This Dewalt 226pc mechanics tool set, DWMT45226H, features custom storage trays that stack together neatly inside of a ToughSystem tool box.
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Dewalt launched this set in October 2019, following Craftsman’s VersaStack mechanics tool set.
The set is regularly priced at $229, but occasionally goes on sale for seasonal promos. The latest deal price – thanks to Albert for the heads-up – is $129 for the Black Friday 2021 holiday shopping season.
It is uncertain as to whether there will be any further savings for Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Luckily, if you buy the set and this happens, Home Depot tends to be quick and easy to deal with when it comes to price adjustments.
(This post has been updated on 11/1/2021 with minor edits and to reflect the latest price change.)
The Dewalt tool set comes with 226 pieces, including 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ square drive ratchets and accessories, 6pt sockets, 8 combination wrenches, hex keys, screwdriver bits, and other odds and ends. You can find a full breakdown of the socket sizes on the product page.
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The Dewalt ratchets have 72-tooth ratcheting mechanisms, and the full-polish sockets have knurled “beauty rings” to reduce slippage when spinning them by hand.
The ToughSystem tool box also has a removable top in case you need to bring additional tools with you.
Sale Price: $129
Discussion
Stacking trays that fit inside a Dewalt ToughSystem tool box – included – seems like a much better idea than blow molded cases or other plastic boxes that don’t allow for as much versatility. You do need to take a moment to lift the trays out when you want to access the tools, but this also makes everything more secure when mobile.
Floor Guy
Finally! I feel like they’ve been slacking on the Tough System line. Having over 50 tough boxes myself, I’m always looking for new and improved ways to organize and transport my tools with this system. I’m constantly drooling over the Milwaukee PackOut system and what they’ve done with diversifying that setup. They’ve done a great job of making every piece compatible with the next.
Ted
It’s 229! Wtf…
Stuart
It’s not Black Friday 2021 anymore…
Check again in a few months, this and similar sets typically go on sale for the holidays.
Scotty.
I wouldn’t ever buy this, you have to take out all the trays and set them around to use the tools.
Scotty.
The Versastak tool set with slide out trays looks much more useful.
Corey Moore
It’s ironic as that’s my main selling point that puts tough system above packout-that one doesn’t have to unstack crap to use it lol low and behold…
Joatman
I agree. What a hassle just to get to one socket!!!! I have a large all-inclusive Kobalt set in a case that’s about 15”x12” and also a nice 3/8” Dewalt socket set in a plastic case about half that size. But 9 out of 10 times it seems that I’m always reaching for my small craftsman set in a tiny case that I can almost fit in my back pocket. Just more convenient.
MichaelHammer
Shame. Just another pile of stuff in a box. It’s why tough system blows chunks.
Corey Moore
You’re aware that Milwaukee doesn’t even have a box with drawers yet, right? So…your crap is definitely still just piles in your own boxes. Boxes with less room and arbitrary shapes built in. That can only be moved around by being piled on top of each other, and unpiled to use your piles of stuff inside. Now I could be wrong in assuming you’re stupid, illogical statement means you have packout, but the delusional superiority complex and unsolicited impulse to talk crap to strangers just gives me a hunch.
Perry
C’mon, is name calling and personal insults really necessary here?
Corey Moore
Typo on what should have been “your,” but I didn’t call anyone any names. I called the statement stupid and illogical, with explanation included. I then referenced an alleged superiority complex, which was presumed based on their compulsion to ignore logic and insult a tool box line, for a function that boxes of any make/model/brand share by being boxes. Zero name calling, though.
GMONEY
Project much Corey Moore? All MichaelHammer did was express how he felt about the product in his own certain terms. Your critique of his comment is exactly what you did! You called his statement “stupid and illogical”. According to who? You? And you talk about a superiority complex? You appear to presume, assume and allege quite a bit. How many logical people do that? Almost hard to believe. You should probably go talk to someone.
Corey Moore
The lack of comprehension here is disappointing, to say the least. Where to start with your weird mess of inaccurate points…? Well, I clearly stated why I thought his critique of the function of a box pretty clearly. Can you elaborate on what I’m projecting? Because I’m not sure you understand the term, given your use, and subsequent back and forth defending someone then bashing me for apparently doing the same thing. My favorite- yes my opinion is according to me. Well, the definition of a box are also pretty inarguable, but your taking issue with who my opinion is according to has got to be the most ridiculous thing you’re asking lol Finally, and I’m assuming this is an extension of your general lack of comprehension again, my only presumption was identified as presumption, super clearly, by me, I didn’t alledge anything, and I also didn’t assume anything anywhere in that. Your time would have been better spent just saying that you think I sound like a d!ck and you don’t like me. Instead of this emotional and poorly thought out attempt to make me look stupid, or whatever you tried here. We can have our own opinions, but if you’re gonna share yours, expect to hear opinions back.
Stuart
“Now I could be wrong in assuming you’re stupid, illogical statement means you have packout, but the delusional superiority complex and unsolicited impulse to talk crap to strangers just gives me a hunch.”
People might have strong opinions for or against different brands and product lines, but your comment here is not about tools, but is a personal attack.
Disagreeing is fine. Telling people they have a delusional superiority complex and that their opinions are stupid and illogical isn’t appropriate.
“It’s why tough system blows chunks.” is an opinion, albeit with trolling-like tone, but doesn’t warrant personal attacks.
Brad
Well yes that’s what you do with a tool box.
The point of this box is to take it to a remote work site that more than likely has no power, running water, or even a roofed work space. You grab a tool, use it and throw it back in the empty box so you don’t loose anything – you reorganize it into the drawers at the end of the day – hopefully.
That is why the ToughSystem and Packout systems are both specifically made for.
Five or six guys stick building a cookie cutter house is not going to take the time to fancy up little drawers all day long they need to build 10 or 12 houses before the money man fires them.
The VersaStack “mechanics” system is meant to set in a garage and look pretty it’s not even specifically made for full time mechanics there are way better systems out there in higher price categories. It’s a consumer grade system that is made for people that can take the time to constantly organize (if I loose one more 1/2 socket!).
Different strokes for different folks.
skfarmer
i like the idea but i think it is poorly executed. it looks like the trays only fit in a certain order or at least the one with the notches. i also don’t like the organisation. seems like a lot of wasted space which i suppose is hard to avoid. maybe mot annoying is that all of the drive tools are in one tray, seems to me like driver bits, allen wrenches and all of the 1/4 drive pieces should be in one tray, all of the 3/8 drive tools in another and then 1/2 drive in another. wrenches would have to go where there is room or could lay loose in the tray. sadly the similar craftsman set looks better thought out.
do they ever have anyone that actually uses tools set these thing up.
one last gripe. why on earth would you put together this type of set without including a bare minimum of wrenches, 3/8-3/4 and 10-19? most people would gladly give up a few sockets or other fluff to get some thing more useful like say a wrench……….
Matt
I’d want the drawers. The trays here just look like a hassle. The Craftsman one seemed about perfect if it were only a little more heavy duty. For my uses anyway…
Bob
I want a case that has light retention of sockets so if the case is banged around while open everything doesn’t fall out. This looks to have loose holes like this costco kit: https://www.costco.com/DeWalt-14%22-Drive-50-piece-Mechanics-Set.product.100507819.html
If I’m going to pay for storage options make them at least semi secure.
skfarmer
i just went and looked at the craftsman set again. if they would have loaded that same set in a similar box or the 3 drawer tough system with foam inserts they would have a home run.
is it all about price points? i understand sets that fit a size and price point of under say 30, 50, 70, 90, 100, 150 dollars. seems to me once you go beyond that you have enough invested that one would spend the extra little bit on a well designed and thought out set. i don’t mean 100’s more but that set would easily be worth more with a better laid out organisation and a few more wrenches even if you sacrificed a few sockets.
we don’t know the size range yet but as an example. do you really need 3/8 drive sockets that range up to 1 inch when those sizes are included with the 1/2 inch set? same goes on the small size. do you really need 3/8 down to 1/4 inch when you have many of the same sizes in 1/4 drive.
skfarmer
just to clarify. in the first paragraph i meant if dewalt had laid out their set more like the craftsman set. drive sizes organised together rather than scattered throughout the trays.
MichaelHammer
I’m guessing it is because the tough system has to be waterproof. I can imagine that it would be a difficult thing to accomplish in a drawer system.
ca
Their existing tough system box with drawers is water proof, no?
Evadman
First thought: cool, I want one.
2nd thoughts: those blowmolded holders look too deep, where the socket barely sticks above the plastic. That means pulling them out, especially with gloves, would be a pain. In addition, several of the slots for sockets do not have dividers between sockets. That means if you throw it in a vehicle, you’re going to hear ‘clink’ ‘clink’ ‘clink’ ‘clink’. There’s more than enough room to separate the sockets, I don’t know why that decision was made.
Finally, it appears that one of the more popular sizes needed of sockets for automotive use is missing; 21mm. The 1/2″ drive appears to go from 10mm to 19mm. I can’t find an actual size listing though, so I may be incorrect. The extra tray looks like it can hold a seperately purchased breaker bar and 21mm deepwell socket tho.
Patrick
My local ‘Farm n Fleet’ has the two drawer slider. It’s a bit expensive, but seems well built. The tag on it indicates it is water and dust resistant. The draws slide really nice, so maybe those justify the ~$80 asking price. I would sure like one if it had a real chance of ever actually leaving my house.
After needing a wheeled box last spring and now having the wall rack, it seems I have collected a couple of the Tough System pieces aside from the music player, cooler and slider.
The Dewalt 15 and 63 gallon mobile/wheeled boxes are incredible for the money as well.
Robear
Here is my review: meh
ca
Pithy.
Corey Moore
What are the odds that these trays fit in the 3 drawer box? I’m thinking it might just be in point for depth, considering that the medium standard box it comes in is shown with the top tray included. That thing sits down into the box a couple inches, so likely the organizer trays are fairly shallow. Are dimensions for the box contents available anywhere?
Jared
Agreed on all points. I’d prefer a drawer box too, but this is a nice upgrade from a blow-molded case that typically comes with a kit like this. Great idea to have room to add your own tools. Dewalt hand tools are decent too, though obviously not premium.
Jared
Look at me, enthusiastic about this set a year ago. I forgot it existed since then, until you brought the post back Stuart. I’ve never seen this set offered in Canada though.
I still like this idea. Like I mentioned in the Husky post – it would let you pop the inserts into a tool chest, or quickly pull them out for work away from your shop.
Bits and hex keys are fillers, of course – and the wrench selection is pretty skimpy. Nevertheless, there’s a lot of value at the Black Friday price.
Jon
I finally caved and bought a “full set” of chrome vanadium sockets earlier this year (to complement the impact sockets I keep separately). I homed in on a set from DeWalt as they are actually well executed, have a really nice fit and finish – and are very substantial, the knurled finish is course enough so it’s actually functional when you want to spin a socket by hand…AND it’s got an excellent lifetime guarantee. DeWalt has it covered so that you call the 800 number, tell them what item broke and they’ll send you a replacement.
You can see the set here:
https://www.google.com/search?newwindow=1&q=DWMT75049&tbm=isch
I’ve been using this set a lot over the last several months. There are no burrs on the inside of any sockets. The inside corners of the sockets are rounded / enlarged so rotational force applies to the faces of the socket (most newer sets do this now). All in all, it’s a great set.
As this article discusses – the case itself is the issue. The sockets are great, the handles are excellent, the guarantee appears to be perfect. The set weighs a LOT and the case is big and awkward. One thing – it DOES hold the sockets very well. None of them fall out when the case is carried, bumped and then opened. Everything stays in place. It’s just that the case is heavy, big and takes a lot of space when you open it up. Not sure though that I’d like a system with removable drawers. I really don’t know the best way to deal with this. I love having all the sizes in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 sockets, but maybe it would be better if this were sold in 3 cases instead of one.
Jon
Sorry about that long link to a Google search result. Try this to see that big DeWalt set I mentioned:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Chrome-Vanadium-Mechanics-Tool-Set-192-Piece-DWMT75049/300937332
Bob
I think fit and finish is nicer than the craftsman but functionality and lack of wrenches was a miss. I guess there is room on the top tray of the box for wrenches and whatever else you would want. Id probably go with the craftsman if i was in the market.
Three drawer tough system with foam shadow cut for USA made sockets and wrenches would be sweet tho! Id pay $300 for that. But then I wouldn’t want it to get stolen out of my truck and would leave it at home…hmm maybe the price point these were designed for makes sense.
Ps any word on availability of the 3 drawer tough system boxes?
Corey Moore
The wrenches look double ended to me, and not symmetrical. Might be 2 sizes to a wrench?
GMONEY
I use Festool Sortainers and Systainers for everything, including my mechanics tools. The are well built and so versatile. Now they aren’t cheap, but once you own a few of them everything else looks crappy. The Dewalt, Milwaukee and Rigid storage solutions look so bulky and bloated to me. I bought a few Dewalt tough cases and from the outside they are durable, but once I open them I feel like I bought cheap Chinesium.
JoeM
Are those TSTAK latches on the top, and ToughBox+ niches on the sides again?
I’d love this thing if it was TSTAK compatible… But I do also echo the love of that Craftsman drawer design too… If the blow-molded trays fit into drawers instead of out the top, this would be pretty perfect… or close…
Question for EVERYONE… Do you ever find yourself, like me, wishing these sets came with a full Impact Ready drawer as one of the types/size choices?
James
I flip houses and in the rare moment I need a socket, first thing I’m going to grab is my impact screw gun and hex adapter.
All I want is full set of sockets, metric, sae, deep well, and nut drivers and in a tstak or toughsystem case. I agree drawers that don’t slide out when you are carrying them would be best. The tray for personalizing is great.
Wrenches, I’m just going to use an adjustable. Screw bits will get lost or worn-out quicker and drive me mad when they are gone. Let me buy those separate and dump them in the tray.
Nathan
I prefer toughsystem over versastak/Tstak so that’s a plus. but I would want the sliding drawer unit over this would make a lot more sense.
but I don’t like any of the dewalt handtools I’ve touched. I mean they are OK but overpriced for what they are vs many other options. So to that end I would never buy this. THe Craftsman versastak thing from the other thread is a better overall device for the money put in.
But I would probably pay 49 dollars or so for a toughsystem 3 drawer tool box of similar height with bearing slides. If that became a thing – or hell I might even pay 79 for it. and put my own tools in the drawers of my choosing – and still come out cheaper than this kit.
Corey Moore
There is a dewalt 3 drawer box just like the Craftsman, but it doesn’t seem to be tstak or ToughSystem, seems to have a tote style handle molded off the top of the box.
Corey Moore
My eyes played tricks on me, not a tote single handle but a rib with two handles on opposite sides.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/dewalt-3-drawer-mechanics-set-dwmt45227-1360411
Altan
This is a good design also…
Eric
If I see one of those on clearance at any point after the holidays I will probably pick one up. I use the tough system a great deal and it would be nice to have a mobile hand tool set I could put on one of the carts without thinking about it.
Big Richard
I don’t think I’d keep it in a work vehicle for daily use for reasons already mentioned, but it would be a good tool set and tool box to keep in a closet at your cabin, camper, elderly parent’s house, college kid’s apartment, etc.. Has most everything you need, doesn’t take up a lot of space, and still has some room to store a few other hand tools in it (based on the empty tray pictured). But for that use, it doesn’t need to be Tough System capable.
Mike
I love the fact that it’s 6 point and not 12 point that a big selling point to me, a lot times these big kits come with mostly 12 point , but it would have been sweeter if it came in the three draw case who knows maybe they fit
Altan
I wonder if these trays would fit in DS100 Toughsystem boxes with clear lid?!
mark
the sockets and wrenches won’t fall out, thats a plus over their existing briefcase style cases.
the drawers work if its sturdier design. that could be done using the XL size box.
PHILIP JOHN
I thought I would not like this set up too… but I have to unload the contents on any sys anyway. I probably will not buy… but this helps over a blow mold tool set as you can use ds 450 carrier to transport… once on a big job site… its great not having to use shoulders as much to carry long distance.
Frank D
For me to bite, it would need to be a more complete and a better laid out set using drawers; including some adjustable wrenches, essential pliers, screw drivers, … and some room for customer owned items ( wobble extensions, ratchet wrenches, … ) … as for instance a five maybe six drawer packout wheeled base, keep the top solid, if need be have a front panel for the water resistance, three or four drawers with the mfr tool items, one or two drawers with customizable dividers for customer owned items.
Neil
Whats the warranty on Dewalt sockets and ratchets? Are they any good?
What happened to the laser etched sockets? I really hate the engraved numbers. Theyre so hard to read but the laser etched were so clear. I was a big fan but they seem to have evaporated! The craftsman mechanics sets were my favorite. I used to buy one or two every time they were on sale. I must own 6 of them right now. The cases started to fall apart but the red blow mold trays were ok. A better method would be greatly appreciated!
Brien
So many haters. Big time line from this guy.
charles
27 years ago my uncle bought me a Craftsman (made in USA…) full socket set, it came in a blow molded case that hinges open like a briefcase and lays flat. the upper section is just an empty compartment, the lower section has all the sockets. I have yet to see a product on the market that I would be willing to buy to replace it. I’ve been replacing sockets, ratchets, etc as I lose or destroy them, the case is what makes it all work for me. right now the upper section (which has a hinged solid cover, to keep the contents from spilling out, and to keep the lower compartment tools in their pockets) has a full set of sae/metric combo wrenches, u-joints, 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 extensions, a 1/4″ socket screwdriver handle, and a few deep sockets that weren’t in the original kit. I’ve been on the fence whether to buy into Toughsystem. the drawer units look pretty good. I would go for this socket set. the handcart rolling rack needs a little work. too much wasted space behind the boxes.
Tyler
For those still interested in this it appears to be available to order now. My options are either shipped to store between November 6-11 or Free Delivery to home by tomorrow if ordered by 2 P.M. today.
Aaron
Now available at $149
Patrick
Does anyone know if and or where I can purchase just the socket trays/inserts?
Travis
I picked up this set for $127 over the holidays, lives in my truck, threw a couple pairs of pliers in the top, seems nice and complete.
Aaron S
did the three drawer unit just evaporate? Any guesses as to whether that will ever happen?
Steven B
I doesn’t work in ToughSystem 2.0. They’ve changed their inner layout, so you’re stuck with a ToughSystem 1.0 case for those trays. It’s a good amount of gear for the price, but I like TS 2.0 a lot more.
Corey Moore
Kaizen foam, I’ve got a 2.0 medium with trays and cut inserts for all my 1/2″ drive impact sockets;SAE deep and shallows, MM deep and shallows, SAE and MM hex heads, and a butt-load of extensions and wobbles. Have my 1-7/16+ big mamajammas in a half box attached to the top.
Corey Moore
Looks like I was in a mood and acted like a dick 2 years ago. My sincere apologies😔
Julian Tracy
Most useless included combo wrench sets EVER? 4pc SAE and 4pc Metric useful for what?