Dewalt recently launched new customizable ToughCase accessory case options.
I recently posted about Milwaukee Tool’s all-new Packout-compatible accessory cases, which will include the option to buy empty cases and insertable screwdriver bit rails.
Dewalt’s approach is taking a different approach.
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Let me rephrase the opening statement, as almost all modern Dewalt ToughCases are customizable. For the first time, you can now buy an empty small-size Dewalt ToughCase, in black with a clear lid.
Before now, only the medium ToughCase ($7 at Amazon) has been sold by itself with only adjustable dividers.
This ToughCase looks to fit the same insertable rails that are included in the brand’s existing screwdriver bit assortments.
However, it doesn’t look like empty rails are available at this time.
At the time of this posting, there are 4 different “build your own” FlexTorq impact-rated screwdriver bit set options.
Each option comes with a different assortment of bits, ranging from 19 to 31 pieces. Three of the loadout options come with 3 or 4 bit rails, and one comes with a bit box and bit holder.
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If the ToughCase is identical to the clear-lid yellow ToughCase that comes with different bit assortments, it should be able to fit two sets of the custom bit loadout options.
It’s good to have more options!
Price: ~$7 for the ToughCase, ~$14 to $20 for the “build your own” refill packs
Discussion
Personally, I buy bit sets and swap rails and components around. While building out my own ToughCase might be convenient, I find it’s cost-effectiveness enough for me to buy off-the-shelf assortments that I then customize to my needs or wants.
What I mean is this – I can buy a Dewalt Maxfit 30pc bit set right now, with 3x wider-spaced power bit rails and 2x insert bit rails for $9.97 at Home Depot as part of their holiday deals.
I can remove the bits I am less likely to use (such as slotted), and replace them with refills from bulk packs.
Bosch launched a customizable bit case system a few years ago, and I have yet to buy a single product from that line. What I did do, however, was purchase bit sets that included the same products, and I customized them just a little bit to suit my preferences.
Is anyone piecing together their own Bosch bit set? Why, when it’s more economical to start with a 40pc bit set in a custom case for $15 at Lowe’s for the holidays? On Amazon, empty cases start at $5.39, a small bit box is $3.29, a row of 8 insert bits is $7.69, a bit holder is $4.99, and at this point the 40pc set is already the better approach.
Milwaukee – I believe – is the first power tool accessory brand to launch empty boxes and empty bit rail inserts. It will be interesting to see how that goes.
If Dewalt also starts selling empty bit rails, that would definitely increase the appeal. I want to be able to take bulk packs of Phillips #2, Torx T20, T25, and T30 bits, and load them into an empty ToughCase equipped with empty rails.
Each Lowe’s store near me has a couple of dozen Dewalt 30pc ToughGrip bit sets still in stock at $9.98 each, and the Home Depot stores near me all many dozens and even hundreds of Dewalt MaxFit bit sets still in stock at $9.97 each (also available with free shipping).
Right now, buying and parting out bit assortments is still the most economical way to do this, regardless of brand.
That said, I’m still glad to see Dewalt give this a try, even if only with one size of empty ToughCase and a couple of refill options.
James+C
I put together a medium ToughCase with the goal of a wide bit selection yet lots of room leftover for organized screws. The best option I found for holding 1″ insert bits was a generic bit holder, the soft plastic kind that packs them tight with four rows of eight bits (often sold like this for security bits for some reason – search for “33 piece insert bit set”).
They’re packed very efficiently and easy to remove (unless you’re wearing gloves or have sausage fingers). In fact, with these type of bit holders, and using a Tough Case, you can leave off the holder’s “lid” and use it for another set of bits. I wish I could post a pic here. It’s a pretty nice setup.
Ball_bearing
If you mean the vinyl or silicone ones that come in red and other colors, they are great. If you remove the central part that serves for storing a bit holder, you can easily store 144 bits per lid/half of a small tough case. If I knew how, I would make a full sized one that would lock in the small dovetails around the lids.
James+C
Yep, those are the ones. Have you tried the medium ToughCase? It’s not as tall as the small ones. The bit holder with 1″ bits is the perfect height. You already know the width is about perfect, and you can use one of the dividers that comes with the case to hold it snugly in place.
Great idea on modifying the bit holder.
Ball_bearing
Not yet, but I need to get a few to organize some mini tools. I will try the divider trick you mentioned. If they are held firmly in place that would be awesome. Thank you.
Rog
I have a few of these Dewalt cases from Lowes and I LOVE them. They’re a great size, very reasonably priced and use them for all sorts of tool and non-tool related storage:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-Medium-Tough-Case-Set-Case-Only/1001770712
MM
I like the Toughcases a lot. But I *REALLY* hope that Dewalt is listening and chooses to sell the insertable bit rails separately. Quite frankly, not selling the rails on their own is outright stupid. What is the point of a modular organizing system if it’s challenging to get the modules you need to organize it the way you want? How hard can it possibly be to offer those rails for sale, if nothing else via the spare parts network?
fred
I agree in principle – but wonder if the pricing will make sense. You can buy a set with bits for under $10 (HD sale) or an empty box for $7 (Amazon). What will they be able to sell the bit rails for to make retailers want to stock them and us want to buy them?
The appeal of the sets has always been that they look like a bargain based on the number of pieces that you get. But then when the most used bits wear out – you may find that buying those individually costs considerably more per piece (eg. 2 PH#2 bits for $4.47 at HD) – so even though the set may not have the exact same bits – you might decide that another 30-piece mixed set at $9.97 is a more cost-efficient purchase.
When we were buying for the fabrication business – we’d but Ph2’s in boxes of 100 from Apex and try to toss them when they showed any sign of wear – or buy premium specialized bits (eg. Wera SS or Wera Diamond coated) for certain critical assembly tasks.
MM
I do agree that the sets are often cost-effective as you quite often do get an incredible number of bits for the money. That’s how I put together the two toughcases I use now: I bought the empty medium boxes, and I configured the insides the way I wanted using the insertable rails scavenged from various sets. It works, but it’s often wasteful–I have an old coffee can full of surplus bits I’ll likely never use, and even though I’ve bought several assortments my organizer is still not optimized the way I want it. The reason for this is that the “rails” I prefer are the kind where you can tilt the bit in and out. It seems that most kits have very few of those relative to the smaller kind that are more difficult to access. Right now I’ve got hex shank drill bits, 2″ and 6″ impact rated bits in common sizes, and a couple bit holders plus an extension in those rails. But the other tools I keep in there–inch and metric nutdrivers, inch and metric hex bits, security torx bits, a step drill, and misc. 1″ bits for the bit holder–are relegated to the harder-to-access type of rail. I think I’d have to spend a lot of money on kits to get enough of the tilt-and-lock rails to suit my needs.
I imagine these are terribly cheap to mold, probably well under a penny each, even selling for a dollar a pop they’d be attractive to customers and they’d make a huge % markup.
fred
You make a case for this. If they are listening, maybe we’ll see a pack of 10 rails for $12 on Amazon ($8 for the actual rails plus $4 for their “free” shipping)
MM
I would absolutely buy a product like that!
Sam
Craftsman, dewalt, Irwin ( and even facom, and bostich) all have interchangeable bit rails and bit cases.
There’s a $9 set of craftsman bits on sale at lowes (been on sale for months) with 2x of the 7 piece 2” bit rails, and 1x of the 5 piece 2” bit rails, and 2x of 7 piece 1” bit rails. Bought a few of these and that covered most of what I wanted.
Lowes has also had a set of 4x tough cases w 100 bits on sale for $25 for a couple months now. Bought one of those too.
Selling the bit rails by themselves would be useful, but it’s so easy to find cheap combos that it doesn’t really matter.
One thing I’d like changed is the large tough case. It’s great for stacking the medium and small onto, but once it’s stacked up, you have to remove everything to open it, and it’s just too big and awkward to carry around. I bought one of these but ended up again, just taking all the bits and bit rails out and using them in other cases.
Matt+the+Hoople
Right Now Home Depot has a 10 piece black and gold drill bit set in this case for 5.97. Grabbed a couple. I use these cases not just for bits but also for 1/4 socket sets, first aid kits, pocket knife storage and other miscellaneous item storage uses. 5.97 is the best price I’ve seen and I now have extra drill bits. They are the smaller sizes that always break or dull quickly so most will get used eventually.
Steve L
Bought a Dewalt MaxFit 120 piece kit last year and again this Black Friday to get more rails and a large case to go with my other ToughCases. The ToughCase system works really well for me.
If starting from scratch today don’t know if it would be Dewalt or Milwaukee who offers more options but I think at a higher price.
I buy bulk when I need more bits. Has been Bosch and Wiha, will try Milwaukee next time.
Robert
Stuart,
Regarding “buying in bulk.” Since unaugmented humans can’t safely wield more than two impact drivers at a time, I assume you buy these bits in bulk because of breakage of the shaft or wear out of the tip. However, you had a couple of reviews of the Mikita XPS bit kits, the latest review was 10 Nov 2021. You said then that they seemed to wear less than other brands. You had explained the relationship between hardness and brittle and the trade off for breakage. If I remember right, none had broken on you. A year later, what is your experience with the XPS?
Rog
I use the XPS bits exclusively and they’re great. They definitely do seem to be better than any others that I’ve used in terms of fit, keeping their shape and haven’t broken any yet.
Stuart
By bulk, I mean 15pc packs or similar, not 100+
I rarely break bits, and often either wear them to where they slip and damage fasteners, or misplace them. It’s easier for me to track down a fresh bit than one I used on my last project.
I like the XPS bits and bought another Torx pack. I mainly use Shockwave and Maxfit after that. I still have a lot of Bosch bits, but I don’t like their fitment as much.
I grab other brands/styles for different reasons.
Bonnie
I had the same experience with Bosch bits. They tend to drop screws way more (I primarily use robertson drive). Makita’s regular bits seem to round over if you even think about using them, so I haven’t taken the chance on the XPS line.
Ryan+H
I’m now imagining Stuart wielding multiple impact drivers at once, completing projects in mere seconds that would take us mortal humans hours to do…
Stuart
Unfortunately, having 4 arms requires time-consuming decisions to be made. Which impact driver is to be wielded by which arm?
Steve
I wish I could buy the bit rail inserts myself, especially the 7 slot long bit holder. They also need to come up with a way to do drill bit holders with options for holding different bits somehow.
Eliot Truelove
I’ve thought the same thing. have plenty of different drilling holders in different pack that are missing bits that have either snapped or gotten lost. I wish there was a way to hold the bits, like a grid of rubber bands or something, 2 high and 10 long or something. this way they stretch around the bit or something.
Sam
They have drill bit holders. You just find the cheapest dewalt/craftsman/Irwin drill bit set you can that fits your criteria. Then you empty the bits out, and put the bits you prefer in. It’s wasteful but it’s the best option at this point.
Rog
Rails seem like something that could easily be 3d printed in yellow by someone and sold via Etsy or the like…
Steve
Some people do
Blocky
I’ve customized several cases over the years, even cutting dovetails to fit makita trays into the earlier rounded dewalt bit boxes.
The ease of working out of the Bosch case system actually improved my efficiency. It’s nice to see dewalt and Milwaukee running with that modular easy in and out concept.
I stopped carrying the Bosch boxes daily because of their relative bulk and weight. My kit is very very succinct. The new Dewalt and Milwaukee small cases are slightly more compact, but the idea of using a full Packout or tough system organizer to hold bits is running in the wrong direction for me.
Ryan
You buy the 10pc drill bit set at Home Depot for $6 with a yellow case. I prefer yellow over black since it is easier to see what is inside.
Stuart
Absolutely!
Here’s the link.
Adam
I’ve recently started using the small tough cases, and like them quite a bit. If you search on Ebay for ‘pro tool shop’ (seller) or dewalt inserts, you’ll find the seller sells the bit inserts separately.
Another alternative (if you have access to a 3d printer), is to print your own – I found these to be very useful, because you can adjust how many bits to fit into each insert. The one I found to be the easiest to use and customize is found at 3dprints.electronsmith.com. You can print inserts for both one inch bits as well as inserts for two inch bits or longer.
My latest kit box started with the $10 14 piece black and gold drill kit, then printed and installed an eight-slot insert on the top of the half with the small drills using two inch impact driver bits. Works great – some of the driver bits are in the way of the longer drills, but nothing to bad. Excellent to throw in the drill bag and have almost anything I need in one spot.
My only complaint with the medium case is I wish the top was as deep as the small cases to accommodate more storage.
Eliot Truelove
Craftsman makes a deeper set, although they don’t sell the empties with 2 sides.
Eliot Truelove
The bottom being black could be a deal breaker. but you could just insert a cut piece of white or yellow paper underneath before putting in the rails. I wish they would sell 2 wide medium case plate, without the large organizer and closer together. It would fit on a packout perfectly. I know, I’ve made the plate, but I can think of a nondestructive way to clip the medium cases to it to make them packoyt capable.
Jim Felt
I’ve a serious question. I simply don’t like the 1” bits. Period.
I only use the 2” versions in all my motorized screw driving uses. Easier to see/guide/control.
(Occasionally, before any one notices, I sometimes must use 1” security Torx etc. because they’re so delicate in the smaller sizes. But then I’m just as likely to hand install them).
John E
Can’t stand them either. Just don’t feel the love. Little time wasters.
Leo B.
Do you use a magnetic accessory or anything to help retain the screw? I seem to do better with the 1” bits and a bit bolder in that respect. I do like the power bits though, if possible.
MM
I don’t care for them either. They are easily dropped or lost and they more or less require you to use a bit driver as well. I’d much rather use a 2″ or longer bit instead. It is less complex, slimmer for better access and visibility, and loses no torque due to the slop in an additional hex joint. I also find it much more convenient to change bits out on my impact driver using the trigger rather than using the collar on a bit driver, and that’s important to me. I’m doing a lot of work renovating my home and a previous owner was a bit of a DIY nut, but not a consistent one. Any job involving screws in this home resembles a grab bag assortment, it seems that whenever anyone had to do any work previously they just used whatever random junk they could find. I recently replaced a ceiling box which was secured with: a roofing type sheet metal screw with the rubber washer under the head, a drywall screw, a solid brass flathead wood screw of considerable diameter but very short length (they actually had to drill out a hole in the metal box for this screw to fit in), and a long deck screw which someone cut down with a grinder. Replacing boards on an old fence here is the same: I don’t think I’ve seen a nail in it yet but I’ve found an amazing assortment of screws.
That said I do have a bunch of 1″ bits but they’re for things I don’t use very often like security screws, or for mounting on a 90 degree adapter for tight spots. I also have a bunch of them that accumulated from buying bit sets. If I have to remove a bunch of damaged or rusty screws I’ll try and burn through those just to save wear and tear on my preferred ones.
fred
I don’t know if it is still a thing – but when we acquired our metal fabrication business, I was introduced to Hios power screwdrivers and bits. They use 2 side tangs (sort of an Xcellite shaft in miniature). I think we bought some from Hios directly – but recall ones from Wera too. These were torque-controlled tools – for dealing with small fasteners on some assemblies that we’d receive from our clients for modifications.
Stuart
What was the question?
I prefer 2″ power bits for some things, 1″ (or thereabouts) insert bits for others, especially when I might need to pull out a screwdriver handle, bit ratchet, or adapter of some kind (such as 3/8″ square drive to 1/4″ hex). They both have their places.
JoeM
I think I’m firmly in the “About Damn Time” camp on this. Been wanting this since the first kits that had rails on them came out!
Vards Uzvards
It looks like the Home Depot is already offering an empty case, in yellow:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Multi-Surface-Accessory-Storage-Case-DWASTCASEY/316680589