I have been using Bosch L-Boxxes for quite some time now, and have formed some very strong opinions about the system. Some of my thoughts were previously discussed in a Dewalt ToughSystems vs. Bosch L-Boxx comparison, as well in the comments sections of numerous posts.
Overall, I feel that the Bosch L-Boxx system is the best modular tool storage system currently available. L-Boxxes are not perfect, but few things are.
My first few L-Boxxes were used to hold loose power tools and small tool collections arranged by theme (e.g. fine woodworking hand tools). Then, I started discarding blow molded plastic tool cases (don’t worry, a neighbor found some way to put them to use). Now, I use them for everything – handheld power tools, hand tools, accessories, and supplies.
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L-Boxx Basics
Multiple Size Options
- L-Boxx-1: sized for 12V and other compact tools
- L-Boxx-1A: comes with removable and customizable plastic bins
- L-Boxx-2: great for smaller 18V cordless tools, some corded tools
- L-Boxx-3: a good size for larger tools (such as sanders) and small combo kits
- L-Boxx-3D: designed to hold removable i-Boxx organizers or drawers (sold separately)
- L-Boxx-4: sized for large circular saws and 18V cordless tool combo kits
via Amazon: L-Boxx-1, L-Boxx-1A, L-Boxx-2, L-Boxx-3, L-Boxx-4, L-Boxx-3D
Dimensions
All L-Boxxes are 17.5″ long and 14″ wide. L-Boxx-1, -2, -3, and -4 units are 4.5″, 6″, 10″, 15″ tall, respectively.
Handles
All L-Boxxes have top and side handles. L-Boxx-1’s have shallower side handles, -1 and -2’s have front handles. In lieu of front handles, -3 and -4’s have a flip-out no-weight-supporting handle that can be used to pull the cases forward on a shelf.
Click & Go
As Bosch’s marketing term for the L-Boxxes suggests, the cases lock together for easier transport and storage. There are locks and spring-loaded release levers on both sides of every L-Boxx.
Transport & Mobility
There is an L-Boxx dolly (L-Dolly) and a collapsible folding cart (L-Cart).
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Lower priced alternatives: Akro-Mils dolly (not locking), Magna Cart (lower load rating, bring your own bungie cords).
Inserts
Many Bosch cordless and corded handheld power tools are now available as bare tools with insert trays, or as L-Boxx kits complete with blow molded trays.
You can also buy pick-and-pluck foam for L-Boxx-1 and -2 units.
How Many L-Boxxes do I Have?
I lost count. I believe I’m up to about 80.
As of December 2012 I had purchased 13 L-Boxxes and had another 10 that were supplied by Bosch at various times. I was reorganizing my workspace and thought it would be nice to consolidate my tools from random boxes into additional L-Boxxes, especially since my storage area would be in the backdrop of a video series I had been planning. I pitched the plan to Bosch and they sent another 10 L-Boxxes.
My workspace is still being reorganized (almost done now!), and the more I used Bosch L-Boxxes, the more I loved them. Thus, I ordered 12 more in early May and another 22 in late May when Amazon offered a Father’s Day coupon on $100+ Bosch orders.
So that leaves my total number of L-Boxxes at about 77, plus 1 more from a purchased PS31 combo kit and maybe 2 more from Bosch test samples that came with their own L-Boxxes. Let’s round up and say 80 L-Boxxes.
80 L-Boxxes. About 8 or so are still empty but won’t be for long. I also received one L-Dolly for testing and purchased 3 more after that. The price went up since then, so I purchased a couple of Akro-Mils dollies that also fit my folding-lid bins and large storage totes.
How am I Using 80 Bosch L-Boxxes?
This section could have also been titled how Bosch L-Boxxes helped turn chaos into order.
(In case you are wondering, yes, those are Stuart minions.)
This photo was taken right before I moved this and another shelving unit to a spare room. This is not the best way to stack L-Boxxes, so as soon I have a chance I will create a tower or two with adjustable position sliding rails.
This is a single stack of L-Boxxes at offsite storage facility, before I went on an L-Boxx buying spree in May. Now, there are 4 tall stacks and a few cases placed on wire shelving.
In the past few months I have been reorganizing everything. My personal tool collection has become too large to store in my workspace, and the addition of frequent test samples made things even more unmanageable.
L-Boxxes have allowed me to modularize my personal tools, and those samples I retain for comparison purposes and to answer readers’ questions with.
With Bosch L-Boxxes, my tools and retained samples are organized logically in a manner they might be needed. Tools or supplies I might need in a moment’s notice remain in my workspace or in the large storage space the next room over. Those I might not need without a planned project or testing session go into offsite storage.
While it is a slight hassle to swap L-Boxxes back and forth between my workspace and offsite storage, it is a far better solution than to keep everything onsite. The L-Boxxes’ stacking connectability allow for easier transport of multiple cases at once.
Previously, if I needed to bring tools to off-site locations, either to work on projects or to test large mess-producing products, I would first have to hunt down the tools I needed and then find empty tool boxes or tool bags to pack them in and toss in the back of the truck.
For example, readers ask about Craftsman Bolt-On products quite frequently (reviewed here). If there’s a question I can’t answer right away, I grab the L-Boxx from offsite storage and do the necessary testing. Once I’m done, the L-Boxx goes back to storage during my next retrieval trip. Once I am sure there is no further editorial need for the product samples, the tools will go to a new home (via donation or giveaway) and the L-Boxx will be used for something else.
I intended to do an L-Boxx a day type of post to show how the tools are all arranged. If this is something you are interested in seeing, let me know.
Before switching to an L-Boxx organizational system, I used bins, totes, and cardboard boxes to house less used or compared tools, and it was a real pain to dig things out.
Right now I have 4 tall L-Boxx stacks in storage, and will turn it into 6 shorter stacks to make it quicker for me to retrieve lower-positioned cases. I keep about 20 L-Boxxes in my workspace to organize and store frequently used tools, and also have an area for L-Boxxes that are temporarily rotated in from offsite storage as needed. As soon I have a chance, I will build one or two towers that can be used to dock L-Boxxes individually for easier retrieval.
Build Quality
While not as robustly built as Dewalt’s ToughSystem cases (reviewed here), L-Boxxes are surprisingly tough. The plastic is somewhat impact resistant, but I would not trust them to survive 6-foot drops onto concrete when fully loaded. They are weather-resistant, but not waterproof.
I was concerned by how light and slightly flexible the plastic latches feel, but they hold very securely. If they don’t fail on a fully-loaded L-Boxx-3 or -4, it is highly unlikely they will fail down the road.
Quality Control
Early on I encountered several incidents where L-Boxxes arrived with missing side handles. The Bosch product manager I spoke with believed this to be due to distributor warehouse handling. Bosch has since redesigned the product packaging to completely enclose each L-Boxx case. I am happy to say that every one of the ~50 L-Boxxes purchased or received in the past 8 months arrived in perfect shape.
Versatility and User Experience
L-Boxx-1
This is my most-used size, and I find it to be great for 12V tools, smaller 18V tools, and hand tools. The smaller size allows for more focused organization.
Here’s what I use some of them to hold:
- Bosch 18V drill and impact driver (gosh that was a crazy-good deal!)
- Portable tool kits (mainly Wera driving sets)
- Bosch corded hammer drill
- 4V cordless screwdrivers (since built-in Li-ion batteries cannot go to non-environmentally-controlled storage)
- Dremel rotary tools and larger accessories
- Plumbing tools, tubing tools, cutters, and clamps
- Hand files and rasps
- Loc-Line tubing and attachments
L-Boxx-1A
I have many -1A’s, mainly because for a time they were priced lower than -1’s. I removed the bins out of most -1A’s, but kept the foam inner lid padding to help provide an additional layer of protection. Two L-Boxx-1As are used for infrequently used testing fasteners and specialty PVC fittings.
L-Boxx-2
Although L-Boxx-2’s are only 1.5″ deeper than -1’s, I find them to be much more spacious. Their side handles are deeper as well, which makes fully loaded cases easier and more comfortable to carry with two hands.
- Complete Craftsman Bolt-On system
- Woodpeckers square clamps (14), right angle clamps, miter clamps
- Loc-Line 2.5″ vacuum hose components and attachments
- Fein MultiMaster and dust port
- Oscillating tools and accessories (whichever are being tested at the moment)
- Pop riveting tools, nutsetting tool set, nibbler tools, sheet metal specialty tools
- Duplicate screwdrivers and hex drivers
- Bosch jig saws and blades
I also used two L-Boxx-2’s for woodworking tools (measuring, layout, chisels, planes, specialty), but have since moved these tools out and into a new rolling tool cabinet.
L-Boxx-3
I use this size for larger tools, such as grinders and sanders, as well as bulkier supplies. There is no front handle, so you cannot carry -3 cases briefcase style.
- Foredom flex-shaft tool system and handpieces
- Recent power tool accessories sets samples for use in new tool testing (2 bird, 1 stone)
This size is large enough for some circular saws, but it can be hard to fit them in.
Fully-loaded, an L-Boxx-3 can be quite heavy. I tend to use -3’s for power tool and accessory combinations or small cordless combos, rather than filling them all the way up with tools.
These are great for bulkier tools as well, such as cordless band saws.
L-Boxx-4
These cases are tall enough to fit circular saws and complete cordless combos. I don’t have many of these, and tend to use them mainly for supplies or infrequently used/tested combo kits.
I would sooner use a Dewalt ToughSystem case than fully load up an L-Boxx-4. Fully-loaded, the L-Boxx-4 becomes somewhat uncomfortable to carry and move around. Plus, it can be a hassle digging a small tool out from the bottom of the case.
I have several Festool Systainers in approximate L-Boxx-3 and -4 sizes, but they came with purchased Festool tools. That’s really how they should be used – for individual bulky tools plus attachments and accessories – and not loaded to the brim.
L-Boxx-3D
I haven’t tested this size and haven’t bought any. I can’t see myself purchasing one of these anytime soon, mainly because the prices are quite high. L-boxxes are not exactly cheap, but the -3D costs ~$59 PLUS the cost of an “optional” drawer or i-Boxx organizers. Depending on how you configure it, an L-Boxx-3D combo will cost between $88 at the least and $157 at most.
If I did use an L-Boxx, I would likely configure it with empty i-Boxx72 enclosed trays.
L-Boxx-3D & Components Price Check
L-Dolly
The dolly is made from tough plastic and the casters are high quality. Attaching the casters takes just takes a few minutes with the included 7mm hex key.
All of the casters are free-swivelling, and two have wheel and swivel locks. I bumped into a dolly-mounted L-Boxx stack while one of the wheels was locked, and ended up mangling up the swivel lock real bad. Oops. That’s not to say they’re fragile, but don’t crash into or force a locked L-Dolly.
The wheel material is a semi-soft rubber that should work well on a variety of floor materials. The wheels are large enough that they can handle rough terrain quite well, but it might tear them up a bit.
If I know I’m going to be moving a short stack of L-Boxxes on rough terrain, I use a Magna Cart ($30-35 via Amazon). The load capacity is only 150 pounds, but that’s plenty enough for a couple of L-Boxxes.
Most of the time, though, I carry L-Boxxes back and forth by hand.
The wide wheel base seems to provide additional stability for taller L-Boxx stacks, but I sometimes wish it had a smaller footprint and flush sides.
L-Cart
Nobody seems to have the L-Cart available for sale at the moment. In any case, the L-Cart is not so uniquely designed that the aforementioned Magna Cart is not a suitable enough substitute. The L-Cart looks more durably built, and I like that it has built-in bungie cords and tie points, but I don’t really consider it a must-have.
Click & Go
The idea is that each L-Boxx can click together to other L-Boxxes quickly and easily, so that you can click them together and be on your way to or from the job.
However, clicking L-Boxxes together is not always quick or effortless. Sometimes I have to maneuver carefully or lift one side of an L-Boxx in a certain way to get the locks to engage.
I’m not saying that the design is flawed. In theory, clicking one L-Boxx to another should take 2 seconds. In practice, it might take 5 seconds.
The Click & Go system is optimized for short stacks of L-Boxxes. Increase the height of a stack, and it could be awkward to unlock cases from each other. The best approach is when you can reach downwards slightly to unlock and lift an L-Boxx in a single motion.
The Click & Go locking system is definitely quicker and easier to use than the flip-over locks Dewalt uses on their ToughSystem and Tstak cases. I thought the Dewalt Tstak system would be a great storage system to buy into, especially given their greater affordability and how they are now coming out with a deep case, organizer, and roller cart, but they are nowhere near as quick or easy to connect and disconnect.
All Bosch L-Boxxes can be connected to each other. If you have 2-3 L-Boxx-1’s or 2’s stacked and locked together, you can carry the short stack horizontally or vertically, but I wouldn’t recommend using the front handle to support heavier loads.
Latches and Locks
As mentioned, the latches are made of plastic and feel somewhat flexible. They feel plenty secure to me, enough to dissuade me from being drawn to competing products that feature metal latches. Even so, I would not trust the latches on an L-Boxx-4 that’s filled to the brim with lead shot.
Each L-Boxx can be locked closed, except for the L-Boxx-3D due to its open sides. There are padlock loops on both sides of L-Boxx lids, right near the latches. This does not provide much security, but it’s better than nothing.
Expandability
In the past few months, Bosch has been expanding their selection of cordless and corded tools that are available with L-Boxx kit or insert tray options. In some cases, you can buy a bare tool L-Boxx kit for less than you can a bare tool. Add in a battery and charger starter kit, and you’re good to go.
I have always favored Bosch over other brands for my personal tool purchases, but don’t see myself making tool purchasing decisions based on whether an L-Boxx is included or not. However, if buying a new Bosch power tool, I would very much rather buy an L-Boxx kit or bare tool combo than a regular kit that comes with a blow molded case.
It’s good to see that Bosch has expanded their selection of Click & Go kits. I know some readers are also interested in being able to buy insert trays separately, but I’m happy with or without them.
Pricing
L-Boxxes are more expensive than ordinary tool boxes, but they’re well worth it in my opinion. I paid full price for some when I couldn’t wait, and when I could I waited for winter holidays and pre-Father’s Day sales. Amazon often has a $20 off $100+ discount off of these cases around the holidays, but not always.
Average retail prices (as of 7/25/13):
- L-Boxx-1: $44
- L-Boxx-1A: $54
- L-Boxx-2: $49
- L-Boxx-3: $59
- L-Boxx-4: $64
Two of my L-Boxxes were purchased from Amazon as part of a special Bosch PS31 12V cordless drill/driver L-Boxx combo kit. The combo includes the PS31 drill/driver, a charger, two batteries, an L-Boxx-1, and an L-Boxx-1A. The combo is a great deal at $130, but crazy-good when it went on sale Black Friday and periodically throughout the 2012 winter holiday season for $95.
There is also a new 12V starter kit that includes an L-Boxx, 12V charger, and (2) 2.0Ah battery packs for $69. The starter kit is intended as easy entry into the 12V line for those who want to purchase a bare tool, but it is also a very appealing upgrade kit for current 12V users who can use the new higher capacity battery packs and want an L-Boxx to try out.
Conclusion
The L-Boxx system is an exceptionally versatile way to store, organize, and transport tools. The system was designed to be used by tradesmen and professional users who want to bring to a job just the tools they need from their shop or truck.
My needs and usage habits are a bit different than what the system was designed for, but it has worked well for me.
It took about 4 years for me to reach a breaking point where I needed to come up with a better solution to organize my tools for storage and transport. I am happy to say that I am completely pleased with how the L-Boxx system is working out for me.
I am not using L-boxxes exclusively, but I do use them for the bulk of my mobile tool storage needs.
About a third of the L-Boxxes I purchased were acquired as I needed them, and the other two thirds were purchased during Amazon’s winter holiday and Father’s Day shopping seasons when they offered $20 off $100+ Bosch orders.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
More Info(via Bosch)
Thank you to Bosch for providing L-Boxx samples for testing and editorial use.
JR
Hah, too late. I already purchased some of these from your previous mentions as well as the 12v Bosch drill driver / L-Boxx bundle. They are as good as you say. I only have three, however. I’m such a lightweight DYIer.
Israel David
Have you tested any more toolboxes for their indestructability?
Stuart
Yes, and no. Testing the Dewalt ToughSystem case with an 8lb sledge hammer was a one-time thing.
Bob Dobalina
I intended to do an L-Boxx a day type of post to show how the tools are all arranged. If this is something you are interested in seeing, let me know.
Interested, I am.
Stuart
Okay, I’ll pencil it back into my plans. It might have to be an L-Boxx-a-week feature.
Kyle
Second.
Anton
Third
John S
Fourth fifth, thousandth
Matt
Any plans to do this still? I’ve just picked up a few L-BOXX’s and am thinking of adding a few more. Would love to see how you’ve organized them.
Samir Leal
I am interested too in a “L-Boxx a day”!
Richard
I’d enjoy seeing an L-Boxx post – but I think daily might be too much to ask from you!
Stuart, do you know if Bosch is going to sell the L-Boxx First Aid Kit on this side of the pond?
Stuart
The one shown in this post was photographed at World of Concrete in the US, so I thought it was set for release in North America. Right now there has been no official word or ETA.
Alan S. Blue
Could you compare the smaller ‘supply bin’ ones with Stanley 25 and the deeper version?
Stuart
Did you have a particular aspect you wanted compared? Comparing Stanley’s 25 compartment organizer to the L-Boxx-1A or i-Boxx inserts is not exactly apples-to-apples.
I have 5 of those Stanley organizers (discussed here), and use them mainly for small parts and fasteners. If I wanted to take an assortment of screws, nails, or other fasteners to a jobsite, I would bring an L-Boxx-1A.
The i-Boxx organizers look versatile, but they lose some of that if not used with an L-Boxx-3D.
What I like about the L-Boxx-1A is that you don’t need to keep all of the bins inside. They stay in place, whether you have 1, 2, or wall-to-wall bins.
Alan S. Blue
Sturdiness, construction, parts retention, etc.
One of the points you answered: You can use the L-Boxx-1A with ‘half the bins’, and the remainder stay in their place. This is like the Stanley, and one of the cool bits IMNSHO.
Another point could be handiness -full-. The Stanley-25 is a mighty heavy box when filled to the brim with various nuts, bolts, and washers. But the handle and construction seem up to it, and not too irritating to carry. Is this true for the LB1A full of fasteners as opposed to tools?
There’s also no ‘special provision’ for labeling on either that I see, but the clear top does make that easier on the Stanley… At least, I -think- so, but I haven’t used the Bosche and was looking to see if you concurred.
And the Stanley doesn’t have the ‘latch together’ bit. But do the two ‘stack together’ well when mix-and-matched?
Stuart
Before I answer your points, I should point out that Stanley came out with a new shallow organizer that can be locked other like-units. There’s also a new deep organizer as well.
In regard to sturdiness and construction, the L-Boxx-1A is a lot more robust than the Stanely 25 compartment organizer.
Parts retention is quite good, thanks to a foam attachment that slides into the inside of the lid, but very small parts might wander. I’m talking about things like #2 washers. Regular construction parts and fasteners stay in their respective bins.
The L-Boxx-1A has a top handle and front handle, whereas the Stanley organizer only has a fixed position front handle. The L-Boxx is more comfortable to carry but can also be loaded down with a lot more stuff. The side handles are not as effective on the L-Boxx-1.
If you have multiple L-Boxx-1A’s in a stack, and they’re locked together, retrieval might require a moment to move things around.
I find the clear lid of the Stanley 25 compartment organizer to be nice in theory and practice. With multiple L-Boxxes, I simply slap a label on the outside to ease identification.
There is no provision to label L-Boxx-1A bins, but you can always improvise with a piece of masking tape. There isn’t really a strong need for labeling though, as most users will use the bins for easily-recognizable fasteners.
The Stanley organizers can be stacked quite nicely, but it becomes difficult to grab one organizer from a multiple-case stack.
Bosch L-Boxxes can be stacked without locking them in, but only if you remove the locking latches or leave on the discardable plastic protecting feet the cases ship with.
The L-Boxx-1A, and probably an i-Boxx-equipped L-Boxx-3D as well, are much better suited as mobile parts organizers. The Stanley 25 compartment organizers are better suited for lighter shop use.
It’s a tough comparison because the two products were designed for different types of usage environments – they’re not really interchangeable. There’s also a vast price difference – $50-54 for the L-Boxx-1A, and $16 for the Stanley organizer.
Alan S. Blue
Thanks!
The Stanley FatMaxes have the latching, sturdiness and a higher price … but there’s no ’25 bin’ version. Just irksome, as I’m more interested in having the higher number of smaller bins with the finer-grained rearranging.
mike
Wow,nicely done. These look sweet and I am definately gonna get some of these in the near future. Im particularly interested in the L – boxx 3 and 4 sizes.
fred
I too have been coming to like the L-Boxx – as well as the Systainers that Festool sends along with their tools. Bosch and others used to provide fitted metal cases which had some utility – but then lots of folks started switching to blow-molded cases which had less value for storing anything but the tool – and no consistency in shape or size that allowed for decent packing. Perhaps the only value was that when loaded into compartmentalized Knaack Boxes or our E-350’s – you had a chance to tell one tool from another.
As Alan points out – a clear top is a better option for parts. We typically carried 10 or more Stanley boxes on our installer’s trucks – where the clear top made it easier to know that you had grabbed the right one
Stuart
I have 5 of the Stanley organizers, and the clear lid does come in handy. But I can’t see anyone using 10x of the L-Boxx-1A’s for parts and fasteners. In an installer’s truck, I would expect to see an L-Boxx-3D and a rack full of i-Boxx organizers. In my mind that would be a bit more robust than the Stanley organizers.
I am desperately waiting for Bosch and Sortimo to bring clear-lid T-Boxxes to the USA. However, I think the price of these cases and their “case” organizers are above my budget.
fred
We had worked with a well known upfitter when we purchased our last batch of Step Vans – some years ago. The added productivity that we got – seemed to be well worth the cost versus our own outfitting of a stock vehicle. Maybe the next generation will be with Sortimo – but now that I’m more relaxed (aka mostly retired) observer – Ill be leaving that decision to others.
Chuck Barkley
Hey there Stu, long time listener, first time caller. Just two quickies: 1) l-boxx is decent, no doubt but…do you really consider them better than Systainers and like? 2) the Stanley bin-cases I have do latch together using friction flaps on the sides made of a vinyl-ey gray plastic. Stanley advises three cases may be latched, but I’m pretty confident that number can be exceeded if the contents are lightweight. The cases are from the FatMax line. Peas!
Stuart
That’s a tough question as well. There are things I like more about Tanos and Festool Systainers than I do L-Boxxes, and things about L-boxxes I like more than Systainers.
Based on the number of damaged Systainers I received vs. the number of damaged L-Boxxes, I’d say that L-Boxxes are slightly stronger.
I like the shape of Systainers better, as well as how easily they lock together. But I wouldn’t carry a single stack of Systainers that is as heavily loaded as some of of my L-Boxxes.
If I could buy Systainers for the same price as L-Boxxes, I might have split my orders 50:50. Cost was a a factor in my decision to stick with L-boxxes, although I do buy additional Systainers from time to time when need and budget permit. Not many, though, certainly not as many as I would like.
Regarding the second question, Stanley’s SortMaster Jr. used to be sold in 3-packs, so that is possibly where the 3-case limit originally came from. They cannot anticipate how users will attach cases, so they probably advise a 3-case stack just to be safe. I can see how multiple connected cases could cause the failure of a latch, even if the cases seem lightweight.
Let’s say you decide to connect 10 of the Stanley cases together and they hold. You find a way to carry them and start to walk. All of a sudden, the static load turns to dynamic forces every time you bounce a step, go over uneven terrain, or walk up stairs. If Stanley recommends connecting no more than 3 cases together, it’s probably for good reason.
JML
I wish they’d sell the molded inserts separately (or with an L-Boxx) for those of us who already have their tools! They seem to sell only the foam insert separately, but just package the molded tool-specific inserts in L-Boxxes with tools.
Stuart
To be honest, I’m not sure why they don’t, at least in regard to current tool models. But then again I’m not one for inserts. Most of my L-Boxxes are filled denser than would be possible if I used inserts.
When Bosch first released L-Boxxes in the US, -1 and -2 units came with pick and pluck foam. They stopped bundling the foam with the smaller L-Boxxes after finding out that most users threw the foam right in the trash. There’s also money to be made by selling foam separately to those who want it, but I think minimizing waste was their prime motivation.
Jason
The only problem is it’s 24 bucks for one piece of foam that’s a little steep for one piece of foam if you got 2or3 for 24 bucks I could deal with the price.
Dan
They do sell the molded inserts separately here in England, for current tool lineup, they cost about £7 or ~ $10.
Dennis
I started taking the bins out of my 1As and splitting them up amongst the other LBoxxes. It would be really handy if you could buy the bins individually, sometimes I want keep parts or connectors that I use with the tools I house in the LBoxx and not devote a whole separate box to them.
It would be nice if Bosch had drill bit or blade kits that would fit inside the LBoxx shape as well.
Also I’m about 90% certain that I’ve seen an LBoxx with an LED light built in, it might be a Europe only thing. But I wish they would hurry up and bring it here.
Stuart
There are PortaLED L-Boxxes out now in Europe, which feature cordless LED worklights built into the top lids.
One thing I like about L-Boxxes is how the inside profile is rather simply rectangular, which should make it easy to fit custom-made organizers rather well. I thought this would lead to me making custom bit and blade boxes or inserts, but I haven’t had the urge to do so yet.
John
Knapheide Truck Equipment sells all kinds of Sortimo products on their part and accessory website. Good news is that you have options to buy other Sortimo products. Bad news is that you pay a premium.
Sortimo Entry Page: http://shopktec.knapheide.com/parts.php?CatID=170
L-Boxx & T-Boxx Bins: http://shopktec.knapheide.com/parts.php?CatID=177
Stuart
I’ve seen their listings before, and the premiums seem to be excessive. An L-Boxx 2 there is $130+, compared to the $49 Bosch version, presumably because they special order everything in smallish quantities.
Dan
The Sortimo equivalent of the Bosch boxes is much more expensive here in England to begin with, some are nearly double the cost, mostly as there is almost nowhere that sells Sortino except from their own online shop, you see some on ebay and Amazon has a small range but the Bosch branded ones are available from loads of tool suppliers so pricing is competitive.
Peter
Great write up, can not believe how many L-boxxes you have and I am looking forward to your L-boxx type day.
I just saw these over at amazon http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-L-RACK-Complete-i-boxx53-LST72-OD/dp/B00E1RVT4Y/
I have not seem these before.
Stuart
That’s the Bosch L-Boxx Rack. They were released in Europe but I didn’t know they were pending USA release. Thanks for the link and heads-up!
Dennis
When Bosch did their announcement of European products. They had an iboxx 53 (I believe), outfitted with an insert that holds osculating tool blades/accessories. I hope they release it here, as it will go perfectly with the rack system and an LBoxx holding the tool. An anal retentive dream come true.
John
Damn – more Bosch / Sortimo boxes to drain the bank account.
Does anyone know how many of the L-RACK-S intermediate racks can be stacked together?
One idea I have is to create a tall L-RACK on / near my workbench to store different groups of fasteners (pocket screws, tapcons, wood screws, etc.) and then add an L-RACK-S to the bottom of my boxx that has my cordless drill for portability.
Stuart
There doesn’t seem to be a limit, but you could always cap off smaller stacks with a top lid so a very tall stack can more easily be broken down into sections if needed.
Anton
So running the math, it comes out that you have about $4k worth of L boxxes. YOu probably have more tools then the average Joe but But I still see it as kind of a stretch for average working guy to be outfitting his truck or van with a grand worth of organizational items. Nice idea though.
Stuart
Not quite. That might be the retail value, but most of my L-Boxxes were purchased during sale periods. More recently, 12 of the May purchases were for L-Boxx-1A’s at $39 sale prices, and 22 were placed when Amazon was double-discounting Bosch orders over $100. I placed quite a few orders for L-Boxxes and small misc. Bosch accessories such that order totals were just above $100.
Still, I do have a LOT of money tied up in L-Boxxes.
Before Bosch sent over some samples and before I went overboard using L-Boxxes to overhaul my organization scheme, I owned about 6 L-Boxx cases for special purposes. It worked well, and I can definitely see smaller outfits using a couple of L-Boxxes to go from truck to work location and back.
My tool collection has expanded to where I certainly have more tools and equipment than a casual hobbyist or DIYer, but that’s only part of what I use L-Boxxes for.
My stance has been to giveaway or donate review samples, but I have found that questions keep coming up about certain tools. Plus freelance assignments and comparisons can only be done if I have tool samples on-hand. So with certain tool categories I tend to retain samples for longer before donating or giving them away. This has led to such logistics chaos that samples were getting misplaced and I was losing track of things.
What I tried to convey in the post is that I use the L-Boxxes as a DIYer, but also as a tool reviewer and editor. If not for ToolGuyd I probably would have limited myself to 6 L-boxxes.
The decision to switch to L-Boxxes was not out of the blue, but resultant from my experience with many less expensive storage options these past 5 years.
L-Boxxes are helping me become more efficient with tool storage and transport, so the cost will ultimately pay off in saved time and effort. I can definitely see how tradesmen and pro users would see benefits from a couple of hundred dollars invested in L-Boxxes or other modular tool cases.
John S
Articles like these and your continued follow up and engagement with our thoughts is why I love to read your blog Stuart!
John
Count me in for seeing an L-Boxx a day or week posting about how you organize them. I need to make custom dividers for a few boxxes and would like some ideas whether it be wood, metal, or foam inserts.
John Sullivan
Add another vote for the L-Boxx a day/week posting. I’m honestly hoping that it can motivate me or change my perspective on these things. I love the design and think that the boxes themselves are really sturdy, but I haven’t been able to make the system work for/with me yet. I have 16 of them in several sizes but I just wind up filling them a la carte for out-of-shop work… still can’t figure out a system that would contain storage in the shop and still increase productivity by improving organization. Even the drill/driver case doesn’t work for me because I’m always wanting to pack one more gun than the molded inner plastic will fit. So I applaud anybody who can really make this system work for them, because it doesn’t work for me at all.
[I’ll admit that it also took me years to adapt from a hard-case fishing tackle box to a softsided tackle system, so maybe I’ll come around on the Bosch tool system.]
Robb
Are you using those bins you removed from the L-Boxx 1As for anything or is there a chance you might let some long time readers could put them to good use? I would love to have the flexibility to reconfigure a couple of the L-Boxx 1As I have.
Robb
*let some long time readers put them to good use*
Apologies for the wording…posting on an iPhone can be a real pain sometimes.
John
+1
Stuart
I’m using many, but not all. Honestly, the logistics and shipping expense would be a huge hassle. I might consider it once I’m done sending out all the spare cordless power tool battery packs discussed in a previous giveaway post. What I might do is see how many lots I can create from my spares and order some flat rate boxes from the USPS.
Peter
Why not doing a raffle to cover your time and expenses?
John S
I would be happy to pay the shipping on free stuff you wanted to offer, pending it not be totally bonkers 🙂
Stuart
That’s what I figured, and why I might look into flat rate USPS boxes, which would be easiest on everyone. If I can part with enough spare bins for everyone to be happy.
Stuart
There might be legal issues or requirements tied into running a raffle. Unrelated, but a good example, entry to giveaways and sweepstakes must be free and without requiring that the entrant purchase any goods or services.
Peter
To bad, but I would also be interested in participating.
Bill Kirksey
Stuart
Now we see your organizational efforts of recent months. Impressive! The L-Boxx system is pretty sweet. I couldn’t help but notice each box is labeled. How’s your Brother labeler and “labeling rampage” working out?
Stuart
It’s actually working out quite well.
BUT, what I didn’t show are the bins, L-Boxxes, and ToughSystem cases that are not yet labeled. Initial cleaning and organizational efforts involved me dumping tools and supplies into bins and carting them off to storage. Then, once I had some more working space I packed L-Boxxes thoughtfully and labeled them accordingly.
My workspace is not yet ready for efficient project progress and quick testing activities, but it’s almost there. Once that’s done, I will sort through everything once more to fit in with a more long-term organizational scheme. Review progress has been quite slow in recent months, but has accelerated and will continue to do so until I am able to guarantee a 2-week turnaround or so.
I digress, but the Brother label printer was definitely a great purchase decision. I wouldn’t have thought so, but printed labels are far easier to create and read than masking tape and sharpie labels.
Bill Kirksey
I’m looking forward to hearing more about your org efforts. I purchased a Brother labeller after your associated post, and have also been happy with the creative options and results. The only use concern I’ve had is the longevity or life of the labels due to sun and incidental wear. So far, no problems.
Samir Leal
Me too Stuart… I have a Dymo labeller, and in the sun the paper label gets yellowish and the text gets lighter
Stuart
I’m not sure how the plastic film labels I use will handle UV rays long-term, but if it proves to be an issue, I plan to simply reprint them.
There might be a UB-blocking tape that can go over the labels, but that would be overdoing it for my usage habits.
Ryan
In addition to the new L-RACK and related components, I just noticed a day or two ago that Amazon is listing the colored inserts in different configurations than the standard mix currently be offered. For example, you can get all red or yellow ones.
You can search “l-boxx org” on Amazon to find them.
I have about 35 l-boxxes and 12 i-boxxes and love them. I’m really looking forward to the L-racks. Hopefully the price comes down a bit. And another $25 off $100 promo would be nice! It will be nice to buy the inserts I want instead of the same mixed offering as now. I also wish we could get some of the I-boxxes like the multi tool accessory kit mentioned above. Theres also a 77 piece drill I-boxx available in Europe.
Of course, we need the first aid and led boxxes here too! You can actually buy them on amazon.uk and have them shipped to the us, but it’s a little salty.
John S
I would love to see Bosch and sortimo sell some sort of sysport for their l-boxxes
Ryan
I agree that it would be a nice option. I’m not sure I’d go down that road though. The l-racks mounted on a dolly is essentially a sysport for I-boxxes and open drawers. I’m content with quick and easy access to small parts, bits, etc., while unstacking when needing a tool or other infrequently used items. I don’t think I’d pay the likely hefty price tag for that little extra convenience. And they’d be a little cumbersome for getting to a jobsite. They might work out better for a home workshop. As you said, it’d be a nice option for some.
Dennis
All this talk about LBoxxes and accessories got me searching the web. Sadly, I found the Sortimo UK catalog: Sortimo Catalog
This has done nothing but depress me. All the stuff that I thought would be great accessories for my LBoxxes already exists. The have dividers of all shapes and sizes, entire systems of them, lid organizers, panels to turn the lids into seats or work surfaces, etc. I think LBoxx is a useful system, but if all these accessories were available for a reasonable price (I found myself doing the conversion from Pounds to Dollars and muttering “that’s reasonable for MSRP”) here in the US, it would be the ultimate system. Hopefully some US tool retailer will realize that there is a growing market for these accessories here, or I’m going to have to find a British retailer that will ship directly to me. Until then I will continue to be depressed.
John S
Yes and yes!! I can only hope the whole sortimo line gets brought here for a reasonable price
Dru Lewis
Quick huge tip on foam inserts:
Buy the Kaizen Foam from FastCap they are 2′ x 4′ sheets and the interior of the Sortimo LBoxx are 12″ x 16″ allowing 6 inserts per 2 x 4 sheet. They allow for custom cut inserts for $20 or less (less for thinner sheets) or less than $3.50 per insert plus shipping. The one (2) thing Bosch/Sortimo should provide is the foam inner lid padding (as provided with the -1A’s) and a thin bottom pad.
The K-foam inserts are layered to make customizing very easy. 20mm/7/8″, 30mm/1 1/8″, 57mm/2 1/4″.
Ryan
Looks like the L-CART is FINALLY available. Amazon is showing it in stock and sold through Tool King. ABT Electronics is also showing it in stock, priced at $99.00 including shipping which appears to be the best deal at this point.
Casey
I use many styles of the l-boxx
I have purchased the accessories directly from sortimo since bosch only offers the bare minimum. Sortimo is great I am almost embarrassed my boxes say bosch on them. And click and go is just marketing jargon. I purchased the Bosch L boxes because they are offered cheaper than the Sortimo boxes. The L box 3d (Ls box) and the l box 3 (L box 238) are my favorites with sortimo internal divider set and insert box set.
John S
Maybe I missed it – but what shelving do we see in the pic? It seems like the l-boxxes fit quite nicely…
John S
Can you tell me Stuart?
Craig H
Hi John. That would be Metro wire shelving. http://www.metro.com. It’s available at The Container Store and other places. It’s great because you can adjust the shelves in 1″ increments.
Willian
What a dream man!
Congrats.
I´m still thinking on buy my first lboxx 1 or maybe 2, but it is not available here in Brazil.
Andrew
I have 3 pneumatic guns I am hoping to store in some L-Boxx(s). I would like to get 1 box per piece. Could I store all three of these in a 1 or should I get 2 1’s and a 2 or 3 2’s? I am also planning to get foam for them so they don’t move all around the interior but don’t want to have to reach halfway through the foam just to grab a brad nailer. This being said, no one has been able to give me a yes or no, no one has been able to tell me interior dimensions and no one in my area has any on hand to even check to see if they would fit. Thanks in advance. (2) – 2 ½” W x 8 ¼” T x 10 ½” L & (1) – 3 ¼” W x 12” T x 12” L.
Stuart
If you really want, I can measure out my boxes, but that’s not the best way to size things out since the handle indentation comes into play and could make it difficult or impossible to close the lid on a tool that would otherwise fit perfectly.
If in your shoes, I would start off with one L-Boxx 1. This will probably be the perfect size for your brad nailer. If it fits to your satisfaction, order the foam and size up your other two nailers. If they fit comfortably, order more L-Boxx 1’s. If not, then order the 2’s. L-Boxx 1’s have shallow side handles than L-Boxx 2’s.
If you go with all L-Boxx 2’s, you don’t have to remove the full depth of foam when fitting a tool. This means the tool is supported by a thicker section of foam, but it avoids the issue you described where you would otherwise have to reach in deeper to retrieve the tool.
JPS
Great article! In the photo of the boxes on the wire shelf there are some larger/wider boxes (second shelf from the bottom). What are those? I’m looking for a bigger case to fit my reciprocating saw but it won’t fit in a standard L-Boxx.
Stuart
I had L-Boxx 1’s, 2’s and 3’s in that shelving unit. In the second shelf from the bottom, those are L-Boxx 2’s.
Jeff
Does Bosch have any plans to bring the WorkMo into their lineup? I’m eyeing it really hard, but the Sortimo price of $450+ is steep.
Stuart
I don’t think so. I think they’d have a hard time selling it in the USA.
The $450+ price is somewhat inline with what a Festool MFT costs without accessories.
Oh, nevermind, an MFT/3 basic is $560.
Jeff
Makes sense. To get the WorkMo to any sort worthwhile state (i.e. a table) it’s more like $700 + shipping.
I wish the T-Boxx’es worked with the click and go system. They’re so much more appealing than the i-boxx’s.
Anyway I dove into L-boxxs this week. 1, 1A x2, 2, 3, 3D, iboxx, l-rack, a few drawers, and splurged on one T-boxx from Sortimo. Looking forward to fitting in my tools with the FastCap kaizen foam. Thanks for the great reviews, Stuart.
Brian
Thanks for the great review!
I was also looking at the WorkMo products for some time and I just bought one set up now. They have a promotion on their web store right now (10% off)
Rafał
“I intended to do an L-Boxx a day type of post to show how the tools are all arranged. If this is something you are interested in seeing, let me know.”
I’m interested