Our 8 Favorite Small Toolboxes to Store Your Gear

Just as every sword needs a sheath, tools need toolboxes in which to store them when they’re not in use. And, like sheaths, toolboxes are sometimes more than just a place to store your tools. For the handyman who cares about his instruments and how they’re kept and transported, the toolbox is almost as important as its contents. To help you save some space, here are the best small toolboxes to buy right now.

Why Do You Need a Small Toolbox?

While there are a lot of chests, benches, and crates that can get the job done well, some DIYers and handymen find themselves sometimes needing to make repairs away from the garage or workshop. In those cases, a smaller device in which to transport one’s tools is an absolute necessity. Sure, you could just toss the tools you need haphazardly into a bag, but you’d be risking disorganization and potentially disrespecting some of your most valued/valuable personal belongings. But we think it better to haul them around in a smaller, compact toolbox.

Types of Toolboxes

Flat Top: Flat top toolboxes are the kind you’ll see the most, with a literal flat top for easy stacking and straightforward functionality. They typically open up with a single-hinged lid, but can also have a central two-sided lid.

Barn Top: Like flat tops, barn top toolboxes open with a top lid and have a protruding roof (like a barn), which allows for better storage optimization.

Cantilever: Cantilever toolboxes are on average a bit larger than the flat top or barn top units, due to their construction, which features a two-sided top opening that opens up and out, sporting smaller storage compartments in its lid, as well as the main central compartment.

Homak Steel Toolbox

Best Budget Toolbox: Not everybody needs an excessive amount of features out of their toolbox. For some, a simple box with a secure lid is plenty to get the job done. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for simplicity, so long as you opt for the budget-friendly Homak Steel Toolbox. There’s little to this one other than a solid steel construction, a flip-top lid with a single latch, and a removable internal tray. But, that’s plenty for the minimalist handyman who just needs to haul a handful of tools from place to place.

Trusco ST-350-B Toolbox

Best Cantilevered: Done up in a striking blue colorway and with an interesting tiled pattern pressed into the steel that makes up its construction, Trusco’s ST-350-B Toolbox –– manufactured by the legendary Japanese brand Toyo –– is most definitely one of the most eye-catching on our list. But it’s also one of the most organization-friendly, as the cantilevered split lid opens up to reveal a large main compartment, as well as a pair of secondary, smaller, mounted trays. Better still, those trays come with their own dividers to keep everything in said trays separate — giving handymen the ability to store nails, screws, bits, and whatever other miscellaneous parts or hand tools you might need on the job.

Metalplus Top Hat Single Layer Toolbox

Best Single-Layer: If you’re a strong believer that sometimes simple is better, then the Metalplus Single Layer Toolbox is probably the on-the-go handyman storage for you. It’s built from sturdy epoxy-coated metal, features a central opening for full and easy access, and has a large, simple handle for easy hauling. Measuring up at 18″ long, 8.5″ wide, and 4.5″ tall, this Italian-made toolbox is a perfect pared-down minimalist tool hauler without any excessive flash.

Garrett Wade Steel Tool Box

Best for the Office: We’re firm believers that there is beauty in simplicity, which is proven ten times over in Garrett Wade’s Steel Tool Box. Crafted in the United States from 20-gauge steel, this minimalist tool hauler is a great single-compartment option for those looking to store their bare essentials in a classier space, like an office or den. It’s also powder-coated for extra durability, has a simple single latch closure with a padlock hasp, and is available in a beautiful forest green color. Even if you’re a fisherman looking for a new tackle box, a DIY enthusiast who needs a place to stash your hand tools, or you just need a small storage box to stash in your off-road 4×4, this is the one for you.

Carhartt Work In Progress

Best Single-Layer Barn Top: Barn top toolboxes are great for maximizing space, but sometimes we want to have our cake and eat it too. Compact enough to store under our bed or maybe even under the seat in our car, this Work In Progress box from Carhartt is just 4″ tall and features the bulging top of a barn top model so you can fit a few extra items inside, although at 11″, you may have to be selective. Made in Japan, it also sports a carrying handle up top, a classy Carhartt logo embossed into the lid, and 100% metal construction.

Rampage Products Jerry Can Toolbox

Best for Car Camping: Most small toolboxes were built with on-the-go handymen in mind, but few were truly made to actually ride along in your vehicle. But, as anyone who has spent a lot of time on- or off-the-road can tell you, sometimes your ride requires a little maintenance. And that can be especially difficult to manage if you’re away from civilization. Thankfully, there’s the Rampage Jerry Can Toolbox. Made to fit in the same space as a gas can — like those mounted on many classic 4x4s — this heavy-duty steel container is actually a multi-compartment storage unit perfect for wrenches, pliers, and whatever else you might need to keep your favorite overlander running.

Filson Standard Toolbox with Removable Tray

Best Classic Toolbox: While the realm of toolboxes hasn’t innovated too much in recent vintage, there are some decidedly modern options you could choose from –– as you can see from our guide. However, if you’re looking to go classic with your toolshed, check out this traditional model from Filson. Despite the higher price tag, the storage box doesn’t do anything terribly fancy but will give you a solid heritage toolbox you can pass on to your kids. Made from powder-coated 22- and 24-gauge steel, this flat-top box is made in the USA and features a removable tray with steel dividers and a trio of clasps for secure closure.

Snap-On KRA25D Toolbox

Best High-End: Snap-On is a legendary tool manufacturing brand that’s the number one go-to for a huge number of industry professionals. So it makes a lot of sense that they’d pare their expertise down the line and into their tool-hauling offerings, as well. And that can be seen in abundance within their KRA25D toolbox. Gorgeous in its simplicity, but with an all-metal construction that could survive a bomb blast, this USA-made hauler has 180 square inches of storage space and comes with a removable tote tray for even more organization and versatility. For the handyman on the go, you simply can’t do better than this small toolbox.

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