Shopping for an excellent tool chest can be a hassle. It’s even worse when you’re on a strict budget and find yourself searching through the many different types of tool chests out there to find one that meets your individual needs.
That’s why we went through all the trouble for you. We’ve reviewed tons of products on the market to help you find the best tool chest under $500. Read on to check out what we found.
Overall Best Tool Chest Under $500
1. 37″ Portable Tool Box, Black by Contico
The tool box measures 36 x 23 x 21 inches, which should give you plenty of space to stow your most essential tools. You can fit everything from common tool sets to hand-sized power tools.
The portable tool chest is lined with structural foam that provides an extra cushion for your tools. On the outside, there are two handles on each side that make it easy to grip and carry. This is a quality tool chest that also has a central locking system to keep your tools secure.
Other features you may enjoy include metal hinge pins and rust-proof coating for all the metal components.
Pros
- It is sturdy for a tool box that weighs less than 3 pounds
- Locking mechanism for tool security
- It is an inexpensive tool storage unit with great quality
- It has a structural foam interior for shock absorption
Cons
- You can’t mount it onto a truck because of the plastic body
- There are no drawers or designated compartments for tools
You can only expect so much from a product that costs less than $500. But this one, from its strong build to spacious interior, is a solid choice.
Best for a Small Toolset
2. KETER 22 Inch Cantilever Plastic Portable Tool Box
Another awesome feature of this box is its dual layers. The top layer is divided into 11 removable bins and is made for organizing your hardware and small parts, e.g. nuts and bolts. The larger, second layer is reserved for big tools like hammers or power drills.
As is evident from the product title, this box features a cantilever design. The cantilever joints let you slide the top layer over so you can access the bottom tray with relative ease. The best part is that the cantilever is made of all-weather tough resin like the rest of the box.
The KETER 22 Inch tool box also has strong back legs that provide optimum support.
Pros
- Great space for tools
- It is light and durable
- Cantilever design for easy access of both trays
- Perfect for home use
Cons
- Can’t accommodate a lot of larger tools
- You can’t stack large objects on top because of the weak plastic lid
If you own a small set of tools, there’s no need to buy a large chest; the KETER 22 Inch Cantilever Plastic Portable Tool Box will do just fine. It has two separate trays for your small and large tools, and a durable resin build.
Best for storage space
3. 8-Drawer Tool Chest Tool Box, High Capacity Rolling Cabinet
The best thing about this rolling cabinet is that it can accommodate larger tools. The top box has a total of four drawer slides that can accommodate different types of tools. It also has an internal locking mechanism that keeps your tools safe.
The lower section of this tool storage unit has four slightly larger drawers and one large cabinet. You’ll notice that, as you move down the chest, the spaces get bigger. This additional storage throughout the entire unit makes it easier for you to sort your tools by size.
You also have small hooks on the side of the chest that can hold tools—for instance, hanging a frequently used wrench. You can choose to move the entire chest using the 360-degree caster wheels, or stick to moving the top section alone.
Pros
- The entire tool storage cabinet is very easy to assemble
- You can move and stop the whole thing very easily using the caster wheels
- There’s an EVA non-slip liner in each drawer
- It is perfect for heavy tools
Cons
- The tool storage cabinet takes up storage space when full
- The drawers don’t use ball bearing slides
The 8-Drawer Rolling Tool Cabinet is the largest toolbox on this list. It also happens to be perfect for those who have a lot of heavy tools, but also need a small and mobile carrying case.
What You Should Know Before You Buy
Even though they are affordable, build quality and storage capacity for tool chests under $500 are the two biggest factors that’ll help you determine how much bang for your buck you’re really getting.
Look out for materials like durable plastic or resin. These tend to be lightweight, durable, and quite affordable.
Space may not be a factor for you if you only have a few tools. However, if you’re in the market for something larger, there are still great products under $500—just a little harder to find.
Conclusion
The 37” Portable Tool Box, Black by Contico is the best tool chest under $500 in our opinion. It is portable, sturdy, and quite spacious. If you’re looking for something with more versatility, consider the KETER 22 Inch Cantilever Plastic Portable Tool Box. It has two separate trays for everything from power drills to nuts and bolts.