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Tool chests as the name suggests are large storage units designed to house a multitude of tools. For the professional, storage often involves something a little larger than the traditional toolbox. Options available include tool chests and repositionable roller cabinets which are suitable for any and every workspace, from small workshop to an industrial setting in a hi-tech industry such as automotive or aerospace. Top quality brands include Kennedy®, Senator® and Yamoto® which together provide an extensive choice for anyone wanting to upgrade their tool storage. View our roller cabinets and tool chests page for more shopping options and buyers guide.

Related Categories
• Tool Chest Accessories
• Tool Kits
• Castors & Wheels

Why Tool chests?

There are several advantages to storing your tools in a tool chest or roller cabinet. Firstly, your tools are in a convenient location, ready for when you need them. Secondly, they're also safely and securely stored away, helping prevent items going missing when you're not around.

Another advantage to tool chests is organisation, an organised tool chest can make your tasks quicker and work more efficient. Rather than having to rummage through bags etc to find the right sized wrench for the fastening you're trying to loosen, it will be within easy reach and ready to use when you need it. Many tool chests have storage compartments designed to fit specific tools as well, this not only aids with organisation but ensure that they fit snugly and securely minimising the risk of damage.

Tool chest types and considerations

If you are thinking that a tool chest sounds right for your tooling needs, then there are several elements that you need to consider ensuring you end up with the one that is perfect for your requirements.

• Storage capacity - This might be the most obvious, but it can be so easily overlooked. Remember to consider the fact that your tool collection might not be finite as well. Buying a chest that fits everything only to realise later that the new bumper set of Philips screwdrivers you've just picked up won't now fit inside can be incredibly frustrating. If you're likely to expand your tool sets then make sure you buy a chest to accommodate them as well as your current tools.

• Manoeuvrability - Are you likely to be working in a fixed position or will you be moving from station to station in a workshop environment? In the case of the former, it would stand to reason that you would require a static tool chest as you'll mostly be working close by, however in large workshops or if you will be required to work in multiple locations then a tool chest mounted on castors, or a roller cabinet might be a more convenient option as these can be rolled into place and then locked into position.

• Durability - Are you likely to be in an environment containing moisture or where chemicals are present? If so, it's worth taking the time to ensure that the tool chest you've selected is durable enough to resist corrosion from rust and or chemical spillage. Most of the tool chest in our range are made from heavy duty steel and may featured specialised coating to resist corrosion.

• Drawers and sliders - Much like with capacity, you'll need to ensure that the drawers in your selected tool chest have enough room for the kit you'll be storing. Have you got any long or bulky tools that might be awkward to fit, how heavy are they? Will you need deeper or shallower drawers for certain tools? Drawer slides are also a key consideration sliders containing bearings hold an advantage over those without as it allows for smooth operation even if the weight in the drawer is heavy.

• Locks - Locking mechanisms are one of the main advantages of storing your tools in a tool chest. A well-designed locking system adds extra security to you tools, helping keep them safe from loss. Some chests feature in internal locking system and a key operated lock of extra piece of mind.

Tool chest jargon buster

• Latch - Closing mechanism that fastens over the lip of the lid to secure it in place.

• Tote tray- A removable and portable tool tray, designed to keep the tools for a specific job in one place.

• Castor- Chests mounted on these can be transported from one work site to another

• Sliders- The runners that guide drawers in and out from the open to closed position. They feature designs with and without ball bearings.

FAQs

What are tool chests made from?

Tool chests typically tend to be made from steel; this gives them a good amount of durability. Many tool chest feature a specialist coatings to help resist against corrosion from rust and chemical spillages.

Are tool chests worth investing in?

It depends on the application primarily. If you don't have a large number of tools nor the need for them then a toolbox might fulfil your tool storage needs. However, if you have a large amount of tools and or are looking to expand your tool set significantly, they can be a very worthwhile investment as you also get the added security alongside the much larger storage capacity.

Can tool chests be used to house powertools?

Yes, they can but you should consider size and weight when deciding. For instance, a tool chest with a large compartment or compartments are ideal for stooling large items like power tools, where as a tool chests with narrow drawers might struggle to house items like a drill for instance.