Not everyone has room for a full-size workbench. While there are many brands and models of folding work stations around, most lack a usable amount of work space. This foldaway workbench from Hammacher Schlemmer stands out as it features a respectably sized 47-1/2″ x 23-1/2″ tabletop.

This folding workbench features a solid resin work surface, one-piece folding aluminum frame, integrated pegboard, 250-pound weight capacity, and adjustable height. Initial assembly is required, and the 55-pound package folds to less than 9″ deep for storage.

The product details says that the tabletop height adjusts from 52-1/2″ to 58″ high for a comfortable work surface while you are sitting or standing. Maybe they meant 32-1/2″ to 38″?

Buy Now at Hammacher Schlemmer (via Werd)

An alternative option for those short on space is the Vika TwoFold. The TwoFold isn’t as long, but it looks easier to set up and can support double the weight.

Please note that some of these details seem concrete, others are subject to change.

Bosch L-Boxx Click & Go

Bosch ‘s L-Boxxes, made by Sortimo, are now being marketed as part of their Click & Go system. According to the trademark info we dug up, the application was made Jan 30th, 2012, and describes an interlocking storage system for power tools, accessories and attachments.

In other words, Bosch plans to expand the L-Boxx system with a number of accessories. Sortimo has a rather extended L-Boxx product selection, so we assume that any new Bosch products will be similar if not identical.

New L-Boxx Tool Box with Drawers?

It sure looks like it. Sortimo currently makes a similar-looking L-Boxx with slides for two drawers or removable organizers, such as the one shown below. From the picture it looks like the new Bosch L-Boxx (L-Boxx 5?) may feature one drawer and one removable organizer. It could even be that the two parts can be removed as a single piece. Perhaps different inserts will be available separately, but probably not.

Bosch Click & Go L-Cart

On the downside, unlike Dewalt’s monstrous heavy-duty jobsite L-Cart Carrier, Sortimo and Bosch’s L-Cart just looks to be a modified Magna Cart-style office hand truck. But on the bright side, it’s not a monstrous heavy-duty cart.

Interestingly, Dewalt’s L-Cart is no longer called an L-Cart in the USA – they’re calling it a DS Carrier. We’re wondering if this is a coincidence or if Bosch and Dewalt had a fight over who gets to call their carrier system an L-Cart.

On the downside, there doesn’t seem to be any type of locking system! Unless the cart has any L-Boxx-specific features that we can’t identify, if may be cheaper to go with a Magna Cart or any similarly styled folding hand truck.

Bosch L-Boxx L-Dolly

Ah, now this is something we can definitely use. Picking up and moving a fully-loaded stack of L-Boxxes is not one of favorite activities. Hopefully the dolly won’t cost an arm and a leg!

We had really hoped for a Systainer-style port to facilitate storage and use in a shop setting, but it doesn’t look like we’ll get to see one. The new Click & Go branding makes it quite clear that Bosch will focus on products that enhance jobsite portability, at least for the time being.

The L-Dolly image shows another sneak peek of the new removable drawer/organizer L-Boxx configuration.

Locking wheels? Hooray! The L-Dolly, or Roller L-Boxx as Sortimo calls it, has a weight limit of up to 100kg (220lbs).

Bosch L-Boxxes vs. Dewalt ToughSystem vs. Festool Systainers

Comparing Bosch L-Boxxes with Dewalt’s ToughSystem cases is not really a fair match-up.  The ToughSystems cases are to L-Boxxes as a rhinoceros is to a horse, whatever that means. The L-Boxxes can be configured in different ways, at least eventually if additional Sortimo products carry over, but the ToughSystem cases are robust and nearly indestructible. Compared to the industrial-looking Dewalt cases, L-Boxxes are a bit more polished.

Festool’s Systainers present more balanced competition. Systainers are pricier, but also much more user-friendly, not to mention better-looking. Now that it’s clear Bosch intends to expand their USA L-Boxx offerings, Festool’s lost a bit of their advantage. We’re still on the fence about which system is better but hope to have a verdict soon.

We recently moved to a new apartment. A smaller apartment, or at least it feels smaller. I lost my shop space, and we traded a very spacious storage room for a large second bathroom. I’m trying my best to unpack with a plan, but there’s just so much stuff that needs to be put away!

I have near full control of the second bedroom, where I will work on smaller projects and ToolGuyd-related photography and writing activities. But there’s just not enough room for everything! So… I am now using the second bathroom for temporary storage. And that is why there are power tools in the bathtub.

I kind of knew this would happen, and bought a couple of small and medium Dewalt ToughSystem tool boxes and Bosch L-Boxxes to help contain things. It didn’t work.

How Did this Happen?

It comes down to one pretty simple explanation – I bought too many things. Too many tools, too many accessories, excessive supplies. Part of that comes from my desire to try out and review new or unfamiliar tools, but it’s also always been in my nature. I’m pretty sure it’s hereditary, but my tendency to have too many hobbies should shoulder some of the blame.

Let’s say I need some hardware for a project. I’ll start off with a $10 fasteners and parts order from MSC Direct or Enco, and turn it into a $100 order that includes a bunch of tools, additional fastener sizes, and accessories from my wishlist or for a future project. After all, I should make the most out of the shipping fee, right?

It has also been suggested that I have a screwdriver problem. Maybe June will be screwdriver-review month so I can start culling my collection.

In addition to my own purchases, I have fallen a bit behind with submitted review samples. Most readers (and PR reps) don’t realize this, but it takes a LOT of time to review tools, especially power tools. Mixing in real-world project usage with controlled testing is not something that can be done in 20-minutes. Photography and detailed writeups also cannot be rushed. Some samples are returned or given away, but I hold onto others that I know will be useful for future comparisons or followup review. And whether in off-site storage or my bathtub, benchmark tools take up space.

You don’t even want to know how huge my stockpile of raw materials and supplies have grown. Here’s just one example – I still have a couple of 12″ x 12″ acrylic sheets that I bought 10 years ago for a robotics project, and an 18″ x 18″ red UV-activated plastic panel I purchased 6 years ago for a computer modding project.

What Can I Do About it?

I have arrangements to give a couple of things away. My brother in law is getting my huge Canon photo printer (it was $50 after $400 rebate and the ink was compatible with my everyday printer!), my cousins are getting some unused school supplies (index cards, looseleaf paper, and 168 cheap pencils which were 5¢ per pack of 8), and most of my tool chests already went to my father, wife’s cousins, and wife’s brother in law.

There’s still a LOT of stuff. Some will go to off-site storage, and some will be given away. I haven’t yet decided whether to donate tools off to Habitat for Humanity or a local Hackerspace, but I’ll make up my mind soon. I can probably send some of the random spare materials to the Hackerspace as well.

But giving things away won’t solve my stockpiling issues. I need to:

• stop buying tools (temporarily?), or at least give away more tools than I buy
• review tools, especially ones I purchased for review months or years ago, at a faster pace
• stop buying more supplies than I need
• exhibit more self-control when I come across hot deals

My eyes are bigger than my tool boxes and storage cabinets and it needs to stop. After all, our second bathroom, including the bathtub, is currently filled with tools. That’s not exactly normal, is it? Yes, I’m the editor and primary contributor to a tool blog and also write for others as time permits, but that’s not as valid an excuse as I like to believe.

Not having a basement or garage does limit the types of projects I can work on at times, but right now having too much stuff and too little free space is a much bigger issue.

Prevention

• one project at a time – too many aspirations and nothing will get done
• do you REALLY need to buy those tools? (No, I did not need that set of Gearwrench X-Beam ratcheting wrenches, but the deal was just too good to pass up!)
• do you really need to buy that right now? (Don’t store something you only *might* need someday.)
• don’t buy anything without purpose just because it’s on sale – this goes on hand in hand with the second bullet

What Happens Now?

Honestly, I’m not 100% sure. The apartment is a humongous mess since we just moved in and started to unpack. I plan to use the unpacking time to determine what stays and what needs to go, and items I cannot use in the next couple of months will go to storage, with a few exceptions of course.

It will be tough, but I’m going to have to be strict with how I determine what to keep and what to part with.

And there will be a new rule – with the exception of necessary new tools and accessories, I won’t buy something unless it takes another tool’s spot. Who will determine what’s necessary? I think I’ll give that role to my wife (wish me luck!!). Seriously, though, whenever I’m on the fence about a purchase, she usually does a fair job of throwing me one way or another.

And before anyone asks, no, I won’t take any photos, not until I have the situation under control at least. Honestly, it’s just too embarrassing at the moment.

Something about the Filson twill tool bag screams out to me, although I’m not yet sure if it’s the sexy clean design or $245 price tag. This USA-made bag features a spacious interior with 4 full-length pockets and rearrangeable inner panels, and it’s also got 4-full length pockets on the outside. It’s no Veto Pro Pac, but it sure does look better.

The utility bag is made from 22-oz 100% cotton oil finish twill with 100% genuine bridle leather, and is sized at 15″W x 8″H x 6-1/2″D. A double layer bottom, 7″ handles, leather straps, and brass fittings complete the package.

I have to say, the Filson Twill Utility Bag does look reasonably rugged. One review on Filson’s site complains at the lack of a zippered closure, but there are plenty of users who prefer the open form factor.

Buy Now(via Filson)

Mac Tools has announced a new laptop-friendly Macsimizer tool box, model MB7432, which features a push-to-open laptop storage drawer, 2 built-in 110V power outlets, a USB connection, and RJ45 ethernet internet jack.

Cordless Tool Charging Drawer

The tool box, described as a workstation, measures 74-inches long, 32-inches deep, and 46-inches tall.

Additional Features:

• 5-inch deep and 66-inch wide drawer for storing sockets
• 3-inch deep extra-wide drawers for wrenches
• deep PowerTech drawer with 4-outlet power strip for charging cordless tool battery packs
• optional storage rack to organize power tools within drawers

Power Tool Charging Outlets

Cordless Tool Charging Drawers

The PowerTech cordless tool charging drawer sounds like a great idea, and so does the push-to-open laptop drawer. The ethernet jack doesn’t seem all that useful to me, but it’s (presumably) an inexpensive feature that shouldn’t get in the way of those who don’t use it.

MSRP may vary depending on options (color, etc), but we’ll try to find a rough estimate. The new Macsimizer is available now via Mac Tools distributors and franchisees.

Custom LeatherCraft’s 1132 tool backpack features 75 pockets for holding tools, accessories, and fasteners. The bag is divided into 6 padded and zippered compartments to aid your organizational efforts.

I’ve carried heavy backpack loads before, but I’m not so sure I would want to carry a full load of tools on my back.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

What do you guys think, good idea or back-breaker?

While we were initially surprised to see Gearwrench getting into the tool storage business, it definitely makes sense. The brand has earned a solid reputation among DIYers and pros alike, so why not give fans some Gearwrench-branded storage options.

Gearwrench Metal Tool Box

This is a classic 19-inch tool box with removable tray. Dimensions are 19″L x 6-1/2″D x ??H, and it weighs 10-lbs. MSRP is $40.

Buy Now(via Sears)

Gearwrench 3-Drawer Tool Box

Drawers, although shallow and narrow, offer greater organization options than a standard dump-it-all-in single compartment tool box. The box is 20″W x 8-1/2″D x 12″H, and it weighs in at 17.8 lbs. MSRP is $80.

Buy Now(via Sears)

Gearwrench 21-Drawer 42″ Ball Bearing Combo

Gearwrench’s premium ball bearing combo consists of a 10-drawer chest and 11-drawer roller cabinet. The chest has a weight capacity of 600-lbs, and the cabinet 1000-lbs. We couldn’t find any details on drawer or slide strength.

MSRP is $1000 for the chest, and $1300 for the roller cabinet. Curiously, we spotted a very similar Craftsman chest for about half the price, and both Craftsman and International roller cabinets at similar savings. We’re hoping that Gearwrench isn’t trying to sell identical boxes at an at additional 100% markup, but it’s a possibility we cannot ignore.

There’s a new Stanley FatMax Xtreme tool box in town, and it means business! At the top of the box is an RFID (radio-frequency identification) sensor that is matched to a specific key. Bring the key into contact with the sensor, and you can lock or unlock the tool box.

Quick and effortless tool box locks? It’s about time!

You can wear the key around your wrist, but there should be any number of other carry options. A traditional key is also included, possibly as a backup in case you lose the RFID key or if the sensor battery is fully drained.

The tool box itself looks nice and spacious and includes side-wall hand tool slots and a small removable tray. There is also a slide-out handle and two heavy duty wheels. A docking mount can be installed in the bed of any pickup truck.

And what happens if an unauthorized user tries to pry into your tool box? An alarm will go off, scaring them away.

We all know that if someone wants to get into your tool box, they’ll get into your tool box. Or they’ll just roll it away. Even so, a nuisance alarm is a nice touch.

The tech behind RFID locks is fairly inexpensive these days. Quite frankly, we expect to see something like this a while ago.

I have met very few power tool cases that I’ve liked. Some are flimsy and fragile, others are terribly inefficient in their use of space. Ever since I first laid eyes on Dewalt’s new ToughSystem tool cases, I knew they were different.

This review will focus on the small Tough System case (DS150/DWST08201) ($50 via Amazon). If you’re interested in the large case, check out my review over at Make. There’s also an extra-large case that is taller and wider than the large case, and comes with a vertical hand tool organizer accessory.

Dewalt Tough System cases are built from 4mm-thick structural foam, and are rated to IP65 standards. So not only are they super-sturdy and crazy-durable, they’re dust-tight and essentially waterproof.

This size Tough System case is 21″ long x 12″ wide x 6″ tall, and it has a weight capacity of 66 lbs.

Okay, so the small Tough System tool box has no less than FOUR handles. There’s a full-size handle centered on top of the lid, and then another at the front of the case. This means that you can carry the tool case horizontally or vertically with equal comfort. And yes, the back of the case is shaped to allow you to rest the case on its edge.

On both sides of the case are spring-loaded handles that snap down when unused. These handles make it much easier to transport heavier loads solo or with a partner. At opposite ends of the lid are yellow latches that mate with and lock onto small tabs on the bottom of a second case.

Of course, you don’t need to lock two or more cases together. Multiple cases stack together beautifully and only need to be latched together if you want to carry several lighter cases at once.

The small, large, and extra-large cases all share the same latch design. These oversized latches are quick and easy to open, even when wearing work gloves. They’re also relatively quick to close, but don’t expect it to be effortless – these latches are strong and so they require some persuasion. That said, they close with a very satisfying *click*.

The small Tough System tool box comes with several plastic bins – two large and six medium. These bins can only be oriented in the directions shown, but you can move them around to your liking. An internal baffle ensures that hardware and parts don’t rearrange themselves during transport.

A well designed water seal helps keeps your tools dry. In fact, the seal works so well that a pressure relief valve is built into the lid should a pressure differential make it difficult to open the case.

If you gently pull the yellow tab at the top of the inner panel, the whole thing folds down to reveal two accessory compartments. Both compartments feature flip-up lids that help keep accessories contained and well behaved. This is where you could keep drill bits, saw blades, and other accessories in the absence of a separate case.  (What, you don’t have a magnetic ToughCase yet?)

Hmm, removable plastic bins, where have we seen that before? Ah – Stanley’s 25-compartment organizers.

A nice thing about these plastic bins is that they can be nested together, either to help carry them to and from the case, or to save space on a storage shelf while you figure out what to do with them.

You can fit quite a few hand tools, power tools, and supplies into these cases. As you can see, this particular case houses several Dremel rotary tools and accessories. The other case is destined as a home for my oscillating multi-tools.

At the rear of the case you can see the robust hinge, stabilizer ribs that allow the case to rest on-edge, and a locking bracket that mates with Dewalt’s DSCarrier cart.

Conclusion

Dewalt did a great job designing these ToughSystem tool cases. The small version is great for power tools and accessories, the large case is well suited for a mixed kit, and the extra-large model fits a 4-tool cordless combo kit and then some.

I found the small cases to be more spacious than I had originally anticipated. You can opt to fill them with a mix of tools and included plastic bins, or use them purely for parts or tool storage. You can always change your mind later and reconfigure the tool box accordingly.

So how tough are these so-called Tough tool boxes? They’re tougher than an under-cooked brisket. Tougher than nails. Tougher than finding a table at an upscale restaurant at 7pm on Valentine’s Day. These boxes are built from structural foam, akin to what Pelican uses in their cases, and so they are resilient to any kind of impact damage.

I very highly recommend Dewalt’s Tough System tool cases – they are strong, sturdy, and rugged, and they offer a phenomenally high level of protection. And if that wasn’t enough, these tool boxes are very affordable as well.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

More Info (via Dewalt)

Country of Origin: Israel

Lista has recently announced their new Mobile MRO Workstations, describing them as mini workstations and high-density storage cabinets on wheels. Although designed for maintenance and repair applications, the new mobile workstations are likely to draw attention from a wide audience.

The new mobile cabinet features lockable built-in shelf storage, full-extension drawers with 440 lb load capacity and individual latches, PreventTip anti-tip-over safety interlocks, and a choice of worksurfaces such as a butcher-block top and galvanized steel. Heavy duty ball bearing casters, two rigid and two swivel, allow for easy maneuverability.

Heights vary from 41.5″ to 65″, and several drawer footprints are available: 47″ wide x 28.5″ deep, 56.5″ wide x 28.5″ deep, and 56.5″ wide x 22.5″ deep. Prices vary according to size, configurations, and options.

More Info via Lista (or check with your dealer)

The new cabinets don’t look all that mini to us, but the svelte drawers look great, and we’d love to see what a jumbo workstation looks like!

Adam tipped us off to a great online-only deal at Home Depot – save 90% on this Bench Dog router table stand! Of course, you don’t have to use this for a router table – it’s a great size to make a small work stand out of as well. Or it could serve as an assembly table, or support for another benchtop tool.

This router table stand, model 40-233, is typically priced at $119.99. Over at Home Depot, it’s currently $11.99, and eligible for free shipping on $45+ orders.

The work stand is made from 1/8″-thick steel, measures 18″ x 24″ x 32″ tall, and comes with adjustable levelers and all the necessary assembly hardware. To use it as a shop work stand, just add your own tabletop work surface.

Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Price Comparison via Amazon

Thanks to Adam for the heads-up!

The Green Leaf Wonder Winder is a hand-cranked extension cord winder and basket. It mounts to the wall, and accommodates 75-feet of 12/3 gauge cord, 100-feet of 14/3 gauge cord, or 150-feet of 16/3 gauge cord.

Once you set things up, all you need to do is pull out as much cord as you need for a project. When you’re done and ready to stow the cord, press the rewind lever and use the hand-crank to draw the extension cord back into the hanging basket.

While we’ve never used this ourselves, we’ve seen the Wonder Winder pop up in catalogs and shops everywhere, usually with gushing reviews. The extension cord winder is currently priced at less than $20.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Have any of you tried out the Wonder Winder?

Earlier this month, Craftsman announced their new Contour powered tool boxes at the Consumer Electronics Show. The new ball bearing chest and mobile cabinet combo is designed for the multi-tasking Do-It-Yourselfer who wants to amp up the workspace. In addition to storing tools, the powered Contour system is designed to connect with your music and phone.

Craftsman has built a number of interesting features into the new tool storage system, calling it a central project station:

• power tool charging station recharges up to 3 power tool batteries at a time
• built-in stereo system with 220W speakers
• compatibility with MP3 players and Bluetooth-enabled devices
• retractable locking work table provides 670.4 square inches of extra space

The press release also goes on to mention that the audio system allows you to manage phone calls without wires. Maybe this means you can route phone calls through the speakers, but then don’t you still have to use the phone’s built-in mic? In any case we would probably stick to our phones’ speakerphone options.

Now, the actual tool storage part – there are a total of 16 ball bearing drawers for your storage and organizational needs, one of them full-width, with each drawer rated at 100 lbs. The entire combo is ~49″ wide and ~18″ deep, and rests on four casters rated at 500 lbs each.

With the entire unit being about 49″ wide, each drawer but the full-width must be about 22-24″ wide. The drawer configuration and weight capacity ratings actually seem pretty decent for a tool box strictly designed for DIYers to use at home and in the garage.

Official Specs

The intermediate section is the power center, housing the charging and audio connectivity components. There will be additional options and upgrades available, such as a CD receiver with USB and AUX inputs, and CD receiver with USB, AUX and built-in Bluetooth.

Expect to see these powered Contour tool boxes later this year in Q2 2012. MSRP is not yet available.

Our thoughts? This looks interesting, but we’ll hold our judgement until we see more pics or a display model in-person at the local Sears. We cannot help but think back to the flashy Craftsman AXS tool boxes that never seemed to attract widespread appeal. The powered Contour tool boxes do look more cautiously designed, but we’ll need hands-on time or at least a peek at the inside of the intermediate and top compartments to know for sure.

(Note: We’re sure the combo does not weigh a full ton. “Total weight” probably refers to the total weight capacity of the casters.)

I greatly enjoy building things myself, but some of my scratch-built and DIY projects are not exactly elegant enough for certain environments. As much as I don’t like to admit it, my level of skill is not yet at the point where I can build a shelving unit, bookcase, or display cabinet that will look great in the living room.

Earlier this week I spotted the new Rockler I-Semble shelf blocks (model 47512) in a magazine ad that really caught my attention. I-Semble brackets are simple L-shaped risers that anyone can use to create tables, open cabinets or shelving units. The design is not super-elaborate, but they look classy and can help you built a functional project quick and easy with just a couple of boards, a drill and the included screws.

I-Semble brackets are made from powder-coated steel, and although there’s no word about how much weight they can support, Rockler says that two brackets can support a maximum shelf spans of 36″.

The brackets are 10″ deep, making it easy to find laminate shelves at any home improvement center, and 13″ tall, a reasonably good height. It should be possible to even use these with 12″ boards for greater depth and storage capacity, but 14″ might be pushing it, at least in terms of aesthetics.

I-Semble shelf blocks will be sold in pairs for $17.99 at Rockler stores and online. Also included are 16 black truss head wood screws, 5/8″ long.

Buy Now(via Rockler)

While there are other supports and accessories on the market, such as 2×4 Basics shelving brackets, I have not yet seen anything else quite like these I-Semble ones.

I really like the idea of these brackets, and have been looking to upgrade my two Z-line Gemini bookcases (in silver and cherry) that have been filled to capacity for a while now. These blocks might just be what I need.

Lista has assured us that they are not closing down their US factories and sending production overseas. What happened is that the FTC updated their regulations regarding the percentage of foreign materials that can be used in a product when saying it is made in the USA. Since a large proportion of Lista’s cabinets and storage products are fabricated from imported steel, they can no longer advertise that the products are made in the USA.

We asked if they will now mention the products being Made in USA global materials instead, and were told that they’re going to stay away from a COO marketing angle in case the FTC guidelines change again.

Long story short, Lista products are still as kick-ass as they’ve been, with the only changes being done to advertising and marketing language.