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.
Full List of Tool Box Brands Made in the USA
The Proto General Purpose tool box features simple construction and a basic design, however, it’s also built to be durable and user-friendly. The box features a couple of carry handles on its sides as well as a central carry handle on top for easier transport. It comes in a solid red finish and is made from tough steel. The basic construction of this tool box means that it has very few fail points. The single removable tray offers storage space for smaller objects, while the lower storage offers space for larger tools. Overall, this box offers enough space to bring your most valuable tools, and it’s built to last.
Kennedy Manufacturing’s machinist’s chest is built to offer quality and several storage options. It has seven different-sized drawers, plus a top storage compartment for holding all of your calipers, clamps, dies, taps, and everything else in position. Each of the drawers is felt-lined to protect against scratching, and the movable dividers make it easy to split up your storage space based on the tools that you have available. Since it’s bulkier, this tool chest is meant to store on your work table. It’s also rock-solid thanks to the steel I-beam construction in each drawer and a tough steel build quality.
If you’re looking for a larger tool box storage unit, Kennedy also sells a rolling tool cabinet that features seven tool drawers for both small and large objects. It’s made from tough double-wall steel and features an easy-to-use tubular lock system. There is only one lock for this entire system rather than having the ability to lock different drawers.
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 tool box. MSC Direct offers a one-compartment tray box. Made from plastic, it’s constructed to be exceptionally sturdy whilst also affordable. The tool box features a single tray and a large open compartment on the inside, offering enough space for drills, hammers, wrenches, tape measures, and other hand tools. It also comes with a compact compartment up top with individual storage slots for things like screws, nails, washers, and other fasteners. The tool box secures in place with two latches and has a single carry handle up top.
Most plumbers know the struggle of trying to keep all their little nipples and connections neatly organized while at a job site. That’s why it’s so helpful to purchase nipple totes and boxes designed specifically for that purpose. 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. The totes and nipple boxes sold by Pioneer are made from tough 20- or 22-gauge steel, and they’re built to be lightweight and sturdy. Each container has many small sections for storing nipples away, and they’re affordable enough that most plumbers can afford to purchase several of them for organization 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.”
Pioneer sells a huge range of toolboxes designed for a multitude of purposes, such as the Pioneer Steel Cantilevel box, a utilitarian tool box that’s made from 20 or 22-gauge steel. It features a single latch to hold everything in position with an eye hoop large enough for padlock security.
How To Find Tool Boxes Made in the USA
When buying a new tool box, it is worth looking into one made in the USA because these products are durable and well-made with quality materials. After all, your tool box will hold all your expensive tools, so you don’t want it to falter! You need to ensure you are buying something that is made to last. Unfortunately, you can’t always count on the quality of foreign-made products.
Unfortunately, finding products made in the USA can be difficult in today’s day and age, but this guide should have you finding your next American-made tool box in no time!
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” 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 full 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
