Top 10 Best Toolboxes in 2021

When selecting a toolbox, you should consider capacity, materials, and design. Durable toolboxes are always a safe bet, but make sure they fit all your other needs too! Whether you need something lightweight to carry with you or a ton of compartments for organizing, we've got you covered.

It might be confusing to choose a toolbox, whether you're a mechanic or a DIY-er. You never know just how much stuff is going into the storage space, apart from what you already own. Furthermore, you need to consider the material, weight, and capacity of the box and pick out something that can match your needs. 

Surprisingly, there are many types of toolboxes out there on top of the rectangle hand-carry one commonly used by mechanics. You might want to opt for something bulkier or more portable depending on your needs. 

A hand-carry toolbox is the most commonly purchased toolkit in the market. Almost every home has one around because it fits the basic repair tools and can be placed in any area, from closets to the garage. 

Its popularity stems from the fact that you can store your essential tools in the box and bring it with you anywhere. Pick out a hand-carry toolbox with a removable tray so you can keep the smaller items like pencils, screws, and safety glasses organized on top while the larger tools go in the bottom.

Other hand-carry toolkits come with straps and are made of polyester. These tool bags can carry your necessary tools comfortably as you access more dangerous locations, such as climbing a roof where you need to free your hands for better support. 

If you have heavier power tools to store, a rolling toolbox might be the best option. It allows you to keep all your heavy hand tools in one place and transport them around your garage easily. 

These chests are usually larger and consists of tall, upright storage containers with polyurethine wheels at the bottom. Larger tools go in the bottom drawers while smaller ones could be placed at the top storage spaces. 

For projects or job sites that are farther away from your garage or workshop, you might need to upgrade to a truck-mounted toolbox to transport your large tools safely. These types of tool chests are made of steel or other durable metal and can be attached under your truck or placed in the trunk. 

They're weatherproof and can withstand all sorts of impact while keeping your valuable tools safe. By keeping your larger tools in a chest, you also ensure that your vehicle doesn't get damaged by large tools rolling around during transportation. 

Chances are, your tool collection may outgrow your toolbox. Instead of leaving them lying around your work area taking up precious space, you can level up to a stationary tool chest. They have large drawers that you can easily access and even lock for security. 

A tool chest can accommodate tools of all sizes and is considered as the furniture of your workshop or garage. When picking out this item, take into consideration your available space and allow some leeway for the drawers to fully extend or the top cover to flip up.

The main goal of a toolkit is to organize and store your items; therefore, it needs to have enough pockets or compartments to keep things neat. Every DIY-er or mechanic will have more screws, bolts, nuts, buttons, and other knickknacks than they can count! With that in mind, look for dividers to separate items. 

It's also advised to gauge if the toolbox will address your requirements based on your profession. If you're someone working with power tools, such as handsaws and drills, then your storage space will need height and width, instead of small compartments. 

Electricians and plumbers, on the other hand, require a toolkit that can categorize their screwdrivers, wrenches, tape, and other small items. 

A workbench hybrid is a relative of the toolbox and a brainchild of modernization. You get a flexible work area plus an easily accessible storage space. 

It's basically a rolling toolbox with a spacious work surface on the top - the perfect option for those who love tinkering. These tool chests can also be wheeled around so you can move them to a better position or location.

Your toolkit should match the needs of your hobby or profession. For example, working in the field or near sources of water requires a toolbox that's weather or waterproof. Tools and toolkits can be pricey, so it's wise to protect them. Let's take a look at the most common materials which most toolboxes are made from. 

This material is super durable, strong, and lightweight - toolboxes made from aluminum do not corrode. The sheets of aluminum are made with a rugged diamond plate pattern to make the item less smooth and slippery. This material performs well and will last for years!

Aluminum toolboxes are commonly used in trucks because they're weatherproof and protect tools from moisture and rust. They're also harder to tamper with, which heightens the security of your belongings. 

Steel is another commonly used metal in making heavy-duty toolboxes. It's actually more durable than aluminum! It can resist dents, scratches and other damages incurred from moving the toolbox around but can be quite heavy. 

Stainless steel is the more expensive version of steel but can be worth your while. It will live a look as good as new even after years of heavy use. It's more resistant to oxidization compared to regular steel and therefore, will never rust or corrode. 

Steel toolboxes are a common sight in residential and commercial garages because of their reliability, durability, and easy maintenance.

Plastic toolboxes will never corrode and are easy to clean, but these are not as durable as the other materials. However, they are light on the pocket and organize items just as well as other types of toolboxes. 

One reason why plastic toolboxes are so popular is that they can be transparent, so you can see the inside of the container and know where your needed tool is at a glance.

Wooden toolboxes are for those who want a more luxurious storage container and don't have to use it in rough environments. They're used for purposes like storing artisan pens, pencils, watches, or precision tools that require extra care when handling. The toolbox interior is usually lined with felt for added cushioning.

The chest alone acts as an ornamental piece because it looks timeless and gorgeous. Although they're susceptible to chipping and denting, wood toolkits can last a long time with proper care. 

If you're looking for a simple toolkit and are unsure of which tools you need, try a generic kit with the tools already included. It could be your mechanical first-aid kit to have on standby for simple house repairs! This can also be a great choice for new homeowners. 

For those more acquainted with different drive sockets and love to fix every wobbly part of the house, there are toolsets that hold hundreds of pieces to satisfy your repair urges. Plus, buying one of these kits helps you keep track of what tools you have! 

Quality tools come with a hefty price tag but will last a lifetime. To ensure the safety of your valuables, you can take a quick look to see if a toolbox has clasps that shut tight or can be used with a padlock for added security. 

For safety reasons, also consider a toolbox with drawers or compartments that fit snugly in place to avoid accidents. You don't want to splatter tiny bolts all over the car when transporting your tools!  The compartments need to be secure and properly divided so those small items won't get mixed up when shaken.

Since we're on the topic of arranging and sorting out our stuff, here are a few more suggestions for other items that tend to scatter all over the place. Keep your things neat and tidy with these organizers!

Choosing the ideal toolbox largely depends on the materials, capacity, and function. Some people need something incredibly durable, while others are looking for a ton of small compartments. In any case, you want a toolkit that will suit whatever projects you typically work on!

Toolbox shopping is always exciting because getting anything neatly stored is an accomplishment that deserves a pat on the back! Hopefully, this guide enlightened you on the various types of toolboxes out there and which one would best suit your needs.

Author: Hana Otsuka

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