I have been using and testing the Craftsman TradeStack tool box system, which first launched in mid-2021.
Craftsman sent over their 3-tool box tower, model CMST60420, which comes with a small tool box, a large tool box, and a rolling tool box.
Prior to its launch, Lowe’s placeholder product listing described this as a Craftsman Pro System Tower. The TradeStack name also suggests this is a sturdier and more professional tool box system.
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Compared to the Craftsman VersaStack (and Dewalt TStak) lineup, TradeStack has a larger form factor, with a 22″ length.
Craftsman TradeStack’s biggest selling point is its one-touch-release, which promises to make it easier to unlock and remove tool boxes from a stack or tower.
I noticed some deformation of the plastic, due to the strength of the spring-action release lever, but it did not seem to have any detrimental effect on the sturdiness or functionality of any of the tool boxes.
In no uncertain terms, the one-touch-release is a brilliant feature.
When you press the lever, it unlocks the above tool box from a stack, and it remains unlatched, allowing for easier removal of the desired tool box.
Meaning, it’s not a press-and-hold lever, it’s a latching (or rather unlatching) lever that remains unlocked until you lift the above tool box off the stack or manually reengage it.
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Here’s a quick look at how effortless it is to remove a TradeStack tool box.
Craftsman did a good job with the latches. They’re not quite as nice as the plastic and metal-loop latches on more premium tool boxes, but I think they made a fair compromise.
Here’s the small tool box, featuring IP65-rated dust and water resistance.
The tool box comes with 6 removable cups, each with its own hinged clear lid. I’m hardly ever a fan of the bins that come with modular tool boxes, and I especially don’t like these.
I found the bins difficult to open, and not just one or two of them, but all of them. I suppose I could modify the closure, but I wasn’t going to use them anyway, so I just removed them for testing.
The briefcase-style handle also suffered a bit from imperfect fit and finish. Hmm, or is it supposed to stop at a slight angle like this?
I received a test unit shortly after the tool boxes came out, and so this was likely a very early production model.
Frankly, its strength and functionality weren’t the least bit compromised, and so I didn’t mind.
Things like weak latches, defective seals, and shipping damage tend to bother me. Luckily, the Craftsman TradeStack was perfect and didn’t suffer from any of these types of issues.
The medium, tool box is a good size. I removed the tote and mainly used it for bulk equipment. But, the ~2/3 length removable tote is a good size, and it can be placed on either side of the tool box.
The rolling TradeStack tool box is the jewel of the system. Here, you can see the VersaStack and ToughCase adapter that’s fixed to the inner lid.
Using the included adapter, you can connect VersaStack tool boxes, organizers, or large ToughCase organizers to the top of the rolling tool box – or any TradeStack tool box.
You only get one adapter, but if you’re using the 3pc combo as a tower, that’s really all you need.
The adapter seemed well-made and secure, and I like the idea of the side handles.
Here’s a Dewalt accessory set with small ToughCase, attached to the VersaStack/ToughCase adapter plate.
There’s a spot for a second small accessory case. I didn’t have any medium ToughCases immediately available, but there’s space for two of them.
The rolling tool box has a wide step for leverage when you need to tilt a stack and get moving. It’s a nice touch.
There’s not much to say about the side of the tool box. The handle recesses are basic, but functional.
The extending handle on the rolling tool box is easy to use, and does its job well.
One thing I really like about the handle is that it has slots across its width, providing a convenient place to hang tools.
The handle is a nice spot for tape measures and what-not.
Some tools can only fit the center slot, however. My Dewalt cordless drill, for example, has a longer belt clip that needs the extra clearance of the center slot.
Additional Comments and Comparisons
There’s a lot to like about the Craftsman TradeStack tool box system. First, the one-touch release lever is perfect. There’s some distortion in the support structure, but without any noticeable impact to performance.
The front latches are basic, but sturdy and easy to lock and release.
Moving fully-loaded tool boxes aren’t as easy as with other tool box systems that have folding side handles.
The TradeStack tool boxes feel a bit lighter when empty.
The side handle recesses on the large TradeStack tool box are better positioned – higher up – compared to the larger Craftsman VersaStack tool box.
I like the idea of the included VersaStack adapter. Craftsman has expanded the TradeStack system, starting with a new tool bag, but there’s no organizer yet. But, with the included adapter, you can attach the VersaStack organizer in just a few extra seconds. The same goes with other VersaStack tool storage products or Tough Case cases.
That the included adapter works natively with ToughCases is a nice touch. The VersaStack system requires a large ToughCase to serve as a bridge between tool boxes and accessory cases.
Despite slight deflections, and a front handle on the small tool box that doesn’t seem to want to fully fold open, the TradeStack tool boxes feel well-made.
The 3pc tower is priced at $149 at Lowe’s, which is between what you would have to be pay for a VersaStack 3pc combo ($90 seasonally, $99 now), and a Dewalt ToughSystem 2.0 3pc combo (as low as $193 right now).
At the time of this posting, the Dewalt ToughSystem 2.0 3pc combo is $239 at authorized dealers. Home Depot has a special deal where you can get a 3pc bundle for $193.
For the winter holiday shopping season, the Dewalt ToughSystem 2.0 tool box combo was $149.
To be frank, the Dewalt system is stronger and better featured.
But, right now, the TradeStack system is at its regular price of $149, and the ToughSystem 2.0 combo is at its regular price of $239.
The TradeStack system has some nice touches – an IP65 dust and water resistance rating, the one-touch latches, the step on the rolling tool box for easier tilting of a loaded stack, and tool mounting slots on the extending handle.
There are some niggles too, such as how I had trouble opening the bins included with the small tool box. Then again, do you want containers like that to open too easily? Which is better – a lid that’s too secure, or a lid that’s not secure enough?
I like the inclusion of the VersaStack/ToughCase adapter.
I found myself struggling to prefer the TradeStack tool boxes over other modular tool box solutions. I used the tool boxes individually, and at times part of a rolling system.
There are compromises here, presumably for price, but I think I agree with them. The side handle recesses are adequate. The front latches are adequately constructed and easy to open and close. The locking stacking method is wonderfully executed – it’s easy to both lock and release tool boxes.
TradeStack offers a more premium user experience compared to the Craftsman VersaStack system. For that matter, I do like these tool boxes better than my long-owned Bosch L-Boxx tool boxes.
If I had to guess, I would say that Craftsman designed these tool boxes to compete against the Ridgid Pro tool box system at Home Depot. I feel that the Ridgid is slightly better built, but the TradeStack design has significant usability benefits and advantages.
TradeStack is not as premium of a tool storage system as Dewalt ToughSystem 2.0 or Milwaukee Packout, but it’s more affordable.
Maybe it says something that I naturally compare the new Craftsman system to Dewalt ToughSystem and Milwaukee Packout, rather than Ridgid Pro, or lower-priced systems such as Craftsman VersaStack, Husky Connect, or Hart Stack.
Overall Impression
I like to think that Craftsman sought out to design a better modular tool box system that was still reasonably affordable, because that’s exactly what they did here.
This isn’t a perfect system, but is there room for improvement while maintaining its $149 price point?
Stanley Black & Decker’s tool storage team is very good at what they do.
Although the TradeStack tool boxes lack some of the comforts of more premium options, such as in regard to side handles, it is larger than more value-focused systems, and much quicker and easier to connect and disconnect.
A couple of other nice touches elevate the user experience.
While I would struggle to prefer the TradeStack system, I do like and respect what Craftsman did here. They created a new category between smaller-sized value-priced offerings, and larger, super tough, and premium-priced storage systems. This is a great start.
Price: $149
COO: Made in USA with Global Materials
Thank you to Craftsman for providing the test sample featured in this review.
Individual Craftsman TradeStack Components
At the time of this posting, Lowe’s is also selling the TradeStack system components individually. Only the rolling tool box comes with VersaStack and ToughCase adapter attachment.
Franck B.
Just some additional notes that Stuart didn’t touch on:
The wheels on the bottom are 1-3/4×7″, same size as Toughsystem. But the Dewalt has hard rubber wheels, where the Tradestack are plastic. For comparison, the Tstak are 1-1/2×7″ but one-sided wheels, meaning they are hollow on the back.
The tops of the Tradestack suitcase and roller are the same, so if you want to move the clip for the Versastack/Tstak/Toughcase adapter to the suitcase (if you really don’t need much space), you can do it. They also have screw attachment points in the lids… for other things?
The bottom roller also has extension cord or rope wraps in case you didn’t see it in the pictures. And the slots in the handle (all of them) work well if you put the Craftsman Versatrack hooks on your tools instead of the belt hooks.
The latches, having plastic hinge pins, come off pretty easily (easier than Tstak 1.0). So beware, you might lose some. My system was missing one latch when I received it.
The Versastack/Tstak adapter sometimes isn’t very solid. It resists vertical pulling, but pressure towards the front can cause it to come undone. This is not cool if you’re carrying your Versastack radio on the top, so the adapter is best used for the Toughcase-style cases. I just use mine for the two medium sized boxes, one with bits and one with sockets. Stacking more Toughcase-style medium/small cases I feel is not well engineered, because the closing latch is also the stacking latch. So the cases will unlatch AND open despite which one you want to do. The full-size Toughsystem-style case uses the Tstak/Versastack stacking latches so opening and latching are separate operations.
The small suitcase (as opposed to a toolbox in Tstak/Toughsystem vernacular, which also has a handle on top) can hold 12 of the small organizer bins, which are the same bins as used in many Toughsystem, Tstak and Versastack organizers. The lids are the same that come on other Dewalt organizer bins (I have some from other Dewalt cases but not sure which they came from). They are difficult to open when new, but after some use they get easier, but never easy enough that they open when you don’t want them to. The side handle on the suitcase also has a detent bump so that when pulled out fully, it trys to stay there. This is why the review case looked not fully extended, it just needs to be pulled up harder until it’s “worn in”.
The suitcase also has slots for 1/4″ plywood dividers. Unfortunately the medium and roller case doesn’t have these (I had to use more plastic to make my dividers go to the corners so that they would stay positioned properly). I’m not sure why they chose the dimensions or spacing for these dividers… they won’t work with the organizer bins. The Toughsystem 2.0 trays can use the plywood dividers and those are spaced just right for eight organizer bins.
The weird “ears” on the lids are disappointing when you see that they pretty much preclude any workshop or van racking solution… except for their universal cantilever racks. And that they are lighter than Toughsystem is a positive for me. While I do occasionally need Toughsystem-level toughness for heavy things, I don’t need it for everything, and lighter weight can be welcome.
I purchased the tower system, a few extra suitcases, an extra large box, and the tote. I got the tower for over 25% off from list during a sale. I also got the extra items when they were available at my local Lowe’s store, but they weren’t yet online. I notice the prices have gone up from when they were released… which kind of makes sense, because at release the suitcase and soft tote were only $5 more each than the smaller Versastack equivalents. And at $35 vs $40, the Tradestack suitcase is larger and includes six lidded organizer bins.
The final negative, there’s not a designated place for labels. And if I just wanted to stick labels on like I had to do with Toughsystem 1.0, there’s not a consistent place to do it on all the boxes. I guess if you’re a one-and-done purchaser of a tower, it’s not a big deal. But I already have multiples of the non-roller box, and they need to be identified. I’m thinking I might put smaller labels on the angled part of the latches, but they might need some additional adhesive to make sure they stay put.
I look forward to expansion of this system. Even if the current add-ons aren’t ideal, the mounting points can be used flexibly for future items. There’s already more usefulness than competitive offerings, like Ridgid’s. And while it doesn’t have as much as Ryobi Link, for me it doesn’t seem overengineered to the detriment of the basics. I have a set of Ryobi 18V “hobby/craft” tools (the dual temp glue gun, the soldering station and the shaft rotary tool). I couldn’t get them to fit nicely into the Link boxes… so they’re now occupying one of my Tradestack cases, probably temporarily, but they fit better (and those Link boxes were expensive). It will likely never have the breadth of the Packout system, but I feel most people don’t need the cost and complexity of Packout (I suspect Ryobi’s Link has some Packout DNA). Those that can utilize the features (and SIZE) of Packout are probably willing to pay.
Stuart
Thank you for the added notes, observations, and opinions!
Justin
Stuart, this has nothing to do with Craftsman item in question, but I’d really like to see another article about the Mr. Crunch. Since your last article, I’d like to hear your thoughts and the thoughts of others that have used Mr. Crunch and Leatherman as a whole. Thank you.
Stuart
The Mr. Crunch sold out in 10 minutes, and there’s no way for anyone to get one.
I could inquire as to whether a loaner might be available (Leatherman sometimes has photo samples and prototypes available for media coverage), but to what purpose?
Overall, I am quite pleased with Leatherman tools. Here are some of my older reviews:
https://toolguyd.com/review-leatherman-free-multi-tool-p2-is-amazing/
https://toolguyd.com/leatherman-skeletool-multi-tool-review/
https://toolguyd.com/leatherman-skeletool-cx-review/
https://toolguyd.com/leatherman-wave-multi-tool-review/
https://toolguyd.com/leatherman-oht-review/
https://toolguyd.com/leatherman-rebar-review/
https://toolguyd.com/leatherman-sidekick-review/
https://toolguyd.com/leatherman-sidekick-vs-wingman-review/
Galeo
Stuart, according to several reviewers on Youtube, the Mr. Crunch is claimed to have said within 21-26 minutes of release launch. Not sure if this still accurate yet you can get purchase on eBay. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on the Leatherman Garage.
Stuart
That is incorrect.
My contacts at Leatherman say it sold out “within 10 minutes.”
Sorry, I’m not interested in spending $750+ on a limited release that is being flipped my scalpers on eBay.
Ryani
Stuart, just to verify I personally called the manufacturer Leatherman and the representative said the official number this sold out at was 29 minutes exactly. Orders were still being processed within the ten minute mark so this would be a physical impossibility for all orders to sell out within ten minutes.
These aren’t my words, merely called the public phone number listed on Leatherman’s official website. Also again what was mentioned is an attempt was made by Leatherman to halt as much sales by known resellers, but again this would be physical impossibility to stop all of this.
Stuart
I don’t know about Leatherman, but public customer service are often unreliable sources, at least compared to official PR, media, or marketing contacts.
I watched as the item went from being sold to 1 being in stock, possibly resulting from a cancellation or order processing complication. This type of occurrence could have extended the order acceptance window without being meaningful.
While you and the customer service agent you spoke with could be correct, I was told in writing by PR/media contacts “within 10 minutes.” So, that’s what I have to trust.
The difference between 10 and 30 minutes, in this regard, are largely academic, and so I’m not really interested in pressing the matter further; I’m okay with the disagreement in sellout figures.
Aram
I really appreciated your additional remarks, thank you.
Matt the Hoople
With regard to the loose fitting tstak/versastack adapter plate, there are many fixes on YouTube to remove the extra play that allows the plate to separate from the tradestack boxes. It’s a shame that SBD couldn’t figure this out in their design but at least it is fixable.
Franck B.
Thank you for the tip. If it’s raining this weekend I will make it a small project, as much protective rubber as there is on the Craftsman Tstak radio, I don’t like dropping it. 😀
ca
Why on earth doesn’t DeWalt have an adapter from toughsystem to toughcase?
Rog
If they offer you an adapter for your existing cases you won’t buy the new stuff! /cynical marketing thoughts
Chuck
I’m wondering how many of these systems will still be supported in 10 years.
I have tstak/versastack and ToughSystem cases, and would love to buy an adapter. Right now the only ones I can find cost more than a box. This may be a sign that DeWalt will finally put one out.
Stuart
Dewalt Tstak, which is compatible with Craftsman VersaStack, came out in August 2012.
https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-tstak-tool-boxes/
Dewalt ToughSystem came out in 2011.
https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-tough-system-tool-case-preview/
I reviewed the small tool box in February 2012: https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-tough-system-small-tool-box-review/ .
I reviewed the Bosch L-Boxx system in 2013. https://toolguyd.com/bosch-l-boxx-tool-storage-system-review/
Bosch L-Boxx became available here in 2011. https://toolguyd.com/bosch-l-boxx-tool-carrying-cases-now-widely-available/
Festool Systainers have been around for a while. I received purchased equipment that shipped in original style cases, as opposed to newer T-Loc.
Systainer 3 cases became available in recent years – https://toolguyd.com/tanos-festool-systainer3-modular-tool-boxes/ .
Milwaukee Packout has only been around for a couple of years now, but they seem to be fully committed to its development and expansion.
Chuck
I have probably read every article of yours that mentions tstak, toughsystem or versastack, lots of very good information.
I’m just getting into these systems, so I hope they continue being supported for as long as they have been.
Doug N
I use these toughsystem to tstak adapters: https://www.etsy.com/listing/958055903/dewalt-tough-system-to-tstak-adaptors
They seem to hold securely. They won’t let me clip a tstak drawer unit to the toughsystem however, only the tstak tool boxes and organizers.
I agree that the lack of a Dewalt branded adapter, after all these years, is absurd.
Ryan H
Hey, that huge Dewalt kit in the picture…where do you purchase that from? That looks really nice!
Franck B.
I don’t think that set is available anymore, but a similar one is available from HD for around $30. I think the one at Lowes for $45 (sometimes on sale around $30) is nicer, as it has FlexTorq instead of MaxFit.
(Incidentally, the older similar Craftsman sets with the black bits were pretty much identical to Flextorq, but the newer ones are like MaxFit but without the color. I don’t know if it was so that Lowes has both types available even though they are labeled as different brands, but after a lot of abuse I’ve found the FlexTorq style to be more durable… which is different from my findings around four years ago.)
Stuart
The large case? Home Depot around Black Friday – they first came out in 2020, and they had slightly different configurations in 2021.
I also have a black Toughcase with FlexTorq bit assortment that I purchased from Acme Tools (link).
MFC
After a lot of back and forth I think that Packout is the best. I’m a DeWalt guy, but I know that Milwaukee will be sticking to their system forever. They’ll keep adding on and they’ll make it reverse compatible. Already the DeWalt system has things that aren’t reverse compatible (some boxes don’t fit on hand truck, powerstation can’t latch to 2.0, etc.). I think the prices are pretty crazy, but everything is nowadays.
I’ll just have to make adapter plates with plywood and my 3D printer.
John Blair
I have the original ToughSystem (which I hate) and the Packout System (which I quite like). Reading everyone’s reviews of the various 3 stack systems, its clear the the rolling box at the bottom is always annoying in every system because you have to take off everything above it to use it. Someday I hope one of the many people making these things will start off with a drawer unit for the base of their rolling tower of tools.
Another nice touch would be to include screw holes for mounting a charger and a battery or two in the handle area in the back.
Stuart
A better solution might be to introduce a tilting roller base.
Rolling drawers would cost a lot of money, and it could be too inflexible. Do they go with 2 drawers or 3? 4?
The current Packout dolly is designed for movement on flat surfaces. A roller base with extending handle and rolling tool box-like wheel configuration might allow for any existing tool boxes to be used, including drawers.
Isn’t this already what the Packout cart can do? Dewalt has a carrier cart as well. https://amzn.to/3IpsDA2
If you want drawers on the bottom, you can do that right now, although not for cheap.
Maybe one day there will be a more modular rolling tool box accessory package that allows for customizations closer to what you’re looking for.
Sam
I think What he means is doing one large drawer for the large bottom boxe instead of multiples. I do cabinet installs, and I keep my skill saw, sawzall and angle grinder in my bottom box because they won’t fit in my tough system drawers. But if I could pull out a big rolling drawer with all my big lesser used tools and keep my drawers accessible and in reach not having to bend over and go through my drawers on the ground, that would have benefits for sure.
Other ideas, if manufacturers would turn bottom roller into a shop vac. You would likely get a bigger capacity, and then you could still have it in your stack and on wheels. JMO
Stuart
OH.
There’s a new cabinet as part of the wall storage system. Might that work?
https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-packout-workshop-storage-2022/
Matt the Hoople
Something like this would be great…
https://www.wayfair.com/storage-organization/pdp/amity-sun-12-tool-box-acty2320.html
Corey Moore
That adapter plate better come out in a DeWalt configuration sometime soon. Little ridiculous that a sister brand has their own proprietary option for a primarily DeWalt represented case line, and DeWalt does not. I’m aware that the cases and tstak itself comes in several brand flavors, but the cases are never advertised or demonstrated as anything but tough case plus. I’ve used the Etsy printed ones and while they’re technically a solution, I’ve had two snap on me and they’ve (in my personal experience) never seemed to be an optimal fit. I’m far from getting rid of my toughsystem over a toughcase accessory, but it’s hard to see the intent behind this as anything other than “buy the Craftsman if you want that feature.”
Dave P
When heavily loaded, those hollow plastic wheels would wear out in one construction season rolling along new rough green concrete. Been there, done that. No thanks.
Well, it’s Craftsman so I wouldn’t give it a second look anyway. Been burned enough that considering it would be my fault (burn me once, shame on you, burn me twice or more, shame on me).
Franck B.
The “tires” on the TradeStack rolling cart are not hollow. (The Tstak are one sided, so obviously nothing under the tread.)
After further examination… I’m thinking they might be rubber, or a very soft plastic. It looks from the flashing that they are molded in two pieces. What’s the difference anyhow, plastic is often just a rubber with an added plasticizer.
And it used to be that most contractors could also fix their gear, so a worn wheel is a simple exchange. Servicenet used to have Toughsystem wheels available, I’m sure the center could scrounge one up (they’ve obtained latches for me).
I think TS2.0 is 8″ wheels so they probably can’t be fitted.
Roger
If they made an adapter plate from ToughSystem to Tstak, it would create a whole new set of possibilities. Even the toughcases would be able to mount to the TSys. I still don’t understand why they released a Tstak vac and clip board to the US market when the majority of the brand line used is TS. You would think a TSys vac would have made more logic. (I’ve seen a few of the aftermarket stuff)
Corey Moore
I’ve eyeballing how to transplant my 5gal wet/dry into an old TS 1.0 large box I’ve got, but I keep thinking there’s no way they don’t have something in TS format at least around the corner. Never know with DeWalt/SBDC though. Love their tools, can’t say as much for their communication and roadmaps lol
Bob
I can’t figure it out either. I agree DeWalts top tear storage system is Tough System but all the lower tiered systems have official adapters to one another. Weird.
I bought a Dewalt 60v track saw and it shipped in a T-Stack case? You would think that a $600 saw would come in the top-tier storage box if for no other reason than it might entice you to buy more of them. Can’t imagine the internal price delta was even that much.
I modded the high impact Styrofoam that came inside the T-stack case to fit a Tough System case and was able to fit a few extra batteries and the track saw clamps as well.
On a side note I am not sure why people always complain they can’t get to the bottom box in the tough system? If you use the tough system dolly they all ride on rails. Each box is not connected to each other they are connected to the dolly. You can easily remove the bottom box leaving all the other ones in place. It is literally the only system I know of that allows this feature. Perhaps DeWalt needs to emphasize this in their marketing or something. To be fair I haven’t seen a tough system 2.0 using the dolly in marketing ad copy. I’m assuming the 2.0 still can uses the rail system?
Corey Moore
I’ve used the dolly since it came out, before they even offered a wheeled box, and the 2.0 fits on it exactly the same. I use several older 1.0 for sds bit storage and the misc stuff, and the cooler (1.0 format) as a battery box with the 4 bank parallel charger attached to the top, but almost everything else is 2.0 for me at this point, most work trays and foam. Medium holds 4-5 shallow trays that have the entirely of my 1/2″ drive impact sockets, the large case has a couple deep trays holding hand tools, hole saw and forstner sets, and one specific small with a deep tray holding all my high end fluke and fiber/network stuff. I did branch out into tstak for my general bits and accessories, the EU x5 small toughcase frame + a 2 drawer holds pretty much everything, and then I’ve got the largest toughcase and half a dozen mediums clipped to the top of that. I’m fortunate enough to have a service truck with bins, but there’s plenty of times I’m going building to building at a remote site and it would be nice to throw my bits and tstak 12v box on top of my instrument stuff and some sockets in the ts2.0.
TonyT
I’m tempted, when I finally get the $ and time to get organized, to do something similar: use a mix of Tstak/Versastak and something larger, probably TS 2.0. (Right now for more organized stuff, I’m using a mix of plastic shoe boxes, fishing tackle boxes (Plano & such), HD organizers, and Sterilite boxes. Cheap, but not rugged at all.)
Franck B.
I’m not sure but I am guessing that you’re supposed to use the appropriate system product for your specific need, and not be tied to just one. At least that’s how I work, I use Tstak boxes for smaller, lighter things, and Toughsystem for bigger, heavier items.
I have some more expensive, higher end things in Tstak (a couple examples are the 3×360 laser and the amazingly-not-cheap Flexvolt dust collection vacuum).
I like anything that comes with a system case instead of a generic case. Because at the end of the day, it’s a lot easier to stack things of all similar sizes. Even if there are two different sizes, it saves time instead of playing tool-case-Tetris with everything a different size. Even Bosch played nice with their L-boxx being the same size as Tstak and I happily used those until most of them were damaged.
With all the complaints I’m a little surprised no one has brought up that Dewalt has a Tstak-to-small-Toughcase+ adapter, but nothing for Toughsystem.
Nathan
doesn’t toughsystem have that cart dolly where the system can also attach with the side rails as meant to be used on walls/vans?
Perhaps it’s an companies dolly used with toughsystem rails.
anyway I liked part of that idea. I will say I was in wallmarx the other day and played around a bit with the HART system. made in Israel. it looked like a great option for DIY if priced just a touch cheaper. or you know when there is a good sale.
I’m intrigued the more I see of these systems but nothing just screams buy me. I only DIY right now so I practically don’t need anything. But I like some of the idea and 22 inch width comes in handy.
question does this adapter plate hold the tough case/? model boxes well enough to move them with the stack say in a truck or such?
Jerry
This is not in response to any other comments, I bought the “tradesman” system to have an expandable system. It was hard to find to purchase in my area, while most Lowe’s said they had it, well went you went there they were mistaken; in which the problem is,, Locally , Memphis, TN area, extra accessories are non existent, many place said they have it but when try to purchase-well they were wrong. I had to buy a Dewalt tool drawers to fit my “tradesman” to be able to finish my set. DeWalt was ok but not as smooth as the Craftsman.
Mack
Is this now discontinued? I see where Lowes shows not available online and other parts are on clearance. Are they doing a refresh or is it just done now?
Stuart
I still see it in-stock online, and there are 10 units available at each of my closest stores – maybe what you’re seeing is regional. None of the components are marked on clearance online.
Franck B.
Locally they seem to sell pretty well… three local-ish stores have 2-4 of each item, down from 8 a few days ago.
Maybe people will need them to roll around the new Versastack mechanics tool kit, with the new improved/worsened Versastack case filled with the same old tools (i.e. not made in USA or France). 😀
Mack
I did some further research. All my local stores have them clearance / discontinued and aren’t getting them back in. It appears at least on east coast Lowes are no longer carrying them. I checked with craftsman no current skus. Not too happy about it considering I just bought the set a few months ago. I was hoping to add on.
Stuart
Maine: In stock
Boston: In stock
NYC: In stock
Maryland: In stock
Atlanta: In stock
Respectfully, I’m not sure what you’re talking about.
Craftsman Tradestack products appear to be in stock online and at stores along the east coast.
Franck B.
On the west coast (I popped in the aisle today) they seem to sell pretty well.
They even raised the price ANOTHER $5 on the tote and bag. At release, they were $80… at the time of Stuart’s review, they were $85. Today they are $90. If they are on clearance, I’d actually stock up instead of be worried about it.
Unfortunately, items on clearance at my local Lowe’s show the normal price in the app, but have the yellow sticker in the store. If I buy it for pickup, I pay the normal price. I noticed this today when I saw the 3/8 impact wrench was on closeout (maybe a RP version incoming), but in the app it was still $99. There weren’t any in the cage so I could order them but not at the discount. They had the circular saws in stock at closeout price, but normal price online.
RpeterG
Is the system guaranteed to work 🤔
I have spent a lot of money on thing that just isn’t tough enough to handle a beating but I recently discovered Ridgid tools and everything I have got from them is tough and guaranteed for life if registered on their website. All I’m saying is if you going to say it’s tough just guarantee it.
Franck B.
No one said it is tough? It’s mid-level. You usually trade toughness for weight. Some people don’t need the toughness and prefer the lighter weight. So buy what’s best for you!
Mike Pate
I haven’t used them, but I have seen them and checked them out at Lowe’s. Mainly because I am looking be the a modular tool box system for my girlfriend and she has Craftsman tools. I have DeWalt tools and I have the DeWalt Gen 1 Tough system. I considered the Craftsman Versastak simply because it’s the same as the DeWalt T-Stak and I have a couple T-Stak pieces that I could attach to the Versastak should we go somewhere with her tools which are easier to load and travel with than mine since I have so many tools. Hers are just lighter and easier to carry. But I hear you about the Rigid line. Those are some serious cases. And DeWalt doesn’t even have the warranty that Rigid does. I’m even considering changing out my Tough cases for the Rigid cases. And I have a stack of Tough cases that reaches the ceiling easily. So at the Rigid price point that’s not going to be a drop in the bucket. Also I don’t remember seeing a box with the drawers like DeWalt or Craftsman have. The rest however are built to handle having a house dropped on it.
Franck B.
Anyone using TradeStack… the open tote and tool bag, after having a new ridiculously high price of $90 at Lowes, are now on sale for a much more palatable $60 each. They’re marked with “new low price” but the sale is listed as ending November 7th (2022 for those examining this historically… I really hate blogs where there isn’t a date at the top of each article).
I had only wanted the tote which I bought at around $60 for last year’s Christmas pricing, but I decided to pick up the bag now and it’s pretty nice, similar to the Dewalt ToughSystem tool bag.
No sign of the TradeStack organizers, even though I normally expect to see things in the store before they hit lowes.com …
BonzaiFpv
This is a great review and wanted to say I appreciate it. I use Toughsystem Tstak and now Versastack boxes and this trade stack is basically a “watered down” DeWalt Toughsystem. It almost trump’s DeWalt with the cord holder, belt clip rack and the one touch release. (I bet DeWalt could make Toughsystem Latches 1 touch release if they added some parts to their current but I’m sure the never will ) and best of all is that Tstak/versastak adapter, thank God DeWalt is coming out with one too but for now that is an awesome feature!!