TRUSCO Toolboxes Compared: ST, GL and GT Steel Boxes by Size
TRUSCO (Trusco Nakayama Corporation) sells steel toolboxes under its own name in Japan. The three ranges you will see most often are the 2-tier ST and GL series and the 3-tier GT series. This guide compares them by outside size, weight, number of tiers and locking options, using the figures published by MISUMI, a large Japanese industrial supplier. Where we could not confirm a figure, we say Not confirmed.
- Smallest and lightest: ST-350-B (350 × 160 × 215 mm, 2.6 kg).
- Deeper 2-tier box for larger tools: GL-350-B or GL-410-B (227 mm deep).
- Most tray space you can see at once: GT series (3 tiers), from 352 to 472 mm wide. The widest, the GT-470-B, is in our store.
- Wheels: only the GL-600-B lists casters as standard.
The comparison table
All models below are steel, blue, and open on both sides (cantilever trays). Sizes are outside width × depth × height. Linked models are in our store.
| Model | Tiers | Outside size (mm) | Weight | Lock | Made in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST-350-B | 2 | 350 × 160 × 215 | 2.6 kg | Cylinder lock (sold separately) | Japan |
| ST-3500-B | 2 | 350 × 160 × 260 | 2.8 kg | Cylinder lock (sold separately) | Japan |
| GL-350-B | 2 | 357 × 227 × 289 | 3.9 kg | Padlock (4.8 mm hole) | Not confirmed |
| GL-410-B | 2 | 417 × 227 × 289 | 4.3 kg | Padlock (4.8 mm hole) | Not confirmed |
| GL-470-B | 2 | 477 × 227 × 289 | 4.8 kg | Padlock (4.8 mm hole) | Not confirmed |
| GL-600-B | 2 | 607 × 227 × 305 | 7.2 kg | Padlock (4.8 mm hole) | Not confirmed |
| GT-350-B | 3 | 352 × 220 × 343 | 5.3 kg | Cylinder lock (sold separately) or 30 mm padlock | Japan |
| GT-410-B | 3 | 412 × 220 × 343 | 6.6 kg | Cylinder lock (sold separately) or 30 mm padlock | Japan |
| GT-470-B | 3 | 472 × 220 × 343 | 7.3 kg | Cylinder lock (sold separately) or 30 mm padlock | Japan |
Source for all figures: MISUMI product pages (links at the end). The GL series pages do not state the country of manufacture.
TRUSCO toolboxes in our store
ST-350-B — compact 2-tier box
The smallest and lightest box in this guide: 160 mm deep and 2.6 kg empty. A good size for a basic hand tool kit.
View TRUSCO ST-350-B
GL-350-B and GL-410-B — deeper 2-tier boxes
227 mm deep, so larger tools fit. The lid takes a padlock. Choose the GL-410-B if your longest tool does not fit in about 350 mm.
View GL-350-B View GL-410-B
GT-470-B — widest 3-tier box
Three levels that open out on both sides, 472 mm wide. Takes a cylinder lock (sold separately) or a 30 mm padlock. It weighs 7.3 kg before you add tools.
View TRUSCO GT-470-BHow the three series differ
ST series — compact 2-tier
The narrowest boxes here at 160 mm deep. The middle tray slides out, and the dividers in the top tray can be moved or removed. The ST-3500-B has the same footprint as the ST-350-B but is 45 mm taller.
GL series — deeper 2-tier
At 227 mm deep, the GL boxes hold larger tools than the ST series. MISUMI notes that all corners are rounded, the middle tray dividers can be removed, and the lid takes a padlock. The GL-600-B is the only model in this guide with casters as standard.
GT series — 3-tier
Three levels open out on both sides, so you can see the contents of every level at once. The dividers in the top and middle levels can be removed, but the middle tray itself is fixed. All three GT boxes are 220 mm deep and 343 mm tall; only the width changes.
How to choose
Measure your longest tool first. Compare it with the box width. The table shows outside sizes, so the usable space inside is a little smaller. For example, MISUMI lists the inside of the GT-470-B as 470 × 218 mm.
Pick the number of tiers by how many small parts you carry. A 2-tier box suits a set of hand tools. A 3-tier box gives you more shallow trays for bits, fasteners and small parts.
Check the weight when full. The weights above are for the empty box. A 3-tier GT box starts at 5.3 kg before you add tools.
Decide how you will lock it. The GL series takes a padlock. The ST series takes an optional cylinder lock. The GT series takes either.
Slim Japanese metal cases (KTC)
If you need a slim steel case for bits, sockets or small tools rather than a tray box, these KTC cases are in our catalog. All are single-opening steel cases with no tray, made in Japan according to TRUSCO's catalog.
| Model | Outside size (mm) | Weight | Padlock |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTC EK-5 | 375 × Not confirmed* × 110 | 1 kg | Yes (4 mm shackle, up to 55 mm long) |
| KTC EKB-1 | 275 × 150 × 50 | 0.8 kg | No |
| KTC EKB-2 | 455 × 190 × 60 | 1.6 kg | No |
| KTC EKB-3 | 275 × 150 × 35 | 0.6 kg | No |
* TRUSCO lists the EK-5 depth as 165 mm and MISUMI lists 175 mm.
KTC EK-5 — steel case with padlock loop
The largest of the four by height (110 mm), and the only one that takes a padlock.
View KTC EK-5
KTC EKB series — slim flat cases
Flat cases 35 to 60 mm tall. The EKB-2 is the long version at 455 mm wide.
View KTC EKB-2 View KTC EKB-1 View KTC EKB-3FAQ
Do TRUSCO toolboxes come with wheels?
Of the models in this guide, only the GL-600-B lists casters as standard. The GT-470-B does not.
Do they come with a lock?
MISUMI lists the lock as something you add: a cylinder lock sold separately (ST and GT series) or your own padlock (GL and GT series).
Are they made in Japan?
MISUMI lists Japan as the country of manufacture for the ST and GT series. The GL series pages do not say.
How do I convert the sizes to inches?
Divide millimeters by 25.4. For example, 350 mm is about 13.8 in.
Related guides
- 6 Japanese socket sets compared
- Japanese screwdrivers by job
- 3/8" Japanese ratchets compared
- Japanese hand tools guide
Looking for a different TRUSCO model?
If the toolbox you want is not in our store, send us the model number and we will check.
Contact usSources
- MISUMI: TRUSCO 2-tier toolbox ST series (ST-350-B, ST-3500-B: sizes, weights, sliding tray, cylinder lock, made in Japan)
- MISUMI: TRUSCO 2-tier toolbox GL series (GL-350-B to GL-600-B: sizes, weights, rounded corners, padlock hole, casters on GL-600-B)
- MISUMI: TRUSCO 3-tier toolbox GT series (GT-350-B to GT-470-B: outside and inside sizes, weights, fixed middle tray, lock options, made in Japan)
- TRUSCO Orange Book: KTC EK-5 (size, weight, padlock, made in Japan; the EKB-1, EKB-2 and EKB-3 pages give the same details for those models)
- MISUMI: KTC single-opening metal cases (EK-5 size and weight, EKB-3 size)
Specifications may change. Confirm current specifications with the manufacturer before buying. Last reviewed: October 2026.
