4 Reliable Tool Box Alternatives to Consider
Posted by Laura Rice | Published 22nd May 2025
Tool Boxes are an essential item for many tradesmen and DIYers. More people than ever before are realising the value they can bring to both contracted jobs and personal projects. But sometimes a tool box alternative might be better suited for you, your trade, or your projects.
This short guide will take you through 4 tool box alternatives you might consider investing in.
Why Might You Need a Tool Box Alternative?
- Accessibility: Some tool box alternatives can make it easier for you to access the tools you need while you’re working.
- Storage capacity: Tool boxes are not always large enough to store all the tools you need for your job.
- Transportation: Some tool box alternatives are easier to transport because they are lighter or designed specifically with portability in mind.
4 Tool Box Alternatives
#1: Tool Bags
Makita 46” Contractor Tool Bag
Tools bags are popular amongst tradespeople and DIYers that need the storage capacity of a tool box but with additional portability. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes that can often be easier to store than traditional tool boxes.
Tool bags can have shoulder straps, backpack straps, or handles. This range of carrying options make tool bags an ideal choice for those travelling between different locations.
The Makita 46” Contractor Tool Bag pictured above has plenty of storage space in the main pouch, in addition to five exterior and two interior pockets. It’s weather-resistant and durable. Plus, the handle has a padded grip for comfortable carrying.
Pros of Using a Tool Bag:
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Space-saving
- Versatile
#2: Tool Totes
Tool totes are a favourite tool box alternative amongst electricians in particular. They’re lightweight and portable like tools bags. However, because they have open tops, they provide easier access to tools than a closed tool bag does.
Furthermore, tool totes often contain lots of compartments of differing sizes to keep your tools organised, both while you’re working and when you’re on the move.
The Milwaukee Packout Tote in the above image is a solid, reliable choice of tool tote bags. This 40cm tote can be used on its own or as part of the Milwaukee Packout system. It’s a robust piece of equipment crafted from 1680 ballistic materials, with durable handles and an impact-resistant base.
Pros of Using a Tote Bag
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Ease of access
- Organisation
#3: Tool Chests
Tool chests can be ideal tool box alternatives for mechanics, plumbers, and carpenters. They’re strong and durable, making them a secure place to store and transport tools.
One other major advantage of using a box tool chest is that they can be both stackable and wheelable. This means they’re perfect for those needing to store and transport large quantities of tools, in addition to tools that are heavy.
The Stanley Mobile Tool Chest that’s pictured above is a prime example of combining maximum storage capacity with mobility. It has a capacity of 109 litres, and features heavy-duty road-tested wheels, rust-resistant latches, and padlock eyes.
Pros of Using a Tool Chest
- Heavy-Duty
- Stackable
- Wheelable
- Secure
#4: Tool Belts
Heavy Duty Professional Tanned Leather Tool Belt
Many tradesmen and hobbyists opt for a tool belt instead of, or in addition to, a tool box. Notable examples include, handymen, electricians, and DIYers. These tool belts are perfect for keeping all your small tools on-hand for when you need them.
With tool belts, you can easily switch between different tools while working. You can keep your tools organised and enhance both productivity and efficiency. Tool belts are also generally comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
The Hilka Heavy Duty Professional Tanned Leather Tool Belt above is a convenient belt for people looking for a high quality, portable storage solution for their tools. It has ten handy pockets, along with two spacious pouches, and it fits a size 32” waist and above.
Pros of Using a Tool Belt
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Ease of access
- Space-saving
Conclusion
While tool boxes are often suitable for most trades, sometimes a tool box alternative, like the four we’ve discussed in this post, will serve you better.
A tool tote, for example, is a top choice for electricians. On the other hand, construction workers often favour wheelable tools chests. Tool bags are a good choice for versatility because of their different carrying methods. And finally, tool belts are perfect for those needing all their tools to hand.
Whether you’re looking for a tool box or a tool box alternative, TW Wholesale have plenty of solutions to meet a variety of needs. Browse our stock online today. Or if you’re in the Swadlincote area, pop in and see what we’ve got in person.
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