Milwaukee has come out with a new Packout compact tool box, 48-22-8422, that is half-width and as tall as 3 compact organizers stacked together.
It features a single latch, a large fold-down top handle, removable tool tote, adjustable dividers, and a padlock loop.
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Inside, you can configure the tool box in several ways, thanks to the removable dividers. The removable tote can be used for small tools or parts, or you can leave it behind if you want to pack the Packout compact tool box to its brim.
It has an IP65-rated weather seal and is spec’ed to hold up to 75 pounds.
Additionally, there are mounting locations for One-Key Tick trackers for inventory management.
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The internal compartment is large enough to fit Milwaukee’s M18 7-1/4″ circular saw, although without the battery attached. The saw’s blade guard lever is also raised, but it’s unclear as to what this means. Having to adjust the saw to fit the tool box is better than not being able to fit it at all.
In a stack with other Milwaukee Packout tool boxes, the compact tool box matches the height of 3 compact organizers, 2 compact organizers and 2 low-profile organizers, or any other combination of half-width boxes or organizers. Or, you could probably place two of them side by side.
As with other Milwaukee Packout tool boxes, the new model can be unlatched from the front and slid out for use.
Price: $60
ETA: Feb 2020
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Discussion
As with nearly every new Milwaukee product, there will be people complaining “I can’t use that, why did they bother,” to which I’d counter that having more options is always good. I’m sure that Milwaukee designed this Packout compact tool box with pro and tradesman user feedback.
Consider the application where you adjust the divided compartments to hold pipe fittings. You can organizer and separate some fittings or even short lengths of pipe from on the bottom, and tools, glue, and other such items on the top tote tray.
Alternatively, you could use an open tool bag, maybe even a bucket. But here, you have an enclosed and water resistant box in a convenient size that can connect to your Packout stack when you need to move, or for storage.
Personally, I don’t think I would benefit from a tool box this size and shape, or at least this size, shape, and price. I do have a couple of smaller tool boxes with this type of tall, deep, and narrow geometry, and they are incredibly useful. In fact, I’m looking to buy more.
Does this fit your needs? Great! If not, what kind of tool box would you want to see Milwaukee add to their modular Packout tool storage system?
As an aside, is it me, or does this look like the perfect size and shape for a Milwaukee Packout cordless vacuum?
Brad
I mean … okay, its another storage option, but if one looks around they can find the 48-22-8425 Large Packout Box for $59.99.
I would never see a reason to buy this at the same price of the large box.
Jared
Is that apples to apples? What’s MSRP on the Large Packout?
Even if it is, sometimes niche products sell for more because of the higher production cost or just because those that need it are more willing to pay the premium.
Packout stuff is a bit pricey, but having more configurations is nice. I don’t have any Packout stuff, but I do have Toughsystem. If there was a Dewalt equivalent I would at least consider whether this might suit some of my storage needs.
I was thinking maybe they should have included full-length (e.g. top to bottom) dividers as an option too, but I suppose if you had longer items to store vertically it would work just fine to have them extend past the divider. Maybe a stacking multi-tray option so you could configure it yourself as a hand-tool tool box?
Another product I’d like to see is a super-large version. E.g. a single box similar in size to the whole tower that fellow is pushing in the last image. I could see it being used for transporting large tools (maybe in foam), or large quantities of lighter weight stuff (e.g. maybe work wear, safety gear, boots, tool belts, camping gear… etc.).
Ideally such a box should open from the top or side – so you could tip it on it’s side and not have to pull large items out through the narrow top. Internal dividers too – so you could put your boots in the bottom segment, for example.
Maybe that’s a terrible idea because people would be tempted to try and pack the large box full of heavy tools and then complain when it broke – but I still it would be a nice option.
Bonson
I could get behind your extra large tower box idea. It’s be a better use of space and weight by eliminating the interface plates (whatever theyre called) from having so many boxes stacked.
Rob
Well, pricewise, and showing how they stack, you’d basically need two of these, so I’m not totally disagreeing with you. However, my perspective is, if I have two things; I’ll choose two smaller individual cases over one case for the both of them; etcetera, regardless of the higher cost. I can pack a lot of stuff in any given space (I have); I can’t neccessarily hand carry it up and down flights of stairs (to be fair, I am a wimp).
Chris
This box will fit better as a vertical application. The price seems worth it if you need the space.
fred
Interesting pictured use. I wonder about the expected longevity in using a plastic box to haul iron nipples and fittings – but it may work. We tended to use steel nipple boxes like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Jones-Stephens-Corp-Combo-Nipple/dp/B009Y9ZY2M/
James
I have been using two 48-22-8424 Packout cases to carry around my steel nipples and fittings for about a year now and they have held up well. No discernable wear, they’re just blacker on the inside now. Quite heavy, at least 30-40lbs each, but it puts all of my fittings right where I need them and keeps the weather off them.
Brian
I can’t use that, why did they bother?
JasonMPLS
You asked: “As an aside, is it me, or does this look like the perfect size and shape for a Milwaukee Packout cordless vacuum?”
That was my first thought when I saw the photo, too. Nothing wrong with my existing M18 vacuum, but I could see this being handy for people who use the packout rolling cart.
Jim
I thought the same thing, That Milwaukee came out with a Packout cordless vacuum. I was ready to get my CC out and order one.
Adam
The picture of the guy pushing the dolly is interesting. Almost looks like he has a couple rows of batteries hanging from the backpack
Kevin Franklin
Interesting comment “I can’t use that, why did they bother”
Not everyone has the same needs in tool storage, so why knock something that you may not use but 19 out of 30 people may. The best way to look at is, it’s another good option to have.
I personally can use something like this to store PDR tools. I am happy to see the Packout line expanding and that’s never a bad thing!
Scar
He was just kidding. Stu made the same point as you in his Discussion section.
“Discussion
As with nearly every new Milwaukee product, there will be people complaining “I can’t use that, why did they bother,” to which I’d counter that having more options is always good. I’m sure that Milwaukee designed this Packout compact tool box with pro and tradesman user feedback.”
Wayne R.
It was a (pretty good) joke referring to Stuart’s text: “As with nearly every new Milwaukee product, there will be people complaining “I can’t use that, why did they bother,””.
Stuart
And one I didn’t mind because it indicated they read the post carefully. It seems that some of the usual detractors look at the title and lead image and then jump straight to comments to criticize.
Joe Hanson
I’d like to see Milwaukee’s take on nonvehicle specific truck/suv storage for overlanding for tools and gear.
Jim Felt
Wouldn’t that simply involve them creating an attachment/mounting system for their existing boxes that was tailored for vehicular mounting?
Plus maybe new “boxes” with more end and/or side access as well?
Mike (the other one)
I’d like to see something like this, but deeper and with more dividers. I would like to be able to store several pliers, wrenches, snips and screwdrivers in slots.
It would have the same function as a tool bag, but with a weather-proof lid.
As of now, the Klein Tradesman Pro cart is probably the closest to this I have seen.
Jon
Nice addition for sure, but can we please get a packout with drawers!
Popgun42
It is a tool box I think I could use. An assortment of smaller tools like maybe M12 for a smaller job somewhere. Storage for tools that are not used a lot I would not want in a big box. Always good to have the option.
krashtd
How long is it going to take for them to offer something with drawers? My god, glaring opportunity.
Dan
That would change everything
hangovna
Patience!
Blythe
Ive heard rumors they are working on it.
Making them weather tight is probably the hang up. I’ve tried the dewalt tough system drawers and they are kind of hard to use with the seal.
I think it would be better to have a hinged weatherproof door and then 2 or 3 standard drawers behind it
Farmerguy
I would be in favor of metal drawers (better weight/volume ratio imo). Good idea on weather proof door. Also, given the need to unstack a stacked cart, I would see a full size deep drawer like large box size to avoid unstacking. Overall make system as good in shop as at worksite
James C
I’d like to see small organizer packout and bare tool sets being sold – like they sometimes offer now but without the charger.
I’m thinking things like the m12 rotary tool, jigsaw, and soldering iron would be perfect options. Have the tool and custom blow molded plastic organizing area for accessories.
I understand why they offer the kit versions with the charger (I’ve seen m12 drill, impact, and hackzall versions) but the blow molded area for the charger is a waste of space for people already invested in m12.
If I need say a rotary tool for a special job, I want the convenience to grab just that packout box and have everything I need. I’ll already have a charger and several batteries with all the other m12 stuff I regularly use.
No, I don’t own a 3d printer and I don’t want to mess with custom kaizen foam 🙂
ca
I’m currently organizing my tools like that with DeWalt’s ToughSystem: one cordless tool and it’s accessories in a box. I’m using kaizen foam and sheets of pvc to customize them.
Jim Felt
Maybe if enough people asked Kaizen maybe they could they could offer precut Inserts for various boxes and tool configurations?
I know many companies offer this service for bulk equipment orders and demo uses.
This Handyman Can
You are in luck.
This is their website
The inserts are blacks and red.
They also make custom inserts for DeWalt Toughsystem. In black and yellow.
https://kaizeninserts.com/t/milwaukee
Aaron
I keep wishing for something like a bucket boss style organizer for the totes, and I think this might lend itself to that as well. Preserve stackability but add some cloth pockets with a bag/box hybrid
Koko The Talking Ape
Nice to see another size. I do wonder whether those little flanges inside for the dividers will withstand being battered by whatever tool is inside. But maybe if you are using it for a big tool, you won’t ever use the dividers, so you don’t care.
Jonathan B
Do we have the actual dimensions? I don’t have a stack of 3 compact sorters to measure, but it looks like it would slide under the rear seat in my truck. Right now I use a variety of ammo boxes in different shapes to jam tools under my back seat (keep the big packout box with parts in the bed of the truck, but my tools stay locked up in the truck this way).
Brian A
Why does it look so crappy compared to all the other items in the stack, its not as rugged as the normal boxes, its the same cheaper build as the case with foam. Definitely not worth $60, its a $40 box max.
Jim Felt
Next time you price camera/photo related hard cases you’ll see how relatively inexpensive these all are. No. Really.
Wayne R.
And given the brutal treatment the Airport Gorillas & (to a lesser but still significant level) the TSA can dish out to Pelican cases, they’re worth it – if you need that protection.
Rob
I’m a Systainer guy, through and through. However, if I was in construction or trades (plumbing, electricians), I know I’d be dropping mad dosh on this packout line. Milwaukee really thought the original lineup through, and they keep coming up with more good ideas. People will complain about the price, but they are a better value than I am used to; and plastic storage containers will always sell for more than they’re worth since the freight costs just about the same to ship these as it does to ship a $1,000 tool. It may be empty air, but it still went on a boat, a train and a few trucks.
hangovna
Holy cow someone who understands! Packout has terrible load-in so much of the cost is freight!
Taras
This would be a perfect canvas for a jobsite hard cooler/lunch pail. Big enough for food and drinks/Thermos, as well as some extra room for little ancillary things that one might want to keep in there. Maybe some storage in the underside of the lid for keys/wallet…
Thebear Koss
I’ll keep using my free milk crates and/or empty 5 gallon paint pails for stuff like this… These may be handy at certain job sites but for who they are geared for I think gang boxes are a better option. Very rare to see contractors bring their tools individually where these would be beneficial.
The What?
I think it’s safe to say that if Milwaukee actually listened to feedback from tradesmen and pros then they would have designed a toolbox that could hold more than just a cordless circ saw. This might be a $30 box. Maybe $35 at the most. Your an idiot if you pay $60 for this thing. It obviously doesn’t dawn upon Milwaukee to make a toolbox that can hold several power tools or large hand tools. I don’t see what’s so hard about making one. Something that has nothing to do with packout. And the last time I checked a toolbox is meant to hold tools. Not a bunch of screws or little pieces and parts and a few hand tools with a bunch of dividers. That’s what they make parts bins and organizers for. Those things ain’t even big enough to put a hammer and a flat bar in let alone a crowbar or a mini sledge. All they would have to design would be a 4x3x3 ft bigass box with wheels and a retractable swivel front handle & fixed side handles. No dividers no trays. Something you can just throw a bunch of tools in and roll so you don’t have to make 13 trips getting all of your stuff out for work. It ain’t rocket science. Forget about the packout bs and make a useful toolbox Milwaukee! What’s the point in making a system of stackable toolboxes that doesn’t hold tools?
Kevin
I disagree, I can fit everything I need for most any job into just two of the rolling packout systems, augmented with an additional 3 compartment organizers on top for fasteners, drill bits, and the like, as well as a 15″ Tote to hold screwdrivers, pliers, shears, drywall knife, chisels, tape measure, demolition bars, speed square, chalk line, etc.
I use one of the other 4 bins for each of Electrical, Plumbing, Safety Equipment/Measuring, and Drywall/Tile.
In one big rolling bin I can fit a Milwaukee 6 1/4″ circular saw, Sawzall, belt sander, palm sander, jigsaw, multi-tool, and a few other things comfortably! In the other big rolling bin, it’s misc things like tapes, gloves, hole saw kits. My impact drivers, drills, batteries and chargers all fit into one other Packout case which came with the drills. Finally, there’s one of the new Packout ‘Milk Crates’ for holding random things like pieces of wood, ABS fittings, garbage, cans of spray foam, caulking and caulking gun, and other random things like that.
All of this fits nicely into a 25″ wide x 40″ deep x 5′ high closet, (one Packout behind the other) and it is SO easy to roll them both out and find any tool I need for any project!
The only tools that don’t fit into Packout are very large ones like the chop saw, table saw, 8-gal compressor, tile cutting saw, and a powerful SDS-Plus corded hammer drill which has it’s own case. Those are sitting on a shelf and I just throw them in the vehicle when I need them. I’m not sure any of those would fit in any type of construction bin, honestly.
All that being said, not sure I’d really have a use for this new size of toolbox. 🙂
I LOVE PACKOUT
Chris
Based on your criteria. Milwaukee already made this.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-24-in-Hardtop-Rolling-Tool-Bag-48-22-8220/300450401
Holds more than a circular saw.
Holds several power tools.
Holds large hand tools.
Nothing to do with packout.
Meant to hold tools.
Will hold a hammer, flat bar, crowbar, or mini sledge (all at the same time).
Smaller than a 4x3x3 big-ass box(why would you ever want something that unwieldy and full of all your tools thus far).
Has wheels, retractable handle, and fixed side handle (not sure about your swivel, guess we can’t have it all).
No dividers or trays, just pockets.
Big enough for free throws from the middle of the court.
Makes less than 13 trips.
No rocketicians needed.
It’s useful.
Any more complaints?
sean m harmon
One, they do hold lots of tools. You choose the size box that meets your needs.
Two, the boxes with all the little parts and screws are actually parts containers not tool boxes.
That’s why they have the different sizes, not everyone enjoys a 200 pound box on wheels.
Stuart
4′ x 3′ x 3′ isn’t going to fit through doors and will be a hassle to move. If you want something that size, there are portable job boxes.
Husky has one – 37.5″ x 23″ x 23.5″.
PlaneGrain
This would probably hold my flexvolt circular saw. I would like to see this type box made to fit the long way, left to right. Maybe sell in tandem, front box locks in rear box. This could carry longer tools like a sawzall or hole saw. Also would like a top of the stack packout lid, to keep water & debris out of packout slots. Could be a storage box with a smooth lid for a topper.
PlaneGrain
These long boxes(21”), could come as a 3 piece set. A base plate that slides in the convention way. This base plate would incorporate unique packout slots, allowing the long boxes to slide in and lock from the side.
PlaneGrain
Meant hole hawg drill, not hole saw.
PlaneGrain
I don’t yet have a packout crate. I wish it had a tethered plug to fit each handhold opening. To keep water, dust and mice out, When a storage box is covering the top.
Drew M
I wonder how a pile of M12 tools would fit in this.
I got the half wide organizer to keep an assortment of screws in and I really like it for that purpose.
I plan to eventually get the bottom box and maybe the “large toolbox” but I won’t get one until they fix the wheels and axles so they stop breaking.
Frank D
Was hoping to find some practical dimensions (interior LHD).
Except there is nothing listed on the Milwaukee site!
Why do they keep doing this???
PlaneGrain
D(16.3”),H(12.87”),W(9.8”),weight((5.5lb.s). If you need more info, just take the Acme tool link provided here. Then scroll down to “Specs”.
PlaneGrain
These are exterior measurements I assume.
Brandtson
Would like to see a tool box like the compact organizer or something just to hold the sawzall individually
Bud Light
Great size box! You all whine more than a bunch of old hens! I use the Packout system daily and love it. It’s smart and tough and not yellow. Your yellow tools are just black and decker priced higher. Like a Lexus IS a Toyota.
Chris Fyfe
I see it as valuable fo adding “ specials “ to the stack , ie: aJigsaw , the M12 bandsaw , etc etc .
Rob
I’d like Milwaukee to stock a bit more in the uk !. I’ve got a selection of packout gear, and I’m pretty sure I will buy this compact box.
I reckon I could get my entire soldering kit in it.