Repurpose an Old Toolbox into a Modern Charging Station
A few weeks ago we found an interesting Pinterest pin from Better Homes and Gardens. The pin suggested finding an antique toolbox and repurposing it for a modern necessity: Charging devices.
Having 3 kids with Nooks, iPads, Kindles, iPhones, Samsung, iThis and droid that… I can relate to having a nice charging station that doesn’t look like a spaghetti bowl of ugly wires taking up space 🙂 So with that said, we quickly decided to try the DIY, but this time, we’d like to offer step-by-step instructions on how we (and now YOU) can complete a similar project.
With that said, lets get down to business!
Here’s what you’ll need, tools:
- screwdriver
- foster bits or hole saws
- table saw
materials:
- plywood
- stain or paint
- sandpaper
First, Angel drew up a rough (and mean ROUGH) sketch for how we envisioned the toolbox
charging station to look. Then, we went tag-sale hunting and found this pretty neat toolbox. We paid $5 for the metal toolbox, and a few tools.
* In the future, we will make a wooden toolbox -we’re WoodyThings afteralls- and use these same dimensions. We can paint it and make it ‘look’ antique and distressed. If there’s enough interest, we can make it for you guys 🙂
This is the toolbox we found during our garage sale scavenger hunt.
I’m certain you can pick these up at your Salvation Army or Goodwill store for cheap.
The hinges, carrying handle and locking latch works. Maybe I should’ve insulated this and used it as a lunch pail.
Once found our toolbox, next step was to take measurements of the inside space we would be working with.
We placed the surge protector and the plugs on their side since we had enough room, and it allowed us to have more space on top.
Once we had our measurements, we cut three pieces of plywood. Two will be brackets to hold the platform (the top) in place. The brackets ware 1/2″ taller than the surge protector on its side.
Next we placed the brackets (free standing) on each end.
Then, we placed the top inside, to ensure a proper fit.
This is what it looks like underneath. NOW do you see why we’re hiding these hideous cables? lol
Before
After. Nice and clean.
Next, we mocked up the devices we’d typically be charging in or around our workshop. Yes, thats an iPod classic… Keeping it old school.
We were able to fit our Nikon digital camera
And the phablet (iPhone 6+). So I guess you can say this charging station is PC, Android, Nikon compatible!
Sorry. I tried.
Now that we know it fits, lets mark the hole sizes so we feed the wires and power these toys.
Mark the size of the holes unto the plywood
Find a bit slightly larger than the desired plug.
I recommend spending a few bucks and getting a set of Forstner bits or a hole saw.
Measure your hole locations, and then drill the holes.
Make sure they are aesthetically pleasing (that they look good).
Final mock-up with the holes and the wires ran through.
Now you need to drill a hole through the toolbox so you can power the surge protector.
Use a hole saw slightly bigger than the plug.
Once the hole is made, make sure the plug fits.
Use care as the metal is sharp and can cut YOU and/or the wire.
You can use a rubber grommet form your hardware sore (measure the hole before you go) or do like I did, and mask it off with electrical tape. This will help prevent fraying or cutting of the wires.
Believe it or not, thats it. In under 30 minutes you can turn an old toolbox into a charging station you can keep around your shop, or use as decor and place in your living room. You can also stain the wood or paint it to make it stand out in a different way. Do you have trouble identifying which cables go with each device? write the name of the device (iPod, mp3 player, smartphone, tablet, etc.) next to each plug/hole and thats it, you have the right plug to the right device!
Do you have any suggestions/tips/questions? Comment below or tweet/email us! We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your own projects.
Until next time, #HappyCrafting!
P.S. Want to check out the original pin that inspired this project? Check the article below.
Check out these quick and easy DIY projects you can make this weekend without spending a bundle.