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Whether for small automotive-work tools in the garage or larger power tools on a jobsite, a designated durable container to stash and transport these essentials makes accomplishing tasks more comfortable and efficient. Rolling tool boxes come with drawers and bins that allow DIYers and pros to stow tools in an organized manner and keep them within reach, even as they move around.
The best rolling tool box will depend on the kinds of tools folks use and whether they plan to push the tool box around or load it in the back of a truck. Read on to discover some of the best rolling tool boxes available—which we extensively researched and vetted for quality, durability, and design. While the models in our lineup offer different solutions for tool-storage needs, each one is a standout in its category.
- BEST OVERALL: DeWalt TSTAK Extra-Deep Storage Rolling Tool Box
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Stalwart Portable Tool Box With Wheels
- UPGRADE PICK: Husky 52-Inch by 25-Inch 9-Drawer Mobile Workbench
- BEST MODULAR: DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 Mobile Tool Box Set
- BEST STACKABLE: Milwaukee Packout 22-Inch Rolling Tool Box Set
- BEST WITH LOCK: Stanley 23-Inch 50-Gallon Mobile Tool Box
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Milwaukee Packout 22-Inch Modular Rolling Tool Box
- BEST TOOL CHEST: Milwaukee Packout 38-Inch Rolling Modular Tool Chest
- BEST TOOL BOX STOOL: OEMTools Workshop Creeper Seat With Built-In Tool Box
- BEST WITH WORKBENCH: Husky 46-Inch by 24.5-Inch 9-Drawer Mobile Workbench
How We Chose the Best Rolling Tool Boxes
The products selected for this list resulted from extensive product research that involved analyzing design, durability, and usefulness. We considered well-known manufacturers when compiling the list, but we didn’t automatically eliminate smaller or niche manufacturers if their products were designed well and made from high-quality materials.
We looked at more than 30 different rolling tool boxes for this lineup and eventually whittled down the options to those that met our standards. We eliminated tool boxes if they contained substandard materials or were not easy to assemble or use. While the tool boxes on our list vary in how they’re used, we feel we’ve selected some of the best top-performing models available today.
Our Top Picks
To qualify as a top pick, a rolling tool box should have enough space to hold tools, move easily from one location to another, and be durable and long-lasting. The following list has tool boxes for a variety of different applications. At least one is likely to be a terrific asset to any workshop or jobsite.
Best Overall
DeWalt TSTAK Extra-Deep Storage Rolling Tool Box
Pros
- Offers both large and small storage sections to allow for excellent organization
- Rugged molded polyethylene makes it durable enough for jobsite use
- Stackable with additional boxes, allowing users to expand on their storage solution
Cons
- Only stacks with TSTAK models, not with DeWalt ToughSystem boxes
Made from high-quality molded polyethylene and outfitted with removable interior trays for easy access, this is a deep, box-style rolling storage container that holds both large and small items. Stow power tools, batteries, and chargers in the base and organize smaller accessories, such as drill bits, screws, and nuts, in the top compartments.
This DeWalt rolling tool box comes with large 7-inch wheels, making it easy to move over rugged terrain, and it’s stackable. Just add another TSTAK box to the top and lock it in place with the included anti-rust metal side latches. A telescoping handle that lets the user pull the box along without bending is a nice bonus.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 39 inches tall by 17 inches wide by 17½ inches deep
- Wheel size/type: 7 inches in diameter/molded plastic
- Weight: 4.88 pounds
Get the DeWalt TSTAK rolling tool box at Amazon or Grainger.
Best Bang for the Buck
Stalwart Portable Tool Box With Wheels
Pros
- Stores both large and small items; helps keeps hardware and fasteners neatly organized
- See-through compartment lids let users find what they need quickly without opening the lid
- The extendable handle makes transporting this model easier when it’s fully loaded
Cons
- Light-duty tool box; not suitable for contents over 50 pounds
This Stalwart rolling tool box boasts two stackable boxes made from metal and rugged polypropylene, plus a host of handy features, all at a reasonable price. The top box has a comfort-grip fold-down handle, and it comes with two top-access trays with interior compartments for storing small items.
The front of the top box features more compartments in a flip-down tray. Stow larger tools and objects inside the bottom of the top box or in the base box. The back of the unit comes with cable hooks to hold extension cords or tape rolls. The rolling base box has 4.2-inch wheels for easy pulling. Assembled, its dimensions are 24.5 inches tall by 17.5 inches wide by 24.5 inches 10 inches deep.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 24.5 inches tall by 17.5 inches wide by 10 inches deep
- Wheel size/type: 4.2 inches/molded plastic
- Weight: 13.5 pounds
Get the Stalwart rolling tool box at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Upgrade Pick
Husky 52-Inch by 25-Inch 9-Drawer Mobile Workbench
Pros
- Features 9 drawers for storage, including 2 deep bins, 6 shallow drawers, and 1 full-width drawer
- Drawers have ball-bearing, soft-close slides that allow each drawer to hold up to 100 pounds
- Built-in worktop gives the user a surface for working on projects or placing tools not in immediate use
- Features several built-in electrical outlets for device charging or power tool access
Cons
- Considerably heavy when empty; could be difficult to move when it’s fully loaded
Folks with large tool collections who can’t skimp on storage will want to consider the mobile workbench from Husky. This model features nine drawers for storage, including two deep bins, six shallow drawers, and one full-width drawer. All the drawers lock for security, and they all operate on ball-bearing, soft-close slides with 100-pound capacities. There’s also a full-width, full-depth wood top to serve as a work surface.
This model also has an integrated power strip with six outlets and two USB ports, drawer liners, and a set of 5-inch casters for rolling over rougher terrain. The downside to this tool box is its weight of 267 pounds unloaded, so it might be a bit of a bear to move around when it’s fully stocked.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 37.75 inches by tall by 52 inches wide by 24.5 inches deep
- Wheel size/type: 5 inches, material unknown (2 rigid and 2 swivel)
- Weight: 267 pounds
Get the Husky 52-inch by 25-inch rolling tool box at The Home Depot or Amazon.
Best Modular
DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 Mobile Tool Box Set
Pros
- The ToughSystem 2.0 can serve as the foundation for a flexible and customizable storage solution
- Boxes secure to each other to ensure easy maneuverability when transporting
- Users can purchase additional boxes and attach them to this system when storage runs low
Cons
- Heavy boxes stacked too high can wobble a bit during transport
DIYers and pros looking for a rolling tool box that can keep up with their needs will want to give serious consideration to the DeWalt ToughSystem mobile tool box set. This modular tool box system features three tool boxes, including one large chest, one large box, and a smaller tool box to top it off. All of these tool boxes attach to one another with the ToughSystem clips, allowing for easy transport. Overall, the boxes measure 38.30 inches tall, 23.79 inches wide, and 19.89 inches deep, and the bottom chest features 5-inch wheels.
Each box has two-piece metal latches as well as locking points for secure storage that also makes the boxes water- and dust-resistant. The larger boxes feature removable trays, while the smaller box has removable dividers to allow for customizable storage.
This tool box set can serve as a foundation for an adaptable and expandable tool storage system. Users can store their most important tools in the three boxes but also upgrade or expand by purchasing additional boxes. However, these boxes can wobble a bit when stacked too high.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 38.30 inches tall by 23.9 inches wide by 19.89 inches deep
- Wheel size/type: Not specified
- Weight: 42 pounds
Get the Dewalt ToughSystem rolling tool box at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.
Best Stackable
Milwaukee Packout 22-Inch Rolling Tool Box Set
Pros
- Comes with a set of 3 tool boxes that stack on one another and attach for easy transport
- The system features a set of 9-inch tires for plenty of maneuverability
- Rugged construction keeps dust, water, and potential thieves from getting into the box
Cons
- Stacked boxes can get a little wobbly when loaded and stacked high
When it comes to placing multiple tool boxes on top of one another for easy transport, it’s hard to beat the Milwaukee Packout. This model features a 22-inch-wide main box with large 9-inch rugged wheels for easy transporting.
These boxes feature tough latches as well as a metal eyelet for securing tools with a lock. They’re also dust- and water-resistant, helping keep valuable tools from getting damaged by the elements. The boxes are also very durable, featuring metal-reinforced corners and an industrial-grade extension handle. There are removable trays as well, plus a mooring location for the Milwaukee brand’s Bluetooth tracking device. Just keep in mind that like other models, the boxes can get a bit wobbly when stacked too high.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: Varying heights for each box by 22 inches wide by 20 inches deep
- Wheel size/type: 9 inches/all-terrain
- Weight: 23.37 pounds
Get the Milwaukee Packout rolling tool box set at The Home Depot.
Best with Lock
Stanley 23-Inch 50-Gallon Mobile Tool Box
Pros
- Built-in lock allows the user to secure items without a padlock (though provisions for padlock are included)
- Large main storage bin can handle large tools that other rolling chests can’t
- Extendable handle for pulling makes transporting a fully loaded box easier to manage
Cons
- May be difficult to tip up for pulling with heavy items inside
For those who need more secure storage space than a simple latch, consider the Stanley mobile tool box with its 50-gallon internal storage capacity secured by a built-in lock. The Stanley name is highly respected in the tool industry, and the robust design of this rolling tool chest is right in line with the company’s other quality products. The lock allows users to secure items with a key rather than keeping track of an easily lost padlock (though it does have hasps for padlocks on each latch as well).
This Stanley rolling tool box is made from heavy-duty molded polypropylene, and it comes with metal latches and an in-box lock for added security. An extendable handle makes pulling easy, and the handle slides out of the way when not in use. However, this is a tip-up rolling chest, so it’s important to consider the weight of the items within; super-heavy items may make it difficult to tip up and roll.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 23 inches tall by 37 inches wide by 23 inches deep
- Wheel size/type: Not specified
- Weight: 31.75 pounds
Get the Stanley rolling tool box at The Home Depot.
Best Lightweight
Milwaukee Packout 22-Inch Modular Rolling Tool Box
Pros
- Large wheels for maneuverability over rough terrain without tipping or getting stuck
- The reinforced case ensures that tools inside the box are safe and secure
- It weighs less than 24 pounds, making it an excellent blend of size and weight
Cons
- Stackable, but only 1 box is included
Folks with a smaller tool collection to lug around who don’t want to deal with a hefty storage container may want to take a look at this Milwaukee Packout rolling tool box. It weighs less than 24 pounds, has an open storage interior, and features an industrial-grade extending handle for pulling. Should the user’s tool collection grow, this model can be stacked with other matching Milwaukee Packout tool boxes (see our Best Stackable pick, above).
This durable unit features metal-reinforced corners, heavy-duty latches, and corner bars to make lifting it easy. Its oversize 9-inch wheels can easily navigate rough terrain. The Packout rolling tool box measures 25 inches tall by 21 inches wide by 20 inches deep. Interior trays are sold separately.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 25 inches tall by 21 inches wide by 20 inches deep
- Wheel size/type: 9 inches/rubber
- Weight: 23.37 pounds
Get the Milwaukee Packout 22-inch rolling tool box at The Home Depot.
Best Tool Chest
Milwaukee Packout 38-Inch Rolling Modular Tool Chest
Pros
- Long design allows for plenty of interior space for large power tools and other longer items
- Features removable trays and built-in grooves for installing dividers and customizing storage
- Operates with the Packout system; this model actually allows for 2 sets of tool boxes to be attached
- It features rugged construction but still only weighs 32 pounds
Cons
- For the relatively premium price point, we think it should come with dividers
When a small box won’t do the trick, upgrade to a large rolling tool chest like this Milwaukee Packout model. It measures 15.8 inches tall, 38 inches wide, and 24 inches deep, providing lots of space for large power tools and other lengthy tools. It also has built-in grooves that DIYers and pros can use to install barriers (sold separately) to keep items in place for maximum organization, as well as a removable storage tray.
This model uses the brand’s Packout attachment system to allow users to stack two sets of tool boxes on this model’s lid. It has a 250-pound capacity and rugged 9-inch wheels, along with an industrial-grade handle and resistance to dust and water. The heavy-duty molded handle serves as both a lifting point and a leg, allowing users to stand this box up when needed. Yet with all that burliness, the box only weighs 32 pounds. The main downside is that the tool chest has no dividers, despite being a relatively expensive model.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 15.8 inches tall by 38 inches wide by 24 inches deep
- Wheel size/type: 9 inches/molded plastic
- Weight: 32 pounds
Get the Milwaukee Packout 38-inch rolling tool box at The Home Depot or Amazon.
Best Tool Box Stool
OEMTools Workshop Creeper Seat With Built-In Tool Box
Pros
- Padded seat for comfort while working; reduces the need to bend over
- Handy pull-out drawers for easy tool access while working on a vehicle or other project
- Rolls in any direction on caster wheels, allowing users to grab items behind them or across the room without standing up
Cons
- Not suitable for large-tool storage due to limited space underneath
The OEMTools Workshop Creeper Seat can make tough chores more comfortable, whether changing a tire, assembling a cabinet on the floor, or undertaking any other activity that might lead to one heck of a backache, like kneeling on concrete or constantly bending over. This well-designed rolling work seat features pull-out, under-seat trays to hold tools during the work process.
The tool drawers are rated to hold up to 30 pounds each, with easy foot-controlled guidance of the swivel casters. The seat is padded with 2 inches of vinyl foam that will keep the user’s rear end comfy for hours. The rolling work stool measures 16.9 inches high and 14.9 inches in both width and depth.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 16.9 inches tall by 14.9 inches wide by 14.9 inches deep
- Wheel size/type: 2-inch caster wheels/metal
- Weight: 17.6 pounds
Get the OEMTools rolling seat with tool box at Amazon, Sears, or AutoZone.
Best With Workbench
Husky 46-Inch by 24.5-Inch 9-Drawer Mobile Workbench
Pros
- Offers storage for large and small items in the multiple drawers with 100-pound capacities
- Heavy-duty caster wheels should last for a long time and make rolling a bit easier
- Powder-coated steel to resist rusting, ensuring this box is able to last for many years
Cons
- At 220+ pounds, it’s too heavy to lift and transport in a truck bed
Use the surface of the Husky 46-inch tool chest as a workbench for holding tools, paint, brushes, or whatever else is necessary to complete a project. This mobile work center features nine pull-out drawers, each with a 100-pound weight rating and ball-bearing slides to keep the drawers from sticking.
Two reinforced-steel tool drawers at the bottom of the cart corral larger items, such as power tools, while the upper drawers offer ample room to sort and store wrenches, sockets, and more. The Husky rolling cart is made from high-quality powder-coated steel that is rust- and corrosion- resistant, and it comes with heavy-duty swivel caster wheels for easy rolling. The unit measures 37.1 inches tall by 46 inches wide by 24 inches deep.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 37.1 inches tall by 46 inches wide by 24 inches deep
- Wheel size/type: 5-inch by 2-inch caster wheels/steel
- Weight: 220.7 pounds
Get the Husky 46-inch by 24.5-inch rolling tool box at The Home Depot or Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Rolling Tool Box
To determine which mobile tool box is the best choice, consider the number, weight, and type of tools to be stored. Also take into account whether tools will require built-in electrical outlets, and whether a rolling tool storage box that locks is necessary.
Types of Rolling Tool Boxes
Rolling tool boxes come in various designs based on the types of tools stored inside them and the kinds of projects for which they are used. The following types of rolling tool boxes all store tools and can be moved with ease, but each offers different features that will suit some projects better than others. For some, a small rolling tool box is all that’s needed, while others will appreciate larger storage capacities.
Rolling Tool Cart/Trolley
Much like a rolling kitchen cart, a rolling tool cart or “trolley” has a tabletop work surface that can hold small items, such as nuts, bolts, and spark plugs, and also additional storage below the work surface.
The storage space below a tool cart may be configured with multiple pull-out drawers or a combination of drawers and bins. It may also include shelving. A trolley-type cart can move to a designated spot for tool storage or hold all the tools necessary for a specific project—say, detailing a car—and then the user can pull it out to the driveway to keep everything within reach.
Rolling Tool Chest
A rolling tool chest is essentially a large tool box on wheels with multiple drawers that resembles a chest of drawers frequently found in a bedroom. This type of portable tool storage often appears in mechanics’ garages and typically features shallow drawers just deep enough to hold sockets and wrenches, as well as 4- or 5-inch wheels designed to roll across a smooth garage floor.
In an automotive garage, this type of mobile tool storage chest might line the walls, with each unit chock full of the small precision tools a mechanic needs to work on various vehicles. It can also come in handy in a woodworker’s workshop. The shallow drawers are ideal for storing fasteners, bits, and other small supplies that can be difficult to find if they’re dumped in a box or tool bag.
Rolling, Stackable Tool Box
A rolling, stackable tool box is a flexible tool storage option. These boxes have built-in wheels and handles that make them easy to roll, and they generally have large tool chests or bins instead of drawers. These chests serve as the foundation for adding additional storage boxes, which users can clip to the chest for secure storage.
These options are modular, so users can keep adding boxes as long as they can handle the weight and mobility. They can be a huge benefit to folks with multiple power tools on DIY projects that prefer to keep them in separate boxes along with their accessories, as well as those who use a lot of hardware and would like their nuts and bolts organized securely.
Rolling Tool Box Stool
A rolling tool box with a stool is just the ticket for working on projects that require the user to bend down regularly, such as performing detail work on the exterior of a car or bathing the family dog outdoors.
The stool’s storage can be as simple as a single shelf above the wheelbase, where it can hold a couple of hand tools, or a series of drawers and bins for storing more items. Having a stool for both sitting and stashing tools underneath is just as convenient as wearing a tool belt—and even more comfortable for the user’s back.
Rolling Tool Box With Workbench
Similar to a rolling tool box trolley or cart, a tool cabinet with a workbench provides the user with an additional work surface that can hold cans of paint, brushes, or other tools and accessories. The tops on these storage cabinets are usually made of a durable material, such as wood, that will withstand scratches and gouges.
Material
To protect expensive tools from dust, water, and the elements, many rolling tool boxes are made from heavy-gauge steel with a powder-coated finish designed to prevent rusting and corrosion. However, while steel tool boxes are moisture-resistant, they’re not waterproof, so they should be stored inside a garage or workshop when not in use. Some may even feature stainless steel components, but rarely are these boxes completely sealed from the elements.
Another popular material for rolling tool boxes is heavy molded resin, which withstands being caught in an occasional shower. Remember, if the tool box does not say it’s waterproof, rain or water from a lawn sprinkler could seep into drawers or cabinet doors, causing rust on the tools inside.
Size and Shape
A square or oblong box shape is the most common design for rolling tool boxes. There are a few round ones, but these are typically tool boxes with built-in stools. A unit with straight sides offers the most efficient use of tool storage and organization because it can be pushed against a garage wall. Rolling tool boxes are usually between 2 and 8 feet wide, and they can be just as narrow or tall. Most models are relatively shallow in depth so as not to take up too much room along the garage wall.
Storage Capacity
Consider the number and type of tools that require storage when choosing a rolling tool box. To stow hefty power tools—such as cordless drills, routers, and jigsaws—a tool box that has either large bins or shelves sturdy enough to hold them is best. For those who will be working on cars, the best garage tool organization and storage might be a box with small upper drawers for sockets and a couple of deeper drawers at the bottom for larger tools.
Tool Security
Tools are expensive, and keeping them safe from thieves (not to mention away from curious children) may require locking the tool box. Some models feature individual locking doors, while others come with a bar-type lock that extends across all the doors. When security is an issue, it’s also a good idea to use a cable to secure the box to a permanent object, such as a lag bolt inserted into the concrete floor of a garage or workshop. But remember, locking tool boxes are not safes; they are designed to reduce the risk of theft, not be impenetrable.
Maneuverability
Metal mechanic tool boxes often come with small casters that enable the user to push the tool box over paved concrete. To move the box over different terrains, such as across the yard to a patio, look for larger wheels that will roll over turf or gravel without bogging down. Some jobsite rolling tool boxes have two large wheels along with a handle, enabling the user to tip the whole unit, like a hand truck, and pull it across uneven ground.
Portability
Portable rolling tool boxes are actually sets of two or three tool boxes that fit together, one on top of another, and roll across the ground. They’re called “portable” because the boxes can be separated, carried, and loaded onto a truck. These boxes typically weigh less than 25 pounds when empty and often come with collapsible handles. Though some portable rolling tool boxes are made of metal, more often they’re crafted of lightweight molded resin. Keep in mind that a tool box’s true portability factor will depend on the weight of the tools inside.
Additional Features
Most rolling tool boxes are pretty straightforward, but a few have useful bells and whistles.
- Electrical outlets: Look for these on workbench- or trolley-type rolling tool boxes. They allow the user to plug in electrical tools right at the cabinet. They require plugging a heavy-duty 12- or 14-gauge extension cord into the back of the cabinet and running it to an electrical outlet.
- USB charging port: This feature usually comes as an added option on tool boxes with electrical outlets, allowing the user to charge a cell phone while working.
- In–drawer compartments: These are handy for keeping small items, such as different sizes of fasteners, separate and organized.
The Advantages of Owning a Rolling Tool Box
Keeping the tools you need within reach makes any project go quicker. Rather than having to maneuver repeatedly between a tool chest and a project, a rolling tool box lets you bring the tools right to where you’re working.
- With a rolling tool box you can organize the types of tools you’ll need, such as sockets and wrenches for automotive work, and keep them within arm’s reach.
- When you want to rearrange your work space, you can move a rolling tool box anywhere you want in the garage.
- Some rolling tool boxes are also portable, which means you can stuff them full of tools and then transport everything to a different jobsite.
FAQs
First-time shoppers may still have some questions about rolling tool boxes. Here are a few of the most common, along with their succinct answers.
Q. What can I store in a rolling tool box?
Any tools that will fit in the drawers, bins, or cubbies. While some rolling tool boxes will hold large power tools, many have shallow drawers that work well for organizing small tools and supplies, such as sockets and fasteners.
Q. Does a rolling tool box have a lock?
Some do, but not all. When security is an issue, look for a tool box that allows you to lock it with a padlock.
Q. How do I clean a tool box?
Usually a spray-on, all-purpose cleaner will work, plus a rag to wipe off grease and gunk. For best results, also clean your tools and keep them maintained to prevent the inside of the tool box from getting dirty.
