Remember the Makita MakPac tool boxes that we wrote about a few months ago? They’re soon launching in the USA.
As with other brands’ offerings, the new Makita tool boxes can be connected and stacked together for easy transport and storage. There are several sizes which look like they can fit anything from small cordless tools to multi-tool combo kits.
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The new Makita interlocking tool cases are now available for preorder on Amazon, giving us a glimpse as to the size availability and pricing structure.
(Prices are accurate as of the time of this posting, and might change once the tool boxes start shipping.)
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When it comes to modular interlocking tool boxes, there are a couple of excellent options already available.
Bosch L-Boxxes are our favorites for general storage, Dewalt Tstak cases are great when there are strong budget constraints, Dewalt Tough System cases are best for rough and tough environments, and Festool Systainers are our overall favorites for tidier workshop storage.
Comparisons: Best Modular Tool Storage, L-Boxxes vs. Tough System Cases
When we previewed the Makita MakPac tool boxes, we noted that they strongly resembled the older style of Tanos and Festool Systainers. Festool and Tanos had changed over the T-Loc latch system for both closure and interlocking purposes, and we have found the new system to be vastly superior.
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My impression of the Makita MakPack tool boxes hasn’t changed in the ~4 months since I first learned about them. Maybe my thoughts will change if/when I ever see them in person, but given what I have seen thus far, I cannot think of any reason to buy these Makita tool boxes over any other brands’.
I ordinarily don’t like saying something like that, but I am also hoping that someone steps forward and points out a great selling point that I might be missing. Otherwise, what’s special about these tool boxes? If Festool T-Loc Systainers, Bosch L-Boxxes, Dewalt Tough System cases, and Dewalt Tstak cases weren’t available, I would definitely find the Makita tool boxes much more appealing.
But as it looks now, I can only see these as simply teal-colored interlocking tool boxes overshadowed by competing products. I’m really hoping this isn’t the case, and that there are strengths to the MakPac product line that just aren’t obvious yet.
Makita’s sell sheets describe these cases as having an innovative modular design, but to me they just look derivative and underwhelming. Makita’s engineers have proven themselves to be quite talented, but I really wish they would have squeezed some more innovation and originality into their first real line of modular tool boxes.
Dan
The one I have handled here in the UK did not overly impress me, they are certainly not up to Tanos standards but they are cheaper and when bundled with tools very cheap, the other advantage is you can get the moulded plastic inserts separately and as they are the same basic size with a little trimming they should drop into my Tanos boxes although I have yet to try it.
fred
When you say that Makita Engineers are talented – I agree based on some tool offerings – but do you think that they had much to do with these boxes? It might be that Makita realized they need an offering in this category – so they shopped it out to some OEM in China or elsewhere – hence the older design form factor.
Stuart
I meant that they could have come up with an exceptional homegrown solution. I agree that these cases are probably either licensed from or rebranded by an OEM. I think I tracked down the OEM previously, but don’t remember.
fred
I think you’re right – but many companies prefer (or find it more profitable / less risky) not to develop homegrown solutions for items that are not their main line of business or design competency. So maybe it was just Makita “sticking to their knitting”
ChrisK1970
I am a little confused but also want to pass some kudos on to Makita. Reason being, from what I am reading (not first hand as I don’t have one) these are fully compatible with the Tanos Systainers. This is brilliant on Makita’s part for allowing people who use Systainers (namely Festool owners) the ability to interconnect their tools systems. The confusion part comes from why they did not to go with the new T Loc Systainer. Regardless, it is great to let the customer, tote around his or her multiple tool lines with the ability to stack. My T Loc Systainers fit with my classic Systainers which are essentially more squared off Makpac boxes. I would like to see other tool lines do this (ie. Milwaukee….).
DreamcatchereDB
This was also my first thought. Can someone confirm if these are actually the old style sustainers? If so, way to go Makita. Modularization is one thing but cross brand modularization is much better. Now lets get on to making that standardized cross brand battery design.
Matty
yes old style sustainer fits my festool boxes.
Matty
I have the XL size, came with Makita track saw kit. Poor quality compared to Tanos and Festool Systainers. But still better then other Makita cases/bags that come with other Makita tool kits.
Dan
Apart from the Raaco compact boxes Makita bundle with a few tools, they are quite good.
Matty
I meant better then other Makita cases/bags because of interlocking purposes and compatible with the old style Systainers or under the newer Tlocs.
Matty
I meant “better then other Makita cases bags” because of interlocking purposes and compatible with the old style Systainers or under the newer Tlocs.
DreamcatchereDB
Honestly, I’m just glad to see tool companies getting back into hard cases and away from bags…. I really hate bags!
DC
Scott
the next area to look at are the “inlays” that fit inside the MakPacs. I am looking for a vendor stateside which sells them.
DaveC
I’ve had my tanos festo/festool boxes for 20 years now and have just added a few of these mainly for the price of them and as I don’t like the tloc the compatibility with tanos lines.
I think that like most of them (dewalt, bosch, metabo, mafell, triton etc..) they are churned out on a seperate line in the tanos plant with a few differences but not many bar the curved top as the sizes offered are identical.
when you first get these boxes they do seem a little light and flimsy but the main strength is the way you stack them for transport and site as it makes a huge difference to the wear and tear rate.
for the price you cant complain.