Portable tool boxes are incredibly useful for both DIY hobbyists and professionals. These small, mobile storage units offer convenient retrieval and safe keep of your most valued tools, wherever they may be necessary. However, due to the myriad of available options, selecting the perfect model for your unique requirements and tastes can be somewhat daunting. The tool box you select should be robust, roomy, and ideally come with lock mechanisms. A subpar selection can lead to frustration and potentially harm your cherished tools.
The best portable tool chests are designed to endure physical stress and frequent use, with ample room to stow a diverse range of gear. They must come equipped with robust handles, smooth-rolling wheels for easy transport, and a corrosion-resistant finish for added durability. Some chests are also designed with convenience in mind, offering extra features such as tool dividers and lift-out trays to help you efficiently organize and access your equipment.
During your selection process, it’s important to focus on the construction materials. The best tool chests typically consist of cold-rolled steel or heavy-duty plastic for a balance of strength and lightness. They also contain rust- and scratch-resistant finishes, such as powder coating, to further ensure long-lasting durability.
In this piece, we draw upon our extensive firsthand experience and thorough testing of a medley of tool chests to steer you toward the best portable tool chest for your needs. Comprising our detailed analysis, our insights will help you make a sound investment that enhances the safety and accessibility of your tools, whether at home, on the job site, or while on the move.
Best Portable Tool Chest
Choosing the right tool chest is essential for keeping your equipment safe, organized and easily accessible. The tool chest should be sturdy, spacious, and equipped with easily portable wheels. Based on our extensive research and first-hand testing of numerous units, we’ve compiled a list of the best portable tool chests to aid you in your selection process.
GEARWRENCH 3 Drawer Tool Box – 83151
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable tool box, the GEARWRENCH 3 Drawer Tool Box – 83151 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The heavy-duty steel construction of this tool box ensures long-lasting durability.
- The extra-wide tool drawer makes it easy to organize and store your tools.
- The smooth ball-bearing slides allow for effortless opening and closing of the drawers.
Cons
- The screws on the handle may come loose after extended use.
- The box may be a little heavy for some users.
- The price point may be a bit high for some buyers.
We’ve used the GEARWRENCH 3 Drawer Tool Box – 83151 for several months now and we’re very satisfied with its performance. The heavy-duty steel construction of the box ensures that it can withstand the rigors of daily use, and the extra-wide tool drawer makes it easy to organize and store our tools. The smooth ball-bearing slides also make it easy to open and close the drawers, even when we’re wearing gloves.
One potential downside is that the screws on the handle may come loose after extended use, which can be a bit frustrating. Additionally, the box may be a little heavy for some users, especially when it’s fully loaded with tools. Finally, the price point may be a bit high for some buyers, but we believe that the quality and durability of the box make it worth the investment.
Overall, we highly recommend the GEARWRENCH 3 Drawer Tool Box – 83151 to anyone in need of a reliable and durable tool box. It’s a great investment for anyone who wants to keep their tools organized and protected.
BLACK+DECKER Stackable Storage System
This compact and versatile storage system from BLACK+DECKER is perfect for those who want to keep their workspace organized without taking up too much space. The three-piece set includes a small toolbox, a deep toolbox, and a rolling tote, all of which can be stacked for easy storage.
Pros
- The set is perfect for those who want to keep their workspace organized without taking up too much space.
- The small and deep toolboxes are ideal for storing small parts, bolts, screws, and other items.
- The rolling tote is perfect for transporting tools from one location to another.
Cons
- The set may not be suitable for those who need to store larger tools or equipment.
- The small toolbox may not be large enough to store all of your smaller tools and accessories.
- The rolling tote may not be suitable for those who need to transport heavier loads.
The BLACK+DECKER Stackable Storage System is a great choice for those who need a compact and versatile storage solution. The small and deep toolboxes are perfect for storing small parts, bolts, screws, and other items, while the rolling tote is ideal for transporting tools from one location to another. However, those who need to store larger tools or equipment may want to consider a larger storage system, and those who need to transport heavier loads may want to look for a rolling tote with a higher weight capacity.
Portable Tool Box with Wheels – Stackable 2-in-1 Tool Chest with Fold-Down Comfort Handles, Tough Latches, and Removable Storage Trays by Stalwart
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty tool box that’s easy to carry around, the Portable Tool Box with Wheels by Stalwart is a great option.
Pros
- The fold-down comfort grip handles make it easy to transport, even when the tool box is fully loaded.
- The two removable storage trays make it easy to organize your tools and keep everything in its place.
- The built-in wheels make it easy to maneuver, even when you’re in a hurry.
Cons
- The box is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as metal.
- The latches could be more sturdy to ensure maximum security.
- The tool box may not be as waterproof as advertised.
This tool box is perfect for contractors, technicians, and DIYers who need a portable and durable storage solution for their tools. The fold-down comfort grip handles make it easy to transport, even when the tool box is fully loaded. The two removable storage trays make it easy to organize your tools and keep everything in its place. The built-in wheels make it easy to maneuver, even when you’re in a hurry.
The Portable Tool Box with Wheels is also stackable, which means you can save space by stacking multiple boxes on top of each other. The tough latches ensure maximum security, and the removable storage trays make it easy to customize the box to your needs.
While the box is made of plastic, it is still very durable and can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. However, the latches could be more sturdy to ensure maximum security. Additionally, the tool box may not be as waterproof as advertised, so it’s best to avoid getting it wet if possible.
Overall, the Portable Tool Box with Wheels by Stalwart is a great option for anyone in need of a portable and durable storage solution for their tools.
DEWALT TSTAK Tool Box, Extra Large Design, Removable Tray for Easy Access to Tools, Water and Debris Resistant (DWST17806)
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty tool box that can withstand the rigors of a construction site, the DEWALT TSTAK Tool Box is a great option.
Pros
- The extra large design provides ample storage space for all your tools.
- The removable tray allows for easy access to tools and helps keep them organized.
- The water and debris-resistant design ensures that your tools stay protected from the elements.
Cons
- The box is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The latches can be a bit finicky and may require some trial and error to get them to close properly.
- The price point is a bit high, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
This tool box is perfect for contractors and other professionals who need to transport and store their tools in a durable and reliable manner. The extra large design of the box provides ample storage space for all your tools, while the removable tray makes it easy to access and organize your tools.
The water and debris-resistant design of the box ensures that your tools stay protected from the elements, even when you’re working in harsh conditions. However, the box is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the latches can be a bit finicky and may require some trial and error to get them to close properly.
Overall, if you’re in need of a heavy-duty tool box that can withstand the rigors of a construction site, the DEWALT TSTAK Tool Box is definitely worth considering.
BIG RED ANTBD133-XB Torin 20″ Portable 3 Drawer Steel Tool Box with Metal Latch Closure, Red
If you’re looking for a sturdy and durable tool box that can keep your tools organized and protected, the BIG RED ANTBD133-XB Torin 20″ Portable 3 Drawer Steel Tool Box with Metal Latch Closure, Red is a great option.
Pros
- The three drawers provide ample storage space for a variety of tools, and the lockable feature ensures that your tools are secure when you need to leave your workspace.
- The box is made of steel, which makes it very durable and able to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
- The drawers have smooth ball-bearing slides that make it easy to open and close the drawers, even when the box is fully loaded.
Cons
- The box is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around if you need to transport it frequently.
- The handle could be more comfortable to grip, especially if you need to carry the box for an extended period of time.
- The drawers could be a bit deeper, which would make it easier to store longer tools.
We’ve used the BIG RED ANTBD133-XB Torin 20″ Portable 3 Drawer Steel Tool Box with Metal Latch Closure, Red for a few weeks now, and we’re very satisfied with its performance. The three drawers provide plenty of space for our tools, and the lockable feature is a nice touch that gives us peace of mind when we need to leave our workspace.
The steel construction of the box is very sturdy and durable, and we’ve noticed that it has held up well even after daily use. The smooth ball-bearing slides on the drawers make it easy to open and close the box, even when it’s fully loaded.
One thing to keep in mind is that the box is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around if you need to transport it frequently. Additionally, the handle could be more comfortable to grip, especially if you need to carry the box for an extended period of time. Finally, the drawers could be a bit deeper, which would make it easier to store longer tools.
Overall, we would recommend the BIG RED ANTBD133-XB Torin 20″ Portable 3 Drawer Steel Tool Box with Metal Latch Closure, Red to anyone who is looking for a sturdy and durable tool box that can keep their tools organized and protected.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best portable tool chest, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of the tool chest are important considerations. It should be large enough to hold all of your tools, but not so large that it becomes difficult to move around. Consider the size of your tools and the number of items you need to store before making a purchase.
Durability and Material
The durability of the tool chest is also important. Look for a chest made from high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Steel is a popular choice for tool chests, as it is strong and durable.
Portability
As the name suggests, a portable tool chest should be easy to move around. Look for a chest with wheels and a handle for easy transportation. Consider the weight of the chest as well, as a lighter chest will be easier to move around.
Security
Security is another important factor to consider. Look for a chest with a secure locking mechanism to keep your tools safe and secure. Some chests may also come with a key or combination lock for added security.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. For example, some tool chests may come with adjustable shelves or drawers for easy organization. Others may have a built-in power source for charging tools on the go. Think about your specific needs before making a purchase.
By considering these factors, you can find the best portable tool chest to meet your needs.
