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The Spruce / Amelia Manley
The right mechanic tool box is large enough to hold your tool collection in the most useful configuration for your needs. Eamon Lynch, Director of Warranty Service at Power Home Remodeling, notes, “The best organization and storage system will depend on your space and the amount of tools in your collection. But the most important thing you can do is to store your tools in one place and put them back after each use. There’s nothing worse than wanting to start a new project and not being able to find any of the tools you need.”
We spent hours researching mechanic tool boxes from the top tool brands, evaluating them for storage capacity, durability, versatility, and overall value.
Our favorite is the Husky 56-Inch 23-Drawer Combination Rolling Tool Chest, which is made of heavy-duty steel, has loads of storage options, holds up to 3,000 pounds of tools, and includes a work light and power strip.
Here are the top mechanic tool boxes.
Best Overall
Husky 56-Inch 23-Drawer Combination Rolling Tool Chest
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Husky
Heavy-duty construction
Includes LED work light
Built-in power strip
Two extra-deep drawers for large tools
Expensive
Might be too large for some
Very heavy
This beast of a tool chest is for those who have large collections of tools, professional shops, or anyone who wants the utmost in storage space, quality, and design for their mechanic tool sets, plus whatever other tools they need to store. The Husky 56-Inch 23-Drawer Combination Rolling Tool Chest consists of two parts: a tool chest with a lift-up lid sitting atop a rolling tool cabinet with 12 drawers, two of which are extra deep for larger power tools. The entire combination set is built of 18-gauge heavy-duty steel with a matte black finish. And the upper tool chest and lower tool cabinet each have their own keyed locks for extra security.
All of the drawers have liners to protect your tools, and glide smoothly on soft-close slides. Each drawer is rated for up to 120 pounds capacity, and the capacity of the entire system is a whopping 2,500 pounds. The weight of the product itself is 524 pounds; you'll appreciate its six 5-inch casters and sturdy handle that make it possible to move the tool chest where you want it. Two of the casters lock to keep the chest in place once positioned.
The features of this large tool organizer just keep on coming: It has a 41-inch LED work light inside the lift-up top which is a big help in dim garages. There's a full-length power strip with eight outlets and two USB ports as well, so you can charge several power tools at the same time, as well as keep your computer, phone, or tablet powered up and ready to go.
The overall dimensions of the combination tool chest, not including the casters, are 58.22 inches tall, 56 inches wide, and 22 inches deep. With the upper chest lid fully open, the height is nearly 83 inches. The only assembly required is to attach the handle and casters.
Price at time of publish: $1,743
Construction: Steel | Drawers: 23 | Casters: Yes | Weight Capacity: 120 pounds per drawer | Removable Tray/Bins: No | Lock: Yes
Best Midsize
Craftsman 2000 Series 5-Drawer 26-Inch Rolling Tool Chest
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Craftsman
Good size for most DIYers
Sturdy steel construction
Few complaints about casters
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 Craftsman 2000 Series 5-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest fits the bill. This rugged steel tool chest has five drawers—the two bottom drawers are deep enough to hold power tools such as drills or impact drivers—and the three upper drawers organize your smaller tools, such as wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers.
Thanks to the four casters, you can easily move the tool chest right where you need it. A sturdy side handle makes it easy to maneuver. The overall size of the tool chest is 34 inches high by 26.5 inches wide by 18 inches deep. It’s an excellent solution for any DIYer who has a medium-size tool collection that needs organization.
Price at time of publish: $249
Construction: Steel | Drawers: 5 | Casters: Yes | Weight Capacity: 100 pounds per drawer | Removable Tray/Bins: No | Lock: Yes
Best Value
WORKPRO 24.5-Inch 5-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest
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WORKPRO
Reasonable price
Low total weight capacity
Mechanic tool chests tend to be undeniably expensive. That puts the top-of-the-line models out of the reach of many DIYers who want to store a fairly large tool collection, but don't have a lot of money to spare. Luckily, the WORKPRO Rolling Tool Chest is a reliable, reasonably priced option. While this is not sturdy enough for a professional garage or the most rugged use, it is more than sufficiently sturdy enough for use in a home garage or workshop. It's a good size for organizing a small-to-medium collection of tools, including power tools.
This steel tool organizer is two parts: an upper tool box with three drawers and a lower tool chest with two drawers and a large cabinet. All of the drawers glide smoothly on ball-bearing slides. Four 3-1/8-inch casters let you move the tool chest easily, but note that it doesn't have a handle. The top tool box has a lock, but the lower chest does not. The overall dimensions without the wheels are 24.5 inches wide, 39.3 inches tall, and 13 inches deep. The total weight capacity is 110 pounds, and the tool chest itself weighs 68 pounds.
Price at time of publish: $250
Construction: Steel | Drawers: 5 | Casters: Yes | Weight Capacity: 110 pounds total | Removable Tray/Bins: No | Lock: Yes
Best for Tight Spaces
Viper Tool Storage V1804BLR 16-Inch 4-Drawer 18G Steel Rolling Tool/Salon Cart
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Viper Tool Storage
Lined drawers
Side handle can be mounted on either side
Strong, durable construction
Expensive
Many mechanic tool boxes are much wider than they are tall, and take up more room than the average DIYer has to spare in their garage. The Viper Tool Storage V1804SSR, however, solves that problem with a compact design that holds a lot without taking up too much space. The chest is only 16 inches in width, but 35.8 inches high and 18.1 inches deep. 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, and the drawers slide smoothly and quietly on ball bearings. The chest is even available in various colors, including purple, lime, and teal.
Price at time of publish: $440
Construction: Steel | Drawers: 4 | Casters: Yes | Weight Capacity: 100 pounds per drawer | Removable Tray/Bins: Yes | Lock: Yes
Best with Included Tools
WORKPRO 408-Piece Mechanic Tool Set with 3-Drawer Heavy Duty Metal Box
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Amazon
Includes large set of basic mechanics tools
Convenient size for home use
Some complaints about tool quality
If you're just getting started in the world of DIY auto repair, home repair, or a tool-intensive hobby, you might need a set of basic tools to get started. The WORKPRO W009044A not only comes with great organization options, 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 in three sturdy drawers plus a top compartment.
Each compartment comes fully stocked with common, everyday tools such as a hammer, hex keys, sockets, bits, and screwdrivers. The tools are 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 around the house or in the garage. The box itself measures 19.7 inches wide by 10.6 inches deep by 13.8 inches tall.
Price at time of publish: $200
Construction: Metal | Drawers: 3 | Casters: No | Weight Capacity: Not stated | Removable Tray/Bins: No | Lock: Yes
Best Cart
Performance Tool W54032 2-Shelf Compact Mechanic's Shop Cart
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Performance Tool
Perfect for keeping tools handy while working
Two deep trays
Somewhat difficult to assemble
Working around the garage, worksite, or even a basement 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 W53991 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 shelves and a single drawer. To keep it light, the cart uses molded plastic 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. The cart's overall dimensions are 39.75 inches long by 17 inches wide by 33.25 inches high.
Price at time of publish: $156
Construction: Plastic | Drawers: 1 | Casters: Yes | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Removable Tray/Bins: No | Lock: No
Best for DIY Mechanics
Performance Tool 3-Drawer Roller Seat
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Amazon
Two folding magnetic trays
Vinyl cushioned seat
No lock
Few complaints about caster quality
It's not going to hold an enormous tool collection, but the Performance Tool 3-Drawer Roller Seat is just the right size to keep your most-used tools within reach while you work. And best of all, no more crouching down on a hard concrete floor while you work on your car; this tool chest doubles as a comfortable seat. It's topped with a thick vinyl cushion, so you can work comfortably without uncomfortable bending and stretching. The casters make it easy to glide to the best position for your task.
This tool 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 fold-up/fold-down magnetic storage trays. Its total weight capacity is 350 pounds. The chest's overall dimensions are 14.5 inches long by 18.75 inches wide by 15.75 inches high.
Price at time of publish: $132
Construction: Steel | Drawers: 3 | Casters: Yes | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds total | Removable Tray/Bins: No | Lock: No
Best Small
Goplus Rolling Mechanic Tool Cart
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Goplus
Upper sliding section makes it easy to see and grab tools
Good size for a smaller workshop
Sturdy steel construction
Drawers cannot be pulled out unless the upper section is slid open
The typical mechanic tool box is quite large, but not everyone has the space or the need for an oversize box. If you need something small, but not too small, and that's well designed for the garage or workshop, then the Goplus Rolling Mechanic Tool Cart is just what you've been looking for. This sturdy steel cart has two drawers that slide out smoothly on ball-bearing glides. Each drawer has a weight capacity of 88 pounds. There's a deep tray at the bottom of the cart for larger tools. But what sets this organizer apart is the top, which slides open to reveal the large storage area, and makes it very easy to grab what you need.
The cart rolls on four casters and can be locked for security. There are drawer liners and a top pad to keep tools from rolling away or being damaged. A handle lets you push the cart easily. Including the casters, the cart is 33.5 inches tall, 31 inches wide, and 14.6 inches deep. The total weight capacity is 212 pounds.
Price at time of publish: $240
Construction: Steel | Drawers: 2 | Casters: Yes | Weight Capacity: 212 pounds total | Removable Tray/Bins: No | Lock: Yes
Best Portable
Gearwrench 20-Inch 3-Drawer Tool Box
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Amazon
Sturdy construction
Smooth-sliding drawers
Top must be open to use drawers
Mechanic tool chests are typically quite large, but there are times you want something that's grab-and-go. Maybe you have a few tools you frequently use and want to keep separate from the rest of your collection, or you often need to travel with a set of basic tools, or you want to be able to tackle repairs while out and about. If so, this Gearwrench Tool Box is just right for your needs. It has three drawers plus a lift-up top that reveals another 2.5-inch-tall storage space. Each 2-inch-tall drawer glides smoothly on ball-bearing slides.
A solid steel construction and comfortable-to-grip handle make the box portable enough for easy transport. It has a lock for extra security. The box measures 20 inches wide, 8 inches deep, and 12 inches tall, and has a total weight capacity of 75 pounds. The box itself weighs 20 pounds when empty.
Price at time of publish: $62
Construction: Steel | Drawers: 3 | Casters: No | Weight Capacity: 75 pounds total | Removable Tray/Bins: No | Lock: Yes
If you need to store a large collection of tools, then the Husky 56-Inch 23-Drawer Combination Rolling Tool Chest, with a total weight capacity of 3,000 pounds, as well as a power strip, work light, and heavy-duty steel construction, will keep you more than satisfied. But if you need something smaller, yet still reasonably sized to hold a moderate collection of tools, then the Craftsman 2000 Series 5-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest, which can hold up to 100 pounds per drawer, is sized just right for the average garage or workshop.
What to Look for in a Mechanic Tool Box
Size
Obviously, the larger your collection of tools, the bigger the box needed to contain them all. You’ll find mechanic tool boxes that are small enough to fit in the car all the way up to behemoths that are a full floor-standing cabinet. The right choice for you depends on the size of your tool collection, the amount of space you have to hold your tool box, and whether or not you plan on toting the box with you to worksites outside your home or garage.
Also, consider the weight of the tool box. Not just the initial starting weight provided by the manufacturers, but also the final weight after you have filled it with tools. If the tool box is too big, then it will rapidly become too heavy for you to carry or move without relying on a set of wheels on the bottom of the tool box. If portability is important, consider small, compact options or look for a product with reliable casters.
Organizing Options
Just as there’s a wide range in size, there’s also a lot of choices when it comes to the various organizing drawers, slots, and compartments in different models of mechanic tool boxes. The simplest options have little beyond a tray with a few compartments for smaller items, while the largest tool boxes are equipped with multiple drawers, dividers to further organize the drawers, pullout bins, lift-out trays, and even spots on top to hold your laptop, beverage, or notebook.
Another consideration when it comes to organizing options is whether the doors, drawers, and trays are lockable. For homes with small kids, it's advised to invest in a locking tool box to help prevent accidents. Again, the right choice depends on your own preferences and tool collection.
Material
The material used to construct mechanic tool boxes is usually some type of metal, like aluminum or stainless steel, though there are some products that are made of impact-resistant plastic. Heavy-duty tool boxes that you can rely on to safely store your tools are typically made of steel. These boxes weigh a lot but stand up to rigorous conditions in busy garages or worksites.
Aluminum mechanic tool boxes are less expensive than stainless steel, but these products are also more vulnerable to scratches and dents. Heavy plastic is fine for a mechanic tool box that isn’t going to be subjected to daily use, but this material doesn't have the same durability as metal and it could crack or warp in the most severe circumstances.
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What is a mechanic tool box?
There is no hard-and-fast definition of a mechanic tool box, nor do you have to be a mechanic to own one. But as a general rule, these tool boxes are large enough to require caster wheels for relatively easy transportation around the workshop. They also have a wide variety of drawers to organize tools, parts, and other accessories that may be necessary when you are working on a project. Most mechanic tool boxes are made with red- or black-painted metal and allow you to organize an extensive collection of tools, many quite small, in a convenient manner to help streamline your work, whether that’s as a professional mechanic, a hobbyist who enjoys working on your own cars, or just a DIYer with a large tool collection.
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How do you organize a mechanic tool box?
The short answer is that you organize your tool box in the manner that works best for you. But you’ll find the following tips helpful in achieving that goal:
- Adding drawer liners helps keep tools in place, and reduces scratches and wear to your expensive tools.
- Small-parts organizers are very useful for corralling screws, nails, bolts, and other small items.
- Separate your tools by function or type.
- Keep the tools you use the most up front where they are easiest to grab. Less frequently used tools should go towards the back of the drawers.
- Label all the drawers of the tool box so you can tell what’s inside at a glance.
- Periodically go through your entire tool collection, and get rid of broken or nonfunctional tools. It’s easier to organize when you only have usable tools to deal with.
- If you have duplicates of some basic tools, or tools that you rarely use, store them in a separate box. Your mechanic tool box should only hold those tools you use on a regular basis.
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What are the must-have tools in a mechanic tool box?
There’s no one answer as to what tools you must have in your mechanic tool box, as it really depends on the type of projects you typically tackle, but as a general rule, these are the tools most often used by mechanics and others who do a lot of work on motors or electrical systems:
- Socket sets
- Screwdriver sets
- Various types of pliers
- Hammers, including ball-peen hammer
- SAE and metric wrenches
- Impact wrench set
- Drill/driver set
- Pry bar
- Flashlight/work light
- Multimeter
- Wire stripper
- Automotive stethoscope
- Funnel
- Fuses
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs.
For this roundup, she considered dozens of mechanic tool boxes, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer feedback. Additional research was provided by Timothy Dale, a home improvement expert with more than 10 years of experience who specializes in plumbing, construction, and product recommendations, among other topics. Eamon Lynch, Director of Warranty Service at Power Home Remodeling, also contributed input.
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