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Keep All Your Tools Tidy With These Toolbox Organizers

Drawers, trays, and other containers can rescue your messy toolbox and workshop so you’re always ready to work.

By and Bobbi Dempsey
toolbox organizer
Staff, Courtesy of DEWALT

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Whether you’re a part-time DIYer or seasoned pro, it’s important that you’re able to access your tools and equipment quickly and easily. Few things are more frustrating than having a quick task stretch into an hour-long hunt for a misplaced tool. Whether you have a small toolbox or larger workshop, these toolbox organizers keep everything in their proper place, allowing you to complete your DIY project without unnecessary stress.

For more great organizational tools, check out our picks for the best tool organizers, car organizers, and garage shelving.

Best Toolbox Organizers

  • Organizer Tray

    Best Basic Organizer

    Ernst Manufacturing Organizer Tray

    $9 at Amazon
    Read more
  • CMST98017 Tool Organizer

    Best Value

    Craftsman CMST98017 Tool Organizer

    Read more
  • DWST17804 TSTAK Tool Storage Organizer

    Most Customizable

    Dewalt DWST17804 TSTAK Tool Storage Organizer

    Read more
  • Socket Organizer Trays

    Best for Sockets

    B&C Home Goods Socket Organizer Trays

    Read more
  • Magnetic Trays

    Most Innovative

    Steelman Magnetic Trays

    Read more

What to Consider

Toolbox organizers come in a range of types, so pick the one that will best meet your needs and fit in your available space. Some options:

Tray: Often featuring dividers or slots, these organizers can fit insider drawers or tools boxes but can also just sit on your table or workstation.

Bin: These cups or containers fit insider toolboxes or drawers and can be easily arranged and configured in whatever way works best for you.

Tool-specific: These are designed with a certain tool in mind but can often work fine for storing various other tools, as well.

Self-contained: Some organizers don’t even need an actual toolbox; they can act as a toolbox all on their own. These types of organizers will often have a handle or wheels (or both) to allow for easy transport.

You should also consider the organizer’s material construction. Metal options are likely to be strong and durable, but they also tend to be heavier. Models made from cloth or lightweight plastic will be easier to carry.

How We Selected

I was the co-owner of a construction business for about 15 years and am still a hardcore DIYer, so I’ve had lots of experience with toolboxes and workshops, some of which were not exactly what you’d call highly organized. In evaluating toolbox organizers, I drew upon my own personal experience with different types of organizing options that have worked for me. I also took the input and observations of users who posted reviews on Amazon and manufacturer websites into consideration.

Best Basic Organizer

Ernst Manufacturing Organizer Tray

Organizer Tray
Best Basic Organizer

Ernst Manufacturing Organizer Tray

Now 37% Off
$9 at Amazon$15 at Walmart
Pros
  • Low price
  • Can be used for a wide range of tools and supplies
Cons
  • Less organization than some people might want

Tool organizers don’t get much simpler or more affordable than this. This is a rudimentary organizing tray that is divided into three equal sections. The shallow tray—just 1.5 inches—is best for small items such as nails, nuts, or bolts. At this price, you could buy several to create a stackable storage tower.

Key Specs

Type of OrganizerTray
MaterialPlastic
Compartments3
Best Value

Craftsman CMST98017 Tool Organizer

CMST98017 Tool Organizer
Best Value

Craftsman CMST98017 Tool Organizer

Pros
  • Reliable quality
  • Multiple pocket sizes fit different tools
Cons
  • Can’t fit many large items

Contractors and trade industry professionals know the Craftsman name means quality products you can rely on, and this organizer lives up to that reputation.

Offering a lot for a relatively low price, this organizer features 11 pockets of assorted sizes, so there’s a place for everything you need to store. The simple styling means it will blend in with all of the other supplies in your toolbox.

Key Specs

Type of OrganizerTray
MaterialPlastic
Compartments14
Most Customizable

Dewalt DWST17804 TSTAK Tool Storage Organizer

DWST17804 TSTAK Tool Storage Organizer
Most Customizable

Dewalt DWST17804 TSTAK Tool Storage Organizer

Now 37% Off
Pros
  • Compatible with entire TSTAK line
  • Durable
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Some users report bending and bowing with the bottom drawer

This two-drawer unit features shallow drawers that can keep all of your small items secure and organized, and the removable dividers let you configure it to your needs.

Part of DeWalt’s TSTAK storage line, this can be combined with some of the other matching stackable organizers, allowing you to create your own customized tool storage system.

Key Specs

Type of OrganizerSelf-Contained
MaterialPlastic
Compartments9
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Best for Sockets

B&C Home Goods Socket Organizer Trays

Socket Organizer Trays
Best for Sockets

B&C Home Goods Socket Organizer Trays

Now 11% Off
Pros
  • Makes it easy to quickly find the right socket
  • Sturdy
Cons
  • Some users note inadequate spacing between sockets in certain spots

This six-piece socket holder set contains three trays for each of the two main types of socket measurements (SAE and metric), designed by different colors. Constructed from a solid plastic that Amazon customers praised for its durability, these trays also have a sturdy base to prevent them from tipping over.

Key Specs

Type of OrganizerTool-Specific
MaterialPlastic
Compartments6
Most Innovative

Steelman Magnetic Trays

Magnetic Trays
Most Innovative

Steelman Magnetic Trays

Pros
  • Great way to create expanded storage space
  • Durable construction
Cons
  • Some users reported magnets were weaker than they expected

This set contains four trays ranging from 6 to 12 inches wide that can be positioned on the outside of your toolbox or workstation. Made from 20-gauge steel, the trays are strong enough to hold any tools you need to keep handy. Multiple magnets affixed to each ensure the trays stay put, while a rubber coating prevents damage to toolbox surfaces.

Key Specs

Type of OrganizerTrays
MaterialMetal
Compartments4
Most Versatile

ML Tools Pliers Cutters Organizer Pro

Pliers Cutters Organizer Pro
Most Versatile

ML Tools Pliers Cutters Organizer Pro

Pros
  • Reasonably priced
  • Durable construction
Cons
  • Nonslip construction isn’t as robust as some designs

This pliers organizer is a versatile solution that can be used in a variety of ways. It’s designed to fit in a toolbox or drawer, but can also sit on a table or workshop counter. The nonslip rubber base ensures it will stay put and keep tools secure. And don’t be fooled by the name; although it accommodates pliers nicely, it can also be used to store a wide range of other tools and supplies.

Key Specs

Type of OrganizerTool-Specific
MaterialPlastic
Compartments10
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Most Portable

Stanley Multilevel Organizer

Multilevel Organizer
Most Portable

Stanley Multilevel Organizer

Pros
  • Convenient multi-layer design
  • Compatible with other SortMaster products
Cons
  • Some dividers can’t be repositioned

Providing the reliable durability you expect from the Stanley name, this toolbox organizer is easy to take with you anywhere. The cantilever design allows you to lift the upper level up and out, providing quick and convenient access to all of the contents at once. Part of the brand’s SortMaster line, this unit is designed to mix and match with the other SortMaster storage and organization products.

Key Specs

Type of OrganizerSelf-Contained
MaterialPlastic
Compartments21
Modular Design

Masirs Interlocking Drawer Organizer

Interlocking Drawer Organizer
Modular Design

Masirs Interlocking Drawer Organizer

Now 17% Off
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Many possible configurations
Cons
  • Not as strong or damage resistant as some pricier options

Made from sturdy plastic, these bins are durable and easy to clean. Each set contains eight bins in a range of shapes and sizes. They interlock so everything stays in place. Buy several sets and configure them to create your own unique storage system and then easily rearrange them in a new pattern whenever you need a new setup.

Key Specs

Type of OrganizerBins
MaterialPlastic
Compartments8
Best Soft-Sided

DURATECH Tool Pouch and Wrench Organizer

Tool Pouch and Wrench Organizer
Best Soft-Sided

DURATECH Tool Pouch and Wrench Organizer

Pros
  • Convenient and easy to carry
  • Water-resistant
Cons
  • Some pockets are small

Stash critical tools inside this pouch’s 22 pockets, ideal for ratchets, screwdrivers, and other tools you want within close reach.

It’s water-resistant and features a durable, double-layer construction designed to protect the contents from scratches and scrapes. Once the job is done, it rolls up into an easy-to-carry package, with straps and straps that keep everything safe and secure.

Key Specs

Type of OrganizerSelf-Contained
MaterialCloth
Compartments22
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Best for Eliminating Drawer Clutter

US General 99729 Drawer Organizer

99729 Drawer Organizer
Best for Eliminating Drawer Clutter

US General 99729 Drawer Organizer

Pros
  • Budget-friendly
  • Fits in standard tool chests
Cons
  • Compartments are relatively shallow

This organizer is all about functionality, not flashy bells and whistles. It gets the job done without a big price tag. Designed to fit inside any standard rolling tool chest, it features six shallow compartments that keep your smaller tools and supplies from becoming a jumbled mess.

Key Specs

Type of OrganizerTray
MaterialPlastic
Compartments6
Headshot of Alex Rennie
Alex Rennie

Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.

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