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No matter which kind of tools a job calls for, a rolling tool box can make storing and transporting them much more comfortable and efficient. Rolling tool boxes come with drawers and bins that allow you to stow tools in an organized manner and keep them within easy reach. After testing nine rolling tool boxes for garage and outdoor use, our favorite was the Craftsman 5-drawer tool chest. It solved one of our most pressing needs by providing a home for hundreds of sockets, bits, screwdrivers, and other small hand tools, with easy mobility around the shop. We also found excellent mobile tool storage options for backyard building projects and jobs that require more remote work.
The right tool box will depend on the kinds of tools and whether the job will be in the workshop or loaded in the back of a truck. We sought out different solutions for a variety of tool-storage needs. Read on for more details on how these tool boxes performed in testing and why we consider them to be some of the best rolling tool boxes available.
- BEST OVERALL: Craftsman 26-Inch 5-Drawer Tool Chest Combo
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Keter Masterloader Rolling Tool Box
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH SEAT: OEM Tools Workshop Creeper Seat With Built-In Tool Box
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH WORK BENCH: Husky 52-Inch by 25-Inch 9-Drawer Mobile Workbench
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ALL-TERRAIN: Milwaukee Packout 22-Inch Rolling Tool Box Set
↓ Jump to Review - BEST TOOL BOX CART: Performance Tool 2-Shelf Utility Cart With Drawer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MODULAR: DeWalt DWST60436 ToughSystem 2.0 Rolling Tower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR POWER TOOLS: Stanley 23-Inch 50-Gallon Mobile Tool Box
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR MECHANIC TOOLS: Husky 10-Drawer Tool Chest And Cabinet Combo
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 9 |
| Time spent testing | 20 hours |
| Tests performed | 6 |
| Price range | $80 to $700 |
Our Top Picks
Our product reviews team has tested dozens of full-size and portable tool boxes, and this round up features the best of the wheeled variety. To make the cut, these rolling tool boxes had to handle transport and incidental impacts while loaded with hundreds of pounds of tools. If you’re looking for a mobile tool storage solution, one of these models could be a great option.
Best Overall
Craftsman 26-Inch 5-Drawer Tool Chest Combo
What We Like
- Storage for large and small tools
- Upper tool chest can be locked
- Convenient size for home garage or workshop
- 300-pound storage rating
What We Don’t Like
- Painted steel is subject to impact and scratch damage
Specs
- Type Multi-drawer stacking tool chest
- Dimensions 26.5 inches long by 14 inches wide by 44 inches high
- Compartments 7
Our Ratings: Assembly 4/5; Build Quality 4.5/5; Organization 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 5/5
A good tool box with drawers should be durable and offer adequate space for essential tools in an organized and accessible fashion. This Craftsman tool chest features five drawers, a lockable top compartment, and a lower cabinet for larger equipment. It’s made of lightweight but strong 20-gauge steel, holds up to 300 pounds of tools and equipment, and rolls on sturdy 3-inch casters.
The upper tool chest includes the hinged-lid upper compartment, two shallow drawers (2 inches deep by 19.5 inches wide), and one deep drawer (4 inches deep by 19.5 inches wide). It gave us plenty of space to store drill bits, sockets, and pliers, along with assorted smaller tools.
The lower portion of the rolling tool box features two deep drawers (4 inches deep by 23 inches wide), and a cabinet (14 inches deep by 23 inches wide). We used the top drawer for longer wrenches, pry bars, snips, flashlights, and multimeters, and put oil change supplies in the cabinet.
At first glance, the Craftsman rolling tool chest seemed small, but we were surprised by how much it ultimately held. We loaded it with a 160-piece socket set, 32 wrenches, 19 pairs of pliers, and 21 screwdrivers, along with a variety of specialty tools and bits. The kit included a roll of non-skid drawer liner that we cut to size for each drawer. It helped to keep the tools in place, but for best results we recommend adding other tool drawer organizers once you’ve determined your tool box layout. This could be an ideal garage tool storage solution.
What our tester says: “There are larger tool chests out there, but I like that this one holds everything I need without taking up too much space. The lower cabinet gives me more space for bulky stuff, which is something that other options do not provide.” —Mark Wolfe, product tester and writer
Get the Craftsman rolling tool box at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware.
Best Bang for the Buck
Keter Masterloader Rolling Tool Box
What We Like
- Easy single-handed opening
- Separate hand tool and parts storage
- Slide-open compartment with wide access
- Budget friendly price
What We Don’t Like
- Light duty telescoping handle
Specs
- Type Portable tool box
- Exterior dimensions 24.3 inches long by 14.9 inches wide by 16.3 inches high
- Compartments 3
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Build Quality 4/5; Organization 4.7/5; Portability 5/5; Value 5/5
When traveling between projects, a well-organized tool box ensures that tools and equipment will arrive the way you packed them. The heavy-duty polyresin Keter Masterloader rolling tool box features three main compartments that hold up to 66 pounds of hand tools, power tools, and other gear. It features a weather resistant body, two 7-inch all terrain wheels, and an extendable handle for easy transport. And it’s priced lower than any of the other rolling tool boxes we tested.
This is a small rolling tool box with a little more than 17 gallons total storage capacity. We really liked the organization and accessibility built into it. The two top storage boxes come with removable tool organizers to keep track of smaller items. One of the top compartments has a clear lid that allows you to see the contents. The top compartments slide out of the way to uncover bulk storage for large tools below.
We were easily able to operate the latch, lids, and sliding compartments with one hand. This box offers plenty of storage and easy access for our normal portable toolbox needs, and we really like the way the smaller compartments are organized to keep small items readily available. The only thing we didn’t like was the sticky movement of the sliding handle, which could use some improvement.
Get the Keter tool box at Amazon or Menards.
Best With Seat
OEMTools Workshop Creeper Seat With Built-In Tool Box
What We Like
- Padded work seat with tool storage beneath
- Includes drawers, shelf, and can/cup holder
- Sturdy powder-coated steel
- 280-pound weight capacity
What We Don’t Like
- Seat height was a little too low
Specs
- Type Shop stool with tool storage
- Exterior dimensions 14.9 inches long by 14.9 inches wide by 16.9 inches high
- Compartments 3
Our Ratings: Assembly 4/5; Build Quality 5/5; Organization 5/5; Portability 4.7/5; Value 4.7/5
The OEMTools Workshop Creeper Seat can make tough chores more comfortable, whether that’s 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. They were just the right size to hold a couple of screwdrivers, a handful of sockets, a utility knife, pliers, and electrical tape while we were tuning up a lawn mower. The cup/can holder bracket came in handy for keeping spray lubricant at the ready, and we used the lower shelf to hold replacement parts while we worked.
The seat height was a little lower than ideal, but the 2-inch padding stayed comfortable for an hour or two at a time. The swivel casters rolled easily over smooth concrete but came to an immediate stop if they encountered a stray nut or small gravel on the floor. And when we were finished working, this shop stool fit perfectly under our work bench for storage.
Get the OEMTools rolling seat with tool box at Walmart, Summit Racing, Jegs, or AutoZone.
Best With Work Bench
Husky 52-Inch by 25-Inch 9-Drawer Mobile Workbench
What We Like
- Sturdy wood workbench top
- Built-in power strip
- Minimal setup required
- Large casters and handle for mobility
What We Don’t Like
- Very heavy for setup
Specs
- Type Workbench with tool storage
- Dimensions 52 inches long by 24.5 inches wide by 37.75 inches high
- Compartments 9
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Build Quality 5/5; Organization 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4.7/5
The 52-inch, nine-drawer Husky mobile workbench is made of 21-gauge steel with a solid wood top and weighs 267 pounds before adding tools. It’s a beast, but worth the minimal setup effort for those who need a movable workstation. Not only does it provide a large, sturdy work surface suitable for layout, cutting, assembly, and other sorts of project work, but it also comes equipped with a built-in power strip with six outlets and two USB-A ports.
Assembly was fast and easy—all we had to do was attach the wheels, handle, and cord keeper. Loading our tools took a bit longer. There was plenty of drawer space for all of our hand tools and assorted accessories, as well as power tools, batteries, and chargers. Although the drawers did not come equipped with dividers or other types of organizers, they did include removable non-skid liners that prevented things from sliding around when the drawers were opened and closed. Once the unit was fully loaded, it probably weighed 1,000 pounds or more. The large casters and heavy-duty handle made it easy enough to roll across the concrete floor, but don’t expect to load it on a truck for remote projects.
Get the Husky 52-inch by 25-inch rolling tool box at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best All-Terrain
Milwaukee Packout 22-Inch Rolling Tool Box Set
What We Like
- Heavy-duty build quality
- Holds up to 250 pounds
- Modular system for different tool combinations
- Hand truck design
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive than other options
Specs
- Type Modular tool box
- Dimensions 22 inches long by 16.5 inches wide by 32.5 inches high (assembled)
- Compartments 3
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Build Quality 5/5; Organization 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.7/5
When it comes to stackable tool boxes for easy transport, it’s hard to beat the Milwaukee Packout system. The kit we tested features a 22-inch-wide main box with large 9-inch all-terrain wheels and a telescoping handle for easy transport, plus medium and small boxes that latch securely in place atop the main box.
Each box features tough latches for the hinged lid, with a metal eyelet for securing tools with a lock. They’re dust- and water-resistant to 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. The large and middle size boxes include removable organizer trays, while the smaller box features a pair of removable compartments. The kit also includes a mooring location for the Milwaukee brand’s Bluetooth tracking device.
We loaded the Milwaukee Packout boxes with our cordless power tools, extra batteries and chargers, and a host of hand tools and fasteners. The three box stack held all the tools we needed to construct a tool shed from scratch, and had plenty of anchor points to secure in the truck on the way to the project. We preferred the structure of these boxes, which was much more convenient, secure, and organized than soft-sided tool bags, and the wheels were a back saver.
What our tester says: “The Milwaukee Packout system made efficient use of space in the truck bed, and the metal corner posts made it easy to strap in. The wheels rolled effortlessly across a gravel patch and shallow roots up to the build site. It has to be one of the easiest ways to tote tools from the truck to the build site.”—Mark Wolfe, product tester and writer
Get the Milwaukee Packout rolling tool box set at The Home Depot.
Best Tool Box Cart
Performance Tool 2-Shelf Utility Cart With Drawer
What We Like
- Lockable tool drawer
- Open storage for large parts and tools
- Large heavy-duty swivel casters
- Sturdy steel construction
What We Don’t Like
- No drawer liner
- Less storage space than other options
Specs
- Type Tool box cart
- 31.6 inches long by 16.25 inches wide by 35.25 inches high 31.6 inches long by 16.25 inches wide by 35.25 inches high
- Compartments 1
Our Ratings: Assembly 4/5; Build Quality 5/5; Organization 4/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.3/5
If you already have a well-organized hand-carry toolbox that works, but need a little more mobility around the garage, this Performance Tool toolbox cart may be the answer. The double-decker cart has a lockable tool drawer and holds up to 350 pounds of parts and tools. For easy mobility, it comes equipped with heavy-duty 4-inch casters, including two locking swivel casters.
This cart requires assembly, which took us about 30 minutes. The 4-inch deep bare drawer would benefit from the addition of a non-skid drawer liner and tool organizers to keep things in order, but neither were included. We placed our own 3-drawer lockable toolbox inside for access to sockets, bits, and screwdrivers, and used the big built-in tool cart drawer for larger pliers, wrenches, and snips.
This service cart was easier to move around the shop than conventional rolling tool chests. It was nice to have the large open shelf on the bottom for bulky, heavy, or messy items, such as our oil drain pan and used filters. Another benefit to the tray-style top and bottom shelves was that they prevented sockets and other small tools and hardware from rolling off.
Get the Performance Tool rolling tool box at Amazon or Advance Auto Parts.
Best Modular
DeWalt DWST60436 ToughSystem 2.0 Rolling Tower
What We Like
- IP65 rated for weather and dust resistance
- Large 8-inch all-terrain wheels
- Snap-in-place connection system
- Extendable transport handle
What We Don’t Like
- Wheels are not solid rubber; may not be ideal for extreme use
Specs
- Type Modular tool box
- Dimensions 20 inches long by 13.5 inches wide by 34.5 inches high (assembled)
- Compartments 3
- Load capacity 250 pounds
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Build Quality 5/5; Organization 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.7/5
This DeWalt Tough System 2.0 modular rolling tool box tower includes large, medium, and small interlocking boxes made of rugged molded plastic. The bottom tool box features an extendable transport handle and 8-inch wheels. It is the largest of the three boxes—we put in two circular saws and a reciprocating saw, and we still had room to spare. All three boxes are 20 inches wide and measure 13.5 inches from front to back. The large base box is 15.5 inches high, while the middle-size box is 12 inches high, and the smallest box is 7 inches high.
Several features make this system one of the best modular options we’ve tested. The interlocking boxes use side latches with an intuitive spring-loaded design. We only needed to stack the boxes to latch them automatically. This made them as secure as a single unit in transport. Then we squeezed the lever while lifting to separate them again. They also carry an IP65 water- and dust-proof rating for harsh jobsite conditions.
We also appreciated the included organizer trays in each of the boxes. The large and medium sizes had lift-out dual compartment trays for midsize tools. The smaller box included a pair of clear-lidded containers to organize hardware, bits, or other small items. This system is rated for 250 pounds of storage capacity.
Get the DeWalt ToughSystem portable tool box at The Home Depot or ToolNut.
Best For Power Tools
Stanley 23-Inch 50-Gallon Mobile Tool Box
What We Like
- Sturdy molded construction
- Large storage capacity
- Weather and impact-resistant
- Also works as a seat or sawhorse
What We Don’t Like
- Hinges and latches are less sturdy than others we’ve tested
Specs
- Type Portable tool box
- Dimensions 37 inches long by 23 inches wide by by 23 inches high
- Compartments 1
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Build Quality 4/5; Organization 4/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.7/5
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 tilt and roll.
We used the Stanley mobile tool box as a work site locker. There was plenty of room inside for us to stow our portable router table along with a circular saw, drill/driver, battery charger, and all of our hand tools. The box itself had thicker walls and was tougher than we had anticipated. The molded 2×4 slots in the lid offered a suitable alternative for a sawhorse, and we used the box as a seat for our coffee breaks. But the lock and hinges were not as heavy duty as some of the other boxes we tested. As far as security, this one will keep honest people honest, but probably won’t stop a criminal.
Get the Stanley rolling tool box at The Home Depot, Walmart,or Global Industrial.
Best for Mechanic Tools
Husky 10-Drawer Tool Chest And Cabinet Combo
What We Like
- Large casters and handle for portability
- Large storage volume
- Soft-close drawers with padded liners
- Sturdy steel construction
What We Don’t Like
- Casters did not lock securely
Specs
- Type Multi-drawer stacking tool chest
- Dimensions 27 inches long by 18.1 inches wide by 58.3 inches high
- Compartments 11
Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Build Quality 4.6/5; Organization 4/5; Portability 4.5/5; Value 5/5
For those with limited garage space but many tools to store, this Husky rolling tool box with drawers may be ideal. Similar in design to our top pick, this one is larger and heavier. It has 10 drawers varying in size to suit different tools, each rated to hold up to 100 pounds, and a total weight capacity of 1,500 pounds. In our tests, we appreciated the soft closing mechanism of the drawers, as well as the included padded liners that were pre-cut and slid in nicely during setup. The entire two-piece tool chest came almost completely assembled, too, which was a plus. We just needed to install the four large caster wheels on the bottom, plus the handle on the side.
For testing, we overloaded the drawers above their rated 100 pounds. Even with very heavy items inside, the drawers seemed to hold up nicely, and we noticed little change to the smooth opening and closing. The bright red coating also makes quite the statement, although shoppers can opt for more subtle blue or glossy gray options, which are almost identical save for one additional drawer.
Our one gripe with the Husky was its hard plastic caster wheels. Even with both brakes applied, they didn’t seem able to fully stop the tool chest from moving when we pulled on it. This tool box on wheels just started sliding across the floor. We would have liked to have seen a hard rubberized wheel with a little more grip.
Get the Husky 10-drawer tool chest at The Home Depot.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Rolling Tool Boxes
We vetted more than 40 rolling tool storage systems for this guide. We gleaned our favorite wheeled tool storage solutions from previously tested guides before scouring the internet for additional options. We tested each rolling tool box according to its weight rating and intended use. For garage tool chests, we considered compact models best suited to home garages. We also sought out portable options for transporting and temporarily storing construction tools. To test them, we loaded them to capacity and rolled them over the most likely terrain—a concrete floor for garage models, or gravel and grass for all-terrain types. After testing, we recorded our observations and scored each model on a rubric before awarding “best” titles.
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 in need of storage. Also take into account whether tools will require built-in electrical outlets and whether a rolling tool storage cabinet 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 benefit from 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 dresser 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 standing tool box might be used to line the walls, with each unit chock-full of the small precision tools a mechanic needs to work on various vehicles. A rolling tool chest with drawers 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 stackable rolling 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 tool chest to keep them secure.
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 during DIY projects who 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 can offer great relief when 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 can be 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 and Construction Quality
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 can withstand the 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.
Quality of construction may look different for the different materials, but certain indicators cut across the spectrum. Whatever the material, the lid should not flex or warp when raised. Hinges and latch hardware should not come out of alignment by simply raising and lowering the lid. Drawers should move smoothly through their full range of motion. High quality models incorporate soft-close drawers and may include padded drawer liners. Rolling boxes meant to be transported across open ground should have thick walls, large, grippy wheels, and a sturdy handle.
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 to 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 tend to incorporate 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, they’re more often crafted of lightweight molded resin. Keep in mind that a tool box’s true portability level will depend on the weight of the tools inside.
Additional Features
Most rolling tool boxes are pretty straightforward, but a few have some particularly 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 needed tools 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 job site.
FAQs
First-time shoppers may still have some questions about rolling tool boxes. Here are a few of the most common questions we’re asked, along with succinct answers.
There are many ways to organize a tool box. While some rolling tool boxes can hold large power tools, many have shallow drawers that work better for organizing small tools and supplies, such as sockets and fasteners.
Some do, but not all. When security is an issue, look for a tool box that allows you to lock it with a padlock.
Usually a spray-on, all-purpose cleaner will work, plus a rag to wipe off grease and gunk. For best results, clean your tools and keep them maintained to prevent the inside of the tool box from getting dirty.
A metal tool box made of powder coated steel is generally best for a garage space. Rolling toolboxes for outdoor use are made of heavy-duty weather- and impact-resistant plastics. A cheap rolling tool box may incorporate less durable material.
These terms may be used interchangeably, but “tool box” often specifically refers to a box with a hinged lid and one or two insert trays, and “tool chest” means a drawer system.
If you are replacing one or more tool boxes with a larger one, one way to choose the correct size is by adding together the total space currently available and buying one slightly larger. A large rolling tool box with increased volume will allow you to incorporate tool organizers, or add a few more tools later on.
If the tool box will be used on a regular basis, store it in a convenient location where it will not be blocked by other items. That could be beneath a work bench or on a shelf. If it’s for storage, a stacking system is often the most convenient and makes the best use of available space.
Meet the Testers
Paul Rankin is a writer and product tester who has been writing for BobVila.com since 2021. He focuses on buyer’s guides for the full range of tools, furniture, DIY supplies, and home and garden products.
Tom Scalisi is a freelance writer specializing in the home design, construction, tools, and automotive industries. As a lover of all things tools, construction, and DIY, he’s always looking for new tools and techniques while also sharing his knowledge with the DIY world.
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications.
Mark Wolfe is a product tester and writer with an extensive background in the nursery and landscaping industry. He kept his tool box well stocked in order to build or repair fences, walls, irrigation systems, and equipment on any given day. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest hand tools, lawn-care products, outdoor power equipment, and other outdoor-living goods.
