The 15 Best Tool Boxes in 2023 - Top Reviews

To help you choose the best one, this guide will give you some specific features and common applications of different types of toolboxes. By following the guide and making a comparison among models, you can save time and money on purchasing the best toolboxes for yourself.

1. Types of Tool Boxes

There are 3 main types of toolboxes, namely, hand carrying, rolling, and truck-mounted.

A hand-carrying toolbox is the classic metal toolbox with a flip-open top. These strong, robust, and classic boxes are great for homeowners' use

Toolboxes that roll tend to lighten the load. With wheels, you can simply move a rolling toolbox back and forth instead of lugging them. Take KETER Masterloader Resin Rolling Tool Box as an example. Although they're made of plastic resin, they're compact and portable, making them ideal for any user.

Truck-mount toolboxes make it easier to carry tools. These wide, lockable, heavy-duty boxes provide ample storage, security, and weather cover. Manufacturers typically produce them out of Aluminum, which is the least costly choice. This works best for large tools since it offers few ways of organization, letting small tools drop to the bottom.

2. Material

The two most popular types of materials used in toolboxes are metal and hardened plastic. Plastic toolboxes are a quick, efficient, and cost-effective way to store your tools for everyday use, while metal ones such as DEWALT TSTAK Tool Storage Organizer are often for heavy-duty stuff.

Aluminum is a common material that is as lightweight as plastic. Aluminum toolboxes are somewhat more expensive than plastic toolboxes, but they last longer. These boxes are highly favored in industries such as Aviation, Transportation, and Chemical, where security and lightweight are critical for success.

A steel toolbox is a perfect option if you need extra heavy-duty stuff. These models have been engineered to be extremely durable, solid, and wear-resistant. Although steel is more expensive, it is much easier to care for and usually lasts much longer than the other alternatives, making it a good choice for technical and industrial use.

Besides, waterproof material also becomes prevalent since it will guarantee secure and dry storage for transporting lances, forensic and testing equipment.

3. Load Capacity

The loading capacity of a toolbox is defined by the material from which it is made and the design for which it was produced. The weight that a toolbox can bear is determined by the type of tools that are placed in it. Every toolbox has a storage capacity that has been calculated or pre-set to inform the owner of the storage limit and prevent any kind of accident when holding and traveling. Although small toolboxes weigh as little as 5kg, high-end toolboxes can withstand weights of up to 50 kg and have wheels added for versatility.  One of the best toolboxes that has huge capacity is Milwaukee Tool's Packout Rolling Tool Box.

4. Drawers and dividers

A toolbox with drawers and dividers is ideal for those who like a lot of organization, one that can be mentioned is KETER Resin Cantilever Tool Box. Many plastic versions have interchangeable compartments with snap-on lids to keep small parts, objects, fasteners, and hardware safe. Removable trays in some toolboxes help arrange small tools wisely and leave room for bigger tools like hammers and saws in the bottom.

5. Portability

Small and medium tool boxes often have handles for easy bring along like Torin 19-inch Hip Roof Style Tool Box. However, some others may be very large, and if they may be transported, the weight needs to be distributed through several toolboxes to allow transportation. Consider a friend who is trapped on a maintenance job and requires the tool you have, but your toolbox is too bulky to carry or move, so portability must be weighed before buying a toolbox. Commonly, heavy large toolboxes often come with wheels for easy carrying.

1. What is the best way to organize a toolbox?

For portable tool boxes, there is no "one-size-fits-all" organizing rule. The specifications are determined by your tools, toolbox features, and personal interests. However, following the simple instructions below will help you organize a toolbox where you can find what you need when you need it.

• Prepare the tools you want to store, get rid of broken, no-longer-used, and duplicate ones. Then, clean your needed tools.

• Order the rest of your tools by specific types.

• Organize small tools like nails, screws, and bolts in different small compartments.

• Heavier tools should be placed at the bottom, avoid put them on the top of lighter tools.

2. What is the weight of mobile toolboxes?

Portable toolboxes come with a wide variety of weights. Lightweight plastic tool boxes often weigh less than 3 pounds, large metal ones weigh more than 40 pounds, and there are various boxes' weights available in between. Small and plain boxes often weigh less than 5 pounds, while big boxes for heavy-duty staff commonly weigh about 10-20 pounds. Toolboxes with wheels weigh something between 30-40 pounds or more.

3. How to clean a toolbox?

Grease, dust, and grit are all common culprits in toolboxes. Clean out your toolbox as needed to keep it in good shape and condition.

• Take it out of the package and clean away any dust or grime with a rag.

• Use a damp rag with a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap to wipe down the outside of the box. To extract some grease or dried grime, use a little extra force.

• A second phase is needed to remove stubborn paint, grease, or other grime. If the toolbox is made of metal, a rag soaked in paint thinner would normally suffice. To clean a plastic box, use white vinegar.

• After giving your toolbox a final wipedown with a clean, dry cloth, you're able to reassemble your equipment.

4. How long do toolboxes last?

Toolboxes can last for many years if you treat them properly or simply get the right one. To guarantee the durability of toolboxes, you need to have a good understanding of how high the box will lift.

As a general rule, let's choose boxes made of waterproof and scratch-proof materials. Indeed, keep in mind that the package needs to be fully weatherproof. This helps to ensure that you can carry the box to virtually every work environment.

5. What if I don't have any compartments in my toolbox?

You can still buy a tool organizing kit separately if your toolbox doesn't come with one. You can purchase personal tool organizers, such as wrenches and pliers, or common plastic organizers that can be used for a range of objects.

There is always a toolbox that is ideally tailored for a person's work, regardless of the kind of job they have. The best toolboxes will not only help you to store your tools but allow you to organize them in a genius way.

Below are some of the best toolboxes for you to choose from, depending on your favor:

• Best overall: DEWALT TSTAK Tool Storage Organizer is one of the best toolboxes on the market. This product holds larger items, including some power tools, in a deep central storage bin, while small pieces are stored in a segmented top tray. Rust-resistant metal latches and a long, easy-to-carry handle are included as extra features.

• Best value: Torin 19-inch Hip Roof Style Tool Box from Big Red is worth a look if you're seeking a convenient alternative to storing equipment and components. This steel toolbox has a long-lasting powder coat finish for added toughness. The Torin has a large portable tray for storing smaller hand tools, as well as plenty of room underneath for larger hand tools.

• Best for small equipment: It can be quite a headache to organize small bits and pieces for a DIY project. It's ideal to organize certain tools with the KETER Resin Cantilever Tool Box instead of tossing them in a brown bag. To keep small parts apart and easy to locate, this two-tiered device has 27 removable bins in two different sizes. Moreover, it is a long-lasting resin while this KETER is plastic though.

• Best rolling: Milwaukee Tool's Packout Rolling Tool Box could be the best option for anyone looking for a rolling toolbox. Including an industrial-grade extension handle and 9-inch all-terrain wheels, this rolling model can hold up to 250 pounds of equipment and accessories. It also has metal reinforced locks and corners which help to hold tools safe and stable.

• Best for organizing: The KETER Masterloader Resin Rolling Tool Box is the best for organizing large tools when transporting them from project to project. This heavy-duty resin toolbox has a tool-hauling capability of up to 66 pounds, allowing you to carry and heavy stuff. Weather-resistant polypropylene resin protects all the content in it from the external elements.

With all the information above, we hope you can find the best toolboxes for yourselves without having to go to an offline shop and wasting your time.