SK launched a new line of modular tool boxes that stack together in any combination.
Straying from what has become the norm for stacking modular tool boxes, SK focused on steel construction.
The new SK tool boxes all offer front-accessible access to your tools and supplies, via sliding drawers or cabinets with different styles of doors.
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The initial line of SK modular tool boxes will include:
- 1-drawer tool box
- 2-drawer tool box
- 3-drawer tool box (equal size drawers)
- Cabinet with stowable door
- 2-door cabinet
- 3-drawer tool box with shallow and deep drawers
- 4-wheel rolling cart
Features include molded work tops with recesses for holding tools and fasteners, side handles, aluminum drawer pulls, and an auto-locking side latching mechanism.
Each tool box can hold up to 60 lbs of tools and gear, and measures 20.5″ wide x 14″ deep x 13″ tall.
Each tool box also features a built-in lock.
It’s obvious that SK designed their “Elevate” line of modular tool boxes for use in workshops and other such settings.
At this time, SK Elevate tool boxes are only available in the brand’s signature green color.
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Price: $160-190
Purchase Links (via Amazon):
- 1-drawer tool box
- 2-drawer tool box
- 3-drawer tool box (equal size drawers)
- Cabinet with stowable door
- 2-door cabinet
- 3-drawer tool box with shallow and deep drawers
- 4-wheel rolling cart
Thank you to everyone that wrote in about this!
Discussion
SK’s new modular drawer and cabinet tool box systems brings to mind two earlier systems from other brands:
The Ryobi ToolBlox system also featured modular cabinets, some with drawers, others with doors.
The Keter modular tool chest system, also available under Craftsman branding, featured drawers, some with removable organizer bins.
Tekton recently launched a new line of modular drawer-based tool boxes that are based on the L-Boxx platform.
The SK Elevate system looks to be the only system designed for the needs of auto mechanics and other such users. Most brands’ modular tool boxes were primarily designed with the needs of construction professionals in mind.
While Tekton’s adaptation of L-Boxx components could work well for such users too, they weren’t specifically designed for mechanics tools and the like.
It will be interesting to see how modular workshop storage products progress.
Sky
Is it possible to add a “like and dislike” feature to the website? It would be cool to see the upvotes and downvotes on certain articles. Easier than writing a comment and going through them.
IronWood
I think there is already way too much scorekeeping these days.
Stuart
No.
Jim Felt
Good.
Nick Jones
I like this comment! 😉
Scott K
👍
mark
Good +1.
Alex
Thank you.
Tim
These are fantastic also.
My first sets were delivered recently. They’re cheaper than the comparable packout drawer and made of actual metal and don’t have missed space at the corners.
They also lock when you drop them on each other and I’m not sure they’re not on the Flex pack footprint.
Tim
There’s a latch on the drawers too unlike whatever bar holds my packout drawers in.
IronWood
Cool to hear from an actual buyer already! How’s the build quality and fit & finish on these? Interested to know if these are a good option for fairly heavy use in an industrial environment. I like the drawer layouts and a portable mechanic’s box set would be super useful around a plant or yard.
My metal box standards run to the Proto/Kennedy/tool truck end of the spectrum, and I honestly don’t like the look of the “New SK” hand tools I’ve seen so far, so not sure how these stackables compare.
Tim
I’d put it closer to nice HF type sheet.
I think weight was a consideration.
IronWood
Cool thanks. Might be a good lighter duty option. Seems like New SK is aiming for the mid to upper tier HF market. Kinda disappointing.
Tim
I think the point of the “nice” HF type sheet in these is to save weight.
It’s not necessarily to cheap out.
Bob
I think this is “Tim” from shop tool reviews, note the wording, he didn’t say he bought a set he said they were delivered. I bet they were a sample sent a no cost. They “review” tools in a style closer to an advertisement.
Tim
I don’t work for whoever that is.
I spotted the Amazon listing a while back and ordered some and I think I was supposed to have been able to.
I do test tools for a lot of companies but not for online reviews. Only for feedback.
I do sell equipment but never anything you’d see here.
Tim
And I don’t think I was supposed to have been able to*
Rob
Do have an approx weight for them? Amazon lists 38lbs which is heavy for portable storage IMO
John
Modular not portable
Tim
I think the 38lbs is probably the package weight but there’s not all that much packaging.
They are heavier than a plastic box for sure but I plan to only make stacks on carts.
If I had to knock these on something I’d say the wheels on the roller cart are a little janky for what it’s supposed to support.
Fairly easy to swap in the future if they bother me though. Rolls around the garage easier than probably everything but the new Metabo Metabox skateboard.
Wayne R.
I’ve always had the reaction that, if the casters suck, the whole thing sucks. Now, I realize that’s not rational, and if the casters actually do suck, I take the opportunity to upgrade them to something excellent.
Tim
I definitely think the casters they come with are geared more towards finished concrete or tile in a shop type setting than what I personally have.
CA
Craftsman and SK are dead to me. So glad I have some of their older stuff. I don’t know why they even try anymore and those of us old enough to know what I’m talking about……….know what I’m talking about.
Greg
Yeah I have been loading up on the older USA stuff I won’t be buying the new tools unless its dirt cheap. But I think SK was a strange company close to Snap On prices really bad distribution in my part of the country and the only innovative products that I found where the X-frame wrenches. I think craftsman USA made products understood their market better with inexpensive mid to low quality tools very inexpensive with a great warranty for every day homeowner and available at every Sears. Klein and Mac tools are doing the same thing in a different way switching out more and more tools with China and Taiwan made but still wanting a premium USA price. I think USA companies especially with hand tools should protect their reputation if they want to have a line from Asia they should change the name and not try to hide it.
John
This is the first of these modular systems I’ve seen that has something new to offer. The focus on front opening makes sense for something that will be stacked up, I like the metal construction and the price seems pretty reasonable.
Jared
My thoughts were similar. It’s kind of nice to see a deviation from the standard plastic modular toolbox systems that are so ubiquitous these days.
These won’t be so portable, metal is likely to dent if it takes a hit, you can’t mount accessories to the side… and I don’t think that matters. This looks like a nice build-your-own layout system that is easily reconfigurable.
The sticking point is that these would offer way less storage for the money versus a traditional tool chest, but maybe the customization makes up for it.
Greg
I really like the idea of using metal because it can last so much longer than plastic but when I was working on my tractor I went out and bought some pack outs with drawers (22″ wide or less) so I could move the tools back-and-forth to my tractor but I found the pack out drawers were not long enough for serious mechanics tools like 1/2 drive breaker bars long ratchets and rails of sockets. My suggestion would be to make the toolboxes wider if you wanna make it geared towards mechanics tools.
Jeremiah McKenna
The good thing about Packout is there are a ton of not only Milwaukee accessories, but a lot of 3rd party/aftermarket accessories to attach to te sides of the stak to hold lon bars and levels etc.
Randy
Is this real? I don’t see it on the SK website, or anywhere besides amazon, and no branding or watermarks in the images.
Dave (not here)
Interesting, and innovative. Metal is something we haven’t seen in modular, and while I’m sure there’s a weight penalty and the little casters probably don’t want to roll through the mud and the muck, this could fit my needs perfectly for “unload a couple of stacks into the garage of a remodel, leave them there for a few weeks or a month, roll them back out to the truck for transport to the next job.” Plus, I’m sure the thinner walls would provide extra storage volume versus plastic.
I really like that they’re all front-opening, as after I first bought into Packout I realized what a pain it was to unstack and scatter boxes everywhere to get to stuff. That forced me to buy even more Packout – second time around dollies on bottom, then drawers, then a big toolbox for stuff that won’t fit in drawers, then parts organizers on top that can be lifted still attached to the deep box lid (as long as your assistant remembers to latch the parts bin before trying to borrow a circular saw or nailer).
I’ve been locked into Packout for a few years now and it meets 90% of my needs, but if I were shopping today these and Toughbuilt would be getting serious consideration. It’s a great time to be a newcomer to the trades who isn’t already heavily invested…
Jeremiah McKenna
The good thing about Packout is that you can easily sell them to reinvest in these.
My only concern with these is that they are metal, and metal boxes don’t tend to travel too well over time. When the frames flex they stay bent or worse, the welds break. Packout is nearly indescribable and perfect for mobile transport etc. They do make the larger/longer unit to hold larger tools, but as you still have to unload the upper boxes. But like you, I am heavily invested with Packout, beyond the boxes.
These metal boxes will also dent, scratch and rust more when being used in a mobile situation. Also, they are on a flat roller instead of the tilt back style. Those are not easy to move from the truck to the house, unless you carry them in, one at a time and then stack/roll when inside.
I believe these will be great for guys using them inside a shop to add mobility to their larger double or triple bank boxes, or guys tat don’t need huge boxes like that.
Al
‘BRAND OF U.S.A.’
I really wish non-US manufacturers would stop this dishonest labeling.
It’s not only Chinese companies. But it _screams_ “NOT AMERICAN”.
I bought a set of security bits with an “USA” logo with stars and stripes. In tiny letters, it said “we like” above the USA.
Dishonest. And it kinda indicates they are ashamed of their own country. If I know a tool is made in India, buts meets the specs for me, I will buy it. $40 for a square vs 150…for my personal garage, it’s OK.
But not if the manufacturer markets the tool as a US product. I will go out of my way to bad-mouth that product or brand for lying and cheating.
Anyone else think this way?
Scott K
I think there’s a difference (sometimes, a fine line) between marketing and deception. There are plenty of foods that are meant to appear Italian and cookware that’s meant to appear French. Most of these nostalgia themed small appliances that looks like they’re from the 50s are very likely manufactured in Asia. Most clothing – regardless of where it’s designed – is manufactured in SE Asia. If COO is something that matters, I think the onus is on you to check carefully. Companies can use vague phrasing but need to state where it’s made.
Jeremiah McKenna
I agree. Yesterday I was in HD, buying a sink for a client. The baskets were all lined up below a display. One of the basket boxes had an American flag on it. Next to te lag it said “engineered in te USA.” Who cares? Dang near everything tat is made in China/Taiwan/Vietnam/India/Pakistan etc.,it Engineered or Designed in the US.
I think te only way you can have a US flag on your product is of it is made here or at least made here with US amd “globally sourced parts”, because at least a portion is from here and final assembly is done here.
Randy
I care a lot where it’s designed/engineered. Overseas manufactured stuff can still get the job done, but outsourced design consistently delivers garbage.
Those engineering jobs also happen to be way more profitable both per employee and per product shipped. Most of the money goes to whatever country designed it.
Tim
I don’t think you’d see many Milwaukee tools on site if they had to change their name to “Shanghai Tools”
Ken
Yeah, the “BRAND OF U.S.A.” advertisement on Amazon is absolutely cringe inducing. What’s more is that I believe it is also a lie. At best, I believe SK Tool is a *former* American brand that is now wholly Chinese-owned and operated. Correct me if I’m wrong.
Matthew
These are definitely modular shop based system. Look great and is definitely shaping up to be a nice garage/shop system. Great write up.
Jeremiah McKenna
My thoughts exactly.
andres solis castillo
the demo I’ve seen looked atrocious. super flimsy construction, they removed one box, and the whole stack bent and twisted weirdly. Now that could be just a prototype, so not going to judge this product yet. Glad to see the comments of someone who has bought it. It aimed at mechanics for sure.
Jeremiah McKenna
It has to be made out of thinner metal and very little framing, otherwise it will be really heavy. At tat point you might as well just buy the standard box with the lift top and two or tree lower drawers.
Nathan
Interesting. Is it us made? I hope so still puts out us made quality tools. I liked them alot in the past.
I like most of what I see. I bet waiting for one of these companies to partner with another on an adapter. Like a DeWalt sk adapter or etc. Does Mac tool offer a tough system like thing
If not I bet the do soon
Nathan
Also I see the tekton thing being marketed to shop mechanics. Rolling on a small caster for a smooth concrete floor
Won’t work in our hangers but this system would. I bet I see one in the coming year lots of guys started working off their snap on or ? Roll around and keep a gp kit in pack out or tough system. So as to have a light small kit to run out to a plane.
OldDominionDIYer
I recently bought some of their “new” SK hand tools, what a disappointment it was. I will no longer be buying anything from SK and Craftsman is already off my list, junk, pure junk. Sad but it happens. These seems interesting in metal and all but metal vs plastic, not so sure, I thought the point behind plastic was to help avoid dents and dings that are common with mobile metal tool boxes.
Jared
All Craftsman is off your list? You wouldn’t try the V-Series tools or the Overdrive line?
Craftsman “regular” is clearly aimed at the budget space, but the other two are premium and mid-tier.
John
It’s nice to see a system that is unique and fills a different niche.
Hopefully it is a good quality and is supported by the manufacturer in the years ahead with new additions.
Jeremiah McKenna
Great for shops, not good for mobile, truck to job sites.
DC
No thanks. Love my Packout and don’t need anymore.
NoDak Farming
Menards stores are fairly predominant where I’m from, so I’m familiar with those stores. And every time I look at these new boxes, I think I could easily be led to believe they were a Menards product. They already sell products in the tool storage isle that are produced the same way. Light gauge metal snapped together with plastic to help it hold its shape. Generic handles clicked into the sides. If they were a slightly different color of green they could be marketed as Masterforce brand. And with advertising in weekly sales flyers and on tv, they would sell good too I think. But as it is, the only reason I know about them is because I read this blog. I’m curious if S-K will sell enough to keep the line alive.
William
I really like the front opening feature. That’s my biggest complaint with every mobile system. To many lift lids and not enough front access. For systems designed to be stacked, I wish more companies had more drawer options, especially a single full height deep drawer.
Ken
I have 4 of the Keter units and they are pretty sturdy for garage workshop use. They don’t leave my garage though.
Joe E.
I like the Keter/Craftsman module tool system, but the link goes to an article from 2015. Is there a similar version available under SBD/Craftsman?
Drew
With slight changes, they could have knocked it out of the ball park. This could be the future system for maintenance vans, trucks and small utility vehicles for maintenance/repair trades. The idea being that you could fill your whole Van up on 1 (or both sides/walls). Multiple units stacked vertically, would still allow you to walk into your Van, given that there are only approximately 14 inches deep. For this to happen, they would need to make sure that there pull out drawers have a stopping system, like Snap on latch and go. In addition they would need to sell a locking plate that you could attach to the floor of your Van and would secure it when driving. In addition they could come out with a simple wheel Dolly, with the same latching plate, where you could pull 2 or 3 of them out of your truck and bring them on-site or inside. The Dolly would allow you to drag them up steps. Maybe you could be installed in your vehicle or building on a more permanent basis, latched together. You can also swap out boxes for specialty jobs or have empty space in your vehicle with an additional latching plate. The idea of moving boxes between your warehouse, your vehicle, and the worksite would be very lucrative. They would also need the option of keying alike all those different boxes.
Franklin Remodel
The SK boxes seem like a nice set for like a small garage shop or a weekend home mechanics. Much more customizable and with a smaller foot print compared to a traditional mechanics box.
I found the Keter set on Amazon and they’re interesting.
Unfortunately I’m way too financially invested in Packouts and Systainers to consider a switch. Although I’d consider getting rid of my US General mechanic boxes for the SK.
Johnez
This is a neat product, I hope to see more innovation like this rather than more iterations of the PackOut system. Locks is a neat feature for those working in a shop with multiple techs. The various opening styles are very cool, especially the 2 door cabinet. I can see the use for mechanics to have easy access to a low rolling light weight cabinet, though price might be an issue. 2 cabinets plus a cart for $460…tough ask especially since SK gave up it’s premium status. By the dimensions I’m tempted to get one to put under my Harbor Freight mechanic cart, but at ~$160 per cabinet price seems rather steep.
Jason
Off topic: and news on HiKOKI multi cruiser? Looks very Packout inspired
S
Definitely an interesting product, but the brands history casts an ominous shadow over it. I can’t help but wonder if this would have a better response if it was released under any other name, alphabet soup, or entirely new.
Not helping matters is the sponsored and recommended listings within Amazons search algorithm. Just to see the entire range wothin the lineup, I have to scroll past 4 other products that are sponsored/recommended listings.
I like the metal construction and metal slides, which inherently offer a more rugged and largest usable space of any stackable drawer option. The price seems somewhat steep at initial glance, but also on par with most of the stackable market.
I think this would be a really cool modular tool box design. Biggest detractor for that is them lacking a double-width horizontal drawer(s) for longer tools.
But the biggest thing that will keep me away is the silent release and a lack of a product roadmap. I trust, look at, and buy into tough built, and packout specifically because both brands have issued a product road map. I know the brands intend to stick around, and future product updates offer something different, something to look forward to, and a projected longevity and solidarity that most other stackable options, this included, don’t have.
I’m not spending my money on a system that is only going to questionably exist for 3-5 years.
mark
Well said across the board.
actionjksn
This is probably fine for your garage.
Metal used to be the best option for even a mobile tool box, back when plastic was brittle or soft and weak, but plastics have gotten so much better than it used to be.
The premium stuff is strong, very impact resistant and it even stays strong in cold weather. I see more bad than good in using steel for a mobile tool box.
I would like to see how this would compare to my Packout if we dropped both of them from the back of my truck. My Packout shows no sign of breaking or failing in any way, and I’m not gentle. Good quality plastic is very strong pound for pound.
I think for a rolling toolbox in a garage, steel is still the best. If you need something to be portable then good quality plastic is the way to go.
They make high quality firearms out of plastic. Not entirely but they do make receivers and other parts out of plastic, even military grade stuff.
In order for steel to be as strong and durable or more durable as plastic you have to make it really heavy. I think some parts of a plastic tool box should still be made of metal, but not the entire box. Too much weight and tendency to dent.
RLS
Did you say that the Tekton system wasn’t designed for the mechanic? The system is designed for hand tools almost exclusively. They have socket sets, wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, pliers in foam inserts that fit the drawers. It was designed for the mechanic.
Stuart
All of those L-Boxx rack products launched 10 years ago, with all marketing images showing construction workers and tradesmen using trays and organizers for small parts and misc.
Tekton added custom-cut foam inserts and mechanics hand tools. But the system itself was never advertised or promoted in that manner when it launched.
The system was NOT designed for mechanics. Tekton’s implementation is.
Think of how Packout organizers are used to hold first aid supplies. The organizers weren’t designed for that purpose, but they can be used in such a way. Tekton’s leveraging the L-Boxx rack system is similar, although more complex.