It’s no secret that I am extremely fond of Dewalt’s crazy-durable ToughSystem tool boxes. Here’s my review of the small ToughSystem case in case you need a reminder. But ever since the smaller Tstak tool boxes were released I had wondered why there wasn’t a ToughSystem tool box with drawers. Well, now there is.
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The DWST08225 (DS250 in Europe) is a 2-drawered ToughSystem case that looks slightly shorter than Dewalt’s large-sized ToughSystem tool box. It features heavy-duty ball bearing drawer slides and comes with 8 removable fastener storage bins with lids. Spring-loaded locks ensure that the drawers won’t pop open unintentionally during transport.
The bottom draw looks to be spacious enough to hold drills, drivers, and even a jig saw. It might be up to fitting a compact reciprocating saw, but probably not.
You can stack the 2-drawer box just like any other ToughSystem box, and it can also be attached to Dewalt’s rolling carrier.
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The ToughSystem case is shipped with the top drawer loaded with organizer bins, but you’re free to use that drawer for loose tool storage. The bottom drawer is slightly wider since it doesn’t give up space for the handles, and can be used for hand tools, small power tools, or anything else you want quick and easy access to.
As with the rest of Dewalt’s ToughSystem line, you get 4 mm-thick structural foam construction, a carry handle at the top, two handles at the sides, and locking tabs that allow you to connect the box to other ToughSystem products.
Unique to this model is the ability to access your tools and supplies without having to separate it from a stack. With a stack or full carrier of other ToughSystem cases, you can only open the lid of the topmost case.
Street pricing is $79.
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Reminder: Dewalt is also expanding their Tstak line, with an organizer case, deep-compartment case, and rolling dolly. The Dewalt’s Tstak tool boxes are lighter duty, smaller, and less expensive than ToughSystem boxes.
All Available ToughSystem Products(via Amazon)
ToolGuyd ToughSystem Count (as of Feb 26, 2013): 9 small, 9 large, 2-1/2 extra large (one damaged during abusive testing). In other words, they’re highly recommended.
Paul
The drawers with the insert containers are a good option as I am always carting around several containers of all of the screws one might need when one does not know what to expect for the task given. I like that they are individually removable as well.
Does anyone know if Dewalt will sell as an accessory insert trays for the tough box to hold their drill/drivers similar to the one’s Bosch has for their L-Boxx? It’s just my personally preference but I like everything to have a place.
-Paul
Stuart
I might have seen pick-n-pluck foam for the Tstaks somewhere, but nothing for the Tough System boxes.
I have also seen Dewalt 20V combo kits that come with a small Tough System case and matching insert, but never have I seen the inserts sold separately.
Streetcore
I’ve been considering these Dewalt cases to organize my tools, especially my sockets and wrenches, and really wish they made pick-n-pluck foam inserts for them as well. There are foam companies online such as pick-n-pluck-foam.com or foamfittools.com that sell custom foam inserts. Unfortunately, they are mostly in the US, so there are fewer options up here in Canada. So it would be really nice if Dewalt would make the inserts themselves.
dewaltfan
Pretty sure DeWalt does make a foam insert for the ToughSystem, but for whatever reason, it’s only available in Europe.
I’ve seen a few listed for sale on Ebay.
mnoswad1
Still have yet to see these in person……..in the heart of the midwest, Dewalt loyal demographics, corporate repair store in my city……….tough box might refer to the chances of actually buying these, thus new name should be dewalt tough sell boxes.
I cant buy what I cant find. No, i’m not going to buy something like this online at first, storage can be very specific, with small margins between a successful product and one that just looks good.
Stuart
If you order from a place like Amazon and it doesn’t work out, they’ll usually take the product back without much hassle.
I prefer inspecting storage products in person as well, but sometimes there’s no choice but to just order a sample and give it a go. Then again, I’m about 10 minutes away from the UPS store and also receive packages with enough frequency that I can just pass on a pre-paid return to the UPS delivery guy.
Ken
mnoswad1-
You should ask your local service center to bring in a set of them. Chances are they would or help you find a place that carries them in your area. My local service center stocks them.
-Dewalt Employee
Jon
My local Home Depot (in Milwaukee) now carries a small selection of Toughsystem cases. I think I saw a couple of the small size, large size, the cart and a few extra sets of brackets last time I was in the store.
Tom Duross
I have three tough system carriers and various toolboxes. Finally, there’s a construction site-worthy toolbox system that doesn’t breakdown. My only critique would be I wish they put the wheels inside the frame instead of out. It’s pretty wide and negotiating doorways can be a trick. I plan to cut the axle on one and try it just to see if it impacts stability. I carry very heavy tools in mine and lots of parts. Six months of almost daily in and out of the truck and onto construction sites and they’re hanging in there for me.
Steve T.
Bought the DS250. The drawers are not a heavy enough thickness to keep from worping. Also the face of the drawers by the latch button are starting to come apart. I would be interest to hear if anyone else is experiencing issues with this 2-drawer unit. Love the concept but the ds250 is certainly not as durable as the other Dewalt Tough System tool boxes.
Stuart
Thanks for your feedback, I really appreciate it! Would you say that the drawers’ warping affects their operation? I have found that the drawered Tstaks warp a little at the bottom frame corners due to stacked weight, but the drawers don’t seem to stick at all because of this.
Alexis
Yes it affects their function, my front on the bottom drawer has ripped off from the top drawer catching it from the warpage. I also have an extra large box wih a snapped handle, two or three large boxes with broken stacking clips and my rolling box with a cracked handle latch. Overall they really arent as tough as all the reviews say…. (5-6 out of my 15-20 boxes are broken in some way)
Steve T.
The drawer warping doesn’t seem to affect the operation. The top drawer does catch on the bottom drawer sometimes though, when the unit is not hanging on the carrier cart brackets and enough weight is inside the drawers. Basically a little vertical flexing going on. I hope dewalt will address this issue, but even if they don’t I’ll be buying more ds250’s.
Steve T.
Instead of inserts for the tough system, I’ve been using Kaisen Foam that I bought from Fastcap. Great layered foam that can be custom cut with a little practice, and not expense. I highly recommend checking out the Kaisen Foam videos on Fastcap’s website.
John S
I think I like kaizen’s stuff but I have found that I am not very good at cutting it out precisely enough to my perfectionistic standards… maybe I am just rushing it / am an amateur, but it has been frustrating for me to get the results I want with it… Granted, I THINK it is better than just having everything all messed together, but I have not mastered using kaizen foam… Sure, it is easy to shadow a chisel or something like that, but I am trying to use it to protect my drills and am not doing so great… Partly because my l-boxxes are not quite deep enough to leave any layer on the bottom…
Canadian Stig
I have this draw tough system box as well has about a dozen other tough system storage ashes, the biggest gripe I have with the drawer tough system box is it doesn’t lock, there isn’t even and eye to thread a cable through to secure the drawers from opening. Mind you i don’t keep my power tools in it but adding up the kit I do carry such as screwdrivers, chisels, pliers all ad up to some serious money. Anyone can help themselves when my back is turned. My work gloves seem to work there way into the back of the box and the draws can’t slide in, I need a coat hanger to fish them out to slide the drawers back. I wish there was a clip that releases the drawers to slide them completely out of the box.
Andrew
How deep are the drawers in this tough system case, and the TSTAK system deep drawersea as well?