Klein Power Box 1 Review: A Magnetically Mounted Power Hub for Your Toolbox

Introduction

Klein has started expanding beyond hand tools and testers into shop accessories, and the Klein Power Box 1 looks like one of the first entries in that direction. It is a magnetically mounted power hub designed to live on the side or back of a steel toolbox, and it packs four 120V AC outlets, two USB-A ports, and one 45W USB-C port into a single orange box.

At around $39.95 on Amazon, it sits in affordable territory, and after using it around the shop, it feels like a genuinely well-built piece of kit rather than another flimsy power strip.

What the Klein Power Box 1 Is

The Power Box 1 is a four-outlet power box on a five-foot captive cable, held in place by strong magnets so you can slap it onto a steel toolbox, cabinet, or any magnetic surface and start powering gear immediately. It supports at least four 120V AC devices at once, plus charging over two USB-A ports and a 45W USB-C port that is sized for laptops and other larger electronics.

If magnets are not your thing, there are four mounting holes for screws or bolts, plus a keyhole slot so you can drop it onto a standard screw head and keep it secure. That flexibility matters because not every mounting location is magnetic, and Klein has clearly thought about people who want a permanent installation rather than a slap-on solution.

Design and Build Quality

Compared with some of the cheaper, thinner power strips on the market, this one feels solid. The orange housing is classic Klein, and the outlet layout is one of the smarter details: the grounding holes all sit on the outside edge of the strip. Anyone who has wrestled with a wall-wart or an awkwardly shaped plug knows the frustration of losing an outlet because a bulky plug blocks its neighbour. With the grounds facing outward, bulky plugs can hang off the edge without sacrificing the outlet next to them.

There is also a small but useful indicator light. In a dark shop, that little glow is often the only way to confirm the unit is actually powered. One detail worth knowing: the light only comes on when the unit’s switch is turned on, which makes sense given the internal surge electronics need to be isolated otherwise.

Everyday Performance

In use, the outlets delivered readings in the 117 to 118 volt range, which is normal for a 120V circuit. The USB-A output measured around 5.06 volts, plenty for phones and small electronics, while the 45W USB-C port is there for laptops and larger devices.

The box also includes protection circuitry. When a fault condition was simulated with an open ground, the unit correctly flagged the problem rather than showing a false grounded indicator, and it continued to show its protected status. Klein does not publish a clamping time specification, but an electrician who tested it reportedly found the response well within the range needed to protect electronics. That is secondhand information, so treat it as encouraging rather than definitive.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The magnets are the headline feature, but they only work on ferrous surfaces. If your bench or wall is wood, drywall, or aluminium, you will need to use the screw holes or the keyhole mount instead. One clever option: mount a small steel plate where you want power, then let the magnets do the holding so nothing has to be screwed into a wall.

Also note that this is a single fixed-cable unit with a five-foot reach, so plan your placement around where the nearest wall outlet is.

Who Should Buy It

This is a great upgrade for anyone who wants to add power directly to their toolbox or work area. It is especially appealing if you regularly plug in battery chargers, work lights, or a laptop at the bench, or if you just want powered USB charging within arm’s reach while you work.

Given the price of around $39.95, it is an easy recommendation for electricians, DIYers, and anyone setting up a serious shop. It also helped that it arrived in a box alongside a handful of other Klein tools being put through their paces, and the impression from the brand’s build quality carried over here.

Buying Advice

Buy it if you want a tough, magnetic, multi-format power hub for a steel toolbox or shop cabinet. Skip it if you have no magnetic mounting surface and no interest in screwing it down, or if you need more than four AC outlets. The USB-C port alone makes it more versatile than most basic power strips at this price.

Conclusion

The Klein Power Box 1 does one job well: it puts safe, flexible AC and USB power exactly where you work. Strong magnets, a sensible outlet layout with grounds on the outside edge, a helpful indicator light, and solid construction make it a worthwhile $39.95 upgrade for any shop.