10 Best Toolboxes (Review) In 2022

Ever since he was a child, Jason has loved repairing, building and creating things. Growing up, he spent all his free time carving intricate woodcraft pieces that soon caught the eye of neighbours and friends. Before he knew it, Jason turned his hobby into a job, earning an income from being his hometowns handyman. Many years have passed since then but Jason’s enthusiasm for woodwork remains the same. He can usually be found in his workshop, crafting furniture or restoring old treasures.
- The Best Toolbox
- 1. Dewalt DWST17806 Tstak Toolbox
- 2. Milwaukee Electric Tool Rolling Toolbox
- 3. Dewalt DWST08204 Toolbox
- 4. Gearwrench Drawer Black Steel Toolbox
- 5. Keter Rolling Toolbox Organizer
- 6. Dewalt DWST20800 Rolling Toolbox
- 7. Ridgid Professional Toolbox
- 8. Plano Molding 823-003 Toolbox
- 9. Craftsman Metal Portable Toolbox
- 10. OEM Tools Household And Professional Toolbox
The best toolboxes are essential for anyone who needs to keep their drill bits, driver bits, wire cutters, duct tape, stud finders, multimeters, and other essential accessories organized and within easy reach no matter where they are. Whether you need a toolbox for your trade job or to get some crucial DIY finished around the house, we have selected the finest options available.
Our toolboxes come in a range of sizes to suit all needs, while the durability and convenience is something you can never ignore. For big projects that demand a robust solution, there is nothing better than these toolboxes. Conversely, even if you need a spare box to store some tools for a quick fix-up at home or around your friend’s place, we’ve got a range of options for you.
No matter your needs and whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, these toolboxes provide everything and more, so let’s look at what’s inside.
The Best Toolbox
1. Dewalt DWST17806 Tstak Toolbox




Key Features
Variety of designs
Flexible platform for different combinations
Removable interior tray
Heavy duty metal latches
Durable hinges
Stackable compatible
Suitable for just about any needs you can imagine, the DEWALT Tstak Toolbox is our best choice pick for the best toolboxes available. It comes in a variety of designs to suit all types of tradespeople or DIY hobbyists, and the robust nature of the construction ensures excellent durability, whether you use it everyday or once every other month.
The flexible platform provides an array of different combinations, allowing you to organize it however you please. Furthermore, it comes with a removable interior tray that maximizes storage potential to guarantee total satisfaction. Their heavy metal latches keep everything secure, and it’s also compatible with other Tstak products to ensure easy storage and portability.
Pros
Spacious interior
High weight capacity
Solid construction
Cons
Containers can be a little tricky to pull out
The high weight capacity allows you to store as much as you can inside, but the inner containers can be a little tricky to retrieve, especially if they are too weighed down or have too much stuff in them.
2. Milwaukee Electric Tool Rolling Toolbox




Key Features
Solid construction
Industrial grade extension handle
Compatible with Packout Modular Storage products
9 All Terrain wheels
IP65 weather-resistance rating
Heavy-duty latches
If you’re looking for a convenient toolbox on wheels, the Milwaukee Packout Rolling Toolbox is just what you need. It boasts the solid construction you’d expect from a top-quality toolbox, while the industrial-grade extension handle makes it easy to drag, push, and maneuver across a range of surfaces. This is made even easier with the 9 All Terrain wheels, ensuring simplicity wherever you are.
The metal reinforced corners and locking point ensure durability and security, while the dual side carry handles make it suitable for two people to move should they need to, especially if you need to climb some stairs to get the job done. It’s compatible with Packout modular Storage products, meaning you can create a solid, reliable collection of toolboxes and accessories.
Pros
Metal reinforced corners and locking point
Dual side carry handles
Lockable
Cons
No interior organizer tray
There’s enough space inside for plenty of everyday tools. However, as there’s no interior organizer tray, it will be a challenge to keep everything in order, especially if you use it every day.
3. Dewalt DWST08204 Toolbox




Key Features
Variety of sizes
Robust structural foam box
Large interior space
Removable tray
IP65 integrated weatherproofing seal
Easy carry side handles
The DEWALT ToughSystem Toolbox is a fantastic and dependable tool storage box for the rough-and-ready tradesperson. It ensures complete protection for everything inside, and the variety of size options give you a choice depending on how much space you need.
Regardless of which size you select, though, the large interior space is enough to store all the tools you need for a daily job, while the removable tray will offer additional storage options for smaller pieces, including screws, nails, and more. Furthermore, there are also vertical storage options for easier placement. The side handles make it easy to carry either by yourself or with a work buddy and with IP65 integrated weatherproofing, you can guarantee everything remains in workable condition.
Pros
Stackable with other ToughSystem products
Compatible with ToughSystem trolley
Inner vertical storage
Cons
Not compatible with Tstak models
While it’s compatible with ToughSystem products, it’s not compatible with Tstak models, so make sure you check which boxes you have before investing in this one to sober yourself of any frustration and disappointment.
4. Gearwrench Drawer Black Steel Toolbox




Key Features
Steel construction
Portable
Ball bearing drawer slides
Keyed center lock
Black powder coating
1 year limited warranty
With superb, durable, and robust steel construction, the GEARWRENCH Drawer Steel Toolbox is the perfect companion for smaller DIY and project needs. It may not boast the large capacity of others, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, it fits comfortably on your workshop desk and gives a convenient and classic look to ensure you can get to necessary small tools with ease.
Its size makes it wonderfully portable, and the ball-bearing drawer slides ensure simplicity and consistent quality and performance. Furthermore, the keyed center lock is useful for protecting essentials from theft, and the 1-year warranty gives you peace of mind that you can deal with any issues.
Pros
3 drawers plus top storage section
Rust and corrosion resistant
Top carry handle
Cons
Build quality does not stand up to less-portable alternatives
However, it’s still not as sturdy as we’d like it to be, and while there are protective measures, it still feels like the lock could be breached if a thief was motivated enough. For this reason, it’s not always ideal for professionals, but it should still serve hobbyists well enough.
5. Keter Rolling Toolbox Organizer




Key Features
2 colors
Durable construction
Central locking mechanism
Extendable handle
Organizational bins
Bottom divider for tools
The Keter Masterloader Resin Toolbox Organizer is a plastic toolbox with a difference. Available In 2 colors and with durable construction, it boasts plenty of protective measures to ensure durability and security that will ensure your tools and bits are safe and sound. One of these features includes the central locking mechanism to provide you confidence, while another is the all-0weather resistant design that will keep tools dry and safe.
Inside, it’s easy to organize, with bins and divider tools that will guarantee a logical setup. With enough practice, you’ll get to the point where you don’t even need to look into the box to grab the tool you need, and this will save countless seconds along the way. Aside from professional applications, it’s also useful for home storage, even if that storage isn’t tool-based.
Pros
Ideal for home storage
All-weather resistant
Zero maintenance
Cons
Handle does not always slide out smoothly
The extendable handle is useful, but it doesn’t slide out as smoothly as other options we’ve selected. However, this is hardly a major issue, and if you don’t use it that often, you’re unlikely to notice.
6. Dewalt DWST20800 Rolling Toolbox




Key Features
Easy to open with front pull latch
4 work levels
Telescopic handle
Convenient side handles
Smooth ball bearing slide drawers
Rugged and durable construction
The DEWALT Mobile Work Center gives you just about everything you could need for construction and repair jobs on the go. It’s easy to open with a front pull latch, and this opens into 4 separate work levels to give you a wide range of options no matter where you are. With such a design, you can store every tool you’ve ever bought, meaning you’ll never worry about forgetting essentials before a big job.
The telescopic handle allows you to shift it easily around the workstation or site, and there are also convenient side handles that will make it easy to carry. Although you may need to enlist the help of someone else to help you move it. There are also interior drawers that work on smooth ball bearings that resist jams and are entirely frustration-free.
Pros
Variety of storage sections
Mobile workstation
High capacity box
Cons
May be too large to fit in the work van
It’s rugged and durable, but while the size is useful, it’s not as portable as we’d like it to be, and you may struggle to fit it in the van. Despite this, if you’ve spent an age collecting tools for home use, this is an excellent way to keep them all in one place.
7. Ridgid Professional Toolbox




Key Features
High impact resin
Water and dust seal
All terrain wheels
Lockable system
Extended handle
3 boxes
Our premium choice is the fantastic RIDGID Professional Tool Storage Cart and Organizer Stack, which is much like our previous selection, but it manages, somehow, to go a step further in delivering convenience, user-friendliness, and straight-up logic to ensure a superb experience for both professionals and hobbyists.
The high impact resin ensures durability, while it’s water and dust-resistant seal keeps your tools and bits in top condition. The all-terrain wheels make it ideal for a range of worksites and environments, and the lockable system keeps everything safe and secure if you leave it alone for a few minutes. There are 3 boxes, providing excellent storage potential, and these allow for the straightforward organization no matter how many tools you have.
Pros
Durable construction
Easy to clean
Easy organization options
Cons
Handle feels a little flimsy when boxes are packed full
The handle is extendable. However, it doesn’t feel as sturdy as we’d like, especially when it’s packed full. With this in mind, be careful on uneven terrain, but other than this, you’ll love everything about it.
8. Plano Molding 823-003 Toolbox


Key Features
Variety of sizes / pack options
Lift out trays
Durable construction
Two stowaway organizers
Extra deep baskets
Reinforced handle and latches
Shifting towards something a little simpler, the Plano Contractor Grade Pro Series Toolbox is still an excellent option for smaller jobs, simple organization, and home use. It also comes in a variety of sizes and packaging options, so if you ever feel that one isn’t enough, you can always explore the multipack alternatives.
The lift-out trays make it easy to rummage through the main basket to find the right tool for the job, and these trays will gratefully hold on to bits and screws with no issue. There are also two stowaway organizers that will feel like a bonus. The entire setup is durable, and this includes a reinforced handle and latches to guarantee longevity and security, which makes this stand out as having superb value.
Pros
Suitable for a range of tools and accessories
Dividers
Excellent value
Cons
Latches may fail when packed too heavy
However, as with most plastic tool boxes, there’s a worry that the latches might fail when packed too much, so make sure you know its limits before you end up spilling everything all over the floor.
9. Craftsman Metal Portable Toolbox


Key Features
3 tool / bit drawers
Top compartment
Lockable design
Compact
Smooth ball bearing opening
Sturdy metal construction
The Craftsman 3-Drawer Metal Portable Toolbox is another excellent choice for easy home organization and storage, and while it likely won’t replace your regular toolbox, it’s still a small toolbox that can provide plenty of satisfaction to a home workshop.
It boasts 3 tool and bit drawers, while the hinged lid will provide further organization options for you. It’s compact, too, so it will sit nicely on your work desk without the need to rearrange, while the lockable design will give you peace of mind that everything you keep in it will remain safe. Overall, it boasts sturdy construction, while the ball-bearing drawer system is reliable.
Pros
Vivid red color
Ideal for home workshops
Useful as an additional storage box
Cons
May not be large enough for bigger tools
It can also double as a storage box for anything other than tools, and you can use it for fishing gear, as a sewing kit, and more. But, because it’s so compact, it won’t be suitable for larger tools, so you may need to purchase a larger alternative, anyway, even if you like the classic and retro design of this option.
10. OEM Tools Household And Professional Toolbox




Key Features
Stores up to 40 pounds of tools
Easy organization
Customizable
Configurable
Rugged hard plastic construction
Removable tool tray
Our final pick of the finest toolboxes around is also our best value choice. The OEM TOOLS Toolbox is a superb and simple option for anyone who wants a straightforward option for their home DIY projects, or even those who are just starting to build their tool connection. It can store up to 40 pounds of tools, which is a respectable amount regardless of who you are, and the overall design makes it easy to organize everything from your favorite hammer to your smallest nails.
It’s customizable and configurable to suit your needs. While the rugged construction means it can survive years of use, even if it doesn’t ever leave your garage. The study patches will make it easy to move without risking any spillage, while the ergonomic carry handle ensures comfort if you ever do choose to take it elsewhere to help a friend out.
Pros
Sturdy latches
Suitable for a range of trades and needs
Ergonomic carry handle
Cons
Not suitable for all the tools you might need
However, as it’s still quite small, it’s not suitable for a full collection of tools. Still, for simple home use and the occasional visit to your kid’s house to fix a leaky tap, you won’t find anything boasting better value.
Features To Consider With Toolboxes
Before deciding which of the best toolboxes are right for you, make sure to check out these essential key features to look for.
Durability
You expect toolboxes to be durable, but some appear to be more durable than others. Typically, you need to compare the material, and it's usually plastic or metal. However, there are other components to think about to guarantee you find the right level of durability for you. This can include latches, wheels, or handles.
Furthermore, you should also think about how you will use the toolbox. While most readers will use it on construction or trade jobs, others may only need it for the house, and this can impact how robust the toolbox will be depending on how often it is used.
Compartments
Toolbox compartments are an essential piece of the organization puzzle. Some toolboxes offer simple compartments, whereas others will provide an array of different-sized compartments for you to place your tools such as tape measures or driver bits.
Consider how many tools you have and need regularly and then make a call on the number of compartments or trays you will need. If you only have a few hammers and screwdrivers, it’s unlikely you'll need a multi-level box, at least right now, anyway.
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Lock
Tools can be surprisingly expensive, at least high-quality ones, so it’s worth looking out for toolboxes that are lockable. This lockability can come in different forms. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a latch that will prevent the lid from spilling open. Other times, it’s a dedicated internal locking system that only you have the ability to operate.
Depending on the overall quality of the toolbox, this lock can save you thousands in replacements. However, if the overall built-quality is poor, then the lock is nothing more than an aesthetic addition.
Material
You can take your choice from a metal toolbox or a plastic toolbox. Plastic toolboxes may sound less durable, but that's because you're thinking of bog-standard plastic you might find for kids' toys. Instead, these plastic resin tool boxes are more durable than you'd expect. The alternative is metal, which can risk being too heavy if they are too large. They are also prone to dents, which could affect the overall structural integrity of the toolbox itself.
Portability
Portability is a great feature to have in a tool chest, and while all tool chests or boxes are portable, some are more clearly portable than others. If the box is compact and comes with a handle, then it's portable. However, larger toolboxes will have wheels that will make them easier to move around. Despite this, the toolbox may be too large to be truly portable, as they could be a challenge to carry up the stairs, at least by yourself.
Size
Size factors into choosing a toolbox in several ways. For one, it determines how many tools you can fit inside. Compact toolboxes are useful for home use, but perhaps not for professionals. If you are a professional tradesperson, then multiple compartments and a decent capacity is a must, as long as you're able to move it yourself.
Stackability
Stackability is a unique feature in some toolbox brands, including DeWalt and Milwaukee. This stackability can maximize storage space across several individual toolboxes, and it can be more economical than purchasing a single large option. As they stack together, they are more secure than trying to balance several toolboxes of different brands on top of one another.
Wheels
A rolling toolbox can be highly convenient for tradespeople on-the-go. The wheels will take much of the effort out of moving the toolbox to and from the site, as it reduces the fatigue you experience from carrying it. For the best wheel styles, look for all-terrain designs to maximize your portable potential.
Sources
What Items Do I Need in My Toolbox? - Hunker