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For every handyman who enjoys working on all kinds of project, a good tool box is one of the most important pieces of equipment. As you collect more and more tools, you need something to keep them organized.
Having a portable and convenient tool box can make a difference between a messy job full of hassle and a well-organized, smooth experience.
Since there are so many of them out there and they come in all shapes and sizes, finding the best tool box can be a pretty challenging task.
There are many things to take into account. And a huge number of options definitely makes choosing the best one that much harder.
To help you on your hunt for the right tool box for you, we’ve decided to review and compare some of our favorite picks.
After we go through their features and give our recommendation for the best one, we’ll dig a bit deeper into everything you need to know before you make your purchase.
So without further ado, here are our five top picks for the best tool box.
This is probably the most customizable tool box on our list. It offer a lot of convenience, and it’s very well-built due to the use of high-quality materials. It’s also surprisingly affordable, considering everything that it offers.
The first thing worth mentioning about the TSTAK I is how customizable it is. Its flexibility allows for different configurations for you to organize your tools in a number of ways. It will make sure that you know exactly where to find your tools at any given moment, which makes working on different projects a lot easier.
It’s also pretty generous in terms of size. The dimensions are L17.3" x W7.3" x H13", and it has a weight capacity of up to 66 lbs. This means that you’ll have enough space for most of your household tools, aside maybe from some heavy-duty ones. But fear not if you have too many tools. You stack up to three DEWALT TSTAK boxes.
At 5.57 pounds, it is fairly lightweight so you’ll have no trouble carrying it around. The reason for this is its sturdy plastic construction, which is both durable and doesn’t add much to the total weight. The latches are high-quality metal, which will ensure security and rust resistance.
Probably the thing that sets this tool box apart from the competition is all of the customization options. Being able to organize your tools easily offers a lot of convenience and will make tackling all kinds of work around the house free of hassle.
Although this is a very good tool box, it could still use some improvement. For one, it’s a bit small. You either need another box to connect to this one or put less number of tools in it. Also, it would be better if the bottom was reinforced, since that could add a bit more to the overall build quality.
For many decades, Stanley has been supporting workers from different industries by creating high-quality tools and equipment. This tool box in no exception. Plenty of space, water resistance, and many other useful features make this tool box one of the best ones out there.
This is easily the largest tool box on our list. The dimensions are L28" x W12.6" x H11.6", so you can fit virtually all your tools inside it without having to worry about not having enough space.
It has a portable tray that you can use for storing small tools and parts. This tray makes up about three quarters of the length. Aside from this, there is also a bottom compartment that you can fit power tools into, so this tool box supports pretty much all tool sizes.
To make sure your tools are secure, this tool box feature water seal that makes it completely water resistant. No matter the weather conditions, you can rest assured that it will protect your tools from the elements.
Another feature that might come in handy is the V-groove on top of the lid. It can be very useful in case you’re trying to hold something in place for cutting. There’s also a ruler, which can come in handy for more precision.
Obviously, the thing that many people will like the most about the Stanley is its size. This tool box provides a lot of storage space, so you can use it for all kinds of tools. A soft-grip handle adds quite a bit convenience to it as well. No matter if you’re a professional or someone that just likes to work around the house, this tool box can offer handle it all.
The problem with this tool box is that it might not be sturdy enough for heavy use. The reason for this is most likely the size and the plastic build. Also, even though the latches are strong enough to secure your tools, some users have reported that they are prone to falling off.
If you like to do some occasional work around the house and have no need for a heavy-duty tool box, this one might be a great choice. It’s compact and lightweight, and has some pretty neat features that will satisfy the needs of an average handyman. It can also save you a couple of bucks, so there’s no doubt that it’s worth considering.
This 14-inch tool box can be a great option for everyone looking for a convenient solution for storing their small- to medium-sized tools. Its dimensions are L14” x W7.5” x H6.2”, and it weighs only one pound, which makes it the most lightweight tool box on our list.
On the inside, you’ll find a removable tote tray, which will make sure that your small tools and parts are well-organized. Underneath it there is still room for more medium-sized tools. You might not be able to fit power tools, so this one is more suitable for some smaller projects.
The tool box is made of sturdy polypropylene, so it can handle extended usage. Unfortunately, there are no metal screws or hinges, so it might not be the most durable one out there. Despite this, it will serve an average worker without issues. As an added bonus, the color is molded into the housing, so it won’t fade over time.
You can easily carry it with one hand, thanks to the comfort grip handle. You can also lock it using a padlock to secure your tools. Unfortunately, the padlock isn’t included in the package, so you’ll have to buy it separately.
A great thing about this tool box is how compact and convenient it is. If you don’t have the need for a tool box that’s longer than 14”, this one can be a great choice. Another benefit is the fact that it will look as good as new for a long time, thanks to the molded-in color. It’s also very lightweight, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Even though this is a good tool box, some additional features would be great. For example, it would be good to have the padlock included, instead of just the built-in padlock eye. As we’ve previously said, it’s also not the most durable option out there, so overloading it with heavy tools might not be a good idea.
This is another large tool box that should be able to hold most of your tools. It’s versatile, pretty lightweight for its size, and will offer you an opportunity to keep most of your tools well-organized.
This 23-inch tool box is great for all of you that have a lot of tools to organize. It’s well-designed and it will allow you to store many different tools inside. The removable tray features multiple slots for sorting small- to medium-sized tools, while the space under it is used for larger ones.
As for the durability, this tool box has parts that are made of steel, such as the draw bolts and rivets, which should make sure that this box can handle heavy weights. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case. The plastic construction isn’t exactly sturdy enough for its size, so it can feel a bit flimsy if you overload it. It should still be able to hold most of your tools, but maybe not as much as you might expect.
The weight is listed at 5.1 pounds. The handle is ergonomically designed to ensure the carrier’s comfort.
This toolbox is great for everyone looking for a lot of space for their tools. It can be a good option for sorting and storing your basic tools, along with some of the larger ones.
The build quality of this box isn’t really the best. Although it’s made to withstand heavy loads, it might not be able to do it for a long time. It doesn’t feel as sturdy as it looks, so you might not be able to take full advantage of the entire space. The top drawer isn’t the best either, as it tends to collapse if you overload it.
The last item on our list of the best tool boxes is a bit different. Unlike our previous picks, this one is entirely made of metal. It will undoubtedly be durable enough to withstand heavy use for a long time and ensure that your tools are secure.
This tool box is made of durable steel, so durability won’t be an issue with this one. The dimensions are L16.1” x W6.1” x H3.7”, so you can fit a lot of different tools in it. Surprisingly, it only weighs 2.6 pounds, but that’s because it’s not all that big.
Aside from this, it features a powder coat finish, which makes it resistant to scratches and chemicals. Rest assured that it can keep your tools safe and serve you for a long time.
It’s also very simple, which can be a good and a bad thing at the same time. On one hand, all of your tools will be in the same place. On the other hand, there aren’t any sorting options, since there is no separate tray for smaller parts, so it might take some time for you to find them.
The build quality of this tool box is hard to beat. Durable steel paired with a powder-coated finish makes it one of the best heavy-duty tool boxes out there. It’s also lightweight and easy to carry.
If you have a lot of tools, which you probably do, this one might let you down in terms of convenience. Since there are no separate slots or drawers, you have to put your small parts and tool in the same place as the large ones, so the Excel doesn’t do the best job at organizing them. Also, the lid only opens up to 90 degrees, but don’t worry about it coming down unexpectedly because the full-length piano hinge is a good one.
So now that you’ve seen our top picks for the best tool box, it’s time to show you what to look for when shopping for tool boxes. Here are the key features to keep in mind.
There are three main types of tool boxes on the market:
These are great for your garage or workplace. They’re usually large and feature different drawers, so you can easily organize your tools.
Also referred to as rolling tool chests, these boxes are smaller than the stationary ones, but still large enough to carry. They’re usually good for heavy-duty use, so many professionals use them.
These are the ones that we cover in this article. They’re small enough to carry with one hand even when fully loaded.
The type you go with will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Portable tool boxes are great for home use, and some of them will fit the needs of professionals as well.
When it comes to portable tool boxes, you’ll want to make sure to find one that you can easily carry around. Since you’ll likely fill them with all kinds of tools, you wouldn’t want the box itself to add a lot to the total weight.
The ones we’ve selected as our favorites are pretty lightweight for the space that they offer, so they can be a great choice.
Depending on how many tools you have, you can choose from among tool boxes of the appropriate sizes. You’ll want to make sure that all of your household tools can fit in the box, while leaving enough room for your new additions.
If you’re a professional or a handyman that does a lot of work around the house, it would be a good idea to go with the larger ones. And if you only do some occasional fixing that doesn’t require a lot of tools, a smaller option can be suitable for you.
Tool boxes are usually made of sturdy material. Popular choices include plastics such as polypropylene and metals such as aluminum and steel. Although the metal ones are generally more durable, there are many plastic boxes that can last nearly or just as well.
You’ve seen the examples of both in these reviews, so depending on your personal preferences and needs, you can choose the one that fits you the best.
Manufacturers incorporate all kinds of safety measures to ensure your tools are protected over time. A good example is waterproofing to keep both the box and the tools safe from water and other harmful elements.
There are also different types of locking mechanisms. Many tool boxes feature latches or locks that should keep your tools secure, so it would be a good idea to go with those.
Even the best tool boxes come with some drawbacks. For this reason, you’ll want to make sure that your manufacturer of choice offers a warranty on the tool box.
The warranty can be any number of years up to the lifetime of the tool box. Most warranties don’t cover damages caused by abuse, only manufacturing defects. If you need to replace any broken piece, such as a latch, it would be a good idea to see if the warranty covers it.
How you organize your tool box depends on the size and the number of tools that you have. As a general rule, it’s best to use dedicated drawers or slots for smaller tools and reserve the remaining space for the larger ones.
A tool box is used to store and organize your tools. There are many different types of them, so choose the best one based on the key features as outlined in the buyer’s guide section of this article.
If your tool box features a pin tumbler lock, rather than a latch, and you’ve lost your key, you can learn how to pick the lock here.
The best way to clean an aluminum tool box is by using phosphoric acid, dish soap, or vinegar. Scrub hard until the dirt comes off, then rinse with warm water.
Some of the most important household tools for a basic tool box include:
So now that you know what to look for in a tool box, it’s time to announce our winner. Although all of these can be the best choice for someone, we believe that the DEWALT TSTAK I Long Handle Toolbox Organizer is the best tool box that you can buy for your home or garage.
It offers just the right amount of everything. It has enough space, it’s easily customizable, and the build quality is good enough for pretty much any user.
And in case you believe that metal tool boxes are for you, and want to keep things simple, there’s always the Excel 16-Inch Portable Steel Tool Box. It will keep your tools in place and save you a couple of bucks.
Of course, the one you go with will ultimately depend on your personal preferences. Now that you have enough knowledge to choose the best tool box for yourself, go ahead and take a look at the best options out there.
