A cantilever tool box is one of the most useful items for any handyman or professional contractor. Unlike a typical toolbox that opens up with minimal compartment space organization, a cantilever tool box folds out with multiple shelves and compartments and is used to store screws, drill bits, hammers, and other tools.

With full access to your gear, you’ll be able to enjoy a large, de-singed lower body which will hold power tools and large hand tools. The upper body normally contains removeable bins for small parts and small specialty tools (Source).

The benefit of buying such a tool box is the ability to organize all smaller tools and parts into secure locations which are easy to find. Additionally, a cantilever tool box can help with organization and the ability to be portable.

Before buying a cantilever tool box, ensure you select one that’s highly durable, contains ample space, multiple compartments, and easy to carry. In this guide, we’ll compare the top five models that’ll help you remain organized at work and avoid having to constantly dig to find the tool you need.

How Much Does a Cantilever Tool Box Cost?

Most cantilever tool boxes will be range between $40 – $130 in cost. The best option for some people might be one that is smaller and more portable. Others will need to spend the extra money in order to get the features and quality they expect.

Who Makes The Best Cantilever Tool Box?

While old fashioned and a bit heavy, Homak Industrial makes the most durable cantilever tool box. It has multiple compartments and dividers, offering ample space for any construction professional to easily store their tools. This is a quality tool box you won’t find in department stores.

Comparing the Top 5 Models

Best Cantilever Tool Box: Our Top 5 Picks

1. Homak Industrial 22-Inch Cantilever Steel Toolbox – Best Overall

This is the best cantilever tool box on the market for several reasons. For starters, the shell of this toolbox is made with steel. When closed, a padlock can be easily installed in order to keep the toolbox contents secure.

Once opened, this box folds out with four different shelves. This space can be customized according to your needs and is great for securely storing small objects. With 22-inches of length, this toolbox is much larger than your typical option.

Since the shell is so strong, there are no problems storing heavy tools like hammers and screwdrivers. Even if the box is rattled or shaken hard, objects like this won’t be able to penetrate the shell and break the box.

2. Keter 22-Inch – Most Lightweight Cantilever Tool Box

Few cantilever tool boxes offer this much space for small parts and tools and a high level of organization. Best of all, this model is much more affordable than your typical option. It also has various durable parts such as a metal handle to help make it last a long time.

With 22 inches of space at the longest length and 11 removable bins, few cantilever tool boxes provide this much space and customization of the space. There is also a clear lid placed at the top which is great for taking things out on the go.

The reason this product is a lot more affordable than your typical choice is that it has a plastic shell. The plastic does, in reality, hold up pretty well over time though. Since this model is so affordable, many people choose to look past this small potential deal-breaker.

3. Husky 25-Inch Mobile Cantilever Tool Box – Best Mobility & Lots of Space

If mobility and space are two of your top concerns, this might be the best cantilever tool box for you, then this is probably the best option for you to consider. This option comes with all-terrain wheels and an extendable handle for easy transport.

In other words, you can take a cantilever tool box like this out on hikes through rough terrains without worrying about the burden of carrying it or having it break open. There are also 18 different compartments and an above-average amount of space.

Although this model has a generous 25-inch length and more space than average, it is also constructed with plastic. Usually, this isn’t much of a concern since the shell is also built well with various strength improvements, and isn’t just a thin plastic shell.

4. Anlins Orange and Gray 17-Inch Cantilever Steel Tool Box – Strong, Sturdy, & Affordable

This is the best cantilever tool box for anybody who values strength and durability more than the amount of space. This model is also very reasonably priced, making it the most durable cantilever tool box you can find at this price range.

Despite the affordable price and slightly smaller size, this model still manages to make pretty good use of the space it has. There are 5 different moving trays that open and close with the toolbox.

Each of the trays can fit longer objects like wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, and so on. Despite the heavy steel shell, this product is also very lightweight without all the tools inside. It is also capable of being locked up and is a lot more durable than some models 2 – 3x this price.

5. Craftsman 18-inch Cantilever Tool Box – Lots of Storage Space for the Money

This is another great choice for anybody who wants to have lots of space and compartments in their cantilever tool box without spending too much money. This model has a seethrough lid at the top, making it easy to take out small parts on the fly.

In total, there are 18 removable bins included with this toolbox. Although it is made with a plastic shell, it has various metal parts installed to help it be more durable than a typical plastic product. The handle, for example, is both metal and ergonomic.

This is an overall wonderful choice for someone who has lots of small parts and tools that they need to organize. Best of all, the price of this model makes it a very great deal that competes well with other similar cantilever tool boxes.

Best Cantilever Tool Box Brands

When you shop for a new product like a tool box that is typically expected to last for a long period of time, choosing the right brand can often be important. After all, the manufacturer of a product can often help you understand various factors about the product itself.

For example, some of the best cantilever tool box brands are specialists in plastic products. Right then and there, those who want a stronger and more durable tool box made with metal will choose to bypass manufacturers like this.

To help you find the best cantilever tool box, here are some of the important things to know about some of the major manufacturers in this niche of products.

Homak (HMC Holdings)

Homak (also known as HMC Holdings LLC) is one of the world’s most esteemed manufacturers of various metal products. Due to the wide nature of their work, cantilever tool boxes are only one of the many different products they make.

The Homak Industrial 22-Inch Cantilever Steel Toolbox is the best place to start your search if you want to find the best cantilever tool box. This is due to the optimum durability, space, and security of the product.

Keter Plastic

Keter Plastic is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality plastic products. They are part of a global enterprise better known as Keter Group, which has factories all across the world.

The Keter 22-Inch Cantilever Plastic Tool Box is a great example of the affordability you can receive on a cantilever tool box. Although plastic shells may not be your ideal choice, they also tend to hold up well throughout years of careful use.

Husky

Husky has long been one of the leaders of plastic products. Known for making high-quality plastics, they also have received wide-appeal for their tool boxes.

The Husky 25-Inch Mobile Cantilever Tool Box is a great example of the workmanship this brand provides for cantilever tool boxes. In particular, this model shows the high level of mobility we can receive in these sorts of products.

Craftsman

Craftsman is a US-based company that has been around for over a century. Known well for their high-quality homeowner and homebuilder products, models like the Craftsman 18-inch Cantilever Tool Box show the brand’s superb ability at crafting high-quality and affordable cantilever tool boxes for storing small parts.  If your looking for electric tool pouches check our guide.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Cantilever Tool Box

Buying any sort of product can be difficult if you don’t understand what features to look for. Although tool boxes are generally seen as a simple product to use and understand, cantilever tool boxes are a little different.

To help you find the best cantilever tool box for your needs, it’s important that you take a moment and understand what features matter the most.

Construction Material

The construction material (or shell material) is something that you should look at first. This will help you understand right away how durable and strong the tool box will be. In addition, it will help you predict what a fair price should be.

Metal construction is typically more expensive than plastic construction. Plastic also tends to break a lot more easily than a tool box made from metal.

Storage Space & Shelves

The storage space and type of shelves are one of the features which make or break a cantilever tool box. After all, a cantilever tool box is popular for having lots of different shelves that open and close as the tool box does.

Check for the number of shelves which exist, whether they are best for small or large parts and tools, and so on. In any case, don’t settle for a tool box that has anything less than four large shelves.

Security Features

The level of security you need from your cantilever tool box depends on what kind of materials you are storing, where you will place the tool box, and so on. If you think that security issues might be a problem, you should try to get a tool box that is made with metal and/or is capable of locking.

Mobility & Product Handle Quality

The mobility of a cantilever tool box is only important for those who need to constantly take it on the go or are concerned with the weight of the product when filled with tools.

A mobile cantilever tool box will include things like an extendable handle and wheels. The Husky 25-Inch Mobile Cantilever Tool Box is probably the best choice for anybody who wants a tool box that is as mobile as possible.

Three Classes of Cantilever Tool Boxes

On this page, we have broken down what each of the best cantilever tool boxes look like, what a fair price is, and what features to expect. To help you continue narrowing down your options, here are the three main classes of cantilever tool boxes that we have discussed.

1. Steel Cantilever Tool Boxes

Steel cantilever tool boxes are best for those who value durability and security more than the rest. These types of tool boxes will hold up well for years and years of use, and can also usually be equipped with locks. They are also a little more expensive, though.

2. Plastic Cantilever Tool Boxes

Plastic cantilever tool boxes are popular mainly due to their affordability. It’s important to note that even though plastic tool boxes are generally more affordable they are also a lot less durable than a steel cantilever tool box.

3. Mobile Cantilever Tool Boxes

If you are a mobile contractor or need to fix your mailbox, having a tool box that is designed to be moved around all the time is a good idea. Mobile cantilever tool boxes will come with transportability features such as wheels and long extendable handles.

Ready to Use a Cantilever Tool Box for Your Next Project?

To get the best cantilever toolbox for your next project, you only need to consider a shortlist of factors and potential features. Usually, those who want the best cantilever toolbox possible will start by checking out the Homak Industrial 22-Inch Cantilever Steel Toolbox.

If affordability is your top concern, start your search with the Keter 22-Inch Cantilever Plastic Tool Box. However, those who need a product that is as mobile as possible should instead start by looking at the Husky 25-Inch Mobile Cantilever Tool Box.

At the end of the day, what matters most is your personal needs and budget constraints. In most cases, finding a cantilever tool box that both meets your expectations and budget can be done within a couple hours or so.

For smaller and more portable kits, check this list of top electrician tool pouches. If you are indeed an electrician, see our review of these tool bags as well.