8 Best Tool Chests and Cabinets for the Money (Quality Matters)

One of the most common mistakes made by DIYers is to try and keep their tools in the original packaging. This may seem a great way to store tool sets initially, but even good plastic cases will break with time. Pegboard storage also has limited benefit, making it essential to have a sturdy storage container that you can keep organized.

Enter the humble tool chest. Unlike a classic cheap tool box, tool chests (and cabinets) have multiple drawers and usually have wheels so you can (fairly easily) move hundreds of pounds of tools around the garage as needed. But there are plenty of tool chests and cabinets out there, and many of them simply aren’t worth it.

As one of the most important (and expensive) components of your garage, you don’t want to be stuck with a tool cabinet that you regret buying. Let’s look at some of the best tool chests currently on the market.

Our 8 Favorite Tool Chests and Cabinets

	Product	Width	Drawers	Storage	Weight
	Husky H52CH6TR9HDV4	52-inch	15	35,020 cu. in.	444 lbs.
	US General Series 3	56-inch	8	23,500 cu. in.	365 lbs.
	Husky H46X18MWC9	46-inch	9	14,000 cu. in.	171 lbs.
	Husky HOTC5623BB2S	56-inch	23	42,930 cu. in.	624 lbs.
	Milwaukee 48-22-8510-8520	61-Inch	11	24,199 cu. in.	405 lbs.
	Husky HOTC8422BB1M	84-Inch	22	36,608 cu. in.	622 lbs.
	Seville Classics UHD20262	77-inch	11	n/a	265 lbs.
	Yukon 56613	46-inch	9	10,300 cu. in.	187 lbs.

Tool Chest Reviews

#1 – Husky 52-inch Tool Chest and Cabinet Combo (H52CH6TR9HDV4)

Husky tool cabinets have a reputation for durability, and this heavy-duty storage combo doesn’t disappoint. The chest itself uses a high-grade, all-welded 18-gauge steel construction that’s protected by a tough industrial-textured black powder-coat paint. As this is a combo, the top chest can be removed for jobs on the go, and both units have an internal keyed locking system to keep your tools safe.

The cabinet itself has an ergonomic handle, six 5-by-2 inch castors, and a bottle opener on the side for those days when a cold drink is crucial. Nine drawers are mounted on full extension ball bearing slides for smooth movement and feature a soft-close retention system to quietly closes the drawers and ensures they’re secure.

Each drawer can support up to 120 pounds and includes premium Husky drawer liners. Aluminum edge guards help protect against accidental bumps and add to the overall sleekness of the unit.

Nestled comfortably atop the cabinet is a tool chest with six more drawers that share the same features as the cabinet’s drawers. The reinforced top lid is supported with gas struts for easier opening and closing.

The back of this section includes a large magnetic plate for storing your favorite tools, while the side has a built-in power strip that has four grounded outlets and two USB ports for convenient charging even when the unit has been closed and locked.

You know you have a winner when the vast majority of owners describe a unit using the word “love”. And what’s not to love? The space, the accessories and extra features, and the improved warranty all make this the best tool cabinet and chest combo on the market. Best of all, it’s easy to assemble and will last for years, making the lower price range even more remarkable.

As sturdy as this combo is once it’s in your home, there have been a few reports complaining about damage during shipping. The abuse shipping companies have inflicted can range from scratches and scuffs all the way up to twisting part of the steel frame.

Be careful when first receiving the product to check for any signs of mishandling so that you aren’t stuck with a damaged product.

If possible, order online to lock in the price and pick it up at your local Home Depot. Keep in mind that this cabinet is HEAVY so be prepared with lots of help for unloading.

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#2 – US General (Harbor Freight) 56-inch Rolling Cabinet

US General tool cabinets from Harbor Freight have been the best kept secret for years as far as value is concerned. Now onto their 3rd series, pricing has creeped up to where I no longer put them at the top of this list but the price+quality combination is still hard to beat.

Modularity is the name of the game with the Series 3, and this roll cab is perfect as either a standalone or together with other pieces from the series. Its eight drawers feature full-length latches, five 120v and two USB 3.0 outlets built-in, and a total of up to 23,500 cubic inches of storage space.

The cabinet can support up to 120 pounds per drawer, and the six-inch casters are strong enough to bear up to 4,400 pounds (although there’s more use of plastic in the wheels than previous series).

The powder-coated steel cabinet comes in eight different colors being one of the only options where you can match to a specific garage color scheme.

It’s tough to find complaints about this product. In fact, it’s often compared to the more expensive Snap-On cabinets. However, don’t expect a lot of bells and whistles such as included organizers. These are sold separately to help keep the price low.

It should also be noted that the drawer locks are plastic and seem to be the only part of this cabinet prone to damage. Great for a home garage but if you’re a pro who works around others that have access to your area, it’s worth keeping in mind. A few have noted that the drawers may stick a little when the cabinet is sitting on an uneven surface, although they open smooth as glass for most.

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#3 – Husky 46-Inch Mobile Workbench (H46X18MWC9)

There’s a lot to love in this 46×18 inch workbench. Starting with its glossy powder-coated 21-gauge steel frame and 833 square inch solid wood top to the 1,200 pound capacity 5-inch casters, this cabinet is built for function and durability. It comes fully assembled except for the casters and side handle, which are unattached for packaging purposes.

An integrated power strip contains six outlets and two USB ports, while the side handle is ergonomically designed for easier repositioning. The nine drawers are 15.4 inches deep with double full-extension slides capable of supporting 100 pounds. They also include a soft-closing system and internal keyed locking system.

Despite this being designed as a tool cabinet, a lot of customers have found it to be a perfect solution for their office, kitchen, and other workspaces as well. The sturdy design includes drawer-width handles, although you will want to open the top drawer towards the middle to avoid a bit of stick.

There’s not a lot to complain about with this model. Only the top drawer includes a liner, so you may wish to pick some up for the other eight drawers.

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#4 – Husky 56-Inch Tool Chest and Rolling Cabinet Set (HOTC5623BB2S)

One of the most impressive models on this list, the HOTC5623BB2S is a 23-drawer combo made of durable 18-gauge steel and has plenty of storage space.

A magnetic, three mode, 360 Lumen LED work light uses a recessed folding hook and charges via USB. A built-in 8-outlet, 2 USB port power strip helps keep all of your tools fully charged. Both units also include a barrel lock for added security.

Each of the drawers are rated for up to 100 pounds and feature soft close drawer slides, quick release drawer pulls to keep them closed when the cabinet is being rolled, and its larger drawers using double slides. You’ll get 42,930 cubic inches of storage space which is tops on our list.

As with all quality chests, this one comes with drawer liners to help keep tools safe. The cabinet has two rigid and four swivel 5×2 inch industrial-grade polypropylene casters for mobility (which is needed for this 600+ pound beast).

When you’re looking for a large, heavy-duty tool cabinet for current and future needs, it doesn’t get much better than this Husky set. The drawers are shallow and sturdy, making it perfect for storing collections of wrenches, sockets, and other essential mechanic’s tools. It’s sturdy enough to take a beating and owners love the extra outlets and light.

As with any large, heavy items, a few consumers have received damaged units in pristine boxes and pristine units in damaged boxes, so always check the contents as soon as possible for any potential issues.

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#5 – Milwaukee 61-inch Mobile Workbench (48-22-8561)

Have you ever moved a tool cabinet between workspaces only to find the tools you need were still on the wall? Milwaukee has you covered with this 20-gauge steel cabinet’s sliding pegboard, adjustable shelves, and 55-inch casters. A cabinet and 11 lined drawers provide a total of 24,199 cubic inches of storage space.

Each drawer has ball bearing slides capable of up to 100 pounds, while the entire workbench is sturdy enough for 2,200 pounds’ worth of equipment. An attractive solid-wood work surface adds to the functionality while Husky’s limited 5-year warranty ensures there are no defects present.

Overall, this is an excellent choice if you can afford it. The metal pegboard and shelving adds a lot of value that cheaper models lack, and having six casters instead of four makes the unit more stable. Add to that the sheer amount of storage and high weight capacity, and you have a sure winner.

The single biggest complaint with this workbench seems to be with the drawers. Some customers have found them difficult to open and close, although this is not a universal issue. Also, if you don’t like labels that tell you about the features you already knew about, you might want some extra glue solvent, as the labels are very difficult to remove.

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#6 – Husky 84-Inch Mobile Workbench (HOTC8422BB1M)

This massive workbench has 22 drawers and two built-in six outlet, two USB power strips, making it tough to beat for storage space. Each soft close drawer can hold up to 120 pounds and includes a premium liner. The entire powder-coated frame is made of 19 gauge steel and is topped by a 1.25 inch stainless steel top.

Six six-inch swivel casters provide maximum mobility while also being able to bear up to 3,800 pounds. 36.608 cubic inches of storage space and Husky’s three-year limited warranty round out this behemoth’s key attributes.

It’s really difficult to find an issue with this product. In fact, perhaps the only problem is that some of the drawers are too shallow for a lot of tool types. However, considering the sheer number of drawers, those shallow ones work fine for allen wrenches, screw drivers, drop cloths, etc. Having outlets on both sides of the workbench also means less hassle with cords. Overall, the sturdy construction and superior storage capacity have made this workbench a true winner.

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#7 – Seville Classics UltraHD Rolling Cabinet (UHD20262)

This 77-inch powder-coated steel workbench may be a lightweight compared to some of the other benches in this list, but it’s still quite the contender. The drawer and door fronts are stainless steel and the top is made of sturdy 1.5 inch thick beech wood, giving the cabinet an attractive, yet functional appearance. It has a maximum weight capacity of 500 pounds and includes side pegboards for additional tool storage.

The classics line is designed to have a timeless appeal, making this cabinet perfect for not only working on your classic cars, but also for kitchens and other spaces where additional storage is needed. The 11 drawers can hold up to 30 pounds each, and the double door storage cabinet has an adjustable shelf.

Even though it’s not likely to survive sitting a baby elephant on top, this cabinet is well-built and durable enough for most workshops or other uses. Of course, one of the key selling features is its appearance, and the entire Classics line looks amazing on their own or together.

Be warned, assembly is required (expect 2-4 hours), and this is where a lot of consumers have problems. Make sure you have some tools to get into small spaces and tighten everything evenly to avoid any issues. Otherwise, the instructions are very clear and putting this together is on par with the average IKEA product.

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#8 – Yukon 46-Inch Mobile Cabinet (56613)

Rounding off our list is another Harbor Freight product. This affordable yet rugged 9-drawer cabinet that can hold its own against the bigger brands. The powder-coated heavy gauge steel workspace is topped with a solid wood surface and sits on four 5-inch casters capable of bearing up to 1,200 pounds.

The two 200 pound and seven 100 pound-rated drawers all have smooth ball-bearing slides and a secure drawer retention system. Together, they provide 10,300 cubic inches of storage space.

In today’s economy, finding a cabinet that is both affordable and sturdy may seem like a pipe dream, but Yukon’s pulled it off. Consumers have found the 56613 to be perfect for a number of uses and environments, although it may fall a little short for heavy-abuse industrial settings. However, placed in a home workshop or even commercial garage, it works a treat.

The retention system included in this cabinet is nice, but often not adequate to hold drawers closed. Without a latch, the drawers, especially the top one, can slide open when on uneven ground. Also, the lack of a power strip may be a deal-breaker for some.

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FAQs

Buying a tool chest is a bit more complicated than a standard tool box. The sheer size means holding products to a higher standard. But what features are important, and which type of storage should you invest in?

What Should I Look for in a Tool Chest or Cabinet?

As much as you might think storage space is the most important feature of a good tool chest or cabinet, that should only be the starting point. The best tool storage units will allow you to organize your tools efficiently and last you for many years.

Look for heavy duty frame construction, preferably using 18-gauge steel although some thinner gauges may also work well. The drawers should use ball bearings for smooth movement and less risk of derailing. Good drawer liners are also essential, as these protect your tools from sliding around or getting too dirty.

Cost should never be a factor unless you’ve narrowed it down to two or three nearly identical choices. Remember that a good tool chest should outlast many of your best tools, so going for the first tool box on clearance you see can mean paying more down the road for a replacement. Finally, while mobility is a plus, take a moment to decide how important it is before passing up a quality stationary cabinet.

Chest, Cabinet, or Workbench: Finding the Best Fit

While all of the units we’ve covered are excellent, a specific type of tool storage might work better for your workspace. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons for each:

Tool Cabinets

When you’re looking for top-notch storage, it doesn’t get much better than a tool cabinet. These heavy-duty units have plenty of storage space with room on top for extra work space or to nest a tool chest. Unfortunately, due to the size and weight, tool cabinets have very limited mobility (even with wheels) and function best in a stationary location.

Tool Chests

Some smaller tool chests can be taken on the road, making them an excellent choice when you want to keep your tools mobile. Some can even be placed on top of or beneath your workbench. They can also be placed directly on a cabinet to increase your overall storage.

The downside is that a tool chest by itself has far less storage space than other options. Tool chests typically have smaller drawers than cabinets but there may be a higher quantity of them.

Mobile Workbench

These units are very similar to tool cabinets, but tend to be slightly lighter and easier to maneuver around the workspace. The top is a finished surface so you can pull up a stool and do all your work from there. Unfortunately, the addition of a workspace means you cannot nest tool chests, limiting the overall amount of storage available.

What are Some of the Best Tool Chest Brands?

There are a lot of companies out there that offer tool chests, but a few names stand out among the masses. The following brands of tool chests should always be at the top of your wish list:

Craftsman

One of the best-known names in tools, Craftsman is just as good at providing quality storage for those tools. Contractors can benefit greatly from investing in a Craftsman tool chest they can keep in the shop or take on the go.

While the quality isn’t what it used to be, they still have their place in some work areas. Available at Sears.

Husky

The default go-to for generations of professionals, Husky provides some of the best values in tool storage options you’ll ever find. When outfitting a new home garage, you can’t go wrong with a Husky product. Available at Home Depot.

Kobalt

Kobalt produces quality power tools, and their storage solutions are designed to take just as much abuse. Whether going for an innovative design or classic cabinet, Kobalt doesn’t disappoint. Available at Lowe’s.

Note: We previously included a good Kobalt product in this article but that particular Kobalt tool chest was discontinued and the replacement was unfortunately not comparable.

Milwaukee

The greatest advantage Craftsman has ever had over Milwaukee is their extensive use of advertising. However, any seasoned handyman or contractor can verify the outstanding quality of Milwaukee products.

Their tool storage units are no exception and can be found in commercial and industrial workshops the world over. Available at Home Depot.

Masterforce

Best known for their quality and durability, Masterforce tool chests are an excellent investment. Despite being less famous than many other brands, their products can hold their own in a side-by-side comparison with Husky and US General. Available at Menards.

Matco

When producing quality tools, many manufacturers forget that poor storage can result in damage to even the best of tools. Matco understands this dilemma and offers a wide range of tool storage options designed to help keep your tools safe and organized. Expensive but can last a lifetime. Available at Matco Tools.

Montezuma

This lesser-known company is very popular with those who’ve tried their products. Not only do they produce quality tool chests using common designs, but are most famous for their unique triangular tool box designs. Note that both Masterforce and Montezuma chests are distributed by Quality Craft. Available at Amazon.

Snap-on

What started out as a simple socket wrench company has evolved into a leading tool manufacturer. Snap-on’s tool chests are perfect for mechanics and show what 100 years of experience in the automotive industry can do. Definitely not cheap but many professionals swear by this brand. Available at Snap-on.

US General

Harbor Freight’s famous line has an excellent reputation with amateurs and professionals alike. The only thing that has kept US General from being a household name is the fact that shipping can be pricey if you’re not within range of a Harbor Freight store. Available at Harbor Freight.

Waterloo

While it’s true that tool companies know what’s needed to make a good tool chest, they don’t have quite the expertise of a company such as Waterloo. This company focuses on tool storage and, as a result, provides some of the best tool storage solutions in the world. Available at Amazon.