There are several stacking and modular tool storage systems currently available in the US market – Festool (and Tanos) Systainers, Bosch L-Boxxes, Dewalt Tough System cases, and the Dewalt’s Tstak cases are nearing release.
While quite fond of Festool’s Sytainers, I find Bosch L-Boxxes and Dewalt Tough System cases to be easier on my wallet. When I have gift cards to spend, I add Systainers to my tool storage setup. When I need maximum bang for the buck, I go for Dewalt and Bosch’s offerings.
My intent is not to present a comprehensive comparison, but to cover the major points for why I bought into both systems.
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Dewalt Tough System Cases
I reviewed the small Tough System case nearly a year ago, and continue to think favorably of the system. Taking advantage of Amazon’s holiday/year-end $25-off-$100 Dewalt promo, I added another 14 Tough System boxes to fill with hand tools, power tools, raw materials, and random accessories. This is in addition to the 6 or so I purchased last year and the 4 review samples Dewalt sent my way.
Pros:
- very well built for rough and tough use
- sealed for water/weather resistance
- convenient side handles
- strong metal latches
- small size has useful inner-lid organizer, large size has removable tray, extra large size is taller and wider with a removable tray and vertical hand tool organizer
Cons:
- a little heavy when unloaded
- can be extremely heavy when fully loaded with tools (this is where side handles are most appreciated)
- rubber water-tight seal means the boxes have a strong new tool box smell
Best Used For:
- jobsite use
- heavy duty storage
- transport of heavier tools and kits
Bosch L-Boxx
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I purchased quite a few L-Boxxes, including about 8 more this month, taking advantage of Amazon’s soon-expiring $25-off-$100+ Bosch discount. This brings my total to 24, with about 10 supplied by Bosch and the rest purchased during last year’s holiday sales promo.
Pros:
- L-Boxxes kits are now available for the most popular Bosch corded, cordless, and pneumatic power tools
- easy stacking
- optional foam makes smaller 2 sizes well suited for delicate equipment and non-tool-related usage
- less industrial indoor-friendly looks
Cons:
- plastic looks somewhat thin
- stacked boxes must be unlatched from the sides for removal (i.e. there is no easy option to have stacked boxes not latched and locked together)
Tough System vs. L-Boxxes
I am currently still working to transfer more of my tools from industrial bins and totes to my expanded collection of Tough System cases and L-Boxxes, but there are enough full cases to allow for a few generalizations.
Power Tools: a mix of L-Boxxes and Tough System cases, depending on tool type and frequency of use, but mostly Tough System cases
Hand Tools: mostly L-Boxxes
Woodworking Tools: L-Boxxes (mostly size 2)
Electronics Tools and Equipment: Systainers and L-Boxxes
Equipment and Supplies: L-Boxxes
Can you see the trend here? I tend to use L-Boxxes for more indoor tool storage needs, and Tough System cases for tools I mostly use outdoors or less frequently.
Moving forward, I will be using the new Tough System cases for off-site tool storage and transport. Since my storage units are not environmentally controlled, I figure the Tough System cases will hold up a bit better. Plus their larger and more comfortable side handles make them better suited for heavier loads.
Which to Buy?
That’s a hard decision to make, and as mentioned I went with both systems because the fulfill different needs.
If you’re looking to outfit your truck or crew with multiple units, buy one of each for testing and evaluation purposes. Neither system is readily available via retail stores, so you’re going to have to order them online.
For the sake of simplicity, I would recommend Dewalt Tough System cases for heavier duty jobsite use, and L-Boxxes for medium duty jobsite use. If you’re going to be tossing the tool boxes around, go with the Dewalt cases. If you need something for indoors construction and renovation work that looks less industrial, go with the L-Boxxes.
I have zero regrets with both systems, and will likely purchase additional units in the future. Both systems are very recommended.
BUY Dewalt Tough System Cases via Amazon
BUY Bosch L-Boxx Cases via Amazon
Festool’s Systainers are also highly regarded, and I have 8 of those. Five were purchased empty, one came with a purchased plunge-cut saw, one came with a purchased dust extractor accessory kit, and one came with a router review sample.
Forward Outlook
Looking forward, Bosch is expanding their L-Boxx lineup with additional units and accessories. Rumor has it that they might eventually license additional Sortimo storage products for distribution in the USA, Europe, and elsewhere.
Dewalt has not really expanded their Tough System lineup, but they don’t really need to. An indoor-friendly 4-wheel dolly would be great, as would a wall and van-racking system. But Dewalt does have the Tstak system coming out, which features some nice tool and supply organization options.
*I have purchased many Tough System cases and L-Boxxes, but I have also received review samples. In total, 20/24 of my Tough System cases were purchased, and about 13/23 L-Boxxes were purchased. This is accurate as of 12/21/12.
Walty
Ummm, DeWalt Tstak’s are already out. They are priced better than both Bosch and the Tough System. I have 3 of the Tough System and about 10 of the Tstak. Tstak is the cat’s meow!
Stuart
They’re out but only available at a few smaller distributors, who list most of the products as backordered with 10-14 day lead times. So yes, they’re out, but not in full force. I haven’t made my mind up about the Tstaks yet; while they’re well built and I like them a lot, I definitely do not like them as much as the Tough System cases or Bosch L-Boxxes.
John
It took some doing but I finally found a retail source for some Sortimo products in the U.S. outside of Bosch’s distribution channels. It’s still pretty limited selection compared to Sortimo’s full product catalog and expensive but a step in the right direction. Local Knapheide truck body dealers may also be an option due to their fairly recent distribution deal too.
Fred
When both of these were announced, I waited and watched for anyone to come out with a definitive ‘which one to buy’ review. A few years later and there still really isn’t one. I’ve bought several of each and here’s what I think can add to your comments in the article.
Neither is really as good at storing misc hardware as the clear-sided Stanley or similar boxes. Fasteners bigger than those can hold sure, but if you just need a box for nuts & bolts, screws, etc I have found the TS & LB both to be overkill.
None of the LB sizes are really great for a ‘normal sized’ sawzall. The 12v ones fit just fine in an LB 1, along with other tools etc (I have all of my M12 in two LBoxx 1’s & a 2) but the smallest TS box is perfect for it, blades, accessories, everything you need except the charger if it’s cordless.
I’m sure some dividers might help with this, but the TS boxes aren’t great for circ saws either. While they fit great in the LB3, there’s too much room in both for it to move around neither is perfect but the LB3 is better. On the other hand, routers (I have two with multiple bases, guides, etc) fit best in the TS L or XL but with them banging into each other, again neither system is exactly perfect.
Jigsaws are the oddball. There is a Systainer size that fits one jigsaw & a case for blades PERFECTLY. The next biggest one fits two jigsaws with a case for blades PERFECTLY. Haven’t got them the way I want them in either TS or LB yet.
Because of the weight issue you described, I have found the best way is to organize the tools through more smaller LB’s than smaller TS or larger boxes in general. Costs more in the long term to do it this way but it is much better organized. I’ve been putting safety equipment and misc items in the bigger TS boxes just because when it’s full of tools, it’s easily over a hundred pounds.
The LB is perfectly sized for a smaller furniture dolly ($8 HF special) and the TS fits on them pretty well also. Even though it’s not perfect, it’s an inexpensive solution that so far hasn’t made anything harder. The foam that comes with the smaller LB’s (or if you’ve bought one recently from Amazon, maybe doesn’t come with them anymore) is more suited to electronics, measuring equipment, and generally lighter items. Eventually something even as light as a 12v impact driver will tear out more squares being carried and bumped around.
Peter
John, where did you find the sortimo here in the US?
While I agree that the Bosch boxes feel thin they can take a dropping.
I am still not really sure how usefull it is if you can open a box with others on top.
Sounds good but I am still concerned about the weight of the boxes on top.
The biggest issue which is a smaller one is that they sometimes are a little tricky to connect to each other.
My plan is at one point to but a cabinet on wheels with shelves sliding out for each box but that will take a while.
John
Knapheide Truck Equipment has a partnership with Bosch and Sortimo where they are starting to offer service bodies and van racking set up for Sortimo’s products. A limited amount of Sortimo’s line is available through the Knapheide Part & Accessory site:
http://shopktec.knapheide.com/parts.php?CatID=170
Not cheap but it’s an alternate way to get an expanded line.
You may also be able to order through your local Knapheide dealer.
T-BOXX
Sortimo T-BOXXs are $60 plus $8 ship direct from Sortimo US. Not sure the other products.
Brad
I really hope someone expands the sortimo brand in NA and that Bosch puts more tools in these l boxxes as an option. Especially the routers. I currently have about ten different sizes (all bought off Amazon.ca) and I have been very impressed for shop use. My two biggest gripes is the that you can’t use a lock on them when stacked and the lboxx 1 does not have the deepest handles on the sides. I have loaded those small trays in the 1a box with screws and nails and other small items and they turned out to be three of my heaviest containers, and no deep side pockets to help in lifting (especially if removing more then one at a time) It’s a huge oversight IMO. My other gripe, and I know it’s petty, but there are no label holders… Does anyone know where to buy the individual trays for the lboxx 1?