Okay boys, how many times have you heard this question in your house when Dad is trying to fix something, “Where are my tools when I need them?”  UH-OH! You quickly try remembering if you borrowed them to work on the fort, or if you left them by that birdhouse you were making.  Sometimes, it’s hard to remember where all those tools belong in the first place.

Attention Dads: While you’re outside searching for those tools, try out this great father and son activity, and help your son build his own tool box for kids. Woodworking projects are a great way to teach the basic skills of planning, measuring and proper tool use to your children.  Let them get creative and you’ll be surprised at what your little carpenters can build. Hands on projects are a great platform to instill important values and teach life lessons to your son. At JM Cremps we understand the amazing imagination of kids and the importance of quality father son bonding time.  Nurture them both with these great resources for kids crafts and woodworking projects, kids tool sets and ideas for father and son activities.

STEP 1 – Find Your Woodworking Tools

Tools – Quality tools are a must to make any woodworking project a masterpiece. Tired of searching for your tools Dad? Check out this Kids 9-Piece Tool Kit. These are fully functional, metal tools just like Dad’s, but they are made for smaller hands.

STEP 2 – Gather Supplies and Cut Your Wood

1 – 13 1/2″ X 5″ length of 1/2″ plywood for bottom
2 – 14 1/2″ X 2 1/2″ lengths of 3/8″ or 1/2″ plywood for sides
2 – 6″ X 5″ lengths of 1/2″ plywood for ends
1 – 14 1/2″ length of 3/4″ dowel
14 – #6 X 1 1/4″ flat head wood screws

STEP 3 – Let the Building Begin!

First complete the ends of the toolbox following the drawing below. Be sure to drill the holes for the handle first and then trim the tops.

Next, insert the dowel into the holes in the end pieces. Then with # 6 X 1 1/4″ screws and glue, fasten the two ends to the bottom piece as shown:

Now it’s time to fasten the two side pieces to the ends with # 6 X 1 1/4″ screws and glue. Slide the dowel out until it almost comes through one end, apply a small amount glue to the exposed end of the dowel, and to the cavity in the opposite end, slide the dowel back in to position. Finally, drill a pilot hole from the top down into the dowel and insert a #6 X 1 1/4″ screw at each end to keep the handle securely in place.  It’s time for the fun part; make this toolbox a masterpiece. Grab some paint and get creative.

Download printable kids tool box instructions here.