Having used and reviewed a LOT of the best portable toolboxes from just about every manufacturer, I’ve assembled my top recommendations. My list of the best tool boxes and storage systems focuses on jobsite solutions. The picks range from stackable jobsite boxes to rolling solutions and tool boxes pre-filled with mechanics tools. In case you were looking for something different, be sure to check out my best tool chest reviews article. That covers fixed steel storage solutions you might keep in a garage or shop space for automotive tools.
Best Tool Box – Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Flex Stack Pack Modular Tool Box Storage System – Buy on Amazon
Jump to this Tool Box ↓ - Most Expandable: Milwaukee Packout Modular Storage System – Buy at Acme Tools
Jump to this Tool Box ↓ - Best Rolling: FLEX Stack Pack Rolling Tool Box – Buy on Amazon
Jump to this Tool Box ↓ - Best for Woodworkers: Festool Systainers – Buy at Acme Tools
Jump to this Tool Box ↓ - Best for Mechanics: Gearwrench 239 pc Mechanics Tool Set – Buy at Acme Tools
Jump to this Tool Box ↓ - Best for the Garage: Milwaukee PACKOUT Large Wall Plates – Buy at Acme Tools
Jump to this Tool Box ↓ - Best Value: RYOBI LINK Rolling Tool Box (STM201) – Buy at Home Depot
Jump to this Tool Box ↓
Also in this Article
- Best-Selling Tool Boxes
- Best Way to Organize Your Tool Boxes
- Best Tool Box for Vehicles
- What to Look for When Buying a Tool Box
- Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews
Before We Begin — Let’s Talk Tool Boxes vs Tool Chests
Best Tool Boxes
If you want one of these, you’re in the right place. I have plenty of portable tool box recommendations to keep you going.
Best Tool Chests
If you’re looking for this type of “tool box” head on over to the best tool chest reviews article for my top picks.
Now that’s settled, I can get on with my picks for the best tool box. I separated my picks by application, ensuring woodworkers, mechanics, and contractors could get a solution specifically suited for their leads.
Best Tool Box Overall – Top Pick for Anyone
Flex Stack Pack Modular Tool Box Storage System
Pro
- Phenomenal build quality and impact resistance
- Accessories for cord wraps, levels, tapes, tools, batteries, and more
- Wide-ranging size and drawer options
Cons
- Wall-mount options less sophisticated than some others
My pick for best tool box overall really goes to a system: the Flex Stack Pack System. This system took everything great about modular storage systems and made it even better. From the steel front and side tool rack rails to the innovative level holder, Flex added some extremely convenient features to this best-of-the-best modular tool box.
The only negative I can think of with the Flex Stack Pack tool box is its relative “newness”. That seems a lessening problem now that the company has released its second-generation products. These include rudimentary wall mounts and other products that integrate with the system. The base 3-piece rolling tool box kit remains one of the best and toughest systems I’ve reviewed. They also have killer organizer boxes and medium (half-size) organizers that work amazingly well and stack right onto the system.
Most Expandable Modular Tool Box System
Milwaukee Packout Modular Storage System
Pro
- Possibly the widest-ranging suite of storage systems
- Excellent wall-mount and drawer options
- Durable reinforced corners
Cons
- Lack of exterior and interior accessories
Even with the second-generation products released by FLEX, Milwaukee still has the widest selection of products. When it comes to the best modular tool box system with the widest variety of accessories, you won’t easily top the Milwaukee Packout System. This system has a wide breadth of products and accessories. From rolling cases to Packout drawers, and even a Milwaukee Packout Radio—this system definitely meets the needs of tradesmen. Whether you want to store tools and accessories, or even toss a modular worktop on your stack of Packout boxes, this system has you covered.
They also have wall mounts, vehicle mounts, dollies, and crates to ensure you stay as mobile as possible. Want to mount a charger to the wall—they have that too. Milwaukee even has a Packout-compatible first aid kit! If you can dream it—they likely have it.
Best Rolling Tool Box
When it comes to the best rolling tool box, I had an internal disagreement with my peers. As a result, I divided my recommendation between the FLEX Stack Pack Rolling Tool Box (FS1101) and the Milwaukee Packout Rolling Tool Box (48-22-8426).
FLEX Stack Pack Rolling Tool Box
Priced around $139, this rolling tool box has a removable handle and stores and transports tools, accessories, and more.
Milwaukee Packout Rolling Tool Box
The Milwaukee Packout rolling tool box carries the same price and opens up a larger array of storage options and accessories.
Both tool boxes present super-durable and secure ways to port your tools on the jobsite. Both the Milwaukee and FLEX rolling tool boxes feature 9-inch wheels. However, having tried to store both under the tonneau cover of our pickup truck, we lean toward the FLEX and its removable handle!
The FLEX rolling tool box also has integrated accessory storage—both inside the lid and also on the reinforced metal corners. Between the two, you can store extension cords, levels, drill accessories, and more. We absolutely love it.
Best Stackable Tool Boxes for Woodworkers and Carpenters
Festool Systainers
Pro
- Lots of size options and configurations
- Included with most Festool cordless hand tools
- Several workstation accessories available
- Quick stackability
Cons
- Lowest build quality of all systems
I had some internal disagreements with the office about this pick. In the end, no one denied that Festool offered nearly every single tool in a Systainer box. That means you can build your collection nearly for free. They also make their boxes stackable to their dust extractors like the Festool CT 48 E AC. The company truly emphasizes storage boxes as part of their system mentality and professional woodworkers and carpenters represent their core market. So they get the “win”.
I don’t see a lot of general tradesmen scrambling to buy expensive Systainers as tool boxes. Plumbers and electricians may have never even heard of them or seen them in the wild. And you certainly won’t find them on the endcap at your favorite home improvement warehouse. If you’re not already using Festool tools, you may want to go with the capable systems from Milwaukee, FLEX, or DeWalt.
Notably, Tanos — the manufacturer of the Systainer3 brand of tool boxes — also has an exceptionally robust bott Smartvan shelving storage system. With this, you can outfit your van as a plumber, electrician, or similar tradesman.
Best Mechanics Tool Box
Gearwrench 239 pc Mechanics Tool Set
Pro
- Excellent tool quality
- Locking drawers
Cons
- One-off system without expansion or stackability
To me, the best mechanics tool box comes with the basic tools needed for working on general automotive tasks. You won’t have all of the specialized picks and tools found back at the shop, but you can be truly portable and get things done on the road. A great mechanics tool box includes wrenches, ratchets, sockets, and bits. With those four members of the automotive “food group” you can tackle just about anything likely to happen while you’re out and about. This $300 set impressed me with its ability to stay organized with drawers and its comprehensive array of metric and SAE socket sizes.
See my best tool chests article if you want my recommendation on what to carry in the garage or shop.
Best Tool Box for the Garage
Milwaukee PACKOUT Large Wall Plates Garage Storage
Pro
- Extensive system with endless options
- Cabinets, hangers, and multiple tool mounting options
- Myriad of mounting points
Cons
- Wall-mounting more than one width requires some planning
Rather than a simple portable tool box, my recommendation takes into account the organizational needs of the homeowner. For this reason, I like the metal-reinforced wall plates that fit into the Milwaukee Packout system. Between the bins, shelving, cabinets, drawers, and incredibly intuitive rack-mounting system, the Packout wall plates can organize any garage or shop in a way that other systems cannot.
Keepo in mind, however, that these wall mounts do not interlock or overlap. That means you may need to use plywood or some other backing when mounting them across stud walls. We recommend having at least two (preferably four) mounting points into studs in order to utilize the maximum rated weight.
Pricing starts at $40 and goes up from there. You can even get a compatible 2-wheel cart or cordless Milwaukee Packout Radio. Keep in mind, this is my best recommendation. You can find less expensive (and less extensive) storage solutions from Ryobi.
Best Tool Box for the Money
RYOBI LINK Rolling Tool Box (STM201)
Pro
- Excellent build quality
- Expand with wall mounts, cabinets, shelving, hangers, and multiple tool mounting options
Cons
- None—this system is extensive!
While not as extensive as systems from Milwaukee or FLEX, I really like several aspects of the RYOBI LINK rolling tool box. For one, it works well with the entire RYOBI LINK storage system. That means you can add their storage boxes on top and expand your capacity and functionality. You can also add garage storage solutions down the road to handle hoses, power tools, outdoor power equipment, and more.
RYOBI made the LINK Rolling Tool Box with impact-resistant material so it handles any household abuse you can imagine. The wide, steel telescoping handle and 9″ all-terrain wheels support 200 pounds of load capacity. RYOBI also gives this toolbox an IP65 rating against water and dust. If you want to expand your system, Ryobi has wall mounts, tool hangers, shelving, and more.
Inside, you get an area in the lid for storing accessories like drill and driver bit kits. Lastly, the affordable $70 RYOBI LINK rolling tool box includes a locking point and integrated tie-down anchors.
Best-Selling Tool Boxes
You can often find deals if you observe what others are buying. Following are the best-selling tool boxes from some of our favorite retailers. Often, good deals and well-respected products show up at the top of these best-selling lists. Below are links to the top sellers at the time I wrote this, but they change frequently.
Amazon
- Craftsman Versastack Rolling Tool Box – $70
- DeWalt DWST17806 TSTAK Tool Box – $31
- Anyyion 14-Inch Tool box with Removable Tray – $27
Best Tool Chests at Acme Tools
- Milwaukee PACKOUT 3pc Tool Box Kit – $300
- Milwaukee PACKOUT 4-Drawer Tool Box – $199
- FLEX Stack Pack Storage System 3pc – $299
Lowe’s
- Toughbuilt StackTech 22.3-in Black Plastic Lockable Tool Box – $135
- Craftsman Versastack Lockable Rolling Tool Box – $129
- Craftsman 37-in Black Plastic Rolling Tool Box – $100
Home Depot
- Milwaukee PACKOUT 3pc Modular Tool Box Storage System – $219
- Milwaukee PACKOUT 22 in. Rolling Modular Tool Box – $139
- Ridgid 2.0 Pro Gear System 25 in. Rolling Tool Cart – $70
Best Way to Organize Your Tool Box
You can choose from a myriad of ways to organize your toolbox. With tool chests, my recommendations come down to spray adhesive and even foam inserts like those made by Kaizen Inserts. You can’t beat custom foam inserts that help you keep track of your tools. For general storage, however, you really want to organize by task and application.
Organizing By Task and Application
In my world, I may need to work on plumbing, electrical, automotive, or something like tiling. I tend to have separate kits for each of these duties so I can just grab my box and go. I don’t really want to have to stop and load out every time I need to fix a leaky faucet or change out a lighting fixture.
For this reason, I tend to also have duplicate key tools for each application so I don’t need to hunt down and swap out screwdrivers, tapes, markers, and utility knives each time I go from one task to another. Having well-laid-out tool kits can really speed up your workflow.
Organizing Fasteners
I can’t stress enough how helpful it’s been to have organized fasteners. From decking and drywall screws to kits for mounting TVs, I have a different multi-compartment box for many different types of accessories. Screws, washers, nuts, bolts, and more become very easy to access when needed when you have them separated by general size and type. I even made a few custom kits with decking screws and one for anchoring things to drywall or concrete, brick, or masonry. The idea is that I can grab what I need and quickly grab the fastener for the job—without having to dump out a pile of screws or wade through a canister to get what I want.
The same goes for wire nuts, cable clamps, and more. Once you organize fasteners and other items in this way you’ll never go back!
Editor’s Note: These organizers also make for the best Lego storage and organization system we’ve ever tried.
Best Tool Box for Vehicles
You can mount tools to walls and even the sides of a work van or box truck. While custom systems have existed for some time from the likes of American Van, bott Smartvan, and Sortimo SR5, now consumers have more mainstream options from the likes of DeWalt, Bosch, Systainer, and Milwaukee Tool. That means you can pick up systems that will let you outfit your garage, workshop, van, or work truck with wall-staged tool boxes.
Depending upon your needs, homemade solutions using the wall-mounting systems provided by some of the mainstream companies can save you hundreds of dollars or more. Still, many of the commercial solutions come pre-measured and designed for your particular work van make and model.
Weigh the differences between each direction before making your choice. Certainly, having better organization can truly pay dividends in terms of productivity and profitability over time. What’s more, you can more easily duplicate a winning system across your fleet if you find something that works well for you.
What to Look for When Buying a Tool Box
I judge tool boxes on a variety of factors. It’s the sum of the whole—along with the desired application—that ultimately guides my decisions. I also check in with several professionals in various fields to see what they think and get their input. Combining all this with my own experience, I had a pretty solid basis for generating a list you can rely on and trust.
Durability
One thing I don’t like is cheap boxes that break easily. For that reason, you don’t see any “Amazon-special” recommendations—I don’t care how many people give them top user ratings. If you can slam a box down in your truck bed for fear of breaking it, you’re not doing yourself any favors.
Flexibility and Features
If you need something to flex with the job, then I tend to value tool box “systems” over one-off designs. That’s why you keep seeing the Milwaukee Packout, DeWalt ToughSystem, and Festool Systainer boxes appear more than once. From stackability on carts and each other to wall-mounting, the flexibility these systems deliver blows away most of the competition.
Organization
I find it difficult to declare a best toolbox on something that can’t organize tools well. So large boxes with one big compartment might work great for your Dad, but not for me. I prefer something that stays a bit more organized over time so I don’t have to go hunting around for my tools.
Value
Value matters. How much you need to invest in a good tool box affects your bottom line. That might explain my excitement over mainstream organizers that come in far cheaper than some of the custom commercial systems of a few years ago. Look for those systems to come down in price—or innovate further—as they fight to stay competitive.
Related Content
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