Let Us Help You Find the Best Professional Tool Box After 2017

The best tool box for the money needs to do a few things: offer ample room for your tools and provide a long-lasting quality. Mechanics spend a lot of time with their tool boxes, and the right tool box is essential for the professional or DIYer working out of their own garage.

DEWALT DWST17808 TSTAK I Long Handle Toolbox Organizer	Our favorite for 2017
Stack-On PB-16 16-Inch Multi-Purpose Tool Box	A very close runner-up
DEWALT DWST24082 24-Inch One Touch Box	A highly durable tool box for mechanics

We’re going to help you find the best, professional tool box.

But you need to be able to compare each model and determine which one is the best choice for you. A few of the features and specs that we recommend you compare are:

• Organizer: What organization options are provided with the tool box? Many models will offer a top organizer for small accessories, and others will also offer a top tray. If you need to store power tools, an interior tray may not be warranted.
• Locking and Hatches: Hatches allow for quick, easy operation. One-handed operation is preferred and allows you to access your tools quickly, too. Locks are good if you’re using your toolbox in an open environment and don’t want someone to take or borrow your tools when you’re not around.
• Water Sealing: A water-sealing design will keep water from getting into the toolbox if used in the rain. This prevents rust and will extend the lifespan of your tools. This isn’t a concern when keeping the toolbox in your home, but when using a toolbox daily, a water sealing design is preferred. Dust will also be kept out of the box, which is a benefit for power tools.

Reviews of the Best Tool Boxes for Mechanics

Stanley STST19410 One-Latch Toolbox – Stanley is an iconic brand in the mechanic industry, and the STST19410 toolbox is one of the best on the market. I want to point out that this model comes in a 16-inch, 19-inch and 24-inch model, so there’s something for every mechanic.

Black in color, this model offers a one-hand latch operation, and there are two storage compartments on top of the unit for small parts, screws and smaller items that don’t have a place inside of the toolbox.

The top tray comes out, and ample storage room is provided underneath the tray. This is the go-to toolbox for enthusiasts and professionals alike due to its rugged and space-efficient design.

DEWALT DWST17808 TSTAK – DEWALT’s DWST17808 is a long handle toolbox, and heavy-duty latches and hinges allow for a secure design. What’s unique about this product is that it can stack on other units to allow users to create their own mega toolbox as their inventory expands.

Removable, covered cups are provided, and ball-bearings allow for smooth operation.

The unit’s dimensions are 17.3” x 7.3” with a height of 13”. A maximum of 66 pounds can be stored inside of the toolbox, and the removable cups are ideal for small part and accessory storage.

With a rust-resistant design, this is a toolbox design for long-term usage.

The DWST17808 is a good choice if you expect your tool supply to grow in the future and want a stackable option.

Stanley 016011R Series 2000 – Stanley’s 016011R Series 2000 is a 16-inch tool box that has two, top lid organizers to store small accessories and hardware. The unit has a built-in padlock eye to keep contents secure, and the handle is rubber-coated for comfortable, easy transport.

The latches are nickel metal-plated.

The dimensions of this toolbox are 16” x 7.8” x 7”. This is a smaller toolbox, and it’s something that’s best suited for closet storage and in-home usage. It’s made entirely of plastic, but it’s still durable and highly affordable, too.

For the occasional tool user, this is a decent, in-home toolbox that keeps tools safe and secure. This isn’t our top choice for an everyday mechanic’s toolbox due to the plastic design.

DEWALT DWST24082 24-Inch – The DWST24082 by Dewalt is a 24-inch toolbox that offers one-hand latch operation and has a water seal to protect tools from water and dust. A soft grip handle is provided that allows for a comfortable grip, and there is a V groove on the top of the unit, which fits small pieces of lumber.

A 5.3-pound weight and dimensions of 11.3” x 23.8” x 11.3” allow for a sturdy, durable toolbox.

The interior tray is a 3/4 tray, and it’s ideal for smaller tools and items, such as a hammer or screws. This is a great option for larger tools and power tools due to its deep design. With a few tool storage ideas, this is a toolbox that can last for years.

Stack-On PB-16 16-Inch Multi-Purpose Tool Box – The final tool box on our list is from Stack-On. This model offered galvanized steel hinge pins, and riveted-steel draw bolts ensure that this tool box is durable. A large organizer tray sits on top of the box, and the unit weighs only 2.6 pounds – so it never holds you down.

The dimensions of the unit are 8.4” x 16” x 8”.

Black and gray, this model is backed by a 5-year warranty. The tray itself is 1 5/8” deep when not including the handle, so it’s deep enough to fit hammers and screwdrivers inside. A lock can be added for further securing the lid in place.

Buyer’s Guide –  How to Choose the Right Mechanics Tool Box for You

The right mechanic’s tool box is different for every definition of a mechanic. A person may need to store power tools inside their box, but others may want to store small items, such as screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches and ratchets.

If you have your own garage where you work on automobiles commercially, you’ll need a large toolbox to hold your tools.

There’s a lot to consider, but you’ll be able to narrow down your choices by considering:

• Size: If you have a 2-foot level, you’ll have a difficult time storing it in any toolbox. But if you have power tools or smaller tools you need to store, you’ll want to consider the size of the toolbox. It’s often best to go with a larger tool box than a smaller one because too much space isn’t a bad thing.
• Type: Some toolboxes offer a stackable design that allow users to save space and expand their toolset without worry. If you plan to store just a few tools, any toolbox will do, but if you plan to expand your tool inventory, a stackable design is preferred.
• Weight: The weight is important for two reasons: easy carry and quality. A heavier toolbox is indicative of higher quality materials, such as steel, used in the design of the model. If you need a lightweight design, a plastic toolbox may suffice and will be easier to transport.

If you keep these three points in mind, you’ll have a much easier time making a decision on which toolbox you should choose for your tools.