1/10

Auto mechanic tool boxes protect, organize and keep your tools secured in one convenient place. Depending on your budget, the size of your tool collection, the types of tools you own and the kind of car repair work you’re doing, there are plenty of toolboxes to choose from:

• Rolling mechanic tool boxes: Available in many sizes and drawer configurations, these substantial tool boxes (AKA rolling tool cabinets) are large and heavy, making heavy-duty swivel casters critical to safety and maneuverability.
• Tool chests: With a swing open-top, tool chests offer lots of storage and are a great add-on to a rolling tool box.
• Portable tool boxes: With sliding drawers and a swing open lid, these are large enough to hold plenty of tools.
• Rolling tool carts: Like a kitchen cart, rolling tool carts are smaller and lighter than a rolling tool box. They come with drawers and often a big bottom storage area for larger tools. These are great for easily moving lots of hand and heavy power tools to where you need them.
• Rolling tool stools: With a padded seat and tool storage, these makes working on your vehicle more comfortable.
• Rolling tool box/trolley: Usually made from a composite plastic and primarily used on jobsites, rolling tool boxes come in lots of styles and sizes.

When shopping for a mechanic tool box, take into consideration the number of drawers, their size, capacity and configuration. Look for features such as:

• 100 lbs. rated, full-extension, soft-close, ball-bearing drawer slides;
• Heavy-duty locking casters;
• 120-volt power outlets;
• USB power ports;
• Security drawers for expensive specialty tools;
• Inserts to protect the drawer bottoms;
• Wrench and socket organizers;
• Keyed locking drawers and lid.

Note: Professional auto mechanics can spend $10,000 or more on a tool box, then fill it with $50,000 to $60,000 worth of tools. There’s no reason for a DIYer to spend that much. But the price of mechanic tool boxes for DIYers is still steep, so don’t be surprised if you experience sticker shock while shopping.

Whether you’re a professional mechanic, a DIY weekend warrior, a committed gearhead or just organizing your large tool collection, there’s a tool box to suit your needs.

Safety first

Tools are heavy. To keep your tool box from tipping over, place heavier tools in bottom drawers, never open more than one drawer at a time, and always close and lock all drawers before moving it around.

2/10

Best Mechanic Rolling Tool Box for Beginners

If you’re starting out and just looking for a reasonably priced tool box with decent storage, the 26-inch wide Craftsman CMST98264RB is a good choice.

This sturdy five-drawer steel tool chest has soft-close ball-bearing drawer slides and plenty of room for tools. Two spacious bottom drawers hold large power tools. Three upper drawers are great for hand tools like wrenches, sockets, pliers, hammers and screwdrivers.

Large casters and a side handle make it easy to move and maneuver. There’s an integrated power and USB outlet strip. And it comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

Shop Now