About Best Portable Mechanics Tool Boxes for 2024

Published on: January 26, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by Eric Devin

Choosing a portable mechanical toolbox is not easy. You have to keep in mind the dimension, weight and inner depth to make the box functional. In this article, we have prioritized the features that a  portable toolbox should have and listed experts-recommended mechanical toolboxes that will meet different needs. 

Here, you will find tool storage boxes and cabinets of different sizes and shapes. Some are portable enough to carry to a distant location, some are just easy to maneuver inside the workshop. However, all of these are top-quality storage boxes. Spare a minute or two to read the buying guide to help you with choosing the right model of storage box for you.

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How to Select a Tool Box

Before choosing a tool storage box online, you must bring the following things into consideration. Other than that you may end up choosing the wrong box that you can’t use. 

Dimension

The dimension of the toolbox is necessary not just to justify if it can make room for all your tools or items you want to put in it. The dimension is also necessary to make sure you have the space in your workplace to place the storage box. 

For a packed workplace, it is better to look for a storage box that has a tall construction and can be rolled around when necessary. 

Segments

Thoughtful placement of different sizes of drawers, cabinets, and trays is important to keep materials of different sizes and purposes. It helps to organize the tools, keep the workplace neat and tidy and reduce the risk of losing any tool. Storage boxes without any segment may give you the safety and portability you are looking for, but you always have to dig into it to find some exact tool.  

Construction 

Highly durable toolboxes made with different levels of gauge steel are the heaviest. You have to find a balance to choose a tool storage box that will be durable enough, yet light enough to easily maneuver. 

You also look for other little detailing like drawer liners and type paint coating of the box. These details will give you an idea about how easily it will be cleaned. 

Locking Mechanism

All mechanical toolboxes have locks to keep the valuables safe within. Some are key locks, some are latch or padlock systems. It is not a big deal but the latch and padlocks expire sooner than the key locks. 

Portable/Stationary

Purchasing one box with a shelf and drawers is wiser than purchasing two. But it is always good to have a separate toolbox to take all your valuables in remote locations. In my list, you will find both kinds of toolboxes. Besides, I also have one that has a separate part that can be detached from the main box and can be used as a portable toolbox. 

You can use a rolling cart to place the portable toolbox to use at home. It will eliminate the need of having a stationary toolbox. 

Quick Solutions

How to Organize a Portable Tool Box

Take the additional time expected to truly consider your organization framework and ensure that it works with your necessities and space.  No one fits the size when it comes to choosing a way to assemble a tool stash, yet with the tips above you ought to have the option to begin coordinating your toolbox or work area that will serve best.

How Would You Clean a Portable Toolbox?

Set a perfect fabric or canvas on the floor and throw everything in your tool on top of the covering. Clean the outside of the container with some family cleaners. Clean the case with a material-absorbent paint remover. Clean all oil and dirt from your equipment using a cloth covered with paint remover.

Top 9 Portable Mechanics Tool Boxes

1. JEGS 3-Drawer Mechanics Roller Seat Portable Tool Box

• Large Cabinet, portable chest, and sliding drawers;
• Load Limit 350 LBS;
• Two folding tool trays with magnetic pads;
• Weighs 31 pounds.

This toolbox is designed in mind to solve your problem of having separate boxes for stationary and portable tool box. This one box includes a large cabinet to store extra-large machinery and the top drawers and the chest are for using smaller items. All the cabinets and drawers have a foam lining, so the box will get less messy. If you intend to use it to store greasy items and assortments, the foam liner needs to be replaced to keep the box grease-free. 

The upper chest with a lock system is portable. You can carry it to your project location. The lock will make sure the inner items are safe within. On the other hand, there are wheels underneath the cabinet and a side handle to help move the box around inside your workshop. 

The entire box is made with durable steel material. The durability is not compromised, yet the box weighs lighter than other same-sized competitors. Some have complained about the arrival of damaged items. Claim for a replacement if that happens to you too. 

Pros

• Affordable; 
• Large cabinet for big power tools;
• Portable;
• Secured with lock.

Cons

• Pricey. 

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2. Montezuma Portable TRIANGLE Tool Box/Chest – for SAE and Metric Tools

• 30″ Wide x 15″ Deep x 18.125-Inch height ;
• 16-Gauge material;
• For SAE or metric tools; 
• 64.9 pound.

It is hard to keep organized tiny tools like nut drivers, screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, and other elements in the workshop. When working off the station, it is even harder to keep track of all the tools you bring with you. Thanks to this triangular toolbox from MONTEZUMA. Their legendary toolbox for SAE and metric use is designed to keep organized all the items you place in it even when you are traveling around with the box in your truck. 

The lid and drawers are designed for easy access to all the jewels you keep in them. Besides, it also reduces your downtime as all the equipment will be in front of you always. The box is heavy and expensive. Considering its useability, the box is the best among its competitors. So, even if the price will exceed your budget, the toolbox surely beats the deal. 

Pros

• Keeps tools in place in mobile conditions;
• Easy access;
• Weather resistant;
• Durable and secured.

Cons

• Expensive.

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3. Viper Tool 18G Steel Rolling Tool Storage/Salon Cart

• 18 gauge steel construction;
• 100 lbs capacity for each drawer;
• Size: 16″D x 18″W x 36.5″H; 
• 73 pounds.

Though we are discussing the mechanical toolbox, I find this storage box will fit a variety of purposes, not just as a mechanical toolbox. If you work for an office from home or have a hobby like photography, jewelry making, or anything that involves working with valuable items, this box will definitely meet your needs. It has drawers with different depths and a large cabinet.  so that valuables of different sizes can be organized in different portions. 

The tall dimension is perfect to fit in a small workshop, garage, or corner of your studio. You don’t have to walk over to this organizer every time you need something from it. Just roll it toward your workbench like a cart. When you are done, place it back where it belongs. all your concentration will be on your workpiece, disoriented tools will not distract you anymore. 

If you are concerned with safety mechanisms, only one lock simultaneously locks all the drawers. The design, powder coating, and bright color will fit any corner of your home, office, or workshop. This is an overpriced toolbox, but considering its multipurpose usability, I would definitely recommend it to people who are looking for a space-saving toolbox. 

Pros

• Takes little space in workshop/garage;
• Lifetime warranty;
• Doubles as a storage and a cart;
• Removable drawers.

Cons

• Overpriced.

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4. WORKPRO Heavy Duty Portable Metal Box with 408-Piece Tool Set

• Model: W009044A
• Includes 408-piece mechanics tool set 
• 4 drawers;
• 50x27x35cm in size and weighs 27 pounds.

For homeowners, buying tools can get puzzling sometimes because of the variety of use, size, and functions of different tools and their assortments. This box is complete with a set of 408 pieces of tools that one needs to mend daily life objects we use. All the tools are polished and of high quality. It will save you from purchasing the tools separately as a full set.

Screwdrivers, pliers, Allen keys, sockets, wrenches, bits, wire stripper,  knife, hammer, and tape measure of the most used sizes and types are organized neatly in this box. The box is designed and functions like a jewelry box. All the items have their own place so you will have fewer possibilities to lose any of them. 

Considering the portability and affordable price, I believe every homeowner MUST have this mechanical toolbox/organizer. For professionals, who use even a varied range of tools may not find this sufficient. 

Pros

• High-quality mechanics tools;
• Suitable for regular use;
• Low price. 
• Excellent organizer;
• Portable. 

Cons

• May not need professional mechanics. 

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5. EZPHIX Portable Steel Toolbox

• Size 20.87*8.27*8.27 inch;
•  21in the metal toolbox is of large capacity;
• 2 holding rods, easy and convenient to carry;
• Size: 20.87 x 8.27 x 11.27 inches;
• Weighs ‎13.2 pounds.

The advantage of cantilever design is, you have easier access compared to drawers and cabinet-style toolboxes. The design of this box and the triple clasp padlock design looks old-fashioned, but the rugged construction and ease of use are the best with this box. 

It makes the box tough, undoubtedly, but it also makes it heavy as well. Upon opening up, you will find four drawers and large storage at the bottom for bigger items. Using plastic divides those drawers can be segmented any way you feel necessary. So, this box is open for your own modification. You can make sure every inch of the box is used. 

However, the price is budget-friendly for a tough toolbox like this. It does not look alluring at all, but it surely does the job it claims to do. 

Pros

• The drawer is very stable;
• Durable;
• Portable design;
• Cantilever style;
• Easy access to the tools. 

Cons

• Heavy.

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6. Homak Industrial Grade Portable Toolbox

• Size ranges from 20 to 32 inches;
• Dimension: 20.13″L × 8.63″W × 9.75″H, Weight: 13 lb; 
• .8mm metal thickness.

This one is another variation of our formerly discussed HOMAK toolbox in cantilever style. The difference is, it is a suitcase-style steel toolbox. It has a steel construction of .8mm thickness with padlocks and a rubber-coated steel handle. 

However, the toolbox is literally a ‘box’ with no added features like drawers or dividers. It has a tool tray on the top and a deep large compartment at the bottom. It is suitable for placing large mechanical and power tools, whereas the top compartment can be used to place small boxes of different useful smaller equipment. 

As a portable toolbox, you don’t have to pay much for this storage box, but if you want an organizer, then it is not for you. These kinds of old-fashioned toolboxes are made by only a few manufacturers and are stored as a limited editions. So, don’t hurry if you want to surprise older family members with this toolbox as a gift. 

Pros

• Highly durable;
• Portable toolbox
• Reasonable price.  

Cons

• No cons.

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7. Omega Toolbox-Black Creeper

• Model: 92450;
• A padded seat on top;   
• 3 front and back drawers;
• Size: 18.2 x 14.1 x 18.9 inches, weighs.

I liked the design concept of Omega about making a toolbox that also can be used as a seat. The idea is more space-saving and gives you easy access to the tool rack. You don’t have to worry about where to put the tools and where to keep the stools. 

In this model, you will get three drawers at the front and three at the back of 12-3/4″ x 7-1/2″ x 2 -1/4″ dimension. Though the stool/storage box is capable to hold up to 450 lbs of weight but mind it, that is your body weight, not the weight of your tools. The drawers are made of plastic. If abused or heavily used, they will give out sooner. Besides, the bolts that are used to attach the wheels also can’t take too much weight for too long. 

Even after these weak points, I still chose to keep this toolbox on my list because it is hard to find a space-saving tool for storage at such a cheap price. It costs half of the other durable options on my list. People on a tight budget and an even packed garage will find this model useful. 

Pros

• 450 lb capacity;
• Low-cost option;
• Doubles as a seat and a shelf.

Cons

• Plastic-made drawers may not last for long. 

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8. Seville Classics UltraHD 6-Drawer Rolling Cabinet

• 28 x 24 x 34.5 inches in size, weights 105 pounds;
• 5 small and large drawers;
• 5-inch wheels of 2-inch width for easy maneuvering.

To avoid damage upon shipment, it is a smart decision to order a toolbox that can be assembled later. This way, there is less chance the entire box will have major issues. This cabinet from SEVILLE is the better option for you to avoid shipment damage, high price, and ease of use. Yes, it may arrive disassembled, but that’s why it is priced less. With the included tools, you will need only minutes to put it together. 

The stainless steel construction makes this cabinet lighter with a higher weight carrying capacity. It also makes the cabinet clean easily. The top surface of it is basically a laminate-board table that you can use as a workbench. The attached wheels are high quality to roll it down anywhere or lock it down to one place. One key lock locks down all the drawers. Check the dimension before ordering to be sure that it fits your needs. 

Pros

• Easy assembly;
• Easy maintenance;
• Top work table.

Cons

• Needs assembly.

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9. Heavy-duty Tool Chest by Milwaukee

• Made with 20 gauge steel;
• 16 drawers and cabinet;
• 23 x 49.2 x 62.5 inches size, weighs 386 pounds.

If you are not concerned about the budget, then this tool cabinet is the best thing a mechanic can ever buy. No matter if you are a pro, a beginner, or a hobbyist, this tool storage box is multipurpose. It may cost a lot, but it will save you from purchasing separate shelves, drawers, and trays to hold all the junk you have in the garage or workshop. This cabinet is enough to tidy up all the mess you have in your workplace. 

It has 16 drawers of different sizes, 3 handles, a table-style top, and a computer drawer. Ever thought of using the laptop in a decent way in the garage? Now you can. The lid has gas struts for smooth opening and the drawers have ball bearings for easy sliding. In the name of comfort, safety, and organization of the workplace, the Milwaukee tool storage cabinet is one of the best mechanic tool storage in my opinion. 

Pros

• Suitable for professional use;
• High capacity;
• Eliminates the need for separate shelves, drawers, and trey;

Cons

• Not portable;
• Very expensive. 

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Conclusion

After checking out all these tool storage boxes and our buying tips, you must be confident about your choice of mechanical storage toolboxes. Mechanical work needs patience and precision. If the tools are well organized and at arms reach, the end result of the performance will be outstanding. So, having the right toolbox is important and should be taken for granted.

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