toolbox

A toolbox is a container or collection used to organize and store tools. In everyday use, a toolbox is a portable box, chest, or bag designed to keep hand tools accessible and protected. Traditional toolbox materials include wood, metal, and durable plastics, and many designs feature a hinged lid, a lock, and compartments or removable trays to separate tools by function. Portable versions range from simple hand-carry boxes to rolling chests, while larger tool chests are common in workshops.

Contents vary by trade but typically include items for fastening, measuring, cutting, and assembly. Common tools found in a general toolbox include a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, tape measure, utility knife, saws, level, square, nails, screws, and marking tools. Organization strategies emphasize grouping by task and routine maintenance such as cleaning, sharpening, and replacing worn components. Safety considerations include secure storage of sharp tools, proper transport, and using personal protective equipment as needed.

In computing, the term toolbox refers to a collection of software tools, libraries, or modules that extend a base program. Toolboxes provide specialized functionality for tasks such as data analysis, signal processing, or machine learning. Examples include MATLAB Toolboxes, which add domain-specific capabilities, and language ecosystems where packages or modules function as toolkits within development environments.

See also: tool chest, toolkit, software library, package manager.