So with the heart of winter on the way, its time to break out those winter boots. But taking off those boots can be a real hassle when your fingers are cold, your boots are covered in snow and dirt, and you just simply don't want to have squat down and find a way to pull them off. A boot jack is simple solution that's easy to make and with Christmas coming around it makes a great DIY gift for friends and family.

Step 1: Supplies

The supplies for a boot jack are fairly simple and can be switched in and out to satisfy what supplies you have laying around the house. The entire boot jack can be built with one 2x4, a couple of nails, and a saw; but a complete parts list is below.

For my version I used

Tools

Power Drill or Hammer or Screwdriver
Drill Bit
Miter Saw or Bandsaw or Handsaw with miter box
Measuring Tape
Boring Bit (Optional)
Drill Press (Helpful, but Optional)
Sandpaper (Optional)

Supplies

2x4
Screws or Nails
Liquid Nails or Wood Glue or some kind of caulking (Optional)

Step 2: Lever Construction

To build the lever part that will be removing the boot, I used a 1x4 board but a 2x4 or any size board really should suffice. First measure out to the desired length I used 1' 2" (1 feet, 2 inches), but you can use whatever length you want. Next I wanted to cut out the V shape that will help to get a grasp on the boot regardless of size, I cut more of round shape that fit my boots exactly but technically a V shape would be more practical. I then took it over to my Band saw where I made some relief cuts first then cut the U shape out. If you don't have a band saw or want to try something simpler a V shape will work just as well. After I cut out the notch I sanded it down a bit; as a band saw never cuts perfect.

Cut board to desired length
Draw U or V shape in board
Cut out notch
sand down notch

Step 3: Base Plate Construction

To build the base plate part I used a 2x4. Technically for this part we should use Pythagorean theorem to calculate the correct height and angle, but I just finished semester exams and was not really in the mood for math so I just eyeballed it but I supplied a diagram that I think should work if you do the math.

Cut angle into 2x4
Sand down if desired

Step 4: Assemble Boot Jack

Now that you have a lever and base plate we can screw the two together. I used a nail to hold the two together while I drilled the holes. After I drilled the holes I used the boring bit so I would be able to hide he screws a little bit, I later filled the screw holes with Liquid nails as well. You want the base plate to be level with the ground so you may need to add a shim to allow this to happen. I just filled in the space with some liquid nails as you can see in the picture. Now that the assembly is finished you can add some unique touches such as a stain or line the inside of the notch with leather.

Step 5: Reap the Rewards

Now you can easily remove your boots on the way indoors and not have to worry about tracking mud inside. This is my first instructable so I hope it is not too vague and I hope you enjoy it.