We knew that Craftsman was coming out with a new Pro System of tool boxes, and now not only is there a name, but images and information as well.
Introducing: Craftsman TradeStack, a new modular tool box system. At this time, only a 3pc combo set, model CMST60420, has been revealed so far.
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(Thank you to Ahmed and Matthew for all of your help, information, and efforts!)
Thanks to Ahmed’s scans of a product card, we know that the Craftsman TradeStack products, at least those we know about, are made in the USA.
Ahmed ordered the Craftsman tool box tower from Lowe’s and provided first impressions:
Craftsman TradeStack kind of looks like the Dewalt Toughsystem 2 but has the automatic locking mechanism up front. It also includes a base plate you can add to the box to mount Versastack boxes and tool sets.
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To start off, this is the Craftsman TradeStack 3pc tower. This is the only SKU we’ve seen so far.
Craftsman TradeStack Tower Components and Dimensions
- TradeStack/VersaStack Adapter
- 19-3/4″ x 11-1/8″ x 2-1/3″
- Suitcase (Small Tool Box)
- 21-3/8″ x 14-1/2″ x 6-3/8″
- Deep Tool Box
- 21-3/8″ x 14-1/2″ x 12-1/8″
- Rolling Unit
- 22-1/4″ x 18-1/8″ x 23-5/8″
It’s interesting that, instead of side latches, there is a single automatic latch in front. Craftsman says that this provides for automatic stacking and also one-touch release. The latch looks to be quite wide and easy to use.
Each TradeStack tool box has a weather seal. The tool boxes are dust and water-resistant to IP65 standards.
Craftsman TradeStack Suitcase (Small Tool Box)
At the top, you have a small tool box.
All of the tool boxes are described as being 22″ in length, making them the same length as most Dewalt ToughSystem tool boxes and organizers.
Inside, the smaller Craftsman TradeStack tool box has 6 removable and lidded organizer cups, and room for hand tool and accessory storage.
Craftsman TradeStack Deep Tool Box
In the middle of the tower sits a large tool box with removable tray. This doesn’t have to be in the middle, you can configure the small and large tool boxes in any way you please. If or when these tool boxes are available separately, that will give users additional customization options.
Both the small and large tool boxes have an 88 lb maximum weight capacity. This matches the load capacity of original Dewalt ToughSystem tool boxes.
Craftsman TradeStack Rolling Tool Box
Next, we have the rolling tool box, equipped with 7″ wheels and a removable tray.
The rolling tool box has a handy extension cord holder built into its frame. And, according to the sales card scan (thank you again, Ahmed!), the top handle also has an integrated tool clip holder for mounting tools such as tape measures, and possibly pouches as well.
At the bottom, a molded footrest allows for easy tilting for moving a heavy tool box stack.
The rolling tool box has a 132 lb weight capacity.
From the side view of the tower, it looks like each tool box has molded handles, but there aren’t any folding or protruding side handles. We can also see what look to be rail guides, presumably for an eventual wall-mounted shelving unit or similar type of rack or accessory.
Craftsman TradeStack Adapter
The TradeStack tower comes with an adapter that can be used to connect various Craftsman VersaStack (or Dewalt TStak) products to any TradeStack tool box.
The TradeStack adapter can be stowed inside the rolling tool box when it’s not in use.
With the TradeStack adapter, you can connect VersaStack tool boxes, power tool accessory cases, or VersaStack-compatible tools sets.
Discussion
While I have not yet seen these new tool boxes in person, there are some features that stand out to me.
First, this looks to be a dedicated Craftsman solution. Whereas VersaStack was adapted from the Dewalt TStak modular storage system, TradeStack looks to be unique.
The tool boxes’ load ratings are similar to that of the original Dewalt ToughSystem tool boxes, which is a good thing. There are no side handles here, aside from what look to be molded recesses, which is good or bad depending on your preference.
The shape of the side panels suggest there will be a mounting accessory with side rails. Maybe these contours are merely decorative, but I’m hoping there’s a functional purpose.
It’s difficult to tell whether the latches are made from plastic or a combination of plastic and metal. But, as long as they’re strong enough to provide for the specified load ratings, that’s not something I’m really concerned with. Strength and ease of use is what’s important.
There are subtle indications – or absences – that suggest Craftsman TradeStack products will be more economical than the Dewalt ToughSystem products. As mentioned, there are no side handles. There also don’t seem to be any pressure equalization valves. This isn’t something I used often on my Dewalt ToughSystem products, but they did come in handy once or twice.
As modular tool boxes are often used as less expensive alternatives to Pelican cases and other such equipment cases, pressure equalization valves can come in handy. Perhaps the weather sealing isn’t strong enough to cause problems?
The automatic latch sounds wonderful. Speaking about my own preferences, a front-located unlatching mechanism is what makes Milwaukee Packout products superior to Dewalt ToughSystem, and Festool Systainer superior to Bosch L-Boxx.
Front latch accessibility doesn’t matter as much in mobile situations, but having to unlatch boxes from both sides can be awkward and difficult in situations where there might not be a lot of side clearance. Being able to unlatch and remove a tool box from the front has been so much easier and less frustrating for me.
There is a LOT to potentially like about the new Craftsman tool box system, and a lot to be hopeful for. I think that the VersaStack adapter, and including it with the tower, is a great idea. That way you can bridge the two systems together, especially as Craftsman keeps coming out with VersaStack-compatible tool bags, tool sets, organizers, and other accessories.
This tool box system might not perfectly align with my needs and wants (yet?), but I find myself very eager and excited, not just about these options, but to see what’s coming next.
Jared
What about Toughsystem and Tradestack compatibility?
Stuart
I cannot see how that would be possible.
Jared
Yeah you’re right. I looked at the pictures a bit closer and that makes sense. Connections on the front and back instead of the sides.
They need to come out with another adapter plate!
…or at least a similar plate for Toughsystem and TStak compatibility.
Jake
Yeah, they need an adapter plate for Toughsystem and TStak.
Pink porkchop
Tstack is the same as versastack. They have no reason to come out with an adapter for toughsystem, they are competitors even if under the same umbrella corporation. We don’t expect Milwaukee to provide an adapter for the ridgid system.
Stuart
What he’s saying is:
Dewalt Tstak is to the Dewalt ToughSystem as Craftsman VersaStack is to the Craftsman TradeStack system. So why is there a TradeStack-VersaStack adapter and not a ToughSystem-Tstak adapter?
Maybe it has to do with the different locking mechanisms?
Glenn
Since it’s a available now, I would assume your question is answered. If not, the rolling case, which you can buy either separately or with the set, comes with an adapter. I have one and it works fine.
Jared
This looks good. Like good enough I might just buy into it.
The adapter is awesome. I’m hoping that works with Toughsystem so I can start using Tstak products too.
What’s with all the molding/extrusions on the underside of the lid? Seems like that would cost a lot of space and make it trickier to fill up with tools (e.g. have to line them up not to hit the ridges. Is this to make the lid stiffer? I realize some might have to do with holding organizers in place or having a spot for the adapter to attach – just seems excessive.
I hope they expand to include inserts like Dewalt Toughsystem 2.0 has. I still have a dream of making a metal tool chest with my tools inside those inserts so I can grab sets and drop them into Toughsystem cases for easy mobile work.
Actually, I hope they go much farter than that. I’d love to see socket rails, bit organizers and lots of other custom inserts. Vertical screwdriver organizer perhaps? Sign me up.
Stuart
A lot of times the ribbing is for strength. Here, maybe there will be internally latched accessories?
I once had a Dewalt tool box and couldn’t figure out what it’s deliberate side features were for. SBD marketing exec couldn’t figure it out either. I found myself at a Black & Decker outlet and saw a similar Stanley tool box with 2 removals bins at the sides.
Craftsman’s cordless chargers are marked V20 and V12, but no 12V Max tools or batteries have yet to be announced.
In other words, we can only guess as to if or what they can be used for.
Maybe the adapter can fit into any of the lids?
Wayne R.
Those lids look 90% ready to be parts organizers.
David Zeller
3D printers will handle the rest for the maker-y types, if Craftsman doesn’t.
fm2176
This looks…interesting…and seems to be an evolution of the VersaStak/T-Stak (hence, the adapter plate?), with the latching system being inspired by the Packout system. I wonder how many different modular tool storage systems SB&D is going to release until they feel they get it “right”, though. Ridgid released their modular system years ago and has yet to update/change it, with the exception of a handful of new releases (milk crate, organizer, etc.). DeWalt had the T-Stak, released the ToughSystem (TS) to better compete with Ridgid, and then updated the latter to a 2.0 version that makes up for some of the original’s shortcomings when compared to Packout. Milwaukee, meanwhile, took their time, released the Packout, and has steadily added to that system without extensive changes to the original design.
I’m not complaining. I have TS, TS 2.0, VersaStak, Ridgid, and Packout boxes (more than I care to admit of each system), so I won’t dismiss the TradeStack out of hand. I will say that my most-used modular “box” is my VersaStak ice chest, though, so I’m definitely not the target demographic for this system…
Fm2176
Well, it’s in the truck now…impulse buy, I’ll see how it fares against the others. 🙃
D
How has it held up?
JSxLV
Mine have held up pretty well, I even bought more when in December the separate boxes became available. I don’t use the rolling box at all though, it holds my replacement hand tool stock in the attic. Things I’ve learned:
1) Those ears on the sides of the lid are super annoying, they make it so sometimes the boxes won’t fit places they’d otherwise fit. At least Toughsystem uses that area for racking.
2) No place for labels. Apparent after you expand.
3) No small tool box (a top handle is nice, which is why Toughsystem has the option of suitecase or toolbox).
4) It’s nice that you can put the suitcase down on it’s hinged side. You’d be surprised how much stuff doesn’t do this, but all the SBD offerings seem to have this down.
5) The Tstak adapter is extremely weak and loose. If it fit better, it would hold tighter… it’s solely because it’s not made precisely. The Versastack radio on the adapter on the box is just gonna fall off.
6) Some of the boxes have slots to add your own dividers… but the large non-rolling box, which holds my array of finish nailers, does not.
7) The molding for the latching pieces is not good, the springs warp the plastic. They were this way when purchased. Almost all of them.
8) The new soft-side tote is extremely useful. I use it almost every day. For short jobs I just take things I need out of the boxes and tote them in, rather than taking multiple full boxes. I previously used the Dewalt Tstak soft tote and then a Kobalt soft tote, but the 22″ length of the Tradestack means I can old some of my longer items.
Vards Uzvards
I want this rolling tool box and the adapter plate! Rolling box in the TStak / VersaStack family is not very strong 😐
CK
I am more pissed about Craftsman coming out with a Tstak/VersaStack adapter before Dewalt. ToughSystem folks have been asking for this for years! What the hell Stanley B&D?
MFC
Maybe Dewalt is going to release it too, but craftsman was ready to launch their line so they get to release it first? If not, this IS seriously stupid.
Tom M
Lowe’s probably committed to stocking it while The Home Depot passed. No reason they couldn’t do both, but why make it if no retailers will stock it?
Stuart
Why would you think that?
I would think that this system was purposefully designed for the Craftsman brand.
I also can’t see any scenario where this could have been a Home Depot offering. How would it have been positioned there, and under which brand?
Nathan
I still don’t see the side rail support mentioned. unlike toughsystem 2.0 I don’t see how this would support a rail holding system.
Otherwise I overall like most of what I see. I was already flipping coins between toughsystem 2.0 or Versastak/tstak or packout. I liked the idea of a rail attachement but it’s not necessary for me. I’d like to see some interplay or connections with this and some rolling cart. LIke how that FACOM system worked.
I like they thought to adapt to versastak – something the dewalt system needs. Sort of makes me wonder if this will become Toughsystem 3 or something new in yellow. Cart handle with the cordwrap is a nice touch.
Overall I’m considering the mid box and the small box – need to put hands on them though. Also with all the other craftsman versa stuff – do you think they expect to have a wall hang solution on this?
Stuart
It could also just be a way to guide bungee cords. Or it could be decorative.
But since Dewalt ToughSystem has horizontal rails and shelves, there *could* be a functional purpose to the slightly narrower section below each lid at both sides.
OldDominionDIYer
Nice but I’m deep into the Pack Out system and very satisfied with the expansion Milwaukee has introduced. If I wasn’t I would give this serious consideration though ultimately I would probably still chose the Pack Out system. I commend them for continuing to expand and re-solidify the Craftsman brand.
Bill W
Stuart, your link takes me to the correct Lowe’s page, but it says, “This item is no longer sold on Lowes.com”
Jim Felt
I thought “so typical of Lowe’s”.
But my look see says “not available on line”…
Neither is a surprise. Eh?
Stuart
My understanding is that they do this when they’re not quite ready to launch a product nationwide.
I didn’t want to wait until it quietly launched for Father’s Day or similar.
There were fewer details earlier (now there are images), but at least one reader ordered and received a set.
Sometimes they do this to avoid people trying to buy products stores don’t have available yet.
Tom D
The front latch really helps with the “put away” and I think it’s the better design (though the side clips do allow easier access ‘deep in the stack’).
The total number of variations is getting a bit excessive it seems.
Mopar4wd
I like it. I have been on and off on whether these systems fill a need for me (basically around the house or friends and families houses). But I bought some versa stack boxes over Christmas, and I really like them. So this might be something I look at when it has sale pricing. Right now I tend to travel with 2-3 tool bags when I need to go with tools.
Koko The Talking Ape
That extension cord holder doesn’t look so handy.
The best of the type I’ve seen is on a Kirby vacuum cleaner, believe it or not. It has the two hooks like in the Craftsman box, but one hook is mounted on a pivot so you can twist it, and the cord will just fall to the floor, still in a coil (though I stowed the cord in a figure-8.)
Stuart
I wouldn’t call it perfect, but isn’t any extension cord holder better than having a cord take up precious space inside the tool box?
Ryan
I designed one exactly like you’re describing for the packout system, been selling them for a few months. DM me on Instagram if you have packouts and want a set. @pimp_my_packout or email me [email protected]
Philip Proctor
Meh, I’m all in with ToughSystem and it won’t work with them so not interested. I would like an adapter plate for ToughSystem to Tstak though.
JoeM
*Correction Gremlin, Destroy after reading. Seriously, This contributes nothing to the conversation, just trying to help here.*
[Fixed]
[Fixed]
Keep kicking ass, Stuart! And, yeah, destroy after reading. The Spelling Gremlin need not be visible to anyone else. It feeds not on the recognition of others, only spelling errors.
Stuart
Thank you – fixed!
I typically don’t delete spelling correction call-outs in case it helps lower the hesitation barrier for others to do the same. Sometimes, no matter how many times I might proofread something, an error might pass undetected. The worst thing is when I find a typo or formatting flitch days, months, YEARS later. I come across spelling errors on so many other sites these days, including huge magazines and media organizations, and while I aim for perfection, it’s not possible and I greatly appreciate any corrections. I sometimes notify contacts about errors to their brand or retailer pages, and sometimes they never get fixed. I try to take action and respond to all correction call-outs so that everyone knows they’re acted upon and much appreciated.
Frank D
I like the dark color and it looks like another product set made by the people who make three different systems I own …
Regardless of merit, no way I am buying into anything new.
Joe
Looks cool! Would be even better if they’d show us the new USA made mechanics tools as well. I’m about to buy a set from Tekton or GearWrench. I’m not going to wait much longer. The least they could do is tease a couple pictures of something other than a photo of their assembly line from 30ft. away.
Roger
I’ve been harping on a compatibility plate for TSTAK to TOUGHSYSTEM.
They should have made it a long time ago. All the potential wasted.
Maintenance Essentials
These look very similar to the Black and Decker Beyond 3PC modular box kit I found on Amazon. With the same parent company I am not surprised
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TQLRZ6W/
Stuart
I did not see that B&D option before – thanks!
The Black & Decker option looks completely different. There’s a small resemblance in the general design, but enough distinctions that they’re two completely separate product lines.
The Black & Decker looks to be a cheaper product.
Maintenance Essentials
I was speaking more of the matte finishes and color scheme but technically, yes, they are very different.
Just an interesting find….
Mike
Actually the black and decker Actually looks better it has better front latches very similar to the dewalt 2.0 and for 89 bucks you can’t beat that
JSxLV
You can get the Stanley version of the B+D for 70 bucks at HD. But without separate pieces or the accessories for the top latches, they’re both one offs, as most of the storage items in the Stanley and B+D lines are. My first Tstak was a Stanley, who apparently needed a way to sell Tstak at Lowes and Sears, but didn’t expand beyond the tower.
Joe H
I’d like to see these systems have a spot for a 2 foot level stored externally on it even if the handle has to stay up to do so. I went with the system from Husky via Home Depot because it was cheap just to get an idea of what I would need as I was building my mobile tool set and nearly half the plastic locking latches on the sides have broke. I’ll be moving to another stacking system in the future now that I have a better idea of what I would need.
David Zeller
Could it be done with the little shelf/ledge area right next to the extension cord holder? You might need a tiny bungee, but the shelf keeps it from dropping.
Serendipity
I used to have a lot of the toughsystem and ended up selling it and getting the packout. Dewalt did everything they could to not update until they got squished by packout. Even after 2.0 they were still exceedingly far behind. Which is sad because a few of their cases were really good.
Perry
If they come out with drawer boxes, I’m getting them.
I have the versastack/tstak boxes because they fit in my truckbox, but could still use some larger storage. My biggest pet peeve on jobs is having a stack of boxes, then having to separate them all to reach what I need. A bigger drawer box would help with that.
Bob
Sounds like a solution in search of a problem. Also why make it alne off craftsman specific instead of compatible with Tough System?
Maybe this is cheaper, thiner less heavy duty and they don’t want to dilute brand equity or protect MSRP levels? Or maybe has to do with what retailer is buying it. Lowes has Craftsman exclusivity I think (could be wrong)? Lowes wanted an exclusive box?
Pass for me. Tough system is the only modular system I know of that with the use of the dolly or racking system all boxes are accessible regardles if on top or bottom because of the side rail retention system.
Still pissed Dewalt uses T-stack for their tool cases sometimes. Not heavy duty and physicaly smaller. I have addapted the custom foam inserts from t-stack to tough system and have room for accessories and extra batteries etc.
Steve
This thing looks like a home run if the price is right. The top box has removable lidded cups and it comes with a Tstak adapter? Nice. Also, single handed latches, 👍.
I think this is definitely intended to give Lowes a pro grade portable tool box system, as HD has 3 and Lowes didn’t have any.
Patrick
I like the tilt in design of how the bins connect. It’s kind of like Milwaukee’s with the single front release feature, but I do see a limitation with it.
When you tilt the boxes they go back in space. That has to be why the handle is offset back. Not a huge issue for the cart I guess except for maybe flexing when you have a heavy setup, but I’d think any wall mount or cabinet mount options wouldn’t work b/c the wall behind it would be in the way. Maybe also why Milwaukee’s drops, then slides back as they arrived at the same conclusion.
Vards Uzvards
I saw six (or eight) of these in my local Lowe’s today, in Rio Rancho, NM. $149 for a set. Colors on the pictures above are way off – all non-black parts are Craftsman-red. The whole tower was zip-tied together, so it was not possible to open it up to peek inside. The whole thing is as sturdy as DeWalt’s it seems.
Vards Uzvards
I take the last one back! :-/ These boxes are made out of plastic which is very close to what’s used for Tstak / Versastack boxes. All latches are plastic as well. Don’t expect something as tough as ToughSystem storage.
Kirk
Am I the only one that simply Google’d tstack to toughsystem adapter last year?
https://www.etsy.com/listing/958055903/adapters-for-tstak-to-toughsystem
M12954
No, usually look once a month to see if it has been done yet! Keep hoping!🤞🏼😁😷
Vards Uzvards
Right now it’s showing at $129.00, until 01-Dec-2021, with free delivery.
Presumably, 13 are available right now at my local Lowe’s store.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-Craftsman-Pro-System-Tower-22in/5001634651
Michael Hong
I impulse bought this at my local Lowes today. Coming from a Husky Connect System, the quality seems to be on par and the storage capacity is identical. The front latch, single-hand release and “auto-connect” is what did it for me. I always found Huskys side-latches so cumbersome, and putting them on was more of a pain than I ever thought it would be. I live in Southern California, so unless I drop this in a lake, the seals won’t be an issue and I already owned the Versastack 2-drawer system, so being able to connect that to the Tradestak was killer. I thought the rear, cable loop was a gimmick, until I put my 50-footer on there and realized how much storage space that freed up in the bottom tool box.
BTW, completely unrelated but my Local Lowes has the V20 Brushless combo kit for $79.99, with 2 batteries. Not sure if it’s all Lowes, but if it is, definitely worth checking out.