Home Depot is launching a new Husky Build-Out tool box system that they say brings the best pound for pound value to the construction industry.
Husky Build-Out is said to set new standards and revolutionize the way we perceive tool storage and transportability.
Several modular tool boxes are available now, with Husky saying that the comprehensive and interconnected tool storage solution will expand quickly over the next year.
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Husky Build-Out tool boxes are built with impact-resistant polymers, and are designed to fearlessly withstand the harshest conditions.
Husky says that the Build-Out system features innovations that elevate tool storage and transport to new heights, with durability, mobility, and seamless integration capabilities to transform the way you work, inspiring productivity and success.
Now that we’ve gotten some of the motivation and marketing claims, let’s look at what you get.
Husky Build-Out Features
The Husky Build-Out tool boxes feature an integrated accessory rail system. This allows users to attach or remove different types of tools, accessories, and supplies, without having to open anything up.
A dual locking and release mechanism enables quick stacking and removal of each tool box.
Each tool box also features rugged latches and metal hinge pins, plus a built-in pass-through security feature that lets you lock everything down with individual padlocks or a single cable lock.
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It’s not quite clear to me how the tool boxes stack together, but Home Depot’s video demonstration makes the latches appear to be quick and self-toggling.
There looks to be plenty of hand clearance for box removal.
Each tool box has an accessory rail around its perimeter, except for the organizer, because of its short depth.
Product images show hooks being attached to this rail.
It can an also fit tool hooks and compatible bins.
The boxes also have an IP65-rated weather seal, to keep your gear dry from dust and the elements.
Husky Build-Out Rolling Tool Box
The rolling tool box features a 150 lb load capacity (with a total system capacity of 300 lbs), removable telescoping handle, 8-inch wheels, and
The removable handle means the rolling tool box can be stored or transported in smaller spaces, such as in a pickup truck bed under a tonneau cover.
The tool box has space for up to two removable organizer inserts (not included), and looks to have potential for additional future accessory integrations.
As with the other tool boxes, you can attach tool hooks around the built-in accessory rail.
Husky Build-Out Large Tool Box
The large Build-Out tool box has a 100 lb load capacity and extra-wide handle.
Inside, there’s a removable tote bin, and storage slots for the clear organizer case (not included).
Here’s a close-up of how hooks attach to the accessory rail.
Husky Build-Out Small Tool Box
The small Build-Out tool case has a briefcase-style handle and 50 lb load capacity.
It can also fit the clear organizer accessory.
Husky Build-Out Organizer
The organizer features a clear lid and can also hold up to 50 lbs of tools and parts.
Each of the 11 removable bins are compatible with the side accessory rail.
Husky Build-Out Open Crate
The crate features a 100 lb capacity and large 12″ deep compartment for storing bulky tools or supplies.
Husky Build-Out Organizer Insert
This 9-compartment bin is watertight and can fit into the Husky Build-Out tool boxes.
Husky Build-Out Pricing and Availability
Small Tool Box – $29.98
Large Tool Box – $44.98
Rolling Tool Box – $79.98
Tool Crate – $34.97
Organizer – $32.97
Clear Organizer Insert – $9.98
The Husky Build-Out system is available exclusively at Home Depot.
Is Husky Build-Out Compatible with Husky Connect?
No.
JMJR
Why does Home Depot need a unique storage option for each of it’s house brands (Ridgid, Ryobi and Husky).
Aren’t there already enough options with Milwaukee Packout, Dewalt ToughSystem and T-Stak/Craftsman Versastack, Festool Systainer, Bosch L-Boxx, Makita Makpac, Klein Modbox etc. It’s nice to have options, and my OCD appreciates colour matching tools to storage, but stores are going to be devoting a lot of shelf space to empty boxes.
William Adams
Moreover, Husky already had (has?) their “Rolling Connect” — wish that some of these features were compatible with it.
Tony
I’m sure that they will phase out the Connect. This box is the times better.
Dan
Bought it and yes way, way better than the Connect Sysytem. Now HD needs to make more options / accessories
Andrew Suggs
Well, Husky is owned by Home Depot and the other are not. Emerson Electric owns Rigid however I believe TTI produces the Pro Gear System under license. Also, the Ryobi sold at Home Depot is owned by TTI (this is the same company as Milwaukee, and Hart tools as well).
Really its TTI that makes to many storage options.
Stuart
TTI is not affiliated with the Ridgid Pro Gear System, it’s produced for Home Depot by Keter, presumably with approval or arrangement with Emerson.
TTI also doesn’t make (most?) Milwaukee Packout products themselves; it’s believed that the bulk of Packout tool boxes are made by Keter in Israel.
In any case, William is asking why there’s a new Husky Build-Out system when Husky already had the Connect system. Ridgid, Milwaukee, and Ryobi products have nothing to do with this.
Stuart
Different price points?
Joe H
Much different quality too, I would be the Husky Connect wont last the year.
Joe H
bet*
Jeff Harkins
Compare the husky prices against the Milwaukee and Klein and maybe you’ll appreciate them a little more
Tony
This perfect for a controls tech. It is the best option for me. Both Dewalt and Milwaukee are too heavy for me. The Walmart Hart is too small and light duty.
Roy
I am looking at all the pack out boxes rolling, my rolling husky bag is Wearing the pockets out and stuff is falling out of it. So i’m looking for a new toolbox but just not sure which 1 to get
Eric
Had the same problem, my husky bag did last me a long time, I went with the packout and it has served me well so far. Only problem I had was after a few years the wheels wore out, but I swapped them out and it’s still rolling strong.
My only complaint is it is a little big, but that can be good and bad, so check one out for yourself and see how you feel it would suit your needs. I use it 5 days a week, field service tech so I’m in and out of the truck, rolling through parking lots and up and down stairs and quality wise I’m very happy.
My 2 cents. Goodluck!
Hon Cho
I’m kinda surprised as the continuing proliferation of these mobile storage “systems.” That Husky, being a captive Home Depot brand, has a box system now is especially surprising since Ridgid, also a captive Home Depot brand, has an established system as well. These things take a bunch of shelf/floor space to display and stock at retail so stocking a bunch of different systems is resource intensive. A bunch of them seem to be manufactured in Israel, presumably by Keter. I can only guess that the margins on these things are incredibly high.
Steve
I also think margins must be very high because everyone is doing one of these and they appeal to all trades.
Mark M.
Exactly. The margins must be off the charts so even with initial costs they don’t have to sell a ton for it to still be a nice little profit center. Meanwhile, to us it is starting to look like the toothpaste isle and I’m personally not impressed.
Bob
Exactly!
AJ
A toothpaste aisle where the same toothbrush brand bought today, a year from now, won’t work with that brands latest toothbrush organizer.
fred
My understanding is also that the OEM for both the Husky and Ridgid toolboxes is Keter – with HD driving what gets put on the sales floor and/or sold via the Internet. Considering how many vendors/manufacturers are already in the mix are already in the mix with ones (like Klein recently jumping in) I agree with Hon Cho that the profit margins must be very appealing.
Bobcat
Keter makes Dewalt, Craftsman Husky, Milwaukee, Ridgid, Ryobi, Klein, Flex Kobolt and few others talking to a Milwaukee rep he told me there’s not much profit in these tool boxes and with all the aftermarket stuff coming out that’s why you never see these boxes on sale unless you’re lucky like me I got the Dewalt tough system 2 for 120 dollars because she hit scanned the top box 3 times at 40 a piece instead scanning all 3 separately once I paid ran to my pickup and through it in the back and off I went
Stuart
Keter does not make Dewalt or Craftsman storage products.
To my knowledge, and based on sourcing clues, Keter does not make Klein or Flex products, and I don’t believe they make Kobalt either.
fred
Both Home Depot and Lowes usually leave less-than-subtle clues about the OEM for most of their store-brand items. Unlike Harbor Freight and some others, a HD/Lowes product typically has a GTIN (UPC, EAN, JAN etc.) bar code that starts with a string of 6 or 7 numbers – sometimes called the company code.
Products sourced from Keter typically have UPC’s starting with: 731161
Some Kobalt toolboxes have UPC’s starting with 071617 – denoting Flambeau as the OEM
Some older Kobalt steel toolboxes had UPC’s starting with 879686 – suggesting that they were sourced from Shining Golden Yida Welding & Cutting in China.
Some other Kobalt metal toolboxes bore UPC’s starting with 721615 – indicating that they came from Waterloo (an SBD company)
For Dewalt Toolboxes – their UPC prefix seems to be 076174 – suggesting an SBD source. Stanley owns ZAG Industries – a plastic toolbox maker – that might be the source.
Klein toolboxes have UPC’s starting 092644 – which is typical of most Klein items – so it doesn’t provide much in the way of clues as to the OEM in China.
Flex toolbox UPC’s start with 840163 – also used on other Chervon products – so if an outside OEM is the source the UPC doesn’t provide a clue.
cafo
Dewalt ToughSystem 2.0 boxes, at least the 3 main boxes are made in Israel, So either Keter is making them or for some reason Israel has multiple plastic toolbox manufacturers.
Stuart
@cafo
Just because a plastic tool box is made in Israel, that doesn’t mean it’s made by Keter. And some of the brands Bobcat listed are not made in Israel.
Israel has multiple plastic tool box manufacturers. Stanley Black & Decker owns one of them – ZAG.
fred
Stanley-Zag has a facility in Israel that makes toolboxes.
Hon Cho
While Keter may not make them all, many are made in Israel and, for a fairly small country, they seem to have a lot of plastic box manufacturing. Keter seems to be the biggest of the bunch, at least in the tool sector. Perhaps more than a few Israelis took the message from the film, “The Graduate,” to heart and sought their fortune in “Plastics.”
(Sorry for the old film reference!)
Tony
I bought this system. It is fantastic for my job. I returned all the other brands.
Dan
I bought it too. Blows away the old Husky Connect system!
Tony
These boxes are incredibly useful for the building trades and various other technicians.
Steve
I saw this in store, way better than the Ryobi system for the money, I think it even beats it straight up. I still don’t understand how they are able to find people to pay actual US currency for Ryobi Link.
ball_bearing
Lego enthusiast?
TomD
Lego should straight up release a modular toolbox in associated colors; they’re used to to selling overpriced ABS.
William Adams
I bought:
Storage Brick Multi-Pack – 4 Pieces
https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/storage-brick-multi-pack-4-pieces-5006866
and have:
8-Stud Storage Brick
https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/8-stud-storage-brick-black-5006912
in my shopping cart, so I shudder to think what something rated for the weight of tools would cost.
We actually ran a Lego themed contest at the company I work:
https://community.carbide3d.com/t/community-challenge-16-lego-style-closed/28227
and one of the entries was for a “Lego Wall Tool Holder”:
https://cutrocket.com/p/5ff3868cc6567/
I’ve actually tried using Lego bricks (well, knock-offs — wouldn’t want to risk “real” bricks near sharp tools) for prototyping tool storage layouts and my first attempt worked well enough I’m still using the bricks — but not so well that I’ve gone beyond that first attempt.
mark
Lollll you get it. That’s totally what’s happening here. Nice to see husky pushing prices lower imo. And they’ve sorta done the same with soft tool bags, so maybe these will start to capture Milwaukee pack out market share idk
Tony
It is too big and heavy for what it is.
Bonnie
I think you missed a word in this line:
“Home Depot’s video demonstration makes the latches **appear** to be quick and self-toggling.”
Stuart
Thanks – *fixed*!
Ed
I went hands-on with these at my local store. They are very impressive, especially for the cost. They feel rock solid and the color scheme is easy to look at. They are easily connected and taken apart–I can confirm that. The one concern I had was the watertight interior box–it takes undoing four clasps to get in and I didn’t like that. Now that I see they will offer a more traditional organizer box with the standard two clasps that concern goes away.
For a DIY like myself, the cost and performance are a happy medium. I really like the FLEX box and of course the Pack-Out, but can’t yet justify the cost for what I do.
Jared
Putting aside whether we needed a new toolbox system, it looks good and has some clever design features.
I’m not sure it “sets new standards” and “revolutionizes my perception of tool storage and transportability”. I know that’s just marketing, but claims like that can’t help but raise my eyebrows. It’s so wildly over-the-top that it’s disappointing when I consider the actual product.
Don’t get me wrong, the system appears well-designed. I’m just not sure there’s anything unprecedented about it.
Bob
Great comments.
mark
Personally I’m just glad my toolbox can be “fearless” now haha. They got a little heavy with the marketing on this one eh?
Tony
It has a really good latching system to connect the boxes together. The handle pops right off. It There is nothing bad I can say about it.
Dan
You’re right what they should be marketing is the price, so far it is on par with the Packout pieces for almost half the cost
Derek
For me it’s more a concern about what will still be around in 5-10 years. I ended up with the Dewalt Toughsystem 2.0 because it was way too good of a deal to pass up.
Bonnie
Yep. I have a stack of 1st-gen Husky Connect that isn’t compatible with anything else. No reason to get excited about any of these sorter lines.
Ken
Wheeled bases with drawers please. That is all I need. Thank you.
Daniel V
I think rigid is supposed to come out with that in not too long, but I agree.
Tom B
Ridgid has NEVER come out with ANYTHING in “not too long”. They’re worse than DeWalt in bringing things to market in a reasonable time.
I get your point, though. I’m just goofin’….
Eric
Yess!! Don’t want to take everything off to get in the bottom box!
Ezzy
I’ve played with them in my local store already. Latches and separates relatively easily. But Milwaukee Packout is still the fastest and simplest system. Why has no one else made a system like Packout yet that separates with one button from the front?
Adam
The Craftsman Trade Stack does.
Ezzy
Hmm. I’ll have to take a look at them next time I’m in Lowe’s. Now I’m curious how they compare to packout. I have a few packout screw bins attached together sitting sideways on a passenger seat in my work minivan. Faces the door. Don’t use any of the tool bins. To use any other system other than a packout style front release would mean having to pull the whole stack off the seat to release one.
Joe H
My guess would be I.P. on that functionally. Milwaukee is pretty good with patents…look at their power tool battery platform, a lot of royalty money going that way.
Ryan
The goal of HomeDepot is to align with Harbor Freight？
Tony
These boxes are clearly made by the same company as the Harbor Freight boxes.
Evan
I have been comparing all these mobile tool box solutions as I’m looking to donate a stack to my kids high school band to consolidate all the various tool/parts bags into one setup. Was surprised to see these when I was in Home Depot this past Saturday. Did size-by-side comparisons with this new Husky System, DeWalt Tough System 2.0, Rigid Pro Gear 2.0, and Packout.
Things I liked about Husky Build-Out:
– Price
– Sturdy, felt just as sturdy as the other big name systems.
– Box-to-box latch system was easy to use and made for solid connections between boxes (side note: I can’t believe how much the DeWalt latches let the boxes wiggle)
– The handle can be removed from the bottom box (wheels still stay attached).
– Insert box organizers – would be nice if they included one with the 3 stack combo though
Things I didn’t like about Husky Build-Out:
– 2 upright plastic tabs to collapse the handle (exactly like Bauer)- Huge issue if those get snapped off over time. Absolutely silly they didn’t use a button.
– Can’t open the lids of any box stacked on top of the rolling box if the handle is up. This is the case with many other systems but for something just introduced to market, I think they should have designed it so this isn’t an issue.
Jeff
Sounds like u need to find a system w drawers. It might be easier for small parts and the tools to fix the instruments.
William Adams
Thus far only the new Ridgid:
https://toolguyd.com/ridgid-pro-gear-drawers-tool-box-teaser/
(not available yet)
and Systainers address the bottom unit access issue — and it’s why I’ve pretty much decided to get a Tanos MW 1000 Mobile Workstation (and a bunch of the add-on drawer rail units) — as soon as I can drop almost 4 figures on it.
Evan
I wasn’t so much referring to bottom access issue since that’s currently universal. I meant if you have a 2 box stack or a 3 box stack, the top most box lid can’t be opened fully if the handle is up. This is common on many models, but some do not have this issue.
Jason
Hopefully Husky gets it right from the start (listening Milwaukee?) and the rolling toolbox has a feature to remove the handles.
Eric
You can remove the handle but not the wheels
Jason
Yes, but without modification you have to unscrew two screws to take handles off Milwaukee.
The rolling toolbox will not fit under most truck covers w/out removing the handles and I was suggesting that Husky adds in a feature so the handle can be easily removed with quick disconnects.
Telemahn
This is their third system, so yeah, by now they should be getting it sorted.
Franco Calcagni
I haven’t seen them but I am happy they came out with these at what look like really good prices.
Sure, some will be brand loyal and not touch these, others may snub their nose at these because Husky does not have the name recognition (like some said they could not see a serious contractor with Ryobi).
I am happy there are so many choices. The market is a jungle, and survival of the fittest rules. The more choices the more chance of the prices going down. Of course, more selection is always good.
The real winner is….us, the consumer.
Stuart
Husky tool bags have been hugely popular with many types of pro users. Name recognition won’t be a problem.
JC
Near my area, there are not that many in stock at local home depots. I had the husky connect but it appears it’s already at end of life with this coming out. I wish they still made the cantilever toolbox instead of just the cantilver organizer.
I think for a diy’er it’s plenty. Pricing out all the options is still pretty affordable. I really was comparing this to rigid 2.0. Rigid has more included organizers, detachable wheels with the handle, and a top handle for the bottom toolboxes.
I found the latching system much easier with the new husky build out.
If they come through with their promises of expanding the collection with maybe a 2 drawer stack, it would check a lot of boxes:
crate, small parts organizer, small tool box, medium toolbox, large rolling toolbox
I think the packout prices put it in a higher segment, although I saw there were holiday deals to get the packout 3 piece system for $100 which brings it to $209.
Doyle0
Also available in Australia at TKD under redline.
Chip
Having used Husky and Ridgid ,then using Tanos/Packout is hammer vs nailgun.
When using an older system, after you’re accustomed to front controls on a mitersaw…. it’s awkward ,annoying, frustrating,and leaves you dirty from leaning over things.
Single front latch,drawers/cabinet with front openings….are something I can no longer live without
We all enjoy function,and when it isn’t available..it gets frustrating.
Nathan
I’m starting to think of these things like Crocs. Everyplace appears to sell Crocs. At different prices. But they are all 10 times what they should be. And then there are knockoff Crocs. Also too expensive
Reality all of them come from the same company in China and are with about 1.80 injection molded and shipping included
I be look at a lot of them but I can’t hardly justify the costs. 8 like the systems that have a wall mount but I can build a shelf too usually for less.
I don’t I like some of the organizer options but. Cost might make husky the winner
Nathan
Stupid phone keyboard. Need an edit button
Stuart
Editing cannot happen without risking site security or comprising reader anonymity. Just reply to your comment with the correction and 9 times out of 10 I’ll catch it quickly and can make the edits how and where you intend it.
Frank D
Our HD doesn’t even have room to stock Milwaukee, Ridgid and Ryobi … now we get another one?
Looks good in black, but? I think the latches locking units together will be the weak point.
processwrench
For home use I have the Husky Connect system, mainly based on price and it has cantilever style tool boxes. For me its held up well, lets me be mobile when i need to and still be useful sitting in the shop. I actually have a couple of the Keter boxes the pre-date the Husky Connect system and have had no issues. I like the cantilever style boxes because once its open you can see everything in the box and get at it easily. Now when you buy a power tool it generally doesn’t come with useful box of its own, so the connect allows me to store the tool in the base and all the accessories on the top. Or in the case of plumbing tools, PEX crimper and torches in the bottom, a bunch of various fittings on the top. Plus the top opens on its own if i don’t need in the bottom.
I get that a tradesman wouldn’t use Connect, but I also don’t see them using Build Out, Ryobi Link or Harbor Freights line either. So I hope that they don’t drop Connect because it actually did something different than the other offerings.
William Adams
I bought a fair number of Husky Rolling Connect pieces, but somehow didn’t get any of the cantilever options — for some reason they don’t appeal to me, seem fussy and precarious.
I just wish that they would get some meaningful add-ons beyond the drawers which were added a while back — a base unit which used the drawers or had some similar accessible storage would be tempting, but I’m probably going to switch to Tanos/Systainers.
Rob L.
It feels like HD is cutting things awful fine here – but it looks to be a usable system. I wonder if these lower price options are in part going to be used to keep from having to mark down Packout for sales weekends, letting the Rigid and Husky lines be the sale items while Packout and Toughsystem – although, does HD even try to sell Toughsystem anymore? – stay as the premium upsell options. I really prefer the Packout line – in part, it’s easier to find stuff in a red box vs a black one – and after several years as camping gear, my stuff has survived. But the Rigid and Husky lineups look really useful for a lot of purposes, i may not have started w/ PO had they been around in force initially.
Joey H
I wonder if connect will be phased out with this. I really like the two tiered connect small parts organizer for connect but I hate the rest of the system. I’ll probably go with DeWalt or Ridgid next.
Dan
It should be phased out, Build Out is way more of a “Pro quality” than it was.
Michael F
Interesting addition to the modular toolbox system options, but it doesn’t solve the main reason I’m leaving Packout and moving into Systainers instead. I’m a DIYer, not a tradesman, but all of these systems (Milwaukee, Husky, Ryobi, Klein, Dewalt, Flex) have boxes that are actually too large for my needs. Boxes larger than I need actually incentivize disorganization because I end up throwing a variety of tools in them instead of using them purposefully to organize my tools. Just my observation after using Packout for around 4 years and if I was a pro plumber or electrician I’d probably have a different perspective.
Dave
These have a nice slide rail to make a cabinet with dado cutouts, but they’re too pricey for me.
Bryan
I’ve always liked Husky products. I sold my Packout a few years ago during a move. I’ll probably pick these up as it’s half the cost but from YR videos I’ve seen they look almost on par with the Packout in a lot of areas. Plus it will just be used as storage in my garage.