After Testing 11 Top-Rated Tool Chests, These Are the 7 Worth Your Money

Tool chests offer a straightforward solution for organizing and storing tools, but with so many sizes, configurations, and price points available, it can be hard to know which one to choose. That’s why our test team tried out 11 of the most popular models, scrutinizing everything from build quality to drawer design to find our favorites. Our top pick, the Husky Standard Duty 9-Drawer Mobile Workbench Cabinet, offers an excellent combination of rugged construction, smooth drawer slides, and versatile storage space. 

But the Husky was just one of our seven award winners. Whether you’re looking to organize a full set of sockets, screwdrivers, or woodworking accessories, there’s sure to be an option below that will fit your workshop and workflow. Read on to learn which features matter most when shopping for tool storage and to see why the following models stand out as the best tool chests available today.

1. BEST OVERALL: Husky Standard Duty 9-Drawer Mobile Workbench Cabinet
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Craftsman S2000 5-Drawer Metal Tool Chest
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3. BEST MODULAR: Flex Stack Pack 3-Drawer Tool Box
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4. BEST STACKABLE: GoPlus 6-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest With Riser
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5. BEST SEAT-STYLE: Wen Garage Glider GG1350 Rolling Tool Chest Seat
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6. BEST NARROW BUILD: Husky Rolling Tool Chest Combo
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7. BEST MULTIPURPOSE: U.S. General Series 3 Roll Cab Tool Chest
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Best Tool Chests at a Glance

Our Top Picks

If you’re looking for practical tool storage ideas, a heavy-duty tool chest is hard to beat. Each of the following models earned a spot in our lineup based on our hands-on evaluation of assembly, organizational design, build quality, portability, and overall value. 

Our Ratings

This nine-drawer Husky workbench cabinet made from 21-gauge steel is a beautiful beast. It’s packed with features, including a solid wood worktop, built-in power strip, and soft-close locking drawers. None of the drawers have an organization system, but no dividers are necessary given the attached (but removable) padded grippy liners that hold loose tools in place while protecting against scratches and dents. 

Assembling this Husky was quick and easy—all we had to do was attach the wheels, handle, and cord keeper. The only part of the setup that took any real time was adding all our tools. While we don’t have a totally comprehensive set of tools for our home, we have all the basics. Everything we wanted to store fit nicely, including a circular saw, jigsaw, screw organizer, variety of hand tools, T-square, and a large cutting mat. 

Because this workstation has a side handle and large caster wheels, we were able to move it around during testing, even when full. The locking wheels held nicely when we pushed against the unit, though we’d be nervous about them holding this heavy chest in place on any kind of hill. For general shed or garage spaces, however, its six built-in outlets and two USB-A ports make it an ideal option for mobile project work. Though inconsequential to its operation, we also love its beautiful finish and trim. Upon seeing it, our 17-year-old daughter (who couldn’t care less about tools) said, “When I came home and saw that, it instantly made me happier!” 

What our tester says: “We’ve had this tool chest for over 2 years now, even moving it from Utah to Colorado. It stores the majority of our tools, charges all our lawn care and vacuum batteries, and serves as a regular work surface in our garage. We haven’t had a single issue with it since we got it.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Husky 9-drawer tool chest at The Home Depot.

Our Ratings

You don’t have to spend a lot to get a high-quality tool chest to stow and protect your tools and accessories. This five-drawer model from Craftsman’s S2000 series offers ample room for storing a collection of sockets and other small tools. It has a double-wall steel construction, and its dimensions are well suited to storing various tools.

In our tests, the best place for this small tool box ended up being on our work table since, with its 23-inch height, it’s not very fun to bend and retrieve tools from the lowest drawers when it’s on the floor. If desired, users can order another tool chest and set this upper model on top, but it works just as well when placed on a bench or table. 

This handy Craftsman tool chest with drawers features a keyed lock on the upper front as well as two easy-grip handles built into the sides to facilitate relocation. Although it’s smaller than some of the other garage cabinets in our tests, it’s not wimpy. It weighs a beefy 72 pounds when empty, so it won’t be easy to carry when filled with tools.

We filled this compact tool chest with as many tools as we could, and the drawers still slid smoothly. We did run into one issue: The chest arrived with the lift-open top slightly misaligned, which caused the lid to hang when opening and closing it. The problem wasn’t insurmountable, though. We found we could push the lid to the left to open and close it. It could have gotten misaligned during packaging or shipping, but it didn’t diminish our feelings about the quality of the Craftsman. This is a great, affordable tool chest. 

Get the Craftsman tool chest at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Our Ratings

If moving between job sites is a big part of your day to day, this 3-drawer portable tool chest​ from Flex could be exactly what you need. Designed to attach to other pieces in the brand’s extensive Stack Pack lineup, it features quick-connect latches on the top and bottom that don’t get in the way if you use it alone but also make it easy to combine with other boxes and organizers (or even a dolly or wooden worktop). It’s made of impact-resistant polypropylene with aluminum-reinforced corners, comes with removable dividers for small items, and has an optional security bar you can padlock to help keep its contents safe. 

We were pleasantly surprised by this Flex model in our tests. Since most of the options that made our list were steel, we weren’t sure how durable a heavy-duty plastic tool chest would actually be. After repeated drops on our garage floor, however, it looked and performed as good as new. And while the drawers don’t lock in the traditional sense of the word, there’s also no way for them to accidentally open since you have to squeeze the underside of the handle for them to unlatch. The only real downside of this pick is that the weight capacity is just 70 pounds, so it’s better for smaller tools and hardware than heavier gear. 

What our tester says: “This modular model is perfect for organizing a small set of tools now and adding more components as your collection grows. All of the Stack Pack products are so reasonably priced that you could build a pretty sweet setup over time.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Flex tool chest at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Our Ratings

If both your space and budget are limited, finding the right tool storage can be harder than you’d think. But with its stackable 3-in-1 design and very reasonable price, this GoPlus tool chest solves both. At around $200, it features a top box, center riser, and rolling bottom cabinet that all fit together as one, or you can detach each piece and use it separately. Each of the six drawers has smooth ball-bearing slides and built-in liners to cushion your equipment and prevent scratches, and the top section also has an automatic locking system that secures its drawers as soon as you close the lid.

Still, if there’s one thing we’ve learned in all our years of testing, it’s that there’s usually some kind of trade-off for more value-driven purchases—and in this case, it’s the assembly process. The instructions aren’t especially clear, and there were a couple of screws that felt nearly impossible to access without a stubby screwdriver. Once put together, however, the end product was better than we expected. Yes, the metal is thinner than what you’d find on a Craftsman or Husky, and there aren’t any drawer organizers for loose hardware, but the locking swivel casters and side handle make it easy to move, and the overall capacity and design make it quite functional.

Get the GoPlus tool chest at Amazon.

Our Ratings

Projects like assembling furniture or bleeding car brakes usually lead to sore knees and an array of tools scattered across the floor. But as a combination padded stool and compact storage center, this Wen rolling tool box makes those types of efforts both easier and more comfortable. Rated for up to 350 pounds, its heavy-duty steel frame rests on four 2.5-inch ball-bearing swivel casters that roll smoothly in any direction. The thick, vinyl-covered cushion provides plenty of support so you can focus on the task at hand rather than how much everything hurts. 

Like most tool seats, the Garage Glider isn’t meant for a complete set of tools, just a curated collection of those you need to have within reach. It has three pull-out drawers for the things you use a little less often, as well as 16 slots across the back for whatever you use most. There are also two folding side trays with magnetic linings so loose nuts, bolts, and drill bits don’t end up lost as you move. While the drawers are too shallow for power tools and the 16-inch-high seat might be too close to the ground for some, we’ve found this little Wen quite handy for a variety of low-level work.

What our tester says: “We’ve gotten a ton of mileage out of this Wen tool box in the past couple months. Not only did we use it while putting together the GoPlus tool chest on this list (the assembly process wasn’t exactly quick), I also plop down on it almost every day to tie my shoes before walking the dogs, and our nephew rolled around on it all weekend while working on our Jeep. Storage is definitely limited, but if you set it up for a certain set of tasks, it’s a great small tool chest to have in your garage.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Wen tool chest at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Wen.

Our Ratings

For those with limited garage space but many tools to store, this option from Husky may be ideal. It has 10 drawers ranging in size to suit different tools and other items, each rated to hold up to 100 pounds. In our tests, we appreciated the soft-closing mechanism of the drawers, as well as the included padded liners that were precut and slid in nicely during setup. The entire two-piece tool chest came almost completely assembled, too, which was a plus. We just needed to install the four large caster wheels on the bottom, plus the handle on the side. Easy peasy.

For testing, we overloaded the drawers above their rated 100 pounds. Even with very heavy items inside, the drawers seemed to hold up nicely, and we noticed little change to the smooth opening and closing. The bright red coating also makes quite the statement, although shoppers can opt for more subtle blue or glossy gray options, which are almost identical save for one additional drawer.

Our one gripe with the Husky was its hard plastic caster wheels. Even with both brakes applied, they didn’t seem able to fully stop the tool chest from moving when we pulled on it. This tool box on wheels just started sliding across the floor. We would have liked to have seen a hard rubberized wheel with a little more grip.

Get the Husky 10-drawer tool chest at The Home Depot.

Our Ratings

Whether you’re a professional or you just have an abundance of tools, this stainless steel tool chest from U.S. General will not disappoint. It’s big but arrives completely assembled, and it has two locking swivel casters, which makes it fairly easy to move around the garage. 

It also features two stationary casters that provide some added security against rolling on uneven surfaces. We tested the eight drawers by adding weights and were impressed with how smoothly they opened and how much they were able to hold. The soft-close mechanism, full-extension ball-bearing slides, and locking latches are features we generally only see on high-end tool chests. 

There is a charging drawer with a built-in power strip (including USB-C outlets!) for charging multiple batteries simultaneously. The lockable tool chest has one deep drawer that holds multiple drills and power tools, and seven other drawers that are just the right size to organize small and large hand tools. 

What our tester says: “This is a professional-grade chest. I wish all four casters swiveled, but the heavy-duty drawers and frame are enough to make this a solid tool chest. I’m surprised it’s not more expensive.”—Kara Illig, Former BobVila.com Commerce Editor 

Get the U.S. General tool chest at Harbor Freight. 

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Tool Chests

The right tool organizer for one user might not be right for another, so we set out to test models in various sizes with different options at diverse price points. We considered the brand to an extent; after all, manufacturers such as Husky and Craftsman have sterling reputations in the industry, but they aren’t the only quality makers on the market. 

In actual testing, we noted whether assembly was required and, if so, how clear the instructions were and how easy the process was. Then, we examined and tested every tool chest organizer, assessing each one’s design, portability, security, and drawer capacity. We assigned points based on a rubric; the better a tool chest performed, the higher the points. After testing, we averaged the points to find our best overall pick and determine the best categories for the other chests. 

Our Testing Scores

What to Consider When Choosing a Tool Chest

Browsing the types of tool chests available is a good starting point. To refine your search, you’ll want to examine the structure in more detail. This will provide greater focus to help pinpoint the best storage option for a range of different users.

Size, Capacity, and Weight

Most people don’t have an abundance of unused space in their workshop, so the size of the tool chest is a crucial consideration. Pictures can be misleading, so be sure to refer to the product dimensions provided by the manufacturer. One common mistake—particularly in small, cramped workshops—is failing to leave enough room for a tool chest’s drawers and doors to open. Mobile tool chests seem like a great idea, but in a workshop that already has, for example, a workbench and fixed machinery like a table saw, there may not actually be room to maneuver it. Consider making a quick mock-up of the floor space the chest needs to make sure it works with the existing stationary equipment.

Capacity is equally important. Generally speaking, the greater the capacity, the more the chest will weigh. It might make a large, rolling tool chest difficult to manage despite having wheels. In some cases, it may be better to buy two smaller tool chests—one stationary and one rolling—rather than a single large one.

Drawers and Shelving

Multiple-drawer tool storage is what sets tool chests apart from tool boxes, bags, and belts. Drawers provide a convenient place to arrange tools for easy access and protect them from workshop grime. The drawers of the best tool chests often have ball-bearing slides for smooth opening and closing. 

Make sure to check the dimensions: Does the drawer provide enough room for all the tools? Does the workshop provide enough space to open the drawer fully? Also, be sure that the drawer handles are easy to grasp but not so large and prominent that they get in the way. 

Shelving comes in handy for storing power tools and other large items that won’t fit in drawers. Tool chests sometimes include adjustable shelves. While most tool chest designs place shelves in the lower half, some might also have an open box at the top. This is handy for switching between tools frequently.

Material

Wooden tool chests vary from small bench-top models to large freestanding cabinets. They offer plenty of versatility and, oftentimes, superb craftsmanship. Perhaps unsurprisingly, woodworkers, artists, and other fine craftspeople often prefer wooden chests. However, they do require a degree of care and wouldn’t be considered “heavy-duty” tool chests. 

Plastic tool chests are affordable and offer a wide variety of choices. Most oils and chemicals found in the workshop pose no threat to plastic surfaces and wipe off easily. While more common in portable tool boxes, plastic also makes a number of tough tool chests. But not all plastic is tough—some will withstand the rigors of the workshop or jobsite, while other plastics only withstand light-duty DIY uses.

Large tool chests fixed into truck beds often use aluminum, but this material seldom finds its way into workshop tool chests. Steel—heavier, considerably stronger, and less expensive—makes up most metal tool chests. While they may rust, steel tool chests usually come painted or powder coated, which prevents this problem. 

A tool chest with a comprehensive locking mechanism helps keep tools from being stolen. Although a portable metal tool box or a plastic chest may also come with locks, these typically offer limited protection. 

Types of Tool Chests

The tool chest market includes designs that make organizing tools simple for anyone, including DIYers, home mechanics, woodworkers, and welders. Tool chests come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and materials. They offer space for hand tools, power tools, and accessories. The challenge in picking the best tool chest is striking the right balance between storage, portability, durability, and price. The following sections may help you better understand the differences between product types.

Stationary

If a tool chest is designed to stay in one place, it can be larger and hold much more than one that needs to move around. Generally speaking, stationary tool chests are constructed with steel for added strength and durability, but be sure to check the thickness of the material in the manufacturer’s specifications. Just because the product description says “heavy duty” doesn’t necessarily mean it is.

Those who need lots of space for bulky tools might want to consider stationary garage cabinets. They’re a spacious and flexible storage solution that can be combined with a workbench.

Rolling

Compact and portable, a rolling tool bag can be great for small projects. If you want something a bit bigger, look for the best rolling tool box you can find, as these offer additional stability and capacity. However, if you need something bigger, rolling tool chests can hold even more tools and equipment and can be moved easily around the workshop or garage.

Rolling tool chests come in numerous designs, from two-wheeled models that maximize mobility to the tall four-wheeled tool roller chests with multiple drawers that many mechanics prefer. Some include large open areas at the base for power tools or other bulky items. They may also have convenient removable top sections that can travel to a jobsite. A larger rolling tool box will often include a useful bar across the side to help push it around.

It’s important to consider the wheels. Wheels that are small and flimsy may not support the full weight of the tool chest when filled to capacity, and a collapse could be disastrous. Plastic might be OK for lightweight tool chests, but steel casters with rubber or synthetic wheels offer better support. Foot-operated brake levers on the wheels help ensure the chest doesn’t move until needed.

Wall-Mounted

Wall-mounted tool chests can help you make the most of limited space. Typically positioned above a workbench, they keep tools readily available for the tasks performed there, which is much more convenient than storing tools beneath the bench.

Though convenient and easily accessible, wall-mounted cabinets do not provide as much storage and organization as their floor-standing counterparts. Often, they’ll offer just a shelf or two. But that makes sense, as having lots of small tools at or above eye level is rarely convenient. That said, several models offer more versatility. Some are specifically designed for cordless power-tool storage. Others include small drawers for screws, electrical connectors, or other small tool kits. They make great choices for modelers or other hobbyists.

Key considerations include the chest’s maximum weight capacity and the material and condition of the wall on which it will hang. Look for a load rating. It may also be necessary to source appropriate wall anchors separately.

Multipurpose

Multipurpose tool chests rank among the best tool chests for their versatility. Those that double as a stool, for example, don’t just provide a spot for the weary worker to take five—they also provide a convenient working platform for some tasks. These chests usually have wheels to make them easy to move around. Important characteristics are the seat material (which needs to withstand workshop treatment) and the weight capacity.

Workstations, which incorporate tool storage with a workbench, come in many shapes and sizes. Some have drawers or cabinets underneath a basic work surface; others have backboards for hanging tools or configuring other storage systems. Some remain stationary; others include locking wheels that move when needed or stay put when needed.

FAQs 

Before making a final selection, check out the answers to some common questions about the best tool chests.

Q. What’s the best way to store tools in a tool chest?

There are no hard and fast rules, but in general, it’s better to have heavier tools at the bottom to stabilize the chest. That aside, think about the tools you use most often—they probably need to be near the top.

Q. How do I keep my tools from moving around in the drawers?

EVA foam liners and/or sectional dividers and tool racks can help keep your tool box organized. You can also buy sheets of thicker foam, which you can then cut out to form custom-fit tool holders and dividers.

Q. How can I save my tools from rust when stored in the tool chest?

First, never put tools away dirty. This introduces moisture to the space and can contaminate other items. Take a clean rag and some light machine oil to the metal parts of hand tools that might rust before you put them away. Do not use silicone spray, which is sticky and can trap dirt. Silica gel packs are a good way to absorb moisture within the tool chest. They are widely available, small, and inexpensive. Add a few to each section.

Q. Can I keep my tool chest outdoors? 

No, a chest tool box should be kept in a garage or workshop unless specifically designed to weather the elements. Some mechanics will pull a wheeled tool chest out to the driveway while working on a car, but most models are not designed to withstand rain, blowing dust, or snow, all of which could get in the drawers and damage the tools.

Q. What’s the difference between a tool box and a tool chest?

A tool box is typically a compact, portable container—often with a handle and one or two compartments—designed for carrying a limited set of essential tools. A tool chest is a larger, heavier-duty unit with multiple drawers and greater capacity that’s meant for stationary storage in a garage or workshop (even if it has wheels for limited mobility).

Q. What size tool chest do I need​?

You can determine the size of tool chest you need by considering your current tool collection, available floor space, and how much you plan to grow your setup. For light DIY tasks, a compact 2- to 4-drawer chest may be enough, while home garages are often a good match for mid-size 5- to 7-drawer units. Serious hobbyists or pros will likely want 8 or more drawers. Always measure your workspace (including clearance for doors and movement) and lean slightly larger than you think you need to accommodate future tools. 

Meet the Testers

Michelle Larson is an editor and writer who loves product testing so she can invest in a quality item once rather than buy something subpar twice.

Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer focusing primarily on construction and DIY tools.

Paul Rankin started writing for BobVila.com in 2021, focusing on buyer’s guides for the full range of tools, furniture, DIY supplies, and home and garden products.

Kara Illig is a former senior commerce editor of BobVila.com and co-owner of a property management company. She’s passionate about finding value and efficiency in tools and home products.

Additional research provided by Timothy Dale and Bob Beacham.

 

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