Toolbox Buyer's Guide

Finding the right toolbox for your tool kit is equally as important as picking the right tools. You don’t want to find yourself missing sockets, spanners, or drivers when you’re out and about tackling a tough job. 

That’s why here at Halfords, we’ve pulled together a range of different toolboxes, from boxes with small compartments that are perfect for housing items such as nuts, bolts, and screws, to larger boxes that are perfect for storing ratchets, wrenches, and even power tools.

Types of Toolboxes

Metal Toolbox

Meta toolboxes are usually the best toolboxes for mechanics because they’re able to withstand repeated knocks and bumps as they’ve made from heavy-duty materials and sometimes require a bit of maintenance to keep them in tip-top condition. Cantilever toolboxes are the common option when it comes to this type of toolbox.

Cantilever Toolbox

The Halfords Cantilever Toolbox is the perfect solution for every mechanic or DIY enthusiast. Built from heavy-duty, long-lasting metal, it’s a classic and dependable design. The toolbox opens automatically when the handle is depressed to reveal three tiers of tools arranged in five trays. This toolbox is 26 inches in size, and there’s even room for a padlock to keep your tools safe and secure.

Plastic Toolbox

As a plastic toolbox isn’t quite as robust as its metal counterpart, plastic toolboxes are usually better for home DIY enthusiasts who won’t be transporting the toolbox as much as a professional tradesperson. Plastic toolboxes are lightweight and excellent for storing tools in your garage or home.

Stanley Toolbox

We stock a range of plastic Stanley toolboxes, from 12.5, 19 to 26 inches. These toolboxes are innovatively designed with a robust structure and ergonomic metal latches for longer life and enhanced security. Each toolbox features a removable top tray for smaller items like tapes or fixings.

Also featured in the Stanley range is the Stanley 26" Galvanised Metal/Plastic Toolbox. This toolbox is made from a combination of plastic and rust-resistant metal components, ensuring it can withstand knocks and drops with ease. The lid features a V-groove that has been specifically designed for holding materials such as timber and pipes for on-site cutting and sawing.

Tool Organiser

A tool organiser is a toolbox specifically designed for small tools such as nuts & bolts. It’s important that if you’re working with small fiddly parts you use a toolbox designed.

Stanley Tool Organiser

If this sounds like something you’re looking for, then look no further than the Stanley SortMaster Organiser. This toolbox features seal-tight compartments and removable dividers to create a unique and flexible storage solution perfectly suited to your needs.

Tips for choosing a toolbox

There are a few important things you’ll want to consider before buying your next toolbox.

Practicality

Your toolbox should be easy to store, comfortable to carry, and have enough space for all the tools that you need.

Think about how and where you’ll be using your toolbox. If you’re a home DIY-er, then your toolbox won’t be subject to the elements, drops, or bumps, so you might want to invest in a plastic toolbox.

If you’re a professional or tradesperson, such as a mechanic, your toolbox is likely to have a harder life, so having something more substantial like a metal toolbox is key.

Your tool collection may also grow, which may mean you’ll have to upgrade to a larger mode, keep this in mind before investing.

Size of tools

If you’ve got lots of small tools and tool bits to store, then you’ll want to choose a toolbox that has small compartments to keep everything organised. For larger tools you will need bigger compartments and more space.

Size of your space

Think about where your tools are being kept most of the time, if you’ve got a large garage or workshop, you may want to consider investing in something bigger than just a toolbox, for example, a tool chest or cabinet. If not, then you it’s still important to consider how much room your toolbox will be taking up in your garage, van or home.