Craftsman has come out with a new modular and stacking tool chest storage system that they say will grow with your needs. We’ve seen something similar before from Keter, but have yet to see a current source. The Keter modular tool box system was previously sold at Sam’s Club.
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The new Craftsman modular tool storage system ships with 3 tool chest and a rolling base. The tool chests can each be repositioned to any location in the stack, and they lock together at the sides. Each unit also has side carrying handles and a central locking system. Inside, the drawers can be customized with removable dividers, and you also get 32 removable small parts bins.
Weight limit: “less than 200 pounds” according to Sears, 154 pounds according to Keter.
Additional features include fully extendable drawers, top tool trays that provide a tool catch-all and work surface, and padlock eyelets on each chest for securing their contents.
The chests are made with polypropylene resin construction, except for the drawer slides, which are ball bearing glides. Craftsman says that the units can function under tough conditions without sacrificing appearance, but they’re still going to be better suited for DIY or less intense work environments.
From Keter’s product description, the entire stack measures ~23.6″ wide x ~14.9″ wide x ~32.8″ tall. In the promo video, the entire stack reaches up to the model’s hip.
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While I’ve been waiting for the Keter modular storage system to finally be available, Sears’ undiscounted price is a little high. Hopefully the price will drop a bit in a couple of weeks – I think that $99 would be a more appealing target.
I would love to see how well system compares with the Ryobi ToolBlox tool storage system, which sadly isn’t available in the USA (yet?). The last I heard, there weren’t even any plans for Ryobi to bring the ToolBlox system to the USA.
The new Craftsman system looks interesting, although I also wish they kept the red and black Keter color scheme.
Price: $130
Buy Now(via Sears)
First Thoughts
As I tried to hint at – I think this could be a very appealing storage product for DIYers with light duty storage needs. It’s a product I feel very positive about, but there are some hesitations. On one hand I’m excited that Craftsman is bringing the Keter storage system to market – at least beyond a limited Sam’s Club run. On the other hand, I don’t think Craftsman or Sears is going to maximize its appeal or effectiveness.
Keter offers a 3-drawer chest, a 2-drawer chest, and a 1-drawer chest. The modular storage combo ships as a 7-drawer combo that includes (2) 2-drawer units and a single 3-drawer chest. I like the idea of that 3-drawer chest, as a lot of tools are better organized in shallower drawers. Craftsman’s looks to ship with (2) 2-drawer chests, and a 1-drawer chest.
The Craftsman configuration looks like it would be better for users with more power tools than hand tools. It’s really not a big deal that it doesn’t come with a 3-drawer chest.
But will Craftsman sell individual or add-on tool chests separately? Will they sell the tool cart configuration shown in Keter’s promo video? Unfortunately, there’s no indication that they will. So this isn’t so much a modular system, as it as a stacking tool chest system. How can it be modular if you cannot customize the setup as you could with other brands’ modular tool storage systems?
I am hopeful that Craftsman might sell add-on or modular chests separately, but if they don’t, then just the 3-chest combo and rolling base as a complete system doesn’t look any less appealing as a compact DIYer tool storage setup.
SteveR
Stuart–Owing to the plastic construction and lightweight appearance, these look to be more suited for craft and hobby use. Another possibility is using them to hold shears, combs, blow dryers, etc., used by hair stylists. Overall, they look too lightweight to hold any serious amount of tools, and the specs for weight limits would tend to support that. The small wheels also indicate that not much weight could be stored in them, nor can they be rolled around safely on a rough floor.
I could also see these being used for storing office supplies (ink and toner, reams of paper, pens, etc.), for a small commercial or home office.
Stuart
They don’t look any less suitable than Bosch L-Boxxes, Ridgid Pro Too Boxes, or Dewalt ToughSystem cases.
Keter makes some tough tool storage and workholding products, also out of plastic. I wouldn’t write these off without seeing them in person. Granted my feelings are based on past experiences with Keter products, but I think it’s fair to give them a chance.
mikeh
I have seen the keter version in person at sam’s and they are actually very well constructed. The real issue is their size, they units themselves are very small and the drawers with the space taken up for slides, etc are even smaller. These would work for tool storage like sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc and small parts as they show in the picture, big tools like cordless power tools won’t fit into the drawers. As I said they are nice units, i think at a lower price, $60-80, i may have picked up one for some of the small stuff that i need to roll around in the shop or to pull up next to something I’m working on.
Kent
I love that somebody in marketing decided to use a photo shot with “tilt-shift”, which makes the toolbox look like a miniature toy.
Dennis
I like Keter products. I’ve been happy with their folding work table, and their cantilever boxes are pretty cool. I just wish you could buy their products somewhere consistently in the US. I’ve seen their products sold under at least 5 names (that I’ve noticed Ketel, Husky, Black & Decker, Stanley, and Kreg). I’ve seen their stuff at all the big box stores and online, but nobody seems to carry more than a couple items from Ketel’s line, and some stuff you just can’t find for sale anywhere. Which is unfortunate, because they have some products I’d like to exchange for my money. My inability to buy their products frustrates me almost as much as the inability to purchase Sortimo stuff does.
julian Tracy
Sam’s near me was closing them out for about $50 for the 3 stack set.
They are very nicely designed, stack tight, locks on the drawers and actual bb slides.
Yea, not for mechanic’s tools, but I have a stack of about 5′ tall and use them for all of my electrical stuff: switches, dimmers, plates, wirenuts, shrink tubing, meters, etc.
JT
JamesK
I just picked up this unit on clearance at Sears (minor damage). I was super excited to find the small parts bins are the same for my Husky cantilever hardware cases. This has been a lifesaver for my work van organization. I’m interested to find more products compatible with the small and large parts bins, such as sealing lids for individual bins or a very small box for just a few bins. I wish there were more resources outlining the compatibility of all of the branded products in this line. Not all the craftsman branded boxes have the same size bins as the husky… only a few work together.
Matty
I wonder how this would fit under a Gladiator (or other brands) workbench so I dont have to buy a $$$ Gladiator or C’man metal cab for underneath the bench. Seems practical, but not as deep storage.
Stuart
A stack of 3 units + casters measures… 32″ tall.
In my honest opinion, it’s not really large or space efficient enough to put underneath a workbench.
Ken
It appears Sears in the only current retailer selling the Craftsman branded version of the 5-drawer system. I have the Craftsman 5-drawer and like it very much. It is not heavy duty, but I did not want “heavy”.
I spoke with the Sears PM and Sears does not offer, and has no plans to offer, additional modules. The 5-drawer system is all they sell.
I have been searching for months to try and find either a 3-drawer module or a 7-drawer system, but it appears the Craftsman 5-drawer system is all that is currently available in the USA. Keter told me today that they no longer make the 3-drawer module, so I advised them that maybe they should remove it from their website, or at least not show it as a “New” item.
I have seen these available online, but only from re-sellers in Europe.
I would love to hear if anyone finds the 3-drawer module or the 7-drawer system available here in the USA.
Jim Van
We have the Keter 7-drawer modular storage chest purchased at Sam’s Club several years ago. Gr8 system, but 1 MAJOR FLAW . . . I haven’t been able to figure out how to remove the drawers. I have a few things that have fallen behind the drawers and can’t find any specs on how to remove the drawer. Can anyone help me out on this?
Donna Peeler
I need to find out the manufacture of this kit! I have one and love it. They are no longer available. Does anyone have information of who made it. It was made in US. I need to know where!!
Stuart
Keter, as mentioned in the post.
Ken Weinstein
which is based in Israel but has factories in eastern Europe.