17. Customized Battery Charging & Cord Management Station
Introduction
Tame messy power tool battery chargers and tangled extension cords by building a dedicated, fire-safe charging cabinet equipped with integrated power strips and cord concealers.
What This Idea Means
Multiple cordless tool chargers scattered across work surfaces create visual chaos and consume outlet space. A dedicated charging locker organizes chargers vertically, conceals power strips behind hidden panels, and offers holsters for power drills.
How to Make It
- Build an open wooden wall-mounted cabinet box with multiple internal shelves.
- Cut vertical slots into the bottom shelf to serve as hanging holsters for cordless drills.
- Install an industrial surge protector power strip with wide outlet spacing inside the main shelf cavity.
- Drill rear pass-through holes behind each shelf to route charger cords neatly behind a false back panel.
- Mount battery chargers to the internal shelves and plug them into the hidden power strip.
Tips and Variations
- Master Power Switch: Use an illuminated master switch or smart outlet so you can turn off all chargers with one click when leaving the garage.
- Cooling Vents: Drill small side ventilation holes to dissipate heat generated by fast chargers during operation.
Needs to Make That Thing
- 3/4-inch plywood or pine boards
- Industrial surge protector power strip
- Hole saw bit and power drill
- Brad nailer and wood screws
- Wall mounting cleat or brackets