Cordless Tool Chest

Intro: Cordless Tool Chest

Saw lots of different designs to create a cordless tool station. Had a free weekend so thought I'd give it a try.

I originally planned on plywood but happened upon some 1x12 scrap wood at the local store which i picked up and worked great.

The rough planes at 36" x 24" x 12". I ended up only making the top and bottom shelf's fastened and the other shelves adjustable. Originally thought the tool holder shelf should be secured but glad i didn't having it adjustable allowed me to include the multi tool.

STEP 1: Cut Frame & Shelves

Cut 2 36" 1x12 .

cut 5 24" 1x12 for shelves. (actually cut to 23 1/2 to fully use boards i had allowing for saw blade width on each cut).

Drilled holes in the 2 side boards apx 1/2" deep every 2 inches.

Attached bottom & top shelves.

STEP 2: Tool Holder

i drilled 1 3/4 inch holes about 5" from edge on 4 " centers, then used table saw to cut out slots. hopefully i didn't compromise the board to much - so far no issues.

I think you could get away with 1 1/2" holes but the angle grinder is a little wider.

Lots of designs store the head of the tool up - I choice to store the battery side up which allowed more consistency and a smaller hole was required.

STEP 3: Cut Dowel and Place Shelves

I cut the 3/8 inch dowel's into 1 1/2 inch pieces for holding the shelves.

I cut the 1/2 plywood for the backing & shelf lip.

STEP 4: Added Charger

I debated between mounting the charger on the outside or placing on a shelf. Ended up mounting. 1) didn't want to waste shelf space, 2) the design of the charger when on a shelf doesn't allow you to see charging lights.

STEP 5: Final Thoughts

I loved the way it turned out. The bag provided for holding all the tools was bulky, and tools just piled in there hard to get at.

With the wider slots & adjustable shelves was happy both the angle grinder & multi tool could be stored on tool shelf and was able to adjust it high enough to allow for reciprocal saw underneath.

I saw several designs where a "slot" was cut to allow circular saw to sit.- It ended up being taller (even with slot for blade) than laying it on it's side.

Picked up a cheapo tool box to store the attachments and tools.

Will probably put a coating of polyurethane on. but will save that for another weekend :) Kids picked out a dark stain to finish it up. Think next time will review a few instructables on proper staining methods ...

Comments

[UncleEd]

If you're reading this, you probably have tools. Like me, you probably didn't think of storing them with the battery/handle up. My storage and workshop area has solid OSB shelves probably better measured in linear yards, rather than feet. My tools are lying on the shelves among the bits, tools, and accessories. I'll bet I can figure out a way to cut the slots into the shelves so they're accessible and easier to select and use than what I have.

Below my message is storage for a work truck and a modular adaptation. Wonder how many people will derive a useful idea from this basic idea over the next year. One of the best benefits of Instructables.

Thank you for sharing your idea. Great Christmas present for me.

[mikefle]

TY sir for your kind words.. I'm super jelous of the workspace and tools !! merry christmas..

[csiops]

Great job, I was trying to come up with something for all of the rechargeable tools and this really fits the need. I plan on making a different version out of aluminum for my work truck-thanks for the idea.

[mikefle]

awesome idea !! please share - would love to see it..

[peter.kocsis.77964]

Great simple design. Thanks for the dimensions because I also own Ridgid tools so it’ll be simple to build. Only one thing: it needs to be modular cause a guy never has too many tools!

[mikefle]

yes sir !! soon as I loaded it up was thinking the same thing ;) please share when done.

[seamster]

This is a good, simple design. I like it, thank you!

[jessyratfink]

That looks great! You should swap out the main image with one of the images from steps 3 or 4 so folks can see it. Really nice design. :)

[mikefle]

Thanks for feed back. updated..