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Keeping your tools and workspace organized is key to running your projects smoothly, and more importantly, your sanity. Tool chests store all of your equipment in one place, saving you from digging through your garage cabinets and kitchen drawers to search for that one Allen wrench you need for your project. They also function as a home for specialty tools that you only use a few times a year so they don’t end up in the donation bin for lack of storage.
A good tool chest has numerous drawers in numerous sizes, reduces clutter in your workspace, and is durable enough to take on years of wear and tear. Whether you’re starting on your first major project or need an upgrade to your professional workshop, consider these tool chests before you lose that one pesky ratcheting wrench in the shuffle.
The Best Tool Chests
- Best Overall: Milwaukee Heavy Duty Tool Storage Tool Chest Combo
- Best Value: Tankstorm Heavy Duty Rolling Tool Cart
- Best Workspace Combo: Husky 9-Drawer Mobile Workbench
- Best for Limited Floor Space: Goplus 6-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest
- Most Versatile: Performance Tool 3-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest
What to Consider
Size and Capacity
The dimensions of your tool chest play a major role in the size of equipment it can fit. Even if you have a large tool chest by total size, if it isn’t deep or wide enough, many larger power tools won’t fit.
While having a wide and deep chest fits power tools and large equipment, it also takes up more space on your workroom floor. So, if you’re pressed for floor space, consider a tool chest with more vertical storage or a modular design instead.
Material
Tool chests are typically made of aluminum or steel. Both materials are strong enough to carry heavy equipment and hold up against the wear and tear of a busy workshop. Some tool chests have a powder coating that prevents rust and corrosion over time.
Just because two tool chests are both made of steel, though, does not mean they are of equal strength. Most brands provide the weight capacity of the entire chest as well as the capacity of any individual drawers or shelves. The weight capacity of the chest provides a tangible way to measure material strength beyond a label.
Some tool chests are made of hard plastic or molded foam. These are lighter than their metal counterparts and are usually much cheaper, though they lack the same durability. While you can expect water resistance from these, the plastic material degrades over time. This could mean scratches and scuffs on the exterior or a decline in hinge mobility and drawer integrity over a long period of time.
Drawers
Tool chests drawers organize tools within the chest and are typically the main source of internal storage space. Most drawers on our list use ball-bearing sliders to open and close. Ball-bearing slides are smoother and offer less friction than traditional wheel slides. This makes opening and closing the drawer, particularly when near weight capacity, much easier.
The weight capacity of each individual drawer determines how much a drawer can hold beyond it’s simply dimensions. Some drawers have weight capacities of 40 pounds or more, which should accommodate most tools, even if you fill it to the max.
Type
For projects that require you to move a lot, rolling tool chests are a great option. These chests have wheels as a base and move relatively easily even when filled with tools. Rolling chests also have one or two wheel locks for stationary use.
Tool boxes and smaller options are great for keeping the most important items close by. They require the least amount of space to use and are a great way to transport a small collection of tools to projects away from your home or workshop.
Modular tool chests come in multiple sections that can be separated, placed next to each other, or stacked. These chests are customizable to your needs and are valuable for a constantly evolving workspace.
Additional Features
Chests with wide, flat tops often double as workbenches or desks. Some even have wooden tops specifically for this purpose, while others have a gap in the center to slide in a rolling chair. Short tool chests sometimes have cushions on their tops and serve as a makeshift seat in a pinch. Others come with specialized tool holders for wrenches, screwdrivers and other items you might own in multiple sizes. Many have lockable drawers for more valuable or dangerous items, like spare box cutter blades or power tools. These are particularly useful if you store tools in a home garage or other places kids and pets have access to.
How We Selected
We made our final selections based on the experience and opinions of our Popular Mechanics editors. Each potential pick was evaluated based on its durability, size, material quality, storage options, and, when applicable, unique additional features. We also made sure to include chests that vary across the spectrum of price and function to provide you with great options regardless of your budget or needs.
Pros
Powder-coated finish prevents rust and corrosion- Built-in
Cons
- Some drawers are too shallow for big tools
With 18 drawers of varying sizes, this tool chest has the storage space to hold full collections. The drawers give you the space to easily organize and separate your tools from one another.
The Milwaukee tool chest also comes with three different cabinet locks for secure storage of dangerous or valuable equipment.
Despite the relatively thin dimensions, the overhead cabinet holds large, wide tools that don’t fit into any of the smaller drawers. When opened up, the cabinet doubles as a mini workbench with a power strip even integrated directly into the chest. The wheel lock and push handle also make moving your tool chest along with you a breeze.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 41 x 22 x 63.1 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Reinforced 6-gauge angle iron cabinet base and 18-gauge steel body |
| Locking Drawers | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 2,500 lb total, 120 lb per drawer |
Pros
- Nonslip rubber mats included for each drawer
- Side tray designed to handle small tools
Cons
- Lack of drawers reduces organization between tools
With large, locking cabinet doors, two wide drawers, and a flat top surface, this rolling tool cart covers all your storage needs if you’re looking for an under-$300 model.
The cart comes with a side tray and hooks that organize and hold hand tools like handsaws or hammers. The side tray also has screwdriver holes so you can store them upright instead of loose in a drawer.
Take note of the included nonslip rubber mats that go inside the drawers and on the top surface. The mats provide extra grip for your tools and gear to prevent sliding and scratching against the steel.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 24.5 x 13 x 28.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel |
| Locking Drawers | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lb |
Pros
- Built-in power strip
- Wooden work surface
Cons
- Lower weight capacity per drawer than comparably price chests
This tool chest from Husky has a wood-top surface for a storage cabinet that doubles as a rolling workbench. Combined with its size and deep drawers, this chest is great for consolidating your entire workshop into one space.
You can even plug your power tools directly into the chest with the built-in power strip.
A small feature we appreciated on this tool chest is locking mechanism. While most chests have lock for one or two drawers, this tool chest locks every single drawer at once.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 37.1 x 46 x 24 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel |
| Locking Drawers | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 1,800 lb total, 100 lb per drawer |
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Pros
- Detachable cabinets for stacked storage
- Drawer liners to improve grip and reduce scratches
- Side hooks to hang tools
Cons
- Low weight capacity
For anyone short on space, this rolling tool chest provides storage without eating up square footage. The chest has detachable and stackable storage modules that offer space comparable to wider, larger models, yet occupy a smaller footprint.
The tool chest also has a large bottom cabinet that stores large tools and equipment. If you’re consolidating your tool chest, the bottom cabinet also fits the detachable top module completely inside.
Keep in mind that this chest has a relatively low 330 pound weight capacity.
Key Specs
| Item | 23.5 x 13 x 52 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel |
| Locking Drawers | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 330 lbs total, 22 lb per drawer |
Pros
- Gas shocks to lift and hold lid
- Delivered fully assembled
Cons
- Only top lid locks
With six different drawers varying in depth and a locking top cabinet, this tool chest has ample space for tools of nearly any size (although it might not accommodate your largest sledgehammers).
Every drawer also comes with an EVA foam liner. The liner prevents tools from scraping against the metal drawers, and holds the tools in place when the chest is rolling.
We also appreciate that the gas shocks that hold the top lid in place so it doesn’t accidentally smack down on fingers.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 37.8 x 27.6 x 22.4 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Alloy steel |
| Locking Drawers | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 600 lb |
Pros
- Included wrench organizer
- Powder-coated finish
Cons
- Requires padlock to use locking mechanism
This portable tool chest is smaller than most of the heavy-duty chests we cover on this list. It fits in the trunk of most cars and can be carried by hand from project to project.
With three drawers and one large overhead lid, the chest comfortably accommodates basic tools and essentials while still being light enough to not burn out your shoulder.
The portable chest also comes with a wrench organizer labeled by size. This prevents the wrenches from getting mixed up in the shuffle of other tools and sizes when stored in the drawers.
Key Specs
| Item Dimensions | 26 x 17 x 13 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Alloy steel |
| Locking Drawers | No |
| Weight Capacity | 25 lb |
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Pros
- Cushioned seat
- Magnetic folding trays
- Back tray to store hand tools
Cons
- Has no lock on any drawers
Don’t let the small size of this model fool you. This rolling tool chest packs storage features into every crevice. The three drawers are accompanied by a rear tray for slotting in screwdrivers, wrenches, and hammers.
The chest also has two folding side trays built with magnetic pads. These pads keep tools, nuts, and bolts in place to avoid them from slipping off and rolling on the floor.
Another highlight is that the top of the chest is an EVA foam seat cushion, so you can comfortably sit on it like a stool while you work.
Key Specs
| Item Dimensions | 19 x 9 x 17 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel |
| Locking Drawers | No |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lb |
Pros
- Stackable design
- Waterproof exterior
Cons
- Very little internal organization
Another portable option, this tool chest from DeWalt is made to travel. The telescoping handle extends up so you can roll your tools along like a suitcase.
The storage container is completely waterproof, protecting your tools from moisture and rain. DeWalt also designed this chest for stacking other components in its lineup.
If you run out of space in the first chest, grab a separate, stackable chest to place on top. Each rolling tool box is designed to fit exactly with DeWalt’s stackable chest, preventing the second chest from sliding off as you walk.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 20 x 17 x 29 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Locking Drawers | Yes |
| Weight Capacity | 44 lb |
Tom Price
Associate Reviews Editor
Tom Price is an Associate Editor of Reviews for Popular Mechanics, and also contributes to Runner's World, and Bicycling. He has previously covered product reviews, startup news, and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website.
