Reviews Are Raving For Ryobi's Portable Tool Box, But Is It Worth Buying?

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Ryobi has a terrific reputation for producing value-for-money power tools for DIY projects and outdoor equipment that will clean up your yard in no time. What's perhaps less well known is their extensive collection of racks, cabinets, totes, and portable tool boxes. Ryobi offers a comprehensive and affordable range of storage solutions to keep your tools and accessories organized. The interlocking LINK system is particularly interesting, incorporating every imaginable way of hanging, holding, charging, and carrying all of your gear and spare parts. The LINK 20-inch 3-Drawer Modular Hand Tool Box is one of Ryobi's top storage options that's getting rave reviews, but is it actually worth buying? Overall, it's a practical and affordable option, but it might not be the right fit for everyone.

This tool box certainly has an impressive set of features. The outer casing and three fully extending drawers are made of impact-resistant material. There's a steel bar and drawer locking point for security. Removable dividers allow for easy organizing of small parts and accessories, and it will carry up to 40 pounds. For portability, it will stack with other components of Ryobi's rolling tool box sets and can also be hung on the LINK wall-mounted tracks. At $139 the price is competitive, and if you already have other parts of Ryobi's modular LINK storage system, it could be an addition well worth buying. But what if you don't already have other Ryobi products or you're undecided about whether to invest in Ryobi modular storage or one of their rivals? Let's look at what reviews have to say and how this tool box compares to what other brands offer.

On Ryobi's website, customers give the 3-drawer tool box 4.5 stars, while over at Home Depot it gets 4.6 stars. It is complimented for being smooth-operating and durable and is considered valuable not just for DIYers but also for professionals on a budget. There are very few complaints about this product. However, some found the locking bar a bit awkward, and a couple of people would have liked deeper drawers — other tool boxes in Ryobi's LINK range might satisfy this better.

How does this tool box compare to rival products? DeWalt's TOUGHSYSTEM 2.0 has a similar 3-drawer modular organizer at $144 with proper carrying handles that the Ryobi tool box lacks. Milwaukee's PACKOUT tool box is $189, and is a couple of inches deeper with a 50-pound capacity. Both brands are trusted by professionals. At the more DIY level, Ridgid's Pro Gear System Gen 2.0 has a similar version for $120, and Black + Decker sells a much larger, complete rolling storage set for just a buck more. While this one doesn't have a drawer unit, it does offer lots of storage for the money.

These are just a few examples in an extremely competitive market. If you check out the 12 top-rated tool boxes, you'll find a host of options to meet different needs. Rave reviews suggest the vast majority of Ryobi portable tool box owners are happy with their purchase. If you want to organize small items like screws, driver bits, and hand tools or if you've already invested in the LINK system, it should be worth buying. On the other hand, if you're looking at modular storage for the first time, seeking professional-grade durability, or you need to store larger items, other tool boxes might suit you better.