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Store Garden Hand Tools: Make a Handmade Toolbox

Updated: Jul. 15, 2019

Branch handles make this a natural for your garden tools. Find step-by-step plans for making this garden toolbox below.

garden toolbox
This handy toolbox holds all your small garden tools and is light and strong. It’s an easy project that you can make in just a few hours.

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Cut out the parts and assemble the garden toolbox

Photo 1: Assemble the basic box

Screw the box together with deck screws. Predrill and countersink the screws to avoid splitting.

Photo 2: Fit the branches

Cut the branch ends to fit on your garden toolbox. Attach the pieces to the sides of the toolbox with screws or nails. Predrill to avoid splitting.

Photo 3: Tap in dowels

Drill 1/4-in. holes through the handle ends and drive in the dowels to hold the handle in place.

This simple gardening toolbox gets its natural charm from the branches used for the sides and handle. When you’re searching for branches, choose green, freshly cut ones for strength and flexibility. The only tools required are a saw and a drill and maybe a knife to whittle the handle ends.

Along with three 25-in.-long branches, you’ll need a 6-ft. 1×6, a 4-ft. 1×4 and a short length of 1/4-in. wood dowel, exterior wood glue and a handful of 1-5/8-in. deck screws. We used clear pine, but No. 2 pine or cedar will work fine too.

Cut the parts for this garden toolbox using Figure A as a guide. Then screw the box together (Photo 1). Whittle the handle ends to fit the holes. You’ll have to bend the handle to slip it into the second hole.

Cut away any knobs on the branches for the sides. Then attach them, keeping the screws at least an inch from the ends to avoid splits (Photo 2). Finally, drill 1/4-in. holes through the handle ends and drive in the dowels to hold the handle in place (Photo 3).

Figure A: Garden Toolbox Details

Figure A shows the dimensions of the basic box, but feel free to change the size to fit your own garden tools.

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

  • Circular saw
  • Countersink drill bit
  • Drill bit set
  • Drill/driver - cordless
  • Glue
  • Hammer
  • Square
  • Utility knife
Drill bit, 1-in.

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

  • 1-5/8-in. deck screws
  • ½-in. wood dowel
  • 3/4-in. pine or cedar
  • Tree branch