A little over two years ago, Milwaukee announced a new 40″ steel tool cart, model 48-22-8590.
This post was first published on 4/10/19, and updated on 5/24/21. This update is more of a revisit. Have anyone of you purchased one of these Milwaukee tool carts since it launched?
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At the time, a lot of commentors focused on the price. Have any of your thoughts on the tool cart changed over the past two year? We’ve seen
Original Post on the Milwaukee Tool Cart
The 40″ Milwaukee tool cart features a reinforced frame, two drawers equipped with 100 lb soft-close slides, a built-in power center, removable storage trays, a built-in wire spool holder, and 5″ industrial casters.
It also has corner bumpers, a large side handle, a cut-out v-groove in the top, and some tool organizational features at the top, such as screwdriver holes and some partitioning.
There are even cups for holding supplies, such as nylon zip ties, pencils, or markers.
The cart has a total weight capacity of 700 lbs.
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Dimensions
- 40.2″ wide
- 30.3″ deep
- 39.02″ tall
Both drawers appear to be lockable. From other product photos, the bottom drawer lock engages downwards.
Milwaukee says that the tool cart weighs 140 lbs and requires some assembly.
Price: $399
Launched: April 2019
Note: Possibly due to current component and material shortages worldwide, or possibly due to other factors, the tool cart doesn’t seem to be in stock anywhere. The current price (May 2021) is said to be $498.
First Thoughts
The new Milwaukee 40″ tool cart looks to be a nice entry into a rather crowded market, offering some extras and user-friendly enhancements that help it to stand out.
The drawer on the bottom? If it can’t be moved higher up, then maybe a flat shelf can be placed on top. But what if that shelf sags?
I like the idea of the organized top. And if you can’t quite use the wire spool bar, maybe that can be a tape holder. Paper towels holder? Something else? There are things that can be done with it. It looks like the storage trays can be mounted inside or outside the frame. But can additional trays be purchased? Maybe there’s a DIY solution, as it looks like the trays secure via keyhole-like slots on the outer face of the carts.
Honestly, I’d prefer if there was a hardwood top option as well.
Milwaukee also recently came out with a 56″ tool storage combo (featuring a new electronic lock), and 40″ mobile workbenches.
Pricing Update: Home Depot has started carrying the steel-topped mobile workbench at select stores, and at a lower price than it launched at ($498 vs. $600).
See Also: Mobile Bench via Home Depot
I like that Milwaukee is exploring new options and markets with their steel storage products, and hope that they further their progress.
With this cart, I wonder how well that lower drawer will hold up in time. In my workspace, I’d likely load it in excess of that 100 lb load capacity, easily. That lower drawer is lockable, likely for greater stability during transport, rather than security.
Maybe the cart has some other customization options, or at least user customization potential.
Based on what I see here, I’d say that it’s not wildly different from other tool carts on the market, but it does offer enough added features to stand out.
Would this tool cart suit your needs?
Corey Moore
That looks awesome, but geeze that price.
Frank
I got my 42″ box from harbor freight for a little over $400. (the new 22″ deep one). I can’t imagine spending the same amount on this little cart.
Corey Moore
Everything short of the drawers, you can do with a drill to any cart. I’ve been putting that wire caddy setup on rubermaids for years.
m. day
Yeah same always with Anything they sell, one could assume it is due to the longer warranty?
But has anyone ever read the warranty? I read it the other day and it is very subjective, so if the tool breaks, it is not like they will replace it.
It will be determined if it was due to their materials and or workmanship.
Now, how does that usually go? So it is useless.
I will say every tool I have from them is solid, but the escalated price and their constant “5 year warranty” push has me rethinking it.
Why not say “10 years”. Because what is to blame is subjective.
Now, I would like to hear from anyone that has anything powered replaced free with no hassle? That would change my mind if it is a common MW practice e.
Charlie
As long as it is within the time frame from the Date of Manufacture, (determined by the serial #) if you don’t have a receipt for the purchase. I’ve had an impact driver replaced no problem last year. But that was within a year of the date of manufacture
Matt
I’ve had excellent luck with their warranty. Had multiple entire tools replaced, and several parts changed on others. Never paid a dime. Tools have ranged from 6 months to ~3 years old, so still within 5 year warranty. Very happy with the warranty on Milwaukee tools.
Corey Moore
Not concerned with the repeated need to warranty?
Randy
I agree, the HF price on tool storage is tough to beat. In addition, there are plenty of hacks for improving the Harbor Freight line. I like mine.
jayne defranco
It look like harbor freight clone. My four drawer tech cart was only 99 dollars at my local harbor freight store. And she works flawlessly. For over four years. The Milwaukee looks nice though….
Seamus
Ouch is right. I love Milwaukee but dang. The harbor freight cart is like $50.
Maybe that’s unfair to compare HF against Milwaukee but this isn’t a power tool (well it’s got a built in outlet – although they conveniently neglected to show the cord that will just be a trip hazard and limit mobility). Sure it’s got little bins and screwdriver holes but that’s a big ask. For my needs of a cart, it’s temporary storage during a specific job. I’ll organize the tools once I’m done and they go back in their permanent spots in my chest or wall or wherever.
Jim Felt
Most of my carpentry vendors use HB versions because they get beat up and eventually magically disappear from job sites.
We on the other hand frequently build custom versions using the MetroWire and their knock offs components. They’re indestructible and all the parts can be re-configured as needed and of course reused. Twenty years use is nothing.
And if really needed they come in stainless steel too.
fred
Its not magical – its that bad Chinese steel that sublimates when left in the sun – or worse yet in the dark when nobody’s watching.
Jim Felt
I’d love to share the rather long story of three consecutive job site overnight permanent borrowings of locked up tools.
Visualize the Portlandia auto dealership ad series (that went viral) titled “The Trunk Monkey” and you’ll know why I can’t share what happened the third night.
fred
I’ve heard that skid-steers are the most stolen piece of construction equipment that vanish overnight. Mercifully – we never had one of ours stolen. We did have lots of smaller items “take a walk.”
With our Knaack boxes – we’d bolt them down from the inside if we could – but nothing seems to really discourage the thieves.
NoDeuces
Shut up and take my money!!!!
Jay k.
I wish the handle was more ergonomically friendly – the long horseshoe curve on new Rubbermaid models is user friendly on site and on your hands with a big load… Can you stack and open the bottom drawer – maybe it’s my eyes… It will be awesome if we can get the (possible inverters) on it…
hangovna
It has two height positions that you can assemble it in based on preference.
Nathan
it has a couple of nice features and a load rating – but it’s not a 400 dollar cart. sorry.
200 and I’m interested, 250 and I’m looking at it and thinking.
now if it say took 4 M18 batteries and the provided a power outlet off of them that did 1500 watts – but also could charge those 4 batteries if plugged in – and . . . .
Then at 500 (and I was already in team red equipment) I’d probably strongly consider one.
Or in simple terms replace the power strip with a version of Dewalt’s flexvolt power supply – built in the cart – etc. you’d have an interesting piece of kit.
Rich P
For that price it should come with a motor.
Jay k.
Can “Milwaukee” do a black cart with a little red insignia – at the hospital I work at – red means biohazardous waste/or fire…?
Bill
For that price it should have a heated cup holder built in.
TonyT
Or coffee maker 🙂
Brian A
$400, geez we thought the price on the new tool cabinets which are 6 months behind promised ETA were a lot. $250 and its mine, definitely will go on sale for $299 and 10% or $50 coupon gets me there.
But will it be out in time for XMAS 2019 for my wife to “gift” it to me.
Brian A
I am calling total BS on that April 2019 ETA. The new cabinets are only in 1 store in RI as of April 2019 when they were promised Q4 2018….
Stuart
A press release with a same-month ETA is more accurate than a 6-month outlook from NPS.
But, an April ETA might be more of a “shipping to stores” ETA, in which case I’d say to expect it in stock in May after stores receive floor displays for Father’s Day promos.
If press materials say it’s available in April, and we’re already 10 days into the month, I’m inclined to believe that it’ll be available for purchase pretty soon.
As for the $400 price tag, it is what it is. If there will be floor displays, you can “kick the tires” to see how it compares with a Husky cart half the price.
Brian A
LOL, Thanks Stu.
Yeah I am always bitter when there are delays in when I WANT it to be released and something is not. Like my comment last week on the dang packout flat dolly & wall mounts LOL.
I guess I can just get a uhaul and pickup all 3 new tool storage boxes at the same, kill 3 birds with 1 stone hahahh
Nick
Huh. And I was thinking this was a pretty good deal next to the Festool MW1000.
What is ‘harbor freight’?
Jim Felt
“Harbor Freight” is a large (American) national store chain of cut rate tools, dolly’s, tarps, crappy tools, crappy power tools, jacks, on and on and on. House brands galore.
But apparently “we’re” not too proud to support them.
fred
Its built into the American psyche – the desire for a bargain. The problem is “cheap” is often or maybe always not the same as a bargain.
By way of some history, US General was a chain of tool stores that sold both high end items – mixed in with “as seen on TV ” junk. Their store in my neck of the woods was down the street from a major Grumman facility where the Lunar Egress Module (LEM) was built. That US General store was the first place I saw Mitutoyo tools. When the space program died and the cold war was ending – US General – along with Grumman seemed to falter. In 1991 – the bankrupt US General and its 40 stores was acquired by Harbor Freight. HF – now uses the US General brand name on carts and tool chests.
Grumman held on a bit longer – merging with Northrop in 1994.
Charlie
You could buy 10 Harbor Freight carts with 3 shelves for the price of this similarly size 2 shelf cart. I’ll pass.
https://www.harborfreight.com/three-shelf-16-inch-x-30-inch-steel-service-cart-6650.html
(List at $49 but frequently on sale for <$40)
evadman
That’s not really a fair comparison. The Milwalkee has drawers, higher weight capacity, probably better casters, etc. I don’t think harbor freight has one that compares directly, but these 2 are probably the closest:
$75: https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage/tool-carts/30-in-large-350-lbs-capacity-glossy-red-service-cart-with-locking-drawer-64058.html (less weight, less features, 30″ vs 40″, etc)
$90: https://www.harborfreight.com/30-in-Bulk-Storage-Black-Tech-Cart-64002.html (less weight, less features, 30″ vs 40″, doesn’t have an open top)
Snapon has a somewhat similar version here: https://store.snapon.com/KRBC3T-Series-Roll-Carts-Blue-Point-174–Roll-Cart-2-Shelves-Locking-Drawer-Blue-Point–P649905.aspx for $300 but without the bottom drawer.
I can’t find a cart anywhere that has a bottom open drawer like the milwlakee does. That may be a unique feature that will sell some use cases directly on the milwalkee. They must have had some kind of analysis that said the drawer on the bottom was the way to go. understanding that would probably help find a comparable product if one exists.
Stuart
That HF cart weighs 29 pounds and is quite a bit smaller with a lower weight capacity.
There are dozens of models that offer competitive or better capacity and specs, with some even leaving money left over for accessories that mimic a couple of Milwaukee’s tool storage features. But that Harbor Freight cart is a very uneven comparison.
evadman
I’m sad that my comment was put in moderation or didn’t show up here, but I said pretty much the same thing. This is my sad face 🙁
Stuart
That’s unusual, I didn’t see anything in moderation.
Update: Found it! 3 or more links sends comments to manual moderation, but for some reason the filter sent your comment straight to spam. Thanks to your heads-up, I was able to find and restore it!
hangovna
For those commenting on price, remember that tariffs are effecting almost all consumer products and this is one of them. Many steel storage manufacturers are adjusting pricing accordingly.
OldDominionDIYer
Fake news…having knowledge specifically on steel costs on a near daily basis I can assure you that you are completely wrong on this.
Evadman
There is a recent tariff that is specific to tool carts and tool boxes, not just steel.
Stuart
Yes, but most brands have updated their product specs and even designed all new products to allow them to fit “industrial” criteria to be exempt from the special tariffs.
Users have to pay more, but they’re getting more product for the money. The downside is that 1) costs are up, and 2) selection is down. Good luck finding 16″ deep tool boxes anymore, outside maybe Craftsman (since Stanley Black & Decker also nows owns Waterloo and their domestic production).
Stuart
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/what-will-happen-to-pricing-of-tool-chests-cabinets-combos-and-mobile-workbenches/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
The scope of the investigation and determination excludes certain product categories, such as “service carts,” and “industrial” tool boxes that are either over 60″ in width or having each of the following characteristics.
The new tool cart is likely characterized as a service cart, rather than a tool box.
Oleg k
Milwaukee shouldn’t make things like carts because they won’t sell. Their drills are great because they’re powerful and look good, at least in the beginning, before the paints starts to run… But the biggest selling point are the cool names of the technology at work that we can’t see because it’s inside the drill, which makes people like me believe that Milwaukee is doing something more awesome than dialing up the power of the same brushes motors they use in Ridgid and Rioby tolls as well since they’re made by the same parent company, TCL, with the same parts and their cheaper siblings.
Something as simple as a toll cart remains a toll cart, whether it’s Milwaukee or Husky (also same parent company), the only differences between them are the name and brand colors, in other words, I highly doubt they’ll sell many of them.
Kenneth Stephens
Actually TTI owns Milwaukee. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/usa-brands-companies-owned-by-foreign-entities/%3C/a%3E . And Husky is owned by Home Depot. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Husky_(tools) . However Apex, a company completely unrelated to TTI or Milwaukee makes many of their hand tools. If I’m wrong about anything I’m sure Stuart will correct me.
Stuart
That is right. Apex makes some Husky tools. I’m not sure who makes Milwaukee’s hand tools, but I don’t believe it’s Apex.
I would also add that Milwaukee tools don’t use the same motors or components as Ridgid or Ryobi. That’s something that has been claimed before, but I have not once seen evidence of it.
fred
With Husky ( a brand that Stanley either sold or licensed to Home Depot) it is a bit easier to dope out who the OEM is. That’s because Husky tool packaging carries UPC codes (first six digits) associated with the OEM. I’ve never seen Milwaukee do that recently – all UPC – starting with 045242.
Jay k.
Should there be sides on this cart, is the bottom drawer impractical or is it just me???
Brian M
If you’ve ever had a regular tool cart with a shelf on the bottom, it can be a pain to get something out because of the lip, the angle and bending down…I’ve solved that by not throwing a bunch of crap down there, they solved it by putting a drawer. Lock is there to keep it shut so it doesn’t come out when you’re rolling the cart around. Not a terrible idea, imo…but $400? Pass.
Jay k.
I get it now… Tnx!!!
Frank D
Indeed that drawer could be handy to place and remove bulkier items on the bottom … especially if there were a middle shelf. Might be handy if the cart were placed against a wall. Stability could be a bit of an issue, if weighty items are on it.
Looking at this unit again
I’d want an extra drawer that is a bit deeper for tool storage or another one of those open ones like on the bottom, and the user can
install it at desired height. Whether right below the other or part way down. Top drawer for hand tools, middle one for power tools etc …
Three clip on bins, I’d put them facing outside … not just two …
Maybe even a fourth one, if you don’t need wire spools
Still have not resolved the work surface thing. I guess I’d have to have make a board with clips hanging over one side. I put a wooden board over my handy cart ……. I guess ideally one works inside the open top … but that really brings me to needing more drawer and small tool storage solutions. As the top of mine always fills up.
Add that extra versatility and configurability, and I see a winning combo.
Brian M
Yeah, I agree with all of that.
I wouldn’t pay $400 for that, I’d rather get the HF cart and shelf and I’d save money. Power isn’t really necessary for a cart but $30 for the upgrade on a HF cart. It’s kind of a shame because I am a Milwaukee fanboy.
Stuart
You don’t have to be a fan of every product to be a fanboy.
Frank D
I was sold … and ready to order at least one … until I saw that price.
I have two “improvised” carts in the garage, using those big box store wheeled two wired shelf units. Would love for them to be a bit bigger and taller and have a set drawers in them. But not $400 each much.
I’m sorry, but I see zero justification for that high of a cost. I paid less for my stainless wheeled carts that have seven full extension ball bearing drawers in them.
FishStick
I’ve got no horse in this race but for that price…wow. Not sure how they could have pulled it off but I think integrating it with the packout system would have been more appealing and possibly command the higher price. Maybe it would just have open drawer slots with slides that you would attach a packout box to and suddenly it becomes a drawer. IDK, I don’t use one but I think that would have been a neater approach.
Richard. S
Milwaukee likes to surprise with high prices and sure they did on this one )) This is just a tool cart, great quality one but still, it is not a 5-8 drawers tool box. You must be out of your mind to spend this much on a cart. $200-$250 max and some people will buy it
Stuart
But who is it aimed at? Individuals, or companies? Both?
If you’re buying a new tool cart for your home garage, you might be shopping by price. An MRO manager? They’re buying by features, capabilities, and saved time or effort.
There’s also the possibility that the price will come down a little as part of Father’s Day promo sales. That aspect is always unpredictable, and so I don’t even try to judge new steel storage products on price anymore.
Richard G.
Doesn’t matter what position you are, either mechanic in your own shop or dealership garage, or even if you are a MRO manager in a big company, this is still just a tool cart )) $400 + tax is way overpriced.
I as a mechanic don’t see myself spending half a thousand dollars on a tooll cart, neither if I would be a shop owner. The only way I see it sold, is a big company buying it for someone who insists on such a needed asset.
I would assume that it was a study on this price range done by Milwaukee so it justifies for them price it so, but I think that it is marketed so to be sold at discounted prices later. Will see.
Chris
Need to have way too much money to throw away to spend 400 even 300 on this thing… Buy one from HF and call it a day
OldDominionDIYer
Do not understand that bottom drawer? If it was able to be relocated then maybe but I’m not seeing the benefit. Secondly not having a solid bench top is a real big omission in my mind, that’s something that is very handy, even if it’s only covering one half it would be a big plus to have. I know one could be made but at the price they are charging they should have included one (maybe one that can be installed above that lower drawer or on the cart top for versatility) I like the idea of a mobile job specific tool cart but it needs to be able to have a work surface, be truly mobile (not weigh a ton) and having the power strip is nice as long as it has dedicated USB ports. And finally the price is just way to high, I sure hope it drops because I’m not even sure that at $99 I would buy it considering the lack of a bench top work surface.
Frank D
I completely agree on the need for a work surface.
For the price … include a half size removable work top, make it stow on one side, second drawer below the top one, four of those side bin racks, slide out on bottom can remain, maybe even include a second one … with adjustable 1” install spacing … so one can put a couple packouts on the bottom and middle … slide drawer out … open packout 🙂
Then the premium price becomes justified.
Drew
Looks like the bottom shelf is similar to kitchen pull out in base cabinets. I think it might be a good idea- guessing Milwaukee researched this in the field. The 140lb spec is impressive for a cart. I wonder how cost per lb compares to HF.
Tom
I just left Home Depot. I looked at this cart. It is extremely heavy duty. Much heavier gauge steel than any other cart I’ve seen, very well made. I thought it was awesome.
Rick
Looked at one today during a Home Depot visit… nice… but heavy would not be much fun in a apartment complex moving floor to floor. The lull driver would get sick of moving it for you.
Stuart
While not easy, it’s possible to move tool boxes like this up or down stairs. It’s easier with more people, and if you take the drawers out. What makes it more challenging than the weight is the depth. Because of the tool box tariffs, newer imported boxes are wider and much harder to navigate around corners.
As for this one, some assembly is required, and so it should be easier to move, either with two or more people, or a furniture hand truck.
Mitchell Lee Carney
I was at Home Depot today and spotted a few of these carts, they are really nice. Heavy duty and larger than other carts out their , really more of a workstation. For $398.00 I am having trouble justifying it at the moment but if I close a bid on a larger job this summer I may have to add that to it so one can make it’s way to my cargo trailer !
Morgan
I’ve got one – its great. Heavy duty with a great build quality. I use it everytime I do any project in the garage. It keeps me from losing tool all around as they become centralized on the cart
Stuart
Thanks for sharing! Any downside to the bottom drawer?
Morgan
Nope not really. I keep my m18 compressor on it with accessories. The drawer pulls out nicely to allow me to use the compressor, but I cant say that its happened too many times – its a seldom used tool. I pretty much load the cart up with all the tools necessary to do the job , whether its ratchets and drivers for car repair or cleaning supplies for car wash day and then cart it around. It helps with the “where the hell did my 10mm go” issue.
Morgan
I’ll also point out – its really robust. Its probably the most robust cart or box I have – over my craftsman 56″ box and 8′ work bench and my milwaukee 60″ box. Thats what sold me on it. I hate that flimsy feeling and if $200 box more means never getting that feeling, so be it. I truly feel this cart will be around forever. However, all this being said, I’m also a Red fanboy – so take everything with a grain of salt!
OldDominionDIYer
I would love to have one of these but the price is just way to high. At $199.00 I would already own it but I just can’t justify the price for the value at twice that. Just to many other perhaps not as feature filled but better aligned to value.
Jacob
I’ve wanted to buy one, but not at the $448 price that my local Home Depot has kept them at since Black Friday 2019. For that price I could get two of the Harbor Freight 5 drawer carts. I’d be willing to pay $250 for a cart just because I’m a fanboy, but at this point it’s pretty sad seeing the same two carts slowly deteriorating on the sales floor.
Jim Felt
In some ways it seems like Milwaukee should have aimed this cart at WW Grainger like showroom displays. And the myriad of other local Milwaukee commercial/industrial level sales and service outlets.
HD is by definition middle ground at best. Never the higher ground so you speak.
AKA little to no continuing “associate” product training.
Jacob
I think the issue is that the build quality on most Milwaukee stuff is just barely nicer than the Husky housebrand stuff. It appears Milwaukee mostly does annual runs of tool storage targeted at the DIY user who wants the brand prestige, but for the price there’s better options. I doubt this cart would sell better at the same price through other outlets.
Mikedt
I’d take a Rubbermaid industrial cart at less than half the price. I know they’re extremely durable and rust proof. Even if the Milwaukee cart was $200-250 I’d need some convincing to pick it over the Rubbermaid. The only real selling point I can see is the additional 200lbs claimed weight capacity of the red one.
Frank D
Same thought like last time around: the price is prohibitive for DIY users. Too many other carts exist at the $100 and up price point. I have two big box store wire shelving serving carts, works fine though the top has a way of always filling up with stuff. 😉
Meen Jaan
Harbor Freight has all the box stores beat with tool storage and such price wise and quality but then they are Chinese products and probably made in the same factory with different name brands..
Alexander Szmutko
Too expensive!! For that price I rather spend a hundred more to get something from Snap-on. Milwaukee is ridiculous for asking that much for a tool CART! Max i would pay is $300!