Electric drills can get in the way as you work with them, taking up space on the workbench and risking slipping off if not restored to their boxes, which can slow you down. Do away with the messiness by making a useful holder for your electric drill that won't cost any money and takes very little effort to produce.
Edit Steps
Part 1: Preparing the Container
- Find a used plastic container used for washing machine detergent. Wash the container. Then use a hot air blower or a hair dryer to help peel off any labels still on it. Set it at a low level of heat, to avoid burning your skin or melting the container.
- Choose the container that looks like a jar, the type which has an oval hole made for ease of handling.
Part 2: Turning the Container into a Drill Holder
- Mark a slanted line near the bottom of the handle and across to the handle's top but on the opposite side of the bottle (see image). Cover this line with painter's tape. The barely visible seams that join together the two sides of the container will help you stick the tape symmetrically.
- Carefully cut along the line. Move the cutter with a sawing motion to avoid getting stuck.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands while cutting and keep a steady hand.
- Discard the bottom of the container. Also get rid of the cap––you can either saw it off or wrench it out using a vise. Hold the cap tightly in the vise until it cracks loose. You may have to move the bottle around a little to achieve this.
- Again, be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Punch a hole at the non-cap end of the bottle, which now finishes just after the end of the handle. Cut or poke a screwdriver/awl through this hole in a central position, making it about 2 to 3cm/1-1.5" down from the new rim of the bottle. See the image for guidance. The drill holder is now completed and all you need to do is attach it somewhere convenient on your workbench.
- Rotate the screwdriver or awl to get a neat hole.
Part 3: Attaching the Drill Holder to the Workbench
- Drill a hole for in the workbench where you consider it will be convenient to hang the drill holder. and a washer to avoid tearing.
- You could also drill a hole for the chuck key, if desired. This will keep it handy and secure.
- Attach the drill holder. Use a screw with a washer––the washer will prevent tearing of the plastic when the weight of the drill is added inside.
- The screw and washer must be sturdy enough to withstand normal use.
- Try it out. Use the holder to store the plugged-in drill. When you're finished, unplug and wind the flex around the drill. Done!
Edit Things You'll Need
- Detergent and water to clean the bottle
- Hair dryer or hot air blower to remove the label
- Plastic bottle, laundry detergent, large and with oval handle
- Scissors
- Painter's tape, masking tape or similar
- Pencil or marker
- Screwdriver/awl
- Screw and washer
- Electric drill