The Best Tool Chests
The more organized your tools are, the faster you'll work. Indeed, you can save a load of time with a quality tool chest, since you won't have to rummage around for the right socket or drill bit. Tool chests are perfect for something like a garage workstation, where space is at a premium. Have you heard the saying "a clean desk leads to a clear mind"? The same applies to tool chests. Read on and we'll go into some of the top models on the market.
What to Look For
When it comes to finding the best tool chests, there are a few essential qualities we search for: the amount of storage space available, extra features, cost value, and durability. For maximum capacity, we recommend Goplus’ rolling tool chest. With six drawers and a large open space underneath, it provides plenty of storage for plenty of tools. On the other hand, if you want something more durable and compact, Big Red’s portable toolbox is the way to go. It’s heavy, but that means it’s sturdy and won’t warp or bend over the years. There are more steller tool chests to discover on our list, so scroll on to learn more.
Goplus 6-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest
A home for your tools
When it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work, you’ll probably want this tool chest to avoid any tool-searching headaches. It has six drawers, and you can lock the top four drawers to keep them from sliding around when you move the chest. Plus, it might keep nosy kids from poking around your tools. And conveniently, the tool chest can be configured with the smaller chest on top or slotted into the bottom opening. Of course, you can always keep them separate if you’d like.
Pros:
- The drawers are well designed, smooth to open, and sturdy. The top chest won’t tip over if you open a couple of drawers.
- The caster wheels glide smoothly and turn easily, making it easy to move this tool chest around. The locking casters stayed locked and don’t loosen over time.
Cons:
- The metal sides can dent fairly easily.
Ergomaster 5-Drawers Rolling Tool Chest Cabinet High Capacity
Do it yourself, but organized
If you’re tired of wondering where your tools are, it’s time to invest in a high-capacity tool chest. This rolling chest from Ergomaster has all the space you could want for most home toolkits. Between the four drawers and shelf on the top chest, the larger two drawers on the bottom half, and the spacious cabinet with storage hooks on the door, you can fit quite a lot of hardware in here. We like that the drawers lock using a simple lever instead of a key. This makes it easy to keep them in place while working or moving the chest.
Pros:
- The wheels use a soft rubber, which provides more grip. When the wheels are locked on a concrete floor, for example, the tool chest won’t slide around that much.
- The top toolbox uses lightweight metal. This makes it easy to move around or use separately if you’d like.
Cons:
- The lightweight design also comes at the cost of durability.
Craftsman Tool Chest Combo with Drawer Liner Roll
Less dents, less damage
Keeping all of your tools in a metal tool chest improves organization, but it can be a bit loud with all the metal tools rattling around. With this Craftsman tool chest combination unit, each drawer includes a liner that softens the sounds considerably. It also protects the bottom of the drawers, increasing its tool chest’s longevity. The bottom cabinet has plenty of space for larger items, and it has a textured rubber liner on top. This keeps the tool chest on top from sliding, and it can also double as a work area.
Pros:
- The lower cabinet is spacious enough for larger tools. Something like a sander and jigsaw fit comfortably inside.
- The drawers use ball bearings for super-smooth action. They glide in and out with minimal effort.
Cons:
- The caster wheels are a bit slippery on smooth surfaces.
Husky Extra Deep Mobile Workbench
All sizes welcome
We love this portable workbench for its smooth, clean design and useful features. It has plenty of drawers in various sizes, so you can store a ton of tools and hardware. The top drawer is extra-wide, which is great to accommodate those weird tools that are too long for regular drawers. The wooden top makes for a great workstation. And there’s even a power strip built right into the unit. Whether you’re an amateur or professional craftsman, this tool chest makes getting work done much easier.
Pros:
- The drawer slides use ball bearings for a smooth opening and closing. They’re rated for a maximum of 100 pounds, so they won’t bend even with heavy tools.
- Liners come included in each drawer. This cuts down on noise from metallic tools sliding around, and it also keeps them from getting scratched up.
Cons:
- The wood surface, while durable and sturdy, can get scratched pretty easily.
Big Red ANTBD133-XB Torin Portable Steel Toolbox
A chest built for travel
For those of us that work on different sites, an immobile tool chest just doesn’t cut it. That’s why we’re excited to recommend the Big Red portable toolbox. Its sturdy construction can handle the wear and tear from constant traveling. The top handle makes it easy to lug around, even when filled with heavy tools (although some shoulder strength will be needed to lift it). It has a drawer locking tab to keep them from opening accidentally. And the latches keep the lid securely in place when carrying.
Pros:
- The top compartment is deep enough to accommodate tools such as drills. It measures about four inches deep, so you can fit quite a lot in there.
- The drawers open smoothly and consistently. They don’t wiggle or rattle, even when loaded with heavy gear.
Cons:
- It weighs 16 pounds when empty and more when loaded up with tools, so some folks might struggle to lift it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tool chests come preassembled?
Due to their size, most tool chests do not come preassembled. However, they are generally designed to be easy to put together. You will probably only require basic tools, which you’ll likely have.
Do I need rubber lining for tool chest drawers?
You don’t strictly need to use rubber linings. These simply make it so that hardware doesn’t roll around. Because of this, there’s less noise and damage to tools, and your tools won’t move around as much.
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