Home Depot is having a tool deal of the day today (there’s a link at the end of the post), and one of the surprises is that they have a new Dewalt 53pc mechanics tool set that’s bundled with a ToughSystem 2.0 tool box.
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The new Dewalt mechanics tool set, DWMT45153, features a mix of 1/4″ and 3/8″ sockets in SAE and metric sizes. You get a 3/8″ 72T ratchet and 1/4″ drive adapter, as well as a couple of extensions, screwdriver bits, and 1/4″ hex screwdriver bit handle.
I would have though the first Dewalt mechanics tools set and ToughSystem 2.0 tool box combo bundles would have featured their new ToughSystem 2.0 trays.
Instead, you get two small organizer boxes that fit into the sides of the ToughSystem tool box. But, this also means you can store other tools in the middle section.
I first considered that the $100 sale price might be a bit high for a 53pc tool set and ToughSystem 2.0 tool box, but it seems proportionate for what you get.
A slightly different Dewalt 50pc 3/8″ mechanics tool set is priced at $53 on Amazon. At this time, the tool box is $40 by itself.
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This new Dewalt ToughSystem 2.0 tool box and mechanics tool set bundle is an okay value. But can you do better?
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This Dewalt 34pc 3/8″ mechanics tool set, DWMT73804, is $35 via Amazon.
This Dewalt 25pc 1/4″ mechanics tool set, DWMT73805, is $30 via Amazon.
If you buy these sets separately, that’s a 59pc set with separate cases for $65. Add on the ToughSystem 2.0 tool box from Home Depot, and you’re at $105. The difference here is that you also get a 1/4″ ratchet if you go with these separate sets.
You get a newer ratchet and 1/4″ hex screwdriver handle with the ToughSystem 2.0 bundle, but some of those 53 pieces are 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits.
Or, skip the ToughSystem 2.0 tool box and you can buy a larger mechanics tool assortment with *shudder* blowmolded case.
There is also a similarly packaged 23pc 1/2″ socket set for $48.49 via Amazon.
skfarmer
any set that contains 1/4 sockets and does not include a 1/4 ratchet is a complete fail. worse yet as that isn’t a real 1/4 square drive handle. it is hex and you have to use the hex to square adapter.
a much more appealing set would have had a more complete 1/4 drive set one container and the 3/8 in the other.
i won’t even go into detail on the amount of wasted space by putting a socket set that needs maybe 1 1/2 -2 inches of depth in container that is a t least double that. in depth.
this is coming from a guy that is almost 100% dewalt and has/likes the new 2.0 stack.
Aaron Harmon
My first thought was that the made in the U.S. Craftsman set that my dad bought me for my 16 birthday (30 years ago) made a heck of a lot more efficient use of space. What are they thinking with this layout?
P.S. I still carry that 30 year old Craftsman set in the trunk of my car for emergencies and it has never once disappointed me.
Travis
I also have 25 or 30 year old USA Craftsman set that my father gave me when I was kid. The only thing that has failed is the case itself. I keep it bungie corded together and still use it frequently!
Matt C.
Same here. I fitted my craftsman socket set (broken case and all) inside a dewalt tstak box. The tstak box allowed me to also fit screw drivers and a tool roll for loose wrenches. …and it’s in my trunk too.
Travis
That is a good idea. I might have to take a look at mine and see if it will fit inside some other kind of box that I have. Those sets were the sweet spot and they didn’t just try filling them out with bits.
Peter Fox
I completely agree. when the majority of the sockets are 1/4″ drive a 1/4″ ratchet is a must.
The more space they waste the more cases you need to buy.
Julian Tracy
Any socket set that counts 1/4” driver bits as part of the piece count total is a bullshit set.
Julian Tracy
At least the Milwaukee sets are complete, and lacking of all the BS fluff of these useless Dewalt sets
Kent
That’s the kind of tool set that somebody who doesn’t need tools buys, except it’s $100.
OldDominionDIYer
Not impressed. No 1/4 drive ratchet, a bunch of tiny 1 inch bits, yuck. No thanks. Not sure why DeWalt would offer something so bad, It cheapens their name and reputation.
Jason S.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the quality of Dewalts sockets and their ratchets. I don’t know if I need this $100 set, but their $35 3/8 set is very solid (I have bought 2). It’s a great set to keep in the trunk or for a DIYer who needs a basic socket set with a decent ratchet.
Steve
This looks like a disappointing, rushed, response to all the Pack-Out socket sets Milwaukee is selling lately. The only set I’ve seen Dewalt make in Tough System is that big set in the 1.0 case.
Steve
At the end there I mean only good set.
Yadda
Third paragraph, you probably mean thought, not though.
Not terribly impressed, but hoping this is the first of many different options that are presented in the future.
Mike (the other one)
The price and packaging isn’t that great. If this were $75, it would be a good deal. At $65 it would be great, but as of now you can put together a more complete set for the same amount of money.
That said, DeWalt socket sets are pretty good quality.
Plain grainy
I have some Dewalt stackable sets with transparent covers.(impact sockets, 1/2 & 3/8). They are all just outstanding.
Frank D
It does not look like a good value bundle, even on sale. Just A+B = A+B
Especially considering the tiny BS bits that anybody has probably 100-1000 spares of.
The only time I used that screwdriver and those bits, is when I literally had my first tool kit. Ever since then, all these included freebie soft steel must add to the count silly bits, are just ending up on a shelf, in a drawer or straight into the trash.
Aaron
I throw them directly in the recycle bin
Corey Moore
Made my own, months ago with kaizen foam and 2.0 trays for a bunch of my stuff. Got an XL full up of trays with all my impact socket master sets, auger bits, ect, all the non toughsystem indexes/cases now are lol. Also have all my fiber/comms/data fluke fortune in a nice small 2.0 case, deep tray, and foam, thanks to Stu’s page and all of your guys’ info on Kaizen👍 Normally I’d be irritated to have diy’d a thing just to hear there’s an OEM option right after, but my setup is way better than this little kit lol So hey, thanks!
Nathan
Sorry I have to say that tool kit is a bad deal and the handtool set is just poor in general.
The box is sort of nice. I’m probably odd in this but I really wish they would stop with making hand tools like this when they could just sell the boxes for much less and let the user setup their own kit.
the craftsman one in the Verstastck boxes i think is a better setup but it’s of course versastck / t stak not Toughsystem 2.
Joe
Everything about this set is a complete fail. This looks like more Stanley Black & Decker nonsense that nobody asked for. No 1/4” ratchet? My brain hurts. It appears as though DeWalt is now in a race to the bottom with their mechanics tool line. The recycled double detent sockets are a dead giveaway. You can get those anywhere… Husky, Duralast, Craftsman… I can’t take DeWalt seriously anymore.
blocky
Saw the header and thought, “Dang. Should have waited.” But guess what. This is still not the set I was waiting for.
I finally caved and went with one of their very complete sets in a blow molded case on black friday. I don’t love that case in use, but it’s going to spend 360 days a year strapped behind the passenger seat, so it’s fine.
ca
If it’s not too much trouble, could you please ask your DeWalt contact(s) when they plan to make their entire ToughSystem 2.0 lineup available in Canada? All that’s been available is the XL box and a 3-stack with the rolling toolbox. Thanks.
Stuart
Have you tried emailing Dewalt and asking where you can buy it in Canada or when? For cross-region availability questions, most brands will provide consumers with a more direct response.
Dewalt has a separate Canadian site (Dewalt.ca), and they show ToughSystem 2.0. When you click-through it gives 2 online retailers that are sold out at the moment. I don’t see any ETAs right now.
ca
Thanks for your reply; I’ll try emailing them myself. Believe me, I’ve been searching for them and they simply aren’t available in Canada.
alex
You can buy them online. Atlas machinery has all the lineup available.
alex
Ah forget it. It’s preordering only.
Argie
Not to sound melodramatic but when I saw it I immediately thought “Disgusting” lol.
Neil
Why are blowmolded cases so despised? I have a 40+ year old U.S.A. made Craftsmen socket set in a blowmolded case. I’m not a contractor or a mechanic so maybe that colors my view, but I like the case. I must not be the only one as millions of such cases exist.
Big Richard
Neil you are not alone. I have had zero qualms with blow molded cases, and I own 5 or 6 with another few at work. They can pack a lot in them and they take up very little space (under a car seat, laundry room closet, under the bed at the cabin, mechanical pit, boat/rv, etc.). I would take a blow molded case mechanic tool set over something like this any day. I’ve never had the desire to clip a bunch of totes on top of my mechanic tool set, seems counter productive actually.
We do seem to be a dying breed though. New guys show up with a stack of these totes as tall as they are, only to have about 6 tools in the whole thing (but plenty of fancy foam). Different strokes for different folks.
Travis
I actually don’t mind the blow molded cases themselves but in my experience the hinge is usually the weak point. I have even pop riveted some piano hinges on a few over the years but ultimately they fail. Now I just shove a piece of cardboard in the middle and put a horizontal and vertical bungie cord around the entire thing. The old USA Craftsman tools inside have all held up pretty well. I think I have only replaced the 1/4″ ratchet and maybe one wrench.
Stuart
For me, socket and tool slots are either not very secure, leading to tools falling from their positions everything I open a case, or they’re too secure and it’s difficult to remove what I need.
Some brands do it right, but a lot go the cheapest route.
Aaron Harmon
I bought my dad that $99.00 Dewalt Mechanics tool set at Costco for Christmas (the one with the black ratchets). I went over to their house this past weekend and my mom asked me to fix something for her. I needed to use a tool out the case and about broke my fingers trying to pry the damn thing out of the box. It was just as bad going back in. I’m not sure that my dad will even be able to get certain tools out of the case if he needs them…
Aaron
I don’t like odd sized cases except where absolutely necessary. A blow molded case that stacks with toughsystem or tstack I like, but if it doesn’t stack then I need a different paradigm for it.
I guess I say that I like it if it works with tstack, but the tstack craftsman 3 drawer kit makes me mad becuase I don’t want the socket set that comes in it and the drawers are designed for that specific kit.
I bought a decent socket set that came in an obnoxiously large blow molded case and now I don’t have anywhere good to put it.
Brad
It’s now $129 at HD so even worse.
I bought several sets of the DWMT73804 kit on the Christmas sale along with the deep socket kit for the kid and his cousin/friends. They put them in the bottom of the Plano box I got them last Christmas in the trunk of there cars.
I really like the ToughSystem 2.0 system in general but not this thing. I think the 1/4″ reducing adapter is fine that’s how 99.9% of these kits are made so a bit silly to bag on that but overall the custom inner boxes are terrible. Your better off just buying a cheap army mechanic’s box knockoff and storing them loose.
Bob
If you could get the insert boxes cheap enough and the socket organizing medium isn’t integrated you could pull it out and run your own foam insets. Might make a decent set out of this? Kind of a lot of work. But probably worth it to get a customized set to your individual needs.
Plain grainy
I need to look at this set in person to judge if I like it. Nice part is you can remove the socket set, then repurpose the case for a short time.
Plain grainy
I’d look at it if the price was around $65.
JohnZ
The Dewalt 226 piece set that comes in a toughsystem is a much nicer set but they haven’t upgraded it to the Toughsystem 2.0 yet. That being said you need to wait for a deal because it’s not worth the non sale price of $229.
MC703
Haha thanks for the chortle on the can.
Insert “homer_shudder.gif”
Perry
This just makes me happier with my $99 versastack kit
John
I wonder how well dewalt toughcase tools fit in the toughsystem boxes. I really like the selection they offer.