Build Your Modular Tool Storage System

Modular tool storage allows you to build a system that fits your unique storage and mobility needs. The ability to customize is so wide open that you may need help to get started. The first step is to determine your priorities.

Here are some suggestions:

• Durability
• Portability
• Capacity
• Accessibility
• Accessories
• Appearance
• Brand
• Cost

As you go through the priority list, think about what matters to you and your likely uses. Our interactive, drag and drop system builders will help determine which systems have the features you need then balance them with the cost. Consider that a modular system is designed to grow with you. New pieces can be added as needed and your system can be easily rearranged as your needs change.

The first piece to select is the base toolbox.

If you have a dedicated workshop, a stationary system makes sense. If you’re wrenching on cars in a garage, a dolly base with swivel casters would be just right. If you roll your tools from a work van onto a jobsite, a portable tool box with a long handle and two large wheels may be best.

Some systems offer standing racks or wall hanging brackets for stationary use, while others excel in certain areas like loading into a pickup truck, wheeling across a concrete floor or slogging through mud.

The rolling tool box needs the be the heaviest component of your system. If too much weight is at the top, a stack will be harder to transport and less stable.

Accessing items that are lower in the stack will be easier if drawer boxes are used. However, drawers hold less than a lidded box of the same size. It’s a tradeoff that needs to be made based on your individual situation.

Base toolboxes vary in weight rating. A box that can carry more gear will often weigh more than a box that has a lower capacity. Think about how much you’ll need to carry. Some people who have to transport a large number of items will split their kit into more than one stack.

Some features to consider:

• Weight rating
• Drawers
• Either-side opening
• Large capacity
• Easy loading into truck bed

Most modular toolbox systems have components with drawers. Some are optimized for capacity, others for organization. Water resistance and durability also varies.

Look for features such as gaskets if you often find yourself working in the rain or very dusty environments, or if the items you’re storing are susceptible to water damage.

A sturdy locking mechanism, like crossbars or corner locks, are an important feature if your drawer system will be transported in a vehicle.

Heavy duty drawers will have thicker sides and heavy slides. You give up some capacity for heavier materials.

Some drawers are optimized for capacity. The walls are thinner and slides are more compact to make more usable room.

Building projects often require fasteners and other small items. Electricians carry loads of screws and wire nuts. Plumbers need to organize fittings. Small parts organizers help save time by keeping all the tiny items in your toolkit in place and easy to find.

Organization also helps to ensure that the parts you need are on hand. It’s easy to see what is running low when it has its own bin under a transparent lid.

• These units are designed for keeping hardware, fasteners, drill bits and other small components neatly separated and secured.
• Features include removable bins/cups, impact resistant lids, deep organizers.
• Some tool companies make compatible accessory cases for things like drill bit combination sets that are designed to lock in systems or be standalone items.
• Beyond fasteners and bits, these sealed organizers are perfect for home and hobby uses like organizing small electronics components, fishing tackle, beads, jewelry findings, or craft supplies, leveraging the removable bins for easy separation and transport.

Some small or sensitive tools, like meters and electronics need to be protected from impact as the system is moved around. In these cases, look for a system that has customizable foam inserts to hold them securely in place and absorb the shock of being moved.

Parts bins will help keep things like nuts and bolts, wire nuts and plumbing fittings organized. Time is money and searching for that copper 90 isn’t free time.

The one feature all modular systems have in common is the ability to grow and change with your needs. You can add a toolbox or accessory as needed.

Some systems allow for mounting tool holders to the underside of lids to utilize every cubic inch of space in the box.

Racks, track systems, mounting brackets and garage storage hooks allow boxes to attach to walls in a workshop or a vehicle.

A modular system allows you to carry the tools you need for the day and leave others in the rack. For example, a finish carpenter may be running crown molding all day so there’s no reason to carry the tools for installing doors.

Some systems have additional accessories that go beyond tool and parts storage.

• Add a worktop to use as a desk or an assembly table.
• Bluetooth speakers, integrated lighting and vacuum cleaners are some of the innovations that will help the workday move along.
• Your lunch isn’t a tool, but some systems have coolers and insulated mugs that lock in just like a toolbox for easy transport to a work location.
• Rolling bases and dollies help move stacks around the workshop, on jobsites after the floor is in place or in industrial or office settings.
• Tool bags and backpacks can be attached to the stack to keep them in place while rolling the whole thing to work.

Modular toolbox and storage systems are making their way into many other pursuits where durable storage and mobility are appreciated.

• Crafting at home and craft fairs
• Sound, video and photo production
• Fishing and hunting
• Camping and camp kitchen
• Mobile office
• Car cleaning and detailing

They’re ideal for any hobby or activity that requires carrying and organizing a wide variety of items.