For our best tool cabinet, we have the Stack-On DS-39 39 Drawer Storage Cabinet where in you have a choice of 12, 18, 22, 27, 39 or 60 drawers. This 39 drawer version has 9 large and 30 medium drawers and it can be easily mounted on counter top or bench, making it a very useful and convenient tool cabinet to consider buying. The measurement dimensions are 14.4 in x 6.2 in x 17.9 in and are finished with coated colored gray. The see through design allows you to see what’s inside quickly and has a no-spill tab stop design. In addition, the ribbed handles are easy to pull for convenience.
However, if you want a pricier tool cabinet, you might want to go mobile with the Stanley 018800R Mobile Work Center which is capable of storing really large power tools and is also very mobile due to its wheels and carrying foldable handle. If you are some person who wants to take your tools away on various places so you can work on different areas without relying on a stationary tool box or cabinet then this is your best bet. The cabinet’s door can be easily slide down and shut by snap action and it also comes with a portable tray to store hand tools. There’s lots of space for storage compartment use and being great for working on various places, it has overall dimensions of 18 in x 11 in x 24 in.
Economically priced, the Stack-On CB-12 Clear View 12-Bin Organizer is our budget pick which is an ideal container for supplies and small parts. A bit similar to our top pick, this one has 12 bins and a clear view. It is also extremely lightweight but very durable and can be mounted, stand upright or leaned on the back. In addition, it also has a top handle adding to its portability. This awesome tool cabinet has dimensions of 14 in x 5 in x 18 in and good for various tool organizing purposes.
A Little Background
Tool cabinets have been going around ever since mankind decided to get organized during work. Almost every profession makes use of a tool cabinet of sort and they vary from small to large ones.
There are different kinds of tool cabinets. Standard, unmovable and stationary ones are the ones that we often see on houses, workshops and garages. They are much like house drawers except they are mainly used for tools. These stationary tool cabinets often come in clear compartments in which the sliding drawers are see through enough to keep the material inside it visible. This particularly makes it easier for any worker to see what is inside so that he or she will know what to pick and which drawer to open for faster and more reliable workflow. People who often use these kinds of tool cabinets are technicians (for electronics and electrical parts, ICs, chips), carpenters (for keeping screws, nuts, bolts) and other DIY workers or makers who absolutely need to organize a ton of small parts and tools.
There are also tool cabinets that are mobile and have wheels on them. These can be rolled from side to side, allowing the user to be able to access the tool cabinet wherever he is – be it on the garden outside or on the neighbor’s shop. This makes work easier rather than just having to waste time in carrying all the tools back and forth. Mobility significantly improves any task on any profession. Rolling tool cabinets are often used by those who do DIY house work and home projects or those who weld and perform heavy carpentry work. Rolling tool cabinets may also be used for cooking and outdoor kitchen ventures or even on camping.
Aside from these types of tool cabinets, there are also small tool cases or tool boxes that are also considered small tool cabinets, which can contain most tools that can be hand carried instead of rolled, particularly light to medium weight tools. These are often used by carpenters and similar jobs that do not require a lot of super heavy equipment.
No matter the type of tool cabinet, all tool cabinets depend on what you want to have, what you want to keep, what sort of space you have on your home or workshop and your method of organization. Of course, don’t forget to consider your budget!
How We Picked
In choosing the best tool cabinet out there, we ruled out the rest by relying on these criteria:
The tool cabinet must be worth its price for its value. Does the tool cabinet have the most worthy features for you to buy it for its price? You must know and canvas all other similar tool cabinets to get the best deal out there and not just rely on one single item alone.
It must have a fair amount of drawers and compartments for the price. If it has 20 o 30 drawers, consider something around the $10 to $30 bracket, but it all depends on its size and durability. Most of these tool cabinets are made from plastic material, but if you want super sturdy ones made from metal or stainless steel then you should get your budget ready!
There must be more positive than negative reviews about the item. Are the more pros than cons or the other way around? Make sure you read a majority of the reviews before jumping into conclusion. Amazon ratings really help you in deciding whether a tool cabinet is worth buying or not.
The tool cabinet must also be very durable if you want to put in really heavy equipment and tools there. You should know and ask for the weight capacity of the whole cabinet as well as individual drawers so that you do not accidentally overload it. Fixing a tool cabinet’s drawer is a bit of a hassle, especially ones with rolling mechanisms, so make sure you know its capacity before you load in heavy tools and equipment or use it for similar items.
A worthy tool cabinet must be very easy to assemble even for beginners. If you ever got your hands on a tool cabinet that can be easily assembled even with just guessing which pieces are put together then this is a good tool cabinet to buy. However, do consider the durability as well and don’t just decide on its easy assembly and operation.
The warranty for the tool cabinet must be considerable and just right. Some have 2 year warranty and some have 5 years or more. Most stainless steel tool cabinets have higher warranties so make sure you know the warranty of the one you are buying.
High quality coating, durable and beautiful finishes and anti-corrosion features should be present, especially if you are ordering a metal tool cabinet. If it is not stainless steel, at the very least the material must be very durable against heat or cold, especially on the fact that plastic material tends to bend or crack. If you’re buying wood material then make sure it’s properly coated and treated against wood corrosion.
Having an easy operation of each drawer is a must. The tool cabinet’s drawers must be easily pulled out with little hassle to serve their outright purpose. There is also plus point if the cabinet has a good locking system, especially for bigger tool cabinets.
Our Pick
Stack-On DS-39 39 Drawer Storage Cabinet
The Stack-On DS-39 39 Drawer Storage Cabinet is our top pick as the best tool cabinet because this 39 drawer version has 9 large and 30 medium drawers which is ideal for almost all kinds of multipurpose organizing, whether you’re a technician, carpenter, DIY maker, or just want to get organized!
You have a choice of 12, 18, 22, 27, 39 or 60 drawers, all with different price ranges, so you can order and buy a tool cabinet that is the most convenient for your needs. Having a no-spill tab stop design that gives the user comfort and flexibility as well as convenience, the whole tool cabinet can be easily mounted on counter top or bench.
The tool cabinet’s measurement dimensions are 14.4 in x 6.2 in x 17.9 in, making it a fair and compatible size with almost all kinds of spaces and workshops. It is coated in colored gray finish and the see through design allows you to see what’s inside quickly.
Adding to its features, there are also ribbed handles which are easy to pull. Overall, the tool cabinet weighs 5.1 lbs. The Stack-On DS-39 39 Drawer Storage Cabinet has a 5 year limited warranty which covers material defect and workmanship. Overall, this awesome tool cabinet is affordable and good for storing small parts.
Who Else Likes It?
Tool cabinet is very lightweight and it serves the purpose it should – keeping your tools and items organized. Adding to that, they say that the tool cabinet is very easy to set up and it can hold up many items. Being a very sturdy organizer, perhaps the only con is that some customers don’t find the plastic doors too clear compared to other tool cabinets, but this is not a major con in general.
A review from Lamula says that the Stack-On DS-39 39 Drawer Storage Cabinet definitely fits perfectly for most walls so it can be placed on a variety of places and even on counter tops. Adding to its impressive features is the fact that it has a good multi drawer design. As a whole, the article summarizes that it is able to house many parts and supplies and awesome organizer overall.
According to a review from Beading Jewelry Making Pirces , the Stack-On DS-39 39 Drawer Storage Cabinet has a gray frame is very wide, making it very versatile and good for keeping more items. In addition, it can be easily mounted on wall with a hassle-free assembly. It also makes good counter top drawer storage and adding to that, the stop tabs are greatly designed.
The site Life Info Happy Tips has also reviewed the Stack-On DS-39 39 Drawer Storage Cabinet. The review states that the tool cabinet has a clean and neat finish and you get lots of storage drawers to fit in small items. It was also praised for the ribbed handles which make it convenient for the user.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
All items do have flaws somewhere, but the flaw on the Stack-On DS-39 39 Drawer Storage Cabinet is not something to break the deal. According to some customers, they say that the clear plastic is not as clear as it should be and it does not come with a divider so you have to purchase them separately.
Step-up Pick
Stanley 018800R Mobile Work Center
Going on our step-up pick, we have a tool cabinet that is capable of storing really large power tools and is also very mobile due to its wheels and carrying foldable handle – the Stanley 018800R Mobile Work Center. Its design is very eye-catching and what’s more is that it is unique and can be used for different purposes.
The tool cabinet’s door can be easily slide down and shut by snap action and in addition, it also comes with a portable tray to store hand tools. You get lots of space for storage compartment use and it has a great design and functionality for working on various places.
Having overall dimensions of 18 in x 11 in x 24 in, this mobile tool cabinet is colored black finish and has 7.4 lbs of weight. But what does it come when you order and have it shipped to where you are? Well, it also includes an extra large tool box and also comes with a portable storage bin. Generally, this awesome tool cabinet is a multipurpose not just for tools but also for camping and general travel purposes.
Budget Pick
Stack-On CB-12 Clear View 12-Bin Organizer
Now, let’s move on to the best budget tool cabinet. A very ideal container for supplies and small parts, the Stack-On CB-12 Clear View 12-Bin Organizer has 12 bins and a clear view, making it a versatile and convenient storage for your tools, much like our top pick. Being extremely lightweight but very durable, this tool cabinet can be mounted, stand upright or leaned on the back.
Adding to its great features, this awesome organizer also has a top handle adding to its portability. Bearing overall dimensions of 14 in x 5 in x 18 in, the Stack-On CB-12 Clear View 12-Bin Organizer comes at a cheap price as a full sized gray organizer. It has clear lids to make tools visible and weighs 3.2 lbs – considerably lightweight compared to most tool cabinets out there. Each bin measures 4.5 in (width) x 4.375 in (height) and is a great solution to any organizing at work or DIY home projects.
Stainless Steel Tool Cabinet
Stainless Steel 4 Drawer Rolling Tool Chest Box Toolbox Cabinet Wood Top
Having a steel frame that is made from granite powder to coat and finish it finely, the Stainless Steel 4 Drawer Rolling Tool Chest Box Toolbox Cabinet Wood Top is a top of the line stainless steel tool cabinet that is worth your time and money due to the fact that all cabinets and drawers have key locks, which is important for keeping privacy and security, especially if you want to keep expensive power tools such as drills, etc.
The design of the tool cabinet is excellent – the front cabinet door and drawer doors are made from stainless steel, making it an extremely durable tool cabinet to have and own for your own shop or garage. In addition, it also has an adjustable shelf for one cabinet and has 4 slide-out drawers that have shelf liners.
The Stainless Steel 4 Drawer Rolling Tool Chest Box Toolbox Cabinet Wood Top measures 20 in x 28 in x 34.5 in. Adding to its durability, the front push bar is made from chrome and for a quality finish and design, the top is made from hard wood that is 0.75 inches in thickness. Overall, the tool cabinet weighs 40 lbs so it’s not too bad for a convenient tool cabinet.
Rolling Tray Cabinet with Various Compartments
Excel TC304C-Red 31-Inch Steel Tool Cart, Red
If you want an awesome tool cart for a variety of purposes, the Excel TC304C-Red 31-Inch Steel Tool Cart, Red should be on your bucket list. It is perfect not just for DIY home repair, woodwork and tool keeping but it is also great for cooking outdoors. The paint finish is done with red powder coat to give it a very striking image and finish to keep it quite durable.
The tool cabinet’s top tray is quite adjustable and you can put just about anything in there that you outright need. In addition, the storage compartment is lockable so there is no need to worry about missing tools, parts or components that you need for your work or DIY job. The tool cabinet’s powder coat paint can withstand corrosion and scratch.
This awesome tool keeper has heavy duty wheels for ultra comfortable mobility and convenience and adding to its durability is the fact that the material is made from cold rolled steel to keep it very sturdy. The tray also has a rubber mat to keep things in place so it is very convenient. It also has two drawers on the main compartment so you can store more stuff in there.
A well-recommended mobile tool cabinet drawer, the Excel TC304C-Red 31-Inch Steel Tool Cart, Red tool cart with a weight of 31.7 lbs and an overall product weight of 52.7 lbs. It has overall dimensions of 31 in x 20 in x 45 in.
Best Sturdy Wall Cabinet
Gladiator GAWG28KDYG 3/4 Door EZ RTA Wall Cabinet
This cabinet, the Gladiator GAWG28KDYG 3/4 Door EZ RTA Wall Cabinet, is made from sturdy steel to keep it long lasting and durable for the many years to come. Strongly built for heavy duty storage purposes, you can easily access battery chargers and radios due to its extra electrical access area, which most tool cabinets do not have, so it is a plus for this particular tool cabinet.
Its assembly can be done easily because of its easy panel arrangement that does not require a lot of tools to put together. Take note that this also includes hanger brackets. To make it very convenient for the user, the shelf is very adjustable and in addition, the bottom shelf is open to keep an easy and convenient storage mechanism.
The Gladiator GAWG28KDYG 3/4 Door EZ RTA Wall Cabinet weighs 32.8 lbs and measures 12 in x 28 in x 28 in dimensions. Having a max weight capacity of 150 lbs per cabinet and 40 lbs per shelf, this heavy duty tool cabinet is the perfect wall mount storage for your tools, colored with hammered granite finish and gladiator tread plate. Having a 2 handle design, this tool cabinet has a whopping 10 year limited warranty. Its durability is almost unquestionable and it has an excellent price for its value, so buy now if you absolutely need a heavy duty tool cabinet for your garage or shop!
Best White Minimalist Design Tool Cabinet
WEATHER GUARD 9918302 Tool Cabinet
Having an aesthetic and clean minimalistic design, the WEATHER GUARD 9918302 Tool Cabinet is a recommended tool cabinet for those who work in cleaner and office-like environments due to its design. Being coated in white color finish, this one has 18 drawers overall and measures 38 in x 18 in x 17 in. Weighing in at 26 lbs, the WEATHER GUARD 9918302 Tool Cabinet is perfect for those who want to keep tools in a fine-looking tool cabinet.
Various Color Choices for Tool Cabinet
The Original Pink Box PB2605R 26-Inch 5-Drawer 18G Steel Rolling Tool Cabinet, Pink
If you want to have a tool cabinet that is available in 8 colors (pink, orange, black, green, black with trim, white, teal and purple), you might want to consider the awesome The Original Pink Box PB2605R 26-Inch 5-Drawer 18G Steel Rolling Tool Cabinet. Having a steel frame that is 18 G, this sturdy and heavy duty tool cabinet is easily lockable so you have less worry about tool safety and security as well as accessibility.
It has a total of 5 drawers that are heavy duty and has a smooth and easy slide action. The casters can lock and it has a whopping 100 lbs capacity for each drawer, so it is perfect for keeping in very heavy tools and equipment for your workspace or workshop. The whole tool cabinet weighs 114 lbs and has ball bearing sides, making it a heavy duty mobile tool cabinet to take with you almost anywhere around the house, garage or working space.
Having overall dimensions of 27 in x 35 in x 18 in and with casters are made from polyurethane tread, with 2 rigid and 2 swivel movement, The Original Pink Box PB2605R 26-Inch 5-Drawer 18G Steel Rolling Tool Cabinet is overall an easy assembly tool cabinet to consider, with the casters measuring 5 in x 2 in each. It is also equipped with an excellent tubular key locking system and it also comes with an awesome limited lifetime warranty.
Best Rolling Tool Cabinet
Seville Classics UltraHD 6-Drawer Rolling Cabinet
Made from sturdy stainless steel material, the Seville Classics UltraHD 6-Drawer Rolling Cabinet is a powered coated finish tool cabinet that has a one key lock for drawers. The cabinet’s top is made from solid hardwood and the bottom drawer measures 23 in x 16 in x 9.5 in.
Adding to its durability features, the push bar handle is made from chrome. Having overall drawer dimensions of 23 in x 16 in x 2.5 in for top drawer, the Seville Classics UltraHD 6-Drawer Rolling Cabinet has an overall weight of 110 lbs, with the drawer’s weight rating being 30 lbs. It is an easily rolling tool cabinet with overall drawer dimensions of 30 in x 29 in x 12 in.
Best Hand Carry Organizer
Stanley Fatmax FMST14820 FatMax Deep Pro Organizer
Having a water seal to protect your tools from getting wet, the Stanley Fatmax FMST14820 FatMax Deep Pro Organizer is an ideal mobile hand carry tool cabinet equipped with a handle and latches are built to heavy duty.
For its durability, the clear lid is unbreakable and impact resistant and in addition, the design of the lid is unique and locks all the compartments to keep all of your tools in place. This is an ideal handy-dandy travel tool cabinet for all mobile needs and it is coated in black finish with yellow inside color. The Stanley Fatmax FMST14820 FatMax Deep Pro Organizer weighs 4.3 lbs and measures 17 in x 14 in x 4.5 in dimensions.
The Competition
Some tool cabinets and / or portable tool cabinets do not exactly offer anything particularly special and are just for general usage, unlike the ones we have reviewed here. Most of them are a bit too pricey, has little information for reviews and also do not have enough satisfying ratings and reviews to put them in the top list. However, take note that all tool cabinets vary depending on what kind of tool you want to keep in them, so there is no clear best in specific, but in general only.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose a tool cabinet or storage that is perfect for my needs?
A: This article from eBay says that you should know different types of tool storages. There are stationary tool cabinets as well as the roll around tool shelves that can be moved from place to place. There is also the workbench and rolling tool cabinet combination and the hand-carry tool boxes are also present. It is important to choose the right accessories and you should also consider drawer organizers and dividers. You can side mount organizers and tables and also consider portable tool cabinets as well as tool cabinets mounted on trucks.
Q: What should be inside every person’s tool cabinet or tool box?
A: This article from The Art of Manliness says that you have at least a majority of these tools in your tool box or cabinet: claw hammer, flathead screwdriver, utility knife or similar knives, drills and bits, tape measure, screwdriver (Phillips and / or flat tips), crescent wrench (or any kind of wrench), vise grip pliers, nose pliers, crosscut saw and level (especially for high precision carpentry work).
Q: What should I consider before buying the best tool cabinet?
A: According to this article from Scout Handy , always consider the number of tools to store and consider the size of the tools to store. You should also know how much durability will you need for the cabinet, tool box or chest and consider the frequency or usage of the tools you will store in it. Last but not the least, consider its mobility or if you are planning to take it somewhere else.
Q: Any tips on taking care of tool cabinets?
A: According to this article from eBay , you should keep it dust free, try to clean outside and inside the drawers and make sure the paint doesn’t come off and protect the paint while cleaning. Remember that the waxing keeps the paint on. You can use mild soap and water combination is recommended to clean for a tool cabinet but it depends on the material of the tool cabinet.
Wrapping It Up
The Stack-On DS-39 39 Drawer Storage Cabinet is our best tool cabinet out of the many options out there, but this is just on general basis. There are different strokes for different folks, so it still depends on what you really want to store on your tool cabinet.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.