If you’re like the rest of us, it is far too often that you find yourself scouring through drawer after drawer looking for a battery. Thankfully, you can put an end to this dilemma by making your DIY battery organizer.
What’s great about this project is that you can do it even without expert woodworking skills. Plus, you will have a practical piece you can use for many years by the end of the project.
DIY Battery Organizer
This wooden battery organizer project is simple enough that you can finish it in a couple of hours. Even better, it doesn’t require specialized skills in carpentry, so even beginner woodworkers can do it. You can then put it in your garage, basement, or near your workstation.
With a DIY battery organizer, it will be easier to keep track of how many batteries you have left and the different types there are. What’s more, you can use it to organize not only your disposable batteries but also rechargeable ones.
What You’ll Need
To start, gather these tools and materials:
- Clamps
- Drill press
- Bit set
- Round-over bit
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
- 1 x 8 board (six or eight feet)
How To Do It
What you’ll like the most about this DIY wooden battery organizer is that it will let you access your batteries quickly and easily. Plus, it accommodates batteries of any size. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the entire project:
Step #1: Start Cutting
Grab the 1 x 8 board and cut three equally sized, 16-inch-long pieces. Afterward, sand the edges and the surface until you achieve a smooth exterior.
Step #2: Glue the Cut-outs Together
Once you’re confident they are smooth enough, get two of the 16-inch-long boards and glue them together. To do this, apply the glue and align the two perfectly. Then, use the clamp to secure them in place until the glue dries.
Step #3: Mark Where the Holes Will Be
After making sure the glue has dried, it’s time to mark where you’ll drill the holes. You can do this by using a pencil, checking if there’s enough space in between each hole. This way, the board won’t break or crack once you start drilling.
To act as guides, place the batteries on the board upright to see how much space you need to allot for each one. Moreover, it will help you figure out the size of the holes you need.
Step #4: Get Grilling
Using your drill press, start boring holes on the board where you put the marks. You will want to drill the board all the way through. Drill as many holes that will fit on the board. Make sure you have holes for the different sizes of batteries you own.
Step #5: Glue the Bottom
After drilling all the holes, glue the last 16-inch board to the bottom. As you can imagine, this final piece will serve as the battery organizer’s base.
Step #6: Add the Finishing Touches
Start putting batteries into the holes and adjust the size if they don’t fit. This project works for both AA and AAA batteries and D and C types. That is, as long as you take the time to adjust the size of the holes. Finishing the project with paint or varnish will give it a more professional touch.
How Long Do Batteries Last in Storage?
Batteries lose their charge even when not in use and storage. Different factors play a role in how long they last. Basically, their shelf life is affected by storage temperature, how long they go unused, and the active chemicals they’re made of.
Here’s a chart you can rely on to know how to store batteries:
| Battery Type | Storage Temperature | Shelf Life | Self-Discharge |
| Alkaline | 0 to 131°F | 10 years | Very slow (retains 80% capacity after 5-7 years) |
| Carbon Zinc / Zinc Chloride | 0° to 130°F | 2 to 3 years | Fast |
| Lithium | -40° to 140°F | 7 to 15 years | Very slow (loses 0.6% per year) |
| Nickel Cadmium | 22° to 140°F | 5 years | Fast (loses 10% in the first 24 hours and then 10% each month) |
| Nickel Metal Hydride | -4F° to 122° F | 5 years | Slow to medium (retains 75% after one, two, or three years depending on brand) |
| Nickel-Zinc | -4° to 140° F | 1 year | Fast (loses 13% each month) |
| Rechargeable Alkaline | -4° to 140°F | 4 to 7 years | Very slow (<0.5% each month) |
Organize and Store Your Batteries Properly
If you’re tired of having to look for batteries whenever you need them, a DIY battery organizer project is perfect for you. Not only will it keep your batteries all in one place, but it can also help you keep track of your batteries’ shelf life. Simply follow the storage recommendations we shared, and you’d be good to go!
