Japanese Steel Toolboxes: TOYO Y-350 vs ST-350

Toyo Steel pioneered deep-drawn, seamless steel toolboxes in Japan in 1969, and their blue boxes are now a familiar sight in Japanese workshops. A steel toolbox protects tools better than plastic, doesn't crack when dropped, and lasts for decades. We stock two of the most popular 350mm models.

TOYO Y-350: simple and tough

The Y-350 is a single-compartment box pressed from one sheet of steel, with no seams.

• Curved (camber) top for extra space inside
• Rounded handle with no sharp edges
• Outer size W373 × D164 × H124mm, 1.3kg
• Takes a padlock up to 4mm shackle
• Good Design Award 2009

Best for: a small home tool kit, a car boot kit, or carrying a few long tools such as screwdrivers, pliers and a wrench.

TOYO ST-350: two-level cantilever

The ST-350 opens up to swing out two trays above the main compartment, with eight removable dividers.

• Cantilever design: everything visible at once when open
• 8 removable dividers for screws, bits and small parts
• Outer size W350 × D160 × H215mm, 2.6kg
• Takes a padlock up to 4.8mm shackle

Best for: electricians, technicians and hobbyists who carry lots of small parts and bits alongside hand tools.

Which one?

• Mostly hand tools: Y-350
• Hand tools plus screws, bits and small parts: ST-350

Both are made in Japan. A good starter set to go inside: an ENGINEER screw removal plier, a Vessel cordless screwdriver and a Makita tape measure. See all our tool boxes.