High quality tool box

Its boxy nature also lends itself to easy storage and transportation. Each box allows for triple functionality with the rotating latch. You can open the lid, secure the lid, or even connect the box to the one above it.

As a result, Festool Systainers remain one of the few stackable tool box systems you can leave latched while you open the lid of a box that may not be right on top. We already made our recommendation above for the Gearwrench pc mechanics tool set, but this one makes some nice modifications we also found helpful. While you can also get this set in point, we prefer the 6-point sockets. You also get a few larger-size sockets and also a couple of knuckles to help you out in those odd locations.

We also like the Allen drive sockets in place of the standard wrenches. That means that having some flexibility in the type of tool box you select really matters.

Milwaukee Packout also presents a great option, but DeWalt gets you just a little bit further for your dollar. We like the open visibility of the Packout wall mounts, but equally great is the flat pull-out storage of the ToughSystem racks. That means you can add their storage boxes on top and expand your capacity and functionality.

Inside, you get an area in the lid for storing accessories like drill and driver bit kits. You can choose from a myriad of ways to organize your toolbox. With tool chests, our recommendations come down to spray adhesive and even foam inserts like those made by Kaizen Inserts. For general storage, however, you really want to organize by task and application.

In my world, I may need to work on plumbing, electrical, automotive, or something like tiling. I tend to have separate kits for each of these duties so I can just grab my box and go. Having well-laid-out tool kits can really speed up your workflow. From decking and drywall screws to kits for mounting TVs, I have a different multi-compartment box for many different types of accessories.

Screws, washers, nuts, bolts, and more become very easy to access when needed when you have them separated by general size and type.

I even made a few custom kits with decking screws and one for anchoring things to drywall or concrete, brick, or masonry. The idea is that I can grab what I need and quickly grab the fastener for the job—without having to dump out a pile of screws or wade through a canister to get what I want. The same goes for wire nuts, cable clamps, and more. You can mount tools to walls and even the sides of a work van or box truck.

While custom systems have existed for some time from the likes of American Van and Sortimo , now consumers have more mainstream options from the likes of DeWalt and Milwaukee Tool.

That means you can pick up systems that will let you outfit your garage, workshop, van, or work truck with wall-staged tool boxes. Our two picks are below:. They work for shops, garages—even work vans and trucks.

We love how you can easily slide boxes in and out without affecting anything above or below. They support up to pounds each, making them extremely versatile. A Stanley toolbox is always a great option. If the toolbox is from a well-known brand and looks like a good quality item, go for it — everyone likes saving money on their purchases.

Search online and in stores to find toolboxes on sale. As a very general rule, small and simple boxes usually weigh less than 5 pounds, large heavy-duty boxes can weigh between 10 and 20 pounds, and tool boxes on wheels and with multiple drawers top out the range at 30 to 40 pounds or more. Tool boxes can get quite grungy—grease, dust, and grit are common culprits. Keep your tool box in good condition by cleaning it when necessary.

This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman , the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs.

For this roundup, she considered dozens of portable tool boxes, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer feedback, as well as input from Eamon Lynch, Director of Warranty Service at Power Home Remodeling. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content.

Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. The 8 Best Portable Tool Boxes of Keep your tool collection organized and handy when you're on the go.

By Michelle Ullman. Michelle Ullman. Michelle Ullman is a home decor expert and product reviewer for home and garden products. She has been writing about home decor for over 10 years for publications like BobVila. Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process.

Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. Keep everything organized in this sturdy tool box that makes it easy to find what you need. Best Heavy-Duty:. Best for the Car:. Best Workshop:. It's like having four separate tool boxes with you at all times. Best Stackable:. The removable tray can be used to separate tools by type or by job usefulness.

The company has always centered around wooden tool chests and woodworking tools. Wooden tool chests are far less common. With its classic beauty, this chest looks like something out of the s, which is when it was first introduced. Frankly, Gerstner products are known to last for decades and are often handed down for centuries as family heirlooms. We recommend this tool chest for serious machinists.

Gerstner products come with hefty price tags, so they are not for the average consumer. Serious machinists use small, precision metal tools that are susceptible to rust when kept in metal boxes.

Overall, this is one of the best American made tool chests on the market today. Huckberry is a brand that sells premium gear for outdoorsy types. Bull Metal specializes in metal boxes and fabrications. The company has been operating since , when it originally started in a bard. Bull Metal is still a small business today operating in a facility in Middletown, Connecticut. Bull Metal builds custom, specialty metal enclosures and created this model specifically for Huckberry customers.

It has a rather small storage capacity of cubic inches. It is about one-tenth the capacity of the larger products on this list. At this price point, it is clear that this is a specialty item. We do not believe it is as useful for work as a journeyman, necessarily, as it is for someone who has to use a specific tool or two every once in a while.

Still, its construction is extra-rugged. It can be used and abused in all kinds of circumstances without wearing out. We recommend it for avid fans of the outdoors. It is clear that Huckberry takes pride in this offering, hence the hefty price tag. This is the kind of product you would want if you prefer having something unique that does not match the conventional branded tool boxes others are familiar with.

As we stated in the section above, this is not the kind of tool box you would want if you have lots of tools to carry around. It does not have nearly enough space for those who frequently use many tools.

However, if you need a tough box that you can keep for a very long time and carry your necessities, this is a great choice. Unfortunately, a majority of Craftsman tools are not made in the USA at all. Craftsman claims that certain products with more added all the time are made on US soil. Domestically manufactured items of all categories can be found by searching on the website. Five drawers offer organization and functionality for those working in garage-type settings.

This tool cabinet is popular because the ball-bearing drawers are designed to prevent slamming. Slamming drawers can cause injury and damage tools. We recommend this tool cabinet for those who own tools but do not do major work out of their garages.

This cabinet can hold lots of tools, so average tool collections will fit just fine. However, specialty niche items will likely require more space than this cabinet can provide. These are often coveted with the badge of the best American made rolling tool chest.

We return to Proto with this rolling tool cabinet. Just as with the portable tool boxes above, this tool cabinet is conducted in the USA using global materials. However, with the price, you get high-quality construction. This Proto tool cabinet is known for its smooth, superior design.

Customers typically find fewer flaws in Proto tool cabinets than in the less expensive brands, but that is to be expected. Like the Crafstman, all eight drawers have ball-bearing track slides to prevent slamming for safety and ease of use. If you are in and out of your tool cabinet frequently, this Proto roller cabinet has the space and heavy-duty design you will want.

If you have a certain garage aesthetic, this tool cabinet may work well for you since it is available in a couple of different finishes and colors. If you have the money to spend, this cabinet will last. As with all Kennedy tool boxes, this rolling tool cabinet is manufactured with American parts in Van Wert, Ohio. The brown wrinkle strikes again in the form of a seven-drawer tool cabinet.

Kennedy also has rolling drawers available in three- and five-drawer options for those who do not need as much storage. There are two options for drawer closures, ball-bearing and friction slide, but ball-bearing is the favorite in the tool cabinet world.

It is important to keep in mind, though, that Kennedy is a leading name in tool boxes made in the USA. Their tool cabinets and larger tool storage products are no different.

Tool cabinets and tool boxes service similar purposes, but tool cabinets are always going to be quite a bit more expensive. They hold far more tools and are meant to live in a garage, shed, or workshop. We recommend this for anyone in need of a sturdy rolling tool cabinet. Machinists, in particular, flock to Kennedy products.