1991 Chevy C/K Pickup 2500 Diamond Plate Truck Tool Boxes

Diamond plate is one of the most classic and widely-used patterns for flatbeds, utility beds, steps, ranch-style bumpers, and truck tool boxes. This iconic pattern features a series of raised diamonds that were originally engineered to add grip to metal floor surfaces, preventing workers from slipping or falling, even with wet boots!

As time passed, the pattern became synonymous with the blue-collar industry and, thus, the rugged diamond plate toolbox was born! 

Diamond Plate Toolbox Benefits

So what other benefits does diamond plate have, being that most tradespersons aren’t walking on their pickup’s toolbox? 

Aside from its classic appearance, diamond plate is rugged and durable. Traditionally, steel or aluminum sheets are stamped with the diamond plate pattern, which are then used to manufacture toolboxes. Due to the stamping process, diamond plate alloy sheets are much more rigid than flat sheets, allowing manufacturers to use thinner metal to cut costs and weight without sacrificing strength. When paired with the classic benefits of lockable tool storage, a diamond plate toolbox simply can’t be beaten!

Tool Box Options

Diamond Plate tool boxes are available in several styles and options, including mounting styles, construction, and finish.

Construction and Finish

Regarding construction, the two most common materials used to construct diamond plate toolboxes are aluminum and steel, each with its unique benefits. 

Aluminum is incredibly rigid and corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for leaving in a raw or polished finish. The alloy is also lightweight, reducing any unnecessary strain on your pickup’s rear suspension. 

On the other hand, steel toolboxes are magnetic and highly durable; however, this added strength comes at a cost. Steel is much heavier and more prone to corrosion than similar aluminum tool boxes, which is why it’s typically finished in a sleek black powder coat or painted finish.

Mounting Locations

Diamond plate tool boxes come in several configurations, depending on your preferred mounting location and form factor. Some of the most common include: 

• Crossover Tool Box: A crossover toolbox spans the width of your pickup’s bed, sitting atop the bed rails for maximum storage space. 

• Side Mount Tool Box: Side-mount toolboxes mount lengthwise on your pickup’s bed rail for easy access from outside the bed. 

• Chest/Low Profile Tool Box: Tool chests typically sit below the bed rails, disappearing into the bed for a sleek appearance.

• Wheel Well Tool Box: Wheel well tool boxes mount in the underutilized space just before or behind your pickup’s wheel well.

• Portable Tool Box: An easily-removable toolbox with integrated wheels and a convenient pull strap/handle, making transportation a breeze. 

• Trailer Tongue Tool Box: A tapered chest designed to mount on your trailer’s tongue.

Other styles include those engineered to fit under a tonneau cover, like the UWS Secure-Lock Under Tonneau Chest, and underbody toolboxes, like the UWS Single Door Underbody Toolbox, designed to fit beneath your pickup’s utility, flat, or service bed.

Size and Shape

Diamond plate truck tool boxes come in various sizes and shapes, ideal for suiting a wide array of applications. 

Low Profile tool boxes, like the Camlocker Low Profile Crossover Truck Tool Box, feature a shallow design, enabling them to practically disappear when viewing your truck from the side! These boxes are ideal for those that enjoy the practicality of a toolbox, but aren’t a fan of the styling. 

Drawers in a tool box, like what’s found in the UWS Drawer Truck Toolbox, allow you to organize small bits and pieces, like hardware, sockets, drill bits, and more! 

Angled tool boxes, like the UWS Secure Lock Angled Truck Tool Box, are ideal for unconventionally-shaped beds and wheel wells,