I am a big fan of cantilever tool boxes, which typically feature fold-out compartments that allow for easy access of tools without much digging around. I am also quite fond of Festool Systainers, which are efficient means of organizing power tools, hand tools, accessories, and supplies.
My order for Festool’s new 499901 cantilever Systainer tool box came in last night, and so I spent some time this morning filling it up. There are a couple of things I like about the tool box, and a few things I don’t.
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What I Like
The Systainer tool box can stack on top of T-Loc and original Systainers, as well as any of Festool’s tool box Systainers.
Overall, the construction is top-notch, and I like the attention of detail integrated into the design. For instance, the fold-out sides have clear lids that feature textured and inset finger grips for easier lifting.
The tool box comes with 5 removable and repositionable small parts bins, which can be placed in any of the compartments.
The handle has a fixed position, which I am not perfectly happy about, but it does provide for greater rigidity and the ability to open either compartment at any time with minimal fuss.
What I Don’t Like
$90 is a hefty price for a plastic tool box, but is easily understood given the complexity of the design. I also own a Hazet metal cantilever tool box ($120 via Amazon), as well as a Facom model, and feel that the Festool won’t be quite as durable. On the other hand, the Festool cantilever Systainer tool box is a lot lighter and easier to move around, even when full.
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Since this tool box Systainer is designed to be able to connect and lock into other tool box Systainers, there is a deep recess at the bottom. This makes it so that there are two half-size bottom compartments instead of a single full-width section. I have not yet made up my mind as to whether this is a pro or a con, but ultimately this will be determined by what I use it for over time.
As mentioned, the handle is fixed and cannot be adjusted. This means that you cannot stick the tool box into a cabinet, Systainer port, or drawer without wasting a bit of vertical space. However, I think that this limitation is more than balanced by how the straight handle allows access to both sides of the tool box without having to move it around.
Summary
I think that the Festool Systainer cantilever tool box is a keeper. I would have liked a smaller price tag, perhaps $75 instead of $90, but I would rather pay $90 for this than deal with a lower quality tool box where designers cut corners to lower costs.
Right now the box is being used to organize and protect machinist tools, but I might turn it into a woodworking or robotics project box.
From an objective standpoint, I cannot find any noticeable flaws. All of the things I didn’t like about the tool box are a matter of preference. For the most part, I don’t think Festool could have went any other way with the design.
In a perfect world, I could see myself using as many as 10 of these tool boxes. But not for $90/each.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
More Info(via Festool)
The test unit was purchased at retail.
fred
I’m more intrigued by the tabletop systainer:
http://www.amazon.com/Festool-500076-SYS-MFT-Tabletop-Systainer/dp/B00F0GJW12/
Stuart
The work surface Systainer does look interesting, but I have doubts about how usable it will be. I also think it would be better if you could swap the tabletop lid onto other Systainer sizes.
Rob
You can’t switch it out “on the fly”, but you can
switch out lids in about thirty seconds. The hinges are
secured by pressure fitted plastic pins that you can tap out
by sticking a punch or driver in it’s hollowed recess and giving it a wallop. The festool versions (vs tanos/oem)
do have an added support bar on top of those pins, however, it is also a snap fit and I’m sure it pops off with ease as well.
fred
sorry for the double post – but I also wanted to point out that you seem to have your Amazon and Festool Product links switched
Stuart
Oops, you’re right, thanks for the notice! The links have been fixed.
Jerry
I was looking for something on Walmart.com and a Stanley brand cantilever tool box popped up for under $40, and it included a few tools with it. I’d jump on it in an instant, but am unfamiliar with the quality of Stanley boxes. Do you have any experience with them? It seems on the smaller side, but I thought for the price, it might be a good way to introduce myself to the concept, to see if I want to take the plunge on a pro grade one.
Stuart
Some Stanley tool boxes are really good, others are a little on the cheap side. But if it’s something you’re really interested in, you could always buy one and return it if you’re not satisfied with the quality.
The Festool is sort of a specialty cantilever box, and while good, it works best when coupled to other tool boxes. Otherwise you’re spending a premium for connectivity you’re not using.
Amazon carries inexpensive Excel-branded cantilever tool boxes (LINK) that you also might want to consider. I have a small one, and it works pretty well.
Tristan
I feel silly commenting on a post from 2013 in 2022 but I was recently looking at this Festool toolbox and found that the manufacture of them (Tanos) makes the exact same product for Makita for about 2/3 the price. It is exactly identical to the Festool except for colour and branding. I’ve had mine for about a year and love it, use it all the time.
Stuart
Thanks! Your input is definitely appreciated!
At the time of this comment, the Festool is $109 USD. It’s available in Canada for $112 CAD, as opposed to $163 CAD for the Festool. Makita never launched the cantilever tool box in the USA, and so when looking at USA sources, I can only find 3rd party listings at inflated pricing, such as $299 at Amazon.
I suppose I should update the review. I have continued using my Festool tool box over the years, and I’m still quite pleased with it, although it’s not something I would buy multiple units of.