Best Toolbox for the Money [Our Picks]

Let’s face it. At times, shopping for great toolboxes and storage items can feel like you’re wedged between a rock and a hard place. Not only are you spoiled for choice, but it may also seem like you’d have to cough out an exorbitant amount of cash to find worthwhile products. Well, the good news is, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

By knowing how to look, you can sift models that function seamlessly to meet your needs without costing you an arm and a leg. Fortunately, we’ve done the heavy lifting by reviewing the best toolboxes for the money to buy, along with a guide (below) that will permit an informed decision. Read on!

 

1. DEWALT (DWST17814) TSTAK

 

 

Are you on a quest for a sturdy toolbox that comes with sufficient storage to accommodate larger or medium-sized tools and parts? Then your search ends here with the DWST17814 TSTAK. Measuring 17 ¼ “X 12 5/8” X 13 ¼ “, this toolbox is deep with a long handle and a top organizer that safely and neatly stores bits and drills.

The bi-material handle at the top of each unit ushers in comfortable and easy lifting. The metal latches are rust resistant, and taken all together this is a pretty durable toolkit. It also contains units that can easily stack on top of each other linked with long-lasting side latches.

 

 

2. 48-22-8426 Pack-Out

 

 

If you value a wheeled toolbox but also require sufficient storage, then the 48-22-8426 Pack-Out from Milwaukee is right up your alley. With dimensions of 22.1″ X 18.9″ X 25.6″, the extendable handle and wheels of this model give users the power to effortlessly hop small obstacles such as curbs, thus enhancing portability.

The toolbox comes in a bright red, making quite noticeable on your shelf with the other tools.

 

 

3. BW00200320 32-Inch Brown Industrial Steel Toolbox

The brown wrinkle powder coat paint finish makes the 32-inch BW00200320 from Homak aesthetically pleasing. Of course, there’s more to this toolbox than meets the eye. For starters, its rust-resistance nature makes it suitable for those who work and reside in humid or wet regions.

Furthermore, the padlock design, triple-clasp system, and steel tool tray included, to ensure the toolbox’s contents remain neatly and securely in place. The dimensions of 32.13″ X 8.63″ X 9.75″ allow you to carry most medium-sized and smaller tools with no qualms. The 0.8mm metal thickness indicates that the BW00200320 toolbox is as durable as they come.

 

 

4. Stalwart 75-2250

 

 

With two 4.2-inch nylon wheels coupled with a fold-down handle that provides a secure and comfortable grip, the Stalwart 75-2250 heavy-duty rolling toolbox allows you to work on the move. It has 24 small compartments, a deep bottom section, and two removable tool trays that guarantee you have sufficient room for all your supplies and essential tools while you’re out and about.

Designed from durable metal and polypropylene, you can keep your tools safely in place as you make your way through rough construction sites. The Stalwart 75-2250 has cable hooks that are a lifesaver in holding small supplies such as tape rolls. So, entangled or lost extension cords, becomes the least of your worries. And, its overall measurements are 17.5″ X 10″ X 24.5.”

 

 

5. Akro-Mils 14-Inch

 

 

Right off the bat, this toolbox emanates purpose and quality. It measures 14″ X 8.125″ X 8.125″ and is perfect for transporting and storing a vast assortment of supplies ranging from hobby paint, camping utensils, manicure, and pedicure supplies, game pieces, first aid items, table box and fishing accessories, crayons, calligraphy tools, and toys to markers.

Built from industrial-grade plastic with rounded edges that ensure safety, and offering a comfortable handle, the Akro-Mils 14-Inch toolbox delivers unrivaled safety. Moreover, it has a removable top tray and a steel latch with an oversized padlock eye that allows you to lock and unlock the box as you deem fit.

 

 

6. GEARWRENCH 83151

Are you looking for a product with superior durability to plastic? Then the GEARWRENCH 83151 is a great option to consider. The heavy-duty steel construction is the best thing about this steel chest. Moreover, it offers sufficient options for storing and organizing tools with three sliding drawers inside.

The black powder paint job on the exterior of the GEARWRENCH toolbox is industrial and functional. And, for portability, the handle at the top will come in handy.

For enhanced security, you’ll notice a keyed center lock. And, the drawers are all two inches in height on ball-bearing slides. All factors considered, the GEARWRENCH 83151 is an affordable metal toolbox for your garage and provides a barrage of features that you would find in the premium counterparts, making it a value for money option.

 

 

7. Craftsman 3-Drawer Portable Metal Red Toolbox

A myriad of users regards it for its reliable and sturdy construction at a price that won’t make you cringe. Granted, it’s not as big as other counterparts in the market. But it gets the job done. The Craftsman 3-Drawer Portable Toolbox has a lid-activated locking mechanism that’s a beast at safely storing your most frequently used power tools. As a bonus, it’s a toolbox that will look good on your flatbed.

Despite the absence of the ball bearing mechanism found in slide drawers, this Craftsman product slides out remarkably to grant you easy access to its contents, courtesy of ingenious compound action. It has a top tray that is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate your tools without cramping them up.

For security, you can slide a heavy-duty padlock through the toolbox’s hasp-and-staple mechanism. And, the draw-bolt latches upfront. Thus, this makes a worthy ornament to the vibrantly red toolbox.

 

 

8. Stanley 037025H

 

 

Manufactured by Stanley, a reputable brand in the industry, the 037025H toolbox is armed with a roomy 50-gallon interior that says yes to any equipment you need to store in it. It’s the ideal job site storage that comes complete with two large wheels, making the toolbox mobile. While it lacks a steel construction, it’s designed from high-density structural foam that makes it also lightweight.

The heavy-duty lid constitutes a pair of 2″ X 4″ grooves running along its length. It’s excellent for holding four-inch wide pieces of wood or other materials for cutting. The latches are also well-built, which prevents the contents from spilling over.

 

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Toolboxes & Storage

When shopping for value products, the factors below will steer you on the right path to finding a toolbox that lasts. After all, the one thing you don’t need is to fritter your money away on a product that won’t get the job done and falls apart soon after purchase.

Storage Capacity

It’s a no-brainer that the capacity of the toolbox you have in mind is based on the type and number of hand tools you have or the various implements you wish to store in your tool box and transport.

So, if they’re a handful, then a standard toolbox will suffice. However, if you’re aiming to expand your tool collection nearly daily, then a tool cabinet is right up your alley. If you’re content with your present number of tools but won’t fit in a toolbox, then a tool chest is in the offing.

Durable Frame

Tools are heavy so you need tool storage that’s heavy duty. For instance, having ten adjustable wrenches with each weighing nearly half a pound pushes the total weight to 5 lbs. With other tools to consider, the weight increases.

So, the loading capacity of the tool chest is equally as essential as its volume capacity. It could even be more important because you don’t want a product that will succumb to the weight of your tools.

Most toolboxes in today’s market have a 18-19 steel gauge. Moreover, consider the wall construction (double or single). Toolboxes with double-wall constructions have superior durability.

Drawers

You should ensure the toolbox has roomy drawers to neatly organize and store your tools. For enhanced rigidity, the drawer edges should be somewhat rolled. Moreover, keep your eyes peeled for a stamped drawer bottom.

Keep an eye out for the drawers’ strength and durability, especially if you intend to store your heaviest tools in them. The drawer should also have a flush design for storage efficiency.

Slides

Modern toolboxes have two types of drawer slides. The first ones are non-bearing or “friction” slides that use kinetic energy. While they’re largely unrefined, they’re affordable. Friction slides are generally reliable and robustness, only requiring occasional lubrication. Assembling them is a walk in the park.

The other type is roller bearing or ball slides that permit quieter, quicker, and more efficient closing and opening of the drawer. But, it’s essential to consider the load capacity of the roller bearings.

Opt for those with a minimum rating of 100 lbs. Furthermore, you’ll want a roller slide that offers complete extendibility which means it should entirely slide out for better access to the contents.

Locks

A toolbox comes in handy to safely store your implements. But this is negated with the absence of a foolproof locking system. Most designs have a tubular locking system that demands the unlocking or locking of one drawer to unlock the rest of the drawers.

Some toolboxes have more conventional padlock eyelets for inserting a generic padlock. So, choose the locking system that’ll give you the best security as per your needs.

Casters

While casters are not a standard in toolboxes, they significantly enhance the mobility of the storage solution. So, they should be layered with rubber and built from top-grade materials for improved traction or grip while diminishing the rolling noise.

Moreover, you may want casters that have a swiveling or locking mechanism for unmatched maneuverability, security, and stability. If you need portability and maneuverability when it comes to your tool storage options, consider a rolling tool cabinet.

Water Resistance

If you live in humid or wet conditions, non-waterproof metal toolboxes simply won’t cut it. While the plastic counterparts won’t succumb to the elements, that doesn’t indicate they’re waterproof.

If a standard plastic toolbox is left out in the rain, water will seep through. So, if you work in an area where water is an issue, choose a product that’s entirely water-resistant to keep your tools dry.

Closing Remarks

Armed with this insight into the best toolboxes to buy that will give you value for money, the ball is now in your court. These days you can find a model that suits your tool storage needs without denting your wallet.