Makita has come out with a new modular tool storage system!
Makita MakPac tool boxes essentially look like older-style Tanos and Festool Systainers, but with a few rounded edges. In the past Makita has bundled rebranded Tanos original-style Systainers, and other Systainer-like tool boxes with certain tool kits (mainly in Europe), but it seems they wanted to change things up and create another new modular tool box system.
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The new MakPac tool boxes are available in Europe in 4 different sizes.
A few years back, Tanos and Festool came out with new T-Loc Systainers that are significantly more user friendly than their original Systainers. Instead of 2-locking latches or 4-connecting latches, the new T-Loc Systainers feature a single rotating latch that is a lot quicker and easier to use.
With this in mind, I cannot help but wonder what Makita’s engineers must have been thinking when they designed these tool cases.
Festool T-Loc Systainers are convenient and quick to use. Bosch L-Boxxes are also great, but more affordable. Dewalt ToughSystem cases are incredibly tough and sturdy, and reasonably affordable. Dewalt TStak tool boxes are not as good as L-Boxxes, Systainers, or ToughSystem cases, but they’re good and very affordable.
These Makita MakPac tool boxes are… well, I’m not quite sure what to make of them. There do not seem to be any special features or qualities that help them stand out.
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Makita MakPac tool boxes are priced lower than original Tanos and Festool Systainers, but they look to be based on the older less convenient 4-latch design that can be slow and frustrating to work with.
I have purchased Systainers, L-Boxxes, and ToughSystem cases, but cannot see any advantages in Makita’s new MakPac tool boxes. Am I missing something?
Additionally, there are few inserts available, and no optional accessories such as attachable front-side handles or dollies.
The only reason I could think of buying these cases is if you own a large selection of Makita tools and teal Systainers (or Makita’s past Systainer look-alikes) and don’t want to buy stacking-compatible T-Loc Systainers for additional storage needs.
Right now it looks like Makita MakPac storage products are only available in Europe. Makita-branded Systainers never made it to the USA, at least to my knowledge, and it seems improbable that these will ever make it to the USA.
Makita has brought some very innovative products to market these past few months, such as the XSH01 18V X2 2-battery circular saw and a new teeny tiny impact driver, but I just don’t see much appeal in their new MakPac products. If Makita was to slash MakPac tool box prices by 25%, then my feelings would be completely different. But given their pricing and MakPac cases are based off original Systainer designs that were retired for good reasons, I find the new products rather uninspiring.
Ben
I’ve got one of their systainers that came with the track saw. It’s crap compared to even the old four latch festool boxes.
Also, it seems like people are really down on the Dewalt T-Stacks… bang for buck they blow away all of the competition. They’re great boxes. All of my hand tools are in TStaks and most of my power tools are in T-locks but if I could only have one kind of box and none of my festools came in T-locks I’d go Tstak all the way.
Stuart
There were some Makita Tanos-made Systainers, but also some adaptations (knock-offs?) that looked inspired by Systainers but weren’t quite the same. The one that came with your track saw might be similar.
Tstaks are useful, and their prices are great, but I feel they’re far behind Systainers and L-Boxxes in the quality and convenience department.
Mo
I’ve come in a bit late on this but could not resist. By this time, Milwaukee have brought out an excellent line of stackable cases, DeWalt has improved out of sight, the Bosch cases seem much the same but Makita is the one we are talking about.
Just about every power tool I own is Makita and has been for many years. Do have the odd Metabo and Bosch but I’ve always been happy with Makita. Except for these ratty boxes.
I am ashamed to say I own about 15 of them and really, they are crap. They use a hard plastic, have thin sides and a doubtful locking system. They are too easy to break or crack even accidentally and are too thin. In fact, I have broken two just by tripping over them.
The catch system works ok on some but others, I have to bang them shut with a fist. Whilst stack/lockable, I would not put them on a flight. For that I’d use Pelican cases or the new Milwaukee as I am worried that they’d come apart and break with a slight drop.
They are a bit lower priced than other brands but that also reflects in the quality.
I will not be buying any more of these in the future.
Dennis
Better question is why are Milwaukee and Porter-Cable late to the party? Everybody else is making interlocking cases. I wish there was some sort of cross system adapter so you could use the best version of a particular case for your need and not be forced into buying one line or another. For some tools I see the benefit of Dewalt cases, and for others I see the benefit of Bosch’s. Unfortunately I bought into the LBoxx line so I gotta go all Bosch, and that’s the way manufacturers want it. So sadly, like my dream of interchangeable tool batteries, an adapter will remain a fantasy. At least until I buy a 3D printer.
John
Makita have been very slow the last few years with keeping up with the competition. Slow on the brushless front, battery front, impact front, drill front etc etc and now the tool box front.
They do look like a poor copy of a systainer.
If budget was high enough I would go with t-loc systainers but I’m on a limited budget so I’m making do with the Tstaks. The T-loc’s are in a league of their own but the price is too.
Makita hurry and get with the times
Stuart
Sometimes I feel that Makita bounces between “me too,” “catch up,” and “innovator” modes, with most of their time being spent in the first two.
John
Yeah the only time they innovated was with the LXT kit 8 years ago. Since then it’s been awful for Makita . Its a Shane as they used to be a top brand.
Kitterman
I don’t see the non-innovation point. Makita has made many firsts from my recollection, but I’m old. Also, being first is not always where you want to be. If you want to talk about behind by years lets talk about Dewalt.
Dan
LXT stuff is still very good though, I wish I bought more than just drills now but at the moment I feel its the wrong time to buy more as we have just got the 4ah batteries and they still cost quite a premium. Also I want to get Panasonic cordless kit next time.
Tool Dude
Not sure I agree with the slow to react part on Makita. I had a BTD144 brushless impact years before any of the other main brands even mentioned brushless let alone had one available to buy. I agree they are lagging behind on their batteries and yes their cordless drills aren’t the best performing but I wouldn’t say they are slow to react in that area. It’s funny how Makita is always knocked for being behind the times when they have the largest cordless lineup by far and are constantly coming out with new models. I just picked up a new mini band saw and caulking gun and have my eye on a chainsaw and a couple other new tools as well. I have probably 35 or so tools in the LXT platform, not all are the best performing tool in their category but as a whole they are a great package. Makes me wonder why all the negative talk towards Makita on here. I live around tools and find Makita to be equal to any other brand but find that not to be the case when reading about them online. Weird. Never knew they were so hated for no apparent reason.
Dan
I’m a big fan of Makita kit, while i only have LXT cordless drills I do have a lot of mains kit with most of my power tools bought over the last 5 years being Makita apart from a Dewalt SDS drill a Hitachi Router and a small Electra Beckum table saw. The first Impact driver I ever saw was also Makita and that had Nimh battery’s. The new LXT chop saw looks interesting if expensive and the LXT planer and the 4″ grinder both are much better than you would think considering how much power the mains versions get through.
Stuart
All brands have their innovations and their “me too” products. I wouldn’t think that users are more stung by Makita compared to Dewalt, Milwaukee, and Bosch users. Or maybe they are, sometimes it’s hard to tell.
My annoyance towards Makita is because they tend to have more distinction-less “me too” products than other brands. They also seem to treat the USA and North America as a backwater market. They have some great unique and strong tools in their lineup, but some never make it here, and others that do are very poorly marketed.
Their product lineup might be vast, but it’s also a bit bloated. Some of Makita’s drills and drivers could be discontinued without creating any holes or gap in their selection. A while back I asked why any Makita 18V users would purchase a new drill that was larger, heavier, and less featured than another model in their lineup at the same price point, and they couldn’t offer any explanation at all.
KaHuNaZ
CmOOOn Milwaukee!
Javier
Atleast the name is catchy, I like it Mac PAC
Larson
I like the additional hard case options that keep coming out, gives us the option when most kits come with bags now. However as you mentioned a cart would be nice. Looks to “me too”. So glad they didn’t call it Mak Pak though ha
Cameron
not a fan of plastic latches I have to say
dominic van lievenoogen
They have been out here in belgium for about a year now.
Nothing special. Mike the old festool pacss.
But, atleast here in belgium there hasnt been a single price increase for including these macpacs instead of the older non stackable cases.
Maybe not innovative but atleast it didnt cost anything extra here in belgium compared to l-boxxes where you do pay about 40 euro extra compared to normaal Bosch case 🙂
Martin C.
Waiting for something smart and red from Milwaukee.
Monte
not red but black 🙂
http://www.hoffmann-tools.com/out/pictures/generated/product/1/800_800_75/b072885.png
Stuart
I think I’ve seen that before, but they don’t look connectable and I have yet to see multiple size options.
If Milwaukee is to come out with a modular tool storage system, the tool boxes are going to have to be spectacular if Milwaukee is to stand a competitive chance at market share.
Monte
They offer them in different sizes, they´re “Made in Germany” and they´re connectable:
http://www.tool-concept.de/shop/gruppe,thl_shop,de/2,2-1,Koffersystem-DynaCase
There are other box systems which are connectable like the “VarioSafe” system from “Bott”
http://www.bott.de/be-shop/koffersysteme/koffersystem-variosafe.html
and the “BoxOnBox” system from “Smarty” in Italy:
http://www.smartysrl.com
(But i unfortunately don´t know who the OEM is)
Stuart
Wow, a lot of those look good with appealing latches and handle designs. It looks like they do stack, but I can’t see if or how they might lock together.
truckdriver
Milwaukee needs something like this bad. I don’t care for their plastic cases as they don’t give much room for accessories and I darn sure don’t want to dewalt tough cases.
WorkshopAddict
They are all following eachother with old technology…The Festool Systainer box patents apparently expired so now everybody is jumping on board … The Mak boxes are nothing new…check out BluCave…so much better!
WorkshopAddict
http://www.blucave.com
Reisen
New reader here, absolutely great site. Not sure how I’ve missed it in the past. I spent a few hours checking through the archives the other day and enjoying the tool porn. I also like that the comments section for each article generally has plenty of reaction.
Anyway, as a homeowner / DIYer with a pretty decent tool collection of “jobsite” tools (no dedicated workshop, but a jobsite table saw, chop saw, etc.), I tend to keep my larger tools on shelves in my basement, and my smaller tools (angle grinders, drivers, drills, nailers, handheld saws, etc.) either in their molded cases on shelves, or in drawers in a rolling tool chest.
What’s the angle to these modular systems for a homeowner? I can see for a pro bringing them all to the jobsite, but for me, I’m only moving them short distances around the house.
I do have some tools that I bought as a bare tool, so it could be nice to have a case for those. One other thought is that for corded tools, I often find the tool fits perfectly, but I have to spend 2 or 3 minutes fitting the cord in the case, which bugs me.
I could also see the size uniformity being a plus, as right now some cases are too large for certain drawers/shelves/cabinets.
Stuart
Thanks for the kind words, I’m glad you’re enjoying your visits!
For a homeowner, there are some benefits to having modular tool storage, but the costs add up quick.
Before I heavily invested in modular tool boxes, I had simple wire shelving racks and industrial bins (Quantum dividable containers, but w/o dividers). I still have many of containers, but moved to modular cases as my needs grew.
I have a very small workspace and very many different needs, and so I now tend to shuffle supplies to and from storage as needed.
My Festool tools all tend to have a bunch of accessories and attachments that would get lost of the tools were stored anywhere but in dedicated tool boxes. A regular circular saw comes with maybe an edge guide at most. So even if I had simpler tool storage needs, I would probably still keep my Festool tools and accessory bundles in Systainers.
Eventually I would LOVE a Systainer wall, but I calculate that setup, including the upper stacks only partially shown in screenshot image, to be at least $15,500. There might be some wiggle room if dealing with a single vendor, but that’s a HUGE investment. Alternatively, that kind of money is more than enough to outfit a home workshop with quality ball bearing cabinets, cabinets, shelving, bins, and a very nice industrial workbench. Heck, that kind of money could buy Lista or other brands of industrial storage cabinets.
These days a lot of tool brands package bare tools inside of tool bags, because users like me hate blow-molded cases that provide a custom fit with little adjustability. As you said, it can be difficult fitting cords into such fitted cases. I discarded the cases to my corded hammer drill, saws, multi-tools, and sanders a while ago, and currently keep the tools in modular cases. It doesn’t take very many to contain all my corded and cordless tools, though.
If I had a larger shop and more space, I would probably keep my corded tools in a very larger closeable bin or tool box, and would keep a single ToughSystem case or deep L-Boxx for when I needed to take tools elsewhere.
Smaller tools with space-efficient space, such as my air nailers, stay in their own slender cases on the shelf.
Ultimately, the best storage solution is the one that works best for you. For DIYers and homeowners, that might include a few modular tool boxes, but not as many as mobile pro’s would use, and certainly not as many as I use.
fred
I’ve had nearly 50 years of experience with storing and transporting tools in a small industrial setting, a contractor workout location setting, on contractor trucks and jobsites – and in a home shop. In that time, I’ve found (not surprisingly) that there is no perfect solution. I’ve used customized solutions from Stanley-Vidmar and Lista, upfitters like Dejana to fit out step vans and panel trucks, home-made shelves and cabinets, custom-fitted Knaack boxes, toolboxes fitted with dolly or skateboard wheels and now more recently Festool Systainers and Bosch L-Boxxes – with or without carts.
There are inevitably compromises one has to make. Do you opt to pack as much in to a given space as possible to ease transport and/or storage? Of course if you pack too much in – you may need a crane to lift it (as in some of our loaded Knaack boxes) Or do you spread things out to provide easy access – e.g in drawers in the shop or using pegboard/slat wall storage? Do you leave tools in the manufacturer’s cases – or combine them with accessories and other associated tools in a different box? Do you want a plastic box with its lighter weight – a custom wood box – or a steel box – each having its own merits and issues? Do you want everything in standardized boxes – or is it easier to identify and grab tools if they are in distinctive containers? Does container uniformity come with wasted space? And so on …
I have to say – that for my home shop – I’ve come to like the Festool solution – with my track saw and its accessories in 2 of their boxes sitting atop their integrated dolly – and my Domino XL – with accessories and dominoes – in 3 Festool boxes on another dolly. Both are tools I use once in a while – and I can roll them out of a storage area when I need them. They sit under lumber racks alongside some other rolling cabinets. I also have to say that they come with a hefty price – probably not commensurate with their actual value. I also have a Bosch jigsaw that came in a L-Boxx – and I’ve added an L-Boxx to it to store a variety of blades – this coming with what I see as a better value to cost ratio.
Joe
Forget about boxes please explain why Milwaukee doesn’t have a table saw
Dan
Will have hands one with one of these next week as my boss has just ordered a 1/4″ router that comes in one, I have been researching these boxes and dimensionally they follow the festool ones exactly. They are also slightly cheaper than the Bosch L boxes which is nice and molded inserts for various tools are available separately as with the L boxes.
Dan
Well I wouldn’t spend my own money on these having handled one but they are Ok and are cheaper than the other offerings, I can buy a set of all four sizes for £120 and to do the same with Systainers would be about £180 but I would much rather have the Systainers and pay the extra.
Things I like, its got a slot on the lid that a strap can be fed through and four screw bosses in the lid for something to attach to.
Things I don’t like, they are very thin, no front handle and old style four latches.
Bikerdad
One of these days, one of the major companies is finally going to get a clue and replace the blow molded cases completely and just ship their tools either in soft bags or in a decent modular system without bending their customers over for the privilege. If such a company were really smart, they’d also design adapters for the other systems on the market.
Part of the reason for the blow molded cases is they serve to protect the product during shipping. Well, so does a modular box, and to prevent jostling around in the modular, you just drop in a Styrofoam ™, er, expanded polystyrene insert.
Who knows, maybe Milwaukee will be the smart one, taking the best features of the other systems along with the adapters and then the Red Wave will overwhelm the world!!!! mwahahahahaaahahaha
(Yes, I am willing to pay $10 more for a modular case rather than a stupid soft bag. I’m not willing to pay $40 more.)
John Ritchie
Does makita have a wheeled base for there stackable cases, like festool has. I now have 6 of the cases but can’t take everything on site, as they are too heavy to lift. Please if anyone can point me in the right direction I would be very happy
Stu
Check eBay mate, not sure if they are official makita products but there are definitely wheeled bases/trollies for the makpac cases
Skye
Like the first comment i too have a mak box that came with a makita tracksaw it seems like it maybe isn’t the same as these new boxes. I hope that’s true because it is really annoying how the clasps work, the box feels flimsy too.
I do like the size and shape though, it’s a simple box, the most space efficient shape for stacking on shelves (i work out of a cargo van so space is really important)
I would like these if they were tough and the clasps were easy to operate