I came across this General Tools CS1 wall-mounted cordless power tool charging station, and it’s something I’ve been meaning to talk about. I kept back-burnering the idea, but a couple of people have sent me tips about it, and so I suppose it’s time for the post.
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This is exactly what it sounds and looks like – a wall-mounted open-style cabinet specially designed and made to organize your cordless power tools, chargers, and other workshop gear and accessories.
If the design looks familiar, that’s because Lowe’s came out with a Kobalt version back in 2017.
Since then, there have been a couple of requests and emails about where customers could find the exact design.
It features slots for up top 4 tools with a drill/driver form factor, a top shelf with integrated power strip, and 2 adjustable shelves on the right side. The ends are perforated to create pegboard panels, for holding other odds and ends with hooks and pegs.
But here’s the thing – it’s priced at $220 via Amazon.
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General Tools started advertising their Black Friday 2020 sale pricing, which takes the price down to $198.
The Lowe’s and Kobalt price was $99.
At $99, this wall cabinet can be found on the line between “I can make something myself!” and “but I really want something made of metal and don’t have the necessary equipment or skill.”
At double the price, it’s a hard sell.
If you don’t want to go the DIY route, there are many pre-made options at Etsy, Amazon, and elsewhere, made from wood and metal.
If you’re really keen on the design, maybe $149 would be justifiable? I just don’t see it being justifiable at $200, let alone $220.
But, to each their own. Personally, I really like commercially-available solutions, as I often lack the time and interest to fabricate everything I need. I prefer to spend my time and effort on endeavors where my preferences or interests require a more customized and handcrafted approach.
In other words, I would normally defend the idea of buying something like this from the store for those that don’t want to craft their own solution.
But for $200, I would say that there are other close-enough alternatives out there, made from wood or metal, and you could certainly make something out of plywood or maybe even solid wood for considerably less as well.
Tim E.
If you aren’t set on that exact design, there’s also the new-to-USA Ryobi wall-mounted cabinets, they don’t have power built in but have a provision for it, smaller pegboard sides, and different design, but they’re a good deal cheaper. Even add on a nice USB charging APC power strip or similar and they’re under $100.
Open front version:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-17-in-W-x-11-1-in-H-x-18-8-in-D-21-Gauge-Steel-Wall-Mounted-Hanging-Cabinet-in-Gray-1-Piece-STH402/313895950
Sliding door version:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-17-in-W-x-11-1-in-H-x-18-8-in-D-21-Gauge-Steel-Wall-Mounted-Hanging-Cabinet-in-Gray-with-Door-1-Piece-STH401/313895960
Jared
Those are nice. I would have bought that if I saw it. I DIY’d a cabinet from plywood a couple years ago.
Stuart
I don’t remember if I saw the open front version, but I do have a post about the doored version drafted for if/when it goes back in stock.
There seems to be an identical or near identical version on Amazon for the same price: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZKZL49Z/?tag=toolguyd-20
Tim E.
Hmm yes… The doored version showed $79 at home depot for me, so a bit cheaper than the one on amazon, but that could be locale too. The open front one shows $69 for me for comparison.
Scott K
Thanks for sharing this- I actually think this looks more refined than the others.
Johann
That open front Ryobi for $69 is going to do the trick! Thanks!
Fusionman
If only the locking tool cabinet door dropped down in front of the hanging tools to lock them too. Missed the mark just a little.
Eugenio
I remember learning abou the Kobalt ones shortly after they discontinued them. I really wanted a pair, but there is no way in hell that I’d pay $200 for each.
skfarmer
i would buy 2 of either ryobi version, install a power strip and still have money left over.
they actually would work better as the tool hangs out the bottom rather than in the cabinet. ginders, recip saws and other tools more than likely wouldn’t fit in the enclosed ones.
half thinking of getting one, painting it to match and using it as a side cabinet
Steve
I wanted the $99 Kobalt one then they discontinued it before I got around to buying it. It turned out to be better as this served as my starting point when I built my own. I made a larger one out of wood, 3’x3′, that holds all the tools I have which is more than this will hold. It worked out better for me in the long run. I completely agree on this deal though. $100? Totally justifiable for those that want it made of metal and/or ready to go. $200? Forget about it.
Tim D.
Built my own. No chance I’d pay more than $99 for that.
JoeM
I swear, there needs to be a nondenominational “Amen” button to be used on posts. “Hell Yeah!” “Totally!” You get what I mean.
“I Agree” doesn’t have the emotional impact I wish to convey.
JoeM
No judgement for those who want one… but… No… Just no… If I’m going workshop equipment storage, it’s not going to cost that much… I can build it just fine using, funny enough, the tools meant to hang in/on the thing.
But, thank you for reminding me. I was going to see how the local independently-owned lumber yard is doing in these tough times. See what kind of material I can get from them, so I can do some work of my own.
I bet I can make something better suited to my own needs for like… $20 or so… A REALLY extensive, REALLY powerful and detailed one, for closer to $50. I could build a better featured Power Strip into it for $120 for the parts to put into the strip… I’m not about to waste that kind of money on the CABINET.
Covid and the unfortunate political state of the Canada/US border make it difficult to plan stuff out right now. (That being the entire extent of politics entering this comment, simply the location of the problem.) If I can’t get it locally, or nationally, I might as well kiss the project goodbye, because the situation delays for getting supplies adds months, potentially a full YEAR to get anything. Doesn’t matter if it’s a box of screws, or a slab of oak the size of a small TV these days. These are rough times for makers. I would STILL rather make it than buy it for an item like this.
It’s a great idea, and design… but by the time you get up to the justification for who NEEDS one? The same people could make one of their own. With the exception of them “Just not feeling like building themselves one” for whatever reason, I don’t think this is worth it at such high prices.
Jim Felt
JoeM.
If you’re on the Canadian side of the border I’d say that’s just dandy right now. On the other hand down in the US of A I’ve seen nearly no shortage of any Toolguyd kind of materials or products. And deliveries are as fast as ever. Except right now once again and of course bulk TP at Costco et al.
Stay safe. Eh?
JoeM
Yeah, I’m not so worried about Tools. Those are moving with the same speed as usual. Sorry… I was talking… Ugh… I can’t say this kind of thing without it becoming a political post… (I’m sorry Stuart, this is ONLY a list of items, not a political statement.)
…Materials normally traded before the re-negotiation and embargoes happened… They were usually made of various woods from either side of the border, the BIG issues like Steel and Aluminum, and I’ve found that places like Home Depot, and even the independent Hardware stores, had trouble getting certain kinds of fasteners in stock on a regular basis, once those negotiations resulted in embargoes and heavier tariffs. Steel woodscrews went up in price if they were made in the USA, budgets got tighter because of it…
I’m sorry, Jim… I didn’t mean any insult or misunderstanding about that. I was just trying to avoid the words “Trade” “Embargo” and “Tariff” as much as possible. I genuinely didn’t want to make this about politics, because the issues up North here are more about the slow down and backlog due to the couriers and duties/tariffs increasing in price.
I could, theoretically, order myself a new drill or saw right now. But, if the LOCAL lumber supplier doesn’t have what I need? Project dead. Because Home Depot and Lowes are relatively limited in what they can get, outside of Canadian stock. And frankly… With Covid, the safety precautions have made hobby woodworking really, REALLY difficult to do. Especially in urban/apartment living.
But as I say to every delivery person out there now… “Take care and be safe out there!” That extends to you, too Jim! Be SAFE!
MoogleMan3
This is a very hard pass. There’s tons of these on amazon, in multiple variants and sizes, and at much cheaper prices.
Not to mention building your own, customized to your own tools and needs.
Jonathon
A place called speed fabrication I found originally on esty but have there own site make a similar product. Kind of a double shelf with bottom being slotted for tools and top for chargers. Prices from 75 for a 3 slot holder and 95 for 6 slot
Andrew
I see as orher(s) have mentioned Ryobi has 2 similar versions of this. Unsure of the quality, but looks like something I might be interested in while I finish setting up my tool wall in my garage.
Storage Cabinet Shelving
https://www.homedepot.com/p/313895950
Wall Mounted Storage Cabinet
https://www.homedepot.com/p/313895960
Frank D
Saw the Kobalt on the late side and didn’t buy it, because it seemed expensive and would just be a one of kind thing on the wall. I am not a fan of the black finish. It would be a black hole in a white garage, with white cars and grey cabinets.
The only way this cabinet could be justified is with proper finish, matching a higher end series of garage cabinets, etc.
Nathan
while I like the idea there is no way I’d buy that or recommend it to anyone. Biggest issue other than cost – it’s a great entry level DIY project for a person to make and get familiar with using some of those tools.
Double bang for the buck there. I’ve made 3 over time. All from Ply and 2 where all scrap ply from other projects.
Meanwhile though it has some decent ideas. That Ryobi device is more reasonable. My biggest thing – having DIY’d one. Is that for my tools I liked a thicker beveled slot that I did custom fit to my tool. IE slot width fits right with the curve of the motor housing. And with the bevel the tool rests on more surface with less stress against the housing.
Now in a tool van I’d probably get the ryobi device. I could see benefit to having a metal box for say a tool van or something.
still interesting.
Erik
I did buy this when General released them at a pretty good introductory price (I think around $130ish?).
At the current price, I’d say it’s not worth it.
Did find this, A wooden option I found on Amazon I felt worth sharing.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0863K6SB2/
Derek
I like that Oak one, and for 66 bucks, The oak alone would cost me more then that.
Jon
I looked at the Kobalt version in store. It did not impress me.
I’d rather build it, adapt something left out for free, or use leftovers.
Still, I’ll just stick with cabinets with drawers. Everything stays cleaner that way.
Joatman
Love it….but I think I’ll build one. Thanks for the design!
Brian Aeschlimann
It is identical to the Kobalt one, Kobalt dropped it and someone else got the manufacturer to make them again. $200 is outrageous, thats as much as I paid for all 3 of my Kobalt ones combined.