The Best Toolboxes for Keeping Your Tools Organized

The Best Toolbox Buying Guide

Toolboxes are not just for mechanics, plumbers, and other professionals; they’re also great for anyone with lots of tools that need to be kept in one place! Here’s what to look out for before buying a toolbox and everything you need to know about them:

Types of Toolboxes

Wooden toolboxes

The earliest toolboxes were made of wood. More recently, though, more durable versions have replaced them. You can still find them around, especially with people who cherish their aesthetic and ornamental value. These versions are not as popular these days because they are not very lightweight and can be a little awkward to use. 

Plastic toolboxes

Plastic toolboxes have quickly become a favorite in many industries. They’re affordable and don’t rust, making them the go-to option for homeowners and most DIYers.

Aluminum toolboxes

Aluminum toolboxes are usually very durable and strong. However, due to their slippery surface, aluminum sheets with rugged textures or diamond plate patterns are used to make aluminum models. This helps reduce any slipperiness and makes them much easier to grasp. 

Steel toolboxes 

Steel toolboxes stand apart because of their sturdiness. They usually have a higher maximum weight capacity than similarly sized toolboxes made of other materials. They do have a tendency to rust if kept in damp or wet environments, though, and some steel models have extra layers of anti-rust coating to combat this. Stainless steel is also a good alternative to steel toolboxes—it is rust-resistant but also more expensive.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Toolbox

Size and Capacity

Size and capacity are the most important factors to consider when buying a toolbox. You should consider the number of tools you’ll be keeping in your box when deciding how much space you’ll need. You should also consider the possibility of adding more tools to your collection when buying something. This can help save on costs and the extra job of looking for a bigger toolbox as your collection grows. 

Design

From simple single-space designs to more elaborate multiple-compartment designs, you will have a lot of options. For example, regarding space, your design choice should depend on the variety of tools you want to store. And if you only have a few tools or a single type of tool to store, a single-space design can work well. However, since this is rarely the case, you’re more likely to have multiple tools of different sizes. So, you should probably choose a toolbox with multiple compartments for storing your tools separately. Storing different types of tools separately can help make your toolbox more organized. You don’t want to empty your entire toolbox just to find a bolt.

Organizational Features

Look for compartments, trays, or dividers that provide ample space and ensure your tools are organized efficiently. These internal structures prevent smaller items from jostling around during transport and make it easier for you to locate specific tools quickly.

Portability

While many often think of toolboxes as simple storage spaces that stay in the same spot, this is not true with modern toolboxes. Modern versions are designed to be more portable and usually come with handles or even wheels. So, make sure the handle on your box is well-made. It should be firmly attached and able to withstand the weight of the toolbox when it’s full.  It is equally important to make sure that the handle is comfortable. You really don’t want a handle that leaves you with blisters. 

Lock

A modern toolbox should have a cover and be able to lock securely with a latch. Anyone can open a latch and access your tools, and this may not be a big deal if you don’t have to worry about kids or anyone else getting into your tools. However, you should consider extra security measures if you want to restrict access. Some toolboxes have padlock eyelets and a latch, allowing you to lock your box using an external padlock.

Benefits of Using a Toolbox

Saving space

Using a toolbox to store your tools saves the space all your tools would have taken up. This helps if your workstation is short on space. 

Protection from damage

Leaving your tools scattered around can expose them to many hazards. Water or any other liquid can get spilled or splashed on them, and since most tools are made of metal, this can lead to rust and corrosion. You can save hundreds of dollars in repairs and replacement costs by making a small investment. 

Safety

Tools left lying around can be sources of potential injuries. A sharper tool could trip, fall, or even cut you, and using a toolbox can help eliminate these dangers.

Portability

A toolbox allows you to carry your essential tools conveniently from one place to another, whether around your workshop or a job site.

Organizing a Toolbox

Organizing your toolbox makes it easier to locate your tools when needed. The first thing you should do is to group your tools by type and function. And if you have multiple compartments, place similar tools in the same compartment. Alternatively, you can also sort them by size. You can also place your bigger tools at the base of the box and put the smaller ones at the top.