Pallet Tool Tote

Like most people, I've always got a pile of tools that I need for every project (tape measure, pencil, screw drivers, pliers, etc...) and they end up getting moved around together. I decided it was time to end the madness and store them all in an open tool tote. I have several different manufactured tool boxes, but they all take up more room while opened up. I knew I could make something slim, cheap, and functional.

I have a wide assortment of pallet offcuts and broken slats. This project is small and made great use of my smallest and least desirable scraps. I also used small finish nails from my "all sorts" bucket.

Tools Needed:

• Block Plane
• Hammer
• Sandpaper
• Saw (hand, jig, circular, table, etc...)
• Utility Knife
• File

I started by planing the long edges. I didn't bother to make the sides parallel, since this was function over form. I loosely mocked up the tote, marked the length where pieces met, and cut pieces to length. I left ends as they were, where it seemed appropriate. Since I wasn't making this with flattened, squared lumber, or anything being the same width, it was important to keep checking fit.

I used finish nails that were slightly longer than an inch. These seem to hold up well, given the small scale of the project. They were also small enough not to cause splitting. Once the main body was assembled, I mocked up the handle, marked, cut, and sanded to fit. I went back and trimmed a profile into the handle with a razor-knife and a file. I performed minimal sanding and filing, mostly to remove splinters or burrs.

All in all, I'm fairly happy with the results. It fits the tools I'm always moving from project to project, and they're all visible, making the work go faster. I might use this as a proof of concept and re-do it with precise cuts and cleaner wood.

If you enjoyed this instructable, please favorite or comment. I'd also ask that you check out my YouTube channel for more projects.