Having a good, sturdy, and spacious toolbox to store your tools in, keep them safe, and transport them wherever you need is a standard purchase for any homeowner, DIYer, and professional.
The options seem to be endless. Removable compartments, boxes on wheels and not to mention all the different materials they are made of, it can get a little crazy shopping for the right toolbox.
We decided to find the best toolbox out there by reviewing eight different toolboxes and their manufacturers to find out the ins and outs of the toolbox industry.
We know it’s not always easy with all the options, so take a look at our favorite toolboxes on the market right now.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
1. Keter Masterloader Portable Tool Box
Features
- Portable while providing maximum space
- Includes 6 removable bins
- Central lock prevents spills
Price: From $69.99
2. DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 Rolling Tower
Features
- Water and dust resistant
- It offers more space than the original version
- Improved overall durability
Price: From $89.99
3. Stanley 28-inch Structural Foam Tool Box
Features
- Made of exceptionally sturdy structural foam
- Two-handed side lifting options
- It’s completely waterproof
Price: From $54.99
Our Top 8 Contenders for The Best Tool Box for 2021
Husky 22-inch Modular Container System
Price from $147.85
Pros
- Customizable tool storage with three individual compartments
- Removable boxes for separate use
- The compartments are weatherproof polypropylene
- All pieces are lockable
- Holds up to 100lbs
- The middlebox has a foldaway handle so it can be used on its own
Cons
- The base box is not sold separately
This three-piece Husky toolbox consists of three interconnecting parts, which give you the possibility of customizing your very own toolbox. The boxes stack on top of one another using a solid interlocking design.
The compartments are made from weatherproof polypropylene and can carry up to 100 lbs of weight combined. For security, all pieces are lockable; the main part uses a padlock eye, the two smaller boxes are held by durable metal latches.
Here’s a closer look at each piece:
The Connect Rolling Tool Box
Featuring an aluminum telescopic handle and 7-inch wheels, this compartment serves as the base of the box and is best purposed for power tool storage. It’s large, stable, mobile, and built to withstand the weight of the top two compartments. When the handle isn’t extended, you can freely open the middle toolbox without removing it from the base. The base isn’t sold separately, however, so if you’re looking to replace it, you won’t be able to.
The Middle Box
This 22-inch wide box is designed to fit medium-sized tools, parts, or equipment. Fitted uniquely with a flat top lid, it fits perfectly on top of the larger box and can double as a work surface. It has a removable tray inside and can even be a pretty nice toolbox on its own—featuring a foldaway handle on the top.
The Small Parts Organizer
The top box has ten removable bins in various sizes. It is fitted with a clear lid, preventing small contents from spilling and allowing easy visibility. It has two side handles for level transportation and is ideal for storing nails, screws, nuts, bolts, and other small hardware.
We have to say that this is the best tool storage system for the price. It is professional-grade and gives you three toolboxes in one. If we can give one piece of advice, however, buy this product at Home Depot because the prices are significantly lower than on Amazon or eBay.
Keter Masterloader Portable Tool Box
Price from $69.99
Pros
- Portable while providing maximum space
- Includes 6 removable bins, and compartments for every size tool
- 7-inch wheels and extendable handle providing great mobility
- Central lock prevents spills and keeps tools in place
Cons
- Latches are a bit thin
Let’s show you why we think this could be the best portable box on the market.
This box stores a lot in a small amount of space, with the interior designed to hold up to 66lbs. The two top bins slide to the side, revealing the lower bin, where you can quickly put large, heavy tools, such as saws and power drills.
It’s cost-effective, retailing at $69.99 in most stores, and provides many dividers and removable bins. This Keter beast comes with six removable bins in two sizes (under the transparent lid) and offers compartmentalized containers on the other side.
Its portability is one of the main reasons we called it the best mobile toolbox. The 7-inch rubber wheels and aluminum handle makes pulling the fully-loaded weight of this box easy. The Keter Masterloader is made of weatherproof, durable polypropylene resin, and the manufacturer grants it will not sustain any dents, chemical damage, rusting, or peeling.
The downsides we found were that it could be pretty tricky to pull it up stairs, especially when it’s fully loaded, and the latches weren’t the best quality. Nothing happened to our toolbox, but buyers often complain that these features easily break after some use.
All in all, Keter gives a modern toolbox that will store all of your work tools or DIY supplies.
Gearwrench Mechanics Tool Box with a 239 pc Tool Set
Price from $245.03
Pros
- Complete toolbox with 239 piece tool set! (need we say more?)
- Compact and portable
- Easy removal of individual drawers
Cons
- Plastic design
The mechanic who gets things done on the road needs to be as portable as possible. Many prefer to carry the essential tools for automotive-related jobs, and as a result, bulky and heavy toolboxes might not be the best option.
Gearwrench offers multiple toolboxes with tools included, and we think it’s the best mechanic toolbox, especially for new professionals. Every instrument is made of premium quality alloy steel with a chrome polish finish and comes in an array of metric and SAE socket sizes.
For around 200 bucks, you get an all-in-one toolset, complete with wrenches, sockets, ratchets, and bits, making it ideal for handling small to medium-sized jobs.
We must admit this compact toolbox isn’t the sturdiest material ever (it’s made of plastic), but the quality appears firm. The box’s lid is steel-hinged, and the handles are sturdy, although we aren’t sure how well they hold up over repeated use at maximum weight capacity. Three drawers slide independently and can be locked in place with side flaps.
Nevertheless, it’s still a sound portable tool storage system for all automotive mechanics and is the best toolbox for those just getting started in the profession.
DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 Rolling Tower
Price from $89.99
Pros
- Water and dust resistant
- It offers more space than the original version
- Improved overall durability than the original version
Cons
- The lids don’t sit tight against the trays, so spilling is possible
DeWalt’s tower on wheels combines three customer-favorite boxes—ToughSystem 2.0 Toolbox, XL Toolbox, and Rolling Toolbox.
ToughSystem 2.0 is an upgraded version of DeWalt’s ToughSystem. Completely compatible with older versions, this toolbox is backward compatible. If you already have some of the DeWalt portable toolboxes from the previous ToughSystem, you’ll be able to stack and use them interchangeably!
The upgraded system features a new 2-piece metal front latch, and two patented quick-release auto-connecting side latches. Sturdier and simpler to use latches are the first improvement, attaching on top of one another, with a simple press, even with one hand.
The manufacturer also improved the handles; this time, they are broader and more robust. It also includes a metal-reinforced padlock, giving extra security to your tools.
DeWalt offers some of the best portable toolboxes that money can buy. Their ToughSystem was excellent, but this 2.0 version is a smoother roller and provides about 20% more storage space. It includes a rubber seal around each box, making it water and dust-resistant.
Perhaps one downside to this box is that it has the potential to spill. The top lids don’t sit quite as tightly as we’d like them two on the boxes, but if you’re careful, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Make sure you compare prices before you buy this box though, we found that while most places retail this at around $200, Amazon almost always sells this modular toolbox for more.
Milwaukee PackOut Modular Storage Rolling Tool Box System
Price from $99.67
Pros
- Completely customizable
- Metal-reinforced corners in every box for maximum durability
- Handles heavy tools and challenging job sites
Cons
- Two larger boxes don’t come with tool dividers
The PackOut Modular Storage System features three toolboxes that will provide every user with very convenient organization, storage, and ruggedness. With additional options for more storage units, Milwaukee offers different tool organizers and totes, allowing you to customize this fantastic set of stackable toolboxes (if you didn’t already notice, we love those).
This one is a bit pricier than the previous ones we mentioned, but it’s for so many good reasons.
Even though the boxes are already made from impact-resistant resin, all corners of the boxes are additionally metal-reinforced to prevent them from getting damaged, especially if you are a bit clumsy; this feature will ease your mind.
Milwaukee designed it to be a weather-sealed professional system that can withstand harsh conditions on the job site and still carry up to 250 lbs. Hence we heartily recommend it as the best professional toolbox.
The security is top-notch, with each box having its own padlock eye. When separated, each container can be carried by a handle or transported on wheels, making it incredibly transportable, despite the amount of weight inside.
The top box is the smallest, and it includes four storage bins. Each box stacks on top of another seamlessly through a quick attachment mechanism.
The foundation of the modular set is one of the best rolling toolbox options on the market. Its wheels are stout, and it has an industrial-grade extension handle. It doesn’t come with an internal tool organizer, but you can purchase the one that fits.
Dustproof and waterproof, these impressive Milwaukee toolboxes will provide the security of your tools aside from giving them ample space. Due to heavy-duty latches, your stuff will not end up outside the boxes, and it has proved to be the best job site toolbox set for many professionals.
Stanley 28-inch Structural Foam Tool Box
Price from $24.97
Pros
- Made of exceptionally sturdy structural foam
- Top handle and two-handed side lifting options
- It’s completely waterproof
- A portable tray allows for dividing larger and smaller tools
Cons
- The indentations from side lifting “handles” affect the internal storage
Stanley equipment is made in the US and gives you many affordable options in tool, gear, and storage equipment. This box, however, takes the name for the coolest toolbox out there. The manufacturer claims you can carry heavy power and hand tools in their 28-inch structural foam toolbox. We’d never heard about structural foam before, so we put it to the test to see what it’s all about.
The structural foam design had us raising some questions about the durability of the box, but now we know for sure, this is one of the best toolboxes you can get. This unique material provides an incredibly lightweight package that is also sturdy and strong. Not only can it handle the weight of the tools inside, but feel free to use this as an extra step up, as it has no problem supporting the weight of a grown man!
Most toolboxes that provide good durability come at the cost of being a bit heavy, but this innovation makes it an amazing find. Its versatile, waterproof, and caters to a wide range of users. This is probably the best waterproof toolbox, with a unique water seal combined with the material making it completely resistant. Many users even report that they use it to go fishing!
The box boasts ample storage space, and it comes with a removable tray that covers three-quarters of the toolbox length, making it possible to accommodate bigger tools in the bottom.
There is a slight downside; the indentations from the side-handles affect the amount of space available within the actual box. It is inexpensive, however, completely lightweight and innovative, so it doesn’t really matter. This is the best toolbox for the money.
Plano Grab-N-Go 16-inch Tool Box with Tray
Price from $20.99
Pros
- Sturdy and portable
- Compact and organized
- Low Price
Cons
- It’s not big enough to hold large tools
It’s not just professionals that need to use a toolbox. Pretty much every homeowner figures out how to use a screwdriver at one point instead of calling a repairman. The best toolbox for home doesn’t exactly need to be a heavy-duty construction site box either, though. The Plano Grab-N-Go 16-inch toolbox is ideal for the average joe who needs somewhere to keep basic household tools.
This China-manufactured, portable toolbox covers all the bases when it comes to basic at-home use. It’s sturdy and rugged enough to carry around, get left in odd places in the yard, but also light for easy carrying and fits all your basic tools, DIY supplies, or fishing gear inside.
It’s easily the best toolbox for a handyman, as it holds all the essentials, has a durable handle and latches to keep it closed, and only costs $11.79!
For such a low price, it comes with two nifty features:
- a removable inner tray with a handle and;
- a clear compartmentalized organizer for small parts
We like the tray (it’s suitable for storing the most used tools), but we love the organizer even more. It’s of decent size, stores smaller parts in an organized manner, and it sits on the lid, so you don’t have to open the box to get it.
For the time-to-time user, this is definitely the best cheap toolbox out there.
Dee Zee Red Label Single Lid Low Profile Crossover Truck Tool Box
Price from $397.00
Pros
- It comes in a variety of sizes
- A low-profile lid design doesn’t block your rear window
- It’s everything-proof!
Cons
- Only one removable tray inside
Truck tool boxes come in various shapes and sizes and are ideal if you need to add some extra storage to your truck. They are usually bulkier and way more expensive than your standard toolbox and are mounted against the back of the truck’s cab, but we think we found the best truck bed toolbox.
We tested a 69.75 inch Dee Zee single lid low profile toolbox for trucks (crossover), which is among the most popular type of truck bed box on the market. It definitely keeps a low profile, allowing better rear visibility due to the lid being shorter than in other models, preventing the box from blocking the rear window (seems important, right?).
This feature alone makes this the best toolbox for trucks. It’s made from diamond plate aluminum, and it comes with foam tape cushions to prevent it from scratching your truck’s expensive paint job.
Your gear and tools will be kept perfectly safe from the elements, and the box won’t rust or oxidize. Also, with specially designed locking paddle handles, these boxes are 100% theft-proof.
You can choose from two coloring options (black or polished), with the difference in pricing and several size options, including low profile, narrow, standard, and deep box. The choice of the best truck toolbox for you depends on your preference and your truck’s size, but they range from about $450 to $1,000 bucks and include a lifetime warranty! If it’s going to last you a lifetime, though, then this is a great deal.
It’s very light, so it’s effortless to install it (the easy-to-read instructions are provided) and remove it. Their boxes are also made with portability in view; you can detach them from the truck bed to carry them to the worksite.
Overall, we think it’s an amazing toolbox for trucks, and it’s not overly expensive. It came with a removable heavy-duty molded plastic tray for smaller tools, but we would’ve liked it even more if there were more tool dividers.
This box is pretty great, considering it takes into consideration your many different uses for it, and not to mention – it’s everything proof (and if it’s not, you have a lifetime warranty to make sure it is).
Our Tips For Choosing the Best Tool Box
Choosing the toolbox that’s right for you comes with a lot of different considerations. With so many options out there, it’s best to take a moment and think about what you really need and how much money you’re willing to spend.
It’s always great to take a look at reviews and lists about the best products, but unless you know what you want, it’s going to be a difficult decision. Without understanding some of the basics, it’s easy to read about someone’s best tool organizer, but that doesn’t mean it’s the one for you.
Here are the basics that you want to consider before choosing the proper toolbox for you.
Manufacturing Material
AKA, what do you want it to be made out of. Generally speaking, the material which toolboxes are made out of is going to help determine the price of the product, the weight, as well as the durability. The most common materials that are used to create boxes are steel, plastic and aluminum.
Steel
If you’re looking for the best tool case that won’t break, and the cost isn’t really an issue for you, finding a steel-manufactured toolbox might be just your thing. Steel is the most durable and heavy-duty material tool boxes come in. They do go for a higher price, but you won’t mind because they tend to last a lifetime.
Plastic
Stronger isn’t necessarily always better. Many people are looking for toolboxes that are lightweight and portable, in which case, plastic boxes can be a great alternative. Just don’t get too upset if it breaks the first time you drop it.
Aluminum
The best toolbox of both worlds is aluminum. If you don’t want to sacrifice durability for the price, or weight for portability, aluminum provides a nice in the middle option, at the cost of not much more than a plastic toolbox. Aluminum isn’t nearly as heavy as steel but not even close to as fragile as plastic. It’s sturdy, but also relatively lightweight, making it a perfect buy for standard and lasting use.
Size
The next consideration is just how big do you need your toolbox to be. We recommend investing in a tool chest or a tower of stacking toolboxes for all the professionals and those who have an extensive collection of equipment. Tool chests are great for garages and workshops, as they don’t need to be moved around from place to place, making weight a non-issue.
If you need to carry many different-sized tools and parts around, purchasing smaller or more organized toolboxes can be of use. We especially love a good toolbox with compartments to save on space and still get a lot of storage.
These compartmentalized boxes come in all shapes and sizes and can make a disorganized toolbox a dream to look through. With pullout trays and portable drawers, you won’t have to dig through all of your tools just to find the piece you need.
Weight
Weight becomes a major consideration when picking out the correct toolbox. Carrying tools around can be heavy, no matter what you put them in, and quality boxes come with their own weight and capacity, so make sure you check weight limits before you invest in something!
Sometimes mid-size tool boxes really are the best options for portable and spacious storage options. If you have a large number of tools and do need to move your toolbox around, consider choosing a rolling toolbox (like #1, 2, and 4 on our list!). These boxes provide maximum mobility while carrying heavy-loads. Be mindful, though, of your worksite. If you need to climb the ladders or stairs, it can be difficult and dangerous to haul a heavy rolling box upward.
Everything-Proofing
Our last tip on choosing the most amazing toolbox for you is to consider what kind of elements your tools need to be protected from. If you know that you’ll be regularly working outside, consider only looking at boxes that state that they are waterproof.
If you work in busy areas with unknown people around, perhaps thief-protection or locked boxes are an important aspect for you. While we can’t say we need it, some boxes are even fireproof, so if you work in hazardous environments and need to keep your tools safe, check the specs on your case before you grab it.
People Also Ask
Our vote goes to Milwaukee PackOut modular toolbox set (or any box in the collection). If you opt to purchase the three-box set, you’ll get an excellent rolling toolbox with solid wheels and pull-out handle, a medium box, which is also very spacious, and a small box, which features four storage bins.
The manufacturer offers even more options to customize the set, including internal containers, tool totes, and organizers.
The set is waterproof, dustproof, the boxes easily attach to one another, and their construction is metal-reinforced on the corners. If you decide to get the set, you can lug it around even the most demanding job sites without fear that it will give in.
We included the Gearwrench toolbox with a 239 pc toolset as our best mechanic toolbox. We chose this option because it contains a whole essential toolset needed in the mechanic’s profession.
It could be an ideal starter kit for the mechanics who are starting the business. The box itself is of decent size and provides excellent organization for the set that comes with it. Every drawer slides independently.
When closed, all of the drawers are locked in place with side flaps. Although it doesn’t fit more tools, it’s a great starter storage/collection and is very portable and compact.
This is an easy one: Husky 15-drawer tool chest. Where to even begin with this one? There’s pretty much nothing you don’t get with this chest. It is as heavy-duty as they come.
Every drawer supports up to 120 lbs, which means you can store anywhere up to 2500 lbs.
It’s sleek, black, minimalistic, fits into every workspace. It’s handy when you don’t have a lot of room in your workshop/garage. And you can even move it around using a tubular side handle.
This chest is incredibly secure owing to the internal keyed locking system. Some of the other things it offers are USB ports, electrical outlets, a magnetic plate, a bottle opener, etc.
And above all else—it’s easy to assemble!
A bonus tip from us: avoid buying this product on Amazon; instead, go to Home Depot; it’s less expensive.
For around 40 bucks, you’ll get an excellent 100-piece household tool kit from WORKPRO. It’s not bulky at all, but you get every single tool you may need for basics at-home repairs and jobs.
The tools are kept in a rugged polyester pouch that is lovely and easy to store and carry. You get wrenches, magnetic screwdrivers (and screwdriver bits), a 9-inch magnetic level, pliers, a claw hammer, and a ton more.
These tools will be a great addition to your home, and you can store them in the pouch they came in or move them into the best toolbox for heavy loads. We hope we helped narrow down your search and that you find the right toolbox for you.
