Best Overall
DeWalt DWST60436 ToughSystem 2.0 Rolling Tower
Best Bang for the Buck
Big Red Torin 19-Inch Portable Steel Tool Box
Best Versatility
Milwaukee Packout Deep Organizer
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lineman and pipe fitter sometimes favour atool pocketbook , but auto enthusiasts may find that atool chestmakes better sense . For all - around DIYers and building pro , a portable tool box — one they can tote or wheel around around a shop and onto a truck — is the most commodious , toll - in effect alternative .
Some of today’stop tool manufacturer , such as DeWalt and Craftsman , make portable tool boxes designed to keep tools , cord , and accessory safely stowed but within reach . We want to roll in the hay how lasting — and how handy — these tool boxwood really were . So we adjudicate to test a wide array of sizes and types .
onward , read what to reckon for when betray for the best portable tool box and encounter out how the follow model earned a spot in this lineup of the besttool boxesfor a variety of situations .
mollycoddler : Not all the tool boxes we tested made this list . The ones that did n’t meet our high touchstone can be launch below under “ Also Tested . ”
ALSO quiz : Ganchun 17 - column inch Three - Layer Plastic Tool Box
How We Tested the Best Portable Tool Boxes
In our quest to ascertain the best portable tool boxes available , we extensively research most 50 models , analyzing their pro and cons , and from that lean , we selected the above tool boxes to screen .
We consider stigma names — after all , who knows well what pro and DIYers need to care for their tools than a tool manufacturing business , such as DeWalt or Milwaukee ? Still , we did n’t automatically egest tool box from smaller or recess brands if they met our other standard and come with good client review .
In the actual examination phase , we examined each box to decide the caliber of construction and intention . We latch and unlatched the loge repeatedly to see how smooth and unafraid they were . We take note job and issues with how lids set , and we tote up specific test if the manufacturing business made a claim . For example , when the puppet - box producer said the product was water - resistant , we close it and sprayed it with our garden hose ’s jet nozzle . If the manufacturer said the boxful was impact - resistive , we drop it on concrete .
When maximum load capacity was list , we filled the boxes with spare weight to match the capability and then carried it or rolled it around to see how well it function under the weighting load . We analyze the size and shape of the repositing spaces so we could recommend the best custom .
During the test , we awarded points for each tool box based on a rubric — the better they execute , the higher the scores they received . After testing , we add up and averaged the points to create our lineup and to determine the best categories for each portable tool boxwood .
Our Top Picks
The following products map the pecker box that stand out in our hands - on testing and earned a smudge in this lineup . Not all of the models we tested made the track , and readers can ascertain why in the “ Also Tested ” part . Though purposes and overall purpose of portable tool boxful disagree , shoppers should be able to find the best portable cock corner for their DoT and creature - storage pauperization among our recommendations .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct conduct our firebrand ’s high level of recommendation .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the household and DIY products that impress us most in our real - world examination and that represent core value of the Bob Vila brand , including craftsmanship , innovation , and time value for the dollar . winner of this designation come urge by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
We ’re intimate with the quality of tools and accessories DeWalt puts out , so we were n’t surprised that this three - in - one tool - boxwood combo took top honors in our card . The three individual boxes are made of rugged molded charge card . The bottom tool box is the largest , and it ’s broad enough to hold big items — we put in two round saws and a reciprocating power saw , and we still had room to spare .
All three boxes are 20 inch all-embracing and measure 13.5 inches from front to back . The prominent base box is 15.5 inches high , while the midway - size boxwood is 12 inches high , and the smallest box is just 7 inches in high spirits . The base box seat boasts 8 - in all - terrain wheels . Side latches on the smaller boxes shoot firmly to the other box to enchant them as a individual social unit .
We liked the style we could advertise the bottom of the side latches to separate the boxes — a quick and easy cognitive operation . Each smaller box has convenient side handles and another handle in front for carrying . Interestingly , our measurements disagree with the maker ’s measurements , but we measured carefully and are confident ours are precise .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
DeWalt list the boxes as IP65 rated , which means the seals will keep rubble and water out . We try out the stamp by spray the unsympathetic and latched boxes with the jet hooter on our garden hose , aim the atomizer directly at the seals . When we open up the box , we were impressed to discover the interiors of each of the three boxes were bone - dry ! Very impressive .
To test the shipment capacity , we filled the three box with free weight that add up 250 pounds , stacked and secure the boxwood together , and then used the telescoping handgrip to perpetrate the box around . The loggerheaded molded plastic roulette wheel held just fine , even when we pulled this heavy load up an incline and over sand and gravel . However , if we had our druthers , we would wish for solid rubber wheels that offered longsighted - term durability .
Get the DeWalt ToughSystem portable prick box atThe Home DepotorToolNut .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Metal instrument box seat like the Big Red Torin rely on a simple , timeless design that works , establish that a good tool corner does n’t have to be a pile of money . Despite its name , Big Red is a pretty small tool box . We measured it to be 19 inches from terminal to death , 7 inches high at the highest point of the hat , and 6 inches from front to back . It ’s made of grievous - gauge metal with a bright - red baked - on finis and comes with a obliterable tray that fits at heart . That ’s a lot of note value for a sane Leontyne Price .
The individual steel latch on the front of the box is securely rivet and holds the chapeau snugly in place . The sword angle bracket for the top handgrip are also securely welded . Rather than one or two small lid hinges , the Big Red feature a pianissimo flexible joint that runs along the full backside of the box — an climb that we matte up added to its overall stability .
The manufacturing business does n’t name a maximal payload capability , but we fill up the Big Red with 35 pounds of weighting and were still able to lift it by its handle without the handle or latch conk out . However , we noticed the door latch was straining slightly , so we did n’t endeavor to add more weight . Big Red is a well - made , low-cost tool box for anyone who wants to hive away and carry smaller bridge player tool such as screwdriver , socket wrench , and the like .
Photo: homedepot.com
Get the Big Red portable tool box onAmazon .
A rugged box seat is great — but a tough one that keeps tools neat and easy to discover is better . As with the fellowship ’s power tools , Milwaukee position a lot of thoughtful design into its tool boxes , and we were impressed by the caliber and usefulness of the Deep Organizer .
This shallow creature boxwood — only 7 column inch high — is made of heavy - tariff molded plastic and come with adjustable internal splitter that let us create various - size segment for stash away small items . extra measure include box width at 19.7 inches and profundity at 15.2 inches . The top palpebra feature buddy-buddy yet clear charge plate , so we could well see the various sections held before opening the lid .
Photo: amazon.com
The manufacturer lists the Deep Organizer as rat IP65 , so we closed the box , latch it , and then spray it with the green nozzle to examine for leakage . The contents inside the putz box stayed dry . There was one downside , though : The room the individual compartment are seal produce indentation on the clear box lid ; this design flaw causes water to pool on the lid , so we had to tip the box over to dump the water before opening it .
The latches on the Deep Organizer are rugged , and they hold the eyelid on securely . Milwaukee enounce the tool box is designed to be shock - resistant , so we drop it several time on concrete . Other than a few airfoil scuffs , it held firm — no cracks . Impressive .
The lode capacity of this shallow tool loge is 50 pound , and it easily go for that much exercising weight . We ’d reckon it could probably hold even more , but keep in mind that this tool loge is part of Milwaukee ’s Packout series , so it can be join to the big Packout cock boxwood we quiz below . When combining shaft box seat , it ’s a good musical theme not to exceed load electrical capacity to ward off putting undue weight unit on the lower box ’s wheelbase .
Photo: homedepot.com
Get the Milwaukee Deep Organizer portable tool box atThe Home DepotorBlain ’s Farm & Fleet .
Best Rolling
DeWalt DWST20880 Multi-Level Workshop
When we first scrutinise this DeWalt tool boxwood , it took a few arcminute to learn how to open it : The top lid cosmetic surgery like any other shaft box , but the bottom subdivision slide out . It took us even longer to figure out how to close it because it locks in the open stance once open . Once we realized we want to deplume up the handle in the front while push the loge together from the rear , we were in business . After that , opening and exit the box seat was a snap !
The thing that sets this multidrawer tool loge apart from others is the ability to open all the boxes simultaneously without separating them and put them in different spots . We liked the musical theme of having cooccurring approach to larger tools in the stand box , lowly tools in the middle box , and accessories in the top box .
The cantilever - flair box is made of durable molded resin , but it is n’t quite as sonorous - responsibility as the fabric on the DeWalt system that clear our Best Overall spot . This box seat count 21.4 Syrian pound empty and add up with a encumbrance capacity of 88 pounds , get it well suited for stow various hand tools , plumbing fittings , barrage , and more . The frame of reference and wheels seem rugged , but we would advocate not overloading to keep from putting undue stress on the sliding cantilever mechanics .
Photo: homedepot.com
This is not a watertight box , so we did n’t spray it with our hose . We did pull it over gravel , moxie , and boisterous terrain , and it rolled smoothly , even when filled to its 88 - pound sign capacity . We also pulled it up a flight of steps , and it rolled up nicely , as a hand truck would . The blade latches , however , are just okay ; they serve their purpose , but thicker metal would ’ve been better . Though the slue cantilever branch defend up throughout our testing , we were touch on that if anything on this box break , it would be them . We recommend this DeWalt to anyone who wants to enthrall a collection of lightweight tools and have accession to all of them at once .
Get the DeWalt Multi - even portable putz loge atThe Home DepotorSupplyHouse .
Best for Mechanics
Craftsman 20-Inch 3 Drawer Metal Tool Box
Those who are look for a handy portable tool box seat to stow a growing collection of socket and wrenches need look no further than Craftsman ’s chest of drawers - type model . It ’s perfectly suited to the home grease monkey . We weigh the dresser , which is 20.6 column inch farseeing by 9 column inch wide by 13 inches mellow , to be a timber scale - down version of the big mechanic prick chests that often use up a lasting spot in a garage .
It ’s of similar quality , too , with a metal slip and three smooth - sliding shallow drawers . Plus , the eyelid opens to reveal a fourth memory board spot . metallic element latches secure the top hat , and we find a place where we could employ a padlock to thwart thieves . The hopeful - red enamel app resists eat , and we were able-bodied to wipe off greasy fingerprints with a spritz of all - purpose cleansing agent and a voiced ragtime .
The bottom three drawers kept slide open while we carried the fulfill thorax by its hold ; some type of magnetic closure that keep them shut would have been great . Because this is a portable putz thorax , we feel that users will most likely desire to take it to a dissimilar placement , so the drawer sliding loose is a problem . The only other downside is the want of nonslip drawer liners that come received in many other mechanic puppet box .
Photo: lowes.com
This is not a watertight tool chest , but most mechanic exemplar are n’t , so we ca n’t fault it there . Craftsman does n’t heel a maximum warhead capacity , but we fill it with wrench and sockets that press just over 30 pound sterling , and the handle hold firm .
Get the Craftsman portable tool loge atLowe’sorSears .
Best for Power Tools
Ridgid 22-Inch Pro Tool Box
This Ridgid portable tool box seat is relatively lightweight at 17 pounds , and it extend ample storage quad that we found perfect for holding cordless drill , nail guns , and other little power tools that do n’t agree well in shallow tool box . It also has a removable square bracket that fits along the inner backside to throw devices with handgrip such as screwdriver , shear , and plyers .
Ridgid ’s heavy - responsibility 22 - inch polypropylene rosin tool box resists impact , and a rubber eraser seal in the chapeau protects the internal mental object and keep dust and dirt out . Though it ’s not IP rate , the manufacturer deems it “ weather - resistant , ” so we sprayed it with a jet of water . A few drip leaked in on one side , but the box would in all likelihood keep tools dry through a moderate rainwater cascade . The telescope grip and bike made it a breeze to draw the box along harsh terrain and sidewalks , and we could lift the hat all off the boxwood , make it well-off to get at the message from all sides .
Ridgid ’s 22 - in creature box holds 50 British pound of free weight , and we loaded it to the max to test its limits . The box held firm , even when we tested its impact resistance by pushing it off an rarefied patio to the concrete 18 inches below . This is one tough tool boxful , and it can be used as a base for other Ridgid modular prick boxes in the same series .
Photo: homedepot.com
Get the Ridgid portable pecker box atThe Home Depotor onDiscount Today .
Most Secure
Milwaukee Packout Rolling Tool Box
have ’s present it : Tools are expensive , so keeping them safe from the elements and unenviable fingerbreadth is essential . This Milwaukee rolling cock box is part of the producer ’s Packout serial , and it can be used singly or with other containers in the serial , such as the Deep Organizer we refresh above .
We were impressed with the broken purpose of this portable prick box . It features reinforced steel quoin to protect the cognitive content from hard bumps or drops , it ’s IP65 rated to resist water and dust , and it comes with a alloy - reinforce padlock percentage point that we feel would deter all but the most determined thieves .
A standout on this rolling cock box is the 9 - in safe wheels that allowed us to easy pull it over various surfaces , including deep gravel , sand , bumpy terrain , and concrete . It come with a rugged 250 - lbf. load capacity , so we filled it with 250 pounds of weight , pulled it around , sprayed it with the jet nozzle on the hosiery , and then push it off the parent terrace and get it come down 18 column inch to the concrete below . We discover one scuff on an upper corner of the box but no other equipment casualty . The contents inside remained completely dry .
Photo: homedepot.com
We also connected the Deep Organizer to the top of this base box , and it fit snugly and firmly . Those bet for a single protective box , or a set of boxes , may find this Milwaukee series a serious competitor .
Get the Milwaukee Rolling portable instrument loge atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orThe Home Depot .
ALSO TESTED
Ganchun 17 - in Three - Layer Plastic Tool Box
We really want to wish Ganchun ’s Three - Layer Portable Storage Case . When we chose the box for testing , we expected it to be light duty , so we were n’t see for top - of - the - line molded polyethylene construction or a watertight seal of approval . We simply wanted a creature box that would securely hold multiple belittled detail .
The front latches on the Ganchun fit snugly , and we care that , but when we opened the box and extended its three drawer , the corner tip over backward . That was disappointing but not a deal breakers since we figure we could fill the bottom drawer with the heaviest token and it would keep the box from tipping , which is what we did .
We occupy the drawers with quilt accessory , including spools of thread , scissor grip , pin cushions , and other stitchery item . Once full , it was challenging to offer the drawers swimmingly — the weight cause the hinges to stay , resulting in the pauperism to force hard , which hitch the drawers and caused some of the items to spill out .
We filled the little snap - undetermined compartment on the top of the lid with various unbent pins , bobbins , and line rippers . When the compositor’s case is opened , the hat moves to an upside - down place . When we exit the pillowcase , all the items in the top compartment were mixed together — we had to separate them . Then , the plastic latch broke when we snap the cover back in position . At that point , we excrete the Ganchun from consideration .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Portable Tool Box
get the best portable tool boxwood reckon on the intended use . A DIYer may want an easy - to - carrycompact modelfor the service department , but a builder might need a prominent wheeled unit for comfortable transportation . Here , you ’ll ascertain about the factors and feature to remember when compare portable tool boxes . We tested quite a few tool - boxwood types to get a salutary musical theme of the dependable models in a variety of category .
Type
broadly speaking , portable prick boxes come in two eccentric : those with carrying handgrip and those with wheels .
On a carrying box , the hold must attach securely to the trunk to support its weight when full . Traditional brand dick box often have fragile grip that can get uncomfortable . Some forward-looking models sport more ergonomic plastic and rubber hold — shoppers will desire to make indisputable a thicker handle cater enough room to grab it with a gloved paw . Convenient foldable handles grant user to stack other point on top of the prick box when it ’s not in use .
pealing tool boxesgenerally have a large capacity , which make their wheel the most of import feature . The wheels must support the full weighting of the tool box when loaded . Solid pliant wheel are sometimes fragile and may be difficult to maneuver over uneven Earth’s surface . Rubber tires are an upgrade — they help absorb impact and usually cast freely .
Material and Construction
Although a few wooden pecker boxwood are useable , most sturdy tool boxes come in steel or some eccentric of labored - tariff rosin or plastic — materials that are strong enough to harbour up to frequent home and jobsite use .
Steel is passing tough and can withstand wallop . It might dent , but it ’s unlikely to give . Of course , blade weighs a lot more than other material . Also , if the surface finish ( typically , a powder coat ) gets damaged , the boxwood can rust .
Plastic prick loge vary wide in quality , and cheap versions may be frail . However , those made of shaped polypropylene or geomorphological foam ( an injection - molded charge plate ) can match steel in potency and strength . Some of these models also have metal reinforcement .
furrow , joint , and hinge — all potential faint points — warrant close inspection . Occasionalmaintenanceof the boxful should help oneself foreclose problems . If users will be keeping the peter box outdoors in all character of conditions , they ’ll want to look for raincoat or water - resistant models .
Size and Storage Options
Bigger often is n’t good when it comes to a portable tool corner : The large the cock box , the harder it is tostoreand transport , so count a tool box ’s overall exterior dimensions ( to know how much room it will take up at the land site and in a hand truck ) as well as the inner distance — and how that is divided .
organisation options vary widely . Lift - out trays and container sum versatility , but the base model may not admit these optional extras . view not only how existing puppet will fit out into the boxful but also whether the instrument box has enough distance for additional equipment the exploiter may acquire later .
Though manufacturers ’ specs do n’t always include weight ( load ) capacity , this metrical warrants circumstance when it ’s available . Too much weight can get out or loosen the handles . lade to full capacity , the loge may be too heavy to take . If user need to take a lot of tools with them , they ’ll want to consider a rolling model .
Compatibility
Sometimes , two or more portable tool box make a respectable setup than a single orotund one . Users may need a summary model for DIY requisite plus a wheeled variant forgarageor labor instrument . Other situations , work styles , andtool collectionsmight warrant one boxwood for mitt tools and another for magnate tools .
Although a lot depends on individual preferences and needs , portable putz box producer also produce modular systems to see various needs . For deterrent example , a wheeled prick corner may have an extendable handle that permit space for smaller whole to stack on top .
Security
If proprietor do n’t want stealer to break off into or walk off with their tool aggregation , they ’ll need to take protection seriously . Some portable puppet boxes offer no protective cover , and bolting down a tool box makes it far less portable , so look for a model with space between the grip or latch for a padlock or line lock . Also , keep in mind that steel typically make for a more strong portable dick loge than plastic .
In add-on , see whether the excogitation allows the user to put away the shaft box to an unmovable object . Cable locks make a well security measure solution in this case , and owner can combine these flexible curl for extended compass . They can also look into tool - box alarum or small trackers to conceal deep down .
FAQs
The previous sections account the important features of the safe portable puppet boxes for various pauperization , and our batting order lists the manikin that earned a spot in our lineup via their hands - on testing piles . Here , find extra answers to a few of the most common question .
With so much form in the types and sizes of portable instrument box seat , weight vary wide as well . A basic cock box might weigh 3 or 4 pounds , and the larger ones top out at 20 British pound sterling or more . Also consider the probable content of the tool loge because they could tot a lot of weight .
Large , heavy detail generally go on the bottom because it has the most space , and lay in them at a low level also sum stability if it ’s a rolling corner . Many portable tool boxes have convenient trays and upper compartment for smaller point .
Most models can be pass over down with a damp fabric and a little all - use dry cleaner . Beware of harsh cream cleansers that can come up the airfoil of a tool box .
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keep your grass immature and your plant thriving does n’t just take a green thumb — it set out with the right cock and provision .
