The best way to keep your tools safe and in order is in a tool chest. A tool chest is a great way to keep your valuable tools safe. It is smaller than a tool cabinet but bigger than a portable toolbox. There are tool chests made for mechanics, woodworkers, do-it-yourselfers, contractors, plumbers, electricians, and craftsmen.
The best tool chests are made of strong, long-lasting materials and have a lot of different-sized storage spaces to hold a wide range of tools. Some tool chests and toolboxes have heavy-duty locks or locking systems to keep tools from being stolen.
Tool chests can be moved from one job site to another, but they aren’t meant to be carried around every day. They’re great for keeping tools you need for specific jobs separate from the rest of your tools so they don’t get lost. Some tool chests on the market today come with rechargeable batteries, USB ports, or electrical outlets that can be used to power small electrical tools or charge batteries or mobile devices. There are almost too many options to count.
Table of Contents
Keep Your Tools Organized and Secure
Here are some of our favorite ways to store tools, which come in different sizes, have different features, and are made of different materials.
11. WEN 73015 Garage Glider Rolling Tool Chest
The WEN 73015 Garage Glider Rolling Tool Chest is the perfect solution for all your tool storage and organization needs. It has a smart design and is made to last. It can also be used as a seat. You can move around the shop easily and smoothly on this heavy-duty glider, which has four 2.5-inch ball-bearing swivel casters.
This innovative rolling tool chest comes with two magnetic storage trays that you can fold up and use to hold nuts, bolts, screws, and other small parts you don’t want to lose.
During long projects, you can take a break on the extra-absorbent, vinyl-protected, multi-layered padded seat. Keep your most-used tools close at hand by putting them in one of the 16 tool storage slots on the board. This sturdy tool chest is made of heavy-duty, high-quality steel and can hold up to 350 pounds, which is more than enough for most adults.
What’s Important
- Steel construction that is very strong
- Max weight of 350 pounds
- Rolling toolbox with a cushioned seat
- Ball-bearing slide drawers
- Full-length drawer pulls
- Powder finish that can’t be scratched
- 16 places to store tools on board
10. Craftsman 3-Drawer Metal Portable Chest Toolbox
The Old Standby. The famous Craftsman 3-drawer tool box is known for being well-made and durable, but it’s also found in garages and workshops all over the world because it’s surprisingly cheap. It may not be as big as a tool cabinet, but the way it locks when you close the lid does a great job of keeping your most-used hand tools safe.
It’s also a great place to keep tools for certain jobs separate from the tools you use every day. The drawers slide out easily and smoothly, giving you full access to everything inside. It looks great on the workbench as well.
This tool chest is a must-have for any Craftsman Guy. If you’re not, well, let’s just say that you could pay a lot more for a worse tool chest.
What’s Important
- Heavy-duty steel is used to make a portable 3-drawer design.
- The hinged cover makes it easy to get to the tray
- Lid-activated lock for a drawer
- Full-length drawer slide that works in two ways
- Built-in hasp and staple to keep padlocks safe
- High-quality, safe draw bolt latches
9. Apollo Tools Black Metal Tool Box
This Apollo Tools Black Metal Tool Box has a deep top compartment and two drawers made of heavy-duty steel. The drawers open smoothly and quietly on ball bearings, and the finish is powder coated to make it last even longer. This sleek tool box is a good place to keep your tools organized and safe. This tool chest is made of high-quality materials and comes at an affordable price.
It will be a great addition to any garage or workshop. It’s portable and made to be easy to move around. It has a handy center latch and an ergonomic handle that make it easy to lift. Non-slip drawer liners are a nice and thoughtful touch that protects tools and keeps them from rolling around.
This steel tool cabinet comes in black or pink, and it can also be used to organize or store school supplies, craft supplies, sewing supplies, or woodworking supplies. This is a very flexible way to store things because there are so many ways to use it. This chest is perfect for smaller rooms because it only weighs 11.88 pounds and can go anywhere.
What’s Important
- Steel construction that is strong and long-lasting
- Powder finish that can stand up to chemicals and scratches
- Metal hinges that are heavy-duty, strong, and safe
- Ergonomic handle for carrying
- Durable slide drawer ball bearings
8. Goplus 6-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest
The Goplus 6-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest is a tough and versatile way to store tools. It is made of high-quality and long-lasting cold-rolled steel. With its high-gloss paint that is resistant to rust and corrosion, this tool cabinet will serve you well and keep your tools safe for many years. This tool box has 4 small drawers, 2 large drawers, 2 trays, and 1 large cabinet at the bottom so you can store tools of all sizes and stay very organized.
Because of its clever design, this tool chest can be taken apart into two separate tool boxes, which gives it a lot of extra uses. The top chest drawers are completely locked with a key on the outside. This will keep your tools and valuables safe from being stolen. Four heavy-duty swivel casters make it easy to move the tool chest around the workshop or garage, and two strong brakes make sure the cabinet stays put when you want it to.
What’s Important
- Cold-rolled steel that is strong and durable
- Secure the locking bar system
- Ball-bearing rails make it easy for drawers to slide.
- There are four hooks to hang tools.
- EVA padded drawer liners keep tools protected
- High-gloss paint that doesn’t rust
- Four heavy-duty wheels that lock
7. DeWalt TSTAK Tool Storage Organizer
Check out the DeWalt two-drawer tool storage organizer if you want a fully customizable, modular design that gives you the most storage options possible. It’s part of DeWalt’s flexible tool storage and organization platform, which gives you a lot of ways to make it your own and meet your specific storage and organization needs. All of the parts of this system can be safely stacked on top of each other and are held together by strong side latches.
Heavy-duty metal hinges and ball-bearing slides make it easy for drawers, cabinets, and lids to open and close. This two-drawer section has removable cups with covers and dividers that make it easy to keep smaller tools and accessories in order. This versatile tool storage system is made from heavy-duty metal and has a tough powder-coated finish to make it last longer.
What’s Important
- Heavy-duty metal building.
- It can hold up to 16.5 pounds.
- There are many places to store small tools and accessories.
- Ball bearing sliders make it easy to open and close.
- Powder coating that won’t rust
6. Keter Masterloader Resin Rolling Tool Box
The Keter Masterloader Resin Rolling Tool Box is made for professionals. It is a sturdy tool chest on wheels that can hold all of your tools in many different ways. This rolling tool chest is made of polypropylene resin, which is very durable and strong. It can hold up to 66 pounds of weight and is resistant to the weather. It has a central locking mechanism that keeps tools safe and secure and gives them more stability when being moved.
A handle that can be extended makes it easy to roll, and the 7-inch heavy-duty rubber wheels make it easy to move over a wide range of surfaces. This toolbox has 6 removable bins in 2 sizes, so you can store and organize small hardware, parts, tools, nuts, and bolts in a way that works for you.
The handy bottom divider lets you store large tools like hammers, drills, saws, flashlights, etc., in deep space. The cleverly designed fold-out drawers let you see everything inside the toolbox at once, making it easy and quick to find the tool you need.
What’s Important
- Polypropylene resin construction that is long-lasting and very strong
- Locking system that is strong and safe
- Extendable towing handle that is strong and safe
- Holds 66 pounds
- Rubberized wheels for heavy loads
5. Husky 36 in. 3-Drawer Rolling Tool Cart with Wood Top
If you want the best of both a tool chest and a portable workshop, the Husky 36 in. You’re set with the 3-Drawer Rolling Tool Cart with Wood Top. The high-quality fixed top is made of solid parawood and has a glossy, protective coating. It can be used for small to medium-sized projects and looks great while doing so.
This rolling tool cart is very strong and has three separate drawers that open and close smoothly and quietly on ball bearings that can hold up to 50 pounds. A large storage space at the bottom is made of high-quality reinforced steel so that it can hold bigger and heavier tools.
This useful rolling tool chest has a large, heavy-duty push bar and solid, long-lasting casters that make it easy to move the cart wherever you need to. It has a black powder-coated finish that will last a long time and is both rust- and scratch-resistant. Even though this isn’t the biggest rolling tool chest on the market, it’s a strong, well-designed cart that is easily one of the most useful on our list.
What’s Important
- Rolling tool cart that is portable
- Solid wood work table with a fixed finish
- There are both deep and shallow drawers in the 3-drawer storage unit.
- Strong wheels that make it easy to move
- Ball bearings for heavy loads
- Padded drawer liners
- Heavy-duty handle bar
4. Craftsman 1000 5-Drawer Lockable Ball-Bearing Steel Tool Box
The Craftsman 1000 5-Drawer Lockable Ball-Bearing Steel Tool Box is a great example of why Craftsman is a trusted and respected name in the tool industry. This heavy-duty tool box is proudly made in the United States. It is made of 20-24 gauge steel and has a finish that is resistant to rust and corrosion. It has ball-bearing drawer slides that can hold up to 50 pounds and open and close very smoothly, even when they are full of tools.
Full-length black metal drawer pulls let you open the drawers from anywhere on them. Side handles that are set into the chest make it easy to lift it up and put it on a rolling cabinet. A keyed locking system on the inside and a hinged lid will keep your tools safe and secure.
What’s Important
- Heavy-duty steel construction and can be stacked.
- Multiple storage drawers
- Foam mat drawer liners
- The top compartment is locked and safe.
- Integrated side handle
3. Homak H2PRO Series 36-Inch 8-Drawer Top Chest
Think of the H2PRO as the Homak 41’s slightly smaller but just as useful tool chest. It can be used as one of the best truck tool boxes. It’s a top chest, which means it’s made to fit on top of the H2PRO 6-drawer roller tool cabinet. It’s not the top chest that has wheels, but the roller cabinet.
No matter what, the sturdy design of the Homak Top Chest gives you peace of mind that your tools will stay in good shape. But it might be pretty heavy, so you’d definitely need an extra pair of hands to put it on your tuck. The built-in handles are good because they won’t hurt your palms and fingers.
What’s Important
- Built from 15-gauge steel
- Heavy-duty tubular locking system with high security
- Full-length aluminum drawer pulls with liners that are strong and safe.
- Full extension gas struts
- Drawer slides that can be changed
- Ball bearings for heavy-duty drawer slides
- Limited warranty for 8 years
2. Klein Tools Rolling Tool Bag
Check out the Klein Tools Rolling Tool Bag if you want a different and unique way to store your tools. This sturdy tool box is made from 1680D ballistic weave material, which is waterproof and easy to wipe clean. The tool bag has 19 different pockets on the inside and outside that can hold and organize tools of different sizes.
The top of the tool bag is made of hard plastic that is very strong and can hold a lot of weight. You can stack materials and items on top of it, and it even has special places for your cell phone, small parts, and drinks.
This tool kit is easy to move around because it has strong 8-inch wheels that can go over a variety of surfaces and a strong telescoping handle for pulling. This tool bag can hold tools that weigh up to 250 pounds. On the front of the bag, heavy-duty metal clasps keep your tools safe and secure.
What’s Important
- Rolling tool bag that is portable
- Made of 1680D ballistic weave material, which is strong and light.
- 19 storage pockets
- Strong flip pocket at the bottom
- Top made of heavy-duty hard plastic
- Retractable telescopic aluminum handles
- 8-inch wheels that are strong
- Webbing and D-rings on the outside let you attach extra gear.
1. GearWrench 20″ 3 Drawer Steel Tool Box
The GearWrench 20″ 3-Drawer Steel Tool Box is a great choice for a durable tool kit that can be used on its own or as an addition to a tool storage system that you already have. This portable tool box is made of strong steel and has a black powder-coated finish that won’t rust or scratch. It can be used and abused for years. It comes with two heavy-duty steel latches that keep the lid shut and keep your tools where they belong.
This tool box has three heavy-duty drawers with smooth, long-lasting ball bearing slides that make opening and closing them easy and quiet. It can be locked so that none of your tools can be taken. This tool box has a big, sturdy handle for moving it, and its size makes it a good choice for the back of your truck or a small space in your garage or workshop that can’t fit a larger tool storage option.
What’s Important
- Steel construction that is very strong
- There are metal latches that keep the tool box shut.
- 50 pounds can be put in each slide drawer.
- Ball bearing slide drawers
- Aluminum drawer pulls that are the full length
- Powder finish that can’t be scratched
- Heavy-duty metal handle to carry it
- Locking mechanism
- 1 year warranty on parts
How to Buy the Best Tool Chests and Frequently Asked Questions
Why a tool chest is important
If you only have a few tools that you can count with the fingers and toes on each hand, you don’t need a tool chest. As the name suggests, these are large containers with very large capacities that can hold a wide range of tools, from small ones to bigger ones like drills, saws, hammers, wrenches, and so on.
The way a tool chest looks tells you what it’s for. Since it has a lot of space, you should be able to put a lot more things in it. Some ways to store tools also come with dividers or organizers that make it easier to find the tools you need. For example, you can put all the tools for cutting in one drawer and all the tools for hitting or hammering in another. Another drawer can hold screwdrivers and other types of driver systems. A well-designed tool chest has a sense of organization that makes it appealing, but only to people with a large number of tools.
Still, if you own a business like an auto repair shop, it’s usually a good idea to keep a tool chest around. Or, even better, a tool cabinet would be a better choice since it can hold even more than a chest. The good news is that most tool chests on the market today can be stacked or expanded. One unit can be put on top of another, which makes the design more modular. So, as your business grows and you get more tools, you can also keep adding to your system for organizing your tool chest.
Even if you don’t own a business, you will still need a tool chest to keep things organized and safe. The tools you use aren’t cheap. Hand tools can easily add up to thousands of dollars, and full-time auto mechanics have been known to buy at least $7,000 worth of tools. This is a big investment, and you would want to make sure it stays safe.
And if you want to keep these babies safe, a vault is a better choice. But that would cost way too much. The next best thing to do is to buy a tool chest with extra safety features. You’re not only protecting your investment, but you’re also making sure your tools stay in great shape.
Look for These Things in a Tool Chest
Tool chests may look like cabinets because they have drawers and locks that work pretty much the same way. But there are a few things that you should really look for.
Capacity to store
For obvious reasons, the size of the tool chest you want will depend on how many hand tools you have and what kinds they are, as well as what other tools you want to store. If you only have a few tools, you should be fine with a regular tool box. But if you want to add to your collection of tools almost every year, a tool cabinet is a better choice. If you’re happy with how many tools you have, but they won’t all fit in a tool box, you might want to get a tool chest.
Durable frame
There’s no doubt that tools are heavy. A wrench that can be changed can easily weigh around a half pound. If you have ten of these, you’re looking at a weight of 5 pounds for just this set of wrenches. You should also think about other tools. So, the tool chest’s ability to hold tools is just as important as how much space it can hold. In hindsight, it might be even more important than the volume capacity, since you don’t want a chest that will break under the weight of your tools.
Most tool chests today are made of 18- to 19-gauge steel, but some are made of 15-gauge steel, which is thicker and heavier. Another important thing to think about is how the walls are built and whether they are single or double. With double-wall construction, you’ll have a frame that will last longer.
Drawers
The drawers should have enough space for you to put things away and keep them in order. You would also want the edges of the drawer to be rolled a bit to give it more strength.
It’s also important to look for stamped drawer bottoms, which can make the drawers stronger and last longer, especially if you plan to put your heaviest tools and implements in this part of the tool chest. For saving space, you might also want a drawer with a flush design.
Slides
Modern tool chests have two different kinds of drawer slides. Kinetic energy is the key to how friction or non-bearing slides work. These aren’t very sophisticated, but they are cheaper than most other options. They are also stronger and less likely to break. They only need to be oiled every so often. These are also very easy to put back together.
Ball or roller bearing slides, on the other hand, make it easier, faster, and quieter to open and close the drawer. But it’s important to look at how much weight the roller bearings can hold. Always go for those that are rated at least 100 pounds. You will also need a roller slide that can be fully extended. You’ll need a drawer that slides all the way out so you can reach everything.
Locks
A tool chest is one of the things you need to keep your tools safe. But how can you do this if the tool chest’s locking system isn’t reliable? Most designs have a tubular lock system, which means that you have to lock or unlock just one drawer to lock or unlock the rest. Some come with the more common padlock eyelet where a traditional padlock can be put. No matter what kind of lock you see, you should choose the one that gives you the most safety.
Casters
Not every tool chest has wheels or casters. When it comes to rolling tool chests, wheels can help make the storage solution easier to move around. These should be made of strong materials and have rubber coatings to make them easier to grip and quieter when rolling. You may also want casters that lock and turn so that the furniture is more secure, stable, and easy to move.
What can you put in a toolbox?
A tool chest can hold almost anything that will fit. It doesn’t really matter if these are carpentry, woodworking, or even masonry tools, as long as they can fit in the tool chest and their total weight is well below the tool chest’s load limit.
Which tool chests are the best?
The best tool chests are made of strong and long-lasting materials, like heavy gauge steel or high-quality plastics that won’t break. If they have locks or locking mechanisms, ball bearings, or caster wheels, they are also made of high-quality steel or another high-quality material that makes them easy to move and safe to store. They will have a lot of space and storage options so you can store and organize all of your tools. They will also have enough space to hold any new tools you buy in the future.
What features should a tool chest have?
When choosing a tool chest, look for one with enough storage space for your current needs and room for growth. Look for a storage solution with a lot of features, like a locking system, caster wheels, different-sized compartments, and drawers that open and close smoothly on high-quality ball bearings. Look for a tool chest that is built to last a lifetime and has a strong, durable design.
What is the best brand of tool box?
There are many brands of tool boxes that are strong and of high quality. Hard to choose just one. The best brand will back its products with a solid warranty that protects your investment from problems caused by the manufacturer. The best tool box brands also have a good reputation for being reliable, and many of them have been making trusted and high-quality tools and ways to store them for decades.
Why do tool chests cost so much?
Tool chests are a durable and reliable way to store your tools and keep them from getting broken, worn out, or lost. If you’ve spent a lot of money on a large number of tools, it makes sense that you’ll want to protect your investment with a storage solution that’s strong and safe. Some tool chests can last a lifetime, so when you look at the big picture, they’re not that expensive. They can cost more or less depending on what features you want and what size tool chest you need.
How do I change the locks on my doors?
The people who make tool chests have their own replacement locks and other parts. There are also detailed instructions on how to replace these hardware locks or locking mechanisms that come with these replacement parts. Usually, you’ll need to take off the old lock by taking off the top drawers, the outside nut, and the lock bar. best toolbox
There are many styles and sizes of tool chests. This should give you more than enough space to get to the lock. Then you can put everything back and put on the new lock. You could also take your tool chest to a locksmith or ask one to come to check out the lock. For a fee, he or she can also replace it for you.
What does it mean for a product to have a maximum weight?
This is the total weight of the tool chest and how much it can hold at once. For example, a tool chest that weighs 100 pounds and can hold up to 1,500 pounds of weight can safely be said to have a maximum weight of 1,600 pounds.
How do I clean and keep my tool chest in good shape?
It’s pretty easy to keep your tool chest in great shape. If it has wheels or ball bearings that make it easy to open and close drawers, you should grease them once a year with grease made for bearings. You can grease the slides twice a year. Most of the time, WD-40 or a similar product should be enough.
You can also use plain water and mild soap to clean the drawers and other surfaces. Use high-quality drawer liners to keep the bottoms of drawers from getting scratched or dented. You can also use car wax to keep the shine on your tool chest if you want to. If there is oil, grease, or grime on any part of the tool chest, you can get rid of it with the usual cleaning or degreasing solution.
How do ball bearing slides work?
These are different kinds of slides that have ball or roller bearings. The ball bearings make it easier, smoother, and faster to open and close the drawer of the tool chest. These are the most popular types of slides because they work better, last longer, and are more rugged than other options.
The best tool chest we chose
As you can see, there are almost an infinite number of ways to store and organize tools. There is something for everyone, no matter how much money they have or how much space they have. The WEN 73015 Garage Glider Rolling Tool Chest is a great all-around tool storage product that is hard to beat for all your tool storage and organization needs. It’s a big seller because of how unique it looks and how affordable it is.
You can move around the shop easily and smoothly on this heavy-duty glider, which has four 2.5-inch ball-bearing swivel casters. We especially like the two magnetic storage trays that can be folded up and used to hold nuts, bolts, screws, and other small parts that you don’t want to lose.
No matter which option you choose, one thing is certain: keeping your tools safe, secure, and organized will save you a lot of time and money in the long run. This is because you’ll be able to find your tools quickly and easily, and they won’t get damaged by the weather, which can be very expensive.
When you spend a lot of money on a collection of long-lasting, high-quality tools, it makes sense to protect that investment with a long-lasting, high-quality way to store them.
