The Clever Hack That Turns A Plastic Bottle Into A Handy Carrier For Small Tools

For those that love to find new uses for single-use plastics, there's an easy way to repurpose plastic water bottles around the house and keep your tools ready to go. By transforming your bottles that would typically end up in the trash, you can DIY your own portable tool holder for practically nothing. With wide water bottles, you can craft a carrier that will be able to hold a screwdriver, pliers, scissors, and other handheld tools; however, larger plastic bottles, like detergent containers, will be able to hold even more items and already have a built-in handle.

Depending on the size and shape of plastic bottles, you may want to vary how you construct your tool carrier. With certain drink bottles, you may be able to simply remove the top and attach some rope or cord as a handle. Alternatively, you might use two different size water bottles to create a case that can slide open. This option keeps the tools completely inside the plastic, while other options allow handles or parts of the tools to stick out. By reusing a plastic bottle as a tool carrier, you can make a small kit with your most important tools so they're just a reach away when you need them. Additionally, you might keep a carrier like this in your car for emergencies or for when you're on the way to complete a job. Now, you can DIY a portable tool carrier with repurposed items for a budget and eco-friendly solution.

With water bottles or other beverage containers, you can either make an open holder for your tools with a handle or a completely enclosed carrier. For both options, you'll need a bottle that's wide enough for your tools to sit inside. To make the simple carrier with a handle, start by cutting off the top of the bottle so that the entire piece is about the same width. This will turn the bottle into a cup shape. Now, knot both ends of a piece of braided cord or rope and tape each end to one side of the bottle. Add many rubber bands over the tape for extra security and place your screwdrivers, pencil, scissors, and pliers into the bottle. Make sure the tools' handles are facing up so you don't accidentally poke yourself.

To make the other toolbox style, take two bottles that are roughly the same shape but slightly different in size. With the smaller bottle, cut a rectangular section out of the length of the bottle, leaving a few inches at the top and bottom of the plastic. You'll need to ensure that this opening is long enough and wide enough to set your tools inside. Remove the top from your larger bottle and slide it over the first, completing your carrier. If you have trouble fitting the two pieces together, make a vertical slit at the side of the larger bottle so the smaller plastic bottle can shift inside.

For those without a good plastic water bottle, an old detergent container or a similar jug can be a great way to make a carrier for a larger quantity of small tools. Since the plastic on these bottles is generally thicker, you can also make holes for some of your tools to sit in, so that they are even easier to see and grab when you need them. After cleaning your container, use a marker to make dots where you'd like to create holes for screwdrivers. You'll also want to draw guidelines for openings in the side. You might choose to cut one larger side so that the plastic acts as a door. This allows you to place many small tools inside the jug and have easy access. If you make a larger opening, consider attaching a swiveling mirror clip such as the Prime-Line U 9278 to keep the door shut.

Alternatively, you might just make openings that are a few inches wide along all four sides. With this method, tools with longer handles can easily slide in or you can hang pliers from the side of the carrier. A box cutter will work well for cutting out your bigger openings, while a drill can be used to make holes for screwdrivers in the top of the bottle. These clever ways to reuse plastic containers in your home will help keep your most-used tools ready and portable and prevent your old bottles from ending up in a landfill.