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A good tool box organizer makes a huge difference in time and workflow when common tools are frequently being reached for. It allows DIYers or workers to have the right tool where they want it, when they want it. There’s no more hunting through piles of hammers, wrenches, and pliers—now it’s just a question of rapid identification, selection, and getting on with the task at hand.
Any tool box is improved by proper organization, and the best tool box organizers range from low-cost plastic trays to complete modular systems. We’ve investigated what’s available, so whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a pro contractor, we can help you find the right solution for the way you work.
We have also included some carefully selected recommendations for the best tool box organizers on the market right now for a wide variety of needs.
- BEST OVERALL: DeWalt TSTAK IV With Double Shallow Drawers
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: KeFanta 42-Pack Tool Box Organizer
- UPGRADE PICK: Knipex Basic Tool Case
- MOST VERSATILE: Bucket Boss 56 5-Gallon Canvas Tool Holder
- BEST PORTABLE: Craftsman 18-Inch Cantilever Tool Box
- BEST FOR WRENCHES: U.S. General 15-Slot Wrench Organizer
- BEST FOR SOCKETS: B&C Home Goods Socket Organizers
- BEST FOAM: Onreva Tool Box Foam Organizer
- BEST FOR POWER TOOLS: Milwaukee PACKOUT Rolling Tool Box
How We Chose the Best Tool Box Organizers
I am an engineer by trade, and I have always been an enthusiastic DIYer. I also enjoy tinkering with old motorcycles. For this reason, I have several tool boxes, and I like to think they’re pretty well organized. I hate not being able to find the tool I need, especially when I know I have one somewhere.
To supplement my own experience, our team conducted extensive research into the enormous number and wide variety of tool box organizers currently available. We wanted to make sure we had a good understanding of the options, from low-cost organizational trays to high-capacity tool chests.
Our aim was to provide solutions for both homeowners and professionals. Most picks offer great versatility, while some are more specific to a particular type of tool. The key criteria for all of them was durability and value for money.
Our Top Picks
The following list offers a variety of ways to create an organized tool box that will be a pleasure to work with. Each has been categorized to make it easy for buyers to locate the most appropriate solution for their needs.
Best Overall
DeWalt TSTAK IV With Double Shallow Drawers
With such a huge variety of options available, picking a single best tool box organizer is almost impossible. In the end, though, the DeWalt two-drawer TSTAK IV got the nod for its renowned quality, durable construction, versatility, and expandability.
This organizer is made of high-impact polypropylene with a bi-material handle for comfort. Important areas like corners are reinforced with steel to ensure the DeWalt TSTAK IV can stand up to harsh work environments. The two locking drawers run on smooth ball-bearing guides and have dividers for small tools and components. These can be lifted out to allow for storage of larger items.
The weight capacity for the organizer is 16.5 pounds. As part of the DeWalt TSTAK system, this tool box allows DIYers and pros to add additional units as needs change.
Product Specs
- Material: High-impact polypropylene
- Weight: Approximately 9 pounds
- Versatility: Excellent
Pros
- A 2-drawer tool organizer made from impact-resistant polypropylene by a brand renowned for quality
- Drawers have ball-bearing slides for durability and lift-out dividers for flexibility
- Stackable with other DeWalt TSTAK units, allowing tool organization to expand to suit needs
Cons
- Problems are very rare, but a few people have complained of latch breakages
Get the DeWalt tool box organizer at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.
Best Bang for the Buck
KeFanta 42-Pack Tool Box Organizer
Organizing small tools and components can be challenging, and it’s easy for them to end up in a confused jumble. KeFanta’s 42-tray set can be used to create an effective tool drawer organizer for screwdrivers, drill bits, pliers, Allen wrenches, and so on, all for an affordable price tag.
The polypropylene trays come in three sizes, so they are also suitable for nuts and bolts, nails, hardware, and other items that are used often. They are surprisingly tough, and the set can support up to 100 pounds before deforming. The trays also have an antislip design and can hook together, so combinations can be customized to suit tool boxes or drawers.
The KeFanta 42-pack tray set is available in four colors, and it can also be used to organize home supplies or to hold art, craft, and hobby supplies.
Product Specs
- Material: Polypropylene
- Weight: 2.83 pounds
- Versatility: Good
Pros
- A set of 42 tough polypropylene tool trays in 3 different sizes
- Trays have antislip bases and hook together to create customized drawer storage
- Useful for tools, components, and hardware, and also for home office or hobby storage
Cons
- Feedback is generally positive, though a few people found the connector clips awkward
Get the KeFanta tool box organizer at Amazon or Walmart.
Upgrade Pick
Knipex Basic Tool CaseMo
Knipex is a German brand with a reputation for high-quality tools used in construction, plumbing, electrical, automotive, and a host of other industries. The company’s “Basic” tool case is made of heavy-duty ABS strengthened by an aluminum frame, and it comes with metal hinges. Inside are two hard-wearing polypropylene tool boards that can be removed to make access to individual tools easier.
Each board has 21 pockets, providing ample storage space for hand tools of all sizes. The base provides an additional 2 inches of depth with dividers included, though these can be removed to make room for storing and carrying larger tools. There is also a document compartment in the cover. The tool case has two lockable metal clasps and a 3-digit combination lock for added security. The Knipex “Basic” tool case has a weight capacity of 33 pounds (15 kilograms).
Product Specs
- Material: Heavy-duty ABS and polypropylene
- Weight: 9.92 pounds (4,500 grams)
- Versatility: Excellent
Pros
- A tough and versatile tool organizer case from a leading German brand
- Pull-out tool boards have multiple pockets, and beneath them is a divided tray
- Features strong hinges, ergonomic handle, document holder, and combination lock
Cons
- Problems are almost unknown, but it does come with a premium price tag
Get the Knipex tool box organizer at Amazon.
Most Versatile
Bucket Boss 56 5-Gallon Canvas Tool Holder
Strictly speaking, it may not be a tool “box” organizer, but the Bucket Boss is a versatile and affordable tool sorter that will be the ideal solution for many. It is made of hard-wearing 600D poly ripstop (a material that won’t tear if cut or punctured), and it fits snugly over almost any empty 5-gallon bucket.
There are 56 pockets in total in assorted sizes that can hold a vast range of tools and hardware from drill bits and screwdrivers to pliers and wrenches.Three internal loops can hold hammers and power tools, or they can be used to carry the organizer when it’s not sitting over a bucket. Of course, there could very well be space left in the bucket itself for additional items. Like many of the best tool organizers, it has the versatility to adapt to numerous trades and home uses.
Product Specs
- Material: 600D poly ripstop
- Weight: 2.05 pounds
- Versatility: Excellent
Pros
- Made of tough, tear-resistant poly ripstop, with a host of pockets that offer great versatility
- Fits over a 5-gallon bucket, turning an inexpensive tub into a useful tool organizer
- Useful for everyone from DIY enthusiasts to general handypersons, decorators, electricians, and other tradespeople
Cons
- Pockets might not be deep enough for those who use a lot of long tools
Get the Bucket Boss tool box organizer at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Portable
Craftsman 18-Inch Cantilever Tool Box
The Craftsman 18-inch tool box is an example of where we think tool boxes and tool box organizers overlap. Unlike some portable tool boxes that offer a tray but little else to help organize tools, the Craftsman has numerous dividers that can be removed and rearranged to meet individual requirements. The cantilever design opens fully to allow easy access to the two drawers and the spacious lower section.
Additionally, the Craftsman 18-inch tool box is made from structural foam that is strong, durable, and lightweight, so despite its impressive size and capacity it is very portable. It is also water- and dust-resistant to the international IP54 standard. Rust-resistant metal catches ensure it stays firmly shut while being transported.
Product Specs
- Material: Structural foam
- Weight: 8.4 pounds
- Versatility: Good
Pros
- Lightweight but rugged tool box that combines organization with great portability
- Features 2 cantilever trays with removable dividers, plus a lower section for larger tools
- Offers good protection for contents with water and dust resistance to IP54 standard
Cons
- A few buyers have reported problems with hinge or catch breakages
Get the Craftsman tool box organizer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.
Best for Wrenches
U.S. General 15-Slot Wrench Organizer
The U.S. General wrench organizer is a simple idea, but it works well. Each tough plastic rack has space for 15 wrenches from ¼ inch to 1 1/18 inches and 6 millimeters to 20 millimeters. They can easily be arranged by size for fast access, and with two colors of slot racks, identifying SAE or metric wrenches is a breeze. Carry handles are also molded in.
The low-profile design of this wrench organizer will fit most drawers, such as those in rolling tool cabinets favored by mechanics. There are also slots for wall mounting if preferred. The U.S. General wrench organizer has a budget-friendly price tag, and versions for stubby wrenches and sockets also are available.
Product Specs
- Material: Plastic
- Weight: 1.05 pounds
- Versatility: Moderate
Pros
- A pair of organizers for up to 30 wrenches at a budget-friendly price
- 2 colors for quick and easy identification of SAE or metric wrenches
- Low-profile design fits most tool drawers or can be mounted on a wall
Cons
- While most are satisfied with their purchase, a few say their wrenches don’t fit in the slots
Get the U.S. General tool box organizer at Harbor Freight.
Best for Sockets
B&C Home Goods Socket Organizers
Sockets are one of the most frustrating tools to work with if they’re not properly organized because you can pick up a half dozen before finding the right one. The B&C Home Goods socket organizers solve the problem with a collection of six racks that accept sockets with ¼-inch, ⅜-inch, and ½-inch drives.
Made from durable plastic, each stem has a size clearly marked so it’s quick and easy to choose the socket required. Metric organizers are black and SAE are red, further simplifying selection. Tray bases are extra wide to avoid tipping, so you won’t open the tool chest to find sockets rolling around inside.
Product Specs
- Material: Plastic
- Weight: 2.38 pounds
- Versatility: Modest
Pros
- 6-piece set allows for organization of sockets with ¼-inch, ⅜-inch, and ½-inch drives
- Each stem clearly shows size for fast and easy identification of the socket required
- Extra-wide trays prevent tipping
- SAE socket organizers are red, and metric organizers are black
Cons
- Some users found the trays larger than expected, so be sure to check dimensions
Get the B&C Home Goods tool box organizer at Walmart or Target.
Best Foam
Onreva Tool Box Foam Organizer
Using foam is a great way to create your own DIY tool box organizer customized to a tool box or drawers. Foam can be cut to suit all types of tools from sockets, wrenches, and pliers to drills and other power tools. However, it’s important to choose the right type of foam, as some tear easily or wear quickly.
Onreva uses Kaizen foam, which is a laminated, closed-cell polyethylene that is strong, durable, shock absorbing, and vibration damping. It is also easy to cut with a sharp craft knife or box cutter. This organizer set includes three sheets of 18-inch by 12-inch by 2.2-inch foam in a pack. A 1-inch-thick version is also available.
Product Specs
- Material: Kaizen foam
- Weight: 2.14 pounds
- Versatility: Excellent
Pros
- Durable Kaizen foam provides protection and cushioning for all types of tools
- The user only needs to outline and cut the material with a sharp knife to create custom tool box organizers
- Sheets have multiple layers that peel back to facilitate different depths as desired
Cons
- This high-quality foam comes at a relatively high price
Get the Onreva tool box organizer at Amazon.
Best for Power Tools
Milwaukee PACKOUT Rolling Tool Box
Power tools can be bulky, especially when they require a spare battery or two, plus a charger. Therefore, a suitable tool box organizer for them needs to be fairly large. The Milwaukee PACKOUT rolling tool box certainly meets that requirement, and it has many more attractive features too.
The impact-resistant case has metal reinforcement at the corners for jobsite toughness. Carrying capacity is 250 pounds, so it’s certainly strong. The cart has 9-inch all-terrain wheels and an extending handle. There’s a lift-out tray for smaller tools and accessories, and valuable tools are protected by a weatherproof seal rated at IP65.
The Milwaukee rolling tool box also offers outstanding expandability, with a wide range of matching tool boxes and organizers that lock together with this one to form a complete modular storage system.
Product Specs
- Material: Impact-resistant polymer, metal corners
- Weight: 23.4 pounds
- Versatility: Excellent
Pros
- High-capacity storage that will hold power tools, batteries, and a charger
- Impact-resistant box with reinforced corners and IP65-rated weatherproof seal
- Part of the modular PACKOUT range offering expandability and versatility for tools, components, and accessories
Cons
- Faults are almost unheard of; however, the PACKOUT range is quite expensive
Get the Milwaukee tool box organizer at The Home Depot or Acme Tools.
Or, DIY Your Own Tool Box Organizer
If you already own a tool box (or maybe more than one), then one of the easiest ways of making an organizer for it is to use tool box foam. It is available in a variety of thicknesses, and even comes in several different colors. The foam needs to be relatively dense so it will keep its shape, so be wary of cheap alternatives.
The key to success when DIY-ing your own foam tool organizers is planning. For convenience, try to group similar tools together. Lay them out on an ordinary sheet of paper, and see how you can arrange them to make best use of space. Make sure gaps between tools aren’t too small, or the foam might break.
Once you’re happy with the layout, you can trace around the tools and use the traced layout as a template to cut the foam. Don’t forget to include indents for your fingers so that you can lift the tools out. Special heated foam-cutting knives are available, but a craft knife with a sharp blade should be sufficient. Offcuts can also be used as tool box dividers, so almost nothing goes to waste.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Tool Box Organizer
When shoppers are choosing a tool box organizer, a lot will depend on the tools currently owned, but it’s also worth bearing in mind that most tool collections grow. In addition, many organizers are great all-purpose products, but some are specific to a particular hobby or occupation. The following section should help refine the search.
Type
Tool box organizers come in a vast array of styles and sizes. One of the most important issues to consider is the type of tools that will be kept in the organizer. Many organizers have multiple purposes, which most DIYers will find practical. Others are more specific to particular tools.
Organizers that hold wrenches and sockets are usually aimed at home or professional mechanics, for example. Others may be designed to fulfill the needs of plumbers, electricians, roofers, and so on. There are also those that have lots of small compartments for screws, nails, and hardware. Modular systems may combine everything in a stackable set.
Capacity and Portability
Capacity (or size) and portability need to be considered carefully. If the tool storage is fixed (like a cabinet), or doesn’t move far (like a rolling tool box), then capacity can be as great as there is physical space, and trays and foam make it easy to customize how the tools are organized.
If portability is necessary, then compromises on number or size of tools may have to be made. Nevertheless, there is still plenty of versatility available. In addition to the many small and medium-size tool box organizers, there are those that come with their own wheeled carts. Systems from DeVilbiss and Milwaukee, for example, offer high capacity while still retaining reasonable mobility.
It’s also important to consider weight. Something that appears to be portable might not be so easy to move when it is full of tools. Overloading isn’t just awkward; it can lead to injuries.
Material
A variety of materials are used in tool box organizers, and much depends on their purpose. Steel is common and offers strength and durability. However, it is heavy, so it usually is best used for stationary cabinets or rolling tool chests. Aluminum is lighter and corrosion-resistant, though it’s mostly found in truck bed tool boxes.
Plastic, typically polypropylene or polycarbonate, is also popular. It is often lighter than metal alternatives, more easily forms into a variety of shapes, won’t rust, and can have good impact resistance.
Fabrics such as leather, nylon, and polyester are used for flexibility. Strictly speaking, they might not fit in “boxes,” but in buckets, tool bags, and tool belts. They are popular and provide a variety of organization options. Once again, it’s a question of deciding what best suits the tools a DIYer or pro owns and the way they work.
The Advantages of Owning a Tool Box Organizer
Although there are one or two exceptions, most tool box organizers are quite affordable, particularly compared to the price of the tools they contain. However, economy is only one reason to acquire one; here are some others.
- With a tool box organizer, it’s possible to work more efficiently because it’s quick and simple to identify the tool needed. That’s a plus for anyone needing tools, and for pros, the time saved can positively impact earnings.
- When tools are properly organized, it’s often possible to fit more in the same space.
- There’s less chance of expensive tools getting damaged by banging around against each other.
- Users are less likely to scuff knuckles or bruise fingers when searching for a tool that’s buried at the bottom of the tool box if it’s kept in its own place.
FAQs
There’s a lot of specific information about tool box organizers in the article above, and we hope it will have answered most questions. However, there are some questions of a more general nature that we came across during our research, and we have answered those here.
Q. What is the difference between a tool box and a tool chest?
To some extent, the terms “tool box” and “tool chest” are interchangeable. If there’s a difference, then it’s perhaps that a tool chest is often seen as a large container, with perhaps a lift-out tray but little more. As a result, the contents are often something of a jumble. A tool box will frequently be portable, and it may have numerous drawers or dividers to allow for better tool organization.
Q. Are there alternatives to tool organizers?
There are so many choices in our tool organizer picks above that there should be one to suit just about every need. That said, there are lots of tool storage ideas that may be more appropriate to specific needs. Floor-standing cabinets and rolling tool boxes are among the other options worth considering.
Q. Can I store my power tools in a tool organizer?
There are several ways to store power tools in a tool organizer, and much will depend on the size and number of power tools you own. A variety of dividers are available for those who already own a tool box, or foam can be cut to suit. Alternatively, modular systems like the one we feature from Milwaukee can adapt to larger power tool sets.
