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Muc-Off Metal Utility Toolbox

7
£40.00

VERDICT:

7
10
Not cheap, but very well made and not a bit of plastic in sight
Very robust
Hardwearing finish
No internal compartments
Weight: 
1,398g
Contact: 

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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One thing you can say about the Muc-Off Metal Utility Toolbox is that it is very well made, with nothing exposed to rust and not a hint of plastic in sight. It is pricey though, especially considering there are no internal compartments.

Let's be honest, if you just want a box to chuck your tools or bits and bobs into, you probably won't be plumping for this Muc-Off option. After all, you can pick up a basic, plastic toolbox for around a tenner, even cheaper if you search online.

The Metal Utility Toolbox though is part of Muc-Off's Project Green, which is all about delivering environmentally focused improvements across its business, which in part means a move away from single-use plastic.

> Six essential tools for cyclists who do their own bike maintenance

That's why the toolbox is made 100% from metal, which is recyclable and robust. The toolbox has been made in China though, so there is still a fair amount of shipping involved to offset any carbon-neutrality.

2023 Muc-Off Metal Utility Toolbox - handle.jpg

The whole unit is very durable. I've been flinging it in and out of the car boot when I'm travelling with the bike and there isn't a dent in sight or the slightest scratch to the matt black finish.

The handle and the clasp are equally tough, the latter also featuring a loop for a padlock.

2023 Muc-Off Metal Utility Toolbox - clip.jpg

Its nine-litre volume means you can carry a fair amount of stuff inside, although there are no trays, compartments or dividers to keep your stuff organised.

Priced at £40 it's more of a long-term investment than an impulse buy, but if you want a smart-looking box for your cycling tool's it's worth a look. At 36 x 17 x 18cm it's easily portable too.

Value

For the same sort of money, you could get three-drawer metal portable tool chest from Halfords, which gives you loads more storage.

The Muc-Off isn't alone at this price point though, the Stanley Fatmax 23in is a bit larger overall. It is mainly plastic in its construction with some metal thrown in and it's yours for a penny under £40.

Conclusion

Compartments would be nice, and the lack of them is probably my biggest criticism, but the toolbox is very well made. Plus, its size makes it ideal if you drive to rides, as you can carry plenty of essential tools and lubes inside for pre-ride and post-ride fettling. It isn't cheap, but then again, it's not quite as expensive as I thought it might be and its all-metal construction should last for years.

Verdict

Not cheap, but very well made and not a bit of plastic in sight

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Muc-Off Metal Utility Toolbox

Size tested: 36 x 17 x 18cm

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Muc-Off says: "Looking for a toolbox that's spacious and tough-as-nails? Roger that! Keep your tools, bike care swag and spare parts from going AWOL with our new Utility Toolbox."

It's a simple toolbox, but it's a good quality product that should give you years of service.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Durable, metal construction

Secure locking latch system

Powder coated matt black finish

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
4/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

It's spacious and well made.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

There is nothing exposed to rust.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

There are no internal compartments.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

You can get plastic alternatives for a lot less, but overall its price represents its quality when you compare it to similar options.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Probably not, but if I wanted to cut down on plastic use it would be a contender.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

Not the cheapest solution, but one that is well made, roomy and a good choice as a long-term investment.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 44  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month's test bike  My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,

As part of the Tech Hub here at F-At Digital, our senior product reviewer Stu uses the knowledge gained from putting well over a 1,000 products through their paces (including hundreds of bikes) to write in-depth reviews of a huge range of kit. After first throwing his leg over a race bike back in 2000, Stu's ridden more than 160,000 miles on road, time-trial, track, and gravel bikes, and while he's put his racing days behind him he still likes to smash the pedals rather than take things easy. Although, as he spends a fair bit of his time reviewing ebikes these days he's becoming an expert in letting the motor take the strain. He's also waiting for 23mm race tyres to make a comeback!

Add new comment

7 comments

Avatar
Dnnnnnn | 8 months ago
2 likes

"a move away from single-use plastic"

Wait... you're not supposed to keep using your plastic toolbox? I've been re-using mine for about 30 years - I feel so stupid.

Avatar
Rendel Harris | 8 months ago
4 likes

Metal army surplus ammunition boxes (pretty robust, for obvious reasons) of exactly the same size for a third of the price on eBay. One could always write MucOff on the lid with a marker...

Avatar
BIRMINGHAMisaDUMP replied to Rendel Harris | 8 months ago
1 like

I still have some old film tins for my days in the film industry. They are metal and make good tool boxes. (N.b kids - before digital everything was recorded on tape) 

Avatar
Brauchsel | 8 months ago
6 likes

"Forty quid, for an empty metal box?" 

"It's a cycling metal box, and the environment."

"Take my money."

Avatar
mark1a replied to Brauchsel | 8 months ago
5 likes

Gravel version currently at final sign-off stage, it's an extra tenner and will have some aluminium tread plate on the top. 

Avatar
hawkinspeter | 8 months ago
1 like

That loop looks a bit small to fit a decent padlock through it. I suppose it depends on whether you put anything valuable in it

Avatar
Sredlums replied to hawkinspeter | 8 months ago
0 likes

No matter the size of the padlock, it's useless anyway. It's a small box with a handle. Very convinient for a thief to pick it up and take on the lock at home, with all the time in the world and a cup of coffee at the side.

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