|
Ages 5+ |
Time 60–90 min |
Level Intermediate |
Materials About $20–30 |
This is the project that makes kids feel like real builders: five boards, a handful of screws, and a caddy that carries their own tools when it's done. A grown-up drills the pilot holes. The kid drives every screw.
Handy Famm Tools You'll Use
- Phillip the Octopus Phillips-Head Screwdriver – the ratchet makes driving a lot of screws easy
- Any Handy Famm tape measure – the level checks that the handle is straight
- Lola Kids Safety Glasses
Cut List and Materials
| 1x6 pine – cut one 12" piece (base) and two 8" pieces (ends) | ~$8–12 |
| 1x3 pine – cut two 13-1/2" pieces (sides) | ~$4–5 |
| 1x2 pine – cut one 13-1/2" piece (handle) | ~$2–3 |
| About 14 Phillips wood screws, #8 x 1-1/2" | ~$5–7 |
| Sandpaper and paint or stain (optional) | At home |
Prices are approximate and vary by store. Bring the cut list – most hardware stores will make these straight cuts for you.
Grown-Up Prep
- Sand all the cut edges.
- Lay the pieces out in place (see the steps), then drill a pilot hole at every screw spot and start each screw two turns.
Step-by-Step
1. Measure and mark
Use the tape measure to check every board against the cut list. On each end piece, mark the center of the top edge – that's where the handle goes.
2. Attach the ends
Stand an end piece against one short edge of the base so the bottoms line up. Safety glasses on. Drive two screws through the end piece into the base. Do the same on the other side. You now have a U shape.
3. Add the handle
Lay the handle across the tops of the two end pieces, centered on your marks. Set the tape measure on the handle and check the level bubble. Drive one screw down through the handle into each end piece.
4. Add the sides
Hold a side piece along the long edge of the base, flush with the bottom. Drive two screws into the base and one into each end piece. Repeat on the other side.
5. Test it
Lift it by the handle. Load it up with your tools. If anything wiggles, give those screws a few more turns.
6. Make it yours
Paint it, stain it, or write your name on the side.
Safety Notes
- A grown-up does all of the drilling.
- Safety glasses on while driving screws.
- Hold boards with your free hand flat on the wood, away from the screw.
Make It Your Own
- Add a 1x6 divider down the middle to split it into two sections.
- Screw small hooks onto the ends to hang a tape measure.
- Make it a gift: build it, fill it with tools, and wrap it.
Share Your Build
Show off your caddy and tag @handyfamm. We feature community builds right here.
Ready to fill it? Shop Handy Famm gift sets. New to building? Start with How to Host a Build and Play Party.
