Tool boxes offer a simple solution for organizing and storing small tools and accessories. Our team of testers tried out today’s most popular tool sets, looking closely at everything from build quality to organizational design, and ultimately emerged with a few winners. Our favorite is the Husky 9-Drawer Standard Mobile Workbench, which combines sturdy construction, smooth-sliding drawers, and versatile storage options.
But the Husky toolbox wasn’t the only model to win our test. Whether you’re looking to organize screwdrivers, sockets, or router bits, you’ll find a toolbox that fits your needs on our list. Read on to learn about the important factors to consider when shopping for the best tool storage, and see how the following models earn their place in our lineup of the best toolboxes on the market today.
A tool organizer that works for one user may not work for another, so we started testing models with different options, in different sizes, and at different price points. We thought about branding to some extent; after all, manufacturers like Husky and Craftsman are well-respected in the industry. We also took a closer look at a relatively new company, NewAge Products, which has had a lot of success making high-quality storage and outdoor entertaining products.
During the actual testing, we recorded whether assembly was required and, if so, whether the instructions were clear. We then checked and tested each tool box organizer, evaluating each tool box’s design, portability, safety, and load-bearing capacity. We assign scores based on the evaluation criteria: the better the tool set works, the higher the score. After testing, we calculate an average score to find the best overall pick and determine the best categories for other tool sets.
Based on our real-world testing and ratings, each of the following tool sets earned a spot on our list. Size, weight, portability, capacity, and cost vary by model, but one of our products is sure to meet your tool storage needs.
This Husky countertop cabinet weighs 267 pounds, is made of 21-gauge steel, has 9 drawers, and looks great. It’s fully functional and includes solid wood countertops, a built-in extension, and soft-close drawers. All drawers come without an organization system, but there’s no need for dividers because the included (but removable) non-slip, padded liners keep loose tools in place, protecting them from scratches and dings.
Assembling this husky was quick and easy: all we had to do was install the wheels, handles, and wire holders. The only time-consuming part of the installation process was adding all the tools. Although our home toolbox is incomplete, we have all the basics. Everything we wanted to store fit perfectly, including a circular saw, jigsaw, screw organizer, various hand tools, a T-square, and a large cutting mat.
Because this workstation comes with side handles and large casters, we were able to move it around during our testing, even when it was fully loaded. The locking wheels stayed in place well while we rolled the unit, though we were concerned about their ability to secure this heavy case on hills. However, for the average shed or garage, the six built-in outlets and two USB-A ports make it ideal for working on a project on the go. While it’s not essential for operation, we also like the beautiful appearance and finish. Upon seeing it, our 17-year-old daughter (who doesn’t care for tools) said, “When I got home and saw this, I was immediately excited!”
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a quality tool box that can store and protect your tools and accessories. This Craftsman S2000 Series 5-Drawer Tool Box provides ample storage for a variety of sockets and other small tools. It features double-walled steel construction and is ideal for storing a variety of tools.
We placed it on a table because at 23″ tall, we felt it would be difficult to bend over to get tools from the bottom drawer if we placed it on the floor. Users can order another tool drawer and place this top model on top if they want, but it works just as well on a workbench or table.
This handy Craftsman cabinet features a key lock on the top front and two convenient handles built into the sides for easy movement. While it’s smaller than other garage cabinets we tested, it’s not bulky. It weighs 72 pounds when empty, so it’s not easy to move when filled with tools.
We packed as many tools as we could into this compact mechanic’s tool box, and the drawers still slide smoothly. We did have one issue: When the box arrived, the top of the hinged lid was slightly misaligned, causing the lid to stick when opening and closing. However, the problem is not insurmountable. We found that we could open and close the lid by pushing it to the left. It may have been misaligned during packaging or shipping, but that doesn’t detract from our sense of Craftsman quality. This is a great tool box at a great price.
The Kobalt Tool Box not only looks great, but it also comes with all the features a homeowner or DIY enthusiast needs to store common tools. We liked how portable this tool box is compared to other models we tested.
While we don’t think its 94-pound frame is overly sturdy, it can support up to 550 pounds and feels pretty light when rolling around the garage. The exterior flaps and multiple screwdriver storage holes are a nice surprise, as they provide extra work space and access to your most-used screwdriver sets without having to open the case.
When testing the drawers, we quickly realized that adding heavier tools would result in the cabinet being top heavy and tipping over when the bottom shelf was empty. You can prevent this by organizing your tools by weight, with the heaviest ones at the bottom.
We had some trouble installing it because the instructions didn’t specify whether the holes in the legs should be at the top or bottom (the correct answer is top). After some trial and error, it was fairly easy to assemble.
Mike Illig, a builder and business owner from Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, with more than 60 years of construction experience, has used several different tool boxes over the years and was impressed with how portable this tool box is. “It’s not often that four casters turn completely. The Kobalt is easy to move in all directions and is the perfect height for the workspace. For the money you pay, you get a good tool box.”
The first thing we noticed about the NewAge cabinets is that they are heavy. Made from 18-gauge, double-walled steel, the waist-height cabinet weighs 172.8 pounds, making it difficult to unpack and move since it doesn’t have wheels (though casters can be purchased separately and added if needed). However, once we got it in place, its character began to shine.
This tool cabinet has four standard drawers and one large bottom drawer. Each drawer opens and closes smoothly, and all drawers are padded to prevent tools from bumping or sliding.
The standout feature of this tool chest is the adjustable dividers, which allow you to customize each drawer to fit exactly what you want to store. There are eight vertical and eight horizontal dividers, which is enough to create the perfect storage space for four standard drawers. If you tend to store a lot of small items in your workshop and want to be able to find them easily, then the organizational capabilities of this tool cabinet may be just what you’re looking for (it was for us).
Whether you’re a professional or just have a lot of tools, this steel-framed toolbox from US General won’t let you down. It’s large, but it arrived fully assembled and has two lockable swivel casters, which made it easy for us to move it around the garage.
The kit also includes two fixed casters to prevent rolling on uneven surfaces. We tested eight drawers with added weight, and they impressed with their smooth opening and load-bearing capacity. The soft-close mechanism, full-extension ball-bearing slide, and locking latches are features we typically only see in high-end tool boxes.
There’s a charging bay with a built-in extension cord (including a USB-C outlet!) that lets you charge multiple batteries at once. Deep drawers can hold multiple drills and power tools, while other drawers are the perfect size to hold a full range of tools, large and small.
Illig has also been involved in testing Kobalt models and has used many kits over the years. After testing the US General model, he found this tool box to be ideal for professional use. “This is a professional-grade tool box. I wish all four casters could swivel, but the sturdy drawers and frame are enough to make it a solid tool box. I’m surprised it’s not expensive.”
This compact wooden box is perfect for sitting on a bench in a woodworking shop or even a hobby room. It is used to store and organize small items like drill bits and rotary tool accessories. We tested it in a silver shop to separate wire, stones, and blacksmithing supplies of different gauges. Felt-lined boxes are great for storing gemstones because they prevent them from rolling around and getting scratched.
This is a semi-rustic cabinet, so the drawers don’t have any runners or stops to keep them from falling out of the cabinet. We found this to be both a strength and a weakness. Since the drawers are small, it can be helpful to pull one out and move it to where you’re working on your project. The downside is that it takes a bit of effort to get the drawer back in place.
The Windsor tool box also has some nice features, including a hinged top that reveals upper compartments for storing larger items, and a tilt-and-slide front panel that can be used when the box is closed and locked in place to restrict access to the box’s contents. Overall, this is an impressive small tool box.
Who said plastic can’t be strong and durable? The Festool SYS 4 Sortainer is a great choice for storing and organizing small tools and fasteners. Three large drawers have adjustable dividers to accommodate a variety of tools. We admit that we were skeptical before receiving this set. We imagined a flimsy container that wouldn’t hold much, but we were wrong.
This Festool chest of drawers is just one of many combination pieces the company makes for storing and organizing things. Its modular design means it can be paired with other Festool pieces or used as a stand-alone chest of drawers. While it doesn’t have a locking mechanism, each drawer has a latch that engages when the drawer is completely closed. To test how well the latch holds the drawer closed, we filled the drawer with tools, closed it, and then turned the drawer over and shook it. None of the drawers opened.
The Festool Sortainer has a practical carrying handle, and the manufacturer also sells a wheeled toolbox trolley that can be purchased if the user prefers to roll it rather than carry it. Combine this unit with other components of the Festool system to create a personalized and scalable tool storage cabinet that meets your changing needs.
For those with limited garage space but need to store a lot of tools, this product from Husky may be perfect. It has 10 drawers of varying sizes to accommodate a variety of tools and other items, and each drawer is rated to hold up to 100 pounds. In our testing, we appreciated the soft-close mechanism of the drawer, as well as the included liners, which are pre-cut and easy to insert during installation. The entire two-piece tool box also comes almost fully assembled, which is a plus. We only need to install four large casters on the bottom and handles on the sides. Easy as pie.
For testing, we weighed the drawer at 100 pounds above its rated weight. The drawers seemed to hold up well even with the very heavy items inside, and we noticed a slight difference in the smoothness of the drawers opening and closing. The bright red finish is also eye-catching, but buyers can opt for more subtle blue or bright gray options that are virtually identical, save for one extra drawer.
Our only complaint about the Husky is the hard plastic casters. Even with both brakes engaged, they didn’t seem to stop the toolbox from moving completely when we pulled it. The wheeled toolbox began to slide along the ground. We’d like to see a harder rubber wheel with better traction.
A good place to start is to look at the types of toolkits available. To refine your search, you’ll need to look at the structure in more detail. This will allow you to focus more on determining the best storage options for different users.
Most people don’t have extra space in their workshops, so the physical size of the toolbox is critical. Pictures can be misleading, so always check the dimensions of the product as provided by the manufacturer. A common mistake, especially in a small shop, is not leaving enough space to open the drawers and doors of the toolbox. A mobile toolbox may seem like a good idea, but in a shop that already has stationary equipment like a workbench and table saw, there may not actually be room to operate it. Consider the space needed for a quick mockup kit to ensure it will work with existing fixtures.
Capacity is also important. Generally speaking, the larger the capacity, the heavier the toolbox. Despite having wheels, large toolboxes with wheels can be difficult to maneuver. In some cases, it may be better to purchase two small toolboxes (one fixed, one with wheels) rather than one large toolbox.
Tool storage with multiple drawers is what differentiates tool boxes from tool chests, tool bags, and tool belts. Drawers provide a convenient place to store tools with easy access and protect them from shop dirt. The best tool boxes often have ball-bearing slides that open and close smoothly.
Be sure to check the dimensions: Is there enough room in the drawer for all the tools? Is there enough room in the workshop to open the drawers completely? Also, make sure the drawer handles are easy to hold, but not so large or protruding that they get in the way.
Shelves can be used to store power tools and other large items that don’t fit in drawers. Tool boxes sometimes have adjustable shelves. While most tool box designs have shelves in the bottom half, some may have an open drawer at the top. This is very convenient if you change tools frequently.
Wooden tool boxes come in a variety of styles, from small countertops to large freestanding cabinets. They are versatile and often exquisitely crafted. Perhaps unsurprisingly, woodworkers, artists, and other craftsmen often favor wooden tool boxes. However, they require some maintenance and are not considered a “heavy-duty” tool box.
Plastic tool boxes are affordable and come in a wide variety of options. Most oils and chemicals found at the store are safe for plastic surfaces and can be easily wiped off. While plastic is more commonly used in portable tool boxes, many heavy-duty tool boxes are also made. But not all plastics are strong and durable: some can withstand the rigors of a workshop or job site, while others only withstand light use in the home.
Aluminum is often used to make large tool boxes that attach to the bed of a truck, but the material is rarely used for shop tool boxes. Most metal tool boxes are made of steel, which is heavier, stronger, and less expensive. Although steel tool boxes can rust, they are often painted or powder coated to prevent this problem.
Tool boxes with sophisticated locking mechanisms help prevent tool theft. While portable metal tool boxes or plastic containers may also have locks, these locks often provide only limited protection.
The tool box market includes a variety of designs that allow everyone, including DIY enthusiasts, home mechanics, woodworkers, and welders, to easily organize their tools. Tool boxes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, and provide space for hand tools, power tools, and accessories. The challenge in choosing the best tool box is finding the right balance between storage, portability, durability, and price. The following sections will help you better understand the differences between product types.
If the toolbox is designed to be fixed in one place, it may be larger and hold more than a toolbox that needs to be moved. Generally speaking, stationary toolboxes are made of steel for added strength and durability, but be sure to check the thickness of the material against the manufacturer’s specifications. Just because a product description says “heavy-duty” does not necessarily mean it is heavy.
Those who need a lot of storage space for large tools may want to consider fixed garage cabinets. They are a spacious and flexible storage solution that can be integrated with a work surface.
A compact and portable rolling kit that is ideal for small projects. If you need a larger tool bag, look for the best rolling tool boxes you can find as they provide extra stability and capacity. However, if you need a larger tool bag, a rolling tool box can hold more tools and equipment and can be easily moved around the workshop or garage.
Rolling tool boxes come in a variety of designs, from two-wheeled ones that provide maximum mobility to tall, four-wheeled tool boxes with multiple drawers that are favored by many mechanics. Some tool boxes have a large open space at the bottom for power tools or other bulky items. They may also have a convenient removable top that can be transported to the job site. Larger rolling tool boxes often have a useful crossbar on the side that helps move the tool box.
Post time: Jan-21-2025