Build an A-frame Toolbox

This classic design is roomy and practical. It goes where you go.

- By Paul Steiner

An A-Frame toolbox is more versatile than anything you can find at a big-box store. It’s easily customized to hold all your tools or fit any storage space, and its open design makes it easy to reach your gear—no overly complicated clasps, covers, or fold-out drawers. You can use any scrap wood to make this style of toolbox, but I recommend ½-in. plywood to keep the weight down.

This construction process is somewhat adaptable. We built this box cutting all the pieces to size at once, then fitting them together, but if you're less experienced, you can first build a sub-assembly. For that method, you'll rip the sides and end pieces to width and crosscut them to length before fastening them together. Then you'll crosscut and fit the bottom to match the sub-assembly. That order of operations gives you more room for error while cutting, though the steps themselves aren't as straightforward as those in our approach. Do what's most comfortable given your skill level.

MARK THE A-FRAME