We spent hours researching mechanic tool boxes from the top tool brands, evaluating them for storage capacity, durability, versatility, and overall value. Our favorite is the Husky 56-Inch 23-Drawer Combination Rolling Tool Chest, which is made of heavy-duty steel, has loads of storage options, holds up to 3,000 pounds of tools, and includes a work light and power strip. Here are the top mechanic tool boxes. This beast of a tool chest is for those who have large collections of tools, professional shops, or anyone who wants the utmost in storage space, quality, and design for their mechanic tool sets, plus whatever other tools they need to store. The Husky 56-Inch 23-Drawer Combination Rolling Tool Chest consists of two parts: a tool chest with a lift-up lid sitting atop a rolling tool cabinet with 12 drawers, two of which are extra deep for larger power tools. The entire combination set is built of 18-gauge heavy-duty steel with a matte black finish. And the upper tool chest and lower tool cabinet each have their own keyed locks for extra security. All of the drawers have liners to protect your tools, and glide smoothly on soft-close slides. Each drawer is rated for up to 120 pounds capacity, and the capacity of the entire system is a whopping 2,500 pounds. The weight of the product itself is 524 pounds; you’ll appreciate its six 5-inch casters and sturdy handle that make it possible to move the tool chest where you want it. Two of the casters lock to keep the chest in place once positioned. The features of this large tool organizer just keep on coming: It has a 41-inch LED work light inside the lift-up top which is a big help in dim garages. There’s a full-length power strip with eight outlets and two USB ports as well, so you can charge several power tools at the same time, as well as keep your computer, phone, or tablet powered up and ready to go. The overall dimensions of the combination tool chest, not including the casters, are 58.22 inches tall, 56 inches wide, and 22 inches deep. With the upper chest lid fully open, the height is nearly 83 inches. The only assembly required is to attach the handle and casters. Price at time of publish: $1,743 Thanks to the four casters, you can easily move the tool chest right where you need it. A sturdy side handle makes it easy to maneuver. The overall size of the tool chest is 34 inches high by 26.5 inches wide by 18 inches deep. It’s an excellent solution for any DIYer who has a medium-size tool collection that needs organization. Price at time of publish: $249 This steel tool organizer is two parts: an upper tool box with three drawers and a lower tool chest with two drawers and a large cabinet. All of the drawers glide smoothly on ball-bearing slides. Four 3-1/8-inch casters let you move the tool chest easily, but note that it doesn’t have a handle. The top tool box has a lock, but the lower chest does not. The overall dimensions without the wheels are 24.5 inches wide, 39.3 inches tall, and 13 inches deep. The total weight capacity is 110 pounds, and the tool chest itself weighs 68 pounds. Price at time of publish: $250 For extra safety and protection, the Viper Tool Storage is constructed out of stainless steel to resist chemical damage and common scratches. An internal locking system will secure each drawer in case you are worried about tool theft, and the drawers slide smoothly and quietly on ball bearings. The chest is even available in various colors, including purple, lime, and teal. Price at time of publish: $440 Each compartment comes fully stocked with common, everyday tools such as a hammer, hex keys, sockets, bits, and screwdrivers. The tools are made of durable components such as fiberglass, steel, or nickel plating. In total, you get over 400 tools that can handle just about any typical DIY project around the house or in the garage. The box itself measures 19.7 inches wide by 10.6 inches deep by 13.8 inches tall. Price at time of publish: $200 The cart comes with two shelves and a single drawer. To keep it light, the cart uses molded plastic to form a sturdy frame. While it won’t give you much long term storage, the durability and mobility from the casters is perfect when you need a temporary spot for a random object. The cart’s overall dimensions are 39.75 inches long by 17 inches wide by 33.25 inches high. Price at time of publish: $156 This tool box comes with three drawers, plus extra side holders for tools you are using on the fly. Organizing screws, bolts, and nails is easy with two fold-up/fold-down magnetic storage trays. Its total weight capacity is 350 pounds. The chest’s overall dimensions are 14.5 inches long by 18.75 inches wide by 15.75 inches high. Price at time of publish: $132 The cart rolls on four casters and can be locked for security. There are drawer liners and a top pad to keep tools from rolling away or being damaged. A handle lets you push the cart easily. Including the casters, the cart is 33.5 inches tall, 31 inches wide, and 14.6 inches deep. The total weight capacity is 212 pounds. Price at time of publish: $240 A solid steel construction and comfortable-to-grip handle make the box portable enough for easy transport. It has a lock for extra security. The box measures 20 inches wide, 8 inches deep, and 12 inches tall, and has a total weight capacity of 75 pounds. The box itself weighs 20 pounds when empty. Price at time of publish: $62 Also, consider the weight of the tool box. Not just the initial starting weight provided by the manufacturers, but also the final weight after you have filled it with tools. If the tool box is too big, then it will rapidly become too heavy for you to carry or move without relying on a set of wheels on the bottom of the tool box. If portability is important, consider small, compact options or look for a product with reliable casters.
Organizing Options
Just as there’s a wide range in size, there’s also a lot of choices when it comes to the various organizing drawers, slots, and compartments in different models of mechanic tool boxes. The simplest options have little beyond a tray with a few compartments for smaller items, while the largest tool boxes are equipped with multiple drawers, dividers to further organize the drawers, pullout bins, lift-out trays, and even spots on top to hold your laptop, beverage, or notebook. Another consideration when it comes to organizing options is whether the doors, drawers, and trays are lockable. For homes with small kids, it’s advised to invest in a locking tool box to help prevent accidents. Again, the right choice depends on your own preferences and tool collection.
Material
The material used to construct mechanic tool boxes is usually some type of metal, like aluminum or stainless steel, though there are some products that are made of impact-resistant plastic. Heavy-duty tool boxes that you can rely on to safely store your tools are typically made of steel. These boxes weigh a lot but stand up to rigorous conditions in busy garages or worksites. Aluminum mechanic tool boxes are less expensive than stainless steel, but these products are also more vulnerable to scratches and dents. Heavy plastic is fine for a mechanic tool box that isn’t going to be subjected to daily use, but this material doesn’t have the same durability as metal and it could crack or warp in the most severe circumstances.
Why Trust The Spruce?
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.
Adding drawer liners helps keep tools in place, and reduces scratches and wear to your expensive tools.Small-parts organizers are very useful for corralling screws, nails, bolts, and other small items. Separate your tools by function or type. Keep the tools you use the most up front where they are easiest to grab. Less frequently used tools should go towards the back of the drawers. Label all the drawers of the tool box so you can tell what’s inside at a glance. Periodically go through your entire tool collection, and get rid of broken or nonfunctional tools. It’s easier to organize when you only have usable tools to deal with. If you have duplicates of some basic tools, or tools that you rarely use, store them in a separate box. Your mechanic tool box should only hold those tools you use on a regular basis.
Socket setsScrewdriver setsVarious types of pliersHammers, including ball-peen hammerSAE and metric wrenches Impact wrench setDrill/driver set Pry barFlashlight/work lightMultimeterWire stripperAutomotive stethoscopeFunnelFuses
For this roundup, she considered dozens of mechanic tool boxes, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer feedback. Additional research was provided by Timothy Dale, a home improvement expert with more than 10 years of experience who specializes in plumbing, construction, and product recommendations, among other topics. Eamon Lynch, Director of Warranty Service at Power Home Remodeling, also contributed input.
