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Father’s Day Six-Pack Caddy

Originally printed in the pages of Simply Family Magazine’s June 2017 issue. Never miss an issue, check out SFM’s digital editions, here

article and photos by Amanda Bowe

What do you get for the man who has everything or the one who is difficult to buy for? Rather than hopping online or browsing the stores this Father's Day, hit up the lumber department to whip up a sturdy six-pack caddy.

To make one caddy you'll need:

  • One quarter sheet of 5/8 inch thick plywood
  • 60 linear inches of ¼ inch thick by 1 ½ inch wide wood strips
  • Threaded galvanized pipe ½ inch diameter by 10 ½ inches long
  • 2- ½ inch diameter pipe caps
  • One wall mount bottle opener (optional)

(keep scrolling for directions)

Directions:

Cut one bottom piece from plywood measuring 5 ½ inches wide by 10 inches long. Cut two more side pieces at 5 ½ inches wide by 11 inches tall. Grab the wood strips and cut four rail sections measuring 1 ½ inches wide by 10 inches long. You’ll also need one long divider at 1 ½ inches wide by 8 inches long. Complete the dividers by cutting two short strips at 1 ½ inches wide by 5 ½ inches long.

Cut the angles on the side pieces by marking 5 ½ inches from the bottom. Then, find the center of the top of the board and measure out one inch each direction. Connect the marks and cut along the line. Complete the sides by drilling a 7/8 inch hole ¾ inches down from the center of the angled side pieces.

Next, lay the base piece down, setting the sides on top and aligning the edges. Apply a bead of wood glue and add a few nails to hold in place until the glue dries.

To create the divider, measure 2 ¾ inches from each end. Inside the marks, cut a ¼ inch notch half way through the strip. Mark the center of the short dividing strips and cut another ¼ inch notch half way through each. Assemble the dividers to create six equal boxes.

Attach the side rails aligning the bottom with the top of the base piece, the other a ½ inch below the start of the angle. Nail in place to secure, and then attach the divider at the base of the caddy. Sand the edges thoroughly, and stain if desired. Seal with a coat of polyurethane for water protection and attach the bottle opener on one side.

To complete the caddy, you’ll need a handle. Add a bit of interest with a galvanized pipe. Secure the pipe in place with pipe caps. Fill the caddy with a favorite bottled drink, or even a sampling of drinks and gift to the men in your life.

For more of Amanda’s style, check out this month’s home section.

about the author...Amanda Bowe is a mom to two boys, a DIYer, crafter, and thrift store addict.  She is also the author of Our Humble Abode (ourhumbleabodeblog.com), a blog dedicated to all things home improvement and DIY.