Rolling tool boxes are storage containers that have wheels and a handle, making them convenient and easy to transport from one location to another. These boxes are designed to hold a variety of tools, such as hand tools, power tools, and accessories.
- 1 Types of Rolling Tool Boxes
- 2 Who is the Rolling Tool Boxes for?
- 3 What to Consider When Choosing the Best Rolling Tool Box
- 4 The Advantages of Owning a Rolling Tool Box
- 5 How do you move a tool chest?
- 6 Can I keep my tool chest outdoors?
- 7 What can you store in a rolling tool box?
- 8 How do you clean a tool box?
- 9 What are the different types of rolling tool boxes?
- 10 What should I consider when choosing a size?
- 11 What material should I choose for my rolling tool box?
- 12 Do rolling tool boxes come with locks?
- 13 Are there any specific features to look for in a rolling tool box?
- 14 Can rolling tool boxes be stored outdoors?
- 15 What is the average price range for a rolling tool box?
They come in different sizes and styles to accommodate different storage needs, and can be made of durable materials like plastic, metal, or composite materials to provide long-lasting use. Rolling tool boxes are popular among professionals and DIY enthusiasts, as they provide a convenient way to carry tools to job sites, workshops, or home projects.
If you want to complete your DIY tasks quickly, correctly, and with minimal frustration, it’s essential that your tools are organized and easy to access when you need them. These rolling toolboxes and chests allow you to have all your tools, fasteners, and equipment within arms reach and minimize time wasted going back and forth to a workbench or stationary tool chest.
9 Best Rolling Tool Boxes of 2023：Our Choice
- Best Overall:Goplus 6-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest
- Best for Tight Spaces:TANKSTORM Tool Chest Heavy Duty Cart Steel
- Best Value:Portable Tool Box
- Best With Pegboard:WORKPRO 24.5 Inch 5-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest
- Best With Workbench:Performance Tool W85025 3-Drawer Rolling
- Best Wall-Mounted:Toolbox Organizers and Storage by Stalwart
- BEST TOOL BOX STOOL:Husky Extra Deep 46 in. 9-Drawer
- Best Portable:Keter Master Pro Masterloader
- BEST LIGHT-DUTY:Goplus Rolling Tool Chest
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.
#1.Goplus 6-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest
Pros
- Lined drawers
- Reasonable price
Cons
- No power strip
But if space is an issue, you’ll appreciate the upright configuration of the Goplus 6-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest. Instead of the typical 41-or-more inches in width, this tool chest measures just 23.5 inches across, so it’ll slip into a fairly narrow spot with ease.
The sturdy, cold-rolled steel tool chest has a large cabinet with a door, providing the perfect spot to stash your larger tools and supplies. The top of the upper portion lifts up so you can access the inner tray. In between, there are six drawers, two of which are deeper for larger tools. Each lined drawer can hold up to 22 pounds. Four hooks on the exterior are perfect for holding wrenches or other small tools.
The tool chest has a lock to keep your tools safe. Four casters, two with brakes, let you maneuver the chest to wherever you need it. If desired, you can separate the upper chest from the lower cabinet. The tool chest measures 23.5 inches wide, 52 inches tall, and 13 inches deep.
#2.TANKSTORM Tool Chest Heavy Duty Cart Steel
Pros
- Arrives mostly assembled
- Powder-coated finish
- Available in four colors
Cons
- Small size may be inconvenient
We really appreciate the multifunctional design of this option, featuring side-mounted hooks for hanging storage, a handle for easy steering, and a side tray with convenient screwdriver holes built in.
Two of the four rolling casters are able to lock in place, preventing the unit from accidentally rolling around while you work. The pair of drawers allow quick access for your commonly used tools, and a locking lower cabinet is perfect for keeping larger power tools.
#3.Portable Tool Box
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
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.
#4.WORKPRO 24.5 Inch 5-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest
Pros
- Can be separated into tool box and cabinet
- Lined drawers
Cons
- Low total weight limit
- Fairly small
But you don’t need to spend a bundle to keep your tool collection organized and at hand with the WORKPRO 5-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest. This reasonably priced steel tool chest is just the right size to store a small-to-medium selection of tools, but best of all, it won’t break your budget to do so. While not the most robust or large tool chest out there, it’s more than adequate for a home collection of tools used in various DIY projects.
The tool chest consists of two parts: an upper tool box with three drawers, and a lower chest with two drawers and a large storage cabinet. You can separate the two sections if desired, or use them stacked as shown. All drawers have ball-bearing slides. Four smooth-rolling 3-1/8-inch casters let you move the tool chest to where you need it, although this tool chest lacks a side handle for easy maneuvering.
The overall dimensions of the tool chest without including the wheels are 24.5 inches wide, 39.3 inches tall, and 13 inches deep. The total weight capacity is 110 pounds, and the tool chest itself weighs 68 pounds.
#5.Performance Tool W85025 3-Drawer Rolling
Pros
- 1-year warranty
- Storage trays flip up when not in use
Cons
- Not as much storage space as larger units
- Does not have a lock
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 metal construction is designed to support up to 350 total pounds of weight, and the magnetic trays keep your fasteners from rolling around your workspace.
#6.Toolbox Organizers and Storage by Stalwart
Pros
- Stores both large and small items
- See-through compartment lids
- Extendable handle
Cons
- Light duty (not suited for contents over 50 pounds)
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.
#7.Husky Extra Deep 46 in. 9-Drawer
Pros
- Very durable construction
- Lined drawers
Cons
- Heavy and can be hard to move
If you’d love to tackle bigger projects in your workshop or garage, but lack the space for a separate workbench and tool chest, the Husky 46-Inch Tool Chest with Hardwood Top is the answer to your prayers.
There are nine lockable drawers total: one extra long, six regular, and two extra-deep. The bottom drawers each have a 200-pound weight capacity, while the other seven drawers each hold up to 100 pounds of tool weight. All drawers are lined to protect your tools and prevent scratches. There’s even an integrated charging bar on the side of the chest with four outlets and two USB ports so you can power up your tools’ batteries as needed.
#8.Keter Master Pro Masterloader
Pros
- Easy to wheel around
- Large wheels
- Lots of compartments
Cons
- Might be too bulky for those short on storage space
Its removable bins are also really functional and make it easy to organize and access your fasteners, anchors, and other small hardware.
Instead of just a single large compartment for your bulky tools and equipment, a handy moveable divider also allows you to customize it to fit your specific items.
#9.Goplus Rolling Tool Chest
Pros
- Ball-bearing drawer slides
- Four exterior hooks
- Lockable drawers
Cons
- Not as heavy-duty as other options
We appreciate the versatility of this Goplus model, which allows you to remove the lower drawers and use them as a standalone toolbox — perfect for when you need to be more mobile than the whole unit would otherwise allow. You could even place the toolbox on the top of the chest and use the open space below for storing extra large items.
Types of Rolling Tool Boxes
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.
Who is the Rolling Tool Boxes for?
Rolling tool boxes are designed for people who need to move their tools from one place to another, such as contractors, handymen, mechanics, or DIY enthusiasts. The rolling feature of the tool boxes makes it easier to transport tools and equipment, allowing for greater mobility and convenience in a variety of work environments.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Rolling Tool Box
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.
The Advantages of Owning a Rolling Tool Box
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.
FAQ
How do you move a tool chest?
Moving a tool chest is a big issue for people whose work requires transporting a lot of tools, and it can be a challenge depending on how heavy your tool chest is and how far you need to move it. Most tool chests have wheels to help you move them between locations and around a workspace. You can make moving a heavy tool chest a little less painful by removing drawers before transporting. For a smaller tool chest, try removing heavy items to lighten the load.
Can I keep my tool chest outdoors?
If space is limited inside your garage or workshop, you might be tempted to keep your tool chest in the yard or by the side of the garage. However, unless the tool chest is specifically made for outdoor use, this isn’t a good idea. Most tool chests are made of steel and will quickly rust if exposed to the elements, leading to damage to the tools stored inside.If you really don’t have room for a full tool chest, consider a wall-mounted option, or look for a plastic storage chest that can withstand rain without wetting the tools stored inside.
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.
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.[1]Organize and Clean Your Toolbox
What are the different types of rolling tool boxes?
There are different types of rolling tool boxes including chest-style boxes, cabinet-style boxes, and modular systems.[2]15 Different Types of Tool Chests and Cabinets
What should I consider when choosing a size?
Consider the number and size of tools you need to store, as well as the amount of space you have to store the box.
What material should I choose for my rolling tool box?
The most common materials for rolling tool boxes are plastic, metal, and composite materials. Consider factors such as durability, weight, and cost when making a decision.
Do rolling tool boxes come with locks?
Some rolling tool boxes come with locks, while others do not. Consider whether you need a lock for your tools, and whether the box you are considering has a lock.
Are there any specific features to look for in a rolling tool box?
Features to look for may include multiple drawers, organizing trays, and adjustable shelves. Consider your specific storage needs when choosing a box.
Can rolling tool boxes be stored outdoors?
Some rolling tool boxes are designed for indoor and outdoor use, while others may not be suitable for outdoor storage. Consider the materials and construction of the box, and choose one that is appropriate for your storage needs.
What is the average price range for a rolling tool box?
The price of a rolling tool box can range from under $50 to over $1000, depending on the size, material, and features. Consider your budget when choosing a box.
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