Synopsis: The perfect combination of protection, access, and flexibility. That’s what Chris Schwarz finds in his tool chests, which he has worked out of for decades. Here he describes two main types: a full-size floor chest and a Dutch tool chest. The full-size version is of dovetailed construction, with tool trays and a dust seal, possibly some tills for saws and planes. The Dutch chest is more portable, less complicated to build, and has fewer dividers and tool holders.

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While many woodworkers regard tool chests as antiquated or quaint, I have found that they can offer the perfect combination of protection, access, and flexibility for storing hand tools.

Fortunately, the simple and common forms of chests are far more useful than their fancy, inlaid cousins with Frenchfitted compartments. My chests are tools themselves, and I design them to be used for the long term. From its size to its…