In this article you will learn all about:
Tools and Materials
Materials
- 12 mm plywood sheet
- Sanding paper
- Stencils for the bat’s mouth, ears and wings
- A white linen cloth
- Black paint
- 4 hinges (2 for the lid, 2 for the wings)
Step-by-step guide
Step 1: Trimming the basic shape
Mark out 4 squares on the plywood sheet, each with a side length of 24 x 24 cm, and cut them out using the cordless circular saw. These four panels will later form the body of your box.
Step 2: Screw the box together
Drill four holes in each of two of the boards – two on each of the opposite sides. Then screw the side panels together to form a box.
Step 3: Sanding
To prevent splinters from causing any problems later on, use the orbital sander to sand all surfaces until they are smooth.
Step 4: Cut out the side panels
You now have a cube-shaped box with two open sides. To make the compatible side panels, simply place the box on a new piece of wood to use as a template and trace around the outline. Then cut out the shape using the cordless jig saw. As the box has two open sides, repeat this step a second time.
Tip
If there are still any rough patches on the wood after sawing, simply give it a quick sand down.
Step 5: Attach the side panels
Use the cordless nailer to attach the two side panels you’ve just cut out to the box. The basic frame of your bat box is now complete – it’s time to add the finishing touches and the compatible Halloween decorations.
Step 6: Cut out the bat’s mouth
Now comes the most important part, as this is where the sweets will go later. Print out the bat template or sketch the mouth, ears and wings freehand onto a piece of paper. Use the template to trace the shape of the mouth, including the teeth, onto the wood.
Tip
Use the cordless drill to pre-drill a few holes in any positions within the mouth template – this will make it much easier for you to cut it out with the jigsaw afterwards. Then cut out the mouth and teeth along the marked lines.
Step 7: Round off the teeth
Sand down the sharp edges of the cut-out teeth thoroughly with sanding paper so that you don’t hurt yourself when you reach inside.
Step 8: Fit the hinges to the lid
Use screwing to attach two hinges – one on the back of the box and one on the lid. This will make it easy to open the lid later to fill the box with sweets.
Step 9: Insert the linen cloth
Cut a compatible rectangle from a white linen cloth. Use the hot glue gun to stick it over the opening from the inside. Then make a slit down the centre of the cloth from the outside, so that you can easily reach in and grab the sweets.
Step 10: Trim the ears and wings
Transfer the shapes of the ears and wings onto the wood using the template, trim them with a jig saw and sand the edges down neatly.
Step 11: Attach the ears and wings
Use the hot glue gun to stick the ears in the centre of the top of the lid, in your chosen position.
For the wings, perform screwing on one hinge on each of the two side panels. You can then attach a wing to each hinge.
The hinges allow the wings to move – so it almost looks as if the bat is flapping its wings.
The Finishing Touches
Finally, give your bat box the finishing touches: paint the whole box black. Then leave the paint to dry thoroughly. Now all you have to do is fill the bat box with some tasty sweets – and you’re all set for Halloween!
With just a few materials and compatible Einhell tools, the bat box can be built in no time and is ready for its big moment on Halloween. Whether as a sweet box for young visitors or as a spooky decorative highlight for your Halloween party – the bat is guaranteed to be a real eye-catcher.
Suitable Tools for the Project
Here you'll find Einhell tools and accessories that are perfect for bringing this DIY project to life.

