My friend Hanne had an old drill that use to belong to her Grandfather. We recently connected and she expressed an interest in having a toolbox made with it like I did to my original drill handled toolbox HERE.
It’s been awhile… could I remember how to make another pallet wood drill handed toolbox planter?!
Not only did I remember, I like this one better! 🙂
Here’s how I did this one, which is WAY easier than the last… but if you desire more instruction, the original post HERE shows more steps.
I’ve been gathering up pallet wood again for an upcoming workshop this fall. So for all of you that have ever written, asking for my secret on taking a pallet apart? My secret is a jigsaw. 🙂
I look for wood that has a wide enough run, then saw it just shy of the nails.
The two end pieces are shaped with a jigsaw. I cut one side, then use the chunk of wood as a pattern for the rest.
BLACK / First, the two ends each get a hole with a ¾” spade drill bit.
RED / Then on one side, the jig saw was used to cut towards the handle hole to create a slot for the handle to slip into.
This is obviously a handle just for looks, but if you wanted it for real, some kind of bracket screwed on above the hole would do the trick.
The front and back boards wear two different thicknesses and kinds to add a little more detail.
Isn’t that the prettiest pallet wood you ever did see? It was VERY heavily worked with an orbital sander.
But the toolbox needed something to do. You can never go wrong with purple hydrangeas!
The hydrangeas were placed inside water filled mason jars for an instant centrepiece anywhere you wish. Even on a patio table…. it was kinda hard to give away at this point!
I also made Hanne a baby chunky branch handled toolbox as well. That was perfect for my firewood coasters. Equally difficult to part with…
Guess I’d better just get busy. 🙂
I love them and I plan to make both of these. I wish I had someone to help me get pallet wood. I think I will have enough scrap 1 x 4’s to make at least one though.
Does anyone know where I can get free pallet wood here in Jax, Fla? Or is it still free now?
Sheryll, the guy at our local hardware store gave me some. I saw some at his store and asked what he was going to do with them. He asked if I wanted them? Can never hurt to ask.
Does this mean you’re back from your amazing trip yet Donna? 🙂
I have been gathering these old manual drills in order to eventually create a few of these toolboxes of my own, but I have one question:
how do you ever keep the drill handles in an upright position (as is always shown in your pics)??
I have not figured out this detail yet.
Help!
Not back yet Laurie! This was a scheduled post. I’ll be doing a Hawaiian update soon too. 🙂
The drill handles stay upright if you push the round handle towards the box moreso. It kinda jams in place that way.
I love this idea! We’ve had lots of material delivered to our house on pallets and I’ve been trying to use them up. This is a great project!
Hi, Donna! This planter turned out great–I like the older wood look on it. And your hydrangeas are absolutely gorgeous! Hope you’re having a blessed day!
How adorable and looks easy enough to do! Thanks for sharing! Now I just need an old hand drill. Good excuse to shop some local antique stores! haha
I love the tool box. The brace and bit for the handle is so great. You have such great ideas. Keep them coming
Hi Donna,
I just love these.Thanks for sharing them.
I love this and have been building many different types of small scale tool boxes, only using barn wood from our old barn. I ripped apart a turn of the century rocker and have been using the cool spindles for the handles! Great project, thanks. 😉
Hi can you please tell me how you kept you stablized the Jig Saw in without falling out so it can be carried.Where the fat part of ball handle is? Didn’t see a picture of how that was done???
Hi Margaret! I’ve done several different things to projects. For the most part, I was able to jam the handle of the drill into the hole, which helped it remain tight. I’ve also screwed a small bracket or latch to hold things in place. I don’t really have a set system. Just look through my junk pile and see what I can make work. Hope you can find a fix!