7 Best Tool Chests to Keep Your Tools Neat and Secure
As the number of home garage and workshops increases, the need for tools and tool storage becomes inevitable. That old plastic toolbox may turn out to be insufficient in the long run. Therefore you need a tool chest; something that stores more and does so in a more organized way.
Buying a tool chest for the first time can be quite tricky since there are many considerations you need to take into account. That’s why we have decided to carry out the research on your behalf to make things simpler. Based on that, we review the best tool chests that will give you an easy time storing and keeping your tools organized.
You can also read other product reviews such as tool box, tool bag.
7 Best Tool Chests - Reviews
Image | Product Name | Capacity | Dimensions | Rating | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Excel TB2201X-Black Steel Chest Roller Cabinet Combination | 400 lbs | 22.0 x 12.0 x 33.7 in | 4.0 | |
 | 2. Best Choice Products Portable Tool Chest | 295 lbs | 23.5 x 13.0 x 42.5 in | 4.0 | |
 | 3. Excel TB2105X-Blue Steel Top Chest | 50 lbs | 26 x 16 x 12 in | 4.4 | |
 | 4. Wen 74603 3-Drawer Intermediate Chest | 30 lbs | 26 x 18 x 38 in | 4.3 | |
 | 5. Excel TB133A-Red Portable Steel Tool Box | 60 lbs | 21.0 x 8.6 x 11.3 in | 4.3 | |
 | 6. Craftsman 3-Drawer Metal Portable Chest | N/A | 23.0 x 10.5 x 13.5 in | 4.8 | |
 | 7. Wen 73015 Garage Glider Rolling Tool Chest Seat | 350 lbs | 16.5 x 27.0 x 16.0 in | 4.4 |
#1. Excel TB2201X-Black 22-Inch Steel Chest Roller Cabinet Combination
Editor's Rating: 
(4 / 5)
When anyone talks about the best tool chests, Excel is one of the brands that first comes to mind. The chest comes elegant without sacrificing durability. It sports a sturdy cold rolled steel construction that’s powder coated to provide superior resistance against scratches and chemicals. With it, you get long-term service that lasts for years.
A large hinged compartment storage comes at the top, which is followed by 4 drawers and 2 storage trays beneath. At the bottom is another storage compartment that’s spacious enough to accommodate large parts. Combined together, they provide ample storage and let you arrange your tools in a more organized manner. The drawers are fitted with ball bearings to let them slide for effortless opening and closing. What’s more, the ball bearings make every pull and push quieter.
Contrary to the heavy-duty steel frame, the drawers are made of lightweight aluminum for easy pulling and pushing. Easy mobility has been taken care of by caster wheels. The two front casters sport a swivel design and measure 3 inches each. The rear also sports two fixed casters that measure 1 inch each. Working together, they provide hassle-free maneuvering.
Excel TB2201X has a storage capacity of 400 pounds and requires assembly before use. Excel backs this tool chest with a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Quite ball bearing slide drawers for effortless pushing
- Multiple trays and drawers provide ample storage
- Multi-directional caster for easy maneuvering
- Resistant to scratches and chemicals
- Backed with 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t come fully assembled
- Hinge for the lock is not too strong
Who Should Buy?
This tool chest provides the convenience of a large storage area and easy mobility. It’s built quality is also quite good. That said, it makes a viable option for home workshops.
#2. Best Choice Products Portable Tool Chest
Editor's Rating: (4 / 5)
Best Choice portable chest stands out right from its vibrant finish. It comes in two different pieces that can stack together for that space-saving design. The two pieces are a tool chest and a storage cabinet, which combine together to add more convenience and style.
Both pieces are made of solid cold rolled steel to ensure that they are durable enough to be used for years to come. For extra protection, the steel construction is further coated in an industrial powder to provide resistance against scratches or harsh chemicals it gives one sturdy and durable construction that can take some punishment.
With this portable top chest, you’re assured of ample and organized storage. It sports 3 small drawers, 3 large drawers, 2 trays, 1 top box drawer and 1 big bottom cabinet. Each drawers is designed to hold up to 30 pounds. In total, this tool chest sports a weight capacity of 295 pounds.
The top unit provides the convenience of a lock and key for security reasons. Relocating the tool chest is made much easier by an integrated side handle and 4 omni-directional swivel wheels. With them, you get smooth and quite mobility with the ability to maneuver in any given direction.
Pros
- Affordable multi-drawer tool chest
- Heavy duty casters and handle for easy mobility
- Lock system for added security
- Sturdy and durable construction
Cons
- The drawers are a little stiff to pull due to lack of ball bearings
Who Should Buy?
The storage space provided by this tool chest is quite generous. It’s fitted with a security lock, transports easily and is of a budget-friendly price. This makes it a great option for home mechanics who’ve got a limited budget.
#3. Excel TB2105X-Blue 26-Inch Steel Top Chest
Editor's Rating: 
(4.4 / 5)
Excel Excel TB2105X comes in a compact and low profile design that fits spaces with a limited height clearance. The chest has a vibrant touch of a blue finish that looks captivating right from the first glance. However, this compact chest is not just about an elegant finish. It has more impressive features packed beneath.
Excel TB2105X sports a sturdy construction that’s designed to take a beating. Made of cold rolled steel and finished in a powder coated paint, this chest gives excellent resistance against scratches or harsh chemicals. With it, you’re assured of a tool chest that will last for many years to come under proper maintenance.
There are a total of five drawers made of lightweight aluminum. Fitted with ball bearings, they make every push and pull quieter and effortless. The 4 top drawers have a weight limit of 33 pounds while the bottom drawer has a weight limit of 44 pounds. There’s a top tray that supports up to 33 pounds.
Covering the top tray is a hinged lid that’s integrated with a lock for added security. Each side of the chest is fitted with a recessed handle. These are designed to provide easy lifting and transportation. This tool chest comes with a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Five drawers provide enough storage for tools
- Built-in locks keep away unauthorized hands
- Solid steel construction that lasts for years
- Smooth sliding ball bearing drawers
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Not easily portable
Who Should Buy?
This tool chest has ample storage and has a quality built that’s designed to last. It requires some effort to carry out. This makes it a great option for mechanics who don’t move a lot.
#4. Wen 74603 26-Inch 3-Drawer Intermediate Chest
Editor's Rating: 
(4.3 / 5)
Wen enters our list with its 26-inch top chest. The primary material for this chest is steel. And not just any steel, but 19-gauge steel that’s coated in industrial powder to give the chest more resistance against scratches, rust and chemicals. The black-coated steel blends with the silvery drawers to create one stylish design that makes a beautiful addition to your workshop.
There’s a total of 6 fully lockable drawers each fitted with ball bearings for effortless sliding. The slides are rated at 100 pounds per pair, a feature that lets the drawers hold more without compromising their smooth sliding mechanism. Apart from the drawers, you get a top tray that provides additional storage for your tools.
Covering the tray is a hinged lid that has a built-in lock for maximum security. In total, this tool chest provides 1,832 cubic inches of storage space. And in terms of weight limit, it can accommodate up to 300 pounds of tools. Heavy duty molded handles are integrated on the sides for easy mobility. Wen 74603 comes with a full manufacturer warranty of 2 years.
Pros
- Robust overall design quality
- Six drawers provide plenty of room for storage
- Smooth sliding ball bearing mechanism
- Built-in lock for extra security
- Drawers sport a thin foam lining tat lets tools store away quietly
- 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- Requires a little more effort to lift and transport
Who Should Buy?
The storage capacity of this tool chest is quite large and has excellent security lock. It is a high quality tool chest that’s designed to last. The fact that it lacks mobility wheels means that it’s perfect for use by home mechanics who don’t move a lot.
#5. Excel TB133A-Red 21-Inch Portable Steel Tool Box
Editor's Rating: (4.3 / 5)
Excel comes with a tool chest that’s made to be even more captivating to the eye. This is none other than the glossy red TB133A tool box. The tool box is built to last, something that’s clear from its sturdy cold rolled steel construction. It’s further finished in a powder coat paint to keep it free from scratches and protect against harsh chemicals.
The top lid opens up to reveal the top tray, which is also made of steel. Integrated on the tray are two lockable latches that keep your tools safe from unauthorized entry. Beneath the tray are 3 drawers made of lightweight aluminum for effortless handling. The drawers are designed to pull to full length to let you fit large parts.
Just as the name implies, this tool chest comes in a compact and portable size. Easy grip handles are included for easy lifting and carrying from one jobsite to another. This tool chest is designed to hold up to 60 pounds. It comes with a 1-year limited warranty to cater for defects in parts or labor.
Pros
- Compact and portable size
- Sturdy steel construction
- Lockable latches for added security
- Cheap budget tool box
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Limited storage capacity
Who Should Buy?
This tool chest comes compact and doesn’t hold much. However, its quality is good and the pricing is also budget-friendly. That said, it makes a perfect choice for DIY mechanics who want a more portable storage tool.
#6. Craftsman 3-Drawer Metal Portable Chest
Editor's Rating: 
(4.8 / 5)
This tool chest comes in compact, portable and tough enough to withstand all that’s thrown at it. Craftsman 3-Drawer is a metal chest that’s designed to service you even in the most unforgiving environments. This chest is made of steel and coated in a painted powder to protect against scratches, corrosion and harsh chemicals. And with its glossy red color, you’ll just find it hard not to notice this portable storage chest.
At the top of the lid is a carry handle that lets you transport it the briefcase style. This flip-up handle makes carrying and transportation much easier. The lid is fitted with a hinge that keeps it open for easy access. It opens up to a storage tray that provides some room for your essentials. Located on each end is a locking latch that keep the lid closed.
Beneath the tray are 3 drawers that are designed to lock automatically whenever the lid is closed. The full-extension design used on the drawers lets them be pulled to full length. A sliding mechanism incorporated in the drawers allow for easy closing even when under heavy load.
There’s an eyelet that lets you fit a padlock for added security. This tool chest has a storage volume of 1,539 cubic inches. It’s backed with a 2-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Durable steel material lasts for a lifetime
- Smooth sliding drawers for easy organization
- Locks for maximum security
- 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- Drawers don’t open unless the top lid is opened
Who Should Buy?
The classic flip-up handle and quality built make this tool chest stand out. It’s security lock doesn’t disappoint either. It qualifies as a perfect tool chest for professionals.
#7. Wen 73015 Garage Glider Rolling Tool Chest Seat
Editor's Rating: (4.4 / 5)
Closing our list is one of the best tool chest for the money, Wen 73015 Garage Glider. Ranked by many as the best rolling tool chest, it doesn’t disappoint, both in built quality and storage capacity. Compared to the other tool chests in the list, this garage glider comes more unique in its design letting it double as a mechanic’s stool.
The case material is made of steel and sports a vinyl padding. This extra-absorbent padding functions to maximize comfort and protection. The glider sports 3 drawers and two magnetic trays that open to the bottom sides. What’s more, you get a whooping 16 slots for your wrenches and screwdrivers. In short, this tool chest ensures that any tool you want is there whenever you need it.
Heavy-duty casters come in handy to provide easy maneuvering around the jobsite. Each measure 2.5 inches and sport a 360-degree swivel design for multi-directional movement. This chest has a weight limit of 350 pounds and it’s backed by a 2-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Versatile design doubles as a stool
- Budget -friendly and compact
- Heavy-duty casters for easy mobility
- Large storage capacity
- 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- Drawers don’t have a lockable feature
Who Should Buy?
This tool chest comes in a versatile design that sports a perfect balance of functionality, durability and comfort. It makes a great tool chest for both home mechanics and professionals, especially those that need a comfortable sitting platform as they work.
Last Updated on August 7, 2020 by Tom Bradly