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
I hope they come out with a mountable base. Then I can attach the cases to whatever I want, like the cargo rack of my moto or the bed of my truck.
I too am hoping for a wall-rack type of system. But to be honest, if you look at the DS Carrier cart design, it should be fairly easy to throw together a DIY-mounting system.
It’s indeed fairly easy to make a rack. Either for in the shop or in a van, like I did.
Check here for pictures I made during the build : http://dewaltownersgroup.com/index.php/topic,700.15.html
Wow, nice work there! What type of storage products were you using before installing those 17 cases to the rack?
I had all the tools in the regular boxes they came in.
A mess to organize since there are large and small boxes, some longer /higher than the other.
There was some shelving quickly put together and only on one side. Lots of wasted space with that.
I removed everything and started from scratch. The end results you can see in the pictures.
These ToughSystem boxes are awesome. Plenty of space for accessories. Something the standard kitboxes don’t offer.
Sure, it’s not the cheapest option, but in the end the most durable option. DeWALT is also offering spare parts for these boxes should something get damaged. They just announced it in Europe, so US will surely follow soon.
This is my next tool box
http://www.factoryauthorizedoutlet.com/dewalt/products/DWST24070.asp
I keep passing that toolbox in HD thinking I want one (same with the 15oz framing hammer, but $60 plus the milled face keep me from buying it) but what really kills that box for me is no water seal. I have everything I can get in water-tight or at least well assembled boxes. My drill boxes for example have no gasket but keep my drills dry.
This is a must for me with no top, tonneau, or truck box. 2 of each size of these Stanley boxes
http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-028001L-28-Inch-Structural-Toolbox/dp/B000KN470Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329269389&sr=8-1
are perfect for most of my hand tools, clothing/safety equipment, sanders, and misc (I have a box for each of those categories) so that I don’t have to worry if my bucket is filling up with water (I do love those buckets for dry days). For the price & storage capacity of that Dewalt box, I think you will be happier with the Stanley, especially if water is going to be anywhere near you. Keep in mind also if you use the top half of the box, there is no lid on the bottom half so whatever is stored there is not secure!
There’s really no comparison between the Tough System cases and the one you linked to. The structural foam Stanley box that Fred suggested is much closer in terms of strength, durability, and weather resistance.
But they’re also designed to meet different needs. The 2-piece tool box should suffice if you can fit all your gear into it.
Stew,
The thing I like about the box I linked to is that it is a 2 piece that I can keep the cordless drill in as well as hand tools. I figure this is a good general purpose box to keep in the truck, and I can easily remove the top at night and bring the drill inside.
What Fred said about the 2-piece tool box is true – when you remove the top, the bottom compartment is left uncovered. If you plan to keep the bottom compartment concealed in your truck this might not be an issue, but exposure to ambient dampness might cause concern.
If you have the space for it, there’s also the option of keeping two of these small cases together, or one small and one large.
I got the box. I solved the water proof problem by putting a bead of caulk around the lip. Only problem is, now I can’t get to the box open.
Are the 21″ x 12″ x 6″ interior dimensions? What’s the usable height of the main interior compartment (where the various bins are)? Also, if you don’t mind, what’s the usable height of the flip down compartment?
This looks like a great case, but for that amount of money, I’d want to be very sure it’s exactly what I need. I guess I better find one in a store I can see first-hand. Thanks for the review!
The internal compartment has a few ribs and bumps, so extending the wall inwards to these limits, the usable area is about 19-1/8″ L x 10″ W. The usable height is about 3-1/2″. And the upper lid compartments are about 1″ deep.
One thing I hate about a lot of power tool cases is that it can be really hard to fit everything back into their spots in the case once you have taken stuff out. One example that sticks in my mind is a Craftsman 12v rechargeable air inflator. There’s this little tiny compartment underneath that holds the cigarette lighter adapter, the 120v recharger, and a couple of other parts. Once you have undone the twisty ties for the recharger and adapter wires, you have to struggle to fit everything back in. It’s like a Rubik’s cube or one of those twisted wire puzzles from the joke shop – there is only one magical way to put it all together.
You would think manufacturers would realize that just because they can fit all the parts in during manufacturing, it doesn’t mean they will fit easily once the items are used for the first time.
Yeah, tell me about it. That can be very frustrating.
One thing I resorted to is writing myself little notes with marker on some duct tape and sticking them inside the case. Like, “cord under saw here.”
http://www.dewalt.com/tools/hand-tools-storage-and-work-support-mobile-work-shop-storage-dwst20800.aspx#tabs
I’d love to see this reviewed. I like the look of the tough system/cart, but the idea of scattering the boxes on the ground to access them seems less desireable than this solution. It seems like a stand up cantilever type solution. The only current review on Dewalts site seems less than favorable though.
I’m constantly looking for a good mobile solution for carrying my tools. Currently, half my tools are in my bed box on my truck, and half of the more portable stuff is in a “Cable Guy” style tool bag. Way less than ideal.
There’s a Stanley-branded mobile work center that the Dewalt is identical to or at least heavily inspired by. It’s been around for some time and reviews are generally positive.
At first glance, I thought the workstation was structural foam like the tough system. They’re listed in the same part on the site, but when you blow up the pics, it definately looks like regular plastic. I see lots of complaints about the stanley plastic one breaking. Maybe i’ll end up picking up some of the tough system boxes instead. It’s just less convenient to have to lay them all out on the floor, since my job site never has a table or anything.
There’s also a Bostitch modular rolling workshop with tip-out drawers, if that’s the type of box you’re looking for. I have photos from an October press event, but cannot seem to find it at distributors yet.
Thanks for an excellent review. I just placed an order for the carrier along with three boxes.