - https://amzn.to/3RPPGML

Screws - 1 1/2" - https://amzn.to/40is8SA

Epoxy Glue - https://amzn.to/40ek99g

Sandpaper - https://amzn.to/40aiFNf

Stain - https://amzn.to/3Fps2Pw

Linseed oil - https://amzn.to/3SkQQQm

Tools Required - 

Hammer - https://amzn.to/3ZNUyDL

Plier - https://amzn.to/46ocTdo

Screwdrivers - https://amzn.to/3rHJ745

Hand Saw - https://amzn.to/3ZNiNlJ

Twist Drill Bits - https://amzn.to/3tHKksJ

Fostner drill bits - https://amzn.to/48Gv2EL

Countersink bits - https://amzn.to/40cLusD

Flat drill bits - https://amzn.to/3tBEWr8

Bit holder - https://amzn.to/471yKHk

Try Square - https://amzn.to/3tnLCZN

Ruler - https://amzn.to/493Q5Bm

Measuring Tape - https://amzn.to/46AjtO5

Pencil - https://amzn.to/495dWAq

Woodworking Clamps - https://amzn.to/45uQ4U8

Drill / Driver Machine - https://amzn.to/400TRHH

Wood cutter Machine - https://amzn.to/46pgszB

Wood sanding Machine - https://amzn.to/3rnjnKd

Table Saw - https://amzn.to/3LzPCwp

Let us make it - 

Making your own traditional American-style wooden tool box with handle is a rewarding woodworking project. Cut the base Plywood L*W*T (2'*7"*12 mm). Cut desired sized base for you plywood if you want to make a different size's tool box. 

For side wall we need to cut Plywood of size L*W*T (2'*7"*18 mm) 2 Pcs and Plywood L*W*T (10"*7"*18 mm) 2 Pcs. 

Cut these Plywood L*W*T (10"*7"*18 mm) 2 Pcs from the corner like shown in the picture below. It will also help designing the tool box compact and useful. Also it will give the tool box, the traditional American old fashioned look. 

Carefully mark both plywood's both end using measuring tape, ruler, and try square. Both end should be equal before cutting. First measure, then mark and cut the pieces. Use wood cutter or circular saw to cut the corners. See the picture.

Assemble side wall plywood with the base plywood. Use nails and wood glue to securely join walls and base together. Make to holes of 1" using drill machine with flat bit or forstner bit of 1" diameter in Plywood L*W*T (10"*7"*18 mm) 2 Pcs to hold pipe. 

Make sure to drill holes as straight as possible. you can use drill press or drill guide if you have one. Otherwise a hand drill will work smooth. 

I am using a pipe as a handle you can also use a bamboo stick or hard wood round stick. If you are using different size's wooden stick or bamboo stick, please use different size fostner drill bit or flat bit that match the outer diameter of the handle.

Put the pipe into the holes after assembly of the basic structure of the tool box. 

Use hammer to slide the pipe or wooden stick into the hole. 

Secure the handle with epoxy glue if it is use, Otherwise there is no need to glue the handle.

Also is you can add little plastic foot beneath the base of this retro tool box if you want. It wll prevent base plywood from scratch while putting the tool box on the floor or any other surface. Here I used 4 pcs 1" plastic foots using 1/2" screws.

Now the traditional and very simple to make tool box is ready to be used. Before using it and putting you favorite and most useful tools in it, sand it with 100 grit sandpaper followed by 120 grit sandpaper. For finishing it use stain (walnut or teak) and also use double boiled linseed oil after stain for better look.

Retro / Old Fashioned, Traditional (Rural American) Tool Tote / Box

For better understanding the process to make Traditional American tool box watch the YouTube video given below. Visit our YouTube channel and find more interesting project like this.