How to Make a Wooden Tool Chest - Free Plans!

[@garyprice9046]

Great video and great plans! Thanks for both!!! In the video, you had a layout page for your drawer slides. Would you happen to have a copy of the drawer slide layout that you could attach to the plans?

[@DIYBuilds]

I've just updated the plans to have the layout in it. go to my website and redownload them.

[@garyprice9046]

@@DIYBuilds Thank you so very much!!!

[@dallasarnold8615]

@@DIYBuilds I have never seen anybody attach the drawers upside down. What is your reason for that ?

[@DIYBuilds]

To keep the gaps between at 1/8" at the top and trimming the final drawer height to size when installed last.

[@dallasarnold8615]

@@DIYBuilds Thanks for a prompt response. But using the shims / spacers as you did works the same when assembling right side up. I have been doing so for over 30 years.

[@daniellez2211]

I think it's been ten years since I was able to download/ print plans without having to subscribe/ join a mailing list. It's just so decent of you, super cool! Will be telling everyone that will listen!

[@jsmythib]

"grain continuity". Not a term usually associated with a complex toolbox. This would go perfectly in my dining room :) DIY gold, thankyou for teaching.

[@SNapoli-mk7mx]

Love the way you make it clear and simple , we need more videos like this !!

[@rich1879]

I built four of these identical to yours 10 years ago, they are still in service today except one bottom to my 3/8 size nut and bolt drawer fell out, because I did not use strong enough plywood, but I used some cheap wafer board for my bottoms, where were you 10 years ago?, I am nowhere near a carpenter or cabinet builder but rather a mechanic. I sure could have used your help back then, smile, good video. Thank you buddy.

[@ForvoQuizlet]

Really nice, I may make one of these for the craft room. Thanks for going through all the step by step, producing the video and sharing free downloadable plans. No complaints here!

[@TrailToughTrailers]

Great video!!! I've been building cabinets for over 25 years and have thought MANY times about doing something like this, BUT haven't. I've been torn between whether or not to build an heirloom with dovetail drawers, fancy inlaid drawer fronts, exotic woods, OR keep it simple and effective. You just won me over... THANKS!!!! Lastly, and most important to me is how you made the video. It covers all the important points quickly without dragging all of us through a bunch of mumbo jumbo nonsense and chatter. You got right to the point and even got to show off a tool. Again THANKS!!!

[@DIYBuilds]

Thank you. Yeah I definitely come at it from a keep it simple and build more rather than spend a long time making things intricate.

[@rich1879]

Yeah, I wish all KZbinrs would take up after this guy.

[@mailleweaver]

For people wondering about the drawer bottom strength: I work at a cabinet shop where we've been building and installing over a hundred drawers per week just like this for years. I've never yet seen one need to be repaired for the bottom coming off. The guides will fail long before the drawer will. It'd be a different story if they were made from boards, but being made from plywood that's not going to grow and shrink a bunch, these will do just fine with glue and staples instead of fancy joints and dados.

[@kronographer]

I'm not a cabinet maker, but I did make a cabinet (similar to this one no less) the drawers are held together with glue, and 18guage 1 1/2" staples. I've put probably 75+ lbs of tools and junk in the big drawer and then beat the hell out of that cabinet in the shop for 5+ years now. The bottom of that big drawer is no closer to falling out today than it was the day I made it. Were I making an heirloom piece out of nice hard woods that I was going to display in my house, I'd probably do box joints and a dado'd in panel, I just like that look... but for shop furniture. Glue. Staples. & Plywood have yet to fail on me.

[@11211lcb]

They do not fail, the drawers, but they are not impressive to look at.

[@edwinmcguire6040]

That was my biggest concern, Thank you for clarifying.

[@richardmccann4815]

​@@11211lcb this needs headbanger decals!

[@RonD1217]

Great job

[@AmericasTeamAdventure]

I'll admit this video has kept popping up in my feed. I started it watching one time and immediately became bored. That's on me, not the video. After being in my KZbin feed STILL for another few days I sat down and watched it. I'm glad I did. This is exactly what I've been looking for in my new shop I'm building. Great video!

[@markstevens1729]

You build efficiently, you video and edit efficiently, worth a subscribe. I was just debating spending on a sheet metal tool chest w/drawers. Now I’ll build one for less.

[@michealfigueroa6325]

I followed along and then checked for the plans There was a set of plans!!! TY for sharing ALL the needed info

[@alanfreedman5877]

I love the way you laid out and installed the drawer slides. It's going to make my build a breeze. Thanks.

[@Nan54424]

I absolutely love this Chest. I am a beginner cabinet person. You make it look so simple. Thanks!

[@webadage]

Nice! I enjoyed the "straight to the point" format. There are so many DIY channels where they tell you what they're gonna tell you before they get started, then tell you what they're doing before every move and then show you how they screwed every screw and made every cut. EXCRUCIATINGLY PAINFUL. You however were SPOT ON with just enough clarification and plenty of fast forwarding to the next step. I have subscribed to your channel and requested notifications ALL.

[@josephhfry]

One tip. Next time, instead of cutting and assembling drawer pieces, just assemble the 4 sides of a box, and then cut the drawers out by running the entire box over the table saw. If you don't mind recessing the drawer bottoms with a router, you can make the box the exact size of the cabinet (less 1" width for slides and 1/4" height for your top and bottom gaps). Then the 1/8" kerf from you saw blade becomes the drawer spacing. And you can pre-attach the drawer face panel before cutting if you want. Either way, the glue up is faster since you only glue up a single box, and it's actually less error prone since you only do it once.

[@Yuki2501-yh4ik]

@josephhfry this would have saved me so many headaches! Thanks for the tip!

[@peternewman9713]

Love the way you attach the drawer slides prior to assembly. Brilliant!

[@robertkerby2581]

Wow, I am absolutely amazed at your well thoughtout plans and your excellent display of Craftsmanship! Well done, Sir!

[@kestrelpounces]

Thank you so much for this!! Health issues have me working on small projects in the house, and I've been looking for a more attractive furniture-like option for tools and supplies. This is perfect!!

[@videoscrapheap]

Great project! One suggestion: Sand your plywood and trim before installing the trim. Then you won’t end up with those corners that you can’t reach with your sander.

[@kyungrix1112]

OMG all the cabinets I've made I ALSO made my drawer pulls very similar to the way you did it. I did the same thing using sheets of plywood for the drawer faces for the consistent look too! I'm just trying to state that I feel a little validation that someone else came up with the same idea so it means that my idea wasn't silly. I've only built 5 projects in my 40+ year lifetime so I think thats pretty cool.

[@johnterpack3940]

I like that this is a design I could feasibly build despite having limited tools. Sure, a tablesaw simplifies things. But a circular saw would do the job. Using the spacer to install the drawers is a stroke of genius. The best thing about this, though, is that it is flexible. I can make drawers to fit my tools rather than having to put my tools wherever I can stuff them. And there's room to embellish/upgrade things to make the box more of a showpiece.

[@duna6430]

Installing the drawers upside down a great trick! Thanks for the build.

[@kelleysimonds5945]

Excellent! I've been looking at toolboxes lately and, I'm ashamed to say, this never occurred to me. Looks very sturdy - I'll be building it. Thank you.

[@DavidHolzer]

I just finished my tool cabinet from your fantastic video and plans. It turned out great!!! Thanks so much for the all the info.

[@DIYBuilds]

Awesome. Email me a picture if you'd like and I'll post it on my website.

[@DavidHolzer]

Curious as to why in your plans and build of the drawer boxes, you have the sides of the boxes sandwiching the front and back rather than the front and back sandwiching the sides. Sorry I don't know the exact terminology for this. Would the latter not help the drawer fronts lay perfectly flat and also ensure the drawer box width to be exact? I had a couple drawer boxes out just a touch from assembly which affected my drawer fronts laying perfect, which in turn affected the continuity and look of the drawers when they were all closed.

[@KrogerNurse]

Thanks for the freebie plans. I like this much better than the shaking red thing I have now.

[@gremlin4819]

Welcome Back.. it is good to see you at it again.. I look forward to see all your future project. I trust you weathering(pun) our beautiful tropical weather these days....

[@TimothyHall13]

Awesome build. Love the adjustment to the large drawer at the end. Genius! And free plans?!? Who does that!

[@RandomBetrayal]

Great to see the safety sandals back in action!

[@ricknelson6405]

I like your fast editing. Some people would have made this into a 2 hour video with a lot of redundancy.

[@steveharvey2203]

At last! I found a woodworker that works the way I do.

[@jameshodgins1937]

The tool cabinet looks great.

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

Funny, I've been telling people I'm going to make a wooden tool box again. I won't even try to make it nice and it will be much better than anything I have now. tHanks for the video!

[@Bobbyg2018]

Super nice tool chest - great video. Tons of storage without a big footprint. Thanks!

[@mitziseyfferdt3866]

To my favorite woodworker/youtuber I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, filled with love, hope and countless blessings, looking forward to new content in the new year, your biggest fan Mitzi from South Africa 💫

[@DIYBuilds]

Thanks mitzi. Same to you

[@nicksolanki8732]

Best T-shirt yet - and a great build to boot!

[@DennyMK007]

I have that Vevor sander. It was about US$16 on discount plus a coupon. My honest opinion about it is that the sander is quite powerful, but prolonged usage can make your hand quite uncomfortable from the vibrations. I also have a DeWalt orbital sander and think that they’re of a similar power minus the more comfortable DeWalt advantage. For the price I got mine I highly recommended it, even if it’s US$40. Thanks for the video btw 😉

[@muhammettokay3026]

thank you very much. Looks perfect. Thank you for the free plans. I'm following you and learning so many great things.

[@PeteFoaleArtist]

Thanks for the vid and the free plans. this is a project that I can adapt to build my own studio plan chest for my artwork. Thanks again!

[@jeffforbes3772]

Just pretty dang nice there Mr. thanks for posting.

[@oldbonesbushcraftrodjackso474]

very nice build . I could use one of those chests for my Guitar tech .Awesome video .

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

I have never thought to build my own toolbox. I just might now! Love the details covered in the video! Awesome work!

[@gordonbradford1013]

Another way to tell your Canadian, your hand tools… Canadian tire purchase! Lol Nicely done. You certainly bring a simple way about building drawers.

[@seanno6305]

Thank you for the video!

[@scottwarner1733]

Love the simplicity of the joinery, very practical, looks amazing, and something almost anyone could do. We’ll done sir!

[@seanbrotherton542]

The metal boxes always look nice in the store. They look good the first time you roll them into your shop. They look nice sitting there. But they suck for holding woodworking tools! They're great for my sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers etc. That's about it in my opinion. Your build is awesome for chisels, bladed tools etc etc. Much easier on sharpened tool edges. And it's hand made. Nice job! Think I'm going to build one too 👍

[@paulhedman7387]

Nice video, all the needed information presented in a clear and uncluttered way. One of the best I've seen.

[@richhubert1260]

looks great! also looks like Canadian Tire better start sponsoring you !! hope you and the family have a wonderful christmas!

[@craigmonteforte6111]

nice Build and Video I’m betweenHomes and Shops , a Woodworker By Trade but I enjoy working on Automobiles and other Items I’ve been Comtimplating building my next Automotive Toolboxes in a very similiar fashion ! I’m also leaning towards outfitting my next Wood Shop with the very same Ryobi Cordless System IMO it’s one of the better Valued Systems for the Money Professionally. I also got used to using Battery powered Nailers and I like not having a hose to drag around

[@JM-hc2gi]

First time viewer. This is so Canadian, and I love it.

[@DIYBuilds]

For sure eh.

[@terencegillespie6675]

I like my red boxes for all my tools, some mechanical and some woodworking. They're neat. They WORK. And they're convenient. Further they aren't show off stuff and I keep my tools hidden.

[@pedrodias5813]

Awesome job and love it very well made and strong thank for the free plan thank you brother

[@heavydz9750]

Good job, just wow. you are a craftsmen

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

That is a beautiful cabinet. I will be making one of those. Thanks for the video and the free plans. Subscribed!

[@davecruz9893]

ABSOLUTELY the best way of storage and you made is simple as it gets.....Thank you...

[@mikedtubey]

Great Job! looks easy peasy, i want to make a bunch of these during the spring 2023.

[@RobsReels]

Outstanding build. I want to try this

[@ClintsHobbiesDIY]

Very nice tool cabinet that doesn't cost a fortune. You got my sub.

[@BradPow]

Just gorgeous. But enough about you. That project is nice too.

[@DIYBuilds]

Thanks Brad - brad

[@berryconway4296]

What great little project. I need one about one half that size for some lathe chisels and other lathe accessories. The best thing is you really make the construction simple, plus very clear instruction, so it should be a simple build. I couldn't figure out how to download the pdf but I'm sure one of my kids will help, they'll be here for Christmas dinner, after all Mom's doing the cooking.

[@mellymel1100]

Just found you on YT. Nice! Thanks for the good video/plans!

[@dannyhale7645]

Nice project. That one is on my bucket list.

[@jontnoneya3404]

I really like this!! Thank you! I'm currently thinking about buying one of those tool carts from Harbor Freight but also considered building one myself. I am curious about how much all this cost but I love the looks of this and it seems quite reasonable as far as build complexity. Well done!

[@really_bad_woodworker]

Princess Auto drawer slides for the win !

[@DIYBuilds]

Yup. Gotta love sales

[@andybamford3987]

Nice piece of work. Well presented video. ✔️✔️✔️

[@normansawatzky4778]

"Like one big ugly piece of plywood."...that was funny!

[@dr.skipkazarian5556]

A real work of art in both design and function....I especially like the stability of the cabinet (it will not tip over when any top drawer is pulled oot (to use your term). Good to see...you seem to be a little more relaxed given your planned break from the intense youtube pressure.

[@JohnS-jj9by]

Great video! I need a cabinet for my workshop and this fills the need!

[@themullenmarketwoodworking]

Wow great video dude! Perfect, and thanks for the plans! Great website. Hopefully doing this soon

[@Expedient_Mensch]

Great beginners project. Nothing to challenge the more experienced builder, but looks amazing.

[@woodyal3726]

Nicely presented. Good learning

[@tayred81]

Super clean design 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@rotorhawg8052]

Dude, great to see you on the channel again. Always enjoy your projects, dry wit, and (especially) sarcasm! BTW do you have plans for your projects? How much are they and where could I find them?🤣🤣🤣

[@alanfreedman5877]

Just made this and it came out great. I think my favorite tip was using the drill with the clutch set well to drive the drawer slide screws.

[@DIYBuilds]

awesome id love to post it on my viewers submissions section of my website if you send me an emailed pic

[@alanfreedman5877]

Will do once I paint it (I used cheap plywood). By "great," I mean it works really well. It doesn't LOOK great 😄 But you can decide.@@DIYBuilds

[@altpath]

Is it worth it to build one of these? I've been trying to decide on the cost and convenience of buying a tool chest vs building one and having it be what I want exactly.

[@DIYBuilds]

Yes

[@andrefortin9180]

Looks awesome!!! Good job!! Even better with free plans!!!!! 😊 It’s on my to do list. Thanks

[@andrefortin9180]

Btw… where did you get the drawer slides? Link please! 😉

[@DIYBuilds]

On sale at princess auto

[@rr85]

I like the simplicity of the build, I've been wanting a flat file cabinet and this could easily be modified to fit that need

[@michaelphungtuan758]

Nice video and I like your style: explain how to make .

[@mariushegli]

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

[@allenandrew3938]

Excellent work on the Vevor sander ad there at the last! Very professional! Love the content as well!

[@brigitteprovost4306]

Great job! Thanks for the plans! Happy Hollidays 🎄

[@richardmccann4815]

Hey! The algo got one right, for a change! Subbed on the first video! I need this! Yay! Thanks!

[@atmoejo_woodworking]

Hello , Very good and very inspiring I'm from Indonesia

[@andyb7754]

Excellent build!! Miss your builds. If I only had 1/10 of your knowledge and skill I'd attempt what you do! Great video as always, keep them coming. Thank you.

[@kronographer]

As someone with 1/10th of his skill, I can assure you, you can make a similar cabinet to this (I did, without plans) Step 1.) Don't be afraid to muck it up. Step 2.) Try it, you'll learn something in the process. You always do. Step 3.) Enjoy your new cabinet even if it's a bit lopsided, as long as it works, right?

[@WoodUCreate]

Thumbs up for the free plans, and you made a subscriber. Great build, thank you.

[@mowaisshahid]

Great man... You are a pro 👍👍👍

[@Bobbyg2018]

Awesome video. On a side note...I have that ancient Ryobi flashlight as well!

[@Mr.Stacey-L-SCC]

That is nicer than any furniture I currently have in my house! Thanks for the inspiration.

[@reaper060670]

Really sweet build my bro.. Enjoying the content too ..

[@ephronx]

Great project - and the ubiquitous safety sliders (sandals)

[@W4TRI_Ronny]

Right on time! Thanks!

[@dennisgu2506]

Great build

[@Desire_of_Ages]

Very nice 👍

[@frankavery7791]

Well done!

[@dgriffejoen]

Awesome tool cabinet! Thanks for sharing

[@AndreSilva-jq9kq]

Very good nice project

[@gsuderman]

Excellent build and video. So informative! So, put the drawer slides on first you say. LOL. I built a tool chest with drawer slides a couple of summers ago and it is still a point of pride with me. But, I had never done anything like that before and ended up putting in the slides after the boxes were all assembled. What a dope. Today I learned something that would have made my build a million times easier. One question - you seem to have a lot of tear out where you rabbeted the backs. As a beginner why is that and how does one avoid it? Thank-you.

[@DIYBuilds]

It's because I did it after the slides were mounted and using wrong / dull bit. Also was cutting accroas grain instead of along it. To avoid it you can score with a knife first

[@gsuderman]

@@DIYBuilds Thank-you!

[@sallyweiner4180]

Very nice!

[@gregmize01]

Whoa, you're back!😳😳😳😳

[@JPDaigle]

And that's awesome 👍👍

[@RoadsterLoverMedia]

Thanks for making this video. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@abrahammedina1628]

Men it look really really nice, I will try to do for my workshop, thanks

[@petethebeat4534]

Did anybody else noticed how he pronounce the word OUT, he says it like OAT. 😛😁 And of course the project is amazing!!! thank you for sharing your awesome work!! I will definitely will be building it. cheers!!!👏👏👏👏

[@fromagefrizzbizz9377]

Canadian accent ;-)