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Tool Chest Buyers Guide: Which Tool Chest Do I Need?

17 Nov.,2022

Whether you're working indoors, outdoors, doing DIY, or working on a car, discover the best tool box for your task with this simple guide.

A tool chest is more than just a place you can store your tools. It’s an important part of your arsenal no matter what level of proficiency. In other words, whether it’s DIY, or a professional car garage, a decent tool chest is an absolute must. With all this in mind, you shouldn’t however just buy any old box. You need the best tool chest and the best toolbox for whatever your circumstances.

Here at SGS Engineering we have an impressive range of chests, cabinets and boxes to cover all purposes. Here we'll detail which of our range is best-suited to different industries and uses.

Mechanics 13 Drawer Roller

Mobile Rolling Suitcase

Stainless Steel Bench

Four large casters for easy mobility.Lid insert to carry drill bits and small tools.3 wall-mount upper cabinet with gas struts.Locking bars and side handles on the top chest.Metal latches and hinges for added durability.All the drawers lock via a single tumbler lock. Removable top chest / toolbox section for flexibility and portability. Bi-material comfortable easy to grip top handle.15 drawers with smooth roller bearing sliders.

Why do you need a tool chest?

Here’s a why a tool chest or toolbox is such an essential thing to have;

Your tools are in a convenient location, ready for when you need them
They’re also safely and securely stored away
An organised tool chest can make your tasks quicker and more efficient
Having tools in a box or chest keeps them protected and reduces the risk of damage

What to Consider Before Buying your Tool Chest?

Storage Capacity

This may seem like a fairly obvious consideration. However when you're purchasing your tool chest you need to think about not only how many tools your currently have to store inside it, but also how many tools you think you're likely to buy in the near future, as they will also eventually need a home within your tool chest.

Drawers

How many drawers you have in your tool chest is important, you need to ensure that there are not only enough to house all your tools, but that they are big enough to fit the length of your tools.

Durability

The durability of a tool chest, is quite frankly the most significant feature. A tool chest is an investment, one that should not be taken lightly. You need to be careful about the material that has been used for the manufacturing of the tool chest. All SGS tool chests are made of the highest quality materials, and come with a 2 year warranty.

Slides

There are two different types of drawer slides, that are commonly used on tool chests. One is non-bearing, giving it very little significant advantage, it can actually make it rather difficult to pull a drawer. The second type is ball-bearings drawer slide system. This is the smartest and easiest style to use, even if the drawer is heavy, the drawer functions without problem.

Lock

One of the main reasons for using a tool chest is to ensure the safety of your tools. For this reason, the tools chest needs to have a well-designed lock system. Some chests have an internal locking system that cover up the drawers after you close the top lid, others have a key-operated lock for extra security.

Although it may be an essential part of your kit, you now need to determine why you need a tool chest? Will it be used to store, a few domestic items that you often use around the home. Are you a tool enthusiast or semi-professional that needs compact units to fit in the home, whist providing optimum storage? Or are you kitting out a large garage? Do you travel with your tools from various jobs/locations? Knowing which category you fall under will help you to decide what category to look at.

Tool Boxes - Tool boxes a (also called toolkit or workbox) is the box you will use to organise, carry, and protect your tools. They can be used for trade, a hobby or DIY, and their contents vary with the craft of the owner. Arguably the biggest difference between the box, chest and cart is that your tool box will be designed for transport. Making them ideal for someone on the go.

Tool Chests - A tool chest, as the name suggests, resembles a chest of draws. The tool chests are much larger in comparison, and their biggest design feature is to store as many tools as needed. You'll typically find tool chests in home or professional garages. They are typically stationary, although some may have wheels to enable easy transportation. Their size and weight are not the best design if you regularly need to take your tools from job to job.

Tool Carts - Tool carts are great for moving around the work place. As you can imagine, especially when working on cars, it's very rare for you to be in once place for a huge amount of time. Manoeuvring around the car becomes a problem when your tool box is heave or your chest is on the other side of the room. A tool cart is a great place to keep all your essential frequently used tools to drag behind you as you get to work. Lightweight frames means they can easily be pulled from pillar to post even when filled with tools.

Tool Boxes

22" Tool Box With Tray & Storage

What this box lacks in volume it more than makes up for in robustness. Constructed of durable polypropylene, which is impact resistant, the large handle makes carrying easy. This Toolbox has a unique design that is perfect to house all your tools and accessories. Featuring padlock hole and 2 metal latches for increased security. The lid boasts 3 built-in transparent poly-carbonate organisers. The big main compartment is suitable for tools and other equipment. Featuring removable internal tote tray.

17" Tool Box With Reinforced Handle

Constructed of stainless steel with a plastic base this tool box boasts durability and a light-weight design. Featuring a padlock hole and strong metal latches for increased security, the large, durable soft grip handle makes carrying from room to room easy. It is perfect for the home handy man, to store and carry tools around for maintenance and repair jobs or when working on other projects.

16" High QualityTool Box With Storage Tray

Fashioned from durable polypropylene this basic beast can still withstand most knocks and drops. The lid features 3 handy organiser compartments, making it easier to store screws, nails and other work site accessories, while the metallic clasp closings are more robust than their plastic counterparts. While it's cheap and very standard, it's large enough to swallow all manner of tools and fixings, perfect for DIY beginners and new home owners.

15" Tool Box Organiser

NEW from SGS - this professional tool box organiser provides storage for small parts and accessories. Featuring 23 individual storage cups with removable dividers, allowing you to make different configurations. The see through poly-carbonate lid locks the components in position for easy access.

21" Heavy Duty Wheeled Tool Box

NEW from SGS - a heavy duty wheeled tool box, perfect for storage and transportation of your tools and accessories. Constructed of durable polypropylene, which is impact resistant. The large, durable soft grip handle on the top of the lid makes carrying easy. Built in telescopic metal pull handle and 2 solid wheels for easy transportation. 2 extra large latches keep your tools safe. This tool case has unique design. Lift-off lid has 2 built-in transparent poly-carbonate organisers. Deep main compartment is suitable for power tools and large equipment. Featuring removable internal tote tray.

Mobile Rolling Suitcase Tool Box

This excellent storage system from SGS features four drawers and a large top compartment with a lid insert to safely carry drill bits and small tools and components. Combined the best features of some of our larger tool cases with the portability and convenience of a more compact classic style tool case, this is the ideal tool chest for on the move. The extendable carry handle and wheels make this tool box truly portable.

Stainless Mobile 3-in-1 Tool Box

A 3-in-1 stainless tool box, this is the ideal versatile travelling workshop. The stainless steel rolling suitcase is a innovative way to keep your tools organised and safe both at home and at the work site. With easy to open latches, the unit separates into 3 separate tool boxes in seconds. Fully mobile with heavy-duty wheels and a retractable handle, this tool chest is built to last and withstand all the vigour's of a job site. The middle box features two large pull out drawers while the base unit is an open top bin providing storage for larger items and can be secured by padlock.

Mobile Heavy Duty 3 Part Tool Box

This excellent storage system features three drawers, a top compartment and a large bottom compartment for extra storage. The top chest and middle box separate out into three parts, allowing you to take just the tools you need with you. Constructed from injection moulded plastic with metal frame for additional strength. The telescoping carry handle and large polypropylene wheels make this tool box truly portable.

Tool Chests

41" Pro 14 Drawer Stainless Steel Chest

This 41” stainless steel professional drawer tool chest and roller cabinet is the perfect choice for professional garages or serious tool collectors. Constructed from a sturdy hard wearing powder coated frame with stainless steel front, this tool chest is ultra-tough and looks amazing. Fitted with industrial grade ball bearing sliders this chest has a super smooth drawer action, even when fully loaded with your tools.

There are 8 drawers on the top chest and 6 drawers on the bottom cabinet, with an additional storage cupboard for larger tools, giving you enough size to fit all your tools, from personal to professional use, while also offering room to expand your collection. Four large caster wheels with locking brakes provide easy mobility around the workshop (two swivel wheels with brakes, two fixed).

42" Professional 19 Drawer Tool Chest

The 42” professional drawer tool chest and roller cabinet is a great recommendation for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. This chest boasts being sturdy and well-made with an impressive powder coating on the outside, making it durable and attractive. The unit is able to hold plenty of weight, and the variety of deep drawers mean that there’s plenty of room for anything you might need to store.

96" Stainless Steel 24 Drawer Bench

The largest tool cabinet in the SGS range sits at 96 inches wide, this cabinet is suitable for home, workshop, automotive and trade use. Six polypropylene wheels and two heavy duty stainless steel side handles allow the cabinet to be manoeuvred easily around your work space. The hand crafted wooden top and brushed 304 stainless steel anti-fingerprint finish means not only is it suitable for tough workshop use but it also looks fantastic in an at home garage or workshop. Super smooth ball bearing sliders mean the drawers effortlessly glide open with a reassuringly sturdy “click” when fully extended. Brushed 20 gauge steel with reinforced base ensure a long service life. The spacious drawers include a liner to protect and prevent your tools from slipping.

26" Professional 14 Drawer Tool Chest & Roller Cabinet

While it may seem counter intuitive, large tool chests are actually perfect for smaller spaces. If you don’t have a lot of floor space in your home or garage, a single chest like this 26" roller cabinet is usually enough to hold all of your typical tools in a small, confined space. 14 separate drawers each support up to 15kg on the top chest and 25kg in the bottom chest. The chest itself can handle up to 260kg without issue.

75" Professional 33 Drawer Tool Chest, Cabinet & Two Side Lockers

For those looking for the ultimate quality professional tool storage this monster 75" roll-away tool chest, cabinet and dual side lockers comes out top of the pile. Exceptional value for money with enough drawers for any serial tool purchaser, this tool cabinet is ideal for workshop, automotive and garage use. The incorporated special features are designed to ensure long term service with security and ease of use. Heavy gauge sheet steel is stretched around a steel frame structure to maximise the rated load and strength of your tool box while keeping the overall weight low – much in the same way an aircraft wing is engineered. While the skin itself is 2.3mm thick, at the structural corners and around the edges of the chest the material is double or triple rolled ensuring the integrity.

72" Stainless Steel 15 Drawer Work Bench Tool Box Chest Cabinet

This deluxe professional stainless steel tool chest is a sizeable 72 inches, suitable for home, workshop, automotive and trade use. It can be manoeuvred easily around your work space thanks to the four large lockable polypropylene castor wheels. The hand crafted wooden top and brushed stainless steel finish means not only is it suitable for tough workshop use but also at home. Brushed 20 gauge steel with reinforced base ensure a long service life. Controlled movement with a full length handle that fits either side of the cabinet.

Mechanics 8 Drawer Tool Box Chest & Roller Cabinet

Designed with mechanics in mind, every feature of this large capacity 8 drawer tool chest is well thought out and precision engineered for quality. From the ultra-smooth ball-bearing sliders, to the sturdy powder coated steel frame, this rugged tool chest will give you years of reliable service in your workshop or garage. The super smooth draws glide open effortlessly, reassuringly clicking into the fully open position - everything seems to fit together perfectly. The top chest / toolbox section can be lifted from the roller cabinet giving you flexibility and portability. The security-lock and bar locks in this section keep your belongings secure. The model includes an up and over door in the cabinet section, giving you the perfect place to store larger tools or boxes.

72" Stainless Steel 15 Drawer Workbench with Upper Cabinet

Super smooth ball bearing sliders means the drawers on this chest are effortless and glide open with a reassuringly sturdy “click” when fully extended. Constructed from sturdy 20 grade stainless steel, covered with an anti-finger printing coating. The reinforced base ensure a long service life. All the drawers lock via a single tumbler lock.This workbench is constructed by using steel material that increases the durability of this bench. The body of this 15 drawer cabinet comes with flushed doors. The drawers are equipped with padded liners that present storage sorting soft parts with a tool.

36" Professional 13 Drawer Tool Chest & Roller Cabinet

For the ultimate quality in terms of professional tool storage look no further than this 36" roll-away tool cabinet and tool chest. Thanks to it's exceptional value for money, and professional design is ideal for workshop, automotive and garage use. The incorporated special features are designed to ensure long term service with security and ease of use. The super smooth ball bearing sliders means the drawers effortlessly glide open and heavy gauge double wall steel construction with reinforced base and powder coated finish ensure a long service life.

Tool Carts

4 Drawer Mechanics Roller Tool Cart

This mechanics Tool Cart with 4 drawers, features a fully opening lid and bottom shelf to provide plenty of space for your tools! The all-steel construction is built to last, with a rust-resistant powder-coat finish. Double extending ball bearing drawer runners give full drawer depth opening and smooth operation. Non-slip pre-cut drawer liners in all drawers prevent scratching and reduce tool noise. While the unique design allows access to top compartment through open lid or top drawer. 90 degree lid opening with dual support struts to ensure it stays in a vertical position when in use.

Mechanics Tool Cart Trolley & Workstation

The STCC500 tool trolley is the perfect companion for moving and storing your tools & parts around the garage or workshop, as well as acting as a mobile workstation. For the serious tool enthusiast, it has a large amount of storage space, featuring a lockable sliding top tray, two drawers which lock when the top tray is closed and bottom shelf with a 50kg load capacity. This tool trolley can also be perfect for beauticians, hairdressers, plumbers, electricians, handy men, arts & crafts and so much more! The roll cab has heavy dusty castors and the unit is made from powered coated steel frame with a glossy paint finish.

Professional Cart & Parts Trolley

This extra heavy duty tool trolley is perfect for moving and storing your tools & parts in the garage or workshop. It has a large amount of storage space, featuring a top tray with gas struts to keep it open, five drawers and a bottom shelf boasting a 80kg load capacity. Each drawer has an individual clasp that keeps it securely locked until pressed. Your tools are also protected by the included drawer liners, preventing them for getting scratched and damaged whilst in storage.

Mechanics Large Service Tool Cart

One drawer and two storage trays, this tool trolley is the ideal for filling with all the day to day essentials, so you can easily manoeuvre them around the intended project. The tool cart rolls smoothly on four solid rubber casters, including two with locking capability. All steel, with a rust-resistant powder coat finish for added durability. Plenty of storage space to organise tools, shop accessories and parts for greater accessibility.

Need some new tools to fill out your shiny new tool chest? At SGS we have a large range of power tools, ideal for even the most advanced DIY tool box.