Over at Home Depot, their Black Friday 2016 tool sales event features a Dewalt Tough System rolling tool box stack for $129, and a Ridgid Pro rolling tool box stack for $98.
The Ridgid combo is regularly $127, the Dewalt would be $149 if the large Tough System box wasn’t currently on sale for $39.
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So, which is better?
I like the Dewalt Tough System more. I’ve purchased Dewalt Tough System boxes, and Ridgid Pro tool storage boxes. Here’s my review of a small Tough System tool box, and my review of the Ridgid Pro tool cart, tool box, and organizer.
If I were faced with buying a rolling tool box stack, it would be the Dewalt.
The Dewalt has sturdier side handles, which definitely come in handy when toting a heavy fully-loaded box around.
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The Ridgid’s handles are small, but still usable. I’m not even sure they’re really handles, as their primary function is to latch boxes together to form a secure stack.
The Ridgid offers good value for the money. But that’s the only reason I’d buy the Ridgid boxes over Dewalt’s, if I was looking to save a few dollars.
I like Dewalt’s latches better, and don’t recall having a problem with them yet. Actually, I think I did once have a Tough System box with a latch that didn’t close as securely as I expected. That was my one and only torture test box, and I had to take a sledge hammer to it before it would break.
Dewalt is coming out with a wall mounting system. That’s a big plus in my book, but it’ll probably be better for Tough System accessories or organizers, and not fully-loaded boxes that I tend to have around.
Both brands’ tool box are strong and sturdy.
Unless I’m remembering wrong, the Ridgid Pro system has a “wash your hands after handling” warning, probably due to lead-stabilized PVC in the handle or elsewhere. And again, this is if I’m not mistaken. That limited the types of things I could use my Ridgid boxes for, at least at home.
I’m more comfortable in using my Tough System tool boxes for things like photography equipment. In that respect, I sometimes treat them as less expensive Pelican cases.
With the new rolling tool box, you have 2 options for moving your Tough System tool box stack around, with the other being a large and wide hand truck-like cart.
Both brands’ tool boxes have proven that they can handle being kept in non-environmentally-controlled storage.
You couldn’t go wrong with either system. If you’re on the fence, check them out at your local Home Depot. Me? I’m the type to order one of each for comparison purposes, but if you do that with the Ridgid you break the deal.
Dewalt Deal: The large Tough System tool box has been discounted to bring the total 3-piece combo to $129.
If you’re okay with the higher price, Dewalt’s system also offers additional options, such as a clear lidded organizer.
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Ridgid Deal: Buy the bottom wheeled tool cart and the middle tool box, get the top organizer for free. Total price: $98.
The Ridgid deal should go live Thanksgiving Day, and if not, then on Black Friday.
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Szymon
I purchased the dewalt rolling box with the small parts organizer.
I had a hard time latching the organizer onto the rolling box with both facing forward. . The organizer had to be latched on backwards.
After careful inspection this is caused by the way the top box of the rolling case is designed.
I had to file-off a notch in the bottom of the organizer at the back to accommodate.
I’ll try to take a picture and post it on the TV forum.
Other than the boxes being heavy when loaded the dewalt is great.
Bill
After handling both, I bought the Rigid set. I took a bucket boss, cut it in half. Then wrapped the top of the bucket boss pouch around a Thin piece of aluminum and riveted it to the box. The pockets made the bottom box much more user friendly. As a contractor, I have one set up for painting and one for wood work. I am very happy with the Rigid model. I do like the fact that the latches work as handles. The thin size of the latch doesn’t bother me since the smaller boxes are not usually heavy.
BobbyM
Bill, can I get photos of your buckets boss hack? Sounds like a great idea.
You can send DM to blm(at)endevour(dot)com
Aaron White
I’m actually also interested in seeing this.
Cheryl Malcolm
Hi Bill, my son is going into welding. I like the Rigid box over the Hart from Walmart. Although the Hart offers 4 pieces for the same price, I think the Rigid will be stronger. Not sure if I can afford the Dewalt. Anyway, it’s 2 years later since you posted, Would you send me the bucket boss info as well?
Thanks
Met
Is there a system more focused on accessibility? Or on drawers or slide out bins like the l boxxes?
I like the concept of stackable storage for my gear but I would like to see more Drawers instead of deep boxes which I know have their use and I would not wish to discontinue them but perhaps see something that opens out, kitchen cabinet style instead of up like all of these. Let’s make mobile truly mobile.
I would like to get at my tools no matter where they sit in the stack when latched together especially when on the go and working from the back of a truck.
Stuart
There is a 2 drawer Tough System box, but I’ve never really found a use for it.
I liked the idea of the TStak drawer units, but too tall of a stack and things sag.
You could go with a Sortimo setup, but it’ll cost you big bucks.
firefly
Me too… I am still searching for a good modular drawers system for my garage.
I have the Tstak drawer units at home. For home/office type of tool box the Tskak drawers work very well. I do wish that there is a more rigid version of those drawers for heavier duty application. I did look at the tough system drawers and I didn’t see much of an advantage there.
The tough system with the cart/wall mount system where you can get access to the bottom box without undoing the whole stack seem like a reasonable compromise…
Tony Davis
The DeWalt has a two drawer piece. I use two to separate my kreg jig, oscillating tool, dremel and corresponding accessories. Still have one ‘eft open. Guess i need another tool.
Mickey
I have both and prefer the Ridgid over the Dewalt. I like the latches better as well as the lift handles although I would like a center handle on the small Ridgid box. The latches on the Dewalt are the type that can hurt you hands, I’ve gotten it a few times.
One issue I have with the Ridgid is the top of the small box has a lot empty wasted space on the lid of the small box, there have been several occasions where I’ve had to remove things from the small box to close the lid.
I bought the Dewalt before they had the bottom box with the dolly/wheels incorporated and now that they do the box is to big for me as it takes up too much floor space although the dolly pull handle for rolling it around seems better on the Dewalt.
I believe the Ridgid has a lifetime warranty, not sure about the Dewalt.
Chris
I’m pretty sure you can remove the inside top of the small organizer box if you don’t need it to hold small items in the removable orange boxes. If you’re not using the small boxes anyway, then if you remove that top, you’ll have more headroom for taller items…
Will
I have the Dewalt model with 2 drawers. You lose the air tight seal and in turn lose the water proof rating,but for a stack that sits around the home they are perfect. Also if it works with the stackable cart it might save you some headaches since you have to unstack the boxes to get to the tools in the lower boxes.
https://www.amazon.com/Dewalt-DWST08225-Tough-System-Drawer/dp/B00D8P17EC/
David Funk
Acme tools have the garage racking system in the stores bought two. Dwst08270 comes with a ds100 organizer for an additional $20. I did get a deal for the holidays. The one notable thing is the bracks do Not fold like the carts, but the carts do fit.
Chris Butigan
Bosch user here (l-boxxes)…
Stuart
I have LOTS of Bosch L-Boxxes. I like them a lot, but they’re quite a bit different.
I covered it a little here: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/best-modular-tool-box-system/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
And the separate review: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/bosch-l-boxx-tool-storage-system-review/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
David Funk
A note on the DS450 the handle is 24 1/2 inches high making it not fit under truck cover like the DS400.
Chance
That is one thing that surprised me about the DS450. Other than that I feel the handle is a pretty decent design and fairly stout.
Jimmie
Thanks for the comparison, Stuart!
wayne
Mickey. In regards to your comment about wasted space in the lid of the small ridgid box, there is a removable insert in that lid that opens up more space. Of course no box will close if its too full.
Aaron Rhodes
I bought a bunch of the dewalt boxes for my guys and no one has been happy with them. The box itself is quite well made but the stacking is a little gimmicky. Once you have slid a loaded box in and out of a truck a couple of dozen times the little string they clip together with break off and then can’t be stacked. I had one have the top handle snap off, dewalt response was it was overloaded but they are rated to 110 pounds and I am not carrying that around single handled. I am still hunting for a great tool box but these are not them
skfarmer
thanks for running with my idea. i really like the ridgid boxes and they may be a slightly better value but i think i will be going with the dewalt. there is just so many more options in the line with different boxes, carts and accessories. it would be really nice if the ridgid line had more options.
RX9
Additional info:
The Dewalt box set is labelled as made in the the USA.
From what I remember, the Ridgid set is made in Israel by Keter corporation.
Chance
The DS130 is made in USA, the other DeWalt boxes are not.
Adam g
The ds150 toolboxes I got last week are labeled were made in Israel.
Charlie
That Ridgid top case plus some foam would make an excellent case for flying with firearms for a fraction of the cost of a Pelican. Sturdy lock points.
fm2176
After owning the Ridgid system for almost two years, I have yet to damage it or notice any shortcomings. The DeWalt Tough System, on the other hand, has had a few problems, despite my preference for it. I’ve moved the Ridgid boxes around quite a bit, and kept the small box along with a couple of crates in my truck during the height of summer in Georgia. Other than scratches and normal wear, they have withstood rough handling, trips up and down concrete stairs, longish stays in non-climate controlled storage units, and rides in the bed of my truck in all types of weather. They lock together positively, and simply will not disconnect from each other accidentally. All told, I’m more than happy with them.
As for the Tough System, I’ve only owned the DS130 for a couple of months, and the DS450 for maybe a month or so. The first time I took the loaded boxes down the stairs a corner of the lid on the DS130 snapped off (it doesn’t hurt its function, however). Also, the boxes shook loose from each other, requiring me to hold them in place. Trying to pull the three boxes up a curb caused the retractable handle to pull out of place on one side, and while the side handles are much nicer, the spring no longer works on one of the bottom handles.
The two systems are very similar in size…I have them blocking off the loft in my apartment and they stand about the same height. I use the smaller Ridgid box for 12v tools and assorted screws. It can hold a drill, impact driver, charger, two batteries, tape measure, square, and assorted other tools in the center area, while keeping the organizer boxes filled with hardware. The DS130 seems almost designed to be a battery box. A larger 20v Max battery (3-5Ah) and a smaller pack (1.3-2Ah) both fit perfectly in each organizer box (a total of four of each), with room in the center for a charger, another large battery, USB hub, four Tough Cases with bits, and seven 12v Max batteries in the center. The drop-down organizers in the lid are used for marking tools and odd bits.
I use the mid-sized boxes in each system for hand tools, as they approximate a standard hand-carried tool box. There is very little difference between them in function. The bottom boxes are used for boxes of screws and cordless tools. The Ridgid can be made much more compact, as the handle fully retracts. Also, the lid must be fully removed from it, which may or may not be a drawback for some users. Finally, though not technically part of the Tough System, the Tough Chest has been outstanding as a means to transport cased tools and miscellany in the bed of the truck without having to worry about water damage.
As it stands now, I need to get one each of the rolling boxes (or a DS400 with dolly) to complete a second set of each system. Additionally, I purchased four of the Ridgid crates, which work great as catch-alls in the backseat of the truck. Eventually, a DS150, DS400, and Tough System radio will be added to the DeWalt stacks. The modularity and ease-of-use that both brands offer make these boxes a decent investment in my book. I can see where they might not hold up to heavy professional use or abuse, though, and we’ll see how they hold up in the coming years.