Craftsman has added a new tool bag, model CMST21450, to their TradeStack modular tool storage system.
The Craftsman TradeStack storage system launched at Lowe’s last year, starting with a 3pc tool box combo set. This new tool bag is among the first new TradeStack products to be released since then.
The new TradeStack tool bag features 1680D construction, 55 pockets, and a waterproof bottom.
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Craftsman says that the dual-zippered main compartment can fit larger tools, and they also implemented a removable divider for greater organization.
The bag features two carry handles, as well as a padded shoulder strap.
Measurements: 22.5″ length x 12.4″ width x 14.5″ height.
According to the specs, the tool bag has 25 exterior and “30+” interior pockets. Total storage capacity is said to be 1565 cubic inches.
Price: $79.98
Discussion
Craftsman advertises that the TradeStack can be turned into a working station offering quick retrieval of the tools you need for the job. It does look like a convenient quick-access tool bag – almost half open tool tote and have fully-enclosed tool bag.
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What I’m excited about: The dual-zipper opening seems like it could be a nice touch, reminiscent of modern video camera and AV gear bags. Dual zipper openings usually allow for quicker access, and in this case it looks to help increase the tool bag’s storage capacity.
What I’m a concerned about: Craftsman says that the tool bag weighs 13-5/7 pounds, which I believe has to be a mistake.
The price is also a bit uncharacteristic for the Craftsman brand; $80 seems a bit much, even if the tool bag is quite large at 22″ long.
For comparison, the Craftsman VersaStack 17″ tool bag is regularly $60, and I’ve seen it priced as low as $40. The TradeStack is larger, more complex, and also has nearly double the number of the VersaStack’s 29 tool slots and pockets.
It’s a good sign that Craftsman is already expanding their seemingly Lowe’s-exclusive tool storage lineup, given that it only launched 8 months ago.
Overall, the new TradeStack tool bag looks to be very spacious and loaded with organizational options – pockets, straps, loops, and an internal divider.
Jared
Not bad! I don’t think that style would work for me, but the bag looks good.
Always interesting to see what SBD is doing with Craftsman too. When are we getting some “V” series reviews? 😉
Franck B.
I purchased the Tradestack open top tote a few weeks ago, I think it was added at the same time as the Tradestack tool bag. I like it because the few extra inches in width help hold some of my longer tools (Knipex in the longer sizes and some Stilsons etc.). I use the Tstak/Versastack hard totes a lot, because the Toughsystems add too much weight (well, it makes them tough). But the Tstak is a bit narrow. Then I was using the Tstak/Versastack soft totes (they don’t see the Dewalt version in the US for some reason), but it was too rigid and enclosed, while being narrow. So for me, the Tradestack tote really is hits a sweet spot.
And yes, the locking stuff together helps me when I’m moving things around, or for keeping them from sliding around other people’s vans without organizers.
Joe E.
Looks like a really nice bag to hold those rebranded Stanley tools from China.
They need to give us another USA factory update.
Covid delay or not, it’s hard to believe that the largest tool manufacturer in the world can’t seem to get out of their own way and get these tools on the shelves.
Franck B.
I’m using it to hold a lot of rebranded Facom tools from France. But I’m not restricting the bag to Craftsman labeled tools, although it does also have my Craftsman-branded Knipex pliers too.
But I agree, I’m waiting for the US factory to open before getting some new sets.
Doug N
Looks nice but would prefer something compatible with toughsystem since I have those boxes already. Any news on more Toughsystem 2.0 products?
blocky
Cool, it’s nice to see major companies revisiting toolbag design in a thoughtful way. This bag seems to get most things right: The sheer number of pockets, the bright interior, the general layout and vertical access, the waterproof bottom, the price.
If I needed another large bag, I’d probably try this before getting another Veto. IME, 1680 is a little thin, but plenty rugged.
The versastack bag is a better size for my use, but I was turned away by the fishmouth zipper design. I’ve never had a bag with that type of closure that ever got zipped up. This rectangle zip is much more accessible, but 22″ is something I would easily overload.
The large TRADESTACK branding is very unappealing to me, but they gotta get the name out there I guess. If not for Toolguyd, I’d never have known.
Koko The Talking Ape
I’d wonder about the drop-down flaps on either side. It presents a lot of tools so they’re laid out and easy to grab, but if the zipper fails, that flap will begin to flop open. On a more traditional bag, it will still function as a bag if the zipper fails. On top of the zipper, I’d like one or two quick-release buckles, which are durable and easy to replace.
Franck B.
The flaps have the carrying handles, so when you carry it the flaps are held closed. And you could put one of those velcro wraps that hold the handle together (it doesn’t appear to come with that). While I’ve had zipper failure before on some bags, I don’t seem to have a chronic issue with it, especially not tool bags. Mostly computer/tech bags where they’re not heavy duty, and musical instrument soft bags (like for my bass).
Koko The Talking Ape
Aha! Thanks, I didn’t look carefully.
I haven’t had a zipper fail often, but it has happened. Once a zipper just fell open in the middle. The teeth just let go.
I’ve had quick-release buckles break only once, and anyway they’re often replaceable.
Paul C
The weight doesn’t seem that out if mine considering the weight if the Milwaukee Packout bags. The Veto Pro Tech XL is the closest and weighs 9.4 pounds.
Brian M
I don’t want to like it but I do. Nice design for a bag, I’m hoping they will bring some of Stanley Fatmax bags that are sold in Europe and Australia to the US. Those are some really nicely designed bags as well.
Ball_bearing
I like the layout. Side pockets for the small tools, and a large open interior for PPE or other large stuff. The removable divider is a nice touch. The material is simlar to the one used in husky bags. If this thing is as durable, then the price is alright.
They need pictures of the interior of the bag without any tools in it.
Jon
Why does the logo have to be so damn big? I’m all for companies putting their names on products, but I don’t want to be a walking advertisement.
Jim
the large “Craftsman” logo is a theft deterrent feature.
Richard
Lol.
Mike
Would make for a decent bag for the shooting range I suppose. Don’t see it working out well for tools TBH.
MM
I was about to say that it reminds me of either a range bag or a camera bag. The double-zipper opening and the movable padded divider inside is very typical for a camera bag.
Nathan
It seems like a good idea and I’m intrested but it’s probalby not for me.
I have 2 thoughts – perhaps I missed it. The bottom of the bag has to have a plastic interface for the tradestack right – does it happen to have any sort of coating on the bottom of it.
Thinking about putting the bag on finished wood floors or putting it on a counter top – or something – I’d rather not have to worry about mucking things up. With the bags I have now they are soft/rubber bottomed and I don’t worry about putting then on my floor or countertops or say finished table.
Franck B.
It’s like the bottom of a case with the soft bag attached to it. My soft open-top tote is the same way. The Versastack open tote and bag also have a similar design.
So, you don’t really have the advantages of a soft bag (taking less space when it’s not fulll, folding down, etc), because the bottom is a hard shell.
David A.
Will be taking a close look. I bought a Milwaukee Fuel impact driver to carry in the truck, and the toolbag they sent with it is kind of underwhelming.
David A.
Went and looked, seems really well put together, zips are sturdy. Could easily replace the 2 toolbags I schlep around now.
Jayne Erin Defranco
I like it I like it but too much $ for me, maybe not for a pro, Still knowing Lowes the price may come down at some point for a sale. I’ll just continue to use the wooden totes me and my boyfriend made. thanks for posting.
Kevin
Can I buy the Tradestack adapter Separately?
Thanks
Stuart
Unfortunately, not that I know of.