Hey ToolGuyd, why no love for Dewalt Tstak tool boxes?! Someone always asks this via email, message, or comment, in response to the number of times I’ll bring up Milwaukee Packout, Dewalt ToughSystem, or Ridgid Pro tool box system during the holiday season.
Dewalt Tstak tool boxes are actually very good!
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They’re smaller than ToughSystem and Packout tool boxes, and also a little lighter in construction.
But, they’re solid, useful, and affordable.
I keep waiting for Dewalt to sell more tools with Tstak tool boxes, but it also seems that they’ve largely moved to tool bags. Almost gone are the blowmolded tool cases that I can’t get rid of fast enough.
Anyway, Tstak.
Right now, Amazon seems to be matching other brands’ 10% holiday discount on Dewalt Tstak tool boxes. What’s notable is that Amazon has free shipping on these items. They ship for free for Prime members, and as part of $25 orders for non-subscribers.
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The Dewalt Tstak II tool box, which is perhaps the best general purpose size and style, is $20 minus an extra “clippable” coupon of $1.96.
$18 shipped? That’s a pretty good price, considering that other sellers would charge $7 or $8 – at the least – to ship one or two of these tool boxes to you.
On the fence? Check out the user reviews. Amazon has bunched all of the Tstak reviews together since all the varieties share a single product page. At this time, there are nearly 9200 reviews and a 4.7 out of 5 rating.
I still use a couple of Tstak tool boxes, and so far they’ve been holding up well.
The Tstak II, shown above, has folding handles on the front and top. Inside, there’s nothing special – no bins, no built-in organizer compartments, no tray. Just the way I like tool boxes of this size.
Price: $20 before coupon
You can view all the other options through this same link. It appears that they are all 10% off at the moment.
MoogleMan3
I have a couple of those tstack IIs in dewalt and craftsman colors. I like them; like you said, smaller, but still plenty durable. Some kaizen foam makes those great tool “docks”.
Tom D
The multiple colors available is nice – being able to say “the yellow box” is easier than “the black one on the right, no down, yeah that one”.
Kind of surprised Harbor Freight hasn’t made a knockoff in twelve colors yet.
Tom D
Has someone made a compatibility matrix for Dewalt boxes? Or across SBDs lines?
Corey Moore
Toughsystem of DeWalt/Mac/Facom works with toughsystem 2.0 which is only DeWalt right now. Tstak, Craftsman versastak, and whatever Stanley calls em, are all also the same thing. I might be missing one, but that’s about it.
Vards Uzvards
DeWalt TSTAK
Craftsman Versastack
Stanley FatMax Pro-STACK
Tom D
So the tough systems work and the *stake work but you can’t cross the streams between them.
Stuart
There’s ToughSystem and Tstak. ToughSystem is the same name across Stanley Black & Decker brands, and as Corey mentioned there are various names for the different brands’ Tstak varieties and they should all be cross-compatible.
There are various other connectable organizers, but none of them work outside their ecosystems.
That is, the Pro organizers only connect to the Pro organizers, and ToughCase organizers are so all over the place regarding sizing and availability that I lost interest and track of all of that a while ago.
There are so many names, e.g. SortMaster Junior.
Steve
If you get one of the really big Dewalt ToughCase or Craftsman equivalent sets it connects to Tstak and Versastak. That’s the bridge because you can connect the small and medium cases from there.
It’s shown in images 9 and 10 here:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-85-Piece-Steel-Shank-Screwdriver-Bit-Set/1001089592
Tom D
This turns it into some kind of logic puzzle – X will connect to Y but not to Z, but Z can connect to Y but not X. Sheesh.
Steve
It’s not that bad, you simply need the full width case to connect to Tstak & Versastak. All the small cases can connect to that. It’s like a base for them. The smaller cases are just to small by themselves to connect to Tstak & Versastsk. The nice thing is they can connect if you want to, you just need the larger bit case, I don’t fault SBD for offering that, it’s just one more option, you can take it or leave it. I don’t know of any other brand that can connect their main line of bit cases that most of their bits are sold in together, let alone to several of their tower stack case systems. SBD is doing it and it is compatible across not one but two of their brands, Dewalt and Craftsman and there even might be some compatibility with some of the Irwin cases too. It’s neat and totally up to you if you want to use it or not.
Skye A Cohen
I still have a lot of these. I upgraded to a few tough system and mostly milwaukee packout both of which I much prefer.. however these Tstak boxes are cheap, durable and have handles on the top for even the smaller boxes which I really like.
I don’t like a lot of things about them in comparison to the nicer systems but they are nice for what they are and it’s awesome that they cost so little.
Roger
There’s TSTAK2.0 but it isn’t available in NAmerican region in yellow. These sale prices are decent. Mostly better on the double drawer and flat top box.
IMPORTANT: There NEEDs to be an adapter plate to link mount TSTAK to ToughSysytem. I don’t mind if it has the older style clips (ver1.5) that fold. They made a vacplate. They can make this.
There’s too many versions of storage from SBD and the 3 main ones don’t inter connect. It’s all over the place. You have mainly ToughSystem promoted, but issue a Tstak vac, Tstak compatible bit cases, and Tstak clip board. All ToughSys has extra are the powerstation and quad charger. Either of which MUST be the top component. I’ll give the rack systems a handfull of claps, but not everything has to be IP65+ rated. How about a box with sheet corrugated metal drawer bases instead of the droopy plastics? That reminds me of the fabled 2/3 plastic drawer units that apparently weren’t any more improved over the original.
Cooler you say? (Zzzzzzzzzz). How about a powerstation for the Tstak? Maybe it can run 1000W (1200Wpeak)
They had years to develop, and just within these last two weeks, alone, they’re being OBLITERATED by Red-aukee. I love both the TSTAK and ToughSystem, but there’s so much that can be done. A simple start is a Tstak-ToughSys adapter plate.
Tom D
The only thing the toughsystems have going for them is the arm carts (and wall mount) where you can easily get something from the middle of the “stack”.
But I’m loving the Packout stuff right now even if I actually rarely stack them.
Stuart
Tstak 2.0?
Oh my.
Maybe they’re going after the EU Systainer market with Tstak, and focusing on ToughSystem here for us Americans that apparently like things bigger, better, and more expensive?
Some EU Dewalt Tstak products are coming here to Craftsman Versastack, such as a new tool bag. It came out last year and when I asked about it I was told there are no plans to bring it out here. We did get it now, a year later.
But with Craftsman now promoting Versastack, I don’t think we’ll see new Dewalt Tstak models here.
Stanley Black & Decker is VERY sensitive about cross-branding tools between Dewalt and their consumer brands.
I was working on a PopMech articles a few years ago, and Dewalt marketing couldn’t explain to me why the sides of the tool box appeared to have slots. I came across a Stanley version of the tool box at a Black & Decker outlet store and it had removable bins. I conveyed my findings to my SBD marketing contact, and they were highly concerned that I might discuss the Stanley box in the context of the Dewalt tool box in the article. I assured them this wasn’t my plan, and that I was only sharing what I learned about it. That Stanley box wasn’t available anywhere outside the outlet store that I could even find, and so I couldn’t even post about it here.
Long story short, SBD can’t/won’t push Tstak and Versastack at the same time, or at least I highly doubt it. They might co-exist, but I really don’t think they’re going to actively promote both lines.
If we get new products, it will likely be via Craftsman Versastack.
When’s the next time any new Dewalt Tstak-branded products came out here? I guess the cooler last year? https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-tstak-rolling-cooler/
Aaron
a lot of the tstack 2.0 improvements were trialed in the versastack line when it came out. ip54 and updated side latches with metal pins at least.
My favorite tstack box is the deep drawer unit, and for some reason they haven’t taken that to the versastack line. You really need to mix and match in order to get a decent setup. looks like a mcdonalds.
alex
The clipboard was probably the last new product released.
JoeM
I don’t know what TSTAK boxes I need, to be honest. I’ve tried cataloging and measuring what tools I have, and I just end up with headaches. I think I need to befriend a major retailer manager, that will allow me to cart in my DeWALT tools in their current packages, then let me fit them to the TSTAKS and Foam Inserts I need, then go direct to the cash register with what I need.
And before anyone says it… no… ToughSystem is too big for me. I have a small apartment. I need smaller boxes, just more boxes. Plus a cart system or three to hold it all and move it around. That’d make me happy.
I think I might even easily go into the thousands on these boxes. I’m not cool with that, but… Honestly it seems like the best solution for me.
Tom D
You can to the slightly cheesy version and take all your tools to outside Home Depot – but one of everything – test fit them outside and return/buy more.
Mike (the other one)
As someone who is more of a tool bag guy, I find all these systems a bit confusing, and I don’t even know which system I would want to commit to.
All SBD stackable tool boxes should be compatible, and they should offer adapters to work with other brands, which I think would be mutually beneficial. It might encourage customers to try out products that they would normally shy away from because they wouldn’t be compatible with their existing tools. I guess that could go both ways, but it might also encourage development of better products.
BTW, what’s up with SBD MIUSA Craftsman tools? They had a “chroming soon” announcement several months ago, and we haven’t heard anything since. I guess it won’t be *very* soon, because it looks like they are gonna miss the holiday season this year. Maybe Covid has put them behind track?
Tom D
Honestly the best stacking (for me) is with the organizers, so you can keep them together. I don’t move my stack around much and they usually are laying around the garage (so I can get into them).
Kids sure are having fun with the Packout crate and dolly, though. Cheaper than some of their toys and way more durable.
JoeM
Yes. I think, personal opinion here, that the way Covid is being dealt with in North America is making the entire production process slow for SBD. There’s a Canadian headquarters… I think it’s 3 towns WEST of me? There have been all sorts of news reports about the facility itself being active, but empty, due to uncertainty about whether or not executives from across the border could hold their meetings in the executive offices contained in the same building as the service center and assembly bays. Also some question as to how to rearrange things to keep social distancing there.
If that is happening here in Canada? I can only imagine the horror show for the offices and assembly plants in the USA, trying to get things done AT ALL. The Covid numbers are ASTRONOMICAL in the US compared to Canada, and if the Canadian HQ is unsure of how to operate due to Covid? It sends chills down my spine to think what the US plants and offices are having to deal with.
Covid has made a HUGE dent in all our lives as a whole. If it’s not Covid, it’s Political. if it’s not Political, it’s just plain old uncertainty about things in 2020. Not to make TOO light of it… but both nations had to deal with MURDER HORNETS… Alex Trebek Died! …Tool companies or not, we’re all still Human, right? There’s gotta be some shock and recovery period we’re all feeling because of this year. SBD HAS to feel it.
Mike (the other one)
As an American, I too am horrified by our numbers. Sadly, a lot of people still think its some kind of conspiracy and not real, thanks to false information/propaganda. It’s just making things worse.
But we are dealing with it, and we are having to make tough decisions. It’s been a struggle for a lot of businesses. But I hope this will all be over in a few months if the vaccines are successful.
Stuart
Covid almost definitely delayed things.
Unfortunately I don’t have any new information or updates.
Mopar4wd
I have wondered this too. I have tool bags and boxes but I could see it being more compact to have a system like this. The pricing on these is fairly appealing. I may need to take some measurements and see how they would fit with my existing shelving carts etc.
Thom
I have the Craftsman version sitting on the Dewalt hand truck style wheeled base and am very happy with it!
David Zevchak
Hi Stuart,
Do you have any write-ups on these tool storage systems? If I remember correctly you (or one of your other posters) was sold on the Bosch lboxx system which I bought into. However, I am interesting in comparisons to Bosch lboxx vs Dewalt (both tstak and tough) vs Milwaukee packout. I could use some additional storage and wondering if the others would be worth looking into.
Stuart
It has been a while. https://toolguyd.com/best-modular-tool-box-system/
I’ll be updating that roundup for 2021.
I still like my Bosch L-boxxes, but a couple have failed on me, mainly the plastic latches.
I have given away most of my purchased Dewalt ToughSystem tool boxes, and Bosch L-Boxxes might be next as I move more of the contents into fixed storage (drawers and such). I have been buying more Milwaukee Packout tool boxes and organizers, and bought more dollies for my Systainer tool boxes and cases.
A big reason why I went with L-Boxx is for their smaller sizes and greater affordability.
Packout is the best choice for me right now. While it can still be a hassle to remove boxes to get to the lowest one on a stack, I can do so in cramped spaces a bit easier, and putting everything back is easier too.
The Milwaukee Packout front-accessible slide-on and slide-off connection system is simply easier and requires less effort, and they’ve been coming out with new expansion products at a highly satisfying rate.
I would say that Packout and ToughSystem could be compared against each other. L-Boxx is more compatible against Tstak and Systainer.
Bosch seemed to have stopped pushing L-Boxx. Tools aren’t bundled in them. Promos are rare. And the user experience has fallen behind others. Placing loaded tool boxes on top of others, trying to align everything, gets old really fast if I am coming from just having moved some Packout tool boxes.
They do have an updated style, and I requested review samples a couple of times, but Bosch USA never followed through, and so I can’t tell you how the new version compares with the older one.
https://toolguyd.com/bosch-l-boxx-tool-boxes-2018/
I don’t even think Bosch USA ever announced the L-Boxx updates here.
Bosch dealers, such as Amazon, also haven’t updated product imagery except for the smallest style, and so it’s unclear as to what one might get when they order.
I don’t regret buying Bosch L-Boxxes. They have some advantages over Tstak tool boxes, such as the self-latching stacking mechanism – when L-Boxxes are properly aligned (this can be difficult for loaded boxes) although not in price.
What I would buy:
tight budget and wanting a smaller box: Tstak
smaller box and spring-action side latches: L-Boxx
smaller box and best user experience: Systainer
maximum strength and durability: Packout
maximum versatility and the most options: Packout
best stacking and latching system: Packout
best organizer options: Packout
larger and tougher tool box on a budget: ToughSystem
tough tool box on a minimal budget: Ridgid Pro
I bought a LOT of Bosch L-Boxxes, and it worked for me at the time and a couple of years since. Now I’m buying Packout because it suits my needs better.
There are still reasons one might want to buy Bosch L-Boxxes, but more reasons to buy into the growing number of competing systems.
I can try to answer any specific questions you might have. I don’t think I have any Tstak boxes on-hand (I gave most of those away too), or Ridgid Pro boxes, but I still have the other systems. I expect to have ToughSystem, Packout, L-Boxx, and Systainers for the foreseeable future.
HTG
I like this summary a lot, Stuart.
I have a big mixture – I have 4 L-boxxes, about half a dozen Systainers, 2 ToughSystems, 7 Packouts a load of random cheap boxes, and dozens of Tstaks. I like the Tstaks because they are cheap, robust, and have a high interior:exterior volume ration. Packout is the worst on this score, and space on my shelves is limited, so this matters a lot to me. ToughSystem has also disappointed me. I only have two, and they are both broken. They are the only boxes I have ever bought that managed to get broken in the post to me! This has not encouraged me to invest further.
The thing that I struggle with most is the fascination with stacking. When I lug a pile of boxes somewhere to do a job other than in my garage, I want to stack them. I get that. For job-site portability, stacking is a big deal.
But for storage, I definitely don’t want the boxes stacked. I want them on their ends like books, so they use the minimum shelf width, and so I can grab any one box without having to shift a load of others. Tstak scores for me here over Packout in that you can easily choose not to stack them (which is lucky, because the stacking features stink!). None of these systems seems to be designed for stacking upright like a briefcase rather than piling up flat. I have a couple of Tstaks with drawers, and they are great, and they do stack flat as a matter of course, but the rest are nearly all upright. The pick-and-pluck inserts for Tstak are cheap, effective, and enable this on-end storage too.
So this seems to put me in a minority of Tstak lovers, preferring them over and above all the more-expensive competition!
Stuart
There are so many little factors to consider. That’s a big part of why I’ve been putting off an update to the modular tool box guide.
But now, with many more options and growing popularity, it’s definitely on my list.
The Tstak above has a top handle, and so if you don’t have a foam insert, you can still move the box around without your tools knocking together.
Packout doesn’t have that on the smallest box. Because of how it’s designed, Packout can only have side handles or front handles, or a long top handle as with the large tool box.
There’s no “best system” for everyone.
I loved Packout from the start, but the pricing was cost-prohibitive. I thought it would achieve niche popularity, but I’m seeing them everywhere. Milwaukee has succeeded in making modular tool box systems popular here. It’s keeping Dewalt on their toes, and potentially pressing other brands such as Bosch, Sortimo, and Festool/Tanos to answer the challenge to their market dominance.
HTG
I agree, again! The place where I like Packout most is in the sorter boxes. They are great in and of themselves, and stacking works great for sorter boxes. I always want to take the sorter of wall plugs with a sorter full of screws, for example. Again, I use smaller, cheaper, more space-efficient sorters for most things, for the Packouts are brilliant. And they stand up on end with all the rest, yet nothing moves from its bin. Great.
And you are right about the top handle, too. I have two boxes that I use for my “go-to” tools. One is a two-drawer type, and the other, the one at the top here. I carry them both by the top handle. It would be a worse box without this, I agree.
Dan M
Thanks for the heads up – I added two more Tstak boxes (same as pictured) to my collection, making a total of 6. My “jobsite” is my garage for the most part, so stacking and rolling isn’t a priority for me, but efficient storage is. As mentioned above, they have a high internal volume to size ratio. I can fit a couple of tools in each (e.g., a sander and oscillating tool or two finish nailers). They are more than sturdy enough for garage storage and having a consistent sizing makes them good for shelf storage, rather than the various sizes of custom tool boxes.