There’s a new Stanley tool and parts organizer, STST14028, that features a multi-level design.
Stanley says that the new cantilever organizer offers: portability, connectability, versatility, and visibility. I can see how the organizers can easily stack together, but I don’t see any obvious locking mechanism.
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Given that this is a new Stanley SortMaster product, perhaps it locks together with other SortMaster products, with this intended as a “top” box.
You can unlock and access the lower compartment without having to open the top. The top features removable bins, and the bottom has adjustable dividers.
With the top section deployed and the lid open, you can access any of the contents at a glance. Rear stabilizer feet ensure that you can have both hands free for sorting through and retrieving contents.
The way this organizer opens up, you do need enough space to lay it down flat. Otherwise, if you try to open it up without the top section fully supported, it could potentially topple over. Or at least this has been my experience with other like-designed cantilever organizers and tool boxes.
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The lid is transparent, and looks to have locking ridges that help keep the top section’s bins and contents in place.
Price: $18
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First Thoughts
This looks to be a more economical version of Keter’s cantilever organizer. Here’s an example:
Keter cantilever organizers are more commonly found under other brands’ labels and color schemes. Shown here is one by Kreg. I have also seen Keter organizers rebranded by Husky and Craftsman.
They feature metal latches and top handles and are typically priced at $25 and up.
This new Stanley organizer is different in a few ways. First, the bottom section has dividable containers. Second, you can carry it around “briefcase” style. You could presumably store it away vertically as well. That gives you a little flexibility over typical Keter cantilever organizer designs.
The Stanley looks to be a little larger, which also means it’ll take up more benchtop or floor space to fully open.
If it’s say 14″ deep, then you’re going to need maybe 28″ to open it up.
The price – under $20 – seems good.
I have used Stanley SortMaster storage products in the past. They’re okay. Good for the money, but not what I would consider “jobsite tough,” although it is possible they can handle some rough conditions.
If it fits your needs, this organizer could be a good buy. If you try it out, please let us know what you think!
Hilton initially
The catches on the top lid look a bit flimsy and once these break then you can’t close the lid.
fred
Actually I’ve found those clear plastic latches usually to be pretty flexible and last through a lot of cycles/years. Of course if you are tossing the box around in an arctic winter – they may snap.
We had lots of the Stanley 14710’s made in Israel by Zag. They were not exactly an elegant storage box. Individual bins did not seal against the lid so small parts could shift around. They were not moisture tight. But with reasonable care and the odd bit of duct or packing tape they lasted long enough. The 14710’s now sell for just under $17 – so $20 for this new style is not out of line.
MT_Noob
Stuart, I think this is the first post on your site for a product I hate right off the bat. (And it is not your fault.)
: )
I’m not sure why, but I have a deep down hate for any cantilevered storage container. (Maybe it goes back to a cheap fishing tackle box that always seemed to tip over at the worst time in the middle of a row boat? It must have caused some sort of childhood trauma.)
I never even give a cantilevered box/contraption a second look. I’m sure it might be a great solution for some people in some scenarios, but I just can’t seem to get over my bias.
Anyone else have the same knee-jerk reaction to cantilevered boxes that I do?
Hilton
I have one of those Keter/Kreg boxes and I was surprised at how steady it was when opened. I do share your frustration with cheap fishing boxes though.
Stuart
That’s okay. =)
These do have stabilizer feet, specifically so you can open them without the boxes tipping over. The Keter ones, too.
I have a couple of European cantilever-style metal tool boxes, and I like them for certain things. They help keep small tools and supplies better organized than single-space tool boxes.
fred
I had an Old Pal fishing box that was double sided- center opening with 3 cantilevered trays on each side.. When you kept the lead sinkers and split shot in the bottom and plastic lures in the top compartments – then it didn’t tip – but getting everything aligned just right – opening and closing it was sometimes a pain.
ktash
Not much of a fan of the cantilevered boxes either. I have one Kreg that came with the jig and another Keter. They looked nifty, but I find that most often I don’t have the room in my small shop to open them easily, plus they are odd sizes to store given the system I have developed in my shop.
I made two units with the single level Stanley organizers and Harbor Freight boxes that have dados to slide the boxes in and out like drawers. I have a pull-out shelf that I can rest the box on while I access its contents. This is an easy system to find what I need right away. With the cantilever boxes, it’s a “committment” to retrieve anything in them.
I don’t see buying a cantilevered box again. I do have a really old metal fishing box with a broken latch that I store little- used wrenches in. This very day I cut pieces for a new tool stand where these wrenches and other heavy tools will find a new home–to add weight to the bottom.
James C
I had a few of the SortMaster cases (removable bins-like the top portion of this one). I liked them for workshop use so I didn’t need anything heavy duty. I ended up giving them away and getting the Harbor Freight copycat version. Similar quality and HF has a version about half the size that’s compatible so you can customize a to-go kit by swapping bins. That was a big plus to me. I’d love to see some kind of snap-on lid for the bins so I can just grab one or two that I need and throw them in a tool bag.
ktash
I have a lot of the single level Stanley boxes. I take out the small containers and store light weight tools, supplies, etc in them. But most recently I’ve bought the red Milwaukee boxes for storing fasteners and small parts. They are about $20. The metal latches are very solid, plus there are latches on the sides for stacking them or to add extra security. The inner containers seal at the top, so they can be carried like a briefcase and everything stays put. They are heads above the Stanley containers I bought for durability, portability, useable space, etc. Not likely to buy more Stanley organizers in the future, though the much slimmer ones have their place.
Roger
Why don’t they make a TSTAK version of this??
Travis
The TSTAK line is ignored like a step child for reasons I will never understand. I love that series but they put very little effort into it. I almost fell over when they announced that bit/driver set that fits into the two drawer cabinet. I’m also amazed they don’t make some hard tool cases that are compatible.
Alex
They just announced a new radio. Last year, they had two new boxes (open top and deep box with top handle).
Travis
Thanks Alex. I’ll keep my eyes open for the radio.
Jeremiah
I just bought 2 of these at Menards last week. They were on sale for $10 each. They stack well but don’t lock together. They do have tabs that look like they’re made to lock onto some system. I had previously seen them on Amazon for the $18 price and was interested. The way they look i probably wouldn’t leave them in a cold work vehicle all winter. Too much plastic to break in the cold.