ToughBuilt introduced their new StackTech modular tool box system in the biggest way possible, with core initial offerings that would be immediately available, and a roadmap of dozens of near-future add-ons and attachments.
I have been testing ToughBuilt StackTech tool boxes and accessories, and am ready to share some feedback.
In this post, I will briefly go over the good, great, and less than perfect aspects of the StackTech system.
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Overall Impressions on the Modular Tool Box System
The StackTech tool box system is incredible.
It’s an absolute effortless joy to attach one StackTech tool box or organizer to another. All of the tool boxes and organizers more or less self-settle into position, with just a nudge to help things along.
The tool boxes are easy to open, quick to stack, and I think the external attachment system is going to leave others in the dust.
It seems that ToughBuilt thought everything through and got nearly everything right.
Every single product arrived perfectly intact so far, and I cannot say the same about other brands’ tool storage products. Tool boxes will get dinged and scraped, but I prefer to be the one marring up new gear.
There are some compromises. This is a heavy duty system with some weight to it.
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It’s a good thing then that ToughBuilt has numerous mobility options on the way.
You also cannot attach a full-width tool box on top of half-width organizers or tool boxes. I always place half-size organizers, bags, and tool boxes at the top of a modular tool box tower, making this a moot point for me.
There’s a bright side to this too – the tool boxes’ top lids have a mostly flat surface with raised edges, providing a place to put tools or parts down temporarily.
All of the full-width tool boxes and organizers have suitcase-style handles on the fronts, and also two side handles. There are no top handles.
The side handles seem unnecessary, as the side ledges are deep enough for comfortable vertical lifting – at least in my experience. However, the side handles are great for pulling a tool box out of a cargo bed.
I sometimes fit tool boxes into my SUV in a Tetris-style manner for packing efficiency, and that’s when grabbable front and side handles definitely come in handy.
Lastly – and this one surprised me – you can stack the tool boxes in either direction. The tool boxes open from the front, but can be stacked facing the front or back of a stack.
See Also: ToughBuilt StackTech Tool Storage System is Going to be HUGE
What I’ve Been Testing
I have been testing all of the StackTech products shown here, except for the smaller tool bag.
Here’s what is now available as part of the first wave of products:
- Small Tool Box
- Large Tool Box
- Rolling Tool Box
- Compact Tool Box
- Organizer Case
- Compact Low Profile Organizer
- Crate
- 16″ Tool Bag
- 18″ Tool Bag
ToughBuilt StackTech Rolling Tool Box
Pros: Lid stays up even when handle is extended, large all-terrain wheels, extending handle can be easily removed for more compact transport or storage.
Removing the extending handle is easy, and it’s just as quick and easy to reattach it.
Cons: None so far.
ToughBuilt StackTech Small Tool Box
Pros: Includes removable divided trays and closed organizers (2 each), 3 grab handles, more spacious than I expected.
Cons: None so far.
ToughBuilt StackTech Large Tool Box
Pros: As with the other StackTech tool boxes, the large case is easy to open and fits a lot of stuff. Stacking and removal are easy, which isn’t always the case for larger tool boxes when fully loaded.
Cons: Includes a removable tote, but a vertical hand tool organizer or similar might have been nice.
ToughBuilt StackTech Organizer Tool Box
The organizer is split into two sections – one with (8) deep removable parts bins, and a divided section with 4 compartments. The small and large dividers can all be removed.
Pros: You get a mix of compartment options, with 8 bins and removable dividers.
Cons: You get a mix of compartment options, with 8 bins and removable dividers, marketing sticker on the clear lid is difficult to remove cleanly.
If you want all-removable bins, or a fully divided interior, you’re out of luck.
ToughBuilt StackTech Compact Organizer
Pros: Fixed grab handle, 6 bins with 6 dividers create useful compartments for small parts.
Cons: Less secure closure, marketing sticker on the clear lid is difficult to remove cleanly.
Given the low profile organizer’s narrow height, it has different latches for both securing the lid and releasing it from other tool boxes in a stack.
If you are carrying just the organizer, and knock it into something, and the top latch is bumped in just the right spot at the right angle, the lid can potentially open and spill the organizer’s contents.
To help avoid that, carry it so that the clear lid is facing inwards towards your body.
ToughBuilt StackTech Compact Tool Box
Pros: Collapsing top handle, comes with a removable tote and internal dividers.
Cons: Not as comfortable to carry when fully loaded with heavier tools and supplies.
ToughBuilt StackTech Tool Crate
Pros: Strong handles, easy connectivity, minimal wasted space.
Cons: No internal divider, but it’s easy to go the DIY route.
ToughBuilt StackTech 18-inch Tool Bag
Pros: Built as well as ToughBuilt’s other tool bags, but with StackTech connectivity, features internal partition and pockets, hard base feels very durable.
Cons: No built-in ClipTech attachment point, and it’s not clear where one might go.
Summary
The StackTech 3pc tool box combo is one of the best I have ever tested.
In my opinion, the ToughBuilt StackTech system is one of the top 5 modular tool box systems today.
Their first StackTech tool box with drawers is expected to launch next Spring, and I am definitely looking forward to it. They are also launching a 4-wheel cart, work surface, and convertible hand truck. More drawer tool boxes and add-on attachments are expected to launch next summer.
The ease with which StackTech systems connect to each other is unprecedented.
While there are some imperfections, such as with the shallow organizer’s lid closure, the system seems designed with user-friendliness in mind.
It’s as if ToughBuilt looked at all of the complaints about every other tool box system on the market and said “let’s fix that.”
There are only a couple of modular tool box systems with external attachments, and ToughBuilt’s approach is looking to be best.
By this time next year, if even half of ToughBuilt’s roadmap launches on schedule and without any surprise problems, StackTech has the potential be one of the top 3 modular tool box systems, and even in the top 2.
What I’m Looking Forward to
I have realized that rolling tool boxes and portable cases aren’t ideal for my primary use in a workshop. I do move tools and supplies around, usually from a storage room to my workspace, or from my workspace to my office. Sometimes a large tool box or two travel with me off-site.
For most of my needs, crates, drawer tool boxes, 4-wheel rolling dollies and bases, work tops, and other workshop-type tool boxes and accessories work best. ToughBuilt has quite a few on the way, and I’m really excited to see how they compare to other brands’ systems.
I lamented to ToughBuilt that Lowe’s website was only letting me order 1 additional crate beyond the single test sample they sent me, and so they sent me another, along with a couple of the first wave of add-on accessories.
I’m sold on the StackTech system.
Lowe’s updated their website, and so I ordered 5 more this week without hesitation, taking advantage of their holiday season “buy more, save more” promotion.
I use modular crates in two ways – for temporary projects, and for dirty bulky tools and supplies, such as vacuum hoses.
Or, if I’m working on a big or complex project, I’ll use crates to hold various parts and components as they come in from different vendors. For temporary storage, the open lid makes it much easier to scan for and collect what I need.
I plan to buy one or two 4-wheel dollies, and then more depending on how much I like the drawer tool boxes.
I might buy more of the small and large tool boxes as well. What has me sold on those is the easy latching, easy removal, and single – but secure-feeling – lid latch. I’m holding off until 4-wheel dollies are available.
I am deeply impressed with the initial products, and am excited for ToughBuilt’s next StackTech product launches.
Thank you to ToughBuilt for providing test samples of the entire first wave of StackTech products.
AP
Is it wrong that I have a “thing” for these modular toolboxes?
Matt C.
I don’t know what that “thing” is, but I have the same issue!
Tim
I’ve heard that a guy left his Stack out in freezing rain and had to wait till it thawed out to unlatch it. I guess the rain froze in the latch mechanism and filled the top of the lids on the lower boxes. Also a tile contractor said that he had to use pliers to unlock the boxes because the tile dust had caked inside the slider. The obvious work around would be to cover the stack while in winter and to clean the latch thoroughly every other day.
Eliot Truelove
This is what I suspected of the mechanism.
I said in another comment that this would work wonders for generally cleaner work like finish carpentry and shop work due to dirt and debris getting into the mechanism otherwise, but I didn’t even think of potential freezing together issues.
Its hard to beat the simplicity of Packout tbh.
Charles
Imagine Milwaukee saying you had to clean the latch every other day to keep it functional. XD
That latch is the least tough thing about these boxes, when it should probably be the most.
Lk
Imagine taking someones anecdotal “i heard that a guy” as fact that these latches aren’t tough.
Matt C.
I have the 3 box set along with 2 additional crates. I love everything about it except… you cannot latch/unlatch a box with another one on it. It makes up for it with the ease of connecting/unconnecting boxes. One YouTuber showed how easy it was to disconnect the upper box, unlatch the lower reconnect back then open the lower box lid. It sounds like a lot but again so easy to disconnect it is almost moot. These are perfect for the DIY’er/Prosumer such as myself. But I’m very curious to see how the professional trades feel about them.
Cullen J Webb
This is my biggest complaint about these boxes. I was disappointed with the inability to stack full wide on 2 half wide boxes, but as Stuart mentioned that’s rarely a problem.
*Requiring* that a box have nothing stacked on top of it to open it turns these amazing boxes into another pass from me. Being able to crack open a box half way up a stack is convenient and honestly the most common way I access my tools.
I just don’t get it, how are so many tool storage systems getting *so close* to parity with Packout just to whiff on a obvious feature?
Ken
I was able to handle the StackTech products for the first time this afternoon. Definitely impressive! I compared the Toughbuilt system to the Flex StackPack system sitting next to it on the floor. They are very comparable, but there is no doubt that Toughbuilt’s attachment mechanism is the best available IMO. I also strongly prefer Toughbuilt’s lid opening mechanism; the very large clasp is easy to grab and seems to open/close with just the right amount of resistance. This is easy to do with just one hand.
I was also impressed with the exceedingly simple lid clasp on the small shallow parts organizer. Again, just the right amount of resistance needed to open and close, and can be done with just a couple of fingers. Once it is closed, it seems very secure.
The only feature that I found better on the Flex system was the wheels on the rolling box. The wheels on the ToughBuilt box are open/hollow on the backside, whereas the Flex wheels are solid on both sides. Aside from being less robust, the ToughBuilt wheels seem like they could fill with dirt/debris and track it indoors. Also, I think the axle on the ToughBuilt system was a smaller diameter, but I don’t know if that will matter in practice.
Does anyone know if any of the modular systems have stated whether it is OK to use any of the boxes as a seat? Would be a nice feature, but perhaps beyond the weight-bearing capabilities.
Matt C.
Several YouTubers were standing on them. One weight 250 lbs. Another YouTuber dropped a car on it (one wheel). I’m sure they will tell you it is not designed to be a seat but it looks like it can hold weight.
Saulac
Is the sale saving significant enough to buy some boxes now and wait for the drawers? Do you expect more sale like this? Sorry I know this is speculating.
Ken
ToughBuilt seems to have pretty consistent sales from what I’ve seen. But the current sale is pretty good, and might be better than future sales if they consider this to be introductory/early adopter pricing.
With that said, the return policy for the StackTech items should be 90 days. You could purchase now and see if they have better pricing in the next 3 months while you are waiting for the drawers to come out in the spring.
Stuart
I would bet we’ll see some kind of promotion around this time next year, similar to what Home Depot and other retailers do for Packout, but it’s not guaranteed.
As for the other part of your question, do you have an immediate need? Are you buying for personal use or business? Will they be moved to jobsites, or used in a workshop setting?
I bought the crates to suit an immediate need. I bought drawers from a different brand to suit an immediate need.
Saulac
I am currently happy with a set of Husky Connect ( two drawers units and a box) thanks to Toolguyd. But I am ready to pay more to move to any systems (smaller with drawers) that are a bit stronger. Also from Toolguyd that I have been watching for the drawers from Ridgid and TB…I always like the price/built from Ridgid…and have been saying that I only wait for the drawers from them to jump on it…That said, how do you compare TB to Ridgid?
Stuart
If you can get to a Lowe’s store, do so, and take the opportunity to get a feel for the tool boxes firsthand.
Just talking about a 3pc tower, I like that the Ridgid rolling tool box has a removable hand cart.
But, the ToughBuilt StackTech boxes connect easier, open easier, and have more user-friendly features such as the side handles.
I would go with StackTech over Ridgid.
Ridgid has a pricing advantage. But I’d rather go for convenience and features.
Some of my modular tool boxes are 10+ years old. The pain to my wallet has been long-forgotten.
What works better for me might not for you. You need to ask different questions.
Charles
Ridgid is very durable though. No issues with job site use and abuse in construction .
William Adams
They missed on not having the base unit have drawers — the 4 wheeled cart isn’t workable for me since my workshop is at one end of my basement laundry room.
(yes, I’m a broken record)
Bobcat
They’re coming out with a large drawer on wheels. I don’t understand these companies I wouldn’t come out with stackable boxes only rolling drawers systems do these companies how aggravating it is you just put all your boxes back and need a tool and it’s in the bottom box don’t know about you but boxes are heavy as fuck, especially the newer systems husky and Klein if they would have come out with drawers instead of stackable boxes I would have bought them in a second
Ken
Look at Stuart’s previous post on StackTech. They are set to release a “rolling drawer box” in summer 2024.
TomD
Rolling drawer box is really going to shake things up.
All black doesn’t hurt, either.
William Adams
We’ll see if I hold out that long or get a Systainer setup.
Justin
Is there any more detailed information than “spring” for the newer items? Mostly interested in drawers, but not sure if new products will be appearing every so often, or one big drop. Trying to figure out if I’m going to be waiting until mid June potentially to see how the line fills out.
Stuart
No.
ARTHUR CONTINELLI
Funny how no-one talks about how incredibly heavy these are.
I would never buy these because of the weight. It really is over the top. Go to Lowes and carry one around empty and you’ll agree
Stuart
There are two classes of modular tool storage products – light and less durable, heavy and more durable. Strength and durability require mass.
Mnoswad
Agree. Agree. Agree.
The small box is so heavy that when seeing this in the store I thought someone already loaded it full of tools.
I like these a lot but already thinking about if I get them how to reduce the weight. You could remove the side handles and remove the metal corners.
I’d likely just use them more as stationary storage for the term of a project rather than a day to day transport use case.
I’ll wait for the drawers and the hand truck before I buy.
Hope revision B has some weight reduction but still allowing to be used a step stool in a pinch.
Ken
FWIW, a TB rep responded to a customer review on Lowe’s website on Nov 15th:
“We have heard the desire and understand the wait for our ClipTech hubs and bars is tough, but they will be among the very first launches for 2024 StackTech products! You can trust that in just a matter of weeks, you can modify your Stack with ClipTech Pouches and tailor your system to your exact specifications.”
To me, the rep makes it sound like they will be introducing some items as they are available rather than in one big drop. Also, by stating “in a matter of weeks” it sounds like they will be introducing some new items very early in 2024, although it is possible that this only refers to the single product that the rep is referring to (ClipTech accessories).
Matt C.
I heard the accessories will be available January 2024.
Jim
I’ve been waiting for this review. I purchased my toughbuilts the first week of October when the product first hit local shelves. Friends were very skeptical. ” You know “Red Box” is the best, why try anything else?” The moment i grabbed one of the displays, I knew this was gonna be my system. Ive used them almost EVERY SINGLE DAY so far. I much prefer the single solid latch over the dainty two latch system the red army and others have. The boxes feel like they could take a round from a howitzer and walk away. I loved the extras they came with too. Very useful. The deal Lowes is running right now make these insanely affordable as well. I can’t wait for the drawer system and the other goodies to drop. If your on the fence about what to get, dont hesitate, you’ll love what you buy.
Bill
You didn’t even show the stacking mechanism or other details about why it’s so good. Just that it’s good. And it seems like a big swing and a mix to not have the rolling toolbox with drawers. Seems like everyone wants that in the packout line.
I would have appreciated a little more honest critical feedback.
This felt more like a promo then a review to me.
Stuart
I’m working on more, but the holiday deal is going on NOW. My thoughts and impressions are unlikely to change and they’re ready. Images and video are not.
A rolling tool box with drawers? Exactly how many of those can you buy today? ZERO. ToughBuilt’s launch preview showed that there will be a 1-drawer bottom rolling tool box, plus 6 different sizes or styles of drawer tool boxes. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/toughbuilt-stacktech-tool-storage-system-launch/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
What exactly do you want me to be critical about? I like the system so much I’m buying more. Am I supposed to make stuff up, like how on YouTube there’s a major problem with everything but not really.
99% of tool users will HATE this about StackTech – it’s so good you’ll want to buy more.
Bill
I don’t have anything specific, I just feel like no matter how good most products are there is usually still room for improvement.
One thing I think they missed was the top lip. I think its nice that it would hold little tools and parts, but at the same time if these are outside in the rain or anywhere else that water may be, it looks like quite a bit could fill up inside that lip. And then when you open it does all that rush inside the container?
Stuart
The seals aren’t at the edge, and so it shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll test for that. Rain usually isn’t a problem, but I hadn’t considered filling the top with an inch of water to see how it flows – thanks!
JR Ramos
A couple of the early reviewers did show that a lid full of rainwater will allow some to drip inside when opened. Not as bad as some boxes, but still a risk to be mitigated just like (I think?) every other on the market now. This and wheels are something that I just can’t figure out why none of them have addressed effectively to make a more perfect product. Not the end of the world, though. ToughBuilt did a lot right with these, very very little to complain about, imho (I don’t own any yet, just hands on in store…waiting for drawers and a couple other things before committing).
JJ
Ridgid 3 drawer tool boxes ARE in Home Depot now !!!
Stores have 3 or 4 pieces. The price is $119.00
The product is unallocated and not merchandised and is sitting in the overheads of the hardware department in boxes labeled Ridgid and there is a sketch of the product in the box. It is not in the overhead above the product display.
The 10 digit SKU is 1010211973 This SKU will only work on the hand held devices the employees carry..
You can reconfigure the units to 4 dr and 2 dr by swapping out the drawer guides….This Is Huge
Eliot Truelove
Its hard to be nuanced without seeming either reverential as Stu seems in his review, clickbaity as Stu said in his reply to you, or like you have an axe to grind, like Stu also can be.m in regards to certain particular other brands.
Hands off opinion only from what I’ve seen I think these Stacktech boxes are one of the best options on the market, but the vibe I get is it seems like a successor to Makpac and Tanos systainers rather than a packout killer.
The all black is nice, and the connection method seems really smooth, but it doesn’t seem to me that this is for rugged dirty environments or constructions sites a la Packout; this seems more like rolling in final fix to install trim in a mostly finished space already, put some outlets in, maybe some sink and toilet installs; generally cleaner work. Either that or shop storage.
The only thing that really makes me feel that way is the connection method that, while it is very smooth, seems like it may lock up and not latch securely if dust/debris/liquid infiltrated it’s internals. I’ve not seen the mechanism opened up yet though, so I’m likely wrong about that.
Stuart
The StackTech system is really, really good.
It took me a few weeks to realize that you can click the boxes together even if they’re facing the wrong way. Downsides might only become apparent with time too.
These boxes are easy to use, convenient, feel durable, loaded with features, and are just a pleasure to use.
I bought 4 modular tool box system components in the past year or so – Milwaukee Packout, Dewalt ToughSystem, Ridgid Pro Gear 2.0, and the ToughBuilt StackTech crate shipment that just arrived.
The Ridgid were purchased for editorial exploration.
If I had to drop one right now, it would be Ridgid. If I had to drop a second one, it might be Dewalt or ToughBuilt, I’m not sure – the next round of products might make that easier to answer.
These are NOT akin to Systainers; they are extremely durable, not to mention IP65-rated.
Comparing them to MakPac? Makita’s 2-3 generations-ago thin-plastic Tanos Systainer-like tool boxes that require 4 latches to toggle when stacking tool boxes? That’s completely inappropriate.
Eliot Truelove
I didn’t mean to compare the durability to Makpac/Tanos, I meant in use case that Makpac/Tanos Systainers see: generally clean areas and shop use. Everything I’ve seen is that Tough built lives up to its name, I only made that comparison because of the delicate mechanism.
And again, I meant the comparison for use case, I’m aware Makitas system is by far the worst, and as Makita fanboy Im not blind to it. Flimsy plastic that can easily crack, hard to attach, detach, and open; and generally all around clunky.
I myself have older style Makita hard cases and Packouts I’ve sprayed RustOleum Lagoon to somewhat match the Makita tools I have.
Charles
Have you used them in any rough environments? I’ve seen packaouts and dewalts in tons of truck beds covered in road grime, mud, and who knows what else. This latch combined with the top of the boxes being a atub pretty much confirms I can’t use them in my open bed and they have to be garage queens only.
Stuart
Not yet, other than uneven ground.
If anything, the tops should be easier to clean than other systems’ lids that have more nooks and crannies. Keep in mind these are IP65 rated. Hose ’em down when covered in grime, mud, or similar.
Josh Wayne elmore
I’ve had mine since day of sale. They ride in the bed of my truck stacked hight than the handle of wheeled box. Higher than cab. They ride stable only toppled twice when they had room to wiggle. I didn’t even flench with worry of loosing one of them. Roll over rock gravel. I’ve had no problems. I don’t like that u can’t stack full on half but I never buy half boxes due to price. I use these for my plumbing tools. I like that I can just throw them up on top of the stack and if I hear the click it’s locked. With pack out u have to slide them forwards to unlock which means usually I have to shift the boxes in front of it to get them off. Not these. I stand on them sit on them we have even used them to hold a scaffold board. My tools make me money if they slow me down they go in the dumpster. Waiting on drawer boxes and an extra large tool box.
josh Morris
Only downside ive had is the crate and 1 small box are like an inch or 2 taller than dewalt crate and small box and it wont fit under my cover
Ezzy
I played around with them in a Lowe’s to check them out. Seemed rather bulky compared to Packouts. The attach/release mechanism is way better than most but think Packout is still the easiest.
I only have Packouts but I’m not super invested in the platform.
Phranq
Kinda wish they came in red.
TdotW
Lmao. You can go grab yourself the red plastic spray paint of your choice to make them whatever color you’d like. I believe Rust-Oleum makes the plastic spray paint. Scuff up the plastic w\ scotchbrite, spray adhesion promoter/primer, then color spray. Also I’m not a red fan, so I’d prefer to be able to get the black pack outs they have over the pond in UK. To each their own I guess.
Steven+B
IMHO, the best part is all of this is the same price as DeWalt’s ToughSystem and noticeably cheaper than Milwuakee’s Packout.
They really make the other brands look bad in comparison. They look so sleek and classy, especially compared to everyone else….not to mention their design just looks a lot more practical on all fronts.
How long before they’re acquired? 🙂
James+C
I checked the prices and it’s either the same (crate) or up to about 10% lower than Packout. So like $3 less on the small organizer, $6 less on the tall, narrow tool box. $15 less on the rolling tool box. I’m not saying one or the other is better, but I don’t see price as much of a factor.
Vards Uzvards
Honestly, I’m not so sure about the “same price as DeWalt’s ToughSystem” part, even with the current discount. And taking into account Versastack prices at Lowe’s, at the launch time, which were never repeated again, I would not expect this Toughbuilt system to be priced as low as ToughSystem, when both of them go on sale next time.
Steven+B
The regular price for DeWalt is higher. The sale is going away quickly. The point is when you look at this, it looks nicer and more expensive…yet it isn’t.
It’s obviously not as cheap as VersaStack, but that’s really comparing a Mercedes to a Toyota. They’re clearly different grades for different markets.
I personally use TStak myself. It works best for my needs because I am not an outdoor tradesman who routinely leaves powertools in the rain. I do everything indoors, so light weight and low cost are preferrable to drop-proof monsoon-proof boxes for me.
But if this was available when I bought my boxes, I probably would have gone with this.
Ben K.
Is there any way to get the dimensions of the boxes, both interior and exterior? I like how Home Depot has all the dimensions for packout on their website and it would be great if those dimensions were readily available for these. Even on Tough Built’s website, it doesn’t have all the dimensions.
JoeM
Now I’m deeply conflicted between the TSTAK system, and the new ToughBuilt StackTech system… I thought these were awesome when you wrote about them “On The Way”… Now I’m convinced that I underestimated them…
BTW, on the tote bag shown? I believe that metal clip on the front is a mount point for the ClipTech adapters. It appears to be the size for the belt-clip loop, rather than the back hooks. I may be wrong, but it looks like the ClipTech features are optional on the soft sided series.
Stuart
I didn’t have a new Clip to check with. Bent metal brackets like that are usually for tape measure belt clips.
If you can’t decide between TStak and StackTech, you need to ask better questions. They’re significantly dissimilar systems.
JoeM
I know tape measures usually go on those metal slots, but with it being on the end there, not surrounded by much, it does look like one of the ClipTech clips may fit it like it’s a belt. I can be extremely wrong here, I’m just comparing what I’ve seen. I have yet to be hands-on with the StackTech system, but they’ve had the ClipTech system for their pouches and belts for many years now. They have those hook-on Clips, and they also have the one that unlocks in the front so you can snap it onto your belt. I think this second one is the one I see going there.
And, yes… I am fully aware the difference between TSTAK and StackTech is about as distant as the Grand Canyon is Long… Even that said… Apartment living… low on space… A lot of things in the air… For space-saving use right now? TSTAK is working… I only have 2 boxes, but they’re working for what I put in them so far.
It’s going to come down to whether or not I convert systems given the chance. I have to admit to myself that I have a bias on both choices, and serious Trust in the source of information I get about them. So, I think my circumstances will dictate what I do, rather than a preference. I actually have too much emotion invested in both to go unbiased and rational in my decisions. That can lead to many mistakes.
josh Morris
As someone who used tstak for a while if you actually plan to use your boxes for tools and work.
Then tstak is flimsy and cheap and small in comparison.
JoeM
In my case, they’re pure storage in a small space. Too long a story to explain, just… my tools don’t actually earn me a wage, so justifying their existence works different.
JR Ramos
I’ve still got a lot of tstak and versastack – really they’re decent products with a few quirks and they are a fantastic value. They’re just older and limited in choice but there’s nothing terribly wrong about them. Most of these other newer platforms have made small improvements and are more durable, added some nice features here and there. Noticeable step up in many ways – to include cost. The big weaknesses of tstak are the connection clips (fidgety sometimes, breakage isn’t uncommon) and the weak rolling options available although the tstak dolly/trolly is decent. I love the tstak drawer boxes although a 3- or 4-drawer option would be great (we will never see that, however).
Toughbuilt did a lot right with this new system – rivals and in some ways bests Milwaukee, imho. I don’t like the Flex boxes as much but they are also excellent and the hydraulic strut for the large box lids was brilliant (may not matter to people who don’t use them outside and/or don’t deal with strong winds). If tstak serves your needs now, no huge reason to upgrade, but if you do I think the ToughBuilt is worth your money as long as they have the items you want in your setup. After feeling them up in store, I will probably invest in ToughBuilt but I’m waiting on some items to be released before deciding and also kind of watching them as a company to see what happens there (there’s a non-zero chance that they could dry up or change significantly if things don’t turn around soon).
Moultron
The boxes look pretty sick in the images, though I will be staying with my packouts due to the integration with tools (mainly packout shopvac), radio/charger etc. rolling drawer box will be a game changer, and will hopefully force the other companies to offer a similar package.
I have just purchased drawers and wheel base for my packout setup, but would definitely like to see more development and innovation in that direction across the board, and sales/promo pricing.
ColeTrain
Pretty much the same review I would have wrote. They are heavy, the flat top is nice and they do seem effortless to lock in place at least for the month I’ve had them. As well thought out as these are I am pretty surprised that the lid latch placement on the small parts organizer as you mentioned. My first day, my first job with it fully loaded I took it off my top box walked about 10 ft and my finger slipped and everything came out. I like them and they are well built and if you forget that they do remind you every 3 in with a logo. Is the future too shelf release for garage and Van mounting well that mount to the side attachments? If not I will be manufacturing some. Do you have the measurements for the transporter? I bought these strictly because I have an SUV and that was a game changer to me so I wonder if it’ll fit in mine. The side handles are a must for me because of the in and out of an SUV. People are stealing everything in cars in Denver now so I take these out everyday and I hope that transporter fits.
Stuart
I won’t have measurements for the transporter or other accessories until they launch.
Wayne R.
This is, I know, just a quibble: Since the wheels on the rolling box have neither a drive nor brakes. the “all-terrain” aspect of them will just collect mud. Do they appear to be simple to replace with something smooth & quiet (like the hand truck has)?
JR Ramos
I was looking at this in store and it was hard to tell. If sizing goes right, replacing them with better wheels would be pretty expensive but should be doable (I have only found one proprietary wheel that I was forced to order from the manufacturer due do its oddball axle diameter and hub spacing…small business dollies made in the USA). The axle is kinda small but looks suitable. I don’t give a lot of credence to any of these small wheels because if you’re in chunky gravel or mud none of them are large enough or wide enough to navigate that well unless empty. 12″ balloon tires at a minimum for that. But that is mostly applicable to those working new raw construction and not even all of those sites. Smooth-ish tread obviously being better if you cart these into a business or home so silt and sand and light mud can be wiped away quickly. That said, the tread spacing on these is wide so if tracking is an issue a small stiff scrub brush should make quick work of it compared to other tread designs.
Jim
Excellent early use review. Thank you for this.
Jeff Linton
As a very amateur DIYer one thing I would like is a Tool Kit with integrated tools. Something a new homeowner would need. I have seen a couple options from Versastack and maybe packout, I think, but I’m still looking for what’s right for me. I know every system has there own ups and downs and I loved the feel of this one when I saw it at Lowe’s last month but just can’t pull the trigger yet.
Thanks for the good review, every bit of info helps.
Stuart
I expect to see integrated tool kits in the future, either by brands or 3rd party suppliers and services.
Style
What about hanging them? These look like the perfect setup, except they can’t be hung on rails like dewalt or maybe other brands too.
Stuart
They have wall and van-mountable shelves on the way in 2024.
Tom
If this has the potential to be the second best mobile tool storage system, then what’s number 1 and why is it a dirty builders trug that does double duty mixing plaster on the weekends?
Stuart
Packout is kind of the hill among modular tool box systems right now.
Dennis
Number one selling point to me is that they are black. After that the design features and general aesthetic are better than most on the market. Especially without buying aftermarket accessories. The main problem for me, is they are too late to the party. I’ve already invested way too much in Packout, not to mention L-Boxx, and Dewalt/Stanley parts organizers, and a couple minor others. I’m not starting over.
So the only answer is inter-system adapter plates!
TdotW
You know they’re being developed as we speak, & will be on Etsy and eBay soon. Especially with all the 3d plastic printing going on now! Stay tuned cause I think this system is going to be right up there with team red very soon. I like how they thought out the accessory aspect for the rails & such too.
Julian Tracy
The open crate is stupid heavy. The small organizer is about the largest possible amount of space to store the absolutely smallest amount of fasteners.
Having said that, after checking them out at Lowe’s, I bought a set including the rolling box, medium box, a crate and two ammo boxes.
Sold off all the packout items I had. Packout fans are true fanatics that get off on having the tallest most pointless stack of boxes, that packout stuff sells used for what the tough built stuff sells for new
Julian Tracy
As mentioned before the open rib fake wheels are a huge drawback as quite a few times I’d used my packout thru muddy jobsites and appreciated being able to simply pressure wash them off. Of course you can do that with the ST too, but those silly open rib wheels would be a huge pain to pressure wash mud out of I’d think.
MFC
When are drawers coming out? I won’t be switching over from Packout anytime soon, but I’m curious to see their drawers in action.
JR Ramos
Looking at these in store, I’m reasonably sure I’ll invest in them but I’m waiting to see the drawer units and possibly that rolling drawer box. They are exceptionally well molded albeit pretty heavy…they do seem Tough, however, which is great. Just playing with them empty, I didn’t find the connection to be foolproof but that could be me getting used to it and also empty boxes…hearing the complaints about dirt seems easy enough to deal with and not something that will affect me a lot.
The crate is really exceptional. I mean it’s a crate and almost all the crates out there are pretty good, but that was an odd standout to me in the system. Bottom rolling box to me looks like the best one currently available although I do really like Flex’s innovation with the hydraulic strut for the lid. The other boxes all seemed great, nothing to complain about or to be excited about. I did notice the limitations with the organizer boxes but they’ll work for what they are…might make me miss the Milwaukee and Versastack organizers I have, though.
When the drawers come out, I really hope they can accommodate a 5″ grinding wheel/sanding disc or at least can be DIY customized with inserts to do so. Nobody’s drawers do this and it’s irritating. It would also be nice if they might be a little tighter fitting to fend off blowing dust compared to some others.
I’m mostly shop based, too, so I haven’t fully invested in a platform yet other than old tstak/versastack items which have served admirably. The rolling box and drawers are my biggest needs and I’ve not been thrilled with any of the other brands’ options there enough to buy in. Hopefully ToughBuilt comes through. They really are great products.
On the half boxes and that ooops in design, they responded almost immediately to youtube and Lowe’s complaints about that with a quick pivot to manufacturing an adapter plate. Redesigning those half boxes would be better, but that was a good response and hopefully they make it available cheaply to people.
When I removed the handles from two rolling boxes, I had a heck of a time getting them back in – which sounds silly and felt silly, but it was not smooth and easy to do and not one-handed. I read some other complaints about that, but others have no issues there. Maybe some small tweaks in the manufacturing process. I didn’t see any burs, bending, or other defects on the handles I played with, just tight tolerance and perhaps a light touch with a file on the extrusion or receiver would fix it. Nothing I would complain about.
A couple early reviewers noted that water puddled on the lids will get into the boxes when opened, but it wasn’t any worse than some other brands and it was a lot better than some. This seems like such a simple thing to address but nobody has done it yet. Better wheels, too…the market is there and people will obviously spend the coins on these high priced storage options, so maybe someday they’ll give us work-quality wheels on the rolling items. The ToughBuilt wheels look ok, not great, but not totally cheesy either.
It amazes me how this product category has exploded – really is at the point of saturation now. Also amazing to me is how “they” won’t seem to change or upgrade their models/molds over time for improvement because several of these systems and design aspects are just fine and only need slight changes to be so much better. Instead, company B, C, F, J, and P come along with a new system, still with problems.
Since I’m ready for the bigger buy-in now, I will reluctantly buy Milwaukee if I have to, but my money may very well go to ToughBuilt depending on these unreleased products. They did a great job overall.
Ed
company B, C, F, J, and P?
firefly
Was at Lowes last night and had a chance to check this out in person. My first thought is I really like the way they lock. A lot easier to stack/remove in comparison to all the other system out there.
They are a lot heavier than the packout. I recently invested in the packout system and I think they are still the best. The packout locking system can be a pain to remove in some case especially on the thin organizer. Other than that I think the packout stike a nice balance between durability and weight. The StackTech seem to be well build and hefty but the weight is definitely a turn off for me. I think that’s one thing they can work on after all this is still a mobile system.