I’m a big fan of Dewalt ToughSystem tool boxes – check out my review of the smaller one, which pretty much applies to all of the sizes. Here’s a look back at our preview when they first came out, and here’s another review where I compare the ToughSystem boxes to Bosch L-Boxxes and Festool Systainers. Here’s a more focused ToughSystem vs. L-Boxxes comparison.
Dewalt ToughSystem tool boxes are strong, sturdy, and very durable.
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It turns out that Dewalt is coming out with two new ToughSystem tool boxes. First, there’s the ToughSystem Bluetooth radio charger that’s coming out with Dewalt’s 2015 end-of-year offerings.
Second, there’s this new ToughSystem organizer box (DWST08202).
Pat wrote in:
I love the blog, thanks! I was out trying to find the Ridgid stacking baskets, and came across this.
Hadn’t seen it here so figured you might be interested. the best part, the label showed a tough system open top tote “coming soon”.
J.Cayce also wrote in with a tip about the new ToughSystem organizer find – thank you!!
Here’s my full review of Ridgid’s Pro tool boxes, and a preview of their new open-top crate/basket. After owning both, I think that Ridgid’s Pro tool boxes are a great value choice, but Dewalt’s ToughSystem tool boxes are larger and sturdier. I prefer Dewalt’s.
WOW – a Dewalt ToughSystem organizer? Sweet!
Back when Dewalt and Stanley came out with their new shallow and deep stacking organizers, I asked their Israeli product manager about whether we’ll see stacking organizers that attach to their TStak or ToughSystem lineups. I was told NO. After all, the Tstak system launched with some organizational components, and the small ToughSystem comes with removable bins.
But then, a few months later, Dewalt came out with a new Tstak organizer tool box.
Until Pat’s email, I had long ago given up hope that Dewalt would come out with a similar ToughSystem organizer.
Whereas the small ToughSystem tool box comes with 6 small bins and 2 large ones, the new ToughSystem organizer comes with 8 small bins and 4 large (medium?) ones. Without seeing these in person, it seems to me that new organizer’s bins are maybe smaller than those included with the similarly sized tool box.
The organizer also has a clear lid, so that you can see its contents without having to open the box.
Standard ToughSystem features are still present, such as the front handle, stacking latches, metal lid-locking latches, and weatherproofing seal.
Some features seem to have been sacrificed in order to maximize space for the internal compartment, such as a top handle, side handles, and a recess for the front handle. The handle does fold down, and looks to rest flush alongside the front of the box, and so it doesn’t protrude out too much.
The “assembled height” spec is smaller than for the small ToughSystem tool box – it’s 4.5″ vs. 6″, which indicates that it’s a thinner box. Without the top lid compartment of the small ToughSystem case, or a recessed top handle, the smaller size of the ToughSystem organizer isn’t at all surprising.
Price: $37-40
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Buy Now(via Home Depot)
First Thoughts
Am I the only one that thinks this new ToughSystem organizer is a direct response to Milwaukee’s new organizer? The Milwaukee organizer is fantastic, and despite my long-time affinity for Stanley and Dewalt plastic tool storage and organizing products, I’m liking Milwaukee’s even better.
For a standalone organizer, the Milwaukee offers the same bin count in a smaller and more portable package. But if you’re looking for an organizer that’s part of a modular tool storage system, Dewalt ToughSystem has the edge. I suppose the Tstak organizer should also be considered, but I’ve never been a big fan of the system, aside for the budget pricing.
I think the new ToughSystem organizer looks quite appealing, and hope that Dewalt also releases a version with pick-and-pluck foam.
With this organizer, you give up a couple of convenient features, such as side handles and a top handle, and the front handle looks to poke out a little bit, but it’s an impressive accomplishment for Dewalt to have maximized the internal compartment space to such extent.
fred says
Look to be worth a try – although the price is a tad high. The lid seal – if its really good – may be worth the price. We had a love-hate relationship with the Stanley 14710 – 10 compartment boxes. We found them cheap and pretty durable – but when turned upside-down the seal between the lid and compartments let some screws/parts mix.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-10-Compartment-Professional-Deep-Organizer-014710R/100375900
Dennis says
I have L-Boxxes and Dewalt’s Deep Pro (And Mini Parts Organizers). I like them for separate reasons, L-Boxx for sleek modular design and the Dewalt/Stanley for price. I’d commit more to the L-Boxxes if Sortimo ever figured out that people in the US would like to purchase their products and accessories. And I have been thinking about the new Milwaukee cases because they have a great design. But I’m not buying into another system until I know that Milwaukee’s line will expand to house their power tools. I’d love for them to come out with some cases with factory made tool inserts and dividers. Any word on if and when that will happen?
Chris says
I was hoping to see some new Milwaukee modular storage stuff when Stu did the articles on Milwaukees press day/weekend.
Didnt see anything there though, so who knows if/when it will happen.
Stuart says
Milwaukee didn’t give any indication that they plan to make further entry into the plastic tool box market.
There are a bunch of Milwaukee products that came out in 2014 internationally that we still haven’t seen here – https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-tools-sneak-peek-2h2014/ – including cuztomizable tool boxes.
Josh says
The price doesn’t seem unreasonable for the tough System product line; but I’m not sure it actually makes it interesting. I suspect that ultimately I’m just not the target market for this; but I wonder if I’d feel differently if I already had tough boxes?
mike says
there is also a Tough System TOTE (in Europe)
available now
would post a picture; but not possible here
Yadda says
I definitely need to get more organized with some boxes like this one. Looks like this is a a good string to get my personal research started.
Nate 818 says
Black Friday Deal #1?
Greg says
Does it lock into rails like the rest of the tough system boxes do? Other tough boxes have handles on the side that make it lock into the rails. I dont see that here.
Stuart says
Yes, if you look closely there’s a retainer so that you can attach this to the carrier rails as with the other ToughSystem boxes. Instead of a double bar as with a side handle, there’s a single retaining piece.
pete says
I hope that ridged comes out with something similar AND a drawer unit. That would be the Bees knees AND a pony that farts rainbows!
Chris says
While I love the Ridgid stuff, I hate the fact that you can only stack X amount on top of the “cart” before you need another “cart”.
If Im forced to leave the boxes non-mobile because I dont want to buy another large box w/wheels, Id just as soon use the hard cases the tools came in and put them on a shelf somewhere.
Robbie Stanford says
I saw one of the new boxes I think it was the dsw150 at homedepot
Robbie Stanford says
It was just like a ds150 but with clear lid.
victor says
My power tools are top notch and i love the spyder “rapid core eject” system but as with other carbide hole saws {2″ to 4″} its almost impossible to get a near perfect hole. I have tried many angles without success, the hole left in the 2x lumber at times seems more accurate but the donut is way off. I have tried this on various types of lumber including wet, kiln dried, redwood, etc . I also made sure that the lumber was less than 10% moisture content………….your response will be greatly appreciated……..victor.
Zach says
So frustrating that they appear to have left the TSTAK line hung out to dry… Much like the 12V Max stuff.
TSTAK needs a few more box sizes IMO. I’d like to see one like the organizer they have now but with smaller bins. Or better yet… Just look at what Festool and Bosch are doing.
Stuart says
The Tstak lineup has a nice selection of different tool box and organizer styles, in my opinion.
An organizer with smaller bins? Not going to happen. Why? Because most professional power tool brands somehow have the idea that pro users carry around bulk amounts of small parts.
Don’t worry, it’s not just you. I need and use smaller bins much more often than larger ones.
Klaus says
I was considering to buy theseDewalt ToughSystem tool boxes but finally I bought some Sortimo Boxxes and I dont regret my choice. I am very sadisfied and thinking about buying more staff.
Manfred Müller says
Ah great Klaus. I bought these boxxes from http://www.sortimo.com/products/cases-boxxes/t-boxx/ and I am very happy with my choice. Does someone else have some reccomandations?