The Dewalt One Touch tool box is still around!
I tested one of these 24-inch tool boxes quite a long time ago, and it was as perfect as could be.
It features a built-in seal for water and dust protection, soft handle grip, V-groove on the lid for cutting pipes and similar materials, and removable tote.
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The highlight of this Dewalt DWST24082 tool box is its One Touch opening latch. As the name suggests, you can open the tool box with just one touch. The latch has a spring-action and snaps closed when the lid is lowered.
With all of the hype surrounding modular tool storage systems today, I almost forgot that this tool box existed. I did look for it a few years back, and didn’t see it at the time, so maybe there was a gap in availability.
Dewalt says that this tool box can hold up to 55 pounds of tools.
It measures 24″ long x 11.4″ wide x 11.4″ deep (externally).
I’ve been using modular tool boxes for standalone purposes over the past few years. If I needed something a little more portable (this had a traditional narrow profile that was comfortable to carry) or less expensive, this would be it.
The Dewalt One Touch tool box was a fantastic example of how a couple of minor-seeming features can hugely affect the user experience.
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Judging from the online user reviews, it doesn’t look like the construction or build quality has change at all over the years.
I gave my test sample away a long time ago, but can be easily convinced to buy a new one. I’d buy a new one without hesitation.
Price: $32-35
A reader recently asked about non-modular tool boxes I could recommend, and I drew a blank. I’d like to change my answer; this Dewalt should be at the top of anyone’s list.
tjb
Only one picture, Stuart?
Stuart
I couldn’t find any images of the inside. I’m still working to dig up my photos.
I reviewed this for a magazine around 11 years ago and have been reminded of this tool box maybe once since then. I was excited to see it’s still available and didn’t want to wait on photos I might not be able to find.
Bob+Hinden
Lots of pictures on the Home Depot page:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-24-in-D-Resin-1-Touch-Hand-Tool-Box-DWST24082/202710560
tjb
But I’m lazy!
Chrisk1970
I’ve had one for over 7 years. My admin assistant gave it to me with diaper gear for my son’s baby shower. I’ve been using it as my catchall trailer box for the last two years but prior to that it was my emergency roadside kit in my cruiser. Thing has take a lickin’ and keeps tickin’
Big Richard
If you are going to buy modular tool boxes though, the new ToughSystem light is available for pre-order at a few vendors. Eligible for $20 off at Acme with promo code, too.
https://www.acmetools.com/dewalt-toughsystem-20-20v-max-light-box-dwst08060/885911948302.html
Jared
I feel like toolboxes in this style are antiquated – but maybe you buy a non-modular box when you only need one and don’t want it to feel “incomplete” by having extra latches you never use.
Hon Cho
Can’t be too antiquated because lots oand lots of different versions available from manufacturers all over the world. Still a great way to store and transport tools from place to place.
Jared
I would readily acknowledge that that my sentiments only apply to me, as-in I would probably never buy one of these because I place too much value on the advantages of a modular system.
I think I would choose a modular box even if it was the only one I planned to buy or the tools I carried in it didn’t need to attach to anything else. There’s not really any drawbacks and then I could modularize later. But if that’s not your jam… this style still exists.
JoeM
These types are good for EDC uses. People in inspection trades carry the exact same tools every day, and use boxes like these to carry their tools with them throughout the inspection process, rather than having a belt or bag.
I’d say the Cantilevered versions of this are the ones more “Antiquated” but I don’t equate Antiquated to Useless. There’s an infinite number of things you can repurpose a tool box for, that the other use doesn’t have a good design for such tool boxes. Fishing Gear, as much as there’s always advancement in Tackle Boxes, sometimes aren’t as useful as they are, without the old cantilever drawer system. If it is an old design, sometimes it’s better used by a different need.
So, I do find these single-use tool boxes to be somewhat “old fashioned”, 100%. It hasn’t stopped me from owning 4 of them for my tools. In this case, a placeholder until I go full TSTAK, and no longer need the single-use boxes. Though… Mine are Canadian Tire Jobmate (House Brand) cheap kinds, not DeWALT. They were always bought to be replaced. But they’ve survived over 20 years of heavy storage and use, so I expect to be using them for many more years once empty. As what? Dunno. We’ll see. But, they’re still infinitely useful.
Franco Calcagni
I love cantilever boxes!
My first tool box was one of the “barn” style cantilever boxes. When it was loaded up, I could hardly lift it!
I remember being a kid, when the TV repairman (remember them…they made house calls!) came to fix our TV. He put his box down, opened it up and all the tiered shelves with different tubes!
I was in love!
eddie sky
Still disappointed that I have a Dewalt pneumatic flooring nailer and Dewalt neither sold with storage box/case nor offers anything it can be stored in (securely).
ToolGuyDan
You own tools, my friend… if the world doesn’t provide what you want, you can create it!
Plain+grainy
I ‘ve had one for many years!I used mine for storing my safety gear. Just fabulous! Now if it only came in multiple colors like the Manhattan coin purse.
fred
I’ve bought 3 of them over the years. The first in 2016 cost me $19.97. The second – was bought in September 2022 for $29.98, Then I bought a third last February for $26.97 – so the current asking price seems a bit inflated – or it might go on sale from time to time. But that aside – the box is a nice storage option.
Shaun V.
I picked up one of these a few months back and turned it into a storage box for my DeWalt 12″ chainsaw. Had to cut a little rectangle out of one end for the sheath of course, but it fits great and has plenty of room for wedges, bar oil, a spare chain etc.
PETE
We’ve been using one for a jobsite box. what i like about it….. once you drop the lid- it closes and stays closed- as long as the box is level. Which keeps it from being grabbed and dumped out because it wasn’t closed or latched.
We’ve abused it for probably 5 years or so. Would buy again if needed.
Fowler
I love these boxes, I got my first one maybe 10 years ago as a teenager in the robotics club because it was the most capacity for a low price. I took my soldering station, drills, pretty much all the tools we’d need to school every day in that thing, and it worked incredibly well! Now my dad uses it to cart around hunting gear.
I don’t tote my tools around as much anymore, but I bought a second box just in case, and it still comes in handy as a step stool, small work platform, and cavernous storage box
Mopar
I’ll have to take some measurements to be sure, but this seems like the perfect replacement for the small toolbox that came installed on my tractor.
Mopar
Anyone have any idea how tall this box is open? Like total overall height needed to fully open the lid? I can make an educated guess at 21-1/4ish” if I have to, but an actual number would help me figure out if I can modify my tractor’s current toolbox mount to make this one fit.