A reader (thanks, Hunter!) tipped us off that Home Depot has a new Husky Build-Out promo image up, teasing that they’re going to launch new drawer too boxes and modular system accessories.
Home Depot launched the Husky Build-Out modular tool box system in the summer of 2023, and this looks to be the major first expansion.
From the promo image, it looks like there will be two drawer tool boxes – a 2-drawer box with shallow and deep drawers, and a 3-drawer tool box with shallow drawers.
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We can see from the image that Husky will also be adding a new 4-wheel rolling cart and a work top to their lineup.
There’s one other box in the teaser image, but I can’t tell if it’s a 1-drawer tool box or a cabinet with door.
Pricing and availability details aren’t available yet.
Thanks to AO, here’s another look at the new Husky tool box products, which also includes a Build-Out 5-compartment parts organizer.
Jared
New entrants and expanding product lineups – the plastic portable modular toolbox segment must still be performing really well despite how crowded the market seems.
I’m happy to see Husky releasing drawers though. Drawers on stacking boxes make a lot more sense.
ITCD
Even SK has gotten in on it now. One of their options is a unit with 2 little doors that open like a regular cabinet, I haven’t been paying the closest attention to the market but I’ve never seen that before.
Lisa
Any word on when the new line-up is being released? It’s driving me nuts not knowing.
Dominic
Hey Lisa,
I contacted Husky and was told that they would be releasing the drawer box from the new lineup in Quarter Four of 2024! I’ve been patiently waiting for what seems like forever, the drawer box is the last piece I need to finish this out!
BigTimeTommy
Boxes with drawers have been such an “everyone wants this” no brainer since these expensive plastic boxes started coming out. Makes it seem like companies held back on releasing them on purpose to get consumers to make multiple purchases they wouldn’t have otherwise made.
Stuart
I’ve been reporting on modular tool box systems for over a decade.
Brands haven’t been “holding back on purpose.”
In my opinion, the market proved that consumers are willing to spend a lot more money on plastic tool boxes than could have been predicted.
Also, modular tool boxes were an extension of traditional tool boxes. Although there were some steel tool chests with shallow drawers, modular tool boxes with drawers were all new, and I think its success was never guaranteed due to their high pricing.
eddie sky
Also, I think the prohibitive price of the metal parts boxes, example like Durham metal drawers, have doubled in the last few years. I’ve a few for screws, nuts, etc., and really wished these were available 4 years ago. DeWalt didn’t have drawers, just boxes. And Husky or other brands had cases but put stupid unremovable labels over the lids that defeated seeing what was in there.
I’m still wishing for a storage of my flooring nailer (dewalt, you listening?) Just a wee bit taller of the tallest boxes is all, and enough space for the hammer, a board jack and boxes of nails/staples for it.
fred
How times have changed. Our old (now seems like ancient time) manual Rockwell Porta-Nail hand/spring driven flooring nailers came in a 20×18 inch steel case that held the tool, hammer accessories – with room for a box of cleats. Our more recent Power Nailer (50P-FLEXRL) came with a nylon bag (made by Occidental Leather) Steel cases (maybe with exceptions like for some Mafell kits) seem to have gone the way of the Dodo. They were replaced by blow-molded plastic – often bulky with little rooms for accessories. Now bags seem more common – with some room for extra storage – but not so good protection. Modular plastic cases have also been adopted by Bosch, Festool, Lamello, Mafell, Makita, Metabo and others – and seem to have their proponents. Then came options like these from Husky, Packout, SBD, Ridgid, Klein et. al. all hoping to garner their share of the market.
Even with all the options from the various manufacturers it still is sometimes hard to fit all your tools into a single storage system platform that fits the way to transport your tools and parts and how you work. That’s probably why we see new options from Husky and others to hopefully fill needs and niches.
Cullen J Webb
I spy a few half wide organizers in that image as well. I wrote off the husky buildout system as I didn’t see a way for half wide containers to mount, but they apparently have a solution. I’m very curious how they got that to work.
JR Ramos
On those Durham boxes, where I’ve seen them around the price still seems somewhat reasonable and at least they have kept up the sturdy quality of them. Haven’t looked lately but it used to be that the exact same boxes marketed under Klein’s name were often a bit cheaper. There’s an import brand (might be Vevor?) on Amazon selling them, too, and while they aren’t the same quality they are very good, and less expensive. They have some tool crib drill bit indexes/dispensers, too.
Bonnie
The tooling is probably quite an up front investment, even though the per-unit manyfacturing it probably cheap. I bet they waited for one OEM to make the plunge and prove the submarket before everybody decided to go whole hog.
Jason
Probably spot on with that analysis. The quality has to be there too, first Dewalt drawers were horrible and flimsy
Chris
Margins are also probably much tighter on drawered units as well. A regular large packout box with only a lid sells for $140, while a similar sized box with 4 drawers sells for $200. Both are certainly profitable or we wouldn’t be seeing the market do what it is, but I’m sure the manufacturing costs of 4 drawers, slides, latches, etc, plus the extra assembly time eat into that 40% up-charge considerably. If I was selling these, I’d much rather produce and sell the one compartment boxes with a big margin over the drawered units.
BigTimeTommy
That makes sense.
JML
I would love to see a base unit without wheels that raises a bottom cabinet unit and then multiple drawer units off the floor. I have no need as a homeowner to move these things around, and the price of metal cabinets for tool storage is so high that I can’t justify the investment (and the problems with getting a metal tool chest into a basement through the doorway or taking them away if I move to a new home).
Tucker
This. I moved a HF box once into my basement and that was enough for me.
I am looking forward to the larger format Delwalt boxes announced a while back.
Mike
Take the drawers out first and these units are surprisingly lightweight
Mike
If I’m understanding you correctly, you just want an empty platform to raise the drawers up higher? This makes it easier to use the bottom drawers, but also costs money to waste space.
I think these plastic modular tool boxes only make sense if they’re going to be moved around, then they’re great. They’re relatively small, lightweight units that can be stacked up in infinite combinations of boxes, drawer units, organizers and totes, etc.
They waste a lot of space:
-plastic construction requires much thicker walls than metal or plywood
-height is eaten up in the stacking geometry
-they are relatively narrow so lots of thick walls in a bank of them. Even if the walls are thin plastic, they often have rails etc. for tying down, accessorizing, etc.
-they are shallow, so much less storage than a 2′ deep cabinet or even a typical 18″ deep metal cabinet
For example:
Pack out drawer units are about 22″ wide x 16″ deep, while the drawers inside dimensions are about 16 x 12.
(16×12)/(22×16) = .55 = 55% space efficient horizontally
18″ deep mechanic tool chest is 26.5 x 18, while the drawer’s interior is about 24 x 16.
(24×16)/(26.5×18) = .81 = 81% space efficient.
With a 22″ deep base cabinet unit you might get 70%+ efficiency, but they’re deeper so more storage.
I would guess the vertical difference is similar.
If you have 20′ wall of drawers @ 3′ tall:
Packout: 20 x 3 x 1.33 x .55 = 44 cu ft storage
Mechanic: 20 x 3 x 1.5 x .81 = 73 cu ft storage
Base cabinet: 20 x 3 x 1.83 x .7 = 77 cu ft storage
Mechanic chest, 22″ deep: 20 3 x 1.83 x .81 = 89 cu ft
If you want fixed storage on a budget, I would recommend you find some used metal mechanics chests if depth is an issue (garage sidewall, etc.) or find some used (often free) kitchen cabinet drawer units (or make some) that are 22″ deep.
If you require lots of storage, you want to maximize depth and height while maintaining easy access. Shallow shelves with lots of storage eats up space. If you’re arranging storage around outside walls make it deep.
Drawers only work below eye sight lines, so the traditional kitchen storage method of drawers and cabinets below a work surface with shelves above works great in garages. Obviously warehouses often just use shelves if workspace is not needed.
Storage cabinets, drawers, etc. can be expensive, cheap or even free. The square footage to house them is often quite expensive. As real estate ownership and rent and off site storage rental has gotten expensive, you might think about the big picture costs of having space efficient storage.
mikedt
You really need to visit a Harbor Freight store. Their metal cabinets, on sale, can be had for the price of these plastic boxes.
Munklepunk
I still don’t understand why removable parts drawers are barely a thing.
https://tinyurl.com/Hart-stack
https://tinyurl.com/L-RACK-PROFESSIONAL
Joe Blow
They have been around for quite a while as a “fishing tackle box”
TrevorYYC
On the L-Rack are the drawers removal to use as small parts trays? That would be a great feature for my flows.
Gordon
Back in the late 90’s I wanted something like that for my models and tools. I ended up getting an ArtBin sewing box with modular trays that clicked onto the bottom and held those small parts boxes.
Peter Fox
I whole heartedly agree. I had to make my own solution out of plywood to make my existing Plano 3700 series organizers compatible with my two, 3 drawer pack-out units.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/bkpTGijucE1Hjsp49
The pack-out organizers are great unless you want to sort a lot of small parts into a small space. Having a more efficient and dense organizer option that fits into a larger modular tool storage system is a gap that most have yet to consider let alone fill.
Evan
I hadn’t seen the promo image but I noticed that the current Build-Out products have an additional image in their listings. It doesn’t show the 1-drawer/cabinet box, though.
Here’s an example: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Build-Out-22-in-Modular-Tool-Storage-Rolling-Tool-Box-22844/322630780
The image itself: https://images.thdstatic.com/productImages/900e3a49-a653-43d7-ab13-a954462922e2/svn/black-husky-modular-tool-storage-systems-22844-e1_1200.jpg
Thebear
I just put my bedroom set, dresser, armoire, and night stand on a hand truck with some brackets. Throw tools in it, and I’m good to go. Honestly I don’t see anything exciting with these modular systems. They are just a gimmick that can also be achieved with milk crates and a dolly or cart. Just more money lining the pockets of tool companies.
James
Is a stove a gimmick? I could cook on an open fire….
Some people may purchase these units and use them in ways that could be achieved by other cheaper means. Does that make it wrong?
Other people need exactly these products for specific applications where a modular drawer unit is exactly the best solution.
I count myself in both of the above categories and I’m grateful to line the tool companies’ pockets so that my business can be more professional and efficient.
BigTimeTommy
Don’t forget to paint them red and write Milwaukee on them so everyone knows they’re The Best.
Mike
I’d like to see you load and unload your tool filled bedroom set multiple times a day from your pickup, van, trailer , etc.
Can you stack pieces up and roll up ramps, into elevators, etc.?
How’s your bedroom set in rain?
Not a gimmick. Not the appropriate technology for every application, either.
Chip
I am sure he uses a Yankee hand screwdriver.
Because a corded drill,drillpress and cordless drill have too much plastic as well.
I am still patiently waiting on on a packout rolling cart with drawers.
Munklepunk
I started with milk crates and dollies and all that stuff. It’s crap. Tieing everything down because nothing locks together is dumb.
Plain+grainy
I was just in Home Depot, checked out a three drawer box. It must have been a Ridgid. It looked really similar to these Husky boxes(I think price was around $110.00). Where are the Ridgid & Husky boxes made?
Plain+grainy
It shows Ridgid three drawer at $119.00 online. I think it was cheaper in store!
Tojen1981
Pretty sure Keter makes them to spec for most manufacturers, aside from sortimo or Tanos.
fred
On of Stuart’s links to Husky Build-Out 22 in. Modular Large Tool Box, Tool Case, Rolling Tool Box ( Model # HKYBO3 )- which HD says has bears UPC Code # 6974334557414. That UPC code seems to equate having been sourced from Shanghai Meirui Industrial Co., Ltd.
Plain+grainy
Thanks!
Mark M.
This seems like a lazy offering, even down to the name borrowing half of Milwaukee’s Packout brand. I see nothing innovative, nothing compelling. Sorry to be so negative but the over-saturation of these plastic box systems…come on. Show up with something fresh or stay home.
Plain+grainy
Redundant maybe! But I find storing in different products toolboxes, actually helps my organization. I know which tools are in every different toolbox, no labeling needed!
John
Maybe redundant versus Packout, but they are half the price and targeting value.
Dan
1/3 the price on some pieces
jayne erin defranco
I kinda like these but I have no need to lug tools around. Like I just retired.
Joe H
So will Husky drop Connect entirely? I think so.
DXE
I hope not- I like the connect boxes.
William Adams
Me too.
I just wish that there were adapter plates to make units from one company work with those of another.
Ken
I’ve seen some on Etsy, but not every single combination for sure. I bought a TStak to Toughsystem that works in both directions there.
AO
I see the drawers in the second photo here.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Build-Out-22-in-Modular-Large-Tool-Box-Tool-Case-Rolling-Tool-Box-HKYBO3/325054543
Ace S
It is a large single drawer case.. not a cabinet with a door. but I wonder what kind of work scenario would require such a large drawer.
Arthur
Usefulness will depend on drawer height and depth; if I can replace a couple “large boxes where the stuff I want it always on the bottom” with a couple same-portability 4 or 5 drawer units, then I’ll consider it a win. And by “same-portability” I do not mean “the wheeled dolly looks nice and doesn’t squeak when it rolls.” I need hand carry because I wind up in too many tight spaces where a wheeled dolly doesn’t work because it has 2-3 of those “large boxes” on it and there’s no place to put boxes 1 & 2 while I rummage through box 3.
Plain+grainy
Redundant maybe! But I find storing in different products toolboxes, actually helps my organization. I know which tools are in every different toolbox, no labeling needed!
Frank D
I debated about the husky stuff a couple weeks ago, with modular two units, and just bought the ridgid one as a trial. Looks quite similar without the lock in bars that swing around.
Greg
I like the Husky box line for in workshop use or in my suv use or for just putting inexpensive them things in like screws and nails and I save my Packouts for more expensive items.
Dominic
I’m glad I saw this post. The box with drawers was the deciding factor for me when comparing options!
Does anyone have an anticipated release date? I’ve already picked up a few boxes, just waiting on the box with drawers to finish it out!
Jose
When is the realese date ?
Stuart
Good question. Unfortunately, nobody knows.
Dominic
Hey guys,
I contacted Husky and was told that they would be releasing the drawer box from the new lineup in Quarter Four of 2024!
Matt
I hope they put them in stores soon, I am about to make a Ridgid mounting plate and just buy their drawer set up and attach it to the BOut.
Husky needs to get a move on !
Dan
I’ve had 4 pc Husky Build Out for a year now, and will be glad when the large 3 drawer drawer box is released.
Mike A
The Google machine must have crawled the site and uncovered the direct links. Thought some folks in the thread might find these links interesting.
Build-Out 2 Drawer Box
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Build-Out-22-in-Modular-Tool-Storage-2-Drawer-Tool-Box-HKY22855/327596541
Build-Out 3 Drawer Box
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Build-Out-22-in-3-Drawer-Tool-Box-HKY22856/327596540
Mike A
And the multipurpose dolly
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Build-Out-23-in-W-Modular-Tool-Storage-Polymer-Multipurpose-Dolly-HKY22850/327596537
Mike A
Stumbled across this one as well
Build-Out Modular Tool Storage 6-Compartment Deep Organizer
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Build-Out-Modular-Tool-Storage-6-Compartment-Deep-Organizer-HKY22846ST/327595993
Mike A
Build-Out Large Work Top
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Build-Out-23-in-Modular-Tool-Storage-Workbench-Top-HKY22851ST/327596536
These don’t come up on the HomeDepot site just yet but if you use the direct link you can see them.
Freddy
Someone left a question on the 3 Drawer Box on Home Depot Site And Husky Replied
“Hello Ryan, Thank you for reaching out to us. The mentioned item will be released during Winter Storage Event right after Christmas. We will know the detailed when it is released. Regards,”
Mike Atkins
Got my two drawer Husky Build-Out box yesterday and the three drawer is on the way to the store for pickup. I noticed the tag/flier attached to the box has more build out parts that I had not noticed before.
Build-Out Large 1-Drawer Tool Box
Part # 1010500456
Build-Out Soft-Sided Tote
Part # 1011538279
Build-Out Service Cart
Part # 1011443973