The new Klein ModBox tool storage system is launching soon, with a couple of tool boxes, tool bags, and accessories.
Read More: Klein Modular Tool Boxes are Coming to Lowe’s
Klein provided a teaser as to what they will launch following the initial wave of ModBox tool boxes and accessories:
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Among the noteworthy introductions slated for release in 2023 and 2024 are a variety of different sized modular drawers to fit various components and tools, several customizable pouches and bags that will allow for tools to be switched out in seconds, and more.
Via the brand’s ModBox “Buildverse” feature, we spotted their upcoming modular organizers and 2-drawer and 3-drawer tool boxes.
Following is a sneak peek at some of the “coming soon” products.
To start off, there will be a 2-drawer ModBox tool box. Klein’s Buildverse configuration tool only has one image for each of these products, and no details or specs.
Still, we can see that at least one of the drawers will feature removable dividers.
The 3-drawer tool box appears to be the same size, but with shallower drawers. The one open drawer also gives us a peek at its removable dividers.
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There will be 5 different “component boxes” – parts organizers with translucent lids.
Shown here is a full width organizer.
There will also be a low-profile organizer.
Next, there will be half-width organizers, also in tall and shallow sizes.
The taller organizers have folding handles, and the shallow ones have fixed handles. This presumably allows them to provide a deeper grip while also being able to rest flat on a surface or in a stack of tool boxes.
It might sound obvious for shorter tool boxes and organizers to not have folding handles that dip below their bases, but I own a couple that do.
The handle juts out a bit, similar to what Milwaukee does with their low profile Packout organizers, but it’s a reasonable compromise.
Lastly, Klein will also have a ModBox component box that’s described as being short, half width, and slim.
We’re waiting to hear back from Klein to see if they can provide any further details. If not, we’ll learn more as they launch in later 2023 or 2024.
We’re also waiting to hear from Klein as to where the ModBox products are manufactured. According to retail listings, the tool boxes and accessories are made in China.
Ball_bearing
Prices are similar to the Milwaukee Pack out. Now we need to compare durability and accessories. So far, I like the accessories they announced.
Leo B.
Boy, these look really similar to the Packouts. It’s good to have options, I guess.
Steve
So much like Packouts – like not even trying to hid it. At least build on that – add some sort of functionality or innovation. I guess Milwaukee should be somewhat proud they are copying them – maybe they are in on it in some way. Seems like a missed opportunity though…
Chris
Unless they’ve innovated in some way…I see zero reason to get these.
They’re obviously based heavily on the packout design minus the metal corners and the gray plastic (might be harder to see into…may be a positive to some, a negative to me on the job).
Brody
The better headroom provided by their cleat system looks nice compared to pack out, I’m often limited not but the container size but the dips from the lid. But as the other commenter stated “grey” see through panels might end up being harder to see into for specific items.
JoeM
So, Klein Packout. Eh, I suppose if SBD can make brand-coded copies of their storage solutions, so can TTI. It makes sense. If you primarily use a mix of Klein and Milwaukee tools for your trade, keeping the Klein products in the Klein Modbox system, while Milwaukee is in Milwaukee Packout… It does make labelling tools easier.
Of course, I believe I said this when SBD started copying DeWALT TSTAK boxes and equipment for Craftsman Versastack, and Stanley TSTAK as well… It’s not about cash grabbing for all their brands, though they are doing that anyways as businesses, it actually does make sense. All it takes is for some particular Trade to feature a majority of a brand producing their tools. Then, the company that makes those tools can, and really should, make a storage solution for the brand name, so the tools have storage that fits together.
If Dremel and DeWALT each did their own full storage systems, it would help me sort my tools immensely quick. I want a tool, I know which brand it’s from, I can point straight at the stack from that brand, and grab the box, or boxes, I might need for the project/job/etc. Milwaukee and Klein doing the same here makes sense to me. Does it get me excited about it? No. Definitely not. I just simply see it as something helpful to sort tools. I recognize it as a good idea, no matter what the brand is. And, no. I don’t think it is necessary to have all these systems compatible with eachother. Brands should encourage the same separation in the field, as they are promoting as it is stored at home. So it’s just as easy to see where your tools are. Look for the brand of tool, grab the box labeled with that tool in it.
If this seems wrong to anyone, I’m happy to be corrected. More than personal preference, or price, this is just an idea I’ve accepted as an opinion, and I don’t mean to upset anyone with it.
Stuart
Klein isn’t a TTI brand. Most Milwaukee Packout tool box and organizer products are made in Israel, presumably by Keter. The Klein ModBox products are listed as being made in China. Milwaukee has nothing to do with this, other than Packout seemingly directly inspiring the design of Klein’s ModBox latching method.
Arthur
Klein – how about prices, release dates, dimensions…and CLEAR tops.
This…..”genre” has become irritating. I got royally burned by buying some of Craftsman’s version several years ago when the line was discontnued, replaced by a NEW ! IMPROVED ! version that was completely incompatible with the old so I had no way to expand on what I had. My fault, though, for trusting anything “Sears” when I knew they were struggling financially, but whomever bought the product line chose to dump the old stuff. (I equip myself and 4 field techs, and standardization of equipment, storage and storage layout is a HUGE deal).
I’ve avoided buying anything since, at least until I can trust whichever manufacturer I eventually go with to, first, offer the options I need and, second, continue the line past a couple years.
That Klein 3-drawer unit looks promising…maybe….but I’m gunshy on the “flavor of the month” business, from everyone.
Jason Tornquist
Many people have issues with clear tops. I have personally ruined plastic items inside a clear lidded packout due to sunlight coming in and melting the items inside.
I painted the inside of some of the lids of my packout organizers to alleviate this issue.
William Adams
Why isn’t the base unit a stack of drawers?
This requirement that one unstack down to the bottom to get at anything is not really workable for the tight spaces I work in.
Champs
I am already in bed with Packout, and if anyone wants Keter prices for Chinese plastic it’s going to stay that way.
Ken
Make me a base roller with drawers and I’d switch in a minute.
George
Ridgid Drawers are launching in December. 2,3, and 4 drawers. All attached to the 2.0 carts wheels.
Stuart
Can you confirm this with a link or image?
Given that the wheels/handled cart detach from the XL box, I hoped we’d see similarly sized drawer tool boxes or similar. I had long waited for a brand to take a more modular approach to mobility, rather than simply offer a single rolling tool box size. This Ridgid Pro Gear 2.0 isn’t how I had envisioned it, but it’s as close as any brand has gotten, and works well.
Frank D
There may be a market for these if they had CLEAR ( not smoked ) lids, and came in size different from Packout that’s let’s say wider across in (x) and less in (y) … as packouts can be rather bulky. And having a more rectangular rather than square setup may be great for organization in vehicles, along side walls and in trailers.
Jason Tornquist
Personally, I prefer the smoked lids over clear. If you work outside sunlight is a killer.
MFC
Orange Packout.
Robert Moore
I am interested in the 2 & 3 drawer for the modbox, when will it be available or where can I purchase them today?
Stuart
An official ETA has not yet been announced.
Craig
I like this. My power tool kit is all DeWalt with my storage wall racked out with six Toughsystem 1.0 racks (a rack and a half stands about seven feet tall) loaded with 1.0 cases and 2.0 cases. My gripe with Toughsystem is the flimsy drawers of both versions 1.0 and 2.0. They work, but it irritates me when I use the Packout drawers as they definitely look and feel higher quality for about the same price.
The heaviest I’ve loaded the three-drawer Packout is a torch kit I built with the and loaded a fair amount of copper and misc fittings (15 to 20ish pounds my guess) in the bottom two drawers and it works well. I wouldn’t even consider trying it with the DeWalt drawers.
Anyway, this opinion is of a light to medium-use perspective as I do a lot of handyman work. The Tough System and Packout stacks and well-organized setup give a professional image at the customer’s home or business. I’ve invested a lot in quality tools, especially in Kline, and am looking forward to loading up all my Kiine gear with a ModBox stack. I just hope the quality of the drawers is comparable to the Packout.
B
Is there any update as to release date on these? I have reachout out to them and not heard anything back either.
Stuart
There has been no official details or ETA for the Wave 2 products.