Plywood Toolbox

I decided to build a toolbox out of plywood to see how well 1/4" plywood works for building tool storage. I actually built this as a test because I have another project in mind but wanted to test out some methods with a smaller item first.

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[fangerwoodworking]

I did a quick test on weight carrying capacity, loaded this with 30 lbs of tools (wrenches, hammers/mallets, pliers, etc). Nothing budged. Only the latch on the front was starting to stress, which I fully anticipated considering it was a lightweight latch that I had on hand. I made this toolbox out of 1/4 plywood as an experiment for a larger project - testing the feasibility of 1/4 plywood because it's cheap and lightweight. I'm primarily using this for my wrench set which is maybe 15 lbs and it'll clearly handle that. Based on some early comments there seems to be a misunderstanding about how forces and weight distribution are being applied in this toolbox, which I probably could have made more obvious. I'm relying on shear strength of glue joints in a lot of places which is helping the strength - as opposed to just pull strength. Also I added better weight distribution with how I attached the top handle. Also the tray is such a tight fit with the added lips that I think it helps strengthen the middle area of the box, making the whole thing stronger. I hope this helps explain some key engineering points to anyone who might immediately recoil at the thought of using 1/4 plywood. It's not a strong material in its flat state but it becomes stronger in a system of various joints and design choices that improve weight distribution. I intentionally kept this simple to see where weak spots are after long term use.

[samcorp]

I remember as a kid my Dad telling me his first project as an apprentice carpenter was (by hand, no power tools) to build a toolbox for his new tools. (1960s). In his words, if you can't build a box, how the hell are you going to build a house? He also built a hope chest for his girlfriend (my mom) which I still have today... still solid. Miss you Dad!

[patrickstuart]

The days before plastic injection moulding should be remembered and appreciated

[CarolineHawkins-bk]

Thats a good toolbox, nicely made. Not all tools need a massive heavy box. A shame some commenters are quite nit-picky!

[Retro-cabin]

I’ve got my original tool box’s that I made when I was an apprentice, all dovetailed joints by hand. There priceless to me and was the first thing every apprentice had to make👍🏻🍺😎.

[miked]

I love it, simple, elegant and can use up scraps that we hate to throw away.
My grandson is getting old enough to start a tool box to help grandpa fix things and a down scaled version would be perfect.
Thanks for the inspiration.

[familyplans]

Man this takes me back 30+ years when i was a ahipyard apprentice, it was like the law to build your own toolbox, to learn and test your skills, nowadays people just go out and buy stuff
Its funny because later in life i retrained as a C.N.C. Miller/Turner in the Aerispace industry but i have always enjoyed wookworking more and find it more satisfying

[jamesbarros]

Funny you’ve got hate for this. I think it’s brilliant. There’s a number of smaller toolboxes I’ve radically overbuilt and made too heavy because I was afraid of thinner wood. This is the way! Subscribed

[markmaestas]

Nice build! Don't let the critics bother you.

[westsidesjvalley]

That’s a nice toolbox you made there. I can’t believe the comments here, speaks a lot about that person to leave that.

When I was in school I made a few boxes like that out of scrap plywood that were laying around. One was for my girlfriend’s cassettes, another was a CD box and a random small long narrow box. Decades later my wife still has them.

[diekatze]

I truly love this toolbox. It has been years since i made one of these. Thanks for the inspiration and video

[helidude]

As an aircraft mechanic I find this box to be impractical.
It won’t hold the weight and with the solid handle, it cannot have another stacked on top.

But this a very nice and simple box for a specific project kit, or a gift or project for someone just beginning their craft or learning to use tools.

I worked in a sheet metal shop that fabricated air conditioning ducts.
Each craftsman had built their own box or boxes using the materials and methods for fabricating the ductwork. While not as pretty as nice wood grain, there was a nice charm about them.

Building your own box with pride has almost become a lost art with all of the various commercial offerings available.
It’s also hard to beat the cost of free plastic buckets left over from used materials when money is tight and better spent on the tools.

[kentcompton]

Nice. Reminds me of some tackle boxes I made many years ago. I used “marine grade” plywood which held up well but might have been overkill. After watching this video I think I need to make another one! Thanks.

[cbrown]

Beautiful box!

One of the first projects I made as a kid was a wood box. Same basic design, but thicker wood and no fancy tools. I think I'll dig that up and put a handle and new hardware on it!

[David.M.]

Nicely done. Projects like this are fun to do. Good luck

[solsdadio]

Enjoyed the video. Working with what you have to hand that fulfils a purpose. Thanks for sharing.

[tomt]

Very handy and customizable project! And despite all the negative comments by the keyboard warriors (aka jerks), I can see lots of uses for a box of this type! Also, and I guess this is becoming increasingly rare, I get great satisfaction out of making my own “stuff”! Keep in mind that the vast majority of “warriors” are sitting in their recliners eating Cheetos criticizing others who actually DO something! Disregard them, and enjoy YOUR projects! This hobby isn’t about building what others think you “shoulda” done! Well done Sir!

[MichiganHiker]

Nice build don't let the critics bother you. It's perfect for what I'm going to make which is some lightweight gear. And for those who say quarter inche is too thin to support anything of any weight, then make it with thicker plywood.

[allovermyshop]

Nicely explained and shot guide. Not sure why people are so negative - would love feedback on hoe it holds up in a workshop environment as this could be a useful little toolbox to help organise a whole series of tools - and the basis for lots of variations on the theme!

[frankgallego]

Enjoyed the video. Very relaxing to watch. Nice toolbox. Now I'm thinking of all the little extra things to do to it for final tweaking. I like the idea another commenter suggested about poking some holes in the tray. Thank you for the video.