Makita launched their MakTrak large format modular tool box system about a year ago, and Hilti recently launched their own ProKit tool box system.
Hilti has already teased that they’re coming out with drawers tool boxes and more organizers, while Makita has yet to announce any further updates to their MakTrak system.
Because of this, a lot of folks are asking aloud – why does Hilti already have ProKit drawer tool boxes on the way, and not Makita with MakTrak?
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From what I can tell, Hilti had a running start.
We’ve seen a tool box system where you can swap XL-sized tool boxes – even drawers – on a removable 2-wheel hand cart. Shown here is the Ridgid Pro Gear 2.0 tool box system, from Home Depot.
You might have also noticed the side-swinging retention bars to secure the drawers during transport.
Hilti ProKit’s drawer retention is a little different, but the concept is the same.
All signs – including details on the actual packaging regarding manufacturing origin – point to Hilti having partnered with Keter, the same tool box design and manufacturing company that developed the Ridgid Pro Gear tool box system.
Keter manufactures a wide range of modular tool boxes for all kinds of brands, including the hugely popular Milwaukee Packout tool box and storage system.
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Needless to say, Hilti partnered with a pro in the modular tool box storage space.
Makita manufacturers MakTrak tool boxes and organizers in the USA. While there are several USA-based tool box makers, I don’t know of any that are capable of producing products of the size, quality, and assembly complexity of the MakTrak system.
I spoke to persons at Makita involved in MakTrak’s development, and was also shown imagery of the progress they made along the way.
From everything I saw, and what I didn’t see, Makita developed MakTrak from the ground up, without the advantage of working with a seasoned tool box company like Keter.
With all of the experience Keter has in the industry, and upon seeing Hilti ProKit features that seem to have been inspired or adapted from features unique to the Ridgid Pro Gear tool box system, I would argue that Hilti had advantages not available to Makita.
Subtle comments made to me suggest that Makita isn’t even working with a tool box manufacturer, which makes what they achieved even more impressive. They built up something new and innovative entirely from scratch, and it must have been a difficult and expensive road.
The few Hilti ProKit products I have seen and handled so far are the pinnacle of traditionally-styled modular tool boxes. It is perfection, although I cannot say the same about the new drawers or organizers.
Makita did an excellent job with MakTrak. While not flawless, I am truly impressed at how great of a job they did, and I am optimistic there are exciting developments to come.
But because of how Makita seemed to develop and build MakTrak, which has a very atypical size and brand new form factor, from scratch, and how likely it is that Hilti ProKit was at least partially influenced by the vast experience of Keter, it’s unfair to draw direct comparisons.
The few Hilti ProKit products I’ve seen firsthand are very good. But it’s not beginner’s luck.
Both brands deserve a lot of credit for being “late entrants” into the modular tool box market.
I believe Milwaukee Packout is still the best modular tool box system, but MakTrak and ProKit could potentially chip away at that in their own ways.
Let’s be fair – from all of the conversations I’ve had, and what I’ve seen, Makita must have pushed MakTrak up a very steeper cliff before they could finally launch the first wave of products. I’m sure Hilti conquered some challenges too, but I doubt they had to got through as many tribulations.
While we’re on the subject, it looks like Bosch is finally getting ready to reenter the pro tool storage market with their new L-Boxx Contractor system. Hopefully they’ll have updates about that soon.
Read More:
Makita MakTrak Tool Box is a Perfect Fit
Hilti ProKit – a New Modular Tool Box System
Hilti ProKit USA Pricing, and How to Get a Full Set for FREE
Hilti ProKit Tool Box Expansion – Drawers, Vacuum, More
First Look at the Bosch L-Boxx Contractor Tool Box System
Al-another-Al
Does the current/future L-Boxx have a problem sealing against dust/weather?
I have a bunch of DeWalt deep and shallow parts organizer from holiday sales. But there are only two bin sizes. Would rather have more options.
Stuart
I stored some stuff in the current/existing L-Boxx cases and they rusted. So, no they’re not sealed and definitely open to outside air and humidity.
Jody
Future is IP65 dust and splash water resistant, more info https://l-boxx.com/en/systems/l-boxx-contractor
Chris P
Keter is barely surviving due to poor management by BC Partners and I believe it is now run by its creditors with current valuation less than its debt. Risky to partner with this company
Joe E.
ModularGuyd
Andrew Holmes
The only other modular tool boxes I know of being made in the US is the Ryobi Link boxes, any chance they have the same OEM as the Makita boxes?
Stuart
Not that I know of.
EBT
Makita got it right with the “open either side, latch can be hinge” design for their boxes.
But what I like is that there is someone out there making adapter plates so you can use one brand (e.g. DeWalt) with another (e.g. Milwaukee packout).
(looks inside Milwaukee $250 drawer-dolly and finds DeWalt batteries! LOL)
Jronman
One question I don’t see people asking regarding MakTrak drawers is the layout. Will the drawers open from either side? Maybe they will open on the end for more of a DeckedUSA style drawer. Maybe both options will be available? Maybe it will just be a basic drawer that only opens from one side?
Matt_T
The other question with Maktrak is how these drawers are going to handle being rotated 90* from the horizontal working position to vertical, or close to it, for transport and storage?
Joe
I think the manufacturer of Hilti’s boxes is Plaston… I believe that is who makes the current boxes too.
Stuart
I believe it’s Keter due to COO (Israel), and strong parallels I see to prior Keter product developments and distinct features. I am open to consider any evidence or arguments that suggest otherwise.
Hans
I think consumers are entitled to this comparison. The backstory you’ve provided doesn’t change that. Makita is often delayed in meeting consumer demand. They’ve been slow to fill gaps in the XGT line. Slow and unwilling update LXT. You cannot buy into their line with the expectation that they’ll be prioritizing delivering products comparable to other brands in the near future—if at all. Your article —which is exactly a comparison of the too brands—demonstrates that the comparison is apt and important for the consumer to consider.
Stuart
Context is important. The other day an influencer claimed that Milwaukee Packout was one of the first tool box systems. It wasn’t.
There’s so much inaccuracy being put forth out there. If you’re going to make a comparison, it should be well-informed.
Both are great systems, but from the discussions I’ve had, one had a far more difficult journey to market than the other. Plus, one is just another take on a stacking system and the other is a larger format system with different goals and design focuses.
It’s like comparing a burrito to chili. You can have a lot of the same ingredients but with very delivery and prep times. You can complain that if ProKit expansion items were announced shortly after its launch, why not for MakTrak, but is that a fair comparison to make? No.
Personally, I wouldn’t buy either – I think Milwaukee Packout is the superior system.