The 10 Best Rolling Tool Cabinets
Special Honors
Snap-On KCP2422PBO A worthwile investment for professional mechanics, this model includes a power bank for your phone and batteries with a built-in breaker to protect from overloads. The welded seams keep your tools in a low-moisture environment that reduces the likelihood of flash rust. shop.snapon.com
Editor's Notes
December 11, 2020:
We ultimately removed the Stanley Proto J442735 and the Stanley Fatmax 020800R in order provide a mix of options that would better suit the needs of more readers.
While many might be attracted to the idea of a dual-purpose model that works as both a tool organizer and a workbench not everyone wants something as large or expensive as the Seville Classics UltraHD, though it is an excellent selection for the right user. For this reason we added the Husky Mobile Workbench as a more compact and affordable option that still provides a solid-wood table top. It's a great choice for those with smaller workshops, since it takes up much less space than a separate chest and workbench would. The two lowest drawers are particularly large and have been reinforced with extra slides, meaning you can even store bulkier gear and power tools without needing a separate cabinet or shelf.
The Craftsman 26-Inch Cabinet was added as an alternative to the Rubbermaid 773488 for those who want something less expensive but aren't willing to sacrifice a metal construction. This simple 5-drawer model doesn't provide the same top-notch build quality as some higher-end selections, but it boasts a surprising amount of thoughtful features that aren't usually offered by other models in its price range. For instance, its thick 5-inch casters, soft-closing drawers, and included drawer liners all contribute to a smoother user experience. However, it is worth considering that this selection requires more assembly than some other choices.
Whichever option you end up going with make sure to observe the manufacturer's maximum load ratings in order to avoid damaging your chest or injuring yourself.
December 11, 2019:
Removed the Wen 74412 12 Drawer, the Bostitch BTST 19802, and the International VRB-4211BK because of availability concerns. Added the Milwaukee 48-22-8510, the Stanley Proto J442735, and the Craftsman 1000 Series.
The Milwaukee is similarly priced to the Stanley Proto but with a enough room to keep all of your mechanic's hand tools, along with a large top container for power tools, and a side bracket to hold your battery chargers. Both the Milwaukee and the Stanley Proto are particularly appealing because their entire platform is welded from 20-gauge steel, which is indicative of a robust tool chest that will stand up to a lifetime of use - consider the fact that high-gauge steel provides a good surface to positively affix the drawer brackets, which translates to consistent performance.
For much more portable models, the Stanley Fatmax 020800R and the Stalwart 75-4650 are solid options. The choice between the two should come down to what sorts of tools you need at the worksite. The removable dividers and the offset drawers on the Stalwart will surely be more useful for plumbers and electricians who use small tools that need to be kept well organized and quickly accessible. On the other hand, the Stanley is a great pick for carpenters and framers who will make good use of the deep drawers for things like large hammers, levels, or pneumatic tools.
Benefits Of A Rolling Tool Cabinet
Fortunately, it doesn't have to happen to you ever again, because you're going to start being responsible with your tools — and a rolling tool cabinet is going to help.
It's happened to all of us from time to time: you go into your toolbox to look for that one wrench or socket that you need, only to find that it's not there. Even worse, you realize that you can't be mad at anyone but yourself, because you're the one that didn't put it away the last time you used it.
This horror story plays out every day in garages and shops across the world. Fortunately, it doesn't have to happen to you ever again, because you're going to start being responsible with your tools — and a rolling tool cabinet is going to help.
It can be incredibly frustrating to have to stop in the middle of a job and walk across the shop to swap out tools, and when the job is done, nobody wants to stick around even longer putting wrenches away. That's why you need to make it easy on yourself to stay organized, because losing tools is an expensive habit (of course, it can also feed your addiction to buying tools, so maybe it's a wash).
A rolling tool cabinet can follow you around the garage, ensuring that whatever you need next is always within arm's reach. This will cut down on the time it takes to finish a task, as you can swap out tools in a flash, and putting them back is less of a chore since the toolbox is right there.
Rolling toolboxes are especially good if you have to lug heavy items around, as, rather than having to carry that pipe wrench all over the garage, you can just wheel the cabinet over. If you have back problems or other issues lifting heavy items, rolling your tools around can put less of a strain on your spine.
Even if you don't have a lot of elbow room in your garage, a rolling cabinet can still come in handy, as most come with removable trays and bins. That way you can just carry your sockets with you, for example, instead of having to tow the entire cabinet around.
If you're constantly losing or misplacing tools, then a rolling tool cabinet can pay for itself in no time. Jobs will go more smoothly and get finished faster, and your garage won't look like a Craftsman graveyard. Most importantly, many cabinets are incredibly spacious, so you'll have an excuse to splurge on new tools.
How To Pick The Right Tool Cabinet For You
Now that you've solemnly sworn to be more responsible with your tools, it's time to figure out which cabinet is best for your particular needs.
There are cabinets that can fit just about any needs, so if you look at your current setup before buying, you're sure to find one that makes your life a whole lot easier.
The size of your garage is going to play a big role in determining which model you should get. Obviously, if you have more room, you'll be able to accommodate a larger cabinet. However, take inventory of your shop before making your decision, as you may find that a large cabinet could eliminate much of your existing clutter. Just make sure you'll actually be able to roll it, or else the purpose will be defeated.
Some cabinets are large enough that they actually have benches on top, giving you extra space to work (or to clutter up). If you often find yourself scrambling for a flat surface in your shop, buying a toolbox with a bench can kill two birds with one stone. Likewise, there are also models with cushioned surfaces for you to sit on while you complete your tasks, which can help make working late much more comfortable.
How many tools you have — or how many you aspire to have — is another factor to take into consideration. Most cabinets are on the larger side, so if you don't have a ton of tools you may be better off going with a more conventional toolbox.
The types of tools that you own also matters. Many cabinets feature sliding drawers or removable bins, so if you mainly have smaller items like wrenches and screwdrivers you should be fine. If, however, most of your tools are on the larger side, you may not be able to fit enough of them in a drawer to make a difference.
There are cabinets that can fit just about any needs, so if you look at your current setup before buying, you're sure to find one that makes your life a whole lot easier.
Other Easy Ways To Keep Your Garage Organized
While keeping your tools in their proper places will go a long way towards preventing clutter, there are a few other simple methods you can use to make sure your garage stays organized.
If you have items that you use every day, make sure they're easy to get to, and that it's a no-brainer to put them back.
First off, take advantage of all available space. That includes the walls and the space above your head. Adding shelves or pegboards to your walls will give you even more ways to organize your tools. Also, if you have the room, overhead storage can make a world of difference, allowing you to discreetly house any large or seldom-used materials.
Be sure to prioritize your tools as well. If you have items that you use every day, make sure they're easy to get to, and that it's a no-brainer to put them back. Don't let rarely-used items clutter up your work space, as this can slow you down and hamper your efficiency. Besides, the more personalized your garage is, the more you'll feel at home there — and the more likely you'll be to take care of it.
Ultimately, though, it's going to take a little hard work and discipline to keep your garage clean. Sweep up and put tools away after every job (that's when the rolling cabinet comes in really handy), and don't allow yourself to leave for the day without tidying up. Once you make it a habit, your work space will stay spotless, and your tools will stop magically disappearing.