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How to make a tool caddy

A Bunnings Team Member is holding a decorated tool caddy.

Overview

Want to try a D.I.Y. that has a mix of hammering wood and painting and decorating? This simple D.I.Y. is all about creating your very own tool caddy from start to finish. You’ll learn how to put your very own caddy together and find ideas for how to decorate it to your heart’s content! It makes a practical gift for a loved one because they can fill it with tools, gloves and other bits and bobs that they may need to carry from place to place. If you’re ready to jump in, let’s get started! 

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs, gloves and mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Attach the handle

To make your wooden tool caddy, you’ll have six pieces of wood to start with. A handle piece, two side pieces that look a bit like houses, a front and back piece and a rectangle to make the base! Start by taking the two side pieces and the handle, laying the other pieces to the side - you’ll be using those later. Take the handle and one side piece, line the handle up with the hole and give it a good twist to secure it in. Do the same with the other side piece too! 
Three kids are doing DIY projects with a Bunnings team member. On the table, there is a decorated tool caddy and many arts and crafts supplies.

2Nail the base in

Once you’ve twisted the handle in, get your base piece and put it between both sides - making sure it’s all snug and aligned with the bottom. Then with adult supervision, carefully use a hammer to nail the base to both sides.

One kid is using a hammer to nail the base to the sides of a tool caddy in a Bunnings DIY workshop, with many arts and crafts supplies on the table.

3Attach the front and back pieces

Can you see the tool caddy starting to take shape? The final two pieces are the front and back. Lay the tool caddy on its side to make nailing the front piece easier. Use the hammer to nail it down. Then flip it around and do the same for the back! 
A Bunnings team member is helping a kid attach the front and back pieces of a tool caddy with a nail and hammer in a Bunnings DIY workshop.

4Sand the caddy

Now we’re going to prepare your tool caddy for some serious decorating! Take some sandpaper grit and carefully sand down your caddy to make it nice and smooth - this is going to make the paint look extra nice. 
A boy with a mask on sanding a wooden tool caddy.

5Decorate your caddy

Are you ready for the fun part? It’s time to decorate your caddy! Start by painting it with your favourite colours - creating patterns, adding words or just a simple single colour. If you want to go over it a few times, don’t forget to let it dry in between each layer. Then get creative with sequins, stencils, stickers, glitter, glitter glue, pompoms, googly eyes and anything else you feel like! Once you’re done, leave everything to dry. 
In a Bunnings DIY workshop, a kid is decorating a tool caddy with sequins and pompoms.

6Fill your caddy

Once your tool caddy is all done and dry, it’s time to put it to good use! You can fill it with gardening tools, toys, a hat, cards - anything you like! 
Three kids are proudly displaying their decorated tool caddy in the Bunnings DIY workshop.

7What do you think you’ll use your caddy for?

The possibilities are endless, and you can find everything you need from craft supplies to tool caddy materials all under one roof at Bunnings Warehouse! Speak to one of our friendly team members to ask them about our range of kids D.I.Y. supplies today!

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.