In a somewhat surprising move, Ridgid has come out with their own line of modular and stackable tool boxes!
I’m a big fan of these types of connectable tool cases, and utilize many Bosch L-Boxxes, Dewalt ToughSystem cases, and Festool Systainers to house tools and supplies.
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Related: Which are the Best Modular Tool Boxes?
Ridgid’s new Pro tool boxes aren’t exactly relatable to other brands’ modular tool storage systems, but relate most closely to Dewalt’s ToughSystem line.
The new Ridgid Pro tool boxes latch together at their sides using metal handle bars. They’re all about 22″ wide and feature tough plastic construction. It looks like these boxes could be made from structural foam, which is a really tough and excellent tool box material, but I won’t know until I see them in person.
There are three sizes of Ridgid Pro tool boxes – a small organizer with removable bins, a mid-sized holds-all type of tool box, and a large tool box with all-terrain wheels and extending handle. There’s also a new 25″ tube-style tool box that isn’t stackable or connectable to the other Pro boxes.
They are also built with an outer seal to prevent water and dust penetration, heavy duty metal latches, padlock loops, and a metal stopper that doesn’t allow the lid to open past 90°. This should help prevent tip-overs when opening empty or lightly loaded boxes.
Ridgid Pro Organizer
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The Pro organizer is built with a front handle, but lacks a top handle. The tradeoff is that this gives the internal compartments a little extra height.
It features two sections for organizing parts and suppliers, and a middle section for hand tool, small power tools, or larger more-grabbable parts and supplies. The organizer sections come with removable bins – 6 in total – that match up with grooves in the lid to help prevent parts from spilling during transport.
Weight Capacity: 25 lbs
Price: $30
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Ridgid Pro Tool Box
The new tool box is about the same size as a standalone tool box, and as with all three models it could certainly be used independently instead of as part of a storage stack or system.
It features a large storage compartment and removable tray.
Weight Capacity: 50 lbs
Price: $40
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Ridgid Pro Gear Cart
With the Ridgid Pro gear cart, you lose some front-to-back space, but gain an extendable handle and large all-terrain wheels.
The lid latches at the sides and can be completely removed for easier access to tools and supplies.
You can use this as the base of your Ridgid Pro tool box stack, or use it by itself as a mobile tool box to haul your bulky or heavy tools around.
Weight Capacity: 60 lbs
Price: $60
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Ridgid Pro Tube Tool Box
The new Ridgid Pro Tube tool box doesn’t stack with the other Ridgid Pro models, but it looks to share some of the same features, such as heavy duty construction, metal latches, and side handles. It also has loops for attaching a strap for shoulder carry.
The tube-shaped design means the lid can rotate a full 180° degrees and rest on the ground. Most rectangular tool boxes have short lids that don’t allow this, at least without creating a tip-over potential.
It comes with a removable tool tray that rests on top of the main storage compartment – instead of inside – which helps utilize more of the inner-lid space.
A thick seal helps to keep out water, dust, and other potential contaminants.
Weight Capacity: 50 lbs
Price: $35
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
First Thoughts
I have mixed feelings about the organizer and how it’s divided, as I typically prefer tool boxes with wide-open compartments that could be user-configured or left undivided to accommodate larger hand and power tools. But except for that one niggle, I find that Ridgid’s entire Pro tool box lineup to be well thought out.
The Pro Tube tool box interests me most, but it too has some downsides, such as its inability to stack well with other tool boxes.
Thanks to Dennis for the heads-up!
Dennis
When I saw these in the store the Pro Tube interested me the most too. I think it’s for 2 reasons, first it’s unusual, and second it looks super cool. The construction seems solid enough (although not as nice fit and finish as you get from Bosch and Dewalt). The price is pretty good. But when I opened it I noticed you lose a lot of storage space because of the curvature. I feel they could have created the same full opening 180 degree lid with a more squared box and got more storage space. Also in the picture they make it seem like you can stack tools in the bottom compartment on top of each other. While that looks good in the pictures, without shelves or dividers, I’m guessing it would make for a jumbled mess of tools. And by the way they don’t throw in the shoulder strap, you have to provide your own. But damn, it looks cool.
Pete
Looks cool, for the price it looks even better. The only thing I wish is that there was a drawer unit. If it did that would be my selling point on this system.
Justin
Yep! If they had a drawer, I’d return the dewalt stuff I just bought. I really like the built in wheels and handle.
James Mason
Looks like a nice bit of gear, how solid are the plastic case’s, would they take a hit and withstand cracking? Thanks for the review. Cheers James.
Dennis
The plastic seemed similar to that of the Dewalt Tough System. It felt like it could withstand a couple impacts.
Stuart
Feels pretty sturdy.
Jon Strembicki
I weigh 226 pounds and the boxes can handle my weight with no problem!
mnoswad1
looked at these in person today too………the tube is absurd. Design gimmick at best.
The other boxes are the same width as the Dewalt tough boxes, but seems to be more room inside the Ridgid boxes, they may slightly deeper from front to back.
The nesting latch on the sides of the Ridgid boxes is not going to last, its just a snap over plastic ledge, not a cam or folding latch, the plastic edge will wear and the connection will loosen over many uses.
The latch on the front of the boxes is much more conventional and easier to open compared to the Dewalt tough case. The plastic material (structural foam?) is very similar as well, but the Ridgid version is glossier and better to the touch with eased edges on all the corners. O rings on all the lids too.
The bottom box with wheels does not have a hinged top though, the lid lifts off…..with no apparent way of storing the lid when not in use……again the lid is not connected, probably to facilitate its use as a wheeled open top tote…….but that lid will easily get misplaced.
Overall, I like them better than the Dewalt version. And for the price……these might prompt me to get into the storage box system.
Pete
The nesting latch on the rigid is WAY better than the latch on the dewalt. Seems like the latch on the dewalt is only ment to keep two cases together while being shuffled on the cart system. The rigid looks like it’s designed to be lifted and carried together which is stupid because the rigid doesn’t have a top handle.
mattt
the dewalt nesting latch’s suck.. I have had most of mine break off at this point.. this looks like a much better design..
Stuart
They work as well as they look. I almost want to say ridiculously quick and easy.
Plus, the latches work reasonably well as side handles.
Jon Strembicki
I have had my Ridgid Pro boxes for over two years and the nesting latches still work the same as day 1, no wear of the latch and I use them 5 to 6 days every week, below freezing to the hot summers here in the midwest. I have also used my stack as a riser to stand on more often then I care to do and they hold the form!
Cody
Check a review out on these boxes on Toolcrazy on YouTube
ken
Very interesting products from Ridgid. I’m more interested in the Pro Boxes as well but I’m really curious about the marketing thought processes of TTI to develop Ridgid tool accessories and not build on Milwaukee’s pro level tools competing directly with DeWalt. Is this foreshadowing of things to come from Milwaukee? I see Ryobi (Europe) has developed a pro box system as well. Maybe each of TTI’s brands have their own R&D/Marketing groups and budgets and are autonomous to develop products within each of their own target markets. I have to ASSume big red is working on more then the two tool boxes they are currently selling. I think I’m getting a little excited for things to come… (?) Any insight?
Stuart
TTI didn’t have a hand in this. I’m still working to determine the OEM (Keter? Stanley Black and Decker?), but my Ridgid/Ryobi/TTI channels confirmed these aren’t TTI products.
They’re made in Israel, which narrows down the list. Keter and SBD are the two bigger storage product brands that come to mind.
fred
Keter or ZAG (Stanley) would be good bets for OEM. If they come with a Keter UPC prefix (731161) or a ZAG prefix (076174) that might be telling
Stuart
731161.
Surprising, as I don’t see anything similar by Keter in their product catalog. Normally their Husky relabels are Home Depot versions of existing products.
Also, there’s a Ridgid info card, but on the bottom by the UPC it has the Husky Tools URL.
fred
I think that Home Depot has a cross labeling agreement with Ridgid. You can find shovels and garden tools at HD with the Ridgid name – but the OEM is Ames (USI). HD also had Ridgid hole saws that seem to be made by R.A.F. Industries (Disston) and others that seem to come from TTI
Jason
So would this mean this Ridgid storage system came from the Emerson side? The only other thing is this is just Home Depot using the Ridgid name on their own like they can do. You have to admit this whole Ridgid situation is pretty confusing. Part of it is still kept and developed by Emerson. They you have the HD power tool side that is all handled by TTI. I’m definatly interesting in the solution because of the price point. Dewalt Tstaks are not too bad except what they want to charge for the cart. That price really makes it less competitive than the Ridgid.
Stuart
Looks like these are Home Depot exclusives. It could be that these products were going to be a Home Depot, Husky, and Keter collaboration, but that it then transformed to a Ridgid one. Who knows. The behind-closed-doors business dealings behind these products is too hard to follow sometimes.
One of the other benefits of this system is that the cart has the same footprint as the other boxes. I have L-Boxxes on dollies, and the dollies take up appreciably more floor space.
mnoswad1
just saw this on the keter site.
http://www.keter.com/products/drawers-7-tool-chest
Stuart
I’ve been eyeballing that setup for a couple of months now, but there don’t seem to be any current USA distributors.
Cody
SAMs club normally has it during the holidays for around 100 dollars. It’s pretty sweet! When I looked at it; it looked well made and durable. Sometimes ill see it on eBay in the US, just type in keter under search.
mikeh
I saw the Keter storage at Sams awhile back – they are pretty cool and seem pretty well made but they are very small for the price (which I can’t recall). Generally, the Keter storage is pretty good size but I was disappointed with this.
ryan
I think the most common misperception is that TTI controls/coordinates Rigid and Milwaukee as one company. TTI owns the two but they operate as separate companies, which means Rigid and Milwaukee are also in competition with each other.
fred
I also believe that Emerson Electric still controls ownership of the Ridge Tool Company – which produces some (if not all) of the plumbing tools under the Ridgid Brand
Stuart
That is correct. TTI develops power tools and related equipment for Home Depot under a licensing arrangement with Emerson.
fred
If I recall correctly, much of this came about quite a few years ago when Sears threw over Emerson in favor of some other OEM(s) for their stationary power tools. Emerson – apparently then aligned with HD.
Ed
Whoever the manufacturer, Rigid seems to have a hit. Hard to find any left in stock at Home Depots in my area.
Stuart
A lot of Home Depot locations didn’t put them on display yet.
My local HD doesn’t have any in stock yet, and at the second closest location they had to retrieve the tool boxes from their shipping boxes that were on the top shelf.
Joe
I just picked up 2 of the 22″ pro organizers today in Orlando, FL A few of the stores were sold out of them. At the store I got them from they did not have them out on display yet. They were still boxed on the top shelf. The quality is exceptional for the price. I opened it up right next to the similar sized Dewalt Pro and this felt exactly the same in terms of quality and ruggedness.
Pete
I’ve been using the organizer for a while to store/transport my gopro equip which by the way works amazing for.
The box is super sturdy and I did notice if you don’t need the cups the top piece that keeps them in place actually comes out to give you a little more space inside. Overall I’m pleased with the box, I will be buying more after I figure out how to integrate them with my current tools and truck tool box. If rigid made a insert organizer that stored hand tools vertically that would be the cats pajamas. Also a drawer unit.
Phil
This case system is fantastic…super fantastic in my opinion.
They are missing a big market with the base being off by 1.5 inches.
Unfortunately the base is just about 1.5 inches too shallow & the front to back measurement is 1.5 inches too small to accommodate popular dye sub printers that are widely used by on location photographers.
Bummer
Rafael
I got these fora Christmas present from kids….love the built very good. Also they come with a RIGID LIFETIME WARENTY. Must register if you buy to claim
Roger Williams
Do you have these available in Australia yet ?
Curt S.
Bought these for a specific project – totally and completely sold. Cheap, sturdy, and convenient as hell. Being able to break a stack apart makes it easier to load and reduces back strain with my guys.
Would love to see some pick a part foam for the top organizer.
Also, anyone know if you can order the organizer bins separate? The middle space on the organizer box looks like it could take additional bins…
Robyn
This stackable pro tool kit looks awesome…. I am trying to locate it in Australia and cannot find anyone who stocks it so far. Can anyone tell me if I can get one in Australia?.. Americans make great quality products and BIG!!… Not like all the tiny chinese stuff we get over here it’s crap… Just found out Home Depot. have exclusive rights to sell this only…. so have to try see if they ship internationally. Thanks if you have any other feedback to help. 🙂
Rob Brown
Great box but no trays in the tote box if it had trays I would say it’s better than my old Sears box
Greg Scott
http://www.keter.com/products/gear-organizer-22
These KETER 22 are exactly the same as the pro gear!
Travis C
UPDATE: I purchased a discounted Ridgid Pro Tool Cart (the big wheeled bottom box) from Home Depot with a broken Wheel. I figured I would contact Ridgid or Keter and get a free replacement wheel sent to me.
After much contact with the helpful staff at Keter, they do not have replacement wheels for warranty or purchase. The reasoning was, this item is made in their Isreal factory and they do not stock or sell replacement parts in the USA for items made in the Isreal factory. The do have parts for items made in the USA at their Indiana factory.
Just an FYI to all. I took the box back to Home Depot. I will be waiting for another holiday sale on the trio of Pro Tool Boxes now.
ron edkin
did you get a refund?
Keith
I’m in the process of moving all my gear into this amazing compatable box system. I’d like a bigger/deeper divided top tray to hold my traveling drill bit collection. Has anyone found a replacement tray that fits and has full top coverage? Love to see some pictures of any home modified tray before I start down the wrong road on my own
Thanks
Joe
My buddy has these and the wheels and handle need to be replaced after about 1 year on the job as a Forklift Service Tech. Anyone know if Ridgid does replacement parts on these? If so, anyone know of a customer service contact the works? He’s sent many emails and lots of dead end numbers. Thanks
ron edkin
I have the 3 piece stackable set and with the weight from all my tools after about a year the rubber tread is peeling off!! is there somewhere I can order replacement wheels for this? if so any ideas where I can order them from? home depot doesn’t sell the right size wheel
Chuck matt
Have Ridgid Gen x 5 combo kit
But looking for plastic case designed for drill impact and charger
They had case but was for limited time
Sense then cant find one
Any idea as to plastic case
Stuart
Did you try one of these cases and it wasn’t large enough?
I did see a special buy cordless combo that came with a case, but if it came with special inserts, they’re going to be limited to that set.
Robert
I see individual capacity weight for each box but with each box fully loaded stacked on the dolly what is the total weight it can support?
Stuart
I’m sorry, I’m not having any luck finding out.
Annirood Mackhrandilal
I just purchased the set, great sale at HD, I personally think the design adds durability to the boxes. My lard ass 250 pounds sit on it just just fine will no crumble zones.