From the page: The water jug still holds plenty of life
Idea 7
Organizer caddy with a handle
In workshops of the past, reusing containers was routine: cans and jugs became boxes for tools and groceries. The jug's structure works because the high-density plastic distributes weight well across its thin walls — cut at the right height, it keeps its rigidity without needing extra reinforcement.
What you need
- A clean, dry water jug
- A well-sharpened craft knife or a hacksaw
- Ruler and pen for marking
- Rope, thick lacing or strips of the plastic itself for the handle
- A hole punch or heated nail (heated screw) to open the holes
- Medium-grit sandpaper to smooth the edges
How to make it
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1
Wash the jug well on the inside and let it dry upside down for a few hours, because any trapped moisture creates mold and bad smell.
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2
Mark a line around the jug at the desired height (keep the original handle of the cap or the neck on one side) and cut with the craft knife in shallow, repeated cuts, which is safer than forcing it all at once.
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3
Sand the cut edges to remove burrs, since cut plastic becomes sharp and scratches your hand and whatever is stored inside.
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4
Make two aligned holes on opposite sides of the mouth, at the same height, so the handle stays balanced and the box doesn't tip when lifted.
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5
Thread the rope through the holes and tie firm knots on the inside, checking that the handle stays horizontal when lifted.
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6
Test it by carrying a medium weight (about 3 to 5 kilos); if the base caves in, glue or screw a thin piece of wood to the bottom as reinforcement.
Finishing touches
Paint it with spray paint or line it with fabric scraps to hide the markings and give it a nice finish. Make two or three in different heights, and they fit together stacked like drawers.
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