Easy Rolling DIY Tool Caddy
- Workshop DIY Projects
- April Wilkerson
- Updated: March 8, 2023
Thinking about building a DIY tool caddy? Check out this easy DIY project where I built a tool caddy that you can roll around your shop!
My husband asked for a helmet and goggles (for four wheeling) for his birthday so in order for him to still have a surprise to open on his birthday, I made him this tool tote which should come in handy when he is working on cars.
Typically when he works on cars, I walk out to his shop and there are tools everywhere and it never fails that he is always looking for one wrench or socket in particular and he can’t locate it. I’m hoping that between the magnetic bars and the walled compartments, it will help keep his tools visible and within reach.
This was a really simple project and is definitely something that a beginner can tackle. So if you are looking for something to make your Honey this Christmas, keep this project in mind. It’s a great way to organize wrenches while working on a project.
I found the above photo on the Family Handy Man website and could instantly see how practical it was.
1) I went through my scrap wood and found some 3/4″ plywood and made a base that measured 12″x 11 3/4″. You can, of course, change these dimensions if you want. I grabbed a couple socket wrenches and hand wrenches to determine the size of mine.
2) Next I used 1/2″ plywood to cut the side walls. Again, using tools to determine the height, I laid a socket wrench down and determined a 2″ high lip would keep the tool in the compartment, but it was also low enough where a mechanic laying on his back will be able to see which tool is where.
And now we have a base.
4) For the divider I grabbed my 3/4″ wood again and cut it to 12″x13″. I settled on 13″ high because it was the minimum height I could use where the wrenches would not interfere with the bottom compartments or the handle, but still allow the tote to go under a jacked up vehicle.
5) Then I used my jigsaw to lop off the corners and make them round.
Great, time to attach it. If you are using the same dimensions as me, then you need to come in 5 1/2″ to make the divider split middle.
6) To secure the divider in place, I first used my brad nailer to kinda tack it in where I wanted it then went back with two 1 1/2″ wood screws on the bottom, and two 1 1/4″ wood screws on the sides.
Tip: I first drilled a pilot hole then came back in with the screws.
7) Instead of trying to free hand a symmetric handle, I tore off a beer box handle and just traced! I believe the lesson is “when in doubt, go buy some beer”…or maybe it’s just “use what you got”…either way, we got ourselves a handle. ; )
Awesome! Now it’s just a matter of attaching all the hardware
I bought this set of three magnetic bars as well as a magnetic socket set holder at Northern Tool. So I wouldn’t have to buy two, I planned on cutting down the 18″ bar but that didn’t work, so I just used the 12″ and the 8″. If you want yours to be identical then buy two sets and only use the 12″ bars.
…Do you see that last photo??…I have no idea what I was doing but that photo is suppose to be showing you how I removed the magnets. Haha, : ) At least I didn’t completely cut it out…
9) I attached the socket holder to one of the compartments then the two magnetic bars to the divider, using 1″ wood screws.
Think he will like it? : D
Yeah…that’s him standing on it. lol, This is why I can’t have him in my shop while I’m building something. He has so much confidence in my skills that his tests are always so extreme!…but I’m very pleased that it passed (and no, I don’t have any idea why there is a crayon in his tool tote).
