Over the years I’ve had many tool boxes for truckssome good, some not so good, but until recently I never had a Weather Guard model because I wondered if they were worth the high price. Now I’m kicking myself for not buying one sooner. A few weeks ago I bought the Weather Guard Tool Box, Model 121-52-01 and installed it in the bed of my truck.

Since then, we’ve had to deal with a heavy rainstorm and the inevitable bumps that come with loading lumber and building materials into the truck bed every day. It holds up admirably and the locking mechanism keeps my tools from getting lost. Keep reading to learn more about this truck bed toolbox and my favorite features.

Our rating: 4.8/5

I test this truck toolbox was simple. My main concerns were its build quality, fit to my truck, and the locking mechanisms. I measured the dimensions of my truck bed before purchasing the tool box to make sure it would fit. Do not skip this step, even if your truck is on a list of acceptable models, as aftermarket bed liners and accessories may change the actual fit.

After mounting it on my truck, I went about my daily business, which consisted of carrying several tools in the Weather Guard box. I paid special attention to the quality of the lid hinges, as the lids of many metal tool boxes tend to close abruptly, but I was impressed with the soft-close feature of this one. I opened and closed it several times a day, and locked and unlocked the box periodically.

Is the Weather Guard Toolbox easy to install?

The tool box features no-drill installation, which is much better than drilling holes in your truck’s rail bed, as is required with some other truck tool boxes.

I positioned the toolbox so its shoulders were on top of my truck’s bed rail and checked to make sure it was centered. Inside the shoulders of the box there are four holes, two on each side. The holes are inside the rail seat, not directly above it, so drilling is not necessary. THE Weather protection box Comes with four U-clamps, carriage bolts and lock nuts.

It was simple to position the U-clamps under the corresponding holes in the box and insert carriage bolts through the clamps and holes in the box. From inside the box I attached lock nuts to the carriage bolts and tightened them with a wrench.

Since the lock nuts are inside the tool box, and not under the truck bed, they are not accessible from outside the box, making it more difficult for a thief to remove the box from the truck when the box is locked.

How does the toolbox hold up in difficult situations?

Even though I’ve only had the Weather Guard box for a few weeks, I’m very impressed with its quality and durability. The edge of the lid covers the top of the box, and after a rainstorm with high winds, I checked to see if any water had gotten into it. It was dry.

The sturdy aluminum the box is made from is also durable. When construction is your job, you don’t have time to deal with a toolbox. I inadvertently hit the bed while loading gear into the back of my truck, but so far no dents. Plus, the box is welded, not riveted, like some cheaper boxes are, so it’s strong and built to last. The lid has industrial-grade hinges with a spring-loaded system that prevents the lid from snapping shut, a feature I really appreciate.

Will the Weather Guard box keep my tools safe?

This is the most secure truck tool box I’ve owned, but if left unlocked, a thief can still open the top and get your tools. So, the best way to protect expensive power tools is to lock the box when you are not using your tools.

THE Weather Guard Toolkit features the 1Key Ultralock system. I was able to lock my lock using a code I chose. This is an added security factor because it prevents someone who has the keys to similar Weather Guard boxes from being able to use them to open mine. Some less expensive tool boxes have universal wrenches that fit virtually any box of the same style and brand. However, the key can only be coded once, and it is crucial to register the code with Weather Guard if you ever need a replacement key.

The lock is also tamper-proof. When I lock it with my key, the button that opens the lid retracts into the box. The toolbox also features high-strength locking strikers that resist tampering and prying.

Another benefit is that the box comes with two anchor points on the front which can be used with straps to secure portable tool boxesequipment or other objects in the back of the truck.

Is the Weather Guard box worth the premium price?

For me, the toolkit, which currently sells for $999.99 at Tractor Supply Co. and $1,129 at Lowe’s and Northern Tool + Equipment, is justified. Although the price is easily double that of lower quality truck tool boxes, I carry a lot of power tools and have lost some over the years to thieves who managed to pry the lids off cheaper boxes . I’ve also had tools damaged beyond repair from water seeping through the riveted seams.

I also like that this Weather Guard toolbox is saddle style. This allows me to slide ladders and lumber under the box, giving me room to carry long items that wouldn’t fit if the bottom of the box rested on the truck bed. Ultimately, if you don’t need a high level of security or durability, a cheaper box might be a better choice for you.

Buy the Weather Guard Saddle Tool Box at:

Product comparisons

This truck tool box is ideal for professionals or DIYers who need a durable and secure solution for storing and transporting their tools. Its sturdy construction and tamper-proof locking mechanism make it well suited for use in busy or high-crime areas. And, being pretty much weatherproof (maybe that’s why it got its name Weather Guard), it protects against the elements.

But if you need a toolbox for occasional use and you don’t need a high level of security, there are plenty of more affordable options that would work. Nonetheless, for those looking for a high level of tool protection, this Weather Guard truck tool box does not disappoint.

Buy the Weather Guard Saddle Tool Box at:

Meet the tester

Glenda Taylor is an entrepreneur, product tester, and writer primarily focused on construction, DIY tools, and appliances.