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If you’re like me and can never find your tools when you need them, it’s a sign clear as day that you need a tool chest.
A tool chest is a storage box with enough space and options to store your tools any way you like. Tool chests provide the scope to properly arrange one’s vast array of tools.
Like any other storage, tool chests come in different sizes. They’re made of opposing materials, have contrasting features and utilities.
Owning one guarantee all your tools in one place within your reach, and it’d also ensure your tools’ safety.
Whether you’re a hobbyist DIY-er or really serious about your craft, a tool chest is an essential addition to your workspace. But it doesn’t have to cost you much.
In fact, you can get the best tool chest under 500! So, in this article, we’ll tell you how to choose the best tool chest on budget.
Things to Consider while Choosing the Tool Chest
Finding the right tool chest for your money, much like the tools themselves, requires a lot of planning and research.
Below we are listing the important factors you need to take in consideration that’d help you find the best options on your budget.
Size
While you are shopping for your tool chest, try to notice how much space it takes up. “The bigger, the better” isn’t necessarily true in this case.
You need a tool chest that fits right in your available space. Any size bigger than that will create disruption in your workspace.
Features
The tool chests may all look the same and offer the same service, i.e., storage for your valuable tools.
However, if you research well, you’d find out it’s not so simple. There are certain features to look for while purchasing, such as the surface area, drawers, slides, frames, etc.
A tool chest with too many features might make things complicated. Best to go with the one that simplifies your work.
Storage
Another factor to consider is the storage system. This one might seem obvious, but buying a new tool chest would be pointless if it doesn’t cater to you and your tools’ needs. Tool chests have varying storing systems.
Do a round-up of all the tools you already own and try to think of the tools you wish to get, and if the tool chest you are going for has enough options to accommodate all that.
Purpose
A humble tool chest will be a great addition to your craft room or garage or your storage room. It would keep your tools organized in one place and make your space more tidy and effective.
But choosing the right tool chest isn’t just about its storage capacity. How you are going to use it plays a massive role in it too.
If you’re a hobbyist who sticks to just basic tools, you might not need a big, spacious, and sturdy chest. However, sturdy can never go wrong.
But people with bigger tools need a chest big and sturdy enough to be able to host them. Make sure the selected tool chest is the right fit for all your tools.
Mobility
Unlike other storages, a tool chest is something you might need to move from place to place. Portable tool chests that hold more than a toolbox are far more useful for smaller jobs, for example: fixing sinks in your kitchen.
Some of the bigger chests have built-in rollers on them. There are some smaller chests with handles.
The most versatile tool chests have both features. While they both ensure more mobility, you should go with the one you feel the most comfortable using.
Security
Tools are expensive. They can also be deadly, especially if you have kids at home. A tool chest minimizes the chances of losing your tool, but what about keeping away curious kids who just want to play with your tools or potential thieves? A tool chest with a built-in locking system would solve that problem.
But not all tool chests come with a locking system. It’s an important thing to get the one that offers you the maximum security for your money.
Material
A tool chest isn’t exactly cheap, so if you’re investing your hard-earned money into one, you want it to be durable.
Material is the key factor here, but it also depends on how you use it. Steel, wood, and hardened plastic, these are the three most used elements in chest making.
Tool chests made with real steel are strong and last the longest. But they also weigh a ton, and their price ranges a little higher.
You can opt for an aluminum tool chest. It’s considerably lightweight, which gives it portability and provides most of the perks a steel tool chest has.
Wood and plastic tool chests are a great choice for an indoor craft room or workshop. They are cheaper, prettier, customizable, and easily portable.
Whatever tool chest you may choose for yourself, learn to take good care of it. Don’t just chuck tools in it, place it with care. Don’t hit it with heavy things.
Make sure it doesn’t get wet. Oil the doors, drawers, slides, and the joints regularly. These are the little things that go a long way, ensuring a long life for your tool chest.
Conclusion
So the choices are numerous, but hopefully, you’d be able to narrow it down with the help of this guide. Take your time to research well before making the purchase.