DeWalt 24" One Touch Tool Box

First impressions and setup

I brought the 24-inch DeWalt toolbox into rotation to solve a simple problem: I needed a tough, grab-and-go box for mixed hand tools, a couple of compact power tools, and the usual jobsite consumables that always seem to get lost in the shuffle. The first thing that stood out was the one-handed latch. With an armful of lumber in one hand and gloves on, I could pop the lid with the other without fighting two separate latches. The mechanism is firm and positive; it snaps shut with enough bite that I never worried about the lid creeping open in transit.

The resin shell feels appropriately rigid for a box in this class. It’s not a metal chest, but the walls don’t oil-can when you squeeze them, and the corners have enough meat to handle getting tossed in a truck bed. At 6.47 pounds empty, it’s light enough to start with a clean slate—what you put in will dictate the carry, not the box itself.

Design details that matter

• Latch and lock: The single, centered latch is metal, and there’s provision to add a padlock (not included). I’ve opened and closed it hundreds of times; there’s no slop in the motion and no hint of the latch deforming under load. With a padlock, the box feels legitimately secure for casual environments. It’s still a plastic box at heart, but opportunistic access is deterred.

• Handle: The padded, soft-grip carry handle is kinder to the hand than smooth plastic, especially once you push past the 30–40 lb mark. There’s no secondary side handle, so it’s a one-hand carry proposition.

• V-groove on the lid: Useful in a pinch. I’ve used it to steady 3/4-in PVC and to mark cuts on a 2x. It’s a convenience feature, not a stand-in for a sawhorse, but I appreciate having the option when I’m traveling light.

• Water seal: The integrated gasket around the lid is the quiet hero. After a muddy day, I hit the box with a hose and later checked the contents—dry. I also left it in a light overnight rain on the truck; no moisture intrusion, and very minimal fine dust ingress after a drywall demo day. This is weather resistant, not submersible, but it’s the kind of protection I want from a jobsite-grade box.

Capacity and organization

On paper, you get 3,064 cubic inches of storage and a 55 lb weight capacity. Practically, the internal footprint (roughly 20 in long by 7.5 in wide with 9.6 in of usable height under the closed lid) dictates how you pack. That narrow width is both a blessing and a constraint:

• What fits well: Hand tools (hammers, chisels, pry bars), socket rails, drill/impact with compact batteries, an angle grinder, fastener boxes, and plenty of aerosol cans or quart bottles standing upright. I regularly pack a 25 ft tape, full wrench roll, two cordless tools, and a scattering of consumables with room to spare.

• What doesn’t: Bigger-bodied tools in their cases won’t fit. Some circular saws, larger nailers, or bulky organizers are a stretch because of the 7.5 in internal width. If your workflow leans on carrying one very large tool, this probably isn’t the right footprint.

The removable half-length tray is genuinely useful. I drop fasteners, driver bits, HVAC tape, markers, a small square, and a knife in the tray, and keep longer items beneath. The tray lifts out smoothly and doesn’t bind. It’s also rigid enough to carry separately to a work area, which I’ve done when I only needed the smalls. Just note: there are no built-in dividers beyond the tray, and no lid organizers. If you want micro-organization, plan on adding pouches, foam, or your own bins.

Durability after real use

Resin construction is always a balancing act between weight and longevity. After months of use, the shell shows scuffs and a couple of superficial scratches, but nothing structural. The hinge line hasn’t loosened or cracked, and the lid closes squarely without having to coax it. I’ve loaded it to around 45–50 lb multiple times; there’s a little flex when you grab the handle at that weight, but no creaks or alarming sounds. I wouldn’t exceed the 55 lb rating, but the box feels honestly rated.

The metal latch is the standout for longevity. It hasn’t bent or lost spring tension, and it still snaps with the same confidence as day one. If there’s a wear point to watch over the long haul, it’s the interface where the tray rests on its internal ledges—small plastic points always take the brunt of weight—but so far there’s no rounding or deformation there.

Ergonomics day to day

• One-handed opening really does save time. On ladders, in tight spaces, or while juggling materials, I’ve come to rely on it. It’s a small quality-of-life detail that shows up dozens of times during a workday.

• The handle’s padding keeps hot spots at bay. When fully loaded, you’ll still feel the carry, but the rounded profile spreads the load better than a hard plastic edge.

• The flat lid stacks nicely with other boxes in the truck, though there’s no interlocking system here. If you’re a modular-stack diehard, this isn’t designed to click into a larger ecosystem.

• No wheels means you need to be honest about how much you load. For short hauls and a reasonable kit, the footprint and carry feel right. If you want to move heavy loads across a large site, consider a wheeled solution.

Field use highlights

I keep two primary loadouts for this box:

• General maintenance kit: pliers set, wrench roll, screwdrivers, nut drivers, a compact drill/impact pair, a small box of assorted fasteners, electric tape, ANA, and a couple of lubes and cleaners. Everything fits cleanly with the tray holding the smalls. The long interior lets me lay out pry bars and a hacksaw underneath.

• Finishing and paint odds-and-ends: roller frames, brushes in protective sleeves, painters tape, caulk tubes, rags, and a quart of primer. The upright height avoids crushed bristles and dented cans, and the water seal keeps fumes contained better than a loose tote.

I used the lid’s V-groove for quick PVC cuts while installing a condensate line. Close the lid, mark the cut, and a couple of careful strokes got it done. It won’t replace proper supports, but in a pinch, it’s a smart touch.

Shortcomings and small cautions

• Organization is minimal out of the box. Beyond the half tray, there are no integrated dividers or lid storage. Plan to supplement with pouches or small organizers if you carry lots of tiny hardware.

• The interior width limits certain bulky tools. Measure your go-to piece before assuming it will fit.

• No modular connectivity. If your workflow leans on stacking and rolling an integrated system, this box is a standalone solution.

• Accessories not included. The box is lockable, but you’ll need to supply your own padlock. Marketing photography for tool storage often shows add-ons; make sure you’re clear on what’s in the box from the start.

Warranty and value

A limited lifetime warranty on a toolbox is reassuring. It speaks to confidence in the shell and latch more than anything else. While every warranty has fine print, it’s good to see a long tail of support for a product that’s going to get beat up by design.

In terms of value, you’re paying for a solid shell, a weather-resistant seal, and a genuinely useful latch-and-tray combo. There’s nothing flashy here—and that’s the point. It aims to be a dependable, everyday box that you don’t have to baby.

Recommendation

I recommend the 24-inch DeWalt toolbox for anyone who wants a durable, weather-resistant, no-nonsense carry box with quick access. It’s especially good as a generalist kit for service work, home projects, and trades where you’re moving a curated set of tools rather than one oversized specialty tool. The one-handed latch and water seal make a daily difference, and the build holds up to honest use.

Skip it if you require modular stacking, wheels, or you routinely carry large, wide-bodied tools that exceed the 7.5-inch interior width. For everyone else, this is a smart, reliable box that does its job well without getting in your way.