Ranking of the best tool carts for 2022

Trolleys for storing and transporting tools have long been a familiar part for ensuring the work of service and repair organizations. With their help, it is possible to easily organize the storage of various tools, and, if necessary, quickly deliver them to the place of work. Thus, with the help of this mobile device it is easy to organize the work in the enterprise properly.

Purpose of tool trolleys

As a rule, in any garage, and even more so in a car service company, a huge number of different tools accumulate, and in order to ensure more efficient work, special measures will be required to organize their storage. This is especially true for various service stations, where it is very important to find the right tool in its place, despite the fact that it could be found and used very quickly. This is exactly what tool trolleys are designed for.

By themselves, the trolleys in question refer to the type of special industrial furniture that is used to transport and store tools within the same room (or between several related structures). Different types of trolleys can be adapted to store different tools - from complex power tools and diagnostic tools to the simplest plumbing tools (screwdrivers, pliers or keys).

Indeed, in the absence of the considered storage devices, it is already difficult in the modern world to organize the workflow with proper efficiency in any enterprise where they work with mechanisms or carry out repair operations. This shows that the prices for this equipment are only decreasing, while demand, on the contrary, is increasing.

General advantages and disadvantages of tool carts

Their main advantages include the following:

• By creating conditions for centralized storage of tools, increased savings in working space are achieved;
• Most types of this equipment have a central lock that allows you to lock all the carrier lodgements at the same time;
• The high strength of the entire box is ensured by the all-welded construction;
• The presence of perforated side walls will ensure comfortable use of the canopy elements for fixing individual tools;
• A special handle will allow you to quickly change the side of your attachment at the request of the owner;
• Most models are able to provide sufficient load capacity and roomy volume;
• The presence of a special color will make the trolley body more durable;
• Typically, storage countertops have rubber mats that prevent a metal tool from scratching the base itself.

Speaking about the shortcomings of the devices under consideration, you can see that there are very few of them:

• If the cart is very large, then with continuous filling, it is unlikely that it will be possible to move it alone;
• If the balance of the distribution of objects in the cart is not observed, then when you open an overflowing box, it will simply turn over.

Types of carts

Nowadays, there is a very large assortment of this equipment. Basically, in terms of external parameters, the models differ little from each other, because all products have a metal case made of a profile pipe. However, according to their internal structure, they can be divided into the following types:

• Shelving - in such models, the structures are end-to-end and made in the form of a tabletop.Such a device is perfect for storing and transporting large objects and tools.
• Closed - such devices are particularly practical and safe to use. As a rule, in these models, the drawers are retractable and they are equipped with special locks that will protect the master's personal tool from unauthorized removal.
• Combined - this type is the most optimal for working in confined spaces in a small enterprise, for example, in a car service room. This equipment has both closed and open (through) variations of niches and shelves.
• Modular - this type is characterized by special functionality and ease of use. It should be noted that the standard boxes supplied in the kit can be replaced with others (for example, with a different capacity), and additional accessories, such as hooks or fabric pockets, can be placed in place of the boxes. All this will provide additional convenience when using the equipment.

IMPORTANT! For modular models, before replacing the factory elements with additional ones, you should make sure that the bearing capacity of the wheels and the presence of special stoppers.

Difficulties of choice

Despite the apparent simplicity of the design of the devices in question, it is worthwhile to carefully select its parameters so that the purchased trolley is fully consistent with future goals and objectives. There are quite a few such characteristics, they all have their own subspecies and functional features, which will be discussed below.

Case design features

The body of the trolley device can be made:

• From a single sheet of metal - such a design is considered the most durable, because it is able to withstand huge loads and behaves stably when moving on uneven surfaces. The standard sheet thickness is 1.2 mm. The service life of such all-metal products is almost unlimited.
• From several metal sheets - in this case, the structure is made of 3-4 sheets interconnected by rivets, bolts or using semi-automatic welding. The standard thickness for such sheets is in the range from 0.8 to 1.2 millimeters. In general, they have sufficient rigidity, they normally withstand loads, but with frequent use, the wall fasteners may weaken.
• Open way - this means the simplest design with the greatest degree of mobility. However, they cannot provide full-fledged storage conditions, but are used only as auxiliary systems for transportation (mobile posts).

IMPORTANT! The most expensive, but at the same time more reliable and durable, are all-metal systems. Nevertheless, if it is not intended to use the trolley in conditions of increased intensity, then prefabricated or open options are quite suitable.

Drawer types

Conventionally, the designs of boxes can be divided into two types:

1. With roller guides - this type is cheap. May jam regularly and therefore often requires maintenance. To close the box will require some muscular effort. Among other things, the shelf can spontaneously open during transportation, and the tool located there can simply crumble. The worst case scenario is a shift in the center of gravity due to dropped tools, as a result of which the trolley itself will turn over;
2. With telescopic guides on ball bearings - this type of drawer can ensure smooth closing and is able to prevent arbitrary opening. Usually, in this type, a special system is installed that does not allow opening more than one shelf at the same time (the so-called "fool protection"). It is she who will not allow the entire device to tip over randomly.

IMPORTANT! Thus, models with telescopic guides on ball bearings are considered more durable and reliable than roller ones. However, in them, each shelf must withstand at least 20 kilograms of weight, and the dimensions of the shelves themselves should match the dimensions of the lodgment as much as possible (traditionally, either one large lodgment or three or four small ones are placed in one box).

Wheel chassis features

When inspecting wheel structures, you should pay attention to their following properties:

• Rotation and fixation of the rollers - it should always be possible to lock one, and preferably two wheels. This feature will prevent the equipment from rolling from the slightest push and causing damage to surrounding people or objects. Also, the ability to rotate two wheels 360 degrees will be a useful quality - this will provide additional mobility.
• Oil and petrol resistance of rollers - in any room where repair work is carried out on mechanisms, there will definitely be water spills, smudges of oils or fuel on the floor. Therefore, the wheel chassis must be coated with polyurethane to counteract the effects of negative interactions with these substances.
• The size of the rollers - the larger the dimensions of the wheels, the more durable they will be and with their help it will be easier to overcome various irregularities during transportation.However, rollers that are too large will increase the dimensions of the trolley itself, at the same time reducing its mobility. The recommended size is considered to be a diameter of 10-15 centimeters.

Painting type

As a rule, the equipment in question can be subjected to only two types of staining:

1. Liquid (standard) painting - it is applied by means of an airbrush, and then the whole structure dries in the spray booth. Such a method cannot ensure a uniform layer application, and this will affect the strength parameters of the equipment (for example, susceptibility to an increased risk of corrosion marks). In addition, such a color will not last long, and the model will lose its visual appeal;
2. Powder coating - with this method, the powder is sprayed separately on each section of the product, and at the end of the dyeing, the model is sent to a special oven. There, the powder undergoes melting, covering the surface of the device with a hard and uniform layer. The hardness of the layer will provide maximum protection against rust and resistance to mechanical damage.

Worktops and optional accessories

These additional elements that facilitate interaction with the equipment include:

• Tabletop made of ABS plastic - such an element is made of oil and petrol resistant and impact-resistant synthetic material. It will not leave dents, for example, from an accidental collision with large and hard objects, it is possible to place various heavy metal tools on it without fear of leaving scratches. Usually, ABS plastic countertops are used to store various small and hard objects - nuts, bolts or screws;
• Polyurethane / rubber mats or metal / wood linings are a separate element that can be used to cover a separate worktop. However, it is worth noting that the mats wear out and tear over time, and the pads are subject to the negative effects of moisture. Thus, this optional accessory is a short-lived and cheap alternative to a full ABS countertop;
• Pockets / holders for aerosol cans - they are attached to the sides of the equipment and they contain containers with various substances;
• Side perforation - it is intended to be able to fix the most frequently used tool directly on the side of the cart. Special hooks or holders are inserted into the perforation holes, on which the tool is hung;
• Perforated screens - with their help it is possible to strengthen additional devices directly above the table top. However, if the device itself is subject to frequent movement, then the installation of such a screen is not advisable. These screens do not have additional stiffeners and protrude significantly above the tabletop itself. From this it is clear that during the movement, such a screen may inadvertently catch on a foreign object, which will lead to its damage.
• Handles - additional handles will give the device increased mobility and provide ease of movement. Among other things, additional handles can also serve as pencil cases for storing various small consumables.

Complete set with lodgments

This element can be of the following types:

• Made of thin plastic - the most short-lived, but also the cheapest option. If the equipment is supposed to be used permanently and intensively, then loss of shape and cracking is inevitable over time.
• EVA-lodgments - they are made of two- or three-component polyurethane. This material keeps its shape well, can securely fix the tool, and successfully resists aggressive chemicals.
• Lodgments produced by the method of vacuum forming plastic - such components are not afraid of impacts, can perfectly maintain their shape, do not absorb moisture and perfectly hold tools. They are considered the most durable and reliable. Often they are supplied with special covers, which allows them to be used as a case separately from the trolley.

Ranking of the best tool carts for 2022

Budget segment

3rd place: NEO Tools 84-228

This relatively inexpensive and practical model has a modular design, a pair of drawers and is equipped with locks. All modules quickly and easily connect to each other. The equipment provides additional partitions that provide orderly storage of all objects. Country of origin - Poland. The recommended cost for retail chains is 4060 rubles.

• Drawers slide in/out easily
• There are four partitions in the set;
• Adequate cost.

• Somewhat fragile plastic of the body itself (it is not recommended to place objects weighing more than 90 kilograms on it).

2nd place: "ROCKFORCE RF-1141342"

The two-shelf model, equipped with a special holder for screwdrivers, is perfect for a small car service enterprise. It is convenient to store and transport various tools over short distances. The design is made on the basis of metal sheets, which are securely welded together.Painting is made by a method of a powder dusting. Country of origin - Belarus. The recommended cost for retail chains is 5400 rubles.

• Rotating wheel rollers;
• Powder coating;
• Additional pockets.

• Not detected.

1st place: "ILT-3S 700x350x760 mm"

This model is made of wear-resistant and durable material and is designed for storage and transportation of hand tools and consumable items. The design includes 3 shelves made on the basis of ABS plastic. The two wheels can rotate 360 ​​degrees for ease of movement and mobility. Country of origin - Russia. The recommended cost for retail chains is 5500 rubles.

• Light weight for overall design;
• Plastic shelves;
• General durability.

• Not detected.

Middle price segment

3rd place: "FerrLine CH-46 700x390x970 mm 6661"

This device is made of good and durable material and is characterized by excellent compliance with the height distance of the shelves from the floor. The manufacturer declares the specialization of this model for use as a mobile post. There are 3 shelves in the equipment, and the total weight is 12 kilograms. The design has a convenient handle for moving. Painting was done with a spray gun. The kit comes with two versatile stands, making assembly a very simple process. Country - manufacturer - China. The recommended cost for retail chains is 5700 rubles.

• Two rotating wheels;
• Convenient handle;
• Durable manufacturing material.

• It may be necessary to sharpen the wheel axle for ease of putting on the wheels.

2nd place: "Sorokin 9.3"

This trolley is a three-tier structure that is oriented to the application in various production workshops. Its body is particularly rigid, it is made of rolled metal with a thickness of 1 millimeter. The kit includes four rubberized rotating wheels, which are equipped with parking stops. There is a convenient handle for transportation. Country - producer - Russia. The recommended cost for retail stores is 6,700 rubles.

• Rigid construction;
• 4 swivel wheels with brake;
• Comfortable handle for movement.

• Not detected.

1st place: "Keter 5 DRAWERS TOOL CHEST SET 17199301"

The manufacturer positions this model not just as a tool cart, but as a complete storage system, which should be equipped with a personal workplace. Boxes allow you to place a large number of different tools, fixtures and spare parts. There are separate niches for storing small consumables, such as hardware, bolts and nails. All drawers are equipped with sliding mechanisms, dividing partitions are additionally provided. The body is made of polypropylene. The country of origin is Israel. The recommended cost for retail chains is 11,800 rubles.

• Fixed hinged rollers;
• Reliable and versatile storage;
• Locking system with central lock;
• Removable partitions;
• Built-in carrying handles;
• 16 removable cells for small parts;
• Capacity - 33.5 liters;
• The maximum weight of the tool storage system is 50 kg.

• Not detected.

Premium class

3rd place: "JTC /1-3931S"

This seven-section trolley makes a great addition to any professional service station. It can be adapted both for automotive and carpentry tools. Sections are divided as follows: 5 flat and 2 deep. Thanks to swivel wheels and a comfortable handle, there are no problems with transportation. The country of origin is Taiwan. The recommended cost for retail chains is 111,400 rubles.

• All drawers are equipped with quick-release skids, fully removable and easy to pull out;
• Each drawer has 2 individual latches that prevent the drawers from opening arbitrarily while the trolley is in motion;
• 7 sections of different sizes provide the ability to accommodate a large number of working tools;
• Special fixtures on the side wall allow you to place keys with a T-handle;
• The presence of a central lock provides additional protection against unauthorized access to the tool;
• 4 swivel wheels with a diameter of 5 inches provide high maneuverability, equipped with brakes;
• Increased wear resistance;
• Does not require special maintenance;
• Rugged housing.

• Very high cost.

2nd place: GEDORE 3100197

The working platform of this model is made of durable polypropylene and has a special threshold to prevent the devices from rolling. The convenient handle provides easy pushing and maneuverability of movement.The storage boxes are particularly wide, centrally lockable and easy to open/close with one hand. The drawer slides are equipped with ball bearings for a secure fit and full extension. 4 soft wheels have thread protection and full stop devices. The body is made of sheet steel, powder-coated, which means it is resistant to corrosion and scratches. The country of origin is Germany. The recommended cost for retail chains is 127,000 rubles.

• Powder coating;
• Four maneuverable wheels;
• The capacity of each box is 20 kilograms.

• Overcharge.

1st place: "JTC 5021+225"

The body of this model is equipped with protective boards, which significantly reduce the risk of damage to the structure itself and ensure safe operation. The design uses an automatic return function for the roller guides on the drawers, which guarantees a particularly smooth ride. The kit includes non-slip pads and a top mat, which make the process of storing small parts and consumables as convenient as possible. The entire body is powder coated and is able to successfully withstand the effects of solvents and other aggressive chemicals. The country of origin is Taiwan. The recommended cost for retail chains is 129,000 rubles.

• Easy transportation;
• The presence of a large additional option;
• Silent movement.

• Overcharge.

Instead of an epilogue

An analysis of the market for the equipment in question found that even the simplest models are quite expensive.At the same time, most users note that for premium models, the “sore point” is the process of installing wheeled chassis. In most cases, the wheel struts will have to be sharpened by yourself. At the same time, most premium models are very expensive, which is explained by the fact that a set of tools is immediately supplied with them.