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.

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.

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

The Best 8 Mechanic Tool Boxes of 2021

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

You don’t have to be a professional mechanic to make use of a mechanic tool box. You just need to have a large tool collection that you want to keep well organized, protected, and at hand while you work. Most mechanic tool boxes are fairly large and have multiple drawers. Many have durable casters, making it easy to maneuver the box right where you want it while you’re working, and then push the box back and out of the way once you’re done. Some even have built-in seats, providing a welcome spot to sit while working around the garage. The right one for you, however, is the tool box that is large enough to hold your tool collection in the configuration that works best for your needs.

We researched the best mechanic tool boxes in several categories, so whether you are a DIYer, a mechanic by profession or by hobby, or just someone with a large tool collection, there's a box here that will suit your needs. Read on for our top picks for mechanic tool boxes.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Milwaukee 46-Inch 16-Drawer Rolling Cabinet Set at Home Depot

Here’s a storage system for anyone who takes his or her tool collection seriously; it’s top-of-the-line for pros and DIYers alike.

Read Review

Best Midsize:

Keter 22-Inch Rolling Tool Chest at Amazon

When your tool collection is large, but your space isn't, this is the perfect solution.

Read Review

Best Budget:

WEN 73015 Garage Rolling Tool Chest at Amazon

Keep your tools organized and at hand without spending a bundle in this tool chest topped with a seat.

Read Review

Best Chest:

Viper Tool Storage V1804BLR 16-Inch 4-Drawer Steel Rolling Tool at Amazon

Here's a tool chest that offers a premium build at a premium price for those looking for top-of-the-line construction.

Read Review

Best with Included Tools:

WORKPRO Mechanic Tool Set with 3-Drawer Metal Box at Amazon

This tool box not only provides storage, it also includes a nice starter set of basic tools for use around the home or garage.

Read Review

Best Cart:

Performance Tool 2-Shelf Compact Mechanic's Shop Cart at Amazon

This sturdy cart is a mobile and steady way to keep frequently used tools and parts within arm's reach.

Read Review

Best for Portability:

Homak 24-Inch Industrial Steel Toolbox at Amazon

The traditional tool box shape and design makes this choice easy to carry where you need it.

Read Review

Best Specialized:

Powerbuilt Roller Seat at Amazon

The molded seat and casters provide a solid foundation to sit on as you work.

Read Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust The Spruce

View On Home Depot

What We Like

Heavy-duty construction
16 drawers
Sturdy casters

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Might be too large for some

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.

What Our Experts Say

“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.” Eamon Lynch, Director of Warranty Service at Power Home Remodeling.

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Good size for most DIYers
16 removable bins
Casters

What We Don't Like

Not for heavy-duty use

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 medium-size tool collection that needs organization.

The 7 Best Mechanic Tool Sets of 2021

WEN 73015 Garage Glider Rolling Tool Chest Seat

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Two folding magnetic trays
Sixteen storage slots on back of chest
Vinyl cushioned seat

What We Don't Like

No lock
Few complaints about caster quality

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.

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Vipertoolstorage.com

What We Like

Lined drawers
Side handle can be mounted on either side
Strong, durable construction

What We Don't Like

Expensive

A chest mechanic tool box offers the best long-term storage and organization, but many of them are quite large and bulky, taking 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 36.5 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.

The 6 Best Tool Chests of 2021

Mechanics Tool Set with 3-Drawer Metal Box

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Includes large set of basic mechanics tools
Convenient size for home use

What We Don't Like

Some complaints about tool quality

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.

View On Amazon View On Toolsid.com

What We Like

Perfect for keeping tools handy while working
Two deep trays

What We Don't Like

Somewhat difficult to assemble

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 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.

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Sturdy construction
Lift-out tray

What We Don't Like

Not for a large collection of tools
Somewhat expensive

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.

The 8 Best Portable Tool Boxes of 2021

View On Amazon View On Powerbuilt.com

What We Like

Sturdy construction
Perfect for use while working on cars

What We Don't Like

Drawers are very shallow

If you spend a lot of time working while low to the ground, especially doing car repair, you likely find yourself doing a lot of crouching to work, then standing to fetch your tools. That can get hard on your back. The solution? Try the Powerbuilt Roller Seat. Now you have an all-in-one seat and place to hold your most commonly reached for tools.

The Roller Seat consists of a comfortable, molded seat on casters with two pullout trays underneath the seat. There’s enough room to stash wrenches, nuts and bolts, sockets, and other small necessities. The overall measurements are 15 inches wide x 14 inches deep x 13.25 inches high and the weight limit is 300 pounds.

The 7 Best Home Tool Kits of 2021

Final Verdict

The Milwaukee 46-Inch 16-Drawer Rolling Cabinet Set (view at Home Depot) wins our top spot thanks to its rugged construction and superior storage design and capability. This is the best choice if you have a large collection of tools that you take seriously. But if budget is a concern, or you only need storage for a small collection of tools, the WEN 73015 Garage Glider (view at Amazon) not only has three drawers and several dividers for organizing your tools, it also has a padded top so you can take a seat while you work.

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.

FAQ

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.
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.
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

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 is 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, and Eamon Lynch, Director of Warranty Service at Power Home Remodeling.

The Best 8 Mechanic Tool Boxes of 2021

Keep your tools neatly organized to retrieve the right tool without delay

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

Best Midsize: Keter 22-Inch Rolling Tool Chest

Best Budget: WEN 73015 Garage Glider Rolling Tool Chest Seat

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

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

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

Best for Portability: Homak 24-Inch Industrial Steel Toolbox

Best Specialized: Powerbuilt Roller Seat

The Best 8 Mechanic Tool Boxes of 2021

Keep your tools neatly organized to retrieve the right tool without delay

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

Best Midsize: Keter 22-Inch Rolling Tool Chest

Best Budget: WEN 73015 Garage Glider Rolling Tool Chest Seat

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

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

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

Best for Portability: Homak 24-Inch Industrial Steel Toolbox

Best Specialized: Powerbuilt Roller Seat

What to Look for in a Mechanic Tool Box

Size

Organizing Options

Material

Why Trust The Spruce?