DeWalt 37 in. 5-Drawer Rolling Tool Cabinet

I put a 37-inch DeWalt cabinet to work in my shop for several weeks, loading it with a typical mix of sockets, wrenches, cordless tools, and consumables. I rolled it across concrete, parked it under a bench, and used the top as a staging surface for projects. Here’s how it fared.

Build and finish

The cabinet’s 18/20‑gauge steel shell feels appropriately stout for its size. Panels don’t oil-can when pressed, drawer faces line up cleanly, and the seams and spot welds look consistent. The finish resisted scratches and shop grime during my time with it; a quick wipe brought it back to presentable.

The top is flat and confidence-inspiring. It’s rated for a 2000 lb worktop load, which I obviously didn’t max out, but I did park a benchtop planer and a tub of fasteners on it while clamping work next to them, and there was no hint of flex. The included top mat adds grip and keeps fasteners from skating away, and the pre‑cut drawer liners are a welcome touch—no wrestling with a roll and a utility knife.

Drawer performance and layout

The five drawers ride on full‑extension, soft‑close ball‑bearing slides. In practice, that means you can see and reach the entire contents without digging, and the last inch or two pulls itself shut with a gentle but positive action. I loaded one of the deeper drawers with roughly 140 lb of steel offcuts and fasteners to test the claimed 100–150 lb ratings. The slides stayed smooth and the drawer face didn’t sag or rack, even when opened fully.

The layout is a sensible mix of shallow and deeper drawers. The shallow drawers suit sockets, wrenches, and layout tools, while the bottom drawer easily swallows bulkier items like nailers or a circular saw. Because the liners are already cut, small parts don’t migrate as the drawers open and close.

A small but appreciated detail: with a full load, the soft‑close still engages reliably. Some mid-tier cabinets get sticky when they’re stuffed; this one stayed civilized.

Mobility and stability

The 6 in. x 2 in. casters are the right call for a cabinet this size. They roll easily over expansion joints and debris you inevitably miss with the broom. The “over‑toe” locking design means you can set and release the brakes with the front of your foot instead of reaching awkwardly or bending down. On my slightly sloped garage floor, locking both brakes kept the cabinet planted during drawer slams and when I was yanking on a stuck fastener.

The full‑grip tubular side handle doesn’t flex and gives good control when maneuvering in tight spaces. With the drawers stuffed, I rolled the cabinet about 40 feet across broom-clean concrete and up a rubber threshold; it tracked straight and never felt tippy. Basic physics still apply—open heavy drawers one at a time—but the stance and caster placement feel stable.

Side rails and power tool holsters

Two metal rails mount to the cabinet’s side and come with a pair of power tool holsters. I set one holster up for a drill/driver and the other for an impact. They keep daily drivers off the worktop and out of drawers while staying within reach. The rails themselves open the door to add-on organization—charger mounts, bins, and hooks are available separately. I mounted a charger to the rail and routed the cord behind the cabinet; it cleaned up my charging station without sacrificing drawer space. If you thrive on modular storage, the rails are a useful platform.

Security and everyday use

The internal keyed locking system secures all drawers with a single turn. It’s primarily a deterrent, not a safe, but it kept honest hands honest in my shared shop. The lock mechanism engaged cleanly and didn’t feel gritty.

Day-to-day, the cabinet is quiet and composed. Drawers close without slamming, nothing rattles while rolling, and the liners keep chatter down. I appreciate that the soft‑close doubles as a light detent—drawers don’t creep open if you move it with the brakes off.

Setup and dimensions

Assembly is straightforward: bolt on the casters and handle, set the rails and holsters, drop in the liners, and you’re ready. My cabinet arrived square and needed no adjustments beyond the usual caster hardware check.

On size: it’s billed as a 37‑inch unit, and my tape measured the main body close to that across the drawer faces. The depth of the body was roughly 21 inches, and the height to the top surface about 36.5 inches. Plan a little extra overall width if you install the side rails and handle; they extend the footprint beyond the cabinet carcass. If you’re sliding it under a bench or through a tight doorway, measure your space and account for those add-ons. The published numbers can be confusing because “nominal width” and “overall” aren’t always the same thing.

Strengths

• Smooth, consistent drawers: Full‑extension, soft‑close slides make a daily difference, especially when you’re in and out all day.
• Real load capacity: Drawers tolerate heavy contents without binding, and the top is sturdy enough to use as a small auxiliary bench.
• Thoughtful mobility: Large casters and toe‑friendly locks make it easy to move and secure.
• Ready-to-use organization: Pre‑cut liners and the included rails/holsters get you organized faster.
• Solid construction for the class: 18/20‑gauge steel and clean assembly inspire confidence.
• Lifetime limited warranty: Good reassurance for a storage piece that should stick around.

Gaps and tradeoffs

• No integrated power strip: If you want onboard outlets, you’ll be leaning on rail-mounted chargers or a nearby wall receptacle.
• Accessory ecosystem is extra: The rails are great, but bins, hooks, and mounts add to the cost if you go all-in on modular organization.
• Footprint clarity: Between nominal size and overall with rails/handle, it’s easy to misjudge clearance. Measure your path and final parking spot, not just the listed width.

Who it’s for

This cabinet hits a sweet spot for small to mid‑size shops, garages, and jobsite trailers where you want real drawer capacity, easy mobility, and a usable top without going to a massive 56‑inch box. Mechanics, carpenters, and serious DIYers will appreciate the combination of smooth slides, stout construction, and quick access to cordless tools on the side. If you need dozens of shallow drawers for specialty organization or integrated power and lighting, you’ll want to look higher up the food chain.

Long-term impressions

After a few weeks of daily use, I found myself trusting the drawers with heavier loads and relying on the rails to keep the top clear. The cabinet remained square, the casters never wobbled loose, and the soft‑close didn’t fade. The finish shrugged off a couple of accidental bumps with metal stock. It feels like a reliable backbone for a compact tool storage setup, not just a stepping stone.

Recommendation

I recommend the 37‑inch DeWalt cabinet for anyone seeking a sturdy, mid‑width rolling base with smooth, full‑extension drawers and practical mobility. Its strengths are the slide quality, real-world load capacity, and side-rail flexibility, all backed by a lifetime limited warranty. Just be sure to plan your space using the actual footprint, including the handle and rails, and budget for accessories if you want to lean into the modular side storage. If those caveats fit your workflow, this cabinet is a dependable, well-mannered addition to the shop.