Black & Decker 16 in. Toolbox and Organizer

First impressions and setup

I set up the 16-inch Black & Decker box as a catch‑all for my most-used hand tools and small hardware. Out of the packaging, it’s lightweight at just over four pounds empty and compact enough (about 17 x 9.2 x 8.5 inches) to slide on a shelf or under a workbench. The lid opens cleanly, and the first thing that stands out is the array of organization options: two clear pods on top for small parts, a lift‑out tray inside, and a removable organizer with adjustable dividers. Nothing here screams heavy-duty jobsite, but for a general-purpose tool box and parts keeper, the layout is inviting and intuitive.

Layout and capacity

The main compartment handled my everyday kit: a 16 oz hammer, a 25 ft tape, a set of screwdrivers, needle‑nose and lineman’s pliers, a small level, a utility knife, and a stud finder. With the lift‑out tray removed, I could angle in a compact cordless drill, but it was tight once I added a spare battery. This is a hand‑tool-first box; it’s not meant to swallow an army of power tools. The lift‑out tray is useful for keeping frequently grabbed items—markers, bits, razor blades—within easy reach. The removable internal organizer sits alongside or on top, depending on your load, and it makes the most of the box’s footprint without wasting space.

Organization options that actually help

Where this box earns its keep is in the small-parts management. The removable organizer includes six dividers you can reposition to build narrow channels for screws or wider bays for wire nuts, anchors, and small fittings. I split mine into four narrow lanes for wood screws and two broader ones for drywall anchors and machine screws. The top lid’s two clear compartments pop out entirely, which is convenient when you want to bring a small assortment to the work area without the whole box. The see-through plastic is surprisingly clear, so I could check supply levels at a glance. I labeled each pod and the internal organizer rows; a few minutes with a labeler makes this box much faster to work from.

Build quality and durability

The build is plastic throughout—handle, latches, and hinges included—so expectations should be set accordingly. The latches snap closed with a positive click and didn’t spring open in transit, even after a week of tossing the box into a trunk and back out in the driveway. The hinge is a molded design that flexes slightly when the lid is fully open, but not in a worrying way. After a handful of trips and light knocks, there were no cracks, though the glossy lid on the clear pods does scuff with use. I wouldn’t rate this as a heavy-load hauler; pack it with dense fasteners and overstuff the main bay, and the lid and latches feel near their comfort limit. For hand tools and an assortment of hardware, the durability matches the intent.

Portability and daily use

At 4.1 lb empty, you can load it with an everyday set and it still stays reasonably easy to carry. The handle has enough clearance for gloved hands and distributes weight well across the lid. The rectangular footprint sits securely on shelves and in car trunks without tipping. Because the top compartments are removable, I learned to keep only lightweight consumables up there—screws, anchors, picture hangers—so the lid doesn’t feel top-heavy when open. If you’re moving from room to room for small jobs, the ability to grab just the tray or one of the clear pods is a genuine time saver.

Little conveniences

Small touches add up here. The built‑in ruler across the lid sounds throwaway, but it turned out handy for quick checks—cutting a piece of tape to length, measuring a dowel before trimming, or confirming screw lengths without hunting for a tape measure. The box is lockable via a padlock hasp on the lid. I used a small luggage-style lock; it’s not high security, but it keeps curious hands out and prevents the lid from popping open in a vehicle. The see-through top compartments do the same for small parts visibility. I also liked that the internal organizer lifts out cleanly; on a ladder, I could bring just the screws I needed instead of juggling the whole box.

Where it shines

• Apartment or homeowner kits: Perfect for consolidating the core hand tools plus a sensible spread of screws, anchors, and hanging hardware.
• Hobby and craft storage: The adjustable dividers are great for model parts, beads, heat-shrink, or electronics components.
• Vehicle/trunk tool kit: Light enough to live in a trunk; the lock keeps the lid shut, and the small parts stay separated even after bumpy rides.
• Quick fix rounds: Two clear top pods let you carry a job-specific mix of fasteners without digging through the main compartment.

What could be better

• Heavier-duty latches would raise confidence if you plan to load it with lots of metal fasteners. Plastic latches did fine in my testing but feel near their limit when the box is very full.
• Water resistance is minimal. There’s no gasket, and the removable top pods are not sealed, so keep it indoors or in covered transport if rain is in the forecast.
• Depth for power tools is limited. A compact drill can fit diagonally, but the box isn’t designed to be a power-tool vault. If your workflow revolves around multiple cordless tools, a larger, modular system will serve you better.
• The molded hinge works, but a metal pin hinge would improve longevity for users who open and close the box dozens of times a day.

Tips for getting the most from it

• Configure the six dividers with intent: put your most-used screws in the largest bays that align closest to your dominant hand when you open the lid.
• Dedicate one clear pod to “consumables of the day” and reload it per task—picture hangers for a gallery wall, anchors for a bathroom refresh—so you’re not carrying excess.
• Label each compartment; it speeds restocking and makes it easier for others in your household or team to return items where they belong.
• Avoid overloading the top pods with heavy fasteners; keep weight in the main bay to preserve latch and lid longevity.

The bottom line

The 16-inch Black & Decker box strikes a practical balance between a traditional toolbox and a parts organizer. It’s sized right for a household or light-duty kit, and the mix of a lift‑out tray, a removable adjustable organizer, and two clear top pods makes everyday jobs more efficient. The build is firmly in the “sensible and lightweight” category rather than “indestructible,” and that’s fine if you use it within its lane: hand tools, small hardware, and frequent grab‑and‑go tasks. If you need weather sealing, metal latches, or a place to stack multiple power tools, look elsewhere. If you want a compact, well-thought-out way to keep hand tools and small parts tidy and portable, this one does the job with minimal fuss.

Recommendation: I recommend this toolbox for homeowners, renters, hobbyists, and anyone who values straightforward organization for hand tools and small parts. It’s easy to configure, easy to carry, and the clear, removable compartments genuinely improve workflow on small projects. Professional users with heavier loads or harsh environments should choose a more rugged box, but for basic organization and portability, this is a smart, functional pick.