Build a Portable Tool Caddy with Pegboard Storage
Keeping your most-used hand tools and supplies organized is one thing. Having them within easy reach wherever you're working in the shop is another.
This DIY portable tool caddy makes both tasks easier. Built primarily from plywood, it combines a shallow carrying tray with a vertical tool rack, pegboard storage, and a comfortable handle.
The result is a compact, go-anywhere organizer that provides plenty of storage without taking up much workbench space.
Build the Plywood Tool Caddy Base
The base of the caddy is a shallow tray divided into two sections by a vertical tool rack.
Most of the construction uses 1/2"-thick plywood, with simple tongue-and-dado joinery providing strength.
Start by cutting the tray sides and ends to size. The pieces fit together with tongue-and-dado joints, while a groove along the inside edges holds the hardboard bottom.
A pair of wide dadoes cut into the tray sides will eventually capture the vertical tool rack.
Once the joinery is complete, glue up the tray, making sure the assembly is square.
Make the Vertical Pegboard Tool Rack
The vertical rack is what makes this tool caddy especially versatile.
Its frame has parallel grooves cut along the inside edges to hold a pegboard panel on one side and a plywood panel on the other.
The space between the panels provides clearance for pegboard hooks, allowing you to hang small hand tools and accessories without interfering with the opposite side.
Add a Comfortable Carrying Handle
The handle is made by laminating two layers of 1/2"-thick plywood.
After gluing the pieces together, shape the handle and round over the edges for a comfortable grip.
The handle attaches to the plywood panel on the back of the rack.
Customize the Tool Shelf
A small shelf mounted below the handle provides dedicated storage for frequently used tools.
Cut the shelf to size, then drill holes and cut slots to accommodate your favorite screwdrivers, chisels, pliers, or other hand tools.
The arrangement can be customized to suit the tools you use most often.
Assembly Tip: Attach the handle and shelf to the plywood panel before assembling the rack. This makes it much easier to access the mounting screws.
Assemble the Portable Tool Organizer
With the tray and vertical rack complete, the final assembly is straightforward.
Slide the rack into the wide dadoes in the tray sides, then secure it with screws.
The dadoes keep the rack properly positioned and provide support when carrying the loaded caddy.
Now you can customize the pegboard side with hooks and load the tray with supplies.
A Handy Tool Caddy for Any Workshop
The advantage of this shop-made tool tote is its flexibility.
The shallow tray holds supplies and larger accessories, the pegboard keeps smaller tools organized, and the shelf provides dedicated storage for your most-used hand tools.
Best of all, the built-in handle makes it easy to carry everything from one work area to another.
It's a practical weekend woodworking project that can help keep your shop organized and your tools close at hand.
Modular Pegboard Tool Caddy
Looking for a tool organizer that stays on your workbench? This compact pegboard caddy uses adjustable dowels to create custom storage compartments for screwdrivers, calipers, and other hand tools.
Add magnetic strips for smaller accessories and a rotating base for easy access to tools on every side.
BUILD THE MODULAR TOOL CADDY → A Clever Way to Organize Small Hand Tools
