Home Depot has properly discounted the Milwaukee Packout tool box combo to $199, which is a great price for what you get. This is the we expected to see for this year’s holiday shopping season.
I’ve seen the same question a couple of times: will the deal get any better?
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Home Depot has had Milwaukee Packout tool box deals for PRO Black Friday and the holiday season before. The price never dropped below $199.
See Also: Home Depot PRO Black Friday 2019 Tool Deals are Live!
Home Depot has had Ridgid Pro tool box deals for the holidays before, and also Dewalt ToughSystem tool box combo deals. Those deals were predictable and the deals never really changed.
This year, things are a little different in that Home Depot stores have a LOT more inventory than in previous years. Packout tool box combos were scarce the first year. Last year, supply had caught up to demand a little bit and it seems Milwaukee shipped a greater number to stores. Inventory still flew off the sales floors pretty quickly from what I saw.
So what’s going on this year?
There are two possibilities:
1) Home Depot and Milwaukee are anticipating strong demand and worked to ensure that stores are well-supplied with Packout combo kits.
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2) There will be another price reduction, or some kind of bonus promo deal as a Black Friday Doorbuster or similar.
If you ask me, I don’t think the price is likely to dip below $199. I don’t think there’s a strong chance that we’ll see some kind of promo bundle, but that’s at least less unlikely than the price being discounted further.
My local store is said to have more than 60 Packout tool box bundles in stock. I did not see 60 bundles at my store. There are maybe 8 out on the sales floor – a couple in the gift center and a couple in the main aisle with the other Pro Black Friday tool deals. There’s a chance that they’re the same combo stacks, but there’s also a (much smaller) chance that they have something extra inside them or attached to the top. Maybe? It’s really hard to say.
We won’t know for certain until Home Depot’s Black Friday sales flyer is released or makes its way online. Even then, it could be an unpublished deal.
Should you buy a Milwaukee Packout tool box combo now, or wait for Black Friday?
Several online retailers have it on sale, and will likely have it on sale again during the holiday season.
If you really want a Packout tool box combo, buy a stack and hold onto your receipt. If you’re on the fence, stay on the fence and see if the deal gets a little sweeter, but keep an eye on inventory levels at your local stores.
I’m hesitant to tell you to wait because inventories sold out so quickly in previous years. More people that want Packout tool boxes now have them, and stores have far more inventory than in previous years, so there’s less chance of this happening. Still, that’s why I recommend watching store inventory levels.
If I had to bet whether the deal gets better or not, I’d put my money down on “yes, it’ll get better somehow.” At the least, Home Depot has had $5 off coupons in the past, but that’s not really what I’m talking about.
If the choice was to buy now or risk missing out on the deal entirely, I would buy now and save my receipt. And if it got any better, I’d do a rebuy-return if the new promo was meaningfully different.
What you don’t want to do is think “the deal will definitely get better” and then watch as your store sells out at the $199 price. Due to reported supply levels and the number of stores and Milwaukee tool dealers participating in the promo, there’s a low chance of this, but it’s always a possibility.
Frank D
Clearly a decision was made that they wanted / needed to move volume, because sales must have been way below expectations.
When one compares price points and looks what is used all around us … it is no surprise. I have packouts for myself ( ordered fairly early on from an e-tailer ) and have yet to see another owner. Everybody is into anything except packout.
Anyhow I feel validated that the price was forced down and is – at least for this holiday season – starting to meet realistic pricing, relative to their siblings and competition.
I am hoping for markdowns on the individual pieces. I don’t really need another full stack, but wouldn’t mind an extra mid size and small toolbox.
But, the little bird tells me that officially planned deeper discount BF deals is probably wishful thinking, that they would be marked down 25-50%. There has been so much price control on these and such long adherance to high prices, I don’t expect them go lower.
However, I don’t see HD moving a lot of these, to the tune of 50 / store; and they probably don’t want to store all of them until next year, so forbthat reason they may get marked down further.
Stuart
These aren’t tool boxes that were just sitting in a warehouse – these volumes were specially made and distributed to stores to meet demand.
$199 has been historic holiday season price.
X number of people wanted to buy into the system. Fraction of x number of people were able to buy combos in stores in previous years due to supply constraints.
mattd
They come 6-8 to a pallet. so stores with 60+ (one local store shows over 100) in stock probably have them all over the store taking up space. last year it took my local store several weeks to sell the few they had, so I don’t anticipate them flying off the shelves. If history repeats its self they are just going to be space hogs in the overheads for months. Especially when the 3 piece tough system is $50 less, and the new tough system 2.0 stuff announced makes them better for organizing than packout (the drawer boxes, drop in spacers for the big boxes, and the shelf racks are all better IMO) .
Frank D
I personally don’t know that the demand is there. I think most people who wanted one, have one by now ( in my case ordered at a slight discount, early on, since they have been no show at HD here until like six months ago )
During tool talk with others, there is some interest … but it is like talking festool systainers. Why pay double, triple, … when x or y or z works just fine. And, all things considered, apart from the interlocking slim and and regular parts organizers, and the half width ones you could latch to a small tote, and have a mini toolkit; they’re not magically special over the $99 on sale ridgids and dewalts I see as the most used systems in the area.
I think it takes a specific pro user who wants to be better organized, or a super dedicated hobbyist with a need for mobility ( let’s say RC, robotics, … ) to want to spend the extra to see if it is worth the price. Of course now that the price is a lot lower than first launch, it is a bit easier, but still. Most people shop value. Few people invest extra in consolidated organization.
For me the decision was made when Benjamen highlighted custom cups, printing extras, … I smile every time I used my upgraded packout slims … but outside of that; I am not happy with the 20” tote being less versatile than my old square johnson electrical bag, some of the things could have been designed or executed better, don’t get me wrong they’re rugged and solid; but if you hate tools tumbling around in a box … then you have more work and $$$ to invest. And there’s easily half a dozen things that could have been better, bigger wheels, removable handle, bins and trays that can work in multiple units or places internally, …
So, anyhow, to me it is very interesting to suddenly see this sales push. Indeed they must have suddenly made trcuckloads., but I don’t think this is sudden excess. To me it is a Packout push from corporate; they may have seen all the sales go to e-tailers. Decided to get involved with a huge bulk order.
But I really I don’t see any demand for HD to sell 50 + packouts per store x10 stores in this state at $279 or $199. Even when talking to the MW rep last year, packout was still a no show in the region.
Don’t get me wrong, I would like the system to be successful and see many more items created; but at a more palatable price, where people can afford extras more easily and keep the ball rolling. To move volume, the sales have to be there and for that lots of people need to see value, and more of the options …
Benjamen
So what you’re saying Frank is that I need to whip up something for the totes? :>)
Yeah. I’ve been using the 15″ tote since it came out, and while it’s adequate, it’s not very easy to keep organized. I can’t really put my finger on why. For some reason the inner pockets seem hard to use.
I also like that there’s a side that’s open to put bigger tools in, but it gets really disorganized and hard to find stuff. Maybe a drill holster on that side? Hmmm.
Frank D
Waves hi 😀
I should share a couple pictures of my bag, as I have a series of cups in the open side to keep things organized. No powertools in it. Only hand tools. Though I may throw a 12v drill and a few extras on top.
I hate the pockets side. I think it is their floppy nature on both sides, closing in the center, while not holding tools properly, … lost a nice adjustable wrench between those floppy sides for six months. I have thought about ripping the pockets out, and put cups in it too, or have that for open storage. I know. Crazy, right? Most expensive bag I bought. I was happier with my 10” square electrical bag, filled to the brim, but it literally held more, the way it had outside pockets and I had pliers with one leg out, so to speak, … then the inside pockets were tight.
I need a couple good hex bit drivers, to empty out the pocket side that has probably two dozen screw drivers in it. Maybe reconfigure then as I want to make it more general purpose than electrical focused.
MrWeedley
I’ve been mulling over getting a 20” bag but wish HD or another business would get one in stock. Hate to spend 130 without putting my hands on it first.
Sam
Well,
Ya are Echoing what I am seeing.
The Rigid and DeWalt versions are a loads more reasonable for most tradesmen and as such move off the shelves and ton faster.
From observation here in the Chicago/Milwaukee area, electricians are the biggest market for the packout system.
krashtd
Some HD stores carry the Packout lineup year-round, and they have good demand in those markets. The stores that do not carry year-round have still shown decent demand beyond the holidays and special buys. My store doesn’t carry, but is an within an hour of stores in a market that do, and we have decent year-round demand with customers willing to make that drive and the ability to transfer/ship in if customer needs warrant it. Our holiday and special buy units have sold within a week of sale start each time, and we were still able to move them at $279 when delayed replenishments came in after the sale end. I worked D25 (Hardware) and had multiple customers looking for this set every week, and a list of people at the Pro Desk who wanted a call when the deals came back. I still don’t understand why those folks didn’t just buy it online somewhere else, but it may be due to having HD accounts for work versus using personal credit cards online.
To that end, I do not see these taking a further price reduction (but would be pleasantly surprised to see it) and I’m holding out hope that we begin selling the pieces year-round. A more realistic hope than the one where RIDGID gets their act together and just sells everything AEG makes.
Toolfreak
My guess would be no, that lots of things HD has on ‘sale’ will hold at those ‘sale’ prices.
The idea being that, shoppers who do purchase, say, a few Milwaukee tools at doorbuster prices, and maybe some accessories like bits or blades or apparel, will probably spring for the ‘sale’ priced stuff to go with the doorbuster-price stuff.
If you want better pricing, either wait until after the holidays or try to combo coupons and/or discounted gift card deals along with whatever the sale prices are.
Rx9
I’m a huge Milwaukee fan, but even at $150 for the set, I’d rather go with Dewalt Toughsystem, especially since most of those boxes are US made.
Stuart
Most ToughSystem boxes are made in Israel, just like Packout (but at different suppliers). As far as I am aware, only the ToughSystem rolling tool box and less expensive small tool box are made here.
Corey Moore
The ToughBoxes are us made, as well. There’s about a 10-12 inch “Made in the USA” decaled on the lower right of the boxes, and mine came with a factory assembly checklist detailing the person performing each assembly task with a QC/inspection signature. I only had it on hand while I still needed the lock dimensions on it, but I believe they’re from Wisconsin.
Will
Speaking of the Tough System. I was planning to buy either the Tough System or the Ridgid. I know they have been going on sale for BF for the past years & was waiting. Decided to go with the Tough System even though I like the Ridgid system better. Only wanted the Tough System cause it has full length trays for both the bottom roller & large box which I need. Ridgid doesn’t have a tray for the bottom roller. I’m not using them for tool storage so the price for Packout was out the question & they only have half size trays.
Anyways I was getting worried cause none of my HDs were stocking up on the Tough System or the Ridgid like they already had with Packouts. Finally my stores did stock up on the Ridgids but still no Tough Systems.
A few days ago I checked online & all my local stores now say limited or no stock on the Tough System where just a week ago each store showed stock online.
I have a feeling the Tough System won’t be on sale for BF & they will go on clearance since the 2.0 is coming out next year. Went to 2 of my local HDs a couple of days ago, again they show no stock online but they had a few pieces (not sets) in stock. Still full price & as of yesterday I still didn’t see them stocking up on them.
I ended up going with the Ridgid. My store had a Milwaukee rep threre who saw me looking at the Ridgid. He was pretty persistent in trying to get me to buy a Packout. Had to explain to him all the reasons why I didn’t want the Packout which was annoying. Although I am a Milwaukee guy I had to resort to semi putting down the Packout just so he would leave me alone. I do like the Packout system the best, just not for my needs or the price.
Yeah I bought the Ridgid at full price but didn’t by the small box since I don’t have a need for it. Needed it now. When BF rolls around & they go on sale, I’ll buy the set, keep the small box then return with my first receipt.
Bonson
I agree the price hasn’t seen the bottom yet. International Tool ran a packout promo about a week ago for the 3 piece set at $179. It was a promotion that was specific to the packout set. I wouldn’t be surprised to see that price again.
Personally, even though I have a lot of Milwaukee tools, I have zero interest in Packout.
W.
HD employee here. Typically, stock is shipped based on assumption/prediction of demand, which is based on the previous year’s sales for that period (usually weekly). If your store shows 60 in stock, it (presumably) means it has been shipped and arrived, or is on its way.
If sales lag and there is remaining product after the sale date, it may or may not go on sale after said date ends. It can vary by region/store. I’ve worked at HD for about 5 years, and the details of where and when items get reduced are still sometimes a mystery, but the best bet is to wait until after the sale date.
If you really want something and think the current price is reasonable, but just can’t resist getting a few more dollars off, buy it while it’s in stock then wait until the sale ends and see if you can return it and rebuy it for the new price. If you’re nice, we’ll usually work with you! It’s better for you to buy something and return in exchange for a reduced price than simply return it for full price.
Brian M
I’m hoping that the other Packout items will be on sale. I’m thinking that Milwaukee just wants the system in stores so people can get their hands on them. They (Packout) really do stand out as the most heavy duty system, not that the other systems are bad.
If not, worst case scenario is that eventually some of it will be clearanced out for cheaper than sale prices…but could take months or years.
Dave
I was in 2 Home Depots yesterday and they easily had 75 each; maybe more.
These (and all similar systems) don’t interest me.
1) We use a ton of hardware, anchors, etc, and I can barely lift a much smaller bag/box/organizer filled with such- this system would be way too heavy when filled up with what we use.
2) Don’t tell me you can negate the weight by rolling it:
a) You Still have to lift it out of the truck/fan/trailer (HEAVY)
b) Some terrain, outdoors AND indoors, make rolling difficult/impossible
c) Some indoor flooring/stair treads, etc, could be scratched/scuffed by the wheels/frame
3) PLASTIC wheels– this thing definitely has a finite life> Plastic everything (almost).
4) Even at $199, that’s still REAL money for something with the above limitations.
I’ll spend $200 in a heartbeat to increase productivity, keep guys from standing around, etc. In my applications, I don’t see this system as increasing anything . I’ll spend $200 on another red tool so the job goes faster instead.
Mark my words: these things will all be cracked and discarded after a few years of daily professional use, if anyone even ends up using these that way.
I know a plumber who bought into this and now keeps it in the corner of his cube fan to store seldom-used stuff: “That thing was way too heavy once I filled it with my daily-used supplies. It’s nice, but awfully expensive for how I ended up using it”.
The hobbyists who simply like spending money on new stuff will love these–they’ll last almost forever in the corner of the garage, storing all their once-a-year used stuff.
Too many limitations for many of the rest of us.
No thanks.
Thom
I think we will see it at $179 by second week of December.
Daniel
My store had almost 40 early this past week and I went in tonight and there was only 4 left. Buy now before they’re gone!
Chip
Are hardware has the 1/2 size (full 4inch depth)on sale for $20 the whole month of November.
I bought out (3) the only local stocking stores inventory.
The staff said they have been flying off the shelves,less then 4 days per weekly cycle.
Fyi,Ace gets their orders in on Wednesdays.
After 15 yrs of fence installations out of a truck with a servicebody,I’ve changed jobs to cabinet work.
Since we build and install,portable storage isn’t an absolute must..but missing tools has forced my hand a little.
So am planning on building my own set.
1 roller,and 2 deep boxes for $180 for the bulk tools.
Next hoping,Ryobi pin nailer,Dewalt brad gun,omt,jigsaw,holesaws,bits,will each get their own 1/2 size packout.
We occasionally carry our festool midi paired with either rotex,ts75,and or domino.
Love the fes-tools,but the systainers have not impressed me.
Either you need or love storage,to pay the extra for high quality .
Mine is more a need.
Matt
I made the ultimate decision just recently based off of last years storage purchases. I bought two Dewalt Tough System towers and they’re just too bulky. I’m a general contractor and have specific kits for specific tasks.
Cabinet install kit, vinyl siding kit, misc fasteners, hand tools, trim kit, etc.
That made me decide on the smaller Craftsman Versastack and Dewalt Tstak system. The larger bins either open or lidded carry the bigger obscure tools that I use every so often such as Circular Saw, Sawzall, etc.
Larger tote carries the Finish Nailer and accessories. My Brad and pin nailer fit perfectly with accessories in the pull out drawer unit.
Craftsman are cheaper and actually seem better in quality to the tstak. So I buy them as needed. If they don’t offer something then I go with the Tstak like the deeper drawer unit.
For my use, I definitely think tstak and versastack are the way to go.
Tomcat_AL200
I bought my rolling Packout to haul guns and ammo to the range, and it works great for that, but yeah, it gets damn heavy when loaded and could use some more finite organizations. I will keep my fingers crossed Benjamen whips up something for that.
Robert
I’m certain this set is going to be a Black Friday special at $179 or so. They’re just sitting out at $199 right now, and everything in that aisle will be further discounted on black Friday.
Skye A Cohen
I was in my local HD today and they were moving them out of the black Friday/tool deal area. One of the employees said to another something like “they want them off the floor, I guess this deal is done” they didn’t necessarily sound like they really knew but my ears perked up when I heard it
William Dabney
Something going on with these. Marked back up to 279 at my local store, and unavailable to order for store pickup. Past experience suggests maybe a price reduction tomorrow?
Stuart
It’s hard to say, but there are huge quantities around here. They’re going to have to do something to move those boxes soon.
William Dabney
That’s what makes it so strange. They’ve not moved well here either (Los Angeles area), and to see them raise the price back already is a head scratcher.
Lou
Same situation here in Chicago for the Pack outs. But if you try and buy Dewalt’s or Rigid’s system, Goodluck cause they are sold out. The manager says the obvious, the Milwaukee pack out is over priced vs 2 other competitors of similar quality…ya get 2 complete 3 piece roll outs for their one…a no brainer
William D
Agreed on some levels. I really like the packout and think its construction warrants a higher price. But $199 doesn’t quite get me to buy one.
I am holding out hope for somewhere in the $170 range. Not sure why, I’m not a contractor and even at that price it’s ridiculously overkill for my needs. The accessories are, in my opinion, even more overpriced. $90 for the flat cart? $40 for an open crate?
I should just pull the trigger on a competitor, but I keep holding out hope I can find a deal that justifies overdoing it.
Frank D
I am hoping for $15-$20 off per separate unit, as seen in the flyer of Rural King. Sadly the closest one is >500 miles away and shipping would kill the deal.