By the end of this material, you will have a tool box with several bits for self-tapping screws of different sizes, heads and hex keys. What could be better than being able to fix something on the go ?!
This tool box is very personalized. You can add many more useful tools to it if it fits the size. For example, in it you can place the most common sizes of the socket heads, as well as your favorite keys.
Step 1: Materials and Tools
To make a mini tool box, you will need:
* a small box (in this case, from the Altoids candy);
* angle grinder with a cutting and segmented blade disc or dremel;
* pliers (without them at all);
* hot glue gun (or any replacement of glue to make the connection more reliable);
* protective glasses;
* cheap multitool received in promotions from companies or the like (such multitools were distributed at one time through the Oriflame company)
Tools that will be in the tool box:
* mini-hammer (found in a jewelry store);
* A set of hex wrenches / wrenches;
* bits for screws;
Now let's start creating our functional mini-pocket screwdriver.
Step 2: Start making a screwdriver: cutting.
For a cheap multitool, it is necessary to cut off a plastic coupling, similar to a nut, which holds bits for self-tapping screws. This will be the adapter for the hex key to bits. Use a angle grinder or dremel to cut it off and remove the magnet at the end. The magnet will hold the bit on the hex key.
Step 3: Bonding.
After removing the coupler, glue the magnet to the end of the hex key, and then glue the coupler to the hex key. Make sure that there is enough space in the union nut to conveniently place the bits inside without losing the bit rigidity in the tool.
After the coupler is cut off, it must be cleaned using a grinding disc. Get rid of all the pieces of plastic so that the coupling is even and smooth.
IMPORTANT: Do not put too much glue on the magnet. It should be as clean and tidy as possible.
One more note: make sure that the magnet is glued as evenly as possible without tilting, otherwise the bit will be unstable.Glue the magnet to the shorter end of the Allen key to have a longer lever when tightening anything.
Step 4: Build.
Now that we have the main tool, it's time to put everything in the Altoids candy box.
Note: the author has socket heads for this kit, which he bought a long time ago. And this is not an ordinary set of socket heads. The part that is usually attached to the wrench is not square, but hexagonal. Therefore, these heads are perfect for a homemade hex wrench (read the manufacture above).
Step 5: Concluding remarks and further modifications
You now have a pocket sized tool box.
It's time to think about expanding the functionality.
* Is the coupler not strong enough to hold the bits?
Add some adhesive tape around the connection point or even use superglue for a more reliable connection.
* Do you need to chop cheese or strip wires?
Complete the box with a small knife. If it takes a lot of effort to cut, then cut the blade from the hacksaw to the size of this tin box, and then wrap one end of the file with heavy-duty tape as a handle. Even nail clippers can work for something (a tool for stripping / cutting wires).
* If you want to have more bits and heads available, simply fold all the necessary bits and heads into the box. It all depends on the size of the box. As a rule, for the pocket version, heads with a diameter of more than 10 mm are not required.
* This box is not too organized?
Add a plastic bag or magnet to the bit cover section. In addition, you can use cardboard as dividers to separate all your tools from each other.
* Need separate head slots?
Take some molded clay. Make a thin strip and place your heads in this strip, making molds in clay form. Bake the mold in the oven until it hardens. Then glue this strip into your jar.
* Minor repairs stopped due to lack of hardware?
Put various screws, nuts, self-tapping screws in the box so that you can repair everything that gets in your way.
* Often have to glue?
Small tubes of super glue and small rolls of duct tape work very well with your miniature tool box.
* Not enough third hand?
Make a third hand from improvised materials. The basic requirement is size. On the Internet you can find a lot of different options.
* Need a flashlight for comfortable operation?
Include a small flashlight in your kit or even make a couple of LED lights (bright white LED, of course) with a switch. Under the sink there are often places where the flashlight simply does not reach. A small LED will come to the rescue.
* Toolbox rattles too much, getting on your nerves?
If you find that the box in your pocket is making too much noise, you can add a thin layer of silicon or rubber around your box to drown out the noise. Or, if you want a quieter, but more laborious approach, then you can use thick fabric such as fleece or wool. Thus, your tools will not be able to move, and you most likely will no longer hear your tool box rattling.
The configuration options are endless, the whole thing is yours.