You know you’re a serious automotive enthusiast when you need a chest to fit all your tools. Storage units are critical pieces that help extend the lifespan of your hardware. These units provide covered spaces (cabinets or drawers) to protect tools from the effects of external elements like dust or moisture and keep you and your tools organized so you can avoid replacing tools unnecessarily—saving time and money.
A tool storage unit should be built from sturdy materials for long-lasting durability and maximum weight-bearing capacity. Tool storage units should also be the right size for your particular set of tools and your working space. The options below offer a range of products from the workshop to the home garage. Ultimately, your decision rests on the type of tools you use and the space you use them in.
- Husky Extra Deep Mobile Workbench : Best Tool Storage for a Home Garage
- On Shine 8-Drawer Tool Chest : Best Tool Storage for a Large Garage
- Manhattan Comfort Fortress : Best Tool Storage for Small Spaces
- Performance Tool W85025 : Most Mobile Tool Storage
- Seville Classics UltraHD : Most Attractive Tool Storage
A Husky workbench is a top choice for tool storage in your home garage. The unit provides nine sliding drawers, including two large drawers on the bottom and a shallow, full-width drawer on top. The workbench is several inches deeper than standard 18-inch workbenches and is constructed from reinforced steel. The wood table maximizes your work surface area in small spaces and provides a stylish finish. Each drawer can hold 100 pounds (the bottom two drawers can hold 200 pounds). As such, this is a heavy workbench at more than 220 pounds. But you shouldn’t have any trouble moving it on the caster wheels.
- High load bearing capacity
- Constructed from heavy-duty materials
- Easy to assemble
- Wheels wear easily
- Amazon has a high price; look elsewhere at local shops
This is a modular storage solution perfect for larger garages and workshops. With the On Shine tool chest customers receive quality closed storing capacity with eight different sized drawers and one large bottom cabinet. The upper cabinet has four pull-out drawers and a top drawer. When removed, the lower cabinet functions as a workbench. It features a tall bottom drawer below two shallow drawers. Many customers have reported damage to materials upon arrival. This Workpro unit measures about 42.5 inches high, 24.4 inches wide, and 13.0 inches deep when assembled in one piece.
- Ample closed storage space
- Modular construction to maximize work surface areas
- Priced below market value
- Thin metal is easily damaged
- Long shipping distance and process
- Unknown weight capacities
For light usage in a tight space, this 31-inch-tall storage unit is an affordable and decent choice. It has one top drawer and two shelves behind a set of double doors. The shelf can be set in varying positions to accommodate taller tools. Don’t attempt to use this storage unit for heavy tools or everyday wrenching. The quality is more akin to Ikea furniture.
- Compact size
- Low price
- Assembly and fit are poor
- Only for occasional use and light weight
Sometimes you need a seat on the job. Instead of a workspace, this chest is a glorified stool that lets you take your tools wherever you roll. It can hold 350 pounds between the padded seat, the three drawers, fastener holders and the two side tables. It’s particular suited for tire and wheel work, or for paint and cosmetic detailing along the sides of a vehicle. Some customers say the roller wheels don’t spin 360 degrees and that the seat is too hard.
- High weight-bearing capacity for small size
- Four swivel casters
- Doubles as a work stool
- No large tool storage space
- Cushion needs more padding
Make your tools look sexy. This cabinet is best suited for those who desire a quality storage unit with aesthetic appeal. It is constructed from a sturdy steel frame with stainless steel drawers and door fronts and a solid wood counter surface. With such strong materials, this cabinet is durable and can hold up to 300 pounds. Between the drawers and cabinet with an adjustable shelf, this unit provides plenty of space for tools of all sizes. At just 34.5 inches tall and 28 inches wide, Seville’s rolling storage unit can easily fit into compact spaces. But good looks come with a high price. This cabinet does not come preassembled.
- High quality steel and wood materials
- Attractive appearance
- High weight-bearing capacity
- Priced above its value
- Time-consuming assembly process
- Thin metal can be easily damaged
METHODOLOGY
In order to determine the best tool storage for your equipment, we considered the products most accessible to the widest swath of consumers in the U.S., which also includes performance, price and value. The best products are modular so they can be taken apart, used separately as workbenches and adapt to your needs.
We evaluate all tool storage chests and drawers based on the following weighted metrics:
- Storage capacity (20%)
- Functionality (20%)
- Durability (20%)
- Weight capacity (15%)
- Material quality (15%)
- Price (10%)
- Size (10%)