Keeping your tools organized and accessible in your truck bed is crucial for any adventurer or DIY enthusiast. Loose tools can roll around, get damaged, or become difficult to find when you need them most. This simple DIY project provides a robust and space-saving solution for securing a shovel and hatchet, essential components of any Pioneer Kit, directly to your truck frame. Using basic woodworking skills and readily available materials, you can create a custom tool mount that ensures your gear is always ready for action.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these materials and tools:
- A piece of sturdy hardwood like white oak (approximately 1×4 inches, length depending on your truck frame and tool size)
- Waterproof wood glue
- Wood screws
- Carriage bolts (and nuts, washers) – size will depend on your frame bolt holes and wood thickness
- Shovel and hatchet
- Measuring tape
- Pencil or marker
- Drill with appropriate drill bits for wood and metal (for pilot holes and carriage bolts)
- Table saw (or hand saw)
- Rip fence
- Clamps
- Wrench or socket set
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Tool Mount
This project is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, perfect for a weekend DIY task.
1. Preparing the Wood Base
Start by measuring the space between the frame ends where you intend to mount the tool holder. Cut the white oak plank to this length. White oak is an excellent choice due to its resistance to rot and durability, ideal for outdoor and under-vehicle applications. You can utilize the existing tongue and groove if present, or simply work with a flat piece. Determine the spacing of the bolt holes on your truck frame. A helpful trick is to use painter’s tape: apply tape across the frame, mark the hole locations, and transfer the tape to your wood piece for accurate drilling points. Drill the bolt holes through the oak plank.
2. Crafting the Shovel Blade Holder
To create a secure slot for the shovel blade, carefully use a table saw. Vertically position a piece of oak and incrementally move it across the blade using the rip fence to create a curved channel. This arc should be wide enough to snugly fit the shovel blade. Exercise caution and ensure hand safety when performing this step. Cut this arced piece to the width of your base plank.
3. Creating the Handle Holder
For the tool handle support, cut another piece of oak to fit the D-handle of your shovel. This piece will cradle the handle and keep the tools stable. For the hatchet handle, which is typically thinner and wedge-shaped, you’ll need to create a sloped support. Attach a smaller piece of wood inside the handle cutout, angled so that when the hatchet is placed with its blade down, the handle aligns parallel to the mounting board.
4. Assembling and Securing the Tool Mount
Apply waterproof wood glue to the contact surfaces of the shovel blade holder and handle supports, and screw them securely to the base plank. Position your shovel and hatchet onto the mount. To clamp the tools in place, use another piece of oak on top. Cut a groove on the underside of this top piece, roughly the width of the hatchet handle and about 3/16″ deep. This groove enhances stability by fitting over the hatchet handle. Use carriage bolts to clamp down through the top piece, tools, and base plank, effectively sandwiching and securing the shovel and hatchet to your DIY pioneer kit tool mount.
Benefits of this DIY Pioneer Kit Tool Mount
This DIY tool mount offers several advantages for anyone looking to enhance their pioneer kit and truck organization:
- Organization: Keeps your shovel and hatchet securely in place, preventing them from rolling around and causing damage or becoming lost.
- Accessibility: Tools are readily accessible when you need them, without having to rummage through a cluttered truck bed.
- Space Saving: Utilizes often-unused space between the truck frame, freeing up valuable bed space for other cargo.
- Durability: Constructed from robust white oak and secured with bolts, this mount is built to withstand rugged conditions.
- Customization: Easily adaptable to different tool sizes and truck models.
- Cost-Effective: DIY approach saves money compared to purchasing pre-made tool mounts.
Conclusion
Building your own pioneer kit tool mount is a rewarding and practical project. It not only enhances the organization of your truck bed but also ensures that essential tools like a shovel and hatchet are securely stored and easily accessible for any adventure or task. By following these simple steps, you can create a durable and custom solution that perfectly fits your needs and contributes to a well-equipped pioneer kit for your vehicle.
