The Best 8 Mechanic Tool Boxes of 2021

Best Overall: Milwaukee 46-Inch 16-Drawer Rolling Cabinet 48-22-8500

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The Milwaukee 46-Inch 16-Drawer Rolling Cabinet Set combines a lot of storage space, options, and mobility in chest that’s just the right size for the average garage or workspace. This all-steel roller cabinet is the best choice if you have a fairly large tool collection that you use in a single space—not a collection that you tote from jobsite to jobsite.

With 16 drawers—each can hold up to 100 pounds—that glide in and out on ball-bearing slides and a lift-up lid, you have numerous options to organize your tools just the way you like them. There’s even a special storage section to safely hold your laptop while you work. Four casters on the bottom make it easy to push around hard surfaces such as concrete floors.

The red powder-coat finish will protect the box against the usual assortment of scratches and chemical damage. The casters are also built to stand up to abuse and feature locks for stability. The overall size of the chest, not counting the casters, is 46 inches wide x 62.5 inches high x 18 inches deep. The weight capacity of the chest is a whopping 1,800 pounds. 

Runner Up, Best Overall: Keter Rolling Tool Chest 240762

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While bigger mechanic’s tool boxes make great long term storage solutions, they are typically meant for larger or uncluttered workspaces, and are heavy and bulky. If you’re looking for a more manageable box that still has a good amount of storage, the Keter Rolling Tool Chest fits the bill. This rugged plastic tool chest has five drawers—the bottom drawer is deep enough to hold power tools such as drills or impact drivers—with included organizers, so you can keep your tool set just the way you like it.

Thanks to the four casters, you can easily move the tool chest right where you need it. The overall size of the tool chest is 23.5 inches high x 22.1 inches wide x 11.3 inches deep. It’s an excellent solution for any DIYer who has a good-size tool collection that needs organization, but who doesn’t have the room for the Husky 12-Drawer Tool Chest.

Best Budget: WEN 73015 Garage Glider Rolling Tool Chest Seat

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Budget tool boxes tend to do one job well: storing and organizing your tools. You may sacrifice a little heavy duty construction, but good options like the WEN 73015 can still keep your tools protected during everyday use. In total, this box comes with three drawers, plus extra side holders for tools you are using on the fly. Organizing screws, bolts, and nails is easy with two foldable, magnetic storage trays.

If you move around a lot in the garage, the 73015 also does double duty as a seat. A padded top and four casters makes this comfortable and mobile to scoot around the garage, knowing that your tools are within reach. For larger spaces, this is also great for secondary storage if you want a box for the tools you are using on any given project.

Best Chest: Viper Tool Storage V1804BLR 16-Inch 4-Drawer 18G Steel Rolling Tool/Salon Cart

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A chest mechanic tool box offers the best long-term storage and organization. With the most space and protection, these are the types of boxes you reach for when you need that one tool or item you rarely use. The Viper Tool Storage V1804SSR has a premium build at a premium price. With 5,800 cubic inches of storage, it dwarfs anything else on this list in terms of what you can store. Three drawers and two upper/lower storage bays keep tools organized.

For extra safety and protection, the Viper Tool Storage is constructed out of stainless steel to resist chemical damage and common scratches. An internal locking system will secure each drawer in case you are worried about tool theft.

Best with Included Tools: WORKPRO 408-Piece Mechanic Tool Set with 3-Drawer Heavy Duty Metal Box

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With mechanic tool boxes, more drawers typically is a good thing. A simple box fails to provide the necessary organization most people need when using their tool sets. The WORKPRO W009044A not only comes with great organization, it also provides a complete set of tools to get you started. For a beginner’s tool box, this option will give you everything you need. Three drawers and a top compartment round out the storage options with this box.

In addition, each compartment already comes fully stocked with common, everyday tools such as a hammer, level, hex keys, sockets, bits, and screwdrivers. Each tool is made of durable components such as fiberglass, steel, or nickel plating. In total, you get over 400 tools that can handle just about any typical DIY project or around-the-house or garage repair.

Best Cart: Performance Tool W54032 2-Shelf Compact Mechanic's Shop Cart

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Working around the garage, basement, or worksite can get cluttered as you progress through a project. Things may start organized, but can quickly fall apart as you try to keep track of the tools you need at any given moment. The Performance Tool W54032 cart will provide you a mobile and steady way to keep frequently used tools and parts within arm's reach without cluttering the rest of the space up.

The cart comes with two compact shelves and a single drawer. To keep it light, the cart uses a combination of molded plastic and metal to form a sturdy frame. While it won’t give you much long term storage, the durability and mobility from the casters is perfect when you need a temporary spot for a random object.

Best for Portability: Homak 24-Inch Industrial Steel Toolbox

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If you have a few tools or a basic set you frequently use and want to keep separate, a traditional mechanic tool box can be enough to stay organized. The Homak BW00200200 will give you the most simple setup you could ask for: a single storage compartment with 2,160 cubic inches of usable space. This is the type of tool box you will want if you just need to reach in and find a hammer or screwdriver while on the job.

A solid construction and foldable handle make the box portable enough for long or multiple projects. Inside, a steel tool tray fits above the main storage compartment, so you have a spot to place smaller tools and parts. The boxes total dimensions are 8.63 × 24.13 × 9.75 inches.