The Best New Tool Storage and Workshop Gear of 2025

 

Tool of the Year Awards is an annual tradition of celebrating the most notable new tools and solutions for pros and average Joes. This series spotlights the handiest products launched in the last 12 months across 10 essential categories, ranging from power tools to cleaning tools.

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Each year, Bob Vila’s Tool of the Year Awards spotlight the products that stand out for innovation, performance, and value. In the Tool Storage and Workshop category, we spent months evaluating a wide range of products designed to keep tools organized, improve workflow, and make your time in the shop more comfortable.

This year’s winners feature some of the biggest names in the business—Makita, Ryobi, Shark, and Craftsman—along with innovative designs that make day-to-day work in the garage or shop more efficient. From modular storage systems to under-vehicle creepers and even cooling solutions, these products earned top marks in our 2025 competition.

1. Makita MakTrak Modular Storage System

Built for pros who demand durability and efficiency, Makita’s MakTrak modular storage system combines rugged, reinforced resin construction with a secure interlocking rail system for rock-solid stacking. Dual-hinged lids make it easy to access tools from either side, even on lower boxes, while Gecko Grip side handles offer a comfortable, non-slip hold. 

Oversized wheels on the rolling chest tackle gravel, grass, and concrete, and the interior trays keep small parts neatly sorted. Smart touches—like a brace bar to hold lids open, safety cables to prevent overextension, and padlock-ready latches—make the MakTrak one of the most thoughtfully designed systems we’ve tested. For contractors, tradespeople, and serious DIYers, it’s a premium storage that’s built to last.

2. Craftsman 63-Inch Patriotic Mobile Workstation

We like Craftsman’s blend of durability, functionality, and style in this mobile workstation. It’s built for serious shop work with a sturdy butcher block worktop. Nine full-extension soft-close drawers each hold up to 100 pounds, with liners to protect both tools and drawer surfaces. Across the front, it proudly displays the stars and stripes on a magnetic, removable flag panel.

An integrated 6-outlet power strip with USB ports keeps batteries and devices charged, and the keyed internal locking system safeguards valuable gear. Constructed from 18–20 gauge steel with a 1,500-pound load rating and reinforced locking casters, this rolling workstation is as rugged as it is patriotic.

3. Ryobi Stowaway Wall-Mounted Workbench

Designed for small spaces and big projects, Ryobi’s Stowaway Wall-Mounted Workbench delivers a full-size work surface that folds away when not in use. The 44-by-22-inch solid wood top supports up to 300 pounds, making it sturdy enough for a variety of tasks. Setup is quick with a one-handed auto-lock mechanism, and the soft-close feature ensures a smooth, controlled fold-down. Even when folded, a built-in 5-inch storage shelf keeps frequently used tools and supplies handy.

Easy to install and built for durability, it’s an innovative solution for garages, craft rooms, laundry rooms, and workshops where floor space is at a premium.

4. Ryobi 18V One+ Dual Function Lighted Creeper Seat

This dual-purpose autoshop tool transitions from a low-profile creeper for under-vehicle work to a comfortable workshop seat. A five-position, adjustable headrest/backrest adds comfort, while chemical-resistant cushions resist oil and solution spills and heavy-duty 3-inch casters roll smoothly across the floor. 

But it’s more than just a seat: The two on-board flexible LED lights deliver up to 800 lumens in the forms of flood and spot modes for optimal visibility, even in dim conditions. (As part of the Ryobi One+ System, it runs on any 18V One+ battery.) Plus, there’s storage. Integrated storage compartments keep bits, hand tools, and small parts within reach. An included Link accessory rail with organizer bin expands storage option add-ons. 

5. Shark TurboBlade Bladeless Tower Fan

Stylish enough for the living room yet powerful enough for the workshop, the Shark TurboBlade is a bladeless tower fan that delivers quiet, customizable cooling. Its dual, pivoting air “arms” rotate from vertical Tower Mode for tall, room-wide coverage to horizontal Air Blanket Mode for a broad, sweeping breeze.

We really appreciate the precision airflow control of this fan. Its twistable vents, 180-degree oscillation, and 10 speed settings give you a bevy of cooling options, while the bladeless design pushes a breeze up to 80 feet with minimal noise. Easy-clean Dust Defense technology keeps performance consistent, and the included magnetic remote stores neatly on top of the unit.

More Top-Rated Workshop Gear

• FOR WORKING IN COMFORT: Wi-Fi–enabled and whisper-quiet, the Dreo Smart Humidifier HM306S keeps rooms comfortable without the hassle.
• FOR COOLER BACKYARD PROJECTS: The outdoor Lasko Misto 42” All-Weather Misting Tower Fan cools hot patios fast with a powerful misting system built for all-weather use.
• MASTER MULTITASKER: The W.steps 7.5′ Combi Line Telescopic Ladder is like three ladders in one—providing safe, space-saving access indoors or out as a stepladder, an A-frame ladder, or a telescoping ladder.
• FOR REACHING NEW HEIGHTS: Built with heavy-duty construction, the Werner Telescoping Ladder extends smoothly, closes softly, and locks securely at multiple heights up to 12.5 feet or 16 feet of reach.
• GREAT FOR ON-THE-GO JOBS: The rugged, form-fitting Tmat Cargo Mat protects your vehicle’s interior while keeping gear from sliding around.

 

Meet the 2025 Tools of the Year

After months of scouring the market and putting products through their paces, we’ve named the best of the best in new tools. There’s something for everyone, from veteran pros to average Joes.

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