The 5 Best Tool Chests 2023 Review

Top 5 Tool Chests

Best Worktop: Seville Classics 6-Drawer Rolling Cabinet Most Storage Space: Husky Extra Deep 46-Inch 9-Drawer Mobile Workbench Best Value: Keter Rolling Tool Chest Best for Immobilizing Tools: Craftsman CMST82765BK Tool Chest With Drawer Liner Roll Most Versatile: Goplus 6-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest

Key Features

28 inches long x 18 inches deep x 34.5 inches tall Loading capacity of 300 pounds Steel body and wood worktop Six drawers and four wheels Front handle Lock and key

What Customers Are Saying

While this toolbox costs more than the other ones in this review, customers felt like the price was worth it because the tool chest is durable and made of stainless steel. One common complaint was that the tool chest was difficult to assemble.

Key Features

50.5 inches long x 28.8 inches deep x 34.3 inches tall Loading capacity of 1,100 pounds Steel body and wood worktop Nine drawers and four wheels Side handle Power strip with four outlets Lock and key

What Customers Are Saying

Customers said this tool chest was big enough to fit all of their home improvement tools, including hand tools, power tools, and fasteners. They also said that the drawers opened and closed easily. However, a few customers said that it took longer than expected for their tool chest to arrive.

Key Features

22.1 inches long x 11.3 inches deep x 23.5 inches tall Made of plastic Five drawers and four removable wheels Four side handles Anti-slip top 16 removable bins for organization

What Customers Are Saying

Key Features

26 inches long x 18 inches deep x 32 inches tall Load capacity of 500 pounds Made of steel Four drawers and four wheels Roll of drawer liner Lock and key

What Customers Are Saying

Customers said this toolbox had everything you could want for tool storage. It has several drawers for storage, a liner roll to prevent tools from rolling around, wheels for transportation, and a lock and key for security. However, some customers received a damaged tool chest.

Key Features

13 inches long x 24.5 inches deep x 43.5 inches tall Load capacity of 242 pounds Available in red or black Made of steel Two drawers and open space on the bottom chest Four drawers and an open top on the detachable box Four wheels Side handle on the bottom chest and two side handles on the detachable box Lock and key

What Customers Are Saying

Positive reviews stated that this tool chest was sturdy, durable, and relatively compact, fitting comfortably into tight spaces. However, more than one customer received the product without its key, and if they completely closed the top portion of the tool chest, they weren’t able to access it.

Buying Guide

Tool chests are meant to hold a variety of tools, but some offer more storage and versatility than others. From mobility to security, here are a few factors to consider before purchasing a tool chest.

Mobility

Tool chests are large and can weigh a couple hundred pounds, so they may not be the best option if you’re planning on carrying your tools from place to place. However, if you’re working on a stationary project, having a chest with wheels allows you to move the chest over to the project instead of carrying individual tools back and forth from your workspace to the chest.

Storage

Most tool chests offer storage in the form of drawers. There are two characteristics to consider with these drawers: size and number. A tool chest with a combination of both small and large drawers will allow you to store tools of all sizes. You’ll also want to assess how many tools you have to determine how many drawers you need in your tool chest.

Steel thickness

Most tool chests are made of steel, but the steel’s thickness will vary from chest to chest. If you have a lot of heavy tools to store, you’ll want a thicker, more durable steel gauge of about 15. If you have fewer tools, 18- or 19-gauge steel should be enough. Keep in mind that the thicker the steel, the heavier the tool chest will be.

Versatility

Standard tool chests have a few drawers for storage. However, you can also get a versatile chest that has a wooden worktop or a detachable top half that acts as a toolbox. For example, the Seville Classics and Husky chests in this review are examples of tool chests with worktops, and the Goplus 6-Drawer is an example of a chest with a detachable top.

Security

Most tool chests will have a lock and key to unlock and lock its drawers. This added layer of protection can prevent theft of your tools. If your lock stops working, read the owner’s manual that comes with your tool chest to learn how to replace it.

Slide type

There are two types of slides used to open and close tool chest drawers: ball-bearing and non-bearing. Ball-bearing slides have ball or roller bearings that allow for a smooth, easy, and quiet open. The downside to these slides is that they’re more expensive than non-bearing, or friction slides. Non-bearing slides work on friction alone and are less efficient than ball-bearing slides, but they decrease the overall cost of the chest.

What is the difference between a tool chest and toolbox?

Tool chests are steel cabinets that hold all of your tools. Oftentimes, they come with wheels to allow for some movement. Toolboxes are small boxes composed of metal, composite, or plastic that are primarily used to carry your tools from place to place. They typically open at the top and have a handle or wheels for easy portability.

How do I protect my tools from hitting each other in the drawers?

Some tool chests, like the one from Craftsman, have lining in the drawers to prevent your tools from moving around. If your tool chest doesn’t have a lining, you can purchase a separate roll and cut it to fit each drawer. Another option is to purchase organizers that split the drawers into small compartments.

What is the maximum product weight?

This refers to the weight of the tool chest and the maximum loading capacity. If your tool chest has a maximum product weight of 2,000 pounds, and the tool chest itself weighs 200 pounds, that leaves 1,800 pounds for storing tools.

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