Popular Toolboxes That Aren't Worth Buying, Based On Reviews

Whether you just want to carry a few DIY essentials or you've got nearly every wrench and socket on the market, you need a decent toolbox. Fortunately, they come in a dizzying array of sizes, and if you buy from a reputable brand, they're usually well-made. But what about the duds? It's easy to find reviews of top-ranked toolboxes, but even if some toolboxes come from brands many people would recognize, they still don't quite hit the mark.

Expert opinions can be helpful, but these experts probably aren't using the products they're testing day in and day out. For that kind of feedback, there's nothing quite like the opinions of real-world users. That's why we looked at buyer reviews from leading toolbox retailers Amazon, Lowe's, and The Home Depot. We looked at everything from budget-friendly portable models to big steel rolling tool chests, and what we found was that, while you might know the brand name, that doesn't necessarily mean the product will live up to expectations.

Here are a handful of popular toolboxes that, according to reviews, aren't worth buying. But when you do buy a new toolbox, don't just toss the old one away. There are lots of ways to repurpose them around the home and give them a second life, which is a much more eco-friendly option than just throwing them in the trash.

Just about everybody has heard of Craftsman (after all, the brand has been around since 1927). As recently as 2025, the company was rated as America's most trusted hand tool brand according to Lifestory Research. Not everyone feels that yesteryear's standards have been maintained, but the company nevertheless produces a wide range of low-cost toolboxes that usually receive good reviews.

The Craftsman 16-inch Black Plastic Toolbox seems like the ideal lightweight, portable model for carrying a few tools around the home and yard. There's a lift-out tray for smaller items, a padlock eye for security, and it costs under $15. However, while most Lowe's reviewers said they tried to be realistic about the construction and quality of such a cheap toolbox, many were still disappointed.

One of their complaints is an apparent lack of strength. "It was a little flimsy, not as sturdy as I thought it would be," one customer wrote. Buyers also report problems with hinges that come off and a tray that falls inside the box rather than resting where it should. One particularly annoying feature is a lid that doesn't open beyond 90 degrees and has a habit of falling closed. Maybe you can't expect much for the money, but you'll probably want something a bit sturdier than this.

It may only be an inch wider than the Craftsman, but with its three-tier pull-up tray, this Torin 17-inch Plastic Toolbox should offer greater versatility and a better way to organize your tools. Torin, perhaps equally well-known as BIG RED, is mainly focused on the automotive market and produces a wide range of steel toolboxes and chests. At under $25, this 17-inch plastic model seems to be its entry into the cheaper end of the market. Unfortunately, it hasn't been as well-received as the company likely hoped.

The biggest complaint from Amazon reviewers is that, while this box looks like it can hold a lot of tools, as soon as you load it up, the shelves twist and then get stuck, preventing the box from closing properly. Buyers also experience problems with the plastic parts of the box where the metal latches attach. A couple of Amazon customers were surprised by the size, feeling the box looked bigger than it was. That's not really Torin's fault, though, and it's always wise to check the measurements before ordering. Nevertheless, potential buyers might be better advised to check out Torin's highly-rated BIG RED metal toolbox instead.

RYOBI is a brand widely known for its affordable cordless tools and garden equipment. In the U.S., the brand is exclusively sold through The Home Depot (though you may find a limited selection of its products elsewhere). The RYOBI LINK stackable rolling toolbox is designed to compete with similar products from Black+Decker, Craftsman, DeWalt, and Milwaukee, among others.

It's easy to see why these types of toolboxes are popular. They're versatile, rugged, and portable. You can start small and build a set as your needs change. Sadly, while the RYOBI system is hard to beat on price, there seem to be a number of issues with quality control.

Several Home Depot customers criticized the seals for allowing water to get inside. Several reviewers have also said that the handles are prone to failure — not something you want to happen with a box full of tools. Some folks have also reported faults with the main unit's telescopic mechanism. To be fair, there are many positive reviews of the set, but there are also enough negative reviews to make us think twice. If you want to keep your tools organized, RYOBI has some great solutions — just maybe not this one.

Husky is a brand owned and operated by Home Depot that claims to focus on durability and functionality. Most of its extensive range of tool chests and tool cabinets earn high praise from reviewers, but for some reason, the Husky 4-Drawer Rolling Tool Cabinet falls short of the brand's usual standards.

This cabinet ought to be good — the welded metal construction should prove tough, and its heavy-duty castors are rated to support up to 650 pounds. The drawers have ball-bearing slides for smooth operation, and there's an internal locking system for security.

Unfortunately, the steel seems to be thinner than suggested, and more than a few Home Depot reviews complain that parts are bent or dented on arrival. Numerous customers also have problems with the drawers not closing properly or, conversely, falling out. Those castors, which are supposed to be heavy-duty, have also received criticism. These aren't complaints you usually hear about Husky toolboxes, but many reviewers advise against buying this one.

The specifications for the GoPlus Rolling Tool Chest and Detachable Toolbox sound great. The cabinet and toolbox offer a host of storage options for the home auto enthusiast or engineer, especially those with a limited budget. The steel cases are powder-coated to prevent rust, and drawers are padded to protect your tools. Sturdy locking wheels should make the unit easy to move around but also hold it steady when necessary.

By far, the biggest complaint from Amazon customers who bought this tool chest is that parts come bent, dented, or scratched, even though the packaging itself is fine. One reviewer noted there was "evidence that the damage was done prior to packaging." Buyers criticize the unit's overall quality and note that the drawers don't always work properly. To make matters worse, reviewers describe the customer support as either poor or non-existent. It's a very competitive market, and it's not difficult to find metal tool chests with decent durability, so you're likely better off spending your money elsewhere.