Give Your Tools the Chest They Need and Deserve

Your tools work as hard as you do, and they deserve a storage solution to keep them clean, organized, safe, and ready for immediate use. When your collection has outgrown even the largest industrial-sized, portable toolbox, it’s time to upgrade to a tool chest.

Use these considerations to guide your purchase and help you make the best investment decision.

1. 1. Sizing
      Measure the area in your garage or workshop that will house your new tool chest. Be sure to allow enough room to move comfortably around the chest while working and fully extend the drawers. If you’ve got more vertical space available than width, select a tall and narrow unit or a two-piece nested combo that includes a cabinet and chest that can be used together or separately.
   2. Storage
      capacityShop for a unit with enough compartments for all of the tools you currently own as well as for those you plan to add over time. Find a model that offers a sufficient number of drawers, trays, and cabinets to accommodate your future collection. Also, consider the overall layout of the tool chest; be sure the drawers are positioned in the most comfortable way for you and facilitate fast tool retrieval.
   3. Quality casters for mobility
      Freedom to move your chest into position quickly and quietly wherever you’re working is essential. Look for a model that features heavy-duty swivel casters with a large weight-bearing capacity and a side handle for effortless mobility. Tool chests with locking casters and wheel brakes secure your chest in place and prevent rolling.
   4. Drawers
      Select a high-quality tool chest with a heavy load rating on the drawers and removable, replaceable ball-bearing slides. Although a bit more expensive than friction-slide drawers, ball bearings let you open and close drawers quickly and offer better stability and longevity.Look for full-length aluminum pulls on the drawers for easy access and durability. Drawers lined with PVC foam absorb oil, and those equipped with anti-slip mats or liners protect your tools from scratches and restrict movement.
   5. Exterior color and finish
      Are you more a basic black kind of person, or would a bold pop of color add welcome vibrancy to your work space? Regardless of color choice, be sure to select a tool chest that features a powder-coat paint finish for super resistance to corrosion, chemical stains, and scratches.
   6. Other features to look for include:
      • Heavy-duty, thick-gauge solid steel construction to ensure the tool chest is rugged and durable enough to handle the weight of your tools and serve you for years to come.
      • High-security tubular locking system that protects your valuable tools from theft.
      • Flips-up top with work surface beneath that provides a convenient place to set your tools down.
      • Built-in power strips or outlets, lighting, and USB ports for superior convenience.