Well now, if ya got a pickup truck, and ya find yerself needin’ a good place to keep all yer tools and stuff, then a side tool box might just be what yer lookin’ for. I ain’t no fancy expert or nothin’, but I can tell ya, them side tool boxes can really come in handy. They fit right on the sides of yer truck bed, and that gives ya easy access to whatever ya need without makin’ a mess in the back of yer truck.

What’s a side tool box, anyway? Well, it’s just a box, usually made of metal or aluminum, that attaches to the side of yer truck bed. They’re real popular with folks who need a good spot to keep their tools, ropes, or even parts for workin’ on the truck. They’re easy to get to, and they don’t take up too much room. You just open ’em up and grab what ya need, no fuss, no mess.
Now, if yer thinkin’ about buyin’ one, you gotta know a few things. First off, the size of yer truck bed matters. Some boxes fit better in certain beds than others. You gotta know if yer truck’s bed is big or small, and then pick a box that fits. Don’t go buyin’ somethin’ too big or too small for the space, or else it might just be a headache.
Why Choose a Side Tool Box?
- Easy Access: These boxes sit right on the side of the bed, so you don’t have to climb in the truck to reach what you need. You can just reach over and grab yer tools.
- Space Saver: Unlike other types of tool boxes, side-mounted ones don’t take up the whole bed. They sit on the side, leaving room for other things like lumber or feed bags.
- Durable: Most of these boxes are made of strong materials like aluminum or steel, so they can hold up to the weather and whatever work you throw at ‘em.
- Security: A good side tool box will come with a lock, so ya don’t have to worry ’bout folks stealin’ yer stuff. Just lock it up when yer done, and yer tools stay safe.
Now, when yer pickin’ out a side tool box, you gotta think about what kinda material it’s made of. Some of ‘em are made of aluminum, and they’re light and strong, while others are made of steel, which is a bit heavier but might be even more durable. Aluminum is usually the choice for folks who need somethin’ light and easy to move around, but steel’s good if you need somethin’ extra tough.
How to Install a Side Tool Box
Don’t worry too much ’bout puttin’ one of these boxes on your truck. It’s easier than ya think. Most of the time, you can just use a set of J-hooks to attach the box to the side of your bed. J-hooks are these metal hooks that come with the box. They make the installin’ process real simple. You don’t even need to drill into yer truck most times! You just hook it on and tighten it up, and that’s it.
Some of these tool boxes might need a lil’ more work, though. If ya get one that doesn’t have the J-hooks, you might have to drill a few holes into the truck bed. But don’t let that scare ya. It’s not too hard, and there’s plenty of instructions out there to help you out.
Once it’s installed, you’ll have a nice, sturdy place to store all yer tools. Some folks even use ‘em to keep other stuff in, like their jumper cables, first aid kit, or even some firewood if they’re out workin’ on the farm.

Where to Find These Side Tool Boxes?
If yer in the market for one of these boxes, there’s plenty of places to look. A lot of folks go online to places like eBay or Tractor Supply. You can find all sorts of sizes and types, from aluminum ones to steel ones, and from fancy ones to simple ones. Just make sure ya get the right size for yer truck bed!
For instance, if ya look around, you might find somethin’ like a 36-inch side mount tool box, which is a good size for most trucks. Or if yer truck bed is a bit bigger, you might want a 48-inch box. There’s even ones with drawers if ya need a bit more organization. And, of course, you can always find boxes that come with locks, to keep yer tools safe when ya ain’t lookin’.
Final Thoughts
Well, that’s the gist of it! Side tool boxes are a great way to keep yer tools safe, organized, and easy to get to. Whether ya need somethin’ big or small, aluminum or steel, there’s a box out there that’ll fit just right for yer truck. So if ya’re in the market for one, don’t hesitate! Get ya one of them side tool boxes, and you’ll be set for all sorts of work. And remember, ya don’t need to be a mechanic to know a good tool box when you see one!
Tags:[side tool boxes, truck tool boxes, pickup truck storage, side mount tool box, tool box installation, truck accessories, aluminum tool box, secure tool storage]