We've used and reviewed many of the best toolboxes in the business. But before we even get into the best toolbox reviews of 2023, we have to back up and make sure you're in the right place. Just as "coke," "soda," and "soda" are different ways people use to refer to soft drinks in the South, Midwest, and Northeast, respectively — toolbox and toolbox mean different things. For our purposes, this article focuses on portable tool cases and storage systems. Check out our best toolbox reviews article to see what you might be stacking and storing in your garage or shop space.
In short…choose your own adventure:
best toolbox
If you want one of these, you are in the right place. We've got plenty of portable toolbox recommendations to keep you going.
Now that we've got that out of the way, we can move on to picking the best toolbox. We differentiated our picks by app, so scroll down and be sure to let us know if you agree with our picks in the comments below.
Flex Stack Pack Modular Tool Box Storage System
Our pick for the best overall toolbox is actually for one system: the Flex Stack Pack system. This system takes all the benefits of a modular storage system and makes it even better. From the steel front and side tool rack rails to the innovative horizontal stand, Flex has added some extremely convenient features to this best modular tool box.
The only downside we can think of to the Flex Stack Pack toolbox is that it's new. As such, they haven't released a wall mount or other products that integrate with the system. Still, the basic 3-piece rolling toolbox set is one of the best, sturdiest systems we've reviewed. They also have killer organizer boxes and medium (half size) organizers that work really well and are stackable to the system.
also recommended
- Milwaukee Packout Modular Storage System
- DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 Modular Tool Storage System
Milwaukee Packout Modular Storage System
When it comes to the best modular tool box system with the widest range of accessories, you won't easily surpass the Milwaukee Packout System. The system has a wide range of products and accessories. From rolling boxes, to Packout drawers, and even Milwaukee Packout radios – this system really does look like the best solution for the tradesman. Whether you want to store tools, accessories, or throw a modular workbench on top of your Packout box pile, this system has you covered.
They also have wall mounts, car mounts, carts and crates to ensure you stay as mobile as possible. Wanted to mount the charger to the wall – they have that too. Milwaukee even has a Packout-compatible first aid kit! If you can dream it – they probably have it.
When it comes to the best rolling toolbox, we're divided. We had to split our recommendations between the DeWalt Toughsystem 2.0 Rolling Toolbox Mobile Storage (DWST08450) and the Milwaukee Packout Rolling Toolbox (48-22-8426).
DeWalt Toughsystem 2.0 Rolling Toolbox
Priced around $179, this rolling tool box has everything you need to haul tools, accessories, and more to the job site safely and securely.
Milwaukee Packout Rolling Toolbox
The Milwaukee Packout Rolling Toolbox is $30 premium, but we were impressed with its large 9-inch wheels and durability.
Both of these tool cases offer a super durable and safe way to transport your tools to the job site. The Milwaukee comes with 9-inch wheels and the 8-inch wheels on the DeWalt Packout 2.0 case, but we've used both and they hold up equally well when rolling on dirt, concrete, or going up and down stairs.
Festool Systainers
We had some internal disagreements about this choice. Finally, we cannot deny that the Festool offers almost every tool in the Systainer. They also make their boxes stackable to their dust collectors, such as the Festool CT 48 E AC we reviewed earlier. This makes them the company that most values professional users having storage boxes as part of their system philosophy. So they get a "win".
Still, these tool boxes do find a home among finishing woodworking professionals and woodworkers. We don't see many general craftsmen scrambling to buy expensive Systainers as toolboxes. Plumbers and electricians have probably never heard of them or seen them in the wild. And you sure won't find them on the end caps of your favorite home improvement depot. If you are not already using the Festool tool, you may want to use our split second choice below.
also recommended
- DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 Modular Tool Storage System
- Milwaukee Packout Modular Storage System
Gear Wrench 239 Piece Machine Tool Set
For us, the best mechanic tool boxes contain the essential tools you need for general automotive tasks. You won't find all the specialized picks and tools in the store, but you can be really portable and get the job done on the go. A great mechanical toolbox includes wrenches, ratchets, sockets and bits. With these four members of your car's "food group," you can tackle just about anything that might happen while you're out and about. We were impressed with this $210 set because it keeps drawers organized and has a full range of metric and SAE outlet sizes.
If you need our advice on what to bring to the garage or shop, see our best toolbox article.
DeWalt ToughSystem (and 2.0)
Our recommendations for the best tool boxes for the garage differ from our recommendations for the best mechanic tool boxes. Rather than a simple portable box, it's built with the homeowner's organizational needs in mind. For this reason, we love the DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 for its rack system functionality and portability. Between bins, boxes, drawers, and an incredibly intuitive rack-mount system, the DeWalt ToughSystem will work well in any garage or shop. Pricing starts at $40 and goes up from there. You can even get a cart or a wireless DeWalt ToughSystem radio.
Festool Systainers (Tanos Design)
Most professionals don't know much about the easy stacking that Festool Systainers offer. We really like the look and compactness of the SYSTAINER system as a stacking kit – especially since there are already so many tools in the SYSTAINER. Its boxy nature also makes it easy to store and transport. Each box allows for triple functionality with a rotary latch. You can open the lid, secure the lid, and even attach the box to the box above. As a result, Festool Systainers remain one of the few stackable toolbox systems where you can lock the lid of a box that might not be on top when you open it.
Gear Wrench 243-Pack 6 lb Machine Tool Set
We've made our recommendations above for the Gearwrench 239-pc mechanical tool set, but this one has some nice modifications and we've also found it helpful. While you can also get 12-point sockets, we prefer 6-point sockets. You also get some larger-sized sockets and a couple of knuckles to help you in those odd places. We also like to use Allen drive sockets instead of standard wrenches. Both of these scenarios are perfectly valid, but we thought we'd give you an alternative suggestion here.
DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 Storage System
Recommending the best toolboxes assumes we know what you're looking for. Actually – we didn't. This means that it is really important to have some flexibility in the type of toolbox you choose. For that, you can't beat the DeWalt ToughSystem. Milwaukee Packout also offers a good option, but DeWalt will give you your money's worth. We love the open visibility of the Packout wall mount, but equally great is the flat pull-out storage of the ToughSystem rack.
RYOBI LINK Rolling Tool Box (STM201)
While it's not fully available yet, there are a few things we really like about the RYOBI LINK Rolling Tool Box. For one, it works well with the entire RYOBI LINK storage system. This means you can add their storage boxes on top and expand your capacity and functionality. RYOBI used impact-resistant materials to create the LINK Rolling Tool Box, so it can handle any domestic abuse you can think of.
The wide steel telescoping handle and 9-inch all-terrain wheels support a 200-pound load capacity. RYOBI has also given the tool case an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance. Inside, you'll find an area on the lid for accessories like drill and driver bit sets. Finally, the RYOBI LINK rolling toolbox includes a locking point and integrated tie-down anchor.
You can choose from a variety of ways to organize your toolbox. For tool boxes, our recommendation comes down to spray-on adhesive or even foam inserts made by Kaizen Inserts. You can't beat the custom foam inserts that help you keep track of your tools. However, for general storage, you do want to organize by task and application.
Organized by Task and Application
In my world, I might need to work on things like plumbing, electrical, cars, or tiles. I tend to have separate kits for each of these duties so I can just pick up my box and go. I really don't want to have to stop and load my car every time I need to fix a leaky faucet or replace a lighting fixture.
For this reason, I also tend to have duplicate key tools for each application so that I don't need to find and replace screwdrivers, tape, markers, and utility knife. Having a well laid out kit can really speed up your workflow.
tissue fasteners
I cannot stress enough how helpful organizing fasteners are. I have a different multi-compartment box that holds many different types of accessories, from floor and drywall screws to kits for mounting the TV. When you've separated screws, washers, nuts, bolts, etc. by common size and type, they're easily accessible when you need them. I've even made some custom kits with decorative screws and one for securing things to drywall or concrete, brick or masonry. The idea is that I can grab what I need and quickly grab the fasteners to get the job done — without having to dump out a bunch of screws or wade through a can to get what I want.
The same goes for wire nuts, cable clamps, etc. Once you organize your fasteners and other items this way, you can never go back!
Editor's note: These organizers are also the best LEGO storage and organization systems we've tried.
You can mount the tool to a wall, or even the side of your work cart or van. While custom systems like American Van and Sortimo have been around for a while, consumers now have more mainstream options from companies like DeWalt and Milwaukee Tool. That means you can choose a system that equips your garage, workshop, van or work truck with a wall-mounted tool box. Our two options are as follows:
DeWalt Toughsystem Workshop Shelving
DeWalt ToughSystem shelf kits start at about $99. They work for shops, garages – even work vans and trucks. We like how easily you can slide the box in and out without affecting anything above or below. They can support up to 440 lbs each, making them extremely versatile.
Milwaukee Packout Wall Mount Bracket
Milwaukee Packout Mounting Plates secure tool boxes so you can see what's inside and can support up to 50 lbs per mounting plate when placed on the wall. You can also bottom mount them on your vehicle, or use them with a crate for open storage access.
how we choose
We judge toolboxes on a variety of factors. It is the sum of the whole – along with the required application – that ultimately guides our decisions. We also run these by professionals in various fields to see what they think and get their input. Once that's done, we feel like we have a list that you can rely on and trust.
durability
One thing we don't like: cheap boxes break easily. For this reason, you won't see any "Featured by Amazon" recommendations – we don't care how many people gave them top user ratings. If you drop a box on the bed of your truck for fear of breaking it, you're not doing yourself any favors.
Flexibility and Features
If you need something to fit the job, then we tend to value toolbox "systems" over one-off designs. That's why you keep seeing Milwaukee Packout, DeWalt ToughSystem, and Festool Systainer boxes showing up more than once. From being stackable on carts and each other to wall-mounting, these systems beat most of the competition with the flexibility they offer.
organize
We find it difficult to claim a best toolbox on something that doesn't organize tools well. So a big case with one big compartment might be fine for your dad, but not for us. We want something that stays organized over time so you don't have to hunt around for your tools.
value
Value matters. How much you need to invest in a good toolbox can affect your bottom line. This might explain our excitement about mainstream organizers that are significantly less expensive than some of the mainstream custom commercial systems of a few years ago. Look for these systems to drop in price or innovate further while trying to stay competitive.
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