Dewalt ToughSystem modular tool storage system fans, I’ve got good news for you, and bad news.
The good news first – Dewalt’s new ToughSystem 2.0 2-drawer tool box is coming soon, model DWST08320. It’s available for preorder now, and eligible for current promos at Acme Tools.
The bad news – there’s no signs of a 3-drawer unit. Dewalt showed off both 2- and 3-drawer ToughSystem tool boxes a few years ago, but it seems that the 3-drawer unit never launched here for whatever reason.
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The new Dewalt ToughSystem 2-drawer tool box doesn’t look very different from the original version (DWST08290), but this is still a notable launch.
A couple of readers have written in, asking why the 2-drawer unit wasn’t available anywhere. So while the new ToughSystem 2.0 tool box doesn’t stray too far from its predecessor, it means that the gap in ToughSystem drawer unit availability will soon be over.
The tool box is listed as having ball bearing metal slides and a 22 lb load capacity. It’s compatible with ToughSystem and ToughSystem 2.0 tool boxes and accessories.
Price: $130 (updated in March 2023)
Here are some other recent Dewalt ToughSystem 2.0 product launches:
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Derek
I realize that these, the Packout, etc., are portable and are targeted for professionals who need to bring tools in and out of various jobsites but the price of these seems high compared to 26″ tool boxes.
That being said, I still want one of these or the 3 drawer version and that bag from the other day.
Steve
I’m sure there’s very healthy profit margins in these portable tool storage systems as they’re all proprietary. So many brands are introducing their own line and the existing lines keep expanding. They’re plastic, sold for a healthy price, all the rage, and everybody wants in to the market. They gotta be very profitable, thus the pricing is kind of high. That’s my theory.
Derek
I agree. I’m also a little surprised there’s not a bigger push from these manufacturers to package their tools in these systems and sell it as a combo. I know some have with a few products but I’m surprised there’s not more and more advertising around what they do already have.
Stuart
Cost.
Modular tool boxes are often made in different countries than cordless power tools.
Tool brands do sometimes offer special tool + modular too box combos, usually for Father’s Day or the winter holiday shopping season.
For some tools or equipment, it’s worth it. For others, users might not want to spend $50+ for a tool box they might not need or want.
Festool is consistent with Systainers. Bosch bundles (bundled?) more tools in Europe in L-Boxxes, but not really here.
Stuart
The pricing might also take shipping costs into account; modular tool boxes – especially Packout and ToughSystem – can be large and heavy.
Andrew
Large usually starts being the deciding factor when it comes to freight costs, if I’m not mistaken. A more densely packaged item of the same weight usually ships for substantially less.
Chris D
This is it. I don’t think these boxes are generally made in North America, so it’s a lot of air being shipped a long distance.
Hon Cho
22 lb load capacity? Seems rather low
Martin Lefroy
The only difference I can see from the original 2-drawer unit is the latch. Let me tell you the original latch is a pain because if you have three or four of these stacked it is impossible to get them into position to latch because of the weight. The new latch is simple, drop or slide it on to the latch position and it snaps in place. Unlatching is easy, just move the two latches to unlocked (with a finger – no prying) and take off the box (or boxes). They should be offering these latches as an upgrade kit for series 1 units. Fat chance I am thinking! Three drawer units would be perfect.
Philip
I have 4 of the 1.0 ones. I’m really wanting a couple of the three drawer units.
Joe H
If I can’t get the 3 drawer units then I won’t bother ever getting into the DeWalt line of modular toolboxes.
Roger
$120????? and a “list price” of $178.48 Are they crazy?
The Ver 1.0 (DWST08225) was much less than that.
With STORAGE CUPS and COVERS!!!
The version 1.5 (DWST08290)was around $79.99-$85. IF it was the fabled 3-drawer I would (maybe) consider, but a 2-drawer virtually identical to the previous? The drawers are not even double side slides. No cups? Did they fix the sagging issues? I’m interested but not very convinced.
Richard Schneeman
I think I paid $30 for the old version. I wish it was bigger but that’s my only complaint. It’s not worth spending 4x the price
aaron s
the old version occasionally went on sale as cheap as $70, so $30 is an amazing deal but not a price to calibrate based on.
I love the gen1.5 at $70 but have no interest in anything at $120
I tend to buy a little bit every few months and over $100 puts it well outside my impulse buy zone.
Richard Schneeman
Sorry I was thinking of TSTAK and not the Tough System.
MFC
Ok, this is what I was waiting for. The original boxes were $80 if I remember correctly. I guess I’ll have to compare to the milwaukee boxes. Benefit of this is I am primarily in the dewalt platform, but I could always mod a box to accept my powerstation as I think someone said it doesn’t work with 2.0 anyways…
Ken in NH
I already have 2 of the 1.0 2-drawer units that are sitting idle in my garage. Not sure what to do with them. I think I’ll stick with my tstak/fat max drawers for now.
aaron s
hammers don’t fit in tstack very well… these toughsystem drawers have huge increase in usable volume which makes a difference when you try to store somewhat larger items. I do toughsystem for my carpentry stuff mostly.
Saulac
Why the styling is much closer to 1.0 than 2.0? The later is supposed to be more “smoother”. The latch and the handle are new for sure. But the case looks identical except for a few additional rips on top. I would understand if Dewalt is making both the 1.0 and 2.0 drawers, and this is would be the updated 1.0. But I am lost why they call this 2.0.
Franck B.
It has the 2.0 latches, but yeah, it looks mostly like the 1.5 version. The 1.0 version was different and not moisture sealed, which was fine for me (and I actually preferred it).
eddie sky
I’m still waiting on a Dewalt box that accommodates their floor nailer. No case with it. Nothing sold (even non-dewalt) will fit it.
I thought they would have a taller box but… nope.
Franck B.
Even the XL Toughsystem box isn’t tall enough? I needed that size for my framing nailer and have to put it in a weird angle, but it closes. It’s the only thing I have that wouldn’t go in the Large box. Even my metal connector nailer fits in the large box just fine. There’s a lot of room around it so I just throw in some small related items.
SamR
Too small, less weight capacity, and very expensive. Hard pass for me.
MFC
Stuart, do these drawers address the tipping over that occurs with the hand truck or trailer racks?
Tempo2
What’s the chance they release a refresh of the open top tote with the metal handle sometime soon?
This thing https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-ToughSystem-21-75-in-x-10-875-Tote-with-Carrying-Handle-DWST08206/308564660 but with the new latches?
Home depot has been sold out for a while now and I think Acme has been sold out for almost as long
Stuart
Unfortunately, your guess is as good as mine.
Will Miller
On the new 2-drawer unit … it’s about 1&1/2″ longer on the drawers from front to back !