Stanley has come out with two new FatMax tool cases that sport heavy duty impact-resistant glass-reinforced polypropylene construction, a rubber-coated top handle, metal latches, removable dividers, and a unique pocketed accordion structure for easy tool organization and access.
There are two versions of the case – a hand-carry case, and a roller case with built-in wheels and telescoping handle.
According to Amazon’s product listings, both cases are made in Israel, which is where Dewalt and Stanley’s best tool storage products are made, such as Dewalt’s ToughSystem tool boxes and TStak cases.
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Stanley Tool Case FMST21060
On the outside, the tool box looks like any other hard-shell technician case.
But on the inside, there’s a fold-out tool pallet system with built-in organizer pockets. Stanley calls this an accordion structure, and it does look to be a clever use of space.
Underneath, there’s a flat and clear detachable work surface that lifts out of the way to reveal a divided inner compartment. You also get three removable storage bins.
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Other features include rear fold-out legs that help to support the lid upright, and a padlock eye.
Initial Street Price: $89
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Stanley Rolling Tool Case FMST21065
The rolling version of the Stanley Fatmax tool case is similar, but has a cart module built onto the bottom.
The benefit of this way of doing things is that the wheels and handle don’t bulge into the tool storage compartment.
This version features wheels, an upright stabilizer that could double as an auxiliary handle, and a telescoping handle.
Initial Street Price: $144
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First Thoughts
It will be interesting to see how well the accordion tool pockets work, and how easy it will be to access tools on the back side. But, as far as technician-style tool cases go, these look quite good.
While the initial street prices look a bit high, they’re quite reasonable when considered in the light of other brands’ hard-shell technician tool cases, which often start at $150.
Dennis
I have spent the last week looking for a tool pallet that would fit into my Bosch Lboxxes. For some reason you can’t buy the Sortimo one in the US. This accordion design looks fantastic. It seems to have a lot of organized storage in a small space. The placement of the wheels outside the compartment is a nice touch for the space conscious. Also its been my experience that Israeli build quality is top notch. But I did notice several problems that are keeping me from buying this yet.
1) It’s bright yellow. I prefer to house my tools more discretely, so they remain my tools.
2) It doesn’t seem to be modular. Why wouldn’t you make it so you could stack/lock them together? You know for those instances where just one case won’t do.
3) There doesn’t appear to be a place to attach a shoulder strap to the smaller one. That would be handy in a technician’s case.
4) A bit pricey.
That being said I’m still very tempted to buy the technician case and a can of black plastic spray paint.
Stuart
1. Bright yellow also means easy visibility in varied work environments. If these sell well enough, maybe Stanley will offer them in black or other colors as well.
2. From the product video on Amazon, there are four small feet on the bottom side of the case that should align with the four small circular recesses on the front side of the case.
So although the cases don’t lock together, they *should* at least stack neatly together.
3. True. Maybe one could easily drill some holes for this purpose. But on the other hand, not many hard technician cases come with strap loops, as they tend to be very weighty when fully loaded.
4. True, but have you see the prices of other professional-grade tool cases? Even soft attachès are priced quite high.
Dennis
I do like Stanley’s Hi-viz stuff particularly utility knives and tape measures, things that gets lost easily around a work site. I don’t feel like I’m going to misplace an entire tool case. Here’s hoping that version 2.0 goes with Stanley’s normal toolbox color scheme. I have seen the prices of what’s charged for technician cases, and I do understand that this is not out of line, but still…
By catering to the technician market, they aren’t competing directly with modular toolbox manufacturers. But I do like the modular idea of buying add on pieces as you need them, it would have been a nice addition.
I took a look at the video and now I want one even more (although it seems like they are aiming at the European market harder than the US).
After watching the video, if it was black I would have hit the “Buy Now” button on the amazon site, and 2 days later I would be unpacking my new toolbox. As it stands, I guess I’ll have to see how long my objection to the color yellow lasts.
betterlatethannever
Years later….
There appear to be L-boxx tool palettes for sale on amazon.de, they’re made by (or at least branded as) Gedore.
Szymon
Here goes my first comment. (after months of lurking on the site)
This tool case from the picture looks great.
I am a service technician and have been looking for similar type of case for a very long time. I currently use a Vero Pro Pac LC. Although I really like the case as it can take a beating. I do find that if I load it with all my tools and parts, it gets quite heavy. I do not always have a two wheeled dolly with me.
(I have been meaning to contact Veto Pac about the possibilby of adding wheels to their bags)
I have looked at similiar tool bags at local stores and online. I find that they are either too bulky and have poor tool management (some Husky ones at HD) or are way too big and expensive.
This Stanely tool case meets all my needs. Has tool storage and compartments for spare parts and accessories. And best of all comes in wheeled option.
As the previous guy said. I could have been a different color. All black with yellow lettering.
The only questionable thing about it in my opinion is the hand tool storage pockets. I have various types of tools not just screw drivers. I think that some might be too bulky in size and not allow the accordion to close properly.
Also the other con about plastic or hard shell cases is that they will not stretch to squeeze that one last tool or part. Resulting in additional bags etc. But this could also be seen as positive thing as you are forced to take only what you need.
I hope that these come available for sale up here in the great white north, Canada.
I love my tools and love to have them organized well even more.
Jason
The case itself looks fairly sturdy/ well built, and the accordion style fold out seems like a good idea. What worries me is the amount of tools the accordion can hold could cause some major stress on the plastic hinges with the metal rod running through them.
With repeated use I would imagine it could wear out fairly quickly. That is just an observation, that thing may be rock solid on the inside as well. I might have to give one of these a try.
Grady
Really, all this talk over color. This is a TOOL box. It’s perpose is to organize TOOLS, and it looks like it does a nice job. All the whining over color sounds like this post went to interior designers.
firefly
Color do matter. I also prefer something more subtle such as grey or black.
Again it depend on your work environment. But I see this target a more techie crowd (doesn’t look very heavy duty). And I personally don’t know any tech that prefer such a loud color for their tool box.
Steven K
I am impressed with this tool box in comparison with the Bosch one. I do have the same concern as Jason in terms of durability. I can find quite a few uses for this. Do you know if someone other than Amazon will get these? I would like to play with it a little before purchasing it.
Stuart
I have a feeling that this is going to be available through independent and industrial channels, rather than home improvement retailers.
John S
In comparison to Bosch l-boxxes? I don’t think that is what this is competing against in any way…?