- StoreProjects
- Free Plans and Projects
- Furniture Projects
- Jigs And Fixtures Projects
- Shop Projects
- SketchUp Models
- Shop Storage
- Workbenches
- Free Woodworking Downloads From Lee Valley
TechniquesToolsVideos- Premium Streaming Video Site
- Experts Guide to Gluing & Clamping Wood
- Mastering Built-In Furniture
- Simple Live-Edge Slab Table
- CNC – Designed for Woodworkers
- Milling Your Own Lumber
- Advanced Bandsaw Techniques
- I Can Do That! – Simple Woodworking Projects
- Woodwright’s Shop with Roy Underhill
- Tricks of the Trade
BlogOur content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.Keep Your Tools Organized With the Best Toolboxes
Last updated: 1 Mar 2024- Best Overall: DEWALT Toolbox Shop Now ➔
- Budget-Friendly: Akro-Mils Toolbox Shop Now ➔
- Most Lightweight: GANCHUN Toolbox Shop Now ➔
- Most Durable: Maxpower Toolbox Shop Now ➔
- Classic Design: BIG RED Toolbox Shop Now ➔
View all ContentsComparing the Top Toolboxes of 2024 in Detail
Best Overall
This option from DEWALT is a professional’s dream. It’s made of metal, and the latches are rust-resistant, which can be great if you work outdoors a lot. There’s also a top organizer too, so you can safely keep drills and bits within reach. The toolbox’s extra-large space means your large tools will have a safe storage area. It also has heavy-duty latches that stay strong even under constant use. The bi-lateral handle ensures you can conveniently carry this toolbox around, and it’s also easy to lift, too. This product is not super bulky either, so it should be able to fit nicely in a truck or a workspace since it’s 17.25 x 12.63 x 13.25 inches. Due to its size and ease of use, this toolbox is our best pick overall.
Pros
- Highly durable design
- Large storage space
- Easy to lift and carry
Cons
- Does not include internal dividers
Budget-Friendly
If you’re in the market for an affordable toolbox that can help with your storage needs, the Akro-Mils Toolbox is worth checking out. You can use this product at home or on the job for storing your supplies. Plus, it has round edges for some added safety. This option also includes a removable tray for keeping smaller tools separate from larger ones. There’s even an external padlock for some extra security. This pick is made of industrial-grade plastic, and it comes with an ergonomic handle to help cut down stress. This toolbox is also pretty compact too, so storing it shouldn’t be much of a hassle since it’s only 12 x 6 x 4 inches.
Pros
- Locking mechanism for security
- Low price tag
- Perfect for home use
Cons
- Only fits smaller hardware and tools
Most Lightweight
This pick from GANCHUN is the ideal option for anyone who is looking for a lightweight and durable toolbox. It uses a three-layer design that gives you easy access to all items stored inside, too. The flexible rivet hinges connect this toolbox’s compartments, so it’s easier to open and close. There’s also a frosted handle that increases friction for a better grip. This product’s body is made of high-quality polypropylene, so it should be able to withstand a lot of use. There’s also an eyelet too, so you can add an external padlock. And since it’s only 17 x 7 x 7 inches, storing and moving it around shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.
Pros
- Lightweight, portable design
- Offers easy compartmentalization
- Made of environmentally friendly materials
Cons
- Only useful for storing smaller tools
Most Durable
If you’re tired of swapping out your toolboxes, you should really take a look at this product from Maxpower. The body is made of quality polypropylene, and this pick also has a concave-convex design at the base for enhanced stability. Its multi-layered design means you can grab your tools easily without a lot of extra effort. There’s also a small, transparent storage compartment at the top for storing small screws, bolts, and nuts. This option uses a double lock buckle design too, and there’s even a padlock eyelet. Plus, since it’s only 16.5 x 6.7 x 7 inches, finding a place for it on your workstation or truck shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Pros
- Safe, secure design
- Non-slip handle
- Multi-layered design
Cons
- Not water-resistant
Classic Design
The BIG RED Toolbox combines simplicity with efficiency, and its heavy-duty gauge steel construction makes it the ideal toolbox for mechanics and other professionals. This option also comes with a removable tray for easy compartmentalization and quick access to the tools you use often. Carrying it around is easier because of the comfortable handle on top. This pick is also pretty durable because of the alloy-steel body and the heavily plated latch, which is great for some more secure storage. And while this product is pretty long, it’s not super wide or tall, so sliding it into a compartment in your truck or workspace shouldn’t be a huge issue.
Pros
- Extremely affordable price tag
- Includes a one-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Highly durable and corrosion-resistant
Cons
- Doesn’t include a padlock eyelet
Finding Your Next Toolbox: A Buyer’s Guide
Toolboxes are not just for mechanics, plumbers, and other professionals; they’re also great for anyone that has a big stack of tools, including DIYers. Since you’ve probably already spent a lot amassing your tool collection, spending a little more on a storage unit shouldn’t be that big a deal. And when you use toolboxes for storing your tools, you can help prevent damage — and these products can also help with saving yourself the stress of looking around for your tools when you need them. Now that we’ve gone through some quality examples, it’s a good idea to get some more clarity on the different aspects of toolboxes and how to get the most out of them.
Benefits of Using Toolboxes
Saving space
By using a toolbox to store your tools, you’re saving the space all your individual tools would have taken up. This can really help if your workstation is short on space.
Protection from damage
Leaving your tools scattered around can expose them to a lot of different hazards. Water, or any other liquid, can get spilled or splashed on them, and since most tools are made of metal, this can lead to rust and corrosion. By making a small investment, you can potentially save hundreds of dollars in repairs and replacement costs.
Safety
Tools left laying around can be sources of potential injuries. You could trip, fall, or even get cut by a sharper tool — and using a toolbox can help eliminate these dangers.
Types of Toolboxes
There are a lot of different toolboxes out there. And while a lot of them may look pretty different in terms of shape and design, they’re mainly categorized based on the type of materials used to make their bodies. Here are some of the most common types:
Wooden toolboxes
The earliest toolboxes were made of wood. More recently though, more durable versions of toolboxes have replaced them. You can still find them around though, especially with people that cherish their aesthetic and ornamental value. One reason why these versions are not as popular these days is that they are not very lightweight, and they can be a little awkward to use.
Plastic toolboxes
Plastic toolboxes have quickly become a favorite in a lot of different industries. The reason for this surge in popularity is not very hard to understand either — they are affordable, and they do not rust. These kinds of toolboxes are the go-to option for homeowners and most DIY enthusiasts.
Aluminum toolboxes
Toolboxes made of aluminum are usually lightweight and strong. Due to the slippery surface of aluminum though, aluminum sheets with rugged textures, or diamond plate patterns, are used to make aluminum models. This helps reduce any slipperiness and makes these products easier to grasp.
Steel toolboxes
Steel toolboxes stand apart because of their sturdiness. They usually have a higher maximum weight capacity than similarly sized toolboxes made of other materials, too. A major problem you might encounter with steel versions is their tendency to rust. Some steel models have extra layers of anti-rust coating to combat this though. Stainless steel is also a good alternative to steel toolboxes as well — and they are rust-resistant, but they are also more expensive.
Choosing a Toolbox
With all the quality toolbox options out there, you have a decision to make. Therefore, knowing a few more important things can help you find something that can work for your specific tasks. Here’s what you should consider before buying a toolbox:
Space
Space is the most crucial factor to consider when buying a toolbox. You should consider the number of tools you’ll be keeping in your box when deciding on how much space you’ll need. You should also consider the possibility of adding more tools to your collection when buying something. This can help save on costs and the extra stress that comes with looking for a bigger toolbox as your collection grows.
Design
Toolboxes come in various designs. From simple single-space designs to more elaborate multiple-compartment designs, you will have a lot of options. Just like in terms of space, your choice of design should depend on the variety of tools you want to store. And in the unlikely case that you only have a few tools or a single type of tool to store, a single-space design can work well. But since this is rarely the case, you’re more likely to have multiple tools of different sizes. So, you should probably choose a toolbox with multiple compartments for storing your tools separately. Storing different types of tools separately can help make your toolbox more organized. You definitely don’t want to have to empty your entire toolbox just to find a bolt.
Portability
While many people often think of toolboxes as simple storage spaces that stay in the same spot, this is not really true with modern toolboxes. Modern versions are designed to be more portable — and they usually come with handles or even wheels. So, you should make sure the handle on your box is well-made. It should be firmly attached, and it should be able to withstand the weight of the toolbox when it’s full. It is equally important to make sure that the handle is comfortable. You really don’t want a handle that leaves you with blisters.
Lock
A modern toolbox should have a cover, and it should be able to lock securely with a latch. Anyone can open a latch and access your tools, and this may not be a big deal if you don’t have to worry about kids or anyone else getting into your tools. You should consider extra security measures if you want to restrict access though. Some toolboxes have padlock eyelets in addition to a latch, and these eyelets allow you to lock your box using an external padlock.
Organizing a Toolbox
A toolbox will not magically transform your stack of tools into a neat pile, but it is a good place to start. Organizing your toolbox makes it easier to locate your tools when you need them. The first thing you should do is to group your tools by type and function. And if you have multiple compartments, place similar tools in the same compartment. Alternatively, you can also sort them by size. You can also place your bigger tools at the base of the box and put the smaller ones at the top.
How Much Do Toolboxes Cost?
The price of toolboxes can vary a lot, and the size and design are some of the factors that determine the price. The material used also affects the price. Generally, these products cost between $10 and $350. Toolboxes made of plastic are the least expensive — and they usually cost less than $50. Versions made of stainless steel are the most expensive and usually cost between $100 and $350, depending on the size and the included features.
People Also Asked
What should I keep in my toolbox?
The essential tools you should keep in your toolbox depend on your profession. For an electrician, these could be voltage testers and wire strippers — while a mechanic could store spanners and wrenches. Essentially, your most important tools should have a home in your toolbox.
How should I clean my toolbox?
To clean your toolbox, first empty its content. If it has removable trays, remove them and clean them with a damp cloth. Take your time to clean the inside too, making sure you do not forget any compartments. And if you encounter grime or other stubborn stains, you can use some detergent mixed with water to wipe them off.
Are plastic toolboxes good?
Yes, they are. Plastic toolboxes are often underrated compared to models made of steel and aluminum. While they do not have the same weight capacity as versions made of aluminum or steel, they are lightweight and pretty easy to carry around. Models made of quality propylene are usually more durable.
What makes a quality toolbox?
A good toolbox is one that’s made of durable materials. It should also be convenient for storing your important tools and offer you easy access to them as needed.
Article Contributors
Read More About Popular Woodworking Reviews Team HereThe Popular Woodworking Review Team’s product reviews and comprehensive guides are here to help you select the best gear and tools to efficiently complete top-quality woodworking projects.
Popular Woodworking is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.
Questions about product testing or a specific articles should be sent to aimperiapt@gmail.com