How to Build a Wooden Lock Box

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 pieces lumber, 1-by-4-by-16-inch

  • 2 pieces lumber, 1-by-4-by-6-inch

  • Variable speed drill

  • 1/16-inch drill bit

  • Wood glue

  • 4-penny finish nails

  • Hammer

  • Damp cloth

  • 1 piece plywood, 6-by-14 1/2-by-3/4-inch

  • Small paintbrush

  • 2 pieces lumber, 1-by-2-by-16-inch

  • 2 pieces lumber, 1-by-2-by-6-inch

  • 1 piece lumber, 1-by-8-by-16-inch

  • Piano hinge with screws, 16-inches long

  • Locking catch

Wooden lock boxes serve many purposes.

Lock boxes keep sensitive material and other items safe. Building a custom lock box based on the items you want to encase ensures that it will be the right size. Measure the largest item going in the box to determine the width and length of the inside of the box. The number of items to be stored in the box lets you know the needed depth. Construct the box from hardwood lumber such as oak to withstand wear and tear, making the lock box last longer.

Advertisement

Step 1

Place the 1-by-4-by-16-inch lumber (front and back) on a worktable along with the 1-by-4-by-6-inch (sides of the box) pieces. Drill pilot holes down one long edge and two sides of the front and back pieces with the 1/16-inch drill bit. Keep the holes 3/8-inch from the edges.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Apply glue to the 3/4-by-1 1/2-inch ends of the two sides of the box. Set them between the front and back pieces and secure them with the finish nails. Clean up the excess glue with a damp cloth.

Step 3

Brush glue on all four edges of the 6-by-14 1/2-by-3/4-inch plywood (bottom) with a small paintbrush. Insert the plywood between the sides and the front and back. Secure it with the finish nails. Clean up the glue.

Step 4

Put the 1-by-2-by-16-inch pieces of lumber on the worktable (frame for the top). Drill two pilot holes on the ends of the 16-inch pieces. Keep them 3/8-inches from the edges. Put some glue on the ends of the 6-inch pieces and secure them between the longer pieces with the finish nails.

Advertisement

Step 5

Drill pilot holes around the perimeter of the 1-by-8-by-16-inch lumber (top) with the 1/16-inch drill bit. Keep the holes 3/8-inch from the edges and space them out about 3-inches apart.

Step 6

Run a bead of glue on the exposed edges of the frame for the top. Set the top on the glue and secure it with the finish nails. Turn the box over so one of the long sides is facing up and put the top against the opening in the box aligning the ends.

Advertisement

Step 7

Secure the piano hinge to the top and the box with the screws provided. Turn the box over and install the locking catch to the top and the box according to the manufacturer's instruction.

Tip

Set the nail heads with a nail set and fill the holes with putty.

Sand the entire lock box before applying a finish.

Warning

Keep power tools out of reach of children.

Do not apply a finish to the lock box without proper ventilation.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references & resources