The 7 Best Rolling Tool Box 2024 - Rolling Toolbox Reviews
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The 7 Best Rolling Tool Box 2024 - Rolling Toolbox Reviews

Oct 19, 2024

Is your handheld toolbox getting too full? These portable chests can help.

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If you want to transport large, heavy tool collections with minimal effort, traditional toolboxes have their place, but there’s nothing better than a rolling tool box. These sturdy containers safely support the weight of your tools inside and offer a variety of organizational drawers and compartments for easy access.

Rolling tool boxes come in a wide range of sizes, too, so whether you need a two-wheeled model to traverse uneven terrain, one with rolling casters to glide across your garage floor, or a 50-gallon monster to haul a power tool collection, there’s an option out there to meet your needs. These are the best rolling toolboxes we recommend, plus expert advice on essentials to consider before settling on the right model.

For more great tool storage options, check out our picks for the best garage shelving and wall cabinets.

Make sure the model you’re considering has adequate storage space. Most toolboxes provide internal measurements, so compare those with the dimensions of your larger tools. A bigger toolbox doesn’t always mean better though, so don’t buy something that takes up more space than you have in your garage or workshop.

Although rolling toolboxes are naturally portable, some transport more easily than others. If you plan to use your tools exclusively in your garage or workshop, consider a “tool chest”-style option with four rolling casters. These generally weigh more, but since they have four wheels instead of two, they move around on flat surfaces more easily. If you plan to take your tool chest off the flat, even surface of your garage floor, go with a two-wheeled trolley-style option. These roll more easily over rough or uneven terrain because they sit on chunkier wheels and have a lower center of gravity.

The material of the toolbox indicates its long-term durability, with steel and impact-resistant plastic maximizing durability. Steel is stronger and more resilient because it dents instead of cracks the way plastic does. It rusts more easily, however, and even protective coatings chip and fail over time. Toolboxes made of heavy-duty plastic or synthetic resin—most high-end brands use polypropylene—provide excellent impact-resistance. Synthetic polymers also weigh a lot less than steel, and although more vulnerable when it takes a direct hit, their water-resistance and inability to rust makes them the superior material for regular outdoor use.

​​Inferior or low-quality accessories and components—like cheap plastic casters instead of rubber— compromise the durability of toolboxes made of otherwise highly durable materials. Also, even though rolling tool boxes provide a “max weight capacity”, that number doesn’t tell the whole story. If you’re interested in a model with pull-out drawers, for example, make sure each drawer is rated to support the weight of your intended tools. FeaturesModular toolbox systems consist of multiple boxes secured together, so they disassemble for you to customize a system that works for you and your organizational needs. Models with four wheels instead of two typically feature a flat top for use as a work surface—ideal for automotive or assembly work in your garage. If security is a priority, look for a toolbox with a key lock, or at least a reinforced eye to padlock shut.

Modular toolbox systems consist of multiple boxes secured together, so they disassemble for you to customize a system that works for you and your organizational needs. Models with four wheels instead of two typically feature a flat top for use as a work surface—ideal for automotive or assembly work in your garage. If security is a priority, look for a toolbox with a key lock, or at least a reinforced eye to padlock shut.

As a former residential and commercial carpenter, I’ve spent hundreds of hours in wood shops as part of a team designing, creating, and assembling custom furniture pieces. I relied on quality rolling tool boxes to keep all my tools and accessories easily accessible, commonly traversing the subway with a two-wheeled model. At Popular Mechanics, we’ve been reviewing tools and toolboxes like these for decades, too. Our own shop has a wall of them where we store everything we need for testing, developing projects, and putting together repair guides. We have a deep familiarity and preferences for every type of rolling tool chest and work cabinet. We used that experience to assemble this list of options, keeping in mind that different customers have different storage needs and are at different stages in their DIY careers.

This durable, functional, and versatile model from Milwaukee consists of three separate tool boxes, each with its own useful design, that connect via locking cleats. A large, wheeled box acts as the base, featuring 9-inch wheels and a heavy-duty extension handle (similar to a hand cart or dolly).

On top of that sits a medium-sized box with a full-length handle, and finally, there’s a shallow box with an interior organizing tray—perfect for storing fasteners and building accessories. So instead of wheeling the entire unit around to every task, simply detach the box you need. All of the boxes are made from an impact-resistant polymer with metal-reinforced corners for extra protection.

With nearly twice the weight capacity and storage space of our top pick, this heavy-duty rolling cabinet provides a ton of bang for your buck. The 4.5- by 1.5-inch rolling casters support the unit’s 650-pound load rating, with each drawer boasting an impressive 100-pound weight capacity.

Each of these soft-close drawers—as well as the top work surface—includes rubber liners for grip and protection. An internal locking system secures all drawers with a single key lock, and thanks to its tubular steel handle, it requires minimal effort to push all this weight around.

Combining equal parts mobility and functionality, this user-friendly toolbox provides everything you need and nothing you don't. The multifunctional design boasts a variety of useful storage options, including two drawers, a locking cabinet, and a side tray with built-in screwdriver holes.

The work surface on top functions as a standalone workbench, and an anti-slip rubber mat on top protects your tools from scratches and keeps small fasteners from rolling, sliding, and disappearing. It easily maneuvers around your space with its convenient handle, and two of the four rolling casters lock in place when you need it to stay put.

More: Keep All Your Tools Tidy With These Toolbox Organizers

This three-part DeWalt modular system provides a useful combination of affordability and functionality. It doesn’t have the customization options of the Packout system from Milwaukee, largely because its individual pieces are more uniformly designed, but this set costs considerably less, and its heavy-duty latches keep the boxes securely together when necessary.

The two large toolboxes (one being the sturdy, wheeled base) provide a ton of raw storage space, and a medium-sized box on top features two organizer cups and removable dividers for added organization—perfect for fasteners. It also holds up well outside the garage with solid dust and water resistance ratings.

Even though it lacks the raw storage space of the other options on our list, this compact rolling bag offers superior organization and mobility. Measuring a little over 19 inches wide and weighing just nine pounds, this bag maneuvers around and fits into smaller spaces far more easily than a bulkier toolbox, and its 18-inch height still manages to accommodate taller tools and equipment.

In addition to the main compartment, it also comes with 27 pockets (some inside and some outside) to store smaller hand tools for convenient access. The handle also retracts out of the way if you prefer to use its suitcase-style carrying handles.

If your top priority is maximum storage space, look no further than this 50-gallon monster from Craftsman. Essentially a storage trunk with two wheels on the end, this utilitarian toolbox includes enough space to accommodate larger items like sawzalls, circular saws, and bulky project materials.

Considering the value of larger power tools, the key lock (two keys included) and two padlock eyes it comes with are particularly welcome. Thanks to its oversized handle, this tool easily conquers uneven terrain for projects outside your garage, and its steel construction provides the strength needed for supporting heavy loads.

Don’t get fooled by the small size of this model. It packs just as much functionality as larger options. We love its thick cushioned top—protected by heavy-duty vinyl—which provides a comfortable seat as you roll around the garage or workshop.

Its three storage drawers are 2.25 inches high, and a slotted storage tray on the rear of the unit sports 16 tool slots. Its sturdy steel construction supports up to 350 total pounds of weight. Magnetic trays keep your fasteners from rolling around your workspace, and they flip up when not in use to reduce the amount of total space the chest takes up.

Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.

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