Tool Boxes & Storage

About Tool Boxes & Storage

Proper tool organisation is essential for any tradesperson or serious DIY enthusiast. Our comprehensive range of tool boxes and storage solutions helps you keep your equipment secure, organised, and easily accessible whether you're working on-site, in the workshop, or at home. From compact tool pouches and portable cases to full-scale roller cabinets and garage workshop systems, we stock everything needed to create an efficient storage solution tailored to your specific requirements.

Quality tool storage protects your investment in professional equipment whilst improving workflow and productivity. Modern storage systems from leading manufacturers like Stanley FatMax, DeWalt TSTAK, Milwaukee PACKOUT, and Makita MakPac offer modular designs that can grow with your tool collection. These stackable systems allow tradespeople to transport precisely what's needed for each job whilst maintaining organisation. For static storage, our roller cabinets, tool chests, and wall-mounted solutions provide secure, weather-resistant protection for valuable equipment.

Beyond basic storage, this category encompasses specialised solutions including hazardous storage for COSHH-compliant materials, power tool cases with custom foam inlays for protection during transport, and site chests built to withstand the rigours of construction environments. Whether you need a simple tool bag for daily essentials or a complete workshop storage transformation with integrated racking and shelving, you'll find professional-grade solutions designed for British tradespeople and demanding DIY applications.

Jargon Buster

• Stackable/Modular Systems: Interlocking storage units that clip together securely, allowing you to build a customised storage solution and transport multiple boxes as one unit. Popular systems include TSTAK, PACKOUT, and MakPac.
• IP Rating: Ingress Protection rating indicating resistance to dust and water. IP54 or higher is ideal for site chests exposed to British weather, whilst IP65 offers superior protection against water jets and dust ingress.
• Ball-Bearing Runners: Smooth-sliding drawer mechanisms using steel ball bearings rather than basic plastic slides. Essential for heavy-duty tool cabinets, providing easier access and longer service life even when fully loaded.
• Organiser Inserts: Removable compartmentalised trays or foam inlays that sit within tool boxes and cases, keeping small components, fixings, and accessories separated and preventing damage during transport.
• Load Rating: The maximum safe weight capacity for storage units, drawer runners, or shelving systems. Particularly important for roller cabinets and racking where overloading can cause structural failure or safety hazards.
• COSHH Compliant: Storage solutions meeting Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations, required for storing chemicals, solvents, paints, and other hazardous materials on construction sites and workshops.

Who Uses Tool Boxes & Storage?

Professional tradespeople across all sectors rely on quality storage solutions to protect expensive equipment and maintain efficient working practices. Electricians (sparkies) need organised storage for cable accessories, testing equipment, and hand tools, whilst plumbers require robust cases that protect specialist tools and fittings during vehicle transport. Carpenters and joiners (chippies) benefit from mobile storage systems that can be moved around large construction sites, keeping everything from power tools to fixings close at hand.

Mechanics and automotive technicians utilise heavy-duty roller cabinets and tool chests in workshop environments, where easy access to extensive tool collections is essential for productivity. Construction site managers and contractors invest in secure site chests and lockers to prevent tool theft, which costs the UK construction industry millions annually. Maintenance engineers, HVAC specialists, and facilities managers also depend on well-organised storage to service multiple locations efficiently.

Beyond professional trades, serious DIY enthusiasts and home workshop owners recognise the value of proper tool organisation. Weekend renovators, keen gardeners with power equipment collections, and hobbyist woodworkers all benefit from storage solutions that protect their investments and create safer, more efficient working environments. Property maintenance professionals and landlords also require portable storage for tools needed across multiple properties.

How to Choose the Right Tool Boxes & Storage

Consider Your Working Environment: Mobile tradespeople need portable solutions like tool bags, stackable cases, or site chests that withstand vehicle transport and outdoor conditions. Look for IP-rated weather resistance if storing tools outdoors or on building sites. Workshop-based users benefit from static solutions like roller cabinets, wall-mounted systems, and shelving that maximise floor space whilst providing extensive capacity.

Assess Your Tool Collection: Match storage capacity to your current inventory plus room for growth. Power tool users should consider modular systems from the same manufacturer as their tools—DeWalt TSTAK integrates seamlessly with DeWalt equipment, whilst Milwaukee PACKOUT suits Milwaukee tool owners. Hand tool collections may be better suited to traditional tool chests with multiple shallow drawers for visibility and organisation.

Evaluate Build Quality and Security: Professional-grade storage features reinforced corners, metal hinges, and secure locking mechanisms. Site work demands particularly robust construction—look for steel construction rather than plastic for high-value tool protection. Ball-bearing drawer runners, weather seals, and anti-rust coatings extend service life, especially in damp British conditions. For valuable equipment, invest in storage with pick-resistant locks or provision for padlocks.

Think About Organisation Features: Internal dividers, removable organiser trays, and custom foam inserts prevent tools from shifting during transport and make finding specific items faster. Transparent lids on organisers let you identify contents without opening. For mixed collections including small fixings and accessories, combination storage with both open compartments and small parts organisers offers maximum versatility.

Budget Considerations: Entry-level plastic tool boxes from brands like Stanley serve occasional DIY users well, typically ranging from £15-50. Mid-range stackable systems (£50-200) suit active DIYers and emerging tradespeople. Professional roller cabinets and comprehensive workshop systems represent significant investments (£200-2000+) but provide decades of reliable service. Consider storage as protecting your tool investment—quality cases prevent damage that costs far more than the storage itself.

Popular Accessories

• Foam Inserts and Organisers: Custom-cut or pluckable foam creates secure housing for specific tools, preventing movement and impact damage during transport whilst ensuring everything has a designated place.
• Additional Dividers and Compartments: Adjustable dividers allow you to reconfigure storage layouts as your tool collection evolves, maximising space efficiency and keeping small parts separated.
• Replacement Latches and Hinges: Heavy use eventually wears catches and hinges. Quality replacement parts extend the life of otherwise sound storage units rather than requiring complete replacement.
• Wall Mounting Brackets and Rails: Transform portable cases into semi-permanent workshop storage or create overhead vehicle storage using manufacturer-specific mounting systems.
• Padlocks and Security Cables: Additional security for high-value tools stored on-site. Heavy-duty padlocks and steel cables deter opportunistic theft from site chests and cabinets.
• Mobile Bases and Trolleys: Convert static tool chests into mobile workstations, particularly useful in larger workshops where bringing tools to the workpiece improves efficiency.
• Tool Rolls and Pouches: Complementary storage for specific tool sets—chisel rolls, screwdriver organisers, and socket pouches keep specialist tools protected within larger storage systems.

Safety Information

Proper tool storage contributes significantly to workplace safety by preventing trips, falls, and injuries from improperly stored equipment. Ensure storage units are placed on level, stable surfaces—roller cabinets should have wheels locked when stationary to prevent unexpected movement. Never exceed manufacturer load ratings, particularly for drawer runners and shelving, as overloading can cause sudden failure and serious injury.

When working at height, secure wall-mounted storage properly using appropriate fixings for your wall type—consult HSE guidance on safe storage installation. Heavy tool chests and roller cabinets present manual handling risks; use mechanical assistance or additional personnel when moving loaded units to comply with workplace health and safety regulations.

Hazardous materials require COSHH-compliant storage separate from tools and equipment. Flammable substances, chemicals, and aerosols must be stored in appropriately rated cabinets with proper ventilation and signage. Ensure site storage is secured at day's end to prevent unauthorised access, particularly important on construction sites where unsecured tools present theft risks and potential liability if stolen equipment is misused.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between stackable systems like TSTAK, PACKOUT, and MakPac?

Each manufacturer's modular system uses proprietary connectors, so they're incompatible with competing brands. Milwaukee PACKOUT generally offers the largest individual case capacities and heavy-duty construction. DeWalt TSTAK provides excellent value with good weather resistance. Makita MakPac integrates seamlessly if you already own Makita power tools supplied in compatible cases. Choose based on your existing tool brand ecosystem and specific capacity requirements.

How do I protect tools from rust in storage?

British climate and damp site conditions make rust prevention essential. Ensure storage cases have effective weather seals and consider silica gel sachets inside cases to absorb moisture. Store tools clean and lightly oiled, particularly cast iron and bare steel components. For workshop storage, maintain adequate ventilation and avoid placing metal cabinets directly against cold external walls where condensation occurs. VCI (Vapour Corrosion Inhibitor) liners provide additional protection for valuable hand tools.

What size roller cabinet do I need for a home workshop?

Most home workshops accommodate 26-inch (660mm) wide cabinets comfortably—these provide substantial storage without dominating smaller spaces. Consider vertical capacity: 6-drawer units suit general collections whilst 10+ drawer cabinets serve extensive tool inventories. Measure your workshop doorway before purchasing as larger cabinets may not fit through standard 762mm domestic doors. Side cabinets and top chests can be added later as collections grow.

Are plastic tool boxes suitable for professional use?

Modern structural plastic cases from quality manufacturers offer excellent durability for professional applications. Look for reinforced corners, metal hinges, and substantial wall thickness. Plastic advantages include lighter weight, rust immunity, and often superior weather resistance compared to metal alternatives. However, for permanent workshop storage or extreme site conditions, metal construction provides superior security and longevity. Many professionals use plastic portable storage feeding from metal workshop cabinets.

How can I prevent tool theft from my van or site?

Layered security proves most effective: use lockable, anchored site chests or van boxes as your first defence. Remove high-value tools overnight where possible. Bright, identifiable storage (rather than generic boxes) makes stolen goods harder to sell. Photograph tools with serial numbers and mark using UV pens for police recovery. Consider tool insurance specifically covering site and vehicle theft—many policies exclude tools left in unattended vehicles overnight. GPS tracking devices hidden in expensive tool cases aid recovery if theft occurs.