Shop for tool boxes made in the USA. Selections also include other tool storage solutions that are all American-made like tool chests, tool bags, tool belts and more.
Tool boxes and tool storage are essential parts of any DIY project or professional work environment. They are designed to keep tools organized and within easy reach, reducing the time spent searching for specific tools and increasing efficiency.
Whether you’re a tool collector or you own only a few important pieces, whether you’re looking for personal tool storage or storage for your business, shopping American-made ensures you’re getting the best tool boxes your hard-earned money can buy.
Why You Should Consider Made-in-the-USA Tool Boxes
The biggest reason for shopping for American-made tool boxes and other tool storage is because of product quality. Other tool boxes are inferior in quality; the plastic or metal is thin and tears or rusts easily. These boxes also compromise the security of your tools.
Tool storage made in the United States typically is manufactured either from much thicker and better stainless steel or thicker, harder plastic. If you’re choosing metal, look for the highest quality cold rolled steel that’s also American steel.
Not only are the USA tool boxes made from better materials, but they’re also better constructed. The corners and hinges are sturdier than their overseas counterparts, and the drawers slide much more smoothly.
Another reason for shopping for tool boxes, and tool chests made in the USA is security. Today you’ll find a variety of ways to secure your tools. Choose from the traditional key or combination lock to high-tech locks similar to what you find on your house doors.
Related Article: American Made Tools: The Ultimate Source List
Other Reasons for Buying American-Made Tool Boxes, Tool Bags, and Tool Storage Products
These reasons also apply to other products manufactured in the USA, but these reasons are especially true for tool storage:
- Great Customer Service: If you’ve experienced the frustration of talking online to a bot instead of a real person, avoid that annoyance with a USA company. Customer assistance is a top priority for these manufacturers.
- Fair Wages: American manufacturers pay better wages and provide better working conditions than many overseas companies. These companies care for and about the American workers they employ.
- The Economy: When you buy American-made, your money stays in America, improving our economy and local communities.
What’s the Difference Between “Made in the USA” and “Assembled in the USA?”
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in order for a product to carry the qualification of “Made in the USA,” that product must be “all or virtually all” made in America, which includes the parts, processing, and labor.
If you see “Assembled in the USA,” that means the parts have been made elsewhere, then shipped to the United States where laborers then put the product together. While the American company might oversee the assembly, sometimes these parts are still inferior.
For the best assurance you’re buying the right storage for your tools, search for these words: “Made in the USA.”
Better yet, simply review the list below for American-manufactured tool boxes and tool storage.
Related: What Does the Made in the USA Label Mean? Your Questions Answered
A Note about Stanley Black & Decker
Stanley Black & Decker owns most of the highly-recognizable names in tool box manufacturing, including DeWalt, Craftsman, and Proto. In doing my research for toolboxes, it seems the consensus is DeWalt and Craftsman pretty much assemble their tool boxes in the USA, while Proto continues to make their toolboxes here using “some” global materials. If you’re a fan of these companies and want to support the American workers employed at their facilities, by all means, feel free. Just be sure the product description reads “Assembled in the USA.”
Since there are a number of toolbox and tool storage companies that truly make their products in the USA, even fabricating their own steel, I’ve chosen to include only these companies in my list below.
Related Article: Where Are Craftsman Tools Made? It’s Complicated. We’ll Explain.
Tool Boxes, Tool Bags, & Tool Storage Made in the USA
If you know of other American companies that manufacture tool boxes, tool chests, and tool storage in the USA, please leave a comment below. As always, thank you for buying American-made!
Bull Metal
Bull Metal manufactures custom metal tool boxes in the USA. It also makes other types of high-quality storage. This Middletown, Connecticut company is a fabricator, so it makes its storage from design to production for holding small specialty hand tools up to larger tools. It uses a number of metals, including cold rolled steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, and more. Bull Metal has been in business for over 65 years.
AMERICAN MADE TOOL BOXES & TOOL CHESTS
C Tech Manufacturing
C Tech Manufacturing, located in Weston, Wisconsin, designs and manufactures storage solutions from beginning to end. Buy storage from drawers to garage cabinets and cargo units, you’ll find larger tool storage units made to last forever. C Tech Manufacturing also makes carts and cabinets for specialty markets. Shop on the C Tech Manufacturing website or find a dealer near you.
H. Gerstner & Sons
Whether you order online or visit the Dayton, Ohio showroom, you’ll love shopping for an H. Gerstner & Sons tool chest. These wooden chests are so classy you’ll be tempted to use them for something other than tools. We get that, as my family has one inside our home that was owned by our grandfather! Choose from a single drawer to a machinist’s chest and all the way up to a wooden moving storage cabinet. You can also choose your wood species. Gerstner has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a one-year warranty. Gerstner has been in business since 1906. Note: As Gerstner tries to grow its global market, it has incorporated some products that are not American-made. To be sure you’re buying a tool chest made in the USA, our link goes only to those products.
Kennedy Manufacturing
The first Kennedy Manufacturing tool holder was made in 1911. The company moved from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Van Wert, Ohio in 1914, and it’s been there ever since. Fun fact: Kennedy Manufacturing developed the first roller cabinet in the 1940s. This company’s production resumé is quite impressive. Kennedy Manufacturing products include machinists chests, mechanics chests, hand carry toolboxes, roller cabinets, tool boards and accessories, and more. It also makes modular units that you can stack and add drawers to. Kennedy Manufacturing uses industrial-strength materials when making its products. It also offers an “outfitters club” where owners exchange ideas, questions, and general comments. Shop for replacement parts on the Kennedy Manufacturing website or browse its “Where To Buy” page for a local authorized distributor.
Shop select products online at Walmart
Pioneer Steel Company
Pioneer Steel Company has been making high quality steel tool boxes, cabinets, totes, and trays for over 45 years. All its products are made in the USA, specifically in Brea, California. That means 1) You’re supporting American jobs; and 2) you don’t have to sort through products that may or may not be American made. You can feel confident this company makes a great product! Shop for standard metal toolboxes, cantilever toolboxes, nipple boxes, chests, boxes for the machine shop, and much more. It also offers custom boxes, so if you’re looking for unique designs, reach out to this manufacturer.
Protech
Protech makes pickup truck tool boxes, drawer modules, cab racks, and chest tool boxes, among other items. This company also prioritizes customer service, as the makers realize your livelihood depends on staying organized with your work. Protech was founded in Washington in 1980 and has another production facility in Tennessee. Protech has over 1,200 certified dealers; check the Protech website to find a local dealer.
Proto
Stanley Black & Decker purchased American tool storage manufacturer Proto in 1984. Proto continues to make some of its toolboxes in the USA. Be sure to look for the American flag on the “Details” page of each product. Find tool boxes with trays, hip roof, and heavy-duty set boxes. Some of its products are available on the Proto website or check online to find a local distributor.
You also can shop a few selections at Amazon, including the 19-inch hip roof box with tray.
Truck Tool Box
Located in Maryland, Truck Tool Box takes great pride in making its products in the USA. This company is a division of Hagerstown Metal Fabrication and manufactures tool storage for a variety of applications on-site from professional-grade, heavy-duty aluminum. If the company doesn’t have it, it will make it for you! These truck tool boxes primarily are for industrial use but can be used for personal storage as well. Its website shows all the processes Truck Tool Box undergoes in making its tool storage units. Check back frequently for special offers. Each toolbox comes with a 100% money-back guarantee and also has a 10-year warranty against material and workmanship defects.
Wright Tool
Wright Tool is located in Ohio. Along with its huge selection of tools, this company also makes tool storage boxes, tool chests, and roller cabinets. You’ll also find American-made denim tool rolls for smaller hand tools and clip rails for your sockets that are made from plastic and have smooth edges. The steel-forged tools are made to create maximum strength and provide superior performance. Wright Tool has been around for over 100 years. Shown is the heavy-duty tool cabinet available in red, blue, or black.
MADE IN USA TOOL BAGS & TOOL BELTS
Boulder Tool Belts
Boulder Tool Belts designs and builds tool belts and tool pouches in the USA. They specialize in tool belts and pouches for electricians, pro-framers, and carpenters. Tool belts are offered in sizes Small (Pant size <24"-27") to 3XL (49"-56").
Adventure Tool Company Tool Pouches
Trying to organize your hand tools? Have several tools you use more than others? Keep them together for easy access in a made in USA tool pouch by Adventure Tool Company. These tool pouches are made in Colorado from waxed canvas and are built to last.
Frost River Gladstone Bag
The Frost River Gladstone Bag tool bag is made from waxed canvas with premium leather grips. It has pockets on both the inside and the outside and has strong webbed handles and a removable shoulder strap. The bottom is padded for structure support and to protect tools and floors. The Gladstone Bag tool bag is handcrafted in Duluth, Minnestota.
Klein Tools Leather Tool Bags
Klein Tools leather tool bags are made in the USA of heavy duty leather. They come in a variety of sizes and feature multiply bottoms with steel studs. Shoulder strap styles are available too. They are designed for everyday professional use.
Unionwear Custom Tool Bags
Unionwear custom tool bags are made to order in New Jersey. You can select the size, color and type of tool bag that fit your needs. Choose an embroidered tool belt, printed tool rolls, nylon tool buckets, tool backpacks, or a tool bag.
The Unionwear tool bag featured here is made with 600 denier polyester duck fabric. It is water resistant, has a removable shoulder strap, and is available in many color combinations.
Check out these other USA Love List Articles!
- Where are Wrangler Jeans Made?
- Best American Made Tires
- Made in the USA Grills: Charcoal, Gas, Pellet, Ceramic, Smokers and More
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