How to make a screw storage

Then it’s time to tidy things up with a clever caddy! - by Better Homes & Gardens

Lids nailed to the underside of shelves to hold jars of screws and nails is a classic workshop storage solution. This idea expands on that system but instead of screwing jar lids to a shelf, they are fixed to a rotating block of wood, with arms coming out from a wall plate for support.

Rotating screw storage

Gather your supplies

• Rotating block (2) 70 x 35 x 405mm pine

• Arms (2) 70 x 35 x 250mm pine

• Wall plate 450 x 200 x 15mm plywood

• Brace (2) 150 x 150 x 15mm plywood

Note: Adapt sizes of screw storage unit to the jars you have. You do not need new materials – use leftover bits of timber or plywood. This screw storage unit suits jars up to 120mm tall.

You’ll also need:

Assorted glass jars with lid sizes of about 70mm and 100-120mm tall; 10 x 75mm coach screws (2) with 4 washers to suit; assorted screws; PVA adhesive.

Here’s how...

Step 1

Decide on length of block to take jar lids. For three 70mm lids, use a mounting block about 405mm long to allow you to grab and unscrew jars easily. To make the block, glue and screw 2 pieces of 70 x 35mm pine together to form a 70 x 70mm block.

Step 2

Cut a 15 x 20mm deep housing at 1 end of each of the arms to take the 15mm-thick wall plate. At other end, drill a 10mm clearance hole 40mm in from end and 35mm from top. Glue and screw wall plate to arms so tops are flush.

Step 3

Cut a triangular 150 x 150mm brace for each side. Glue and screw to inside of arms and from wall plate into brace.

Step 4

Drill a pilot hole into centre ends of rotating block, then fit between arms with coach screws, using a washer under head of screw and between block and arm. Do not over-tighten as block needs to rotate easily. Screw jar lids to block as required – they can be aligned or offset. Screw assembly to wall, finding a stud for a secure fixing.