9 Best Portable Tool Chests With Drawers (October 2026)
The best portable tool chests with drawers include the BIG RED 3-Drawer Portable Metal Tool Box for everyday hand tools, the Craftsman 3-Drawer Metal Portable Chest for a simple steel carry chest, and the VEVOR 4-Drawer Portable Metal Tool Box for a fourth drawer.
On this page (5 sections)
The BIG RED 3-Drawer Portable Metal Tool Box is the best portable tool chest for most small tool sets, pairing three lined drawers with a top box and a carry handle. Choose VEVOR for a similar compact format, or Workington when nine drawers matter more than carrying weight.
A portable chest is useful when your tools need to move between a bench, vehicle and storage shelf. The tradeoff is capacity: larger chests offer more drawers, but their weight and footprint can make frequent lifting less practical.
For a broader look at fixed and mobile storage, read our full tool chest buying guide. If your chest will stay in one place, compare it with the best tool chests on wheels.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for everyday hand toolsBIG RED 3-Drawer Portable Metal Tool Box
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a simple steel carry chestCraftsman 3-Drawer Metal Portable Chest
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Check it24-Inch 5-Drawer Portable Metal Tool Box
Best for five drawer levels - 5
Check itWorkington 26-Inch 9-Drawer Industrial Tool Chest
Best for maximum drawer separation - 6
Check itWorkington 24-Inch 9-Drawer Portable Tool Chest
Best for nine drawers in less width - 7
Check itPortable 4-Drawer Tool Chest with Lock
Best for deeper drawers - 8
Check it3-Drawer Portable Steel Tool Chest
Best for a red compact chest - 9
Check itOlympia Tools 26-Inch 4-Drawer Portable Tool Chest
Best for a wider four-drawer chest
How we chose these portable tool chests
The best portable tool chests balance useful drawer separation with a size and carry setup that fit the way you move tools. We compared the stated dimensions, drawer layouts, handles, liners and locking features, then considered how each configuration fits common hand-tool storage.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. Portable can mean a light carry box or a larger chest with side handles, so check weight and dimensions before deciding how often you want to lift it.
| Product | Best for | Storage | Dimensions | Carry and lock | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIG RED 3-Drawer Portable Metal Tool Box | everyday hand tools | 3 drawers plus top box | 20.5 x 8.6 x 12 in | Top handle; 2 lockable latches | 8.6 |
| Craftsman 3-Drawer Metal Portable Chest | a simple steel carry chest | 3 compartments | 20.6 x 9 x 13 in | Flip-up handle; locking latch available | 8.4 |
| VEVOR 4-Drawer Portable Metal Tool Box | a fourth drawer | 3 drawers plus top box | 20.5 x 8.6 x 14.2 in | Top handle; auto-locking lid system | 8.3 |
| 24-Inch 5-Drawer Portable Metal Tool Box | five drawer levels | 5 drawers plus top tray | 23.8 x 10.3 x 15.2 in | Side handles; steel safety lock | 8.1 |
| Workington 26-Inch 9-Drawer Industrial Tool Chest | maximum drawer separation | 9 drawers | 26 x 12.1 x 16.9 in | 2 side handles; central cam lock | 7.8 |
| Workington 24-Inch 9-Drawer Portable Tool Chest | nine drawers in less width | 9 drawers | 23.6 x 10.2 x 15.1 in | 2 side handles; central cam lock | 7.7 |
| Portable 4-Drawer Tool Chest with Lock | deeper drawers | 4 drawers | 24.6 x 13 x 12.48 in | Handle; keyed lock | 7.4 |
| 3-Drawer Portable Steel Tool Chest | a red compact chest | 3 drawers plus top compartment | 20.47 x 8.54 x 11.81 in | Top handle; dual latches | 7.3 |
| Olympia Tools 26-Inch 4-Drawer Portable Tool Chest | a wider four-drawer chest | 4 drawers | 25.98 x 12.01 x 16.72 in | Side handles; integrated lock | 7.1 |
Best portable tool chests with drawers
The BIG RED chest is the strongest all-around fit for a small set, while the other picks add more drawers, a wider body or a different carry setup. Match the layout to your tools and the distance you plan to move the chest.
BIG RED 3-Drawer Portable Metal Tool Box: Best for everyday hand tools
- 3 drawers and a top box
- 20.5 x 8.6 x 12 in
- EVA drawer liners
- Auto-locks when the lid is closed
A compact mix of a top compartment and three lined drawers suits a small hand-tool set that needs separate storage.
Pros
- EVA liners in each drawer
- Auto-locking drawers when lid closes
- Top handle for carrying
Cons
- Only 3 drawers
- Small footprint limits larger tools
BIG RED combines three drawers with a top box in a 20.5 x 8.6 x 12 in body. That split gives you a top space for items you reach for often and separate drawers for smaller tools or parts.
The drawers have EVA liners and ball-bearing slides. The top handle makes it easier to carry, and the auto-locking system engages when the drawers are fully pushed in and the lid is closed.
This format suits a compact hand-tool collection that needs to travel or tuck onto a shelf. BIG RED lists a maximum weight recommendation of 16 lb, so keep the total load in mind when planning what to carry.
Choose it for a small, organized tool set and a compact footprint. If you need more drawer levels, look at the five-drawer Winado or one of the nine-drawer Workington chests.
Craftsman 3-Drawer Metal Portable Chest: Best for a simple steel carry chest
- Steel construction
- 20.6 x 9 x 13 in
- Flip-up handle
- Sturdy transit latches
A straightforward steel chest with a flip-up handle suits buyers who want basic portable storage from Craftsman.
Pros
- Steel construction
- Flip-up carry handle
- Sturdy latches for transit
Cons
- No drawer liners specified
- Fewer compartments than several picks here
The Craftsman chest keeps the layout simple: three compartments in a steel body measuring 20.6 x 9 x 13 in. Its flip-up handle and sturdy latches suit carrying the chest between storage and a work area.
A locking latch is available for added security, while the latches help keep the unit closed in transit. This is a more basic choice than models with specified drawer liners or ball-bearing slides, so it fits buyers who value a straightforward carry chest.
The listed maximum weight recommendation is 5 lb. Consider that limit when deciding what to store inside, especially if you plan to carry the chest regularly.
Choose Craftsman for simple steel storage with a flip-up handle. For more separated spaces and listed drawer features, compare the BIG RED or VEVOR options above.
VEVOR 4-Drawer Portable Metal Tool Box: Best for a fourth drawer
- Top box and 3 drawers
- 20.5 x 8.6 x 14.2 in
- EVA padding
- Ball-bearing slides
Its top compartment and three drawers separate tools in a compact chest, with EVA padding and ball-bearing tracks.
Pros
- Lined storage surfaces
- Auto-locking system
- Stated 15 lb support per layer
Cons
- Weighs 21.5 lb before tools
- Drawer count is 3 despite the 4-drawer product name
VEVOR gives you a top box and three drawers in a 20.5 x 8.6 x 14.2 in chest. That makes it a compact option for sorting small tools while keeping the overall footprint close to the BIG RED.
EVA padding lines the storage surfaces, and ball-bearing tracks support smooth drawer movement. VEVOR describes an auto-locking system that engages when the drawers are fully pushed in and the lid is closed.
One detail needs checking: despite the product name saying 4 drawers, its described layout is one top box plus three drawers. Its empty weight is 21.5 lb, which is worth weighing against how often you'll carry it.
24-Inch 5-Drawer Portable Metal Tool Box: Best for five drawer levels
- 5 drawers and 1 top tray
- 23.8 x 10.3 x 15.2 in
- Carry handles on both sides
- Ball-bearing slides
Five drawers and a top tray give small tools and parts more separate spaces than the three-drawer carry chests.
Pros
- Five drawers
- Handles on both sides
- Lined drawers with ball-bearing slides
Cons
- Larger footprint than 20.5 in chests
- Confirm the stated load capacity against your planned use
The Winado chest has five drawers and a top tray, giving you more separate spaces for hardware and hand tools. At 23.8 x 10.3 x 15.2 in, it takes more room than the compact 20.5 in boxes.
Carry handles sit on both sides, and the drawers have ball-bearing slides and liners. A steel safety lock is included to keep drawers from sticking out during a move.
Winado gives a maximum load capacity of 330 lb, but use the product's instructions to confirm how that applies to the whole chest and each drawer. This pick suits a buyer who wants multiple drawers and side handles more than a small, easy-to-lift format.
Workington 26-Inch 9-Drawer Industrial Tool Chest: Best for maximum drawer separation
- 9 drawers
- 26 x 12.1 x 16.9 in
- Side handles
- Central cam lock
Nine drawers offer the most separation here, while the 57.3 lb chest is better suited to moving occasionally than frequent carrying.
Pros
- 9 drawers
- Ball-bearing slides and non-slip liners
- Central cam lock
Cons
- Heaviest pick at 57.3 lb
- Wider and deeper than compact carry chests
Workington's 26 in chest provides nine drawers, side handles, ball-bearing slides and non-slip liners. The central cam lock adds a way to secure the chest, while its 26 x 12.1 x 16.9 in size offers more storage separation than the compact boxes.
This is the heaviest option here at 57.3 lb before tools. The handles make it possible to lift, but that weight makes it better for occasional repositioning than carrying from place to place every day.
Workington describes this chest as part of a series that can stack with matching chests and a bottom roller cabinet. Consider it if you want a highly divided stationary setup that can be moved when needed.
Workington 24-Inch 9-Drawer Portable Tool Chest: Best for nine drawers in less width
- 9 drawers
- 23.6 x 10.2 x 15.1 in
- Side handles
- Central cam lock
This 24-inch chest keeps nine drawers in a narrower body than the 26-inch Workington, though it still weighs 30.9 lb.
Pros
- 9 drawers in a 23.6 in wide chest
- Ball-bearing slides
- Non-slip drawer liners
Cons
- 30.9 lb empty weight
- Less drawer depth than wider storage may allow
This 24 in Workington also has nine drawers, with a narrower 23.6 x 10.2 x 15.1 in body than the 26 in version. It weighs 30.9 lb, making it less heavy than its larger sibling, though still a substantial chest to lift when loaded.
Two side handles, a central cam lock and non-slip liners support storage and occasional movement. Ball-bearing slides help drawers open and close smoothly.
Choose this layout when you want many small tool groups separated in a chest that uses less width than the 26 in model. For a lighter carry box with fewer drawers, compare the smaller BIG RED and S.Walt options.
Portable 4-Drawer Tool Chest with Lock: Best for deeper drawers
- 4 drawers in two sizes
- 24.6 x 13 x 12.48 in
- Keyed lock
- Anti-tipping drawer design
Deeper drawers and a keyed lock suit buyers who want a wider chest with space for larger hand tools.
Pros
- 11.5 in drawer depth
- Anti-tipping drawer design
- Can connect to same-series chests
Cons
- Weighs 27.5 lb
- Connection system is limited to same-series chests
LARBANKE's four-drawer chest has two drawer sizes and a stated depth of 11.5 in. At 24.6 x 13 x 12.48 in and 27.5 lb, it offers deeper storage in a relatively low body, but it is heavier than the compact carry chests.
A keyed locking system, anti-tipping drawer design and pearl cotton padding are part of its setup. Connection holes also let it join compatible LARBANKE chests from the same series.
The deeper drawers may suit larger hand tools that don't fit comfortably in a shallow tray. Check the chest's full dimensions against your shelf or vehicle space before choosing it.
3-Drawer Portable Steel Tool Chest: Best for a red compact chest
- 3 drawers and top compartment
- 20.47 x 8.54 x 11.81 in
- Ball-bearing slides
- Dual latches
A red steel chest with a top compartment and three drawers fits a compact tool set that benefits from separated storage.
Pros
- Compact dimensions
- Automatic locking structure
- Ball-bearing slides
Cons
- Only 3 drawers
- No drawer liner detail specified
S.Walt offers a compact red steel chest with three drawers and a top compartment. Its 20.47 x 8.54 x 11.81 in dimensions put it close to the BIG RED in size.
Ball-bearing slides, dual metal latches and an automatic locking structure support access and transport. The top handle gives you one central carry point for moving the chest.
This layout suits a small tool set when you want a top compartment alongside three drawers. If you prefer a more detailed drawer setup, see our guide to organizing tool chest drawers.
Olympia Tools 26-Inch 4-Drawer Portable Tool Chest: Best for a wider four-drawer chest
- 4 drawers
- 25.98 x 12.01 x 16.72 in
- 21-gauge steel
- Locking lid and drawer system
Its wider body and four drawers suit buyers who want more room than a compact carry box, with side handles for repositioning.
Pros
- 21-gauge steel body
- Locking lid and drawer system
- Side carry handles
Cons
- Basic assembly required
- Widest footprint in this group
Olympia Tools offers four drawers in a wider 25.98 x 12.01 x 16.72 in chest. Its 21-gauge steel body, side carry handles and locking lid and drawer system make it a candidate for a workbench or shelf where the chest may need repositioning.
The stated drawer capacity is 50 lb, and ball-bearing slides support movement. Basic assembly is required, so plan for that before putting it into service.
At 21.6 lb, it weighs less than the larger nine-drawer Workington chests, though its 26 in width still takes more room than a compact carry box. Choose it if you want four drawers and a wider work area inside the chest.
How to choose a portable tool chest with drawers
Choose a portable tool chest by matching its drawer layout, loaded weight and outside dimensions to your tools and the places you need to carry it. A high drawer count helps with sorting, but it can add size and weight.
How many drawers do you need?
Three drawers plus a top compartment can separate a small set of frequently used tools. Five drawers give you more room to group sockets, wrenches, fasteners and accessories, while nine drawers can help when you keep many small tool types apart.
Drawer count alone doesn't tell you whether a tool will fit. Check the inside drawer depth and height when those measurements are available, then compare them with your largest tools.
What size is easy to carry?
A 20.5 in chest can fit a smaller shelf or vehicle space, but loaded weight matters as much as width. BIG RED is listed at 20.5 in long, while the nine-drawer Workington options are 23.6 and 26 in wide.
Several larger chests include side handles, which can make lifting easier with two hands. Measure doorways, shelf openings and vehicle storage areas before selecting a wider model.
Which lock and liner features help?
A lock can keep drawers closed during transport or limit access to stored tools. BIG RED and VEVOR describe an auto-locking system tied to closing the lid, while Workington uses a central cam lock and Craftsman has a locking latch available.
Liners help reduce tool movement and contact with the drawer surface. If the chest will travel often, pair liners with a layout that keeps heavy tools low and small parts in their own containers.
Portable chest or rolling storage?
A portable chest is the better fit when you need to lift tools onto a bench, carry them to a job or store them on a shelf. A rolling cabinet suits a larger tool collection that stays on the floor and moves around a garage.
For a wheeled setup, see our guides to the best rolling tool carts and best rolling tool cabinets. If you plan to keep your chest in a home workshop, our home garage tool chest guide covers storage size and placement.
Which portable tool chest should you choose?
Choose BIG RED for a compact three-drawer layout with a top box and lined drawers. Pick Winado for five drawers and side handles, or Workington if nine drawers matter more than light carrying.
Before you decide, compare the empty weight with how often you'll move the loaded chest and check the dimensions against your storage space. For more ways to keep tools in place, read our guide to organizing tool chest drawers.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for everyday hand tools
BIG RED 3-Drawer Portable Metal Tool Box
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a simple steel carry chest
Craftsman 3-Drawer Metal Portable Chest
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
What makes a tool chest portable?
A portable tool chest has handles that let you lift and carry it, often with a compact body for moving between a shelf, bench or vehicle. Check the empty weight and dimensions as well as the handle design.
A chest can have handles and still be awkward to carry once loaded.
How many drawers should a portable tool chest have?
Choose drawer count by how many tool groups you want to keep separate. Three drawers plus a top compartment can suit a small hand-tool set, while 5 or 9 drawers give more places to sort sockets, wrenches and parts.
Check drawer height and depth for your largest tools.
Are portable tool chests lockable?
Some are. BIG RED and VEVOR describe an auto-locking system that engages when the top lid closes and the drawers are pushed in.
Other chests use a keyed or central cam lock.
Check whether the lock secures the drawers, lid or both.
Can a portable tool chest replace a rolling tool cabinet?
A portable chest works for carrying tools or storing them on a bench or shelf. A rolling cabinet is a better fit when the loaded storage needs to move around a garage or shop regularly.
Compare our best tool chests on wheels if you want wheeled storage.
How do I keep tools from shifting in a portable chest?
Use drawer liners, fitted organizers or small cases to keep tools from sliding when you carry the chest. BIG RED and VEVOR include EVA liners, while Workington uses non-slip liners.
See our guide to organizing tool chest drawers for a practical layout.
