Tool Chests

Auto Express Car Reviews

July 2006

When it comes to storing tools like the professionals, these are ‘chest’ the job! Whether you’re a budding DIY mechanic, or an experienced under-bonnet fettler, every garage benefits from being kept clean and tidy – and a toolbox is perfect for this.

There are few things more frustrating than not being able to find what you need when you need it, and so keeping tools packed away in one place makes sense. And buying a chest doesn’t only make your garage look the part – it can also help keep belongings secure and out of the hands of crooks.

A wide range of cases in all shapes and sizes is available, but for this test we’ve focused on mainly starter offerings. Some are expandable, and so if you reckon you’re likely to kit out your garage further in the future, it’s worth considering this when you buy. But which one of our eight is the best chest?

Verdict

It was a close fight for top honour in this test, with both the Clarke and Draper 4 offerings well matched.

But it was the slightly superior build quality of the latter that shone through. It was able to store all our tools and had the features a home mechanic would be after.

In a photo finish, Clarke’s HD Plus took second spot pushing the plush, but very expensive, Snap-On KRA4055 into third place.