Whether you’re using several small tools for automotive work or need to move larger power tools from one spot to another on a job site, having somewhere to stash and transport them makes a big difference in your productivity. Rolling tool boxes come with drawers and bins that allow you to stow your tools in an organized manner and keep them within reach.
The best rolling tool box for you will depend on the kinds of tools you use and whether you plan to push the tool box out to the driveway to work on a car, or load it in the back of your truck and take it to the job site.
- BEST OVERALL: DeWalt Tool Box with Wheels, TSTAK, Deep Box
- RUNNER UP: Stalwart Portable Tool Box 3-in-1
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Stalwart Rolling Tool Box with Wheels
- BEST FOR LOCKING: Keter Masterloader Resin Rolling Tool Box
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Milwaukee Packout 22 in. Rolling Tool Box
- BEST TOOL CHEST: Stanley Tool Box, Mobile Chest, 50-Gallon (037025H)
- BEST TOOL BOX STOOL: OEMTools Workshop Creeper Seat with Built In Toolbox
- BEST WITH WORKBENCH: Husky 46 in. W x 24 in. D Standard Duty Workbench
Rolling tool boxes come in designs that vary based on the kinds of tools stored inside them and the kinds of projects for which they are used. The following types of rolling tool boxes all store tools and can be moved with ease but offer different features that will suit some projects better than others.
Rolling Tool Cart/Trolley
Much like a rolling kitchen cart, a rolling tool cart or “trolley” has a tabletop work surface that can hold small items, such as nuts, bolts, and spark plugs, and also additional storage below the work surface. The storage space below may be configured with multiple pull-out drawers or a combination of drawers and bins. It may also include shelving. You can move a trolley-type cart to a designated spot for tool storage, or you can load it up with the tools you’ll need for a specific project—say, detailing a car—and then pull it out to the driveway to keep all your items within reach.
Rolling Tool Chest
A rolling tool chest is essentially a large upright box with multiple drawers that resembles a chest of drawers you would find in a bedroom. This type of portable tool storage is often found in mechanics’ garages and typically features shallow drawers just deep enough to hold sockets and wrenches. In an automotive garage, you might find multiple rolling tool chests lining the walls, each chock full of the small precision tools a mechanic needs to work on various vehicles. This type of tool storage can also come in handy in a woodworker’s workshop. Its shallow drawers are ideal for storing fasteners, bits, and other small supplies that can be difficult to find if they’re dumped in a box or bag.
Rolling Tool Box Stool
A rolling tool box with a stool is just the ticket for working on projects that require you to bend down regularly, such as performing detail work on the exterior of a car or bathing the family dog outdoors. The stool’s storage can be as simple as a single shelf above the wheelbase, where you can keep a couple of hand tools, or a series of drawers and bins for storing more items. Having a stool that you can both sit on and stash your tools beneath is just as convenient as wearing a tool belt and even more comfortable on your back.
Rolling Tool Box With Workbench
Similar to a rolling tool box trolley or cart, a tool box with a workbench provides the user an additional work surface. The surface can be used to hold cans of paint, brushes, or other tools and accessories. It is usually made of a durable material, such as wood, that will withstand scratches and gouges.
To determine which rolling tool box is best for your needs, consider the number of tools you’ll need to store and the weight of the tools. You’ll also want to take into account the size of the tools, whether you’ll need built-in electrical outlets, and whether you want a box that locks. Be sure to weigh these important factors as you shop for a rolling tool box:
Material
To protect tools from dust, water, or the elements, many rolling tool boxes are made from heavy-gauge steel with a coating designed to prevent rusting and corrosion. However, while steel tool boxes are moisture resistant, they’re not waterproof, so they should be stored inside a garage or workshop when not in use. Another popular material for rolling tool boxes is heavy molded resin, which withstands being caught in an occasional shower. Remember if the tool box does not say it’s waterproof, rain or water from a lawn sprinkler could seep into drawers or cabinet doors and rust the tools inside.
Size and Shape
A square or oblong box shape is the most common design for rolling tool boxes. You can find a few round ones, but these are typically tool boxes with built-in stools. A tool box with straight sides offers the most efficient use of storage space because it can be pushed against a garage wall. Rolling tool boxes are usually between 2 and 8 feet wide and can be just as narrow or tall. Most tool boxes are relatively shallow in depth so as not to take up too much room along the garage wall.
Storage Capacity
Consider the number and type of tools you need to store when choosing a rolling tool box. If you have hefty power tools to stow, such as cordless drills, routers, and jigsaws, you’ll want a tool box that has either large bins or shelves sturdy enough to hold them. If you’re going to be working on cars, a tool box with small upper drawers for sockets and a couple of deeper drawers at the bottom for larger tools might be the best option.
Tool Security
Tools are expensive, and keeping them safe from thieves (or children) may require locking the tool box. Some models feature individual locking doors, while others come with a bar-type lock that extends through all the doors. When security is an issue, it’s also a good idea to use a cable to secure the box to a permanent object, such as a lag bolt inserted into the concrete floor of a garage or workshop. But remember locking tool boxes are not safes; they are designed to reduce the risk of theft, not be impenetrable.
Maneuverability
Metal mechanic tool boxes often come with small casters that enable the user to push the tool box over paved concrete. If you need to move the box over different terrains, such as across the yard to a patio, look for larger wheels that will roll over turf or gravel without bogging down. Some job site rolling tool boxes have two large wheels, along with a handle, enabling the user to tip the whole unit, as you would a hand truck, and pull it across uneven ground.
Additional Features
Most rolling tool boxes are pretty straightforward, but a few have useful bells and whistles.
Electrical outlets: Look for these on workbench- or trolley-type rolling tool boxes. They allow the user to plug in electrical tools right at the cabinet. You’ll need to plug a heavy-duty, 12- or 14-gauge extension cord into the back of the cabinet and run it to an electrical outlet.
USB charging port: This feature usually comes as an added option on tool boxes with electrical outlets, allowing the user to charge a cellphone while working.
In-drawer compartments: These are handy for keeping small items, such as different sizes of fasteners, separate and organized.
Portability
Portable rolling tool boxes are actually sets of two or three tool boxes that fit together, one on top of another, and roll across the ground. They’re called “portable” because the boxes can be separated, carried, and loaded into a truck. These boxes weigh less than 25 pounds when empty and often come with collapsible handles. Though some portable rolling tool boxes are made of metal, more often they’re crafted of lightweight molded resin. Keep in mind that your tool box’s true portability factor will depend on the weight of the tools inside.
Our Top Picks
To qualify as a top pick, a rolling tool box should have enough space to hold your tools, be easy to move from one location to another, and be durable and long lasting. The following list has tool boxes for a variety of different applications. At least one is likely to be a terrific asset to your workshop or job site.
Photo: amazon.com
Made from high-quality molded polyethylene and outfitted with removable interior trays for easy access, this is a deep, box-style rolling storage container that holds both large and small items. Stow power tools, batteries, and chargers in the base and organize smaller accessories, such as drill bits, screws, and nuts, in the top compartments.
This DeWalt rolling tool box comes with large 7-inch wheels, making it easy to move over rugged terrain, and it’s stackable. Just add another TSTAK box to the top and lock it in place with the included anti-rust metal side latches. A nice bonus—a telescoping handle—lets the user pull the box along without bending.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 20.18 by 39 by 17 inches
- Wheel size/type: 7 inches in diameter/molded plastic
- Weight: 4.88 pounds
Pros
- Offers both large and small storage sections
- Rugged molded polyethylene
- Stackable with additional boxes
Cons
- Only stacks with TSTAK models, not with DeWalt Tough System boxes
Get the DeWalt tool box with wheels on Amazon, The Home Depot, and Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
Stalwart’s portable tool chest on wheels features three stackable tool boxes on a gliding wheelbase for easy relocation. Each box is crafted from heavy steel and reinforced, injection-molded polymer to protect valuable tools while they’re in transit. Both the top and center boxes come with side handles for easy carrying.
In addition, the top box comes with a locking lid, and the center box features a pull-out drawer, and the rolling base tool box contains a tip-out bin. Accessing the contents of all three boxes without unstacking them is no problem. The Stalwart portable tool box measures 30 inches long by 21 inches high by 13 inches wide when assembled.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 30 by 21 by 13 inches
- Wheel size/type: 5.75 inches/hard rubber
- Weight: 33.4 pounds
Pros
- Stores both large and small items
- Locking lid for security
- Extendable handle for pulling
- Tip-out bottom bin for easy access
Cons
- Handle/wheels only on the bottom box
Get the Stalwart portable tool box on Amazon and Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
The Stalwart rolling tool box features two stackable boxes made from metal and rugged polypropylene, all at a reasonable price. The top box has a comfort-grip fold-down handle, and it comes with two top-access trays with interior compartments for storing small items.
The front of the top box features more compartments in a flip-down tray. Stow larger tools and objects inside the bottom of the top box or in the base box. The back of the unit comes with cable hooks to hold extension cords or tape rolls. The rolling base box has 4.2-inch wheels for easy pulling. And all of this comes at an affordable price point. Assembled, its dimensions are 17.5 inches long by 24.5 inches high by 10 inches wide.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 17.5 by 24.5 by 10 inches
- Wheel size/type: 4.2 inches/molded plastic
- Weight: 13.46 pounds
Pros
- Stores both large and small items
- See-through compartment lids
- Extendable handle
Cons
- Light duty (not suited for contents over 50 pounds)
Get the Stalwart tool box on Amazon, The Home Depot, and Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
The utilitarian-looking Keter Masterloader Resin Rolling Tool Box features two slide-out top trays that can be configured with six molded plastic bins in a custom configuration to fit most storage needs. Below the trays is a large storage compartment designed to hold bigger tools, such as drills or circular saws.
For security and peace of mind, the whole thing can be locked up tight with a padlock (not included). The Keter rolling tool box features a pull-out steel handle and tips up on two wheels for pulling. The unit is made from all-weather resin and measures 16.34 inches high by 24.25 inches wide by 14.88 inches deep.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 16.34 by 24.25 by 14.88 inches
- Wheel size/type: 7 inches/heavy-duty rubber
- Weight: 13 pounds
Pros
- Large base compartment for big tools
- Tip-up rolling capability
- Pull-out handle
Cons
- Not a lot of compartments for smaller items
Get the Keter Masterloader tool box at Sears and Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
From the same manufacturer as the Milwaukee power tool line comes the Milwaukee Packout Rolling Tool Box, which has an industrial-grade extending handle for pulling and an open storage interior. When empty, it weighs less than 24 pounds, and it can also be stacked with other matching Milwaukee Packout tool boxes.
This durable unit features metal-reinforced corners, heavy-duty latches, and corner bars to make lifting it easy. Its oversize 9-inch wheels can easily navigate rough terrain. The Packout rolling tool box measures 22.1 inches high by 25.6 inches wide by 18.9 inches deep. Interior trays are sold separately.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 22.1 by 25.6 by 18.9 inches
- Wheel size/type: 9 inches/rubber
- Weight: 23.37 pounds
Pros
- Large wheels for maneuverability over rough terrain
- Reinforced case
- Industrial-grade telescoping handle
Cons
- Stackable, but only one box is included
Get the Milwaukee Packout tool box on Amazon, The Home Depot, and Northern Tool.
Photo: amazon.com
For those who need more storage space than a compact rolling tool box offers, consider the Stanley Mobile Chest with its 50-gallon internal storage capacity. The Stanley name is well known and respected in the tool industry, and the robust design of this rolling tool chest is right in line with the company’s other quality products.
This Stanley rolling chest is made from heavy-duty molded polypropylene, and it comes with metal latches and an in-box lock for added security. An extendable handle makes pulling easy, and the handle slides out of the way when it’s not in use. However, this is a tip-up rolling chest, so it’s important to consider the weight of the items within; super-heavy items may make it difficult to tip up and roll.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 18.9 by 20.47 by 34.25 inches
- Wheel size/type: 4.5 inches/heavy-duty plastic
- Weight: 30 pounds
Pros
- Large main storage bin
- Metal latches
- Extendable handle for pulling
Cons
- May be difficult to tip up for pulling with heavy items inside
Get the Stanley tool box on Amazon, The Home Depot, and Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
Working with the OEMTools Workshop Creeper Seat is easy on the user’s back, whether that involves changing a tire, assembling a cabinet on the floor, or any other activity that might lead to one heck of a backache, like kneeling on concrete or constantly bending over. Instead, complete projects comfortably on this rolling work seat that features pull-out, under-seat trays to hold tools during the work process.
The OEMTools’ tool drawers are rated to hold up to 30 pounds each, with easy foot-controlled guidance of the swivel casters. The seat is padded with 2 inches of vinyl foam that will keep the user’s rear comfy for hours. The rolling work stool measures 16.9 inches high and 14.9 inches in both length and width.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 16.9 by 14.9 by 14.9 inches
- Wheel size/type: 2-inch caster wheels/metal
- Weight: 17.6 pounds
Pros
- Padded seat for comfortable sitting while working
- Handy pull-out drawers for easy tool access
- Rolls in any direction on caster wheels
Cons
- Not suitable for large-tool storage
Get the OEMTools seat with tool box on Amazon, Sears, and AutoZone.
Photo: homedepot.com
Use the surface of the Husky 46-inch tool chest as a workbench for holding tools, paint, cans, brushes, or whatever else is necessary to complete a project. This mobile work center features nine pull-out drawers, each with a 100-pound weight rating and ball-bearing slides to keep the drawers from sticking.
Two reinforced-steel tool drawers at the bottom of the cart corral larger items, such as power tools, while the upper drawers offer ample room to sort and store wrenches, sockets, and more. The Husky rolling cart is made from high-quality powder-coated steel that is rust and corrosion resistant, and it comes with heavy-duty swivel caster wheels for easy rolling. The unit measures 39 inches tall by 46 inches wide by 24.5 inches deep.
Product Specs
- Exterior dimensions: 39 by 46 by 24.5 inches
- Wheel size/type: 5-inch by 2-inch caster wheels/steel
- Weight: 227 pounds
Pros
- Offers storage for large and small items
- Heavy-duty caster wheels
- Powder-coated steel to resist rusting
Cons
- At 227 pounds, it’s too heavy to lift and transport in a truck bed
Get the Husky workbench at The Home Depot and Amazon.
Our Verdict
Any of the tool boxes on this lineup of the best rolling tool boxes are well suited to storing and moving tools from one spot to another, but the best overall pick, the DeWalt tool box with wheels, checks all the boxes. It offers secure storage, a robust extendable handle, and oversize wheels for pulling over rough terrain. The runner-up pick, the Stalwart portable tool box set of three boxes, offers ample storage and comes with both small- and large-item storage.
The products selected for this list resulted from extensive product research that involved analyzing design, durability, and usefulness. We considered well-known manufacturers when compiling the list, but we didn’t automatically eliminate smaller or niche manufacturers if their products were made from high-quality materials and designed well.
We looked at more than 30 different rolling tool boxes for this lineup and eventually whittled down the options to those that appear in the above list. Along the way, we eliminated the rest of the tool boxes if they contained substandard materials or were not easy to assemble or use. While the tool boxes on our list vary in usage, we feel we’ve selected the top-performing models available today.
Keeping the tools you need within reach makes any project go quicker. Rather than having to maneuver repeatedly between a tool chest and a project you’re working on, a rolling tool box allows you to bring the tools right to where you’re working.
With a rolling tool box you can organize the types of tools you’ll need, such as sockets and wrenches for automotive work, and keep them within arm’s reach.
When you want to rearrange your work space, you can move a rolling tool box anywhere you want in the garage.
Some rolling tool boxes are also portable, which means you can stuff them full of tools and then transport everything to a different jobsite.
Keeping the tools you need within reach makes any project go quicker. Rather than having to maneuver repeatedly between a tool chest and a project you’re working on, a rolling tool box allows you to bring the tools right to where you’re working.
- With a rolling tool box you can organize the types of tools you’ll need, such as sockets and wrenches for automotive work, and keep them within arm’s reach.
- When you want to rearrange your work space, you can move a rolling tool box anywhere you want in the garage.
- Some rolling tool boxes are also portable, which means you can stuff them full of tools, and then transport everything to a different job site.
FAQs
If this is your first time shopping for a rolling tool box, you likely have some questions.
Q: What can you store in a rolling tool box?
Any tools that will fit in the drawers, bins, or cubbies. While some rolling toolboxes will hold large power tools, many have shallow drawers that work well for organizing small tools and supplies, such as sockets and fasteners.
Q: Does a rolling tool box have a lock?
Some do, but not all. When security is an issue, look for a tool box that allows you to lock it with a padlock.
Q: How do you clean a tool box?
You can usually use a spray-on, all-purpose cleaner and a rag to wipe off grease and gunk. For the best results, you’ll also want to clean your tools and keep them maintained to keep from getting the inside of the tool box dirty.
