Whether you are an electrician, carpenter, plumber, or a regular guy who likes to take on small DIY projects from time to time, you will find a small toolbox a good addition to your arsenal. Think of it as the equivalent of a lawyer’s briefcase; without a toolbox, you won’t be able to bring the tools you need to accomplish a job.
Toolboxes come in various sizes. If you are a DIY-er, you are likely to opt for a small toolbox. No, a portable toolbox won’t be able to hold a large tool like a saw, but it should have enough space to hold basic tools such as a hammer, screwdriver, and wrench as well as other necessary items, including nails and screws.
The good news is that there is no shortage of small toolboxes on the market today. Continue reading to find out more about the best small toolboxes available now.
Homak 19-Inch Steel Hip-Roof Tool Box
This budget-friendly toolbox is a simple, solidly built, and spacious option for DIY-ers. It won’t blow you away with its features, but it simply gets the job done.
Measuring 6 x 19 x 6.5 inches and weighing 8 pounds, this toolbox is built like a tank. It is made from all-metal and so, can resist damage from various tools. The handle, too, is made of metal and should last for a long time. It is also riveted into the lid, so it is capable of carrying the weight of the box even when there are tools inside. Its interior shelf is also made of steel. It has a nice, scratch-resistant finish.
There should be enough space for a basic collection of hand tools in this box. The lid opens up to 180 degrees, thus giving you all the space you need to bring out or put in your tools. The box can be locked for enhanced security. In short, this all-steel toolbox is a great find for budget-conscious DIY-ers.
For more solutions that will help you stay organized, check out our guide to the best tool backpacks.
Trustco ST-350-B Toolbox
This eye-catching toolbox from Trusco gets rave reviews not only for its looks but also for its design, construction, and reasonable price. Its tiled pattern and striking blue color are among the first things that will catch your attention. But as you take a closer look at its features, you will realize that this toolbox is also well-made.
The toolbox measures 13.5 x 6.25 x 7.25 inches. It is relatively lightweight at around 5 pounds. It features two-level storage with the large main compartment capable of holding tools like torque wrenches and hammers. The top tray, meanwhile, features multiple separators giving you plenty of options for storing items such as bits, nails, and screws. The design alone makes this toolbox highly recommended for people who want to organize their stuff.
This small toolbox has hinges that smoothly close and open. Those parts are also strong enough to last for years. There are no sharp edges, too. The body is well-coated and won’t rust even after years of use and abuse. Overall, this toolbox can give you a lot of value for your money.
USAG Extra-Long Cantilever Toolbox
Don’t be mistaken by the name of this toolbox if you are concerned about it taking up much space in your room. This cantilever toolbox from USAG measures just 21 inches long, so it should not be a nightmare to find room for it. Offering three levels of storage, the toolbox is well-designed and sturdy, too.
This toolbox is made in Italy. When closed, it measures 21 inches long, 8.25 inches wide, and 6.25 inches deep. There is a small padlock that secures the content.
Upon opening the toolbox, you will see that there are three storage spaces inside. The large space in the middle is enough to store larger tools, like hammers. Meanwhile, the two smaller attached trays are more than capable of holding drivers and wrenches. The toolbox has double handles for more convenient and secure handling.
Rampage Products Trail Can 86619
Made of heavy-duty steel, this small toolbox from Rampage is made for the DIY-er who is always on the go. It features a locking lid to secure its contents, a powder coat finish, and non-slip and soft-grip liners. There is also enough room inside to store tools of various shapes and sizes.
The Trail Can 86619 fits in the same space as a gas can in SUVs and 4×4 vehicles. It offers multi-compartment storage that can hold tools like wrenches and pliers. To open the lid, you will have to twist the filler cap counterclockwise. Doing so exposes a vertical hinge for hanging up to four screwdrivers and other small, rounded objects. Inside are two removable storage compartments that give you plenty of options to secure and organize all your tools.
Measuring 18 x 13 x 6 inches and weighing around 2 pounds, the toolbox is weather-resistant. It also has non-slip liners designed to prevent its contents from sliding around. This cleverly designed toolbox is available in three color options: red, black, and olive green.
Husky 16-Inch Plastic Tool Box with Rugged Metal Latch
This is an affordable plastic toolbox that you may also give a second look. It may not be made of steel, unlike the other toolboxes in this list, but it is well-made and easy to carry. It is made of durable polypropylene with a solid metal latch. Lightweight and easy to carry around, this is a good choice if you are on a tight budget.
This toolbox measures 16 x 9 x 9 inches. It weighs around 1.6 pounds, which is not exactly surprising given its plastic construction. The toolbox offers two storage options, with the main compartment being spacious enough to accommodate larger tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and wrenches. The smaller tray which sits on top of the main compartment, meanwhile, should be able to hold small items like nails and screws.
The toolbox is designed to be easy to move around. Aside from its easy grip and impact-resistant plastic handle, the portable toolbox has a lightweight design that appeals to DIY-ers who are always on the move. But while there is a padlock eye, you will still have to get a padlock to secure the contents of this toolbox.
Kennedy Manufacturing 1022B Hand-Carry Cantilever Steel Toolbox
This is not the cheapest toolbox on the list, but you will definitely get your money’s worth with this Kennedy Manufacturing 1022B hand-carry steel toolbox. It offers a large main compartment and a quartet of organizer trays, so you can keep all your tools in perfect order. Aside from plenty of organization options, this steel toolbox is durable and should last for a long time.
This cantilever toolbox is sturdy and well-made. It is constructed from industrial-grade metal, which means it has a load capacity that is higher than most of the models on this list. The handle is also made of steel, which further enhances the model’s durability. Speaking of the handle, it is vinyl-cushioned to make handling more comfortable on the part of the user.
There’s plenty of room for your tools inside this toolbox. One tray even comes with socket set dividers. The divider sets are removable, too, giving you plenty of flexibility in storing tools of various shapes and sizes. Moreover, the divider sets will let you grab what you need at a glance.
Milwaukee 13-Inch Jobsite Work Box
This could be the best choice for home tool storage, taking into consideration its size, design, and price. Measuring 16.4 x 13 x 9.2 inches and weighing less than 6 pounds, this work box has a vertical design for efficient storage and organization of small to large items. Its bucket-like shape makes it easy to carry around. Moreover, it takes up minimal space and is thus a perfect choice for DIY-ers who live in small apartments. The workbox, particularly its lid, is also sturdy enough for an adult to sit on it. This is a testament to how well-built this toolbox is.
Aside from its construction, the toolbox gets good reviews for the number of storage options it offers. There is a tool caddy, which is fully removable. One side offers eight slides for tools like screwdrivers and pliers. On the other side are two larger spaces for wider items like a pry bar. The tool caddy is easy to access. It can also be lifted up and out with its handle. There is also a removable tray on top of the box, which is good enough for storing up to eight small items, including a tape measure.
Stanley Click N’ Connect 2-in-1 Toolbox
This toolbox from Stanley also gets good reviews for its design. While it does not offer as many organizational options as that of the Milwaukee Jobsite Work Box, it remains a practical choice for DIY-ers looking for an easy-to-carry and reasonably priced toolbox.
The Click N’ Connect features two separate boxes. The larger, upper box is built for storing tools like screwdrivers and a hammer while the smaller, lower box is designed for storing smaller items like nails, picture hangers, and other accessories. Both boxes, however, can accept dividers.
It has a removable lid that attaches to the box with big plastic claps. The lid secures once the two parts are connected. It also offers two compartments for storing smaller items like pencils.
This is not the most durable toolbox as it is made of polypropylene. It may not be ideal for use on a jobsite, but it should be able to withstand light home use. The handle is small, too, which can be an issue if you have large hands.
Waterloo Portable Series Tool Box
This affordable model from Waterloo is another great choice for DIY-ers looking for a budget-friendly toolbox. It is one of the smallest toolboxes on this list with dimensions of 14 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 6.4 inches tall. Also, it weighs less than a pound. And if you think you need a bigger model than this, Waterloo offers a larger one that is up to 26 inches long.
It is made from polypropylene, which makes it lightweight and fairly durable. However, don’t expect this to last as long as other toolboxes made of steel. The handle is designed for comfort and portability. It also tucks away for a flush top surface and convenient and easy stacking.
Tactix 321100 20-Inch Steel Tool Box
Last but not least is this 20-inch steel toolbox from Tactix. Made of heavy-duty steel with a black powder coat finish, it measures 20 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 10.5 inches tall.
This steel toolbox has an angular styling and large block letters spelling out the brand’s name, giving it a robust and contemporary look. There are a couple of removable tote trays colored orange at each end of the toolbox. Those trays are spacious enough to accommodate small items like nails, clips, and other accessories. The transparent lids will also enable you to quickly identify the things stored in the trays without having to open it.
You will also love the comfortable grip handle of this toolbox. Made of aluminum, the handle is also sturdy enough to last for a long time. The toolbox itself has enough room for storing tools and other small items you typically gather in the garage. In short, this Tactix toolbox is an affordable, practical, and durable option for storing and organizing your tools.
Advantages of Small Toolboxes
Portable toolboxes won’t be able to provide all the storage options that larger toolboxes do. But if you don’t have lots of tools to begin with, then you will find a small toolbox a practical choice for storing and organizing your stuff.
Small toolboxes are also ideal for people who are on the go. These toolboxes are portable and lightweight with a sturdy handle for convenient and easy handling. Some toolboxes even have liners inside to prevent their contents from sliding around. Simply put, moving tools around should not be much of a problem with a small toolbox.
You can also save more if you opt for a small toolbox. Obviously, small toolboxes are a lot cheaper compared to their bigger counterparts, given their size. But this is not to say that toolboxes won’t give you value for money. Many of the portable toolboxes today are made of steel or plastic durable enough to last for a long time.
What to Look for in a Small Toolbox?
In choosing a small toolbox, keep the following in mind:
- Ease of transport. A small toolbox should be designed for easy transport. After all, it is likely that you will be bringing it from one place to another every now and then. Look for a small toolbox that has a sturdy handle.
- Multiple storage options. The best small toolbox offers numerous storage options, like trays and compartments. Without these storage options, it can be easy for small items such as nails and screws to get lost in the clutter. And it could mean more time for you to rumble through a toolbox searching for what you need to get a certain task done.
- Lock. The best portable toolbox comes with a lock to secure its contents. This is something you’ll want a toolbox to have, especially if you have invested significant resources on your tools.
- Construction. Consider getting a small toolbox made of steel as it is considered the strongest. A disadvantage, however, is that steel can make a portable toolbox heavier and thus harder to carry around. There are also portable toolboxes made of plastic.