Tool chests for machinists are indispensable in any workshop or mechanical area, serving as storage and organization units for multiple tools. Built to endure the rough environment of a workplace, these tool chests are optimal for both professional machinists and hobbyists. But, selecting the suitable tool chest is crucial to fully benefit from its use.
The best machinist tool chest should be durable, spacious, and offer superb organization. It must be constructed from high-quality materials, have a robust locking system, and include multiple drawers for convenient storage. The use of a tool chest that does not meet these requirements can lead to a disorganised workspace, premature wear and tear of your tools and more seriously, work-related injuries.
When selecting a tool chest, it’s vital to consider its construction material, size, storage capacity, and mobility features. A suitable tool chest should be constructed of robust materials like steel, have ample space to store all your equipment and also be mobile for easy transfer between workstations.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best machinist tool chest. We have meticulously researched, tested, and evaluated numerous tool chests to identify the ones that offer optimal storage, durability, and ease of use. By the end of this article, you will possess all the vital information necessary to select a machinist tool chest that best suits your needs, making your workdays easier and more organized.
Best Machinist Tool Chest
Selecting the right machinist tool chest is vital for both the safety and efficiency of your workspace. The tool chest should be durable, designed with a range of storage options, and offer easy mobility. As there is a vast range of options available, it can be quite challenging to select the one that perfectly matches your requirements. We have therefore compiled a list of the best machinist tool chests in this article to help streamline your decision-making process and ensure the ideal selection.
Kennedy Manufacturing 520B 7-Drawer Machinist’s Chest with Friction Slides, Brown Wrinkle
If you’re looking for a durable and reliable tool chest, the Kennedy Manufacturing 520B 7-Drawer Machinist’s Chest with Friction Slides, Brown Wrinkle is a great option.
Pros
- The powder-coated steel construction of this tool chest makes it sturdy and long-lasting.
- The heavy-duty ball-bearing slides with a 150-pound capacity allow for smooth and easy opening and closing of the drawers.
- The integrated design of the tool chest allows all of the drawers to be removed for full access to the cabinet’s contents.
Cons
- The assembly process can be time-consuming and requires careful attention to detail.
- The drawers may not glide smoothly if the slides are not lubricated regularly.
- The tool chest is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around.
We’ve used the Kennedy Manufacturing 520B 7-Drawer Machinist’s Chest with Friction Slides, Brown Wrinkle for several months and have found it to be a reliable and functional tool chest. The powder-coated steel construction of the chest is sturdy and long-lasting, and the heavy-duty ball-bearing slides make it easy to open and close the drawers.
One thing to keep in mind is that the assembly process can be time-consuming and requires careful attention to detail. However, the end result is a well-built tool chest that will serve you well for years to come.
In terms of cons, the drawers may not glide smoothly if the slides are not lubricated regularly, and the tool chest is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around. However, these are minor drawbacks considering the overall quality of the product.
Overall, we highly recommend the Kennedy Manufacturing 520B 7-Drawer Machinist’s Chest with Friction Slides, Brown Wrinkle to anyone in need of a durable and reliable tool chest.
Eight Drawer Wood Tool Chest
If you’re looking for a sturdy and durable tool chest, the Eight Drawer Wood Tool Chest by Husky is a great option.
Pros
- The chest is made of high-quality wood and is built to last.
- The metal-to-metal drawers with full extension slides make it easy to access your tools.
- The double lock system ensures that your tools are secure and safe from theft.
Cons
- The chest is quite heavy, weighing in at 60 pounds.
- Some users have reported issues with the drawers not fitting properly.
- The chest may not be suitable for those with limited storage space.
The Eight Drawer Wood Tool Chest is a great investment for anyone looking for a high-quality tool chest. The chest is made of solid wood and is built to last, making it a great addition to any garage or workspace. The metal-to-metal drawers with full extension slides make it easy to access your tools, while the double lock system ensures that your tools are secure and safe from theft.
One potential downside of the chest is its weight, which may make it difficult to move around. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the drawers not fitting properly, which could be a frustration for some users. Finally, the chest may not be suitable for those with limited storage space, as it is quite large.
Overall, the Eight Drawer Wood Tool Chest is a great investment for anyone looking for a high-quality and durable tool chest.
Machinist Eight (8) Drawer Hardwood Toolbox Lockable Chest Secure Portable Box with Walnut Finish 6x20x 5 58, Clear
If you’re looking for a durable and secure tool box, the Machinist Eight (8) Drawer Hardwood Toolbox Lockable Chest Secure Portable Box with Walnut Finish 6x20x 5 58, Clear is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The double-locking system ensures maximum security for your tools.
- The sturdy construction of the box provides long-lasting durability.
- The high-quality hardware and smooth-rolling drawers make it easy to use.
Cons
- The price of the tool box is on the higher side.
- The weight of the box is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around.
- The tool box may take up more space than expected due to its size.
The Machinist Eight (8) Drawer Hardwood Toolbox Lockable Chest Secure Portable Box with Walnut Finish 6x20x 5 58, Clear is a great investment for anyone who needs a secure and durable tool box. The double-locking system provides maximum security for your tools, while the sturdy construction of the box ensures long-lasting durability. The high-quality hardware and smooth-rolling drawers make it easy to use, even in tight spaces.
The only downside to this tool box is its price, which may be higher than some other options on the market. Additionally, the weight of the box may make it difficult to move around, and its size may take up more space than expected. However, the benefits of the Machinist Eight (8) Drawer Hardwood Toolbox Lockable Chest Secure Portable Box with Walnut Finish 6x20x 5 58, Clear far outweigh any potential drawbacks.
Small Wooden Drawers Rustic Desk Organizers and Accessories Wooden Storage Box with Drawers Desktop Storage Library Card Catalog Cabinet School Supply Storage Apothecary Cabinet(BROWN 5)
If you’re looking for a rustic and sturdy wooden desk organizer, the Small Wooden Drawers Rustic Desk Organizers and Accessories Wooden Storage Box with Drawers Desktop Storage Library Card Catalog Cabinet School Supply Storage Apothecary Cabinet(BROWN 5) might be a good choice for you.
Pros
- The desk organizer is made of solid wood, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
- The set of drawers and cabinets is designed to be multifunctional, so you can use it for school, office, and home purposes.
- The organizer has a vintage look, which makes it stylish and adds a cozy touch to your space.
Cons
- The desk organizer is handmade, which means that the size, weight, and color might vary slightly.
- The product is made of natural wood, which means that it might have some cracks or knots.
- The product might have a slight smell of wood when you first receive it.
We’ve used the Small Wooden Drawers Rustic Desk Organizers and Accessories Wooden Storage Box with Drawers Desktop Storage Library Card Catalog Cabinet School Supply Storage Apothecary Cabinet(BROWN 5) for a few weeks, and we’re satisfied with its performance. The organizer is made of solid wood, which makes it sturdy and durable. The set of drawers and cabinets is designed to be multifunctional, so you can use it for school, office, and home purposes. The organizer has a vintage look, which makes it stylish and adds a cozy touch to your space.
The only downside of the product is that it’s handmade, which means that the size, weight, and color might vary slightly. Also, the product is made of natural wood, which means that it might have some cracks or knots. Finally, the product might have a slight smell of wood when you first receive it.
Overall, if you’re looking for a rustic and sturdy wooden desk organizer, the Small Wooden Drawers Rustic Desk Organizers and Accessories Wooden Storage Box with Drawers Desktop Storage Library Card Catalog Cabinet School Supply Storage Apothecary Cabinet(BROWN 5) is a good choice. It’s well-made, multifunctional, and stylish, which makes it a great addition to any workspace.
8 Drawer Wood Tool Chest Special by Windsor Design
If you’re looking for a durable and spacious tool chest, the 8 Drawer Wood Tool Chest Special by Windsor Design is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The 8 Drawer Wood Tool Chest Special is built with sturdy solid pine wood, which is stronger and more durable than other woods.
- It features 8 spacious drawers that provide ample storage space for all your tools and equipment.
- The tool chest is equipped with full extension slides, which allow you to easily pull out the drawers all the way to the end.
Cons
- The tool chest is quite heavy, weighing 67 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- Assembly can be a bit challenging and time-consuming, requiring 2 people and taking around 2-3 hours.
- The drawers don’t have any stops to keep them from being pulled all the way out, which can be a bit frustrating.
The 8 Drawer Wood Tool Chest Special by Windsor Design is a great investment for anyone who needs a reliable and spacious tool chest. The solid pine wood construction ensures that it will last for years to come, while the full extension slides make it easy to access all of your tools and equipment.
The only real downsides to this product are its weight and the somewhat challenging assembly process. However, these are minor quibbles considering the overall quality and functionality of the tool chest.
In summary, if you’re in the market for a high-quality tool chest that will provide you with ample storage space and last for years to come, the 8 Drawer Wood Tool Chest Special by Windsor Design is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best machinist tool chest, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Size and Capacity
One of the most important things to consider is the size and capacity of the tool chest. Machinists need a variety of tools at their disposal, so it’s important to choose a chest that can accommodate all of the necessary items. Consider the size of the tools you need to store, as well as the number of tools you need to keep organized.
Material and Durability
Another important factor to consider is the material and durability of the tool chest. Machinists need a chest that can withstand the rigors of daily use, so it’s important to choose a chest made from high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear. Look for chests made from sturdy materials like steel or aluminum, and consider features like powder-coated finishes that can help protect against rust and corrosion.
Organization and Accessibility
Finally, consider the organization and accessibility features of the tool chest. Machinists need to be able to quickly and easily access the tools they need, so look for chests with features like drawers, trays, and compartments that can help keep tools organized and easily accessible. Additionally, consider features like casters or handles that can make it easier to move the chest around the shop as needed.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best machinist tool chest for your needs and ensure that you have the tools you need to get the job done right.
