How to Build a Magnetic Tool Holder (Quick Overview)
This DIY magnetic tool holder hides strong magnets inside a strip of scrap 1×2 so there is no visible hardware. Rout a deep groove, nest the magnets inside leaving a thin wall so they stay strong, glue a cap strip over the top, and add a French cleat to hang it. Metal hand tools snap right onto the wood. Here is how I built it.
This was a pretty easy project and only required a couple things, a scrap piece of 1×2 and some strong magnets!
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TOOL LIST:
- Table Saw
- Chisels
- Magnets (I ordered a pack of 12 and a pack of 8 since I needed 18 total)
- 1×2’s
- Wood Glue and my favorite Wood Glue Dispenser
- Clamps
- Flush Cutting Saw
CUT LIST:
- 1x2x24″ cutting 1 1/2″ off either end and save
- 1x2x21″ to nest on top and cut flush
First, I cut 1 1/2 inches off both ends to save for later. Then I routed out a deep groove to 5/8″ on the 1×2, leaving enough room for two magnets to nest side by side. I cut the depth as much as possible leaving about an 1/8th of an inch on the bottom so the magnets would be strong.
I cut another piece of scrap 1×2 to fit on top of the magnets. I cut it too thick on purpose so I could cut it down perfectly flush after it was glued in.
Important note: the magnets are VERY strong and EXTREMELY brittle! If you accidentally let them snap onto each other, they will shatter.
I glued the scrap piece on top of the magnets, clamped it and let it dry overnight.
Once it was dry, I cut off the excess on the back with a flush cutting saw and then put the accessory french cleat on the back so I could hang it on the wall. I also glued on the two end pieces I had cut off at the beginning to hide the magnets on the side.
And there you have it! A wooden, magnetic tool rack! I love how it blends in and has no hardware showing.
Magnetic Tool Holder FAQs
How does it hold tools with no visible magnet?
The magnets are hidden inside the wood. You rout a groove, drop the magnets in, and glue a thin cap strip over the top. Leaving only about 1/8 inch of wood over the magnets keeps them strong enough to grab tools right through the wood.
What kind of magnets should I use?
Strong neodymium magnets. Handle them with care, they are very powerful and brittle, so if they snap together hard they can shatter. I used 18 of them, nested two side by side down the groove.
What can it hold?
Metal hand tools like chisels, screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches. Keeping the wood wall thin over the magnets is what gives it enough holding power for everyday tools.
How does it mount to the wall?
I added an accessory French cleat to the back so it hangs on my French cleat tool wall and can be moved around. You could also screw it directly to a wall or pegboard.
Another addition to the french cleat tool wall! It’s almost complete! If you want to see more of this project, check out my videos and highlights on my social media channels linked below. And don’t forget to subscribe!
Until next time, happy DIY-ing!
-Selene Builds Things
About the author: I’m Selene Teitelbaum, the DIYer behind Selene Builds Things. I build furniture and shop projects and share beginner friendly tutorials so anyone can make something they are proud of. More about me.
