Have you bought into a modular tool box or storage system yet?
What about Milwaukee Packout?
Dewalt ToughSystem 2.0?
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Flex Stack Pack?
There’s also Klein’s new ModBox system, Ridgid Pro Gear 2.0, Ryobi Link, Craftsman Versastack and Tradestack systems, Kobalt Case Stack, and consumer systems by Husky, Hart, and others.
Oh – and let’s not forget Bosch L-Box, Festool Systainers, Metabo Metabox, and a couple of others also available right now.
The concept is sound. All of these brands offer modular tool storage products – tool boxes, organizers, bags, accessories, and more – that can stack and latch together.
Modular tool boxes are indeed more convenient than working with a loose bunch of separate tool boxes, crates, organizers, and accessories of all different kinds.
You do pay for that convenience, however, as modular tool box systems tend to be priced at a premium.
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But before modular tool and part storage systems, did we have tool boxes with built-in battery chargers? Cordless vacuums that can attach to a tool box in seconds? Bags that can be mix and matched with job-specific organizers?
You don’t necessarily have to dive deep into any one modular storage system. Sticking with a system is most convenient, which is usually true for cordless power tools, mirrorless cameras, mobile electronics, and other types of products where you’re buying into a product ecosystem. But it’s okay to buy just what you need or want from a modular tool storage system.
Have you bought into a modular tool box system? Which one(s)? If not, are you waiting for specific needs to be met, or are they simply not suited for you?
Jared
Toughsystem 1.0 for me. I haven’t found a reason to upgrade yet – I bought them when I needed something for work, but I don’t do that anymore.
Now I mostly use them for camping. I bought two of the Toughsystem coolers and it’s awesome to be able to stack and wheel them around.
I still use my large wheeled box for projects around the farm.
Paul Mitchell
I bought all of the Versastack and then the Tradestack came out and I started buying that. The Versastack is good stuff, the Tradestack is obviously better.
OldDominionDIYer
I’m all in on the PackOut system with trackers mounted in the lids, I have 20+ units and I love them. Thinking about using their wall mount PackOut next.
M
Bought some Ridgid boxes because I needed to have some place to store my painting supplies that was portable and “dust free.” Got tired of not being able to find stuff so I wanted it in a modular unit.
Will probably pick up another set of the newest generation ones too. I like their “milk crate” as it’s all function and no fluff.
Sean
I have a bunch of the Ridgid milk crates and love them
fm2176
I do as well, got a deal on them with a guy that used to set up at the Keller Flea Market outside of Savannah, GA back in the day. I think I was paying $10 each.
Dylan S
As a homebuilder, I have probably 15 tough system cases. They largely sit unused, full of tools I use maybe once or twice a year. My old power planer, my extra drywall guns, my ancient drills that I should probably let go. I haven’t been able to integrate them into my daily routine yet. I have tried though, maybe when we camp out for a few weeks doing a trim job, but it lasts a few weeks and they go back in the garage. I will admit they are fun to collect but as a guy with a pickup truck with a toolbox that I can fit 80% of what I need on a daily basis , they aren’t really useful for me on job site, and too expensive to leave there waiting to be snatched up. I don’t think it will stop my from buying them it is kind of addictive. I’ve always thought “hey if I buy a van I’ll use the hell out of them”, but then I have to drive a van….
AP
T-Stak is good if you’re going from place to place on a flat surface but it’s not at all good for stairs. The Makita and Bosch are decent for individual (corded) tools but I’m done with the L-Boxx. My favorite is Packout but I’d love to try the new Flex.
Charles
I have mostly use packout. Definitely perfer it over the couple flex I picked up for one of my teams. Flex locking mechanism is not as good IMHO.
Also though I have 2 veto pro packs. 1 rolling 1 shoulder bag. They are my most used tools. If you haven’t seen them check em out.
AP
Thanks, I’ll look into them!
KokoTheTalkingApe
I’m sure I’m like others here who don’t have a mobile operation. I have a few Toughsystems and a few Packouts, mostly because they came with some other deal. I did get a few of those “medium” Tough cases, because they’re handy for drill bits and the like, and I don’t think Milwaukee has an equivalent.
Josh Walters
No I have a dewalt 63gallon tool chest that tools get packed into when I know I’ll be working some distance from my truck, but I do not understand some people dropping several hundred in packouts etc to make 2 trips back and forth shuttling their tools in
Jeremiah
Because, Packout. It works and is dang near indestructible. Everything fits perfectly behind my seat in my ’10 Sierra Exdended cab. Plus, I get them at HD and rarely pay cash, as I use my ProXtra points to buy a majority of them.
IronWood
I have a couple wonderful canvas Ruffian tool bags, several DeWalt bags that came with cordless kits, and buckets. I can definitely see the appeal of a modular system, but I can’t justify the cost when my inexpensive/free “system” has worked for years. If I ever take the plunge it will likely be Packout just for the sheer number of options and aftermarket accessories.
Chris Bartlett
I have several wood tool boxes I built well over 30 years ago. They house my clamps, small tools and even my smaller power tools etc. Wanted a screw organizer and looked at a single pack out to do the task. $80? No thank you. I built a brand new box that matches my older units and it cost me zero and actually works better.
Jeremiah
Dang. How many screws wear you going to store in there? The $80 box is their large box with the flip up handle and a tote/shelf inside.
They have many more that are great for screws, fasteners, nails and only cost $17, $30 and even $40 and have clear lids and smaller, removable bins to hold the contents in store in them.
John
2.0 drawers and crates on the wall mounting rack in workshop are awesome.
Bill D
Handyman here — got every piece of husky connect a few years ago and have gradually downsized to 3 pieces all the while longing for Packout or the like but dang if I can’t kill this husky connect stuff. I hate that it’s not waterproof but love the smaller dimensions for small apartments I find myself in daily.
blocky
That’s great to hear that they’ve held up. I took good long looks at the Husky and Kobalt stacks last week, and agree about the dimensions for apartments. Versastack is pretty close on that count and has the gasket lids.
I really wish one of these companies would do a premium build with the medium footprint – I think they would make a killing, not trying to beat packout at their own game.
Bill D
Very good point yes —
It would be amazing for a product design team to work with me for a solid week and redesign a medium set, to help me win the battle against my wildly unpredictable daily whacko requirements. Ill put an eye on Versastack. I’m also using more small zip pouches for tactical handyman jobs.
Joseph
I started buying the “compact” Packout for exactly that reason ! Two of them fit side by side on a regular Packout, also easy to carry one in each hand around a jobsite with finished materials everywhere.
I’ve been using Festool Systainers for almost 20 years, and have the Van fully racked out for them. They’re an almost perfect “medium” footprint. Stacking them together makes load in way more efficient.
They’re less heavy duty though, so I’ve been moving into Packout for our heavier kits that are used every day (drills, hand tools, etc) and still keeping specialty kits in Systainers
jason gloekler
Invested in Packout and love it. Have like 15 pieces, various sizes. Hold parts, tools not used all that often, and certain tool sets for specific jobs. Don’t have much of a shop or space for one so really helps keep things organized.
TomD
I have pack out but I don’t use the stackability if it … much. It’s actually been more usable stackable for non tool storage such as toys.
Kevin S.
I am deeply invested in Milwaukee and Packout. I own a small LV business so I do the work of 4-7 different companies. I have probably 10-15 small organizers with different types of screws(drywall, wood, stainless, machined, standard, metric, pan head, countersink, oval head, etc). I’ve got big boxes with SDS drills and bandsaws for conduit and concrete work. I’ve got the Tech Bag for my laptop and most service work. I’ve got the packout radio for when I work alone(seriously this sucker gets loud and not everyone enjoys my musical tastes) I’ve got small bins with the foam inserts for things like my m12 rotary tool and soldering iron plus al their fixings. Got big organizers with security switches, concrete screws/anchors. I’ve got the Packout vacuum and rolling box. I stack that sucker as tall as myself and WAY over the weight limit when I go work on schools or Gov jobs. Being able to bring in 20 organized boxes with parts and tools in one trip is hands down the best. Plus i have to keep my work area clean in case of class changes or just general jobsite neatness and I can put all of my tools in a roughly 2’x2′ area. Albeit 6 feet tall LOL! I guess what I’m saying is, it that I have a problem….
Adam
A handful of packout pieces just for organizing all my DIY shit. Picked packout for the simple and widely available 3rd party cleats. Makes it easy to hang things on a wall. Keep things self contained and hung way up and out of the way.
I rly wish they’d make a collapsible wheel/handle set that all “large” units can attach to tho (like ridgid?). The wheel recesses on the packout rolling toolbox are too intrusive and the big hand truck is way too bulky/plasticky/expensive! I just want to be able to pop the cooler or XL toolbox on the bottom of a nice camping stack!
(I want the vac too. My “compact” ridgid shop vac is too cumbersome for bringing into the house for little joblets, and doesn’t store very well in my cramped garage. Mounting the packout vac *under* my cabinets would be perfect)
David
Now there’s an article I’d like to see here – a review of the various 3rd party mounting accessories and other options would be lovely.
Is there a specific 3rd party cleat that you like the most? I have a growing set of Packout cases I’d like to wall mount too.
Derek
Not a pro, just a DIYer and woodworker. I don’t have any system. I’d like to get one but they’re too expensive for my needs. I’ve found some regular toolboxes that I can stack on top of each other to store tools in and a Husky bag. Everything else is in plastic shoeboxes, cabinets or a really old top chest.
Gady
Same here. I’d love to get into the Packout system but can’t justify the cost. I use the harbor freight storage cases for small parts and fasteners. I still have not figured out a satisfactory way of storing power tools so they are mostly on shelves under the workbench.
Derek
For my power tools I’ve built the standard woodworkers drill holder for my drills and nail guns. My cordless jigsaw is in a cabinet and I put it into a tool bag if I need to bring it somewhere else. The woodworking related tools are all out in the shop, not in anything.
I’m not sure what to do with my less-used power tools so they are sitting on shelves.
I put together a plumbing box with all the tools necessary in a used one of these: https://www.zoro.com/dewalt-23w-black-portable-tool-box-matte-dwst23001/i/G7719540/
I might make a similar box up for electrical and another for grinder/accessories.
Doug N
Toughsystem works best for my garage workshop. It’s great to have so many options. I see the differences like this:
Best wall racking: Toughsystem
Most durable and most customizable: Packout
Largest capacity: Ridgid 2.0 (Toughsystem close second)
Best value: Tstak/Versastack
William Adams
I tried the Husky Rolling Connect, but the drawers came too late, and don’t have a reasonable assortment of heights.
I’m also still flabbergasted that the base units are not made as a set of drawers in any of the systems (save for Systainer, which gets a pass due to its modularity).
I am probably going to break down and get a Tanos MW 1000 if some sort of DIY solution doesn’t work out soon.
George
Ridgid Drawers are coming this December. Finally wheels and drawers as one.
Brandon
Nope, no need here. In my workshop I have 10-12″ tall drawers that hold canvas bags. Each bag has a hand power tool and all (or almost all) of its associated accessories. The bags stay open and the drawers stay closed. When I need a tool in the shop, I open a drawer and grab it out of the bag. When I need a tool away from home, I open a drawer, zip the bag, and take it to the van.
Using modular boxes, I would lose the instant access if I stacked them at all, and have to combine accessories for different tools into small/medium boxes, potentially resulting in a mess. If I know I’ll only need my OMT and drill/driver for a job, I’m happy to grab two bags instead of rolling 6+ hand power tools around with a hand truck and then lifting them all into the van. Even for a big remodel job, I’d only be at ~6 canvas bags, one tool bucket, one plumbing toolbox, and some bigger levels. The organization and accessibility offered by these discreet containers, both while at home and after they make it to a jobsite, far outweighs the benefits of transporting them a little easier.
I think modular toolbox systems make sense if your tools live in a vehicle and/or are mostly used away from home, otherwise there are other solutions that are both better *and* cheaper.
JM
I went a little bit crazy with ToughSystem. I must have 30-40 boxes, mostly the clear-top organizer, each stored on the wall rack system. Each tool has its own box with its accessories. It’s very organized, but takes a lot of space and was very expensive. I’m not sure I’d do it again.
Ken
I am not a pro and therefore don’t really need to have a mobile system. So my main “modular system” is attached lid containers (ALCs). IMO these work great in a workshop. They come in different sizes (depths), are robust, inexpensive, and stack securely. I label each container by job type (drywall, paint, low voltage, 120V, vehicle maintenance, etc).
However, Lowe’s recently put all their FLEX stack pack stuff on clearance for a short while and I couldn’t help buying a complete system. These are very high quality units. The wheeled base unit was only $23 and all the cool accessories were $5 each. I decided it was best to buy now and figure out how (if) I’ll use it later.
MM
I do 99% of my work in my workshop or office so I don’t really have a need for mobile storage. I have several Dewalt tool bags that came with various power tools, I have one of those set up for minor jobs around the house and a couple more in the workshop that I fill with tools if I need to.
I like using totes for organizing things for work around the home: I have one for plumbing stuff, another for electrical, and others for paint/drywall-related and hardware. But I don’t use those often/hard enough to justify the cost of a fancy modular system, basic Rubbermaid and Craftsman totes do the job just fine for me.
blocky
I have pieces or sets of most of the major systems. Some came with tools, but most of them were purchased at very deep discount or clearance prices. Some of those sales were speculated to be pricing mistakes, but in my estimation, that’s a calculated move a company will sometimes make to get vacillating people into their ecosystem.
-L-boxxes
-Systainers
-Tough system
-Versastack/tstak
-Packout
-Ridgid
-Flex
I’ve tried most of them for mobile work, and have a lot of specific thoughts on their merits. The Ridgid 2.0 sees the most field use because it has a professional and unassuming appearance.
Most of my boxes hold specific kits and live in non-denominational harmony on an industrial wire rack. A few stand alone as stacks or beneath work tables. I’ve labeled everything in clear block letters with outside-facing labels. It may be a hodgepodge, but anyone who knows tools can find what they need quickly, and the most frequently grabbed boxes are at a middle height.
I’ve also taken to using those clear ammo/ craft boxes Stuart posted about to make visual sense of smaller objects. I have about 40 of those now between work and home.
I also have two service carts – one for the shop and one for field use. That is the core of my modular system.
Paul
I am a DIYer which means that the family calls me (and pays me in tools). I started with the tstak since is is cheap[er] and it fits into my trunk. The storage is also nice in my not quite 1 car garage. Bought a stack of tough system 1.0 but it is really hard to use both. I need to get that adapter plate. I think I like the idea of the tstak (and versastak) in principle because it is one tool per container which works well in my garage shop. That said all my tools are out doing a remodel and the larger systems that I could organize for the job at hand would have been better but I don’t do this day in and out (mostly it is a quick fix away when away from my shop).
I think I will stick with tstak and versa stak because I can switch out the organizer bins for all my screws. My only hesitation to upgrading to the larger tough system is that the organizer bins haven’t been compatible to switch out. I also really like the smaller Stanley 25-bin organizers which I really wish I could have stacked them for this last job. I also wish I could find the older DeWalt tstak organizers with the wasted space. I took out the bins and I like the clear lid with no handle.
Grant
I started buying the Ridgid boxes as soon as they came out, there wasn’t much competition back then. I have 40-50 of their boxes now, all the different sizes. I like that the aren’t a very garish color (like Packout) and they’re much more affordable than the Red boxes. They are absolutely indestructible, I use the medium and large size boxes as stepstools and sawhorses all the time and have never managed to break any of them.
Dusty
Module tool storage has been on my mind alot lately because I’m attempting to merge as much of my tool storage into one system as best as possible (whether I’m traveling on the road or using tools in my own shop).
Admittedly, budget is a higher priority for me than most followed by ergonomics. While many of the systems are developing their own drawers, I find it frustrating to set my drawers on top of another box that I need to get into (most of the time the large rolling chest).
Thus, my go-to for the time being have been a hybrid system made up of Craftsman Tradestack and Versa/Tstak. I’ve really enjoyed sitting my large single drawing T-Stak box on top of a T-Stack cart followed by the Versastack 2 drawer unit with small parts organizers on top. I like the fact that I have some versatile options for more hybridization now with the Tough System 2.0 adapter and hope other systems look more into allow my drawers to sit on the bottom of the stack (haha)!
Ray
DIY/woodworker here, but I do move between two locations. I like Systainers that store tools and accessories, and I also like the clear-top ones for fasteners and such, so I can just grab the whole tray for a job. But those are too expensive to “standardize” on.
A buddy recently let me in on an SBD “Friends & Family” sale, and the ToughSystem 2.0 gear was so inexpensive I went a little crazy. I’ve never had much yellow in my shop, but it’s all over the place now. I should be good to go for a while.
I really like the breadth of Packout options, but I have no Milwaukee power tools, so I never started down that path. Those are almost as expensive as Systainers!
DC
Only 1 Tough System just for small parts like crush washers, plugs, etc.
evan
im a diy/homeowner i bought the ridigid first gen when they were on heavy clearance. I have 2 medium boxes and one of the suitcase boxes. They are great for my needs with different power tools and the like. That being said if i didnt get them for so cheap i would have probably just used other means. Bulk boxes of screws in stuff i toss into a milk crate that way i can peak in and see which ones are in them.
Tim W
I came on board just after Milwaukee Packout launched. I was able to wait and purchase at Black Friday and other holiday sales. At the time, there system was the better design and ruggedness. I also like the wide range of 3D printed and other aftermarket add-ons that make subdividing or compartmentalization easy. I like the ‘short’ height boxes for segregating by job type: various connectors, fasteners, etc. for job type (framing, finish carpentry, electrical, plumbing) . I can easily slide out and replace stack for that days tasks.
Joe H
I’m a DIYer and I bought into Husky Connect because the price was good and the variety was decent and I was still in the final stages of putting together my extensive mobile general construction kit at the time and I was still figuring out what I needed for tools and storage. I do not recommend the system since most of my latches that secure the boxes together have snapped. It’s a shame due to the fact that they are otherwise sturdy (one of the clear top ones got run over by a truck from a guy not paying attention and nothing inside was damaged despite him running over the center) and affordable.
Mark M.
I’ve got a set of Ridgid V1 boxes, 2 of which live semi-permanently in my truck bed under a rolling cover, and 2 of which are garage storage. Also have 2 of the milk crates which are surprisingly handy. I have zero complaints and don’t ever wish for anything different. The new Klein offerings are compelling, though. I think there’s a lot of brand loyalty and in looking at the pre-release pics they look fairly innovative, not just another tag-along offering like we’re all sick of seeing.
JoeM
Yes. TSTAK. Finally took the plunge I’ve been talking about since it was released. Got a TSTAK Wheeled Deep Box XL to hold my Vacuum (also a DeWALT. DCV501H), and a basic TSTAK II black basic box. I’m currently holding all my batteries in it, but I bought it so I could take each of my tools, and measure them with it, to see how many of each TSTAK I need. If the number gets to a certain point, I’ll know I need either another Rolling Deep Box XL, or the original TSTAK Rolling Cart… Maybe both, I don’t know.
If anyone has any better ideas of how to figure out how much of each I need, feel free to speak up. This is the first “System” I’ve ever bought, and I do feel like I need someone to teach me some shortcuts to help. And, yes, I know the foam inserts may help significantly. I’m accounting for that, should a TSTAK box work best holding more than one tool. Also, I may turn a basic TSTAK II into a Battery/Charger box. With the cord coming through the side, a charger inside, and storing all my batteries that way. We’ll see how the “STAK” turns out at the end of building it up.
Munklepunk
Craftsman also has the versastack that is the same only red, and has a few different options. If you shop around you can find deals. There is also a Facebook group specific to DeWalt toughsystem and tstak. They are mostly in Europe.
I’m a big fan of the tstak/ versastack. The price vs value is fairly good, as long as you don’t beat on it.
Dan M
Tstak here too. 5 of the standard boxes and one deeper one for my skillsaw. They work great. I just tweaked one of them with a thin plywood insert that supports a few strategic dividers. That one holds 90% of the tools for around the house. It’s amazing what I can fit in that one box and the dividers stop thing migrating around when I pick it up by the side handle. (Wish I could post a photo). Other boxes typically hold two tools: e.g. two finish nailers, hand sander and Bosch multitool, an electrical box, impact wrench and battery charger/extra batteries, corded jigsaw and corded drill.
Bonnie
I dabbled with the old Keter/Husky small parts organizers, which weren’t a full “system” but were handy. Then they discontinued the product and none of the new stuff is compatible. Not that I really need a system, but buying into any product line like this with no guarantee of future compatibility (Packout is probably safest, but anything can happen in 5 years) or availability makes me even more leery of getting any of it.
JoeR
Recently purchased the Ridgid ProGear Gen2 22″ box. I regret that I didn’t have the funds to buy the entire set at 2022 holidays pricing, but I also realized I couldn’t keep stacking all my tool bags on top of each other any longer without either causing damage to the tools or body parts. This box is perfect for the M12 fuel tools used for small jobs – household or automotive. Keter was also very quick to respond when I realized that I got home from HD without the small parts organizer. Would I buy more? Likely yes, especially those with the wheels. As I get older, the large Makita bags are simply too heavy to lug around. They are already stacked two deep on my workbench (small garage that is actually used for a car, imagine that). I do agree with the comment about having to unstack to get to tools, but as noted, I’m already in that situation space wise.
Spencer
I’m in the custom cabinet business, so I have a lot of small tools, impact driver, multi-tool, jig saw, things like that.
I bought the tstack system, the bins are generally a good size for smaller tools. I found the packout system a little too bulky.
So far so good, I’ve never been this organized before.
Matthew
100% agree with you. I’ve stuck with Tstak/Versastack. I will say I have ridgid and tradestack crates just due to the larger size and they were dirt cheap. Lowes had tradestack crates on clearance for like $14. Plus they will work with my Tstak because I have the adapters. Plus the ridgid crates were only around $15-$20 at the time I purchased those. They’ve gone up since due to petroleum costs but I should be set in that regard.
Perry
I bought into the Tstak/versastack system years ago and stuck with it. I don’t like how heavy the bigger toughsystem and packout boxes get when loaded up, and I’m loading and unloading daily. I also like the drawer slides on the tstak. I tried the drawers on the tradestack and toughsystem and they felt cheap.
I do wish that the Tstak/versastack system had more options though, like a taller box with 2 deep drawers or a front opening deep box so it doesn’t have to be un-stacked to open it
Matthew
I do wish for one larger single drawer unit in Tstak but I doubt it’ll happen. I do like the newly overseas release of the large rolling unit. Was thinking that with two stacks of drawer units facing opposite of each other but at the same time you wouldn’t be able to access anything inside the larger rolling unit without removing a stack or two.
Pete
I’m not buying plastic. My Steel boxes are decades old and I don’t own anything plastic that has lasted that long. Corporations don’t care about anything except the biggest profit.
Tim
Have bought into them all except Flex and the new Klein.
Started with Ridgid and Festool. Have tried DeWalt, Bosch and even the cheaper stuff like Husky, Hart, Bauer.
Settled on packout because of the half cases and the proliferation of wall mount accessories.
Adam
I have two Packout stacks, one on the rolling tool chest and one on the dolly. Very interested in getting a tall set of TSTak in all drawers for bits/screws/etc..
I really like the Tough System products but they were too late to the party and I’m always switching out the boxes I need so I like having the compatibility of one product line. I would consider if they came out with something like the Tanos mobile work station – I’ve lusted after that thing but I like the foldable DeWalt tables enough to not pull the trigger.
Chip
Installer of custom cabinetry with packout in a box truck,along with cabinetry.
Most used tools are in 1 stack.
PO handtruck holds 3rd hands,squares,and levels in the rear behind the handle.
3 drawer with hand tools/omt/hackzall and their bits and blades.
2nd layer is the cabinet with tracksaw,grinder,and 2nd omt.
Up top is the small toolbox with a drivers and all bits.
Drivweside…2 Pin nailers,shims,router,inspection camera,screwboxes are stored up high above the uppers,and can be added to the stack as needed.
Extra parts,16g nail gun,sanders,planer,clamps,and extra batteries are in (4) 3 drawer stacks hanging off 4 crates (caulk,plastic,circ saw,belt sander),crates in turn are hanging off the brackets up high.
Base cabinets,tall towers can be stored underneath the latter on the passenger side.
17 ft long truck with the only floor space lost, is the mitersaw stand stored vertically on a roller cart,and the hand truck.
I own aprox 50 pcs of PO,with drawers now being available I use about 1/3 for work.
When I started it took 2 four ft stacks,and constantly separating to access tools.
Wall brackets and drawers have saved 10 minutes per day,and a lot of space on the floor…but most importantly I only roll the tools I need into the workspace.
fm2176
I started with Ridgid, then ToughSystem, and have since added Packout, Toughsytem 2.0, VersaStak, and TradeStak. My thoughts:
Ridgid: less expensive than the rest (especially when the 3-piece combo went on sale for $99) but good quality plastic, mine have held up better than my ToughSystem boxes so far. They can take a beating and lock to each other more securely than the ToughSystem and VersaStak, but are prone to damage or lost pieces rendering the locking mechanism useless (one or two of mine have missing plastic retainers for the metal handle/clip).
ToughSystem (Gen 1): the DS450 (rolling box) was kind of an afterthought in my opinion, and seems to be DeWalt’s answer to the Ridgid rolling box. Quality of the combos seemed to be a bit less than that of standalone boxes…one of my DS450s had a side handle snap off, cracking the entire side of the box, though DeWalt replaced it under warranty it was a pain boxing such a large item up to ship back. This system was (and probably still is) the most modular in terms of being able to use a DS Carrier (which I have), van or wall mounts (which I don’t have), or the built-in connecting system.
ToughSystem 2.0: I haven’t used mine anywhere near as much as the Gen 1 or the Ridgid, but this system addresses some of the shortcomings of the first series, such as inability to stack half-width boxes/organizers or tool bags. I like the spring-loaded locking clips and other features but mostly consider this to be an update brought about by Milwaukee’s release of Packout, speaking of which…
Packout: probably the most comprehensive, and expensive, system out there. I have quite a few boxes and organizers, and even bought the 30-oz. tumbler. I like the overall feel and look of the boxes, but could do without the “steal me” Milwaukee red color. Like ToughSystem 2.0 I haven’t used these a whole lot, so time will tell how they hold up.
TradeStak: seems pretty decent, but in my mind this system is a compromise for those who already have VersaStak but want something a little closer in size to ToughSystem. I only have one combo and haven’t really used it, so again, time will tell.
VersaStak: mine have held up well and are great for hauling smaller quantities/sizes of tools. The ice chest is nice (though I may eventually buy the full-sized Packout) and though the plastic seems frail I’ve yet to break one, which is more than I can say for ToughSystem.
Jeremiah
I’ve been in the Packout system for a few years now. I use them daily. I buy a few more tools and obviously I’ll need a way to store and transport them, so I buy some more. They provide a lot of the different sizes for various storage needs and options. I never have to worry about it breaking or giving me any trouble. It has a lifetime warranty, but have never had to use it. The 3rd party aftermarket realm is vast and always adding new and ingenious parts and devices that fit perfectly.
Another great thing is that I use a lot of my ProXtra points when I buy them from HD, so I’m not putting a lot of cash out on every purchase. But even if I didn’t have that, is still buy Packout. Worth every penny. Don’t get me wrong, I still look for sales or other deals they have going on amd try to pick one or two pieces up
frampton
I started with Systainers. I particularly like the Sortainers for small parts management. I moved to Big Red recently, and I’m pretty happy with the Packout stuff. Great quality, and it’s easy to source.
Josh
I’m a mobile aircraft mechanic and my mobile set goes in a pelican case with everything laid into kaizen foam I cut myself. I’m always amazed that none of these stack makers has come out with a wheeled pelican type case that normal pack out style cases could attach to.
The ridgid 28″ Mobil job box is 3 square inches different from a standard pelican 1500 series case, but not shaped right for my kind of use.
I keep my personal vehicle tool set in ridgid boxes, along with ammo, and other stuff I want to keep protected.
I’m always amazed at the price point ridgid has vs the other brands, it really points out the ridiculous markup the rest have.
Josh
I have seen one mobile Aviation tool set in a standard Milwaukee three box stack, with many custom cut foam layers, it took all three boxes to fit what my one pelican case does because of the taller narrower shape vs a wider but not as deep profile to interior space.
Matthew
Tstak and Versastack for me. Dolly’s, carts, etc. it’s the best bang for your buck mobile tool storage system out there. I do have a small half Packout system where I don’t have anything that’s the widest. Ammo cans, thin and thick clear lid organizers, etc. Once I get the m18 fuel Packout vacuum I have the half wall mount that I’ll add casters too so it can be mobile. I hope Milwaukee comes out with a half size Packout radio/charger, etc. a half dolly would be nice as well.
Rx9
Dewalt Toughsystem has my vote for best value/performance. Ironically, almost all my portable toolboxes are Dewalt and their contents include zero Dewalt tools, but a fair amount of Milwaukee stuff.
So much for brand loyalty…
Ed Czachor
I have… Milwaukee, while I own a Snap-On upright 3 section tool box with 2 side boxes, I moved from turning wrenches to renovation. I can’t due to space sqitch to a large rolling system. So I 1st added a tool cart. It quickly filled up and left me with dozens of individual plastic boxes for nailers, drivers, etc.
Along came a well promoted and for me a thought out system that I add to as needed. I may use a less expensive bran option for painting and prep tools, but Milwaukee is my system of choice
Jay
Just seen the tough built lineup looks amazing
Pipebender619
I bought tough system back in 2015 or 2014 o don’t remember exactly. Hot the dolly and everything. I’m surprised no one has copied its best feature…being able to grab the bottom, since they attach from the sides. I applaud DeWalt for making 2.0 backwards compatible. It would be too expensive to switch out., and no other system let’s you grab any box by itself. You have to remove the top ones first.
Clifford
Black Friday deal on Kobalt Casestack.
Then Ridgid Gen 2. For 1/2 the price of Milwaukee.
Although, Milwaukee has so many options.
Use them to store the cleaning supplies for the bus.
Dustin
If I could remake my decision, I would have waited for Toughbuilt Stacktech to come out and invest in those. They have the functionality of Packout but have a cleaner look.
Eric E
Toughbuilt 100% and it’s sad it isn’t mentioned. This is the Packout killer I’ve been waiting for. Simply a better built system for the amount of money it costs. I have Packout and swapping to Toughbuilt. Better accessories as well that don’t cost an arma and a leg via 3rd party 3D printed junk. Toughbuilt is very well built and they listened to their audience and built their accessories just as tough! Cliptech & Stacktech for the win!
Stuart
ToughBuilt’s StackTech system launched around 7 months after this post was published.
I included them here – https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/best-modular-tool-box-storage-systems-2024/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
DaMunk
I have several different brands but I haven’t tried them all. I need to look at the toughbuilt though. So far to me the best bang for the money is Ridgids but they are pretty limited in options, they are growing though. I hate spending money on the damn things, I wish saws still came in their own case with the purchase.