The wooden handles of the tools are now sealed in WD-40, preventing them from splintering as easily. This handle coating process can subsequently be repeated on the same tools for added protection.

We built our tool-box out of 3/4-in.-thick D-Select pine -- a grade that's just about knotfree -- and 1/4-in lauan plywood for the drawer bottom. Two 6-ft. lengths of 1 x 10 pine will do the job ...

The 70-year-old family business in Cassville, Mo. (pop. 2185), makes handles of white oak, ash, and hickory for hammers, axes, wheelbarrows, picks, and hoesas well as for some very obscure tools.