6 Best Truck Bed Side Pockets For Storing Small Grafting Tools

Grafting is a precise, high-stakes task where misplaced shears or a dull budding knife can ruin an entire afternoon’s work. Fumbling through a messy truck bed for delicate tools is more than a frustration; it often leads to tool damage or accidental injury. Dedicated storage pockets turn a chaotic truck bed into a mobile workshop, ensuring that the right tools are always within reach when the weather window for grafting is tight.

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UnderCover SwingCase: Best for Easy Access

The UnderCover SwingCase excels by mounting to the side wall of the truck bed and swinging out over the tailgate when needed. For a hobby farmer moving between orchards or nurseries, this design provides immediate access to grafting knives, tape, and labels without the need to climb into the truck bed.

The quick-release locking mechanism keeps tools secure while driving, yet allows the box to pivot outward effortlessly. It is an ideal solution for those who use a tonneau cover but still want full functionality of their storage space. Because it occupies the dead space over the wheel well, it leaves the rest of the truck bed open for larger supplies like soil amendments or fence posts.

If efficiency is the priority and you frequently swap between different tools throughout the day, the SwingCase is the gold standard. It is not designed for heavy-duty power tools, but for the specialized, delicate items required for propagation, it is hard to beat.

TruXedo TonneauMate: For Tonneau Cover Users

The TruXedo TonneauMate is specifically engineered for those who already use a tonneau cover and find traditional storage boxes incompatible with their setup. It mounts between the bed rails, sitting below the cover line to ensure complete security and weather protection for expensive grafting equipment.

This storage box is best suited for farmers who prioritize security above all else. Because it stays tucked underneath the tonneau, it is hidden from view and protected from the elements, making it perfect for storing specialized tools that stay in the truck all season. The tradeoff is that it requires opening the tonneau cover to access the contents.

Choose this option if your primary concern is preventing theft and keeping dust and moisture away from sensitive grafting blades. While it sacrifices the instant accessibility of a swing-out box, the peace of mind offered by the added security and weather-proofing is invaluable for long-term tool maintenance.

Rightline Gear Side Bag: Top Budget Option

When the budget is better spent on high-quality rootstock or fertilizer, the Rightline Gear Side Bag offers a functional, low-cost alternative. These soft-sided storage bags attach to the side of the truck bed with quick-release straps, making them extremely easy to install or remove.

Because these bags are flexible, they are forgiving when storing odd-shaped items like rolls of grafting tape or bundles of scion wood. They are not as secure as hard-sided plastic or metal boxes, but they provide a simple way to keep small tools from rolling around the bed.

These bags are best for the weekend farmer who does not leave tools in the truck overnight. If you have a small operation and need a quick, affordable way to organize, these bags do the job. If you need long-term security or extreme weather protection, look elsewhere.

DECKED Side Bins: The Premium Integrated Pick

The DECKED Side Bins are designed to be paired with the DECKED drawer system, effectively utilizing the otherwise wasted space in the corners of the truck bed. These bins are constructed from high-impact polymer, mirroring the rugged, industrial-grade quality of the main drawer system.

For the hobby farmer who is already invested in a professional-grade bed system, these bins are the logical choice for keeping small tools organized. They are fully removable, meaning the entire bin can be lifted out and carried directly to the grafting site, which is a significant logistical advantage.

These are premium products that come with a price tag to match. However, the level of integration and durability offered by these bins makes them the best choice for a serious, long-term farming setup. If you are looking to build a permanent, organized mobile workstation, the DECKED system is the definitive answer.

Lund Fender Well Box: Most Durable Storage

The Lund Fender Well Box is a classic, heavy-duty solution made from diamond-plate aluminum. It is built to survive the harshest conditions, making it an excellent choice for a truck that works as hard as the farmer, constantly hauling gravel, lumber, and heavy tools.

The rigidity of the aluminum provides a level of protection that plastic bins simply cannot match. If you are worried about sharp grafting knives puncturing or cracking a container, the steel or aluminum construction of the Lund box provides the necessary puncture resistance.

This is the right choice for the farmer who demands longevity and security. It is bulkier and heavier than other options, but it is effectively indestructible under normal agricultural use. For those who prioritize durability over aesthetics, the Lund Fender Well Box is a reliable, “buy-it-once” investment.

Husky Universal Box: A Versatile Low-Cost Pick

The Husky Universal Box is a straightforward, no-nonsense storage container that fits a wide range of truck beds. Its simple design makes it incredibly easy to bolt down, and it provides a reliable, dust-resistant environment for your essential grafting gear.

While it lacks the sophisticated features of a pivoting or sliding system, its simplicity is its greatest strength. It is spacious enough to hold not just grafting tools, but also small hand trowels, marking pens, and gardening twine, acting as a general-purpose organizer for the small-scale producer.

If you are just starting out and need a dependable, inexpensive way to stop losing tools in the truck bed, this is the most practical choice. It provides the essential utility of a dedicated container without the premium cost of specialized designs.

Choosing a Pocket for Your Truck and Tools

Selecting the right storage depends entirely on the rhythm of the farming work. Before purchasing, consider the volume of tools you typically carry; a massive metal box is overkill for a few grafting knives and a roll of parafilm, while a small soft bag might fail to keep moisture out during a damp spring.

Evaluate the climate in which you work as well. If the region experiences heavy rain or snow, prioritize hard-sided, lockable boxes with weather-sealed lids. Conversely, if you prioritize quick accessibility for rapid fieldwork, a pivoting or open-top system will reduce the downtime between tasks.

Finally, analyze the current truck bed setup. Does it feature a tonneau cover, a camper shell, or an open bed? Matching the storage solution to the existing gear configuration prevents frustrating retrofits and ensures that the tools are available exactly when needed.

Installation Tips for a Secure, Rattle-Free Fit

Most truck bed storage boxes come with universal mounting hardware, but take the extra time to use high-quality, weather-treated bolts and oversized washers. This prevents the box from working itself loose over time, especially when traveling on bumpy rural access roads.

To prevent rattling, apply a layer of adhesive rubber weather-stripping between the mounting bracket and the truck bed wall. This simple step dampens vibrations and keeps the installation quiet, even when the truck is empty and the bed is prone to resonating sounds.

If drilling into the bed is not an option, many clamp-style mounting systems are available that allow for a secure, semi-permanent fit. Regardless of the method, ensure the box is mounted firmly enough that it cannot shift during hard braking or sharp turns, as a loose box can quickly become a projectile.

How to Organize Small Tools and Prevent Damage

Keep sharp grafting tools isolated from other equipment to maintain their edge. Using individual blade sheaths or custom foam inserts within the box prevents knives from clinking together and dulling their blades during transit.

Utilize small, clear plastic organizers or modular dividers within the storage box to categorize items by task. For example, group all grafting tape and labels in one section, while keeping cutting tools separate in another. This prevents the “junk drawer” effect where small, critical items get buried at the bottom.

Labeling the sections can also save time during the height of the busy season. When the day is long and exhaustion sets in, having a place for every tool helps maintain order and ensures nothing is left behind in the field.

Keeping Your Grafting Tools Secure and Dry

Moisture is the enemy of carbon steel grafting blades. Even in a secure box, humidity can lead to rust, so include a few desiccant packs in the storage container to absorb ambient moisture.

For additional protection, lightly coat metal tools with a food-safe oil before storing them for the night. This creates a barrier against oxygen and moisture, extending the life of the edge and ensuring the tools are ready to use the next morning without needing a frantic cleaning session.

Always ensure the lid of the storage box is fully latched before moving the truck. A secure lock not only keeps tools away from opportunistic theft but also ensures the weather-seal functions correctly, maintaining the protective environment required for precision farming equipment.

Investing in dedicated storage for grafting tools is one of the most effective ways to streamline farm operations. Whether you opt for a premium integrated system or a simple, budget-friendly box, the resulting organization will pay for itself in saved time and preserved equipment. By keeping tools protected from the elements and readily accessible, the transition from one chore to the next becomes seamless, allowing for better focus on the growth and health of the orchard.