Cordless Tool Charging Station (with plans)

How to Build a DIY Cordless Tool Charging Station (with plans)

1. 1 Cut the Main Parts

   

   Cut the following pieces with the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* 5-1/2 in. Circular Saw:

   • (1) piece of 3/4” plywood, 17 7/8 x 24” long for the back of the unit
   • (2) pieces of 3/4” plywood, 10 x 24” long for the sides of the unit
   • (1) piece of 3/4” plywood, 10 x 19 3/8” for the bottom of the unit
   • (2) pieces of 2 x 2 board, 19 3/8” long for the mounting cleats
   • (2) pieces of 1 x 10 board, 17 7/8” long for the full-depth shelves
   • (1) piece of 1 x 6 board, 17 7/8” long for the top shelf
   • (1) piece of hardboard, 9 x 17 3/8” long for the drawer base
   • (2) pieces of 1 x 4 board, 7 1/2” long for the drawer sides
   • (2) pieces of 1 x 4 board, 17 3/8” long for the drawer front and back
   • (1) piece of 2 x 4 board, 12” long for mounting the unit on the wall

2. 2 Create the Shelf for Hanging Drills

   

   Store drills neatly in a row by creating a slotted shelf to safely hang them. Cut out elongated "U" shapes on a 1 x 10 shelving piece, using the BLACK+DECKER 4.5 Amp Jigsaw and a blade for fine wood cuts. Mark the slots with a straightedge and pencil before cutting them. Space the slots evenly, and size the width and depth of the slots based on your own tools.

3. 3 Attach the Sides to the Back

   

   Align the two 10 x 24” plywood side pieces over the edges of the 17 7/8 x 24” back piece. Using your BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Lithium 2-Speed Drill/Driver, drive three 1 1/2” wood screws into each side, creating square angles.

4. 4 Attach the Bottom

   

   Lay the unit on one side and place the bottom 10 x 19 3/8” plywood piece over the ends of the side and back pieces so all edges are flush. Secure the bottom to the sides and back with five 1 1/2” wood screws, two on each side and one centered along the back.

5. 5 Install the Mounting Cleats

   

   Position the unit so the plywood back is facing up. Attach the two 2 x 2 cleats horizontally along the top and bottom of the unit with two 2” wood screws. These pieces will provide space between the unit and the wall to allow for cords to be fed through and to aide in mounting the unit.

6. 6 Assemble the Drawer Frame

   

   Form the rectangular drawer frame by placing the two 7 1/2” pieces of 1 x 4 inside the two 17 3/8” pieces of 1 x 4. Because you are working so close to the edges of the boards, pre-drill all pilot holes with a 7/64” drill bit. Assemble the drawer with two 1 1/2” wood screws at each joint. Set the frame aside.

   TIP: Depending on what type of screw you're using, pilot holes should be just slightly smaller than the screw. The idea is to allow the hole to be big enough for the screw to pass through without splitting the wood, but at the same time, small enough so that the threads grip firmly.

   

   Depending on what type of screw you're using, pilot holes should be just slightly smaller than the screw.

   The idea is to allow the hole to be big enough for the screw to pass through without splitting the wood, but at the same time, small enough so that the threads grip firmly.

7. 7 Cut a Hole for Cords

   

   The top shelf of the charging station is intended for battery chargers and cords. Run them neatly behind the charging station by cutting a hole through the back of the unit using your 20V MAX* Lithium 2-Speed Drill/Driver and a 2 1/2” hole saw.

8. 8 Install the Shelves

   

   The first shelf acts as the "lid" for the drawer. Place one of the 1 x 10 shelf pieces between the sides of the unit, 3 3/4” from the bottom piece, and secure it on each end with two 1 1/2” wood screws. Place the slotted shelf 9 1/2” up from the first shelf and secure it on both sides with 1 1/2” screws. Place the top shelf 5” from the top of the unit, and secure it with 1 1/2” screws.

9. 9 Finish the Unit

   

   Smooth rough edges and remove any splintering with your BLACK+DECKER MOUSE® Detail Sander and 80-grit sandpaper. If you plan on using a wood finish, cut down on steps and drying time by opting for a stain and polyurethane formula. Apply a thin coat with a paintbrush and refer to the manufacturer's instructions for drying times and applying additional coats.

10. 10 Finish the Drawer

    

    Secure the wood drawer knob to the center front of the drawer frame with a 1 1/2” screw. Apply a coat of stain to the exterior and interior of the drawer frame, and allow it to dry overnight. Attach the 9 x 17 3/8” piece of hardboard to the bottom of the drawer with eight 1/2” wood screws, using one in each corner and one centered along each edge of the frame.

11. 11 Mount the Unit

    

    Install your finished charging station in an accessible spot near an electrical outlet, so you can route your chargers or power strip to a power source. Position the 2 x 4 mounting board horizontally, centered over a wall stud. Anchor the board to the stud with two 3” wood screws. Center the unit over the 2 x 4 so the upper 2 x 2 mounting cleat is resting on top of the 2 x 4 and is flush against the wall. Drive three 3” screws through the cleat and into the top of the 2 x 4.

12. 12 Store the Drills, Chargers + Accessories

    

    Place all of your drills in the slots, chargers on the top shelf and any accessories in the drawer.

    TIP: Add a power strip to the back of the top shelf for plugging in your chargers.