Finding a quality tool box is key, whether it’s for personal use or in your business. We did the research to find all of the tool boxes made in the USA today. Below are our findings, along with tons of details about each one. Be sure to check out all of the tools made in the USA (and YouTube video) as well.
Complete List of Tool Box Brands Made in the USA
Proto Tools toolboxes feature simple construction and a basic design, however, they’re also built to be durable and user-friendly. Besides toolboxes, Proto Tools are offer tool mats and holsters.
Kennedy Manufacturing’s toolboxes are built to offer quality and several storage options. Whatever type of toolbox you’re looking for, they’ll likely have something that fits the bill. Kennedy Manufacturing has everything from small and easily portable metal toolboxes to large toolbox storage units! All of their products are forged in the USA.
When you’re searching for a good general-purpose tool box to hold basic supplies for working around the house or on the go, not much beats the usability of a lightweight plastic or resin tool box, like those sold by MSC. However, keep in mind not all of MSC’s toolboxes are made in the USA, so make sure to check the country of origin before you make a purchase.
Since the 1950s, Pioneer Steel Company has manufactured 100% American-made steel toolboxes, lock boxes, drop-off boxes, and other garage, shop, and trailer organizers. Pioneer sells a huge range of toolboxes designed for a multitude of purposes.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Rick Storer of Pioneer Steel, who had this to say about their manufacturing process: “To this day, all our products are built in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Brea, California. We are proud to manufacture our American made products right here, knowing this is one way our country was built. We take great pride in using the highest quality cold roll steel available at a heavier gauge than the industry standard to ensure our products are built to last. Some of our products are even built to pass military specifications. Our products receive an environmentally friendly powder coat finish and are carefully packed to ensure it’s intact upon arrival.”
CTech Manufacturing has great aluminum storage solutions, including toolboxes. They have traditionally catered to the motorsports industry, but their tool storage products are a good fit for just about anybody.
Bull Metal makes custom sheet metal products and has a great line of tool boxes. Everything is made in their Connecticut facility, and they’ve been in business since 1954.
Moduline makes aluminum cabinet systems, so if you need a large tool storage cabinet, definitely give them a look. All of their products are super lightweight, and they can do everything from custom warehouse installations to garage storage systems in your home.
Wright Tool is a popular hand tool brand that offers a few American made tool boxes. They have everything from large tool storage chests to small handheld tool boxes to carry on the job.
Mike’s YouTube Video on American Made Tool Boxes
How To Find Tool Boxes Made in the USA
We want to give you more than just a comprehensive list of American made tool boxes; we want to arm you with knowledge so you can do your own research and choose wisely while building your tool arsenal. Let’s examine the toolbox manufacturing sector in more detail, covering topics like labeling, material sourcing, and methods for locating premium toolbox brands made in the United States. We’ll start by going over the nuances of the “made in the USA” language and how to understand it when it comes to toolbox production.
What Does “Made in the USA” Mean?
First, it is imperative to understand what it means for a product to be “made in the USA.” The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) states that for a product to be considered made in the USA, “all or virtually all” of the product needs to be made in the USA. So, everything from the sourcing of the materials to the manufacturing of the product needs to take place domestically.
To learn more about what this means, check out our “made in the USA” shopping guide.
Materials
Now that you know what it means for a product to be labeled “made in the USA,” the next step is researching the raw materials used to make tool boxes. By researching the materials used, you will better understand how to find US-made tool boxes.
Steel
Steel and Stainless steel are often used to make tool boxes as they are the most durable materials. The USA is one of the world’s largest steel manufacturers, so finding US-made steel should not be difficult. In fact, the USA is fourth in the world of steel manufacturing and falls behind only China, Japan, and India.
When it comes to steel tool boxes, it is important that you look for steel that is made in the United States. The main reason for this comes down to durability. US-made steel is three times stronger than steel made in China! So, by purchasing US-made steel or stainless steel tool boxes, you can be assured that your product is good quality.
Aluminum
Aluminum is commonly used in tool boxes as it is a lightweight and affordable alternative to steel and stainless steel. The USA ranks 9th in the world in aluminum production, with China being the world’s leading aluminum producer. Although the USA does produce aluminum domestically, you may need to do your research as most aluminum products in the USA will be imported.
Plastic
Plastic tool boxes are great as they are a cheap alternative and are lightweight and non-corrosive. Although China is again the top producer of plastic, the USA still produces 20% of the world’s plastic. This means that while you are more likely to find imported plastic, with research, you should be able to easily find US-made plastic tool boxes.
Labeling
When looking for products made in the USA, you need to pay special attention to the labeling of the products. All imported products must be labeled as such according to Title 19 Chapter 4 Section 1304 of the United States Code. By paying attention to the labels of products, you are sure to find a great toolbox made in the USA.
In particular, look for the “made in the USA.” The “made in the USA” label is protected by the FTC. However, remember that there is no pre-approval process for using this label. This means that the companies of the products must determine whether or not their products meet the requirements to use the label. The FTC will investigate complaints when necessary, so it is up to you, as the consumer, to report any mislabeling.
You should also watch out for labels that use misleading language to confuse you into thinking the product is made in the USA. For example, labels such as “assembled in the USA” or “designed in the USA” do not mean that the product is made in the USA. Instead, they mean only a portion of the manufacturing process takes place in the USA. Also, products labeled “made in America” does not mean the product is made in the USA, as America can also refer to Canada and Mexico.
Lastly, watch out for the usage of the American flag sticker on a product’s label. The usage of the American flag on labels is not regulated in the same way that the “made in the USA” label is, so it does not necessarily mean that the product is made in the USA. Make sure you do your research!
Other Tips
These helpful tips will help you find tool boxes made in the USA.
Check the Company’s Website
A tool box made in the USA is a great selling point for companies, so you can assume that information will be on the company’s website if this is the case. Make sure you do your research into the company and the products to learn more and get a better understanding of where the products are made.
One thing to remember is that companies are not required to label their products with their country of origin on their website or marketing materials. This means that if a tool box does not have the country of origin on the website, there is a high chance that the product is not made in the USA.
Social Media Handles
Check the company’s social media, as their posts can contain much information about the product they are selling. For example, you may be able to find videos with information about the manufacturing of the product.
If the social media handles don’t provide you with the information you need, you can always send your questions in a direct message to find the information you are looking for.
Ask The Company
If you are still unsure about the product, simply call the company. This is the best way to get a fast answer to your questions, as a company representative should be able to assist you and answer your questions.
Tool Boxes Not Made in the USA
It may be that some of these brands are familiar; however, they are not manufactured in the United States. We’ve included a complete list below, as well as where their products are made.
- U.S General – Made in China
- Husky – Made in China or Taiwan
- Tankstorm – Made in China
- Performance Tool – Made in China
- Extreme Tools – Made overseas
