Best Overall
Trusco ST-350-B 2-Level Tool Box
Best Bang for the Buck
DeWalt TSTAK Long-Handle Tool Box
Best for Organizing
Keter Masterloader Rolling Tool Box
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What ’s the best way to store , organize , and transport your tools ? For generations and to this day , the response has always been a well - made shaft box . We researched several dozen tool loge and chose 10 for examination . We also get hold a favorite : TheTrusco tool boxearned top honors in our trials thanks to its two - tiered cock storage system and quality build .
But liketool chests , shaft corner are n’t a one - size of it - paroxysm - all result . For this reason , we tested several types , size , and purpose . in front , discover our good putz box shopping tips and find out out how the following products earned a spot on our batting order of the good peter boxes .
Our Top Picks
The follow dick boxes represent the best models from our hand - on testing . These boxes are designed to put in and channelise different tools and component , but each one excelled in our trials and earned its spot on this list . One is trusted to be the right choice for your tool storage needs .
Our Ratings : Organization4.5/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Build Quality5/5 ; Value5/5
eat up in natty low-spirited enamel , the Trusco two - horizontal surface tool box features side hinge that allow the top to unfold in two directions . This reveals a tiered interior store area that can be customized with reconfigurable metal divider . The intact box is metal , and the tiered compartment cantilever out of the way smoothly .
It is n’t often that a Cartesian product surprises us enough to take the top spot during a men - on reassessment , but we very much liked the Trusco . liken with other boxes of its size , it ’s made with much eminent - quality alloy , and the primed and polish were spot on . With the box fully load , the alloy handle were outstandingly comfortable to hold . We could fitalmostall of our distinctive hand tools in the box , relieve for a speed square , staple gunman , and one screwdriver . The one issue we found was that it lack a latch , which we would prefer for conveyance .
Get the Trusco creature box atAmazonorKmart .
Our Ratings : Organization5/5 ; Portability4.5/5 ; Build Quality4.5/5 ; Value4.8/5
The DeWalt TSTAK line of peter personal digital assistant includes a potpourri of hard , try - and - dead on target options for specialized needs , plus a few quotidian tool boxes . This budget - favorable TSTAK model features a segmented upper compartment for pocket-sized fasteners , bits , and portion , as well as a large open bottom section for hand tool ( or a recitation and battery combo ) . It also has a maw for slipping a padlock through .
There was a lot to like about the TSTAKtool boxful organizerduring testing . In general , we just like the idea of the TSTAK system , so the fact that it has latches and link up to other boxes is appealing . We also like that the lid has a vaulted shape inside , which have in mind bulky items that lodge up a bit wo n’t prevent the box seat from closing . Also , it feels like a bargain for the cost .
However , there are two thing we did n’t wish : The plastic lid that take hold parts and bits in place is n’t very secure , and there is n’t much warehousing underneath it for hand tool . Everything go in the main compartment , which means tools can easy become jumbled .
Photo: Tom Scalisi Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Get the DeWalt TSTAK pecker box atAmazon , Walmart , Grainger , Acme Tools , orZoro .
Our Ratings : Organization5/5 ; Portability4.8/5 ; Build Quality4.5/5 ; Value4.8/5
Keep hefty toolsorganizedwhile trucking them from project to stick out with the Keter Masterloader pealing tool box . This laboured - tariff resin dick box cater up to 66 pound of tool - hauling capacity , allow for the transfer of hand tools , power tools , and hardware . The polypropylene rosin is weather - tolerant to protect tools from the element .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The Masterloader features a telescoping handle and two 7 - inch heavy - duty roulette wheel for light pull . The two top storage box slide out of the way , providing access to the tools below . One of those wings has a unmortgaged plastic lid and plenty of computer storage for tools or betting odds and ends such as screws and nail . The Masterloader also boast a top - go up door latch for securing tools , though it does n’t lock .
We found the Masterloader very easy to open with one hired man , and the sliding memory board provided all the access we could ask for . We also like the smaller compartment for hand dick that ’s separate from power tools and part ( each of which has its own section ) . If there ’s room for improvement , the telescoping grip is lowly tone , and the button bond a few times .
Get the Keter tool loge atAmazon .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Best Weather-Rated
Milwaukee Packout Large Tool Box
Our Ratings : Organization5/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Build Quality4.8/5 ; Value4.5/5
The Milwaukee Packout dish up as a tough peter box by itself , or it can be paired with any other Milwaukee Packout components for stacking , put away together , or rolling on a Packout rolling floor . At 12.1 pounds , it ca n’t be considered lightweight , but we appreciate that Milwaukee designed it to be a rugged and weathertight tool box .
The box is snitch IP65 , meaning it will withstand blowing rain , so we tested that claim by setting it in the route of a lawn sprinkler for 30 minutes . We then dried it off and open up it to see if any water had get in . We were pleased to find the inner pearl - dry .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Although the box features steel latches that hold the top down firmly , we were able-bodied to give and latch them with one hand . The Milwaukee tool box comes with a 100 - pound exercising weight limit and we have no understanding to doubt that . We loaded it with heavy putz and socket and even overcharge it a bit so we had to push the hat to get it to shut . The latches ( and hinges ) sustain tight . Typically , you probably would n’t require to load that much weight in the box , since it ’d be challenging to carry , but it ’s nice to have it off it will hold up to the task . Because of their high - quality construction , Packout boxes make greatmechanic prick box .
Get the Milwaukee pecker boxful atAce Hardware , The Home Depot , SupplyHouse.com , orZoro .
Best Rolling Set
DeWalt ToughSystem Tool Box Set
Our Ratings : Organization5/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Build Quality4.8/5 ; Value4/5
When you have a muckle of shaft to store and lug , DeWalt ’s ToughSystem 2.0 is an excellent root . ToughSystem components get in a variety of size , but they ’re all design to connect with other ToughSystem element . The specific set we tested contains a 22 - in small tool box ( DWST08165 ) , a 22 - inch tumid prick boxful ( DWST08300 ) , and a roving storage box ( DWST08450 ) .
We loaded a motley of tools in each box — filling them completely — and then attach the great and small loge to the rolled roving base . Auto - connect side latches have the boxes together . Even when we accidentally tipped the tower of box over so it fell onto concrete , none of the latch came wanton . It was promiscuous to tip and drift the connected boxes , even when they were full , thanks to the gravid wheel on the peregrine nucleotide .
Photo: Amazon
This three - piece portable rolling pecker box also get a pee trial , and no water seeped in . Each loge comes with removable trays that can be left in or remove to suit item-by-item or service department pecker storage pauperism . The only thing we would transfer is the telescope handle . When we had the boxes stack and we opened the top one to retrieve tools , the eyelid hit the telescope handle and would n’t stay undecided . But , that ’s a minor issue for ToughSystem components that are ramp up to last and design for versatile instrument box memory board need .
Get the DeWalt ToughSystem pecker boxwood ( go down of 3 ) atThe Home Depot .
Best Plastic
Festool Systainer3 SYS3-Combi M 287
Our Ratings : Organization4.5/5 ; Portability4.5/5 ; Build Quality4.8/5 ; Value4/5
This rugged tool boxwood is so gracious , it ’s almost a shame to call it charge card . From German maker Festool comes the Systainer3 SYS3 - Combi peter boxful that features a pull - out drawer at the bottom and a palpebra that open in traditional tool box style to reveal a large upper - depot distance .
The SYS3 is a new Festool spillage , but it connects with all other Systainer component part . This means you could stack it , shut away it , wrap it ( with a compatible basis ) , or conduct it just as it is .
Photo: Amazon
We tested it as a single - carry tool loge and find it perfect for hive away several humble tools and accessories in the bottom drawer and larger items in the upper box . The drawer ego - latches in the shut place to keep the content from spilling out during transfer , but we get hold it well-situated to open by pushing up on the latch .
The top hold is expectant and conform to nicely in script — it also folds flat against the top of the tool box for stacking or if you want to use the top as a level surface for setting other items . The only thing we did n’t care for was the rotating door latch on the top that secures the upper storage area . It seemed bulky , and we would have preferred a one - hand door latch . All said , though , the SYS3 is an excellent addition to the Festool cable of Systainers .
Get the Festool creature box atToolNationorAcme Tools .
Photo: Amazon
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Tool Boxes
We selected the tool boxes we want to test using several standard , include brand . While manufacturers such as DeWalt and Milwaukee are highly well-thought-of in the tool andtool storageindustries , we also take a careful face at smaller brands that manufacture high - quality tool box . Customer expiation figured prominently in the framework we chose to test as well .
Our hands - on test were square . We loaded the tool box with the types of shaft they were designed to check , and then we carried them or rolled them around if they came with roulette wheel . We prove their form quality and assessed whether their designs were well suitable to tool and component storage .
Next , we grant points free-base on a rubric . The better a pecker boxful performed on a test or appraisal , the more decimal point it received . After examination , we averaged the point to determine our good overall pick and to fitly categorize the remaining instrument boxes .
Photo: Ace Hardware
What to Consider When Choosing a Tool Box
When shopping for the practiced tool box , keep the following factor and features in judgement .
Size and Weight
One of the most important factors to reckon when shopping for the best tool loge is sizing . Most DIYers necessitate a tool box big enough to channel the tool they will use most often . Carpenters , lineman , and plumber have dissimilar tool box need , which mean there are many different sizes on the mart .
Material
maker use different case of materials to build up tool box , usually plastic or metal . Someplastictool box are very long-wearing , and they have many benefits : They do n’t scratch or rust fungus , and they wo n’t dampen piercing putz such as chisels and saw . seem for a model made from a durable resin .
Ametaltool box is an old - school tool storage option that can hold a stack of weight . Stainless blade and aluminium are rust - tolerant but expensive , while steel is low-priced but can corrode when scratched .
Drawers and Dividers
Those looking for lots of organization will need a tool box with drawers and dividers . Many plastic manikin have obliterable compartment with click palpebra that help secure little bit , slice , fasteners , and hardware . Some tool boxes have obliterable trays , which help keep little mitt peter organized while provide the bottom open for larger tools such as hammers and saws .
For the ultimate in organization , consider a rolling workstation . These choice often have tiered or modular boxes that divide tools into several smaller box , with power creature storage underneath .
Wheels
Almost all tools are made from durable blade or other alloy , so adding even a few to a creature loge can make tally it around difficult . wheel can make a big divergence .
For a machinist ’s tool breast , look for durable orb - bearing - style casters that roll easily and swivel . These caster allow the tool boxwood to roll and maneuver easily .
Rolling workstation often have expectant plastic resin wheel . These wheels are ordinarily quite durable , and their large size makes it easier to pull them over a ledge or threshold .
Photo: The Home Depot
Workbench
wheeling tool box sometimes include a level surface on top to use for holding tools or minuscule workpieces . Some even come with hardwood inserts to forestall tart creature from get dull .
While these tool boxes are n’t idealistic for loading in and out of a truck or transporting to a jobsite , the bring oeuvre surface can give it a significant advantage over other boxes . For the best of both worlds , choose a rolling box with a work airfoil and a pocket-size portable putz box to transport tool .
Locking Mechanism
Most tradespeople jazz that instrument be given to “ walk away ” from the jobsite . Prevent this from happening by choosing a lockable tool box .
Locking mechanisms come in various shapes and forms . Some have build - in tumblers that lock and unlock with a key , just like an entry lock on a door , while others have a hasp to lock with a padlock . Some formative tool boxes have holes to steal a ringlet through to shut the lid .
Waterproofing
While old - schooltime metal boxes process well to storage instrument , novel heavy - duty resin model also protect prick from the elements . This is an important condition for those whose tool boxes will spend a mountain of metre in the bottom of a truck .
Waterproof tool box seat have seal and sturdy latches that clamp down to prevent water , snow , or moisture from damaging valuable tools inside . This form of shaft boxful may be peculiarly attractive for craftspeople such as woodcarver or woodsman who have expensive hand tools ; the box seat wo n’t dull the creature , but it will help prevent them from oxidizing from the weather .
Types of Tool Boxes
Before shopping for a dick corner , check out the various types on the food market . They range from the authoritative metal box with a carry handle to full - blow workstations that can organize an entire workshop . This plane section explains the different types of tool boxes and what DIYers need to have a go at it about them .
Hand Carry
The Greco-Roman metallic element tool box with a flip - open lid is a hand - carry prick box . Tough and durable , these sturdy loge are excellent for pro and DIYers alike .
These box number in a range of lengths and profundity . Old - school carpenters like long , tall box to fit their helping hand proverb , while plumbers might opt a more heavyset boxful for pipe spanner and pump pliers . A DIYer might appreciate something in the halfway : long enough to guard a boxwood saw but thickset enough not to be too cumbersome .
Rolling
prick boxes with wheels take the load off — literally . or else of block a heavy tool box around , simply agitate a rolling unit where it needs to go .
The first type ofrolling tool boxis the kind in a mechanic ’s workshop or a building maintenance department . These tool boxes have several drawers , allow shaft computer storage in separate area . They often have several thin drawers for wrenches , sockets , and plyer , but they also may have a large , exposed section with a lock for larger dick such as drills and saws .
The other case of rolling creature boxwood is the rolled workstation . These tool boxes unionise tool and parts , but their pliant resin mental synthesis wee-wee them lightweight , which often works well for DIYers . These box unfold or unstack , revealing all the tools and parts for easy use .
Photo: Tool Nation
Truck Mounted
Truck - go up puppet box aid transport tools . These great , lockable , heavy - obligation boxes offer plenty of warehousing , security department , and shelter from the conditions . Manufacturers generally make them from either Al ( the less expensive option ) or stainless brand .
Mosttruck - mount up tool boxesdon’t offering much in the fashion of pecker box organization . They ’re cavernous inside , and small hand shaft can well get lost at the bottom . They work best for turgid power dick .
Bag/Bucket
A bag or bucketful is one of the best room for DIYers to channelise their tools . These lightweight tool depot options , typically made of canvas tent , provide quite a bit of organization with build - in pocket , slots , and loops for specific shaft . They often amount as stand - alone bag that mimic the material body of a classic wooden puppet box with a top hold and clear - tray intention . Other variation loop around the lid of a bucket .
Heavy - dutyclassic tool bagswith plentitude of warehousing are also uncommitted . These bag often have leather bottom to make them more resistant to the penetrating points of screwdrivers and other pointy putz .
FAQs
Even after learning about all-important features to look for in a tool box and review the best models usable , you might still have some question . Check out the answers to some frequently demand questions about tool boxes .
Tool boxes are often red so they ’re easy to see on a structure site . Workers transport lumber or plywood can trigger over a overweight box if they ca n’t see it .
If it ’s a creature chest , separate your tools into bloomers , with ratchets and sockets in one draftsman , wrenches in another , screwdriver in one drawer , and hammers and mallets in another . If you ’re using a portable tool boxwood , put longer items in the bottom and use the obliterable tray to stack away screwdrivers , chisels , wrenches , utility knives , and other little items .
Clean your tool box with a degreaser or dishwashing detergent , and make trusted that the tool corner is completely dry before replacing the tools in the boxful .
A high - quality prick box can last several age , specially if it ’s stored in a garage or shed where it ’s not dependent to rough sunshine or inclement weather .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product examiner and writer specializing in the construction , remodeling , and real estate industriousness . She and her married man own a general contracting company , and Taylor is experience in both residential and commercial construction applications . She tests a wide mountain chain of top executive tools as well as other plate improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden ware .
Additional research provide by Tom Scalisi .
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