Dewalt ToughSystem DXL is a new modular storage system that’s centered around extra-large drawered tool boxes.
It’s backwards-compatible with other ToughSystem tool boxes, with reasonable exceptions, and also features external storage and accessory mounting options.
There are plenty of unanswered questions, but one thing we now know is how much the system will cost.
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The Dewalt ToughSystem DXL line is launching with 4 main components – a roller cart, 2 styles of drawer tool boxes, and a worktop. There will also be 2 combination options.
Here’s the pricing, via Acme Tools’ Fall preview flyer:
- DXL 30″ Worktop (DWST08550) – $79.97
- DXL 30″ Deep Drawer Tool Box (DWST08510) – $299*
- DXL 30″ 2-Drawer Tool Box (DWST08520) – $329
- DXL 30″ 4-Wheel Dolly (DWST08530) – $189
* We were made aware of an error in the flyer.
The 5-in-1 combination tower comes with the roller cart, 2x deep-drawer tool boxes, a 2-drawer tool box, and a worktop, for $1,195. The 4-in-1, which has 1 of each style of tool box, the cart, and worktop, will be $895.
If you create your own 5-in-1 combo tower from individual components, the price comes out to be $1196, and the 4-in-1 comes out to be $897.
And – just as a reminder – the new cart and worktop can also be used with Dewalt’s ToughSystem 2.0 drawer tool boxes. It stands to reason that they can also be used with the other Dewalt ToughSystem tool boxes as well.
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If you need to get up to speed, here are our earlier posts about the new DXL tool box system:
MKY
Stuart –
There are plenty of answered questions, but one thing ***we now is*** how much the system will cost.
Stuart
Thanks! *fixed*
I was debating whether to go with “we know” or “we now know” and somehow ended up with “we now.”
Farkleberry
I don’t find the typical typo distracting or confusing , but while we’re at it, and since its the first sentence, shouldn’t it be *un*answered questions?
Stuart
Yes – sorry! Oops.
Philip+Proctor
I want 4 dollies and 2 worktops for use with all my Tough System boxes. Ouch at that nearly $1k.
Kevin
Yikes, $1200 for the 5-in-1 tower rated for 440lbs. You can get a similarly sized Craftsman roller cabinet at Lowes that’s rated for 650lbs for less than $230. It’s not modular, and maybe it’s not as durable, but you can buy five of them with the same money.
TomD
This is the problem. Even a durable one won’t set you back more than $800 or so, and Uline is never the cheapest: https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-4790/Tool-Carts/Rubbermaid-Trademaster-Cart-43-x-19-x-39
MFC
So my issue with the DXL system (besides cost…) is that my packout with the hand truck, one 2-drawer, one 3-drawer, and then a milk crate on top full of hand tools, is extremely heavy. I have to be careful going over uneven ground that I don’t throw my back out, or dump my tools everywhere (The hand truck isn’t super stable to begin with, but that’s another issue).
How in the world would I lift or move that monstrosity with 200 lbs of tools that would inevitably be put inside it?
Bonnie
The pictures all seem to be of it on smooth concrete warehouse floors, which probably indicates the intended function. I can’t imagine they expect people to be loading this thing into the back of a truck as is. At best maybe they expect it to be broken down into pieces and moved around that way.
Stuart
I agree. It looks like it can handle some obstructions, but it’s not being pushed over say gravel.
Al
In ye olden days, we put the dolly on the ground, then stacked things up by size and weight.
Don’t these new-fangled systems come apart, then latch back together without bungee cords?
Stuart
You separate it into components – that’s part of the point/appeal in my opinion.
Oh, it’s still going to be heavy, but possibly more portable than a single chest or cart. Whether that will be practical or not remains to be seen.
I’m finally parting with my Pelican 0450 tool box for the same reason – it’s very heavy when empty and much more so when loaded. But my biggest issue with the Pelican is that it’s a chore to organize or reorganize.
I tested out elastic bad pallets, and didn’t like the efficiency. I wanted to go with foam, but never finalized its “forever” kit. Just toss tools inside, and it’s a jam waiting to happen.
Festool Sortainers work okay as an alternative, but are really too small. Packout drawers on 4-wheel carts work wonderfully. This is for the user who needs more.
I move tool carts up and down stairs on occasion, and it’s a hassle. 30″ carts, chests, and cabinets are beyond what I can move by myself, even with the drawers removed.
I can see myself moving this around, at least empty. Fully loaded? I’ll have to see.
Right now I am very optimistic, but I’ll need to test one out before I can be convinced to break out my wallet.
fred
You clearly need an elevator in your shop/house.
Just kidding – but home elevators are becoming more popular for providing handicapped accessibility.
In my village – some of the old mansions have elevators. I’m told that they were not really for family use – but rather for the servants to deal with steamer trunks.
Stuart
What I really need is a warehouse the size of the one that holds Indiana Jones’ artifacts, and an electric scooter to navigate it. That way I have everything I need in just one room.
fred
Be careful what you wish for. My wife swears that there is a corollary to Parkinson’s Law that states: “tools will expand to fill any amount of added space that you provide for them.”
Jim Felt
fred. That’s why I have a warehouse. Ostensibly for business archives.
But naw. Not really… ;-)~
Liza
I’ve been waiting for the DXL worktop and dolly to release as I plan to stack my Toughbox 2.0’s on it. 2 sets of 2 with the worktop on top. That way when I pack it up in the truck I’m just lifting one 2.0 tool box at a time individually.
If I ever add a DXL drawer to the setup I’ll probably need to be mindful of the weight of stuff I put in it, but being able to break down the 2.0’s is no tougher than my Packout drawers (which, admittedly, are extremely heavy).
I also feel like the wider base will help with stability. At current I have two separate Packout dollys and if I move around 3 boxes on top it’s a lot less stable than 2 boxes. This enables me to have 4 boxes on one wider dolly and I think that’ll help a ton to keep stable, growing outward rather than upward.
Tool guy
The flyer is wrong. The DWST08510 single drawer will be Mapp’d at $299.
Stuart
Thanks! That makes more sense.
Rog
Youch. That’s a lot of cheddar.
Tim
Why does it cost more if I buy the combination than if I buy them individually and stack them myself?
Single drawer, 2 drawer, wheeled cart, worktop = $796.97
That’s less than $895 for the combo.
Stuart
See this slightly earlier comment – https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-toughsystem-dxl-tool-boxes-launch-pricing/#comment-1559420%3C/a%3E .
I updated the post just after that. With the corrected amount, which makes more sense given the pricing of the 2-drawer tool box, the combos come out to around the same as if buying everything separately.
David
I’ll stay with my tough sys 2.0. With the sm, and med chest on top of the large chest with wheels. It’s heavy enough now. But at least it’s stable to pull over some uneven sidewalks or pull it up the front steps. I suspect the new unit will fix the one problem I have with toughsys 2, the large chest handle is above the side of my truck so I have to lay it over on its side to close the tonneau cover.
Farkleberry
The DIY crowd may or may not be best served by this system vs alternatives, depending on application and storage space/configuration, need for mobility and any sense of value.
This could work for someone who wants deeper drawers to more efficiently use wall space in a garage, etc. vs typical modules. This could work better than a more robust/higher load capacity metal unit if it will be often rolled around garage, out into driveway, etc., or often travelled or relocated.
For pro mechanics with a permanent work space, I don’t see the appeal vs a metal unit.
I think maybe some specialized mechanics, etc. who fly their tools around might like this. If you’re a typical mobile mechanic, I think you have a service truck with stout drawers.
Other specialized users with relatively lightweight precision/delicate tools that won’t fit in standard depth modules also make sense.
Stacking the standard boxes back to back on cart wastes a lot of space in between, this seems better as a stand alone module.
Derek
Yikes, $189 for a dolly?!? Glad I don’t need this. Hopefully they release a much much cheaper dolly for the 2.0 system.
Stuart
Dollies for half-size systems tend to be priced at around $100.
This one has larger casters and likely needed stronger structuring to support the more than 2X larger footprint.
The pricing seems high, but also proportional.
Matt
They better be real, real nice at these prices
Tom
I can see myself getting the dolly and worktop to use with the ToughSystem 2.0 drawers as pictured.
I test and tag tools, cords, 3 phase cables and portable distribution pods on construction sites.
Usually a labourer brings the items to me at a central point to be tested. Currently use ToughSystem trolley and drawers, and a folding Dewalt work bench. This would be better, for sure. Everything would see double duty back at the depot or my base workshop.
The wheels look good enough for the construction sites I work in.
Steven B
It’s an appealing option, especially at a good price….I don’t think this is a very good price. However, DeWalt does have a history of sales. I predict this will either come down in price or fail.
One thing to consider is shipping. I LOVE Harbor Freight toolboxes. However, they won’t ship them to me without a massive fee…and even if they do, getting something that heavy into my basement is a scary ordeal, even with help.
Modular boxes are much easier to transport and reconfigure, so there’s a nice niche in people who enjoy that flexibility. I can move these myself wherever I need them when I need them…I’d had to unload them off a van to a job site daily, but not everyone has to do that.
I love these…it’s just I can make a much stronger steel storage solution with a LOT more storage for the same price. Also, I don’t NEED them.
Andres
Dead on arrival lol. The price on some of this storage system are already high. This is overpriced, I predict this will be discounted in a few months after release.
Perry
This system is definitely not for most of us, this is going to be aimed more toward commercial construction/warehouse work where guys are doing single trades on-site for extended periods.
Ex: 2 or 3 man crews doing hvac in a new construction large chain grocery store or distribution center and either loading out of a van each day or rolling their tools into a lockup at the end of each day.
I’m sure there will be ancillary markets like high end garages or airplane mechanics as well