Choose a tool box that has the right size to accommodate all your tools, along with the correct material for durability, space for storing different types of tools and parts, and any extra features it comes with such as a warranty. The best tool boxes have a capacity that accommodates varying storage needs, are made of strong materials, and can be easily moved around from work station to work station. Find out if one of our recommended tool boxes is what you need.
Tools come in handy to accomplish various tasks whether you’re a professional mechanic, carpenter, or a homeowner into DIY projects. There’s need to store your tools when they’re not in use, if you need to transport them, or if you need to move around with them while working.
This is where tool boxes come in to offer storage and organization solutions. Since a tool box that works for you might not work for another mechanic or carpenter, there are different types to meet different needs, as a one-size-fits-all doesn’t work for tools.
When shopping for a tool box, you must first choose the specific type you want.
Tool bags are made of durable fabrics such as leather and come with several pockets and pouches for storing tools. When you need to travel in-between jobs, tool bags offer the convenience you need.
A
carpenter’s tool box is specifically designed for carpenters. It’s usually made of wood to protect tools with blades from damage or becoming dull.
On the other hand, a
mechanic’s tool box is specifically designed for mechanics. They’re usually portable, made of metal, and feature removal trays and drawers.
A
mechanic’s tool chest is larger than a tool box for mechanics, and usually comes with wheels to support heavy weights. This is the most common tool box in garages and homes because they’re large and are used to organize and store various kinds of tools.
Made of a sturdy metal or high-impact resin,
gang boxes are used to transport tools for protection during transit.
Truck boxes are attached to pickup truck beds and are made of either high-impact resin or metal. They come with locking lids.
Tool cabinets are the largest and come in the form of full-sized closets and footlockers on wheels. They come with shelves, power strips, drawers, portable tables or workbenches, chests, doors, etc.
This is a mix review of various types of tool boxes. The tool box you choose will depend on the tools you need to keep such as
impact drivers,
nail guns,
air hammers, etc. We hope that this guide helps you make an informed decision on the best tool box for your specific area of application and based on your personal preferences.
Price
The material, quality, brand, size, and capacity of a tool box determine the price you can pay for it. Whereas cheap tool boxes are made of cheap materials, they don’t last. But if you want a basic tool box or organizer for a few tools you use around the house, there’s no need to spend so much on your tool box, either.
However, if you’re a professional with need for a large, sturdy, and durable tool box, you need to be ready to spend on a quality storage solution. Whichever kind of tool box you’re looking for, you’ll find tool storage solutions in the price range of $5 to $200.
Features
Tool boxes come with different storage options, ranging from trays to compartments of various sizes. Whereas some tool boxes come with wheels and handles for easy mobility and handling, others only feature handles for carriage of the boxes from one place to another. Tool boxes can also be multi- or general- purposed. You need the right features in your tool box for optimal functionality.
Here are the important features to look for in a tool box:
- Type of tool box (chests, cabinets, truck boxes, etc.)
- Portability for easy transportation, such as wheels
- Handles for easy carriage
- A tool box with sufficient capacity
- Built-in compartments for hardware storage
- Organizers, trays, and/or bins for tool organization
- Material (aluminum, steel, or plastic)
- Lockable lids for tool security
The best tool box is designed to hold the kind of tools you need to keep, supports tool organization, and can allow you to move around with your tools if need be.
Construction and Design
When choosing a tool box, consider the following factors:
Type of Tool Box – different tool boxes are designed for different professionals with different needs to store different tools. What a mechanic, homeowner, or carpenter might need won’t be the same.
Your need for storage will determine the type of tool box you can buy. If you’re a homeowner and need to store basic tools such as pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, etc., opt for a small tool box. If you need to store large tools, go for a large tool box.
Portability - do you need to move with your tools from one job location to another? Do you need a tool box you can move around your job site while working from one spot to another? Choose a portable tool box that can accommodate all your essential tools and still move around with ease.
The largest and heaviest tool box is ideal for use at home in your garage for keeping your tools when they’re not in use.
Wheeled Tool Boxes - choose between tool boxes with wheels and those with handles for moving your tools from one spot to another while working. Make sure the castor wheels are rated for the weight you intend to transport in your tool box.
Weight of Tools - know what your tools weigh before picking a tool box, and choose a tool box that can accommodate the weight of your tools. If a tool box comes with drawer slide sets, make sure they can hold your tools without causing damage.
Hardware - hardware such as nails, screws, bolts, nuts, washers, etc., need special storage because of their tiny sizes. Find a tool box with organizers such as trays or built-in compartments to keep your hardware, or one with space to accommodate extra containers for the same use.
Material - tool boxes are made from plastic, steel, or aluminum. Aluminum tool boxes are durable, strong, and lightweight, hence the most popular. Steel tool boxes are ideal for industrial and professional use. They’re easy to care for and exceptionally strong and durable, despite being pricey. Plastic tool boxes are inexpensive and effective, hence ideal for home use.
Organization - whichever tool box you opt for, make sure it supports organization of your tools for easy access. Look out for organizers and removable trays or bins.
Lockable Lids - find a tool box with a lockable lid if there’s need to keep your tools safe and secure.
Performance and Ease of Use
Whichever tool box you opt for, make sure it’s durable, easy to care for and handle, is portable, and can accommodate all your tools. If you need to move with your tools, go for a tool box with wheels or handles for easy carriage or transportation. Also look out for a product warranty for protection from manufacturing faults.
Your tool box shouldn’t be just spacious and durable, but also needs to support tool organization, and needs to be easy to clean and use. It should be made of a sturdy and strong material for durable use. You can even pick a color of your liking; if it’s a tool box to use at home, you can pick a color that matches your theme décor color.
Whether you’re a carpenter, plumber, electrician, or designer in need of a storage solution for your tools and parts for access in the future, or want a mobile tool box to use on-the-go, there’s a box out there to meet your specific needs. We hope that with our review of five of the top tool boxes, you’ll be in a position to pick the right tool box to meet your needs. In case you need something different, check out our other storage solution reviews.
