Milwaukee Tool has launched new Packout-compatible customizable accessory cases for all drilling and driving bit sets.
Features are said to include easy bit removal, adjustable rows for storage customization, and all of the new cases are designed to fit inside all Milwaukee Packout organizers.
There will be 6 new cases – small, small compact, medium, medium compact, large, and large deep.
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This is all in addition to Packout-compatible hole saw and oscillating multi-tool blade storage solutions that came out earlier.
It looks like the new drilling and driving bit sets can fit inside Packout organizers in an open configuration, or closed in the case of compact cases with clear lids. This should allow for easy accessory retrieval with fewer steps.
Here are examples of Milwaukee Shockwave drill bit and screwdriver bit sets in the new medium-sized organizer.
There is also a new larger organizer with 4 rows that can accept removable and customizable bit rails.
All of the cases will also be available separately, for users who wish for a completely customized bit loadout.
There’s an all-new small case. The standard small case can fit two rows of insert screwdriver bits on one side, and one row of power screwdriver bits on the other.
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Compact versions of each organizer size has a standard-depth bit holding compartment on one side, and clear lid on the other.
The new accessories are said to allow for easy tip-out bit removal.
The rails can be easily removed and repositioned.
And, they can also be attached to [select?] Milwaukee M12 Fuel and M18 Fuel cordless drills and drivers.
This allows you to carry bits with you, via the belt clip attachment hole.
Here’s the full list of new SKUs:
Milwaukee Shockwave Screwdriver Bit Sets
32pc Driver Bit Set (48-32-4004) – $20.99
50pc Drill & Drive Set (48-32-4013) – $39.99
38pc Driver Bit Set (48-32-4089) – $26.99
18pc Driver Bit Set (48-32-4403) – $15.99
26pc Drive & Fasten Set (48-32-4408) – $26.99
54pc Driver Bit Set (48-32-4010) – $29.99
43pc Driver Bit Auto Set (48-32-4033) – $29.99
124pc Driver Bit Auto Set (48-32-4034) – $99.99
80pc Driver Bit Set (48-32-4094) – $39.99
55pc Driver Bit Set (48-32-4096) – $44.97
60pc Drill & Drive Set (48-32-4097) – $44.97
75pc Drill, Drive & Fasten Set (48-32-4098) – $64.97
34pc Driver Bit Set (48-32-5101) – $24.99
Milwaukee Shockwave Red Helix Titanium Drill Bit Sets
10pc Red Helix Titanium Drill Bit Set (48-89-4633) – $21.97
15pc Red Helix Titanium Drill Bit Set (48-89-4670) – $27.97
23pc Red Helix Titanium Drill Bit Set (48-89-4631) – $37.97
29pc Red Helix Titanium Drill Bit Set (48-89-4672) – $114.97
10pc Red Helix Titanium Metric Drill Bit Set (48-89-4859) – $31.99
19pc Red Helix Titanium Metric Drill Bit Set (48-89-4860) – $52.99
25pc Red Helix Titanium Metric Drill Bit Set (48-89-4861) – $92.99
29pc Red Helix Titanium Metric Drill Bit Set (48-89-4862) – $104.99
Milwaukee Red Helix Cobalt Drill Bit Sets
15pc Red Helix Cobalt Drill Bit Set (48-89-2370) – $37.97
23pc Red Helix Cobalt Drill Bit Set (48-89-2338) – $64.97
29pc Red Helix Cobalt Drill Bit Set (48-89-2332) – $149.99
19pc Red Helix Cobalt Metric Drill Bit Set (48-89-2530) – $64.99
25pc Red Helix Cobalt Metric Drill Bit Set (48-89-2531) – $124.99
Milwaukee Thunderbolt Titanium Drill Bit Sets
14pc Thunderbolt Titanium Drill Bit Set (48-89-0011) – $31.97
20pc Thunderbolt Titanium Drill Bit Set (48-89-1105) – $37.97
29pc Thunderbolt Titanium Drill Bit Set (48-89-0012) – $92.97
Milwaukee Thunderbolt Black Oxide Drill Bit Sets
14pc Thunderbolt Black Oxide Drill Bit Set (48-89-2800) – $24.97
15pc Thunderbolt Black Oxide Drill Bit Set (48-89-2803) – $25.97
21pc Thunderbolt Black Oxide Drill Bit Set (48-89-2801) – $31.97
29pc Thunderbolt Black Oxide Drill Bit Set (48-89-2802) – $69.97
Empty Customizable Cases
Small Case for Impact Driver Accessories (48-32-9920) – $7.99
Small Compact Case for Impact Driver Accessories (48-32-9930) – $6.99
Medium Case for Impact Driver Accessories (48-32-9921) – $11.99
Medium Compact Case for Impact Driver Accessories (48-32-9931) – $9.99
Large Case for Impact Driver Accessories (48-32-9922) – $14.99
Empty Accessory Case Rows
Small & Medium Case Rows
- for Insert Bit Accessories 5-pack (48-32-9932) – $4.99
- for Impact Driver Accessories 5-pack (48-32-9933) – $4.99
Large Case Rows
- for Insert Bit Accessories 5-pack (48-32-9934) – $4.99
- for Impact Driver Accessories 5-pack (48-32-9935) – $4.99
Discussion
This seems like a great idea with no downsides!
If you want to give the new accessory case system a try right away, Home Depot has a holiday season special buy on the Shockwave 25pc bit set with compact medium case.
Norm
That is awesome. It’s hard to get customizable bit cases. Let alone, they can attach to tools! I’m not in the packout system… *sigh* yet (too pricey for my needs, I went with the Rigid). I will get a few of these cases!
Sam
Don’t feel bad…the way I look at it, you can get 2 Rigid systems for the price of one Milwaukee pack out. It’s a fair shake. I’m setup with 4 Rigid systems and they more than payed for themselves in twice the space…and that is the best bang for the buck you can get in these systems.
Don’t get me wrong, the Milwaukee pk-outs are great, but they run way to high as compared to Rigid or the newer Dewalt lines and not worth that premium. At least in my opinion.
Marco Lima
Started off with the Rigid’s a few years ago. I don’t abuse my tools or storage boxes. After a year and a half the connection latches were wearing out. Some were better than others. I switched to packouts but never paid retail, always waited out for various online deals and made some scores. The boxes are superior and worth the premium. Latches are crisp as they were 3 years ago. Unlocking/locking the boxes is so much better front the front than having to reach around the sides. Also many features as in the packout rolling toolbox, the wheels and ergonomics allow me to climb stairs with easy with a full stack of heavy packouts compared to the rigid half full.
Matt
You know, that Rigid is part of the Milwaukee family, so you add it your Dolla to Milwaukee Piggy Bank anyways..👍😉
Matthew Blattel
I nearly flipped my truck at 50 mph when a tie rod failed. Hit one of those concrete blocks for construction, the one shaped like a ramp nonetheless. After my first lesson at flight school, I saw my packout boxes rolling down the street behind me. Cracked a lid on a clear top box, ever-so-slightly bent the wheel on the rolling box. That’s it. Still using the same ones now in fact. Nearly indestructible, worth the price if you can afford them, worth saving for if you can’t afford them. Only one I truly ever broke was one I drove on top of, they’re not good jackstands…
Seth Goodson
I am kinda surprised it has taken them this long to do this. I hope it is designed well and they are not cheaply made.
David
Oh, I like this! I’ve found both the DeWalt and Milwaukee bit cases to be really useful for a quick “this should have almost everything I can reasonably need for tasks” grab and go’s, and I’m busy building out a couple of them for that purpose. Being able to have a larger version in a Packout for even more complete coverage and central storage would be great.
I see an order coming up in my future.
Plain+grainy
Off topic; Home Depot’s special buys, Ridgid 4 1/2” grinder kit at $139.00. For $169.00 you can get an extra 6 ah battery & soft case.
Plain+grainy
You can get the same deal with other select Ridgid tools. You can buy the kit, and choose a select bare tool.
Paul
Good because previous bit removal was a nightmare, especially in cold weather.
Jim Felt
That’s an understatement!
Glad they’re f i n a l y addressing this finger poking nail breaking misfire.
Matthew Edwards
I’ve had the Milwaukee packout 3 pc set for years. Just added these accesory cases and they are great.
Definitely worth it.
I use them for fasteners and small parts for plumbing.
Gregg
They have changed it up now. If you have bought the Dewalt bit cases before they come out just like that. No more struggling to pull them out. Took them a while I’m sure glad they’ve gone this route.
fred
Good ideas and even better marketing. They will likely sell a lot of their driver and drill bits based on this packaging.
I don’t know if they have changed over the years – but I’ve always thought of their driver bits as OK (middle of the road) and their drill bits as something below that – certainly not industrial quality. But I think the same can be said IMO for other brands sold at places like HD and Lowes. My experience is that for professional work – most driver bits – particularly Phillips pattern ones – are better bought in bulk.
But for homeowner occasional use, I can see the appeal of these sets that offer lots of variety at a low price per piece. Offering empty cases – for a fill-it-yourself option is nice – but would not be as space efficient if your needs gravitated towards filling the boxes with say only your most commonly used bits (like Ph#2, Robertson #2 and maybe 2 or 3 Torx).
All said, I think Milwaukee is doing a good job with their Packout offerings – and while this addition may not be a home run – it is certainly a solid hit,
Ryan+H
Does ToughCase 2 have anything similar? And where can they be found? My local Home Depot has like, maybe one 2-drawer ToughCase 2, and very few packouts in general.
Steve L
Look for Dewalt MaxFit.
Stuart listed some Home Depot MaxFit deals as Black Friday was starting. The deals are still active.
Big Richard
Sort of. DeWalt’s large ToughCase+ box will attach to the TSTAK system, and DeWalt recently announced an adapter for TSTAK to Tough System 2.0. So basically you could attach the ToughCase+ sets to your Tough System 2.0 with the new adapter.
https://i.redd.it/7l2ijt7iz24a1.jpg
Big Richard
They also have a new charger coming to Tough System 2.0 -https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-TOUGHSYSTEM-2-0-Charger-Box-DWST08050/322075591#overlay
Dennis
Damn, and after I traded in my Toughboxes for Packouts. Well too late now. Although maybe I could put some Packout feet on the bottom of that adapter, so it goes Packout to TSTAK…
Big Richard
The adapter was announced on DeWalt Nordic’s ig page, unfortunately no guarantee it is coming to the North America market. They say 2023 release.
The new DWST08050 charger box I linked above will be in the North America market, no word on its release date yet.
Ryan+H
Dang! That’s the sort of info I wish DeWalt would release, My neighbor has the Milwaukee packout and loves it, I’ve got a TSTAK and its good, but I need something tougher, and would like to charge batteries. Looks like I’ll wait till 2023 and hopefully get the charger box.
Big Richard
@Ryan+H, that is what I am here for. To release the info the brands do not – or at the least are very slow to release. As a fellow consumer I get the importance of being aware of future products to help determine purchases made in the present. They don’t always see it that way unfortunately.
Doug N
Thanks for that info, I hope it comes to the US. Looks way better than the cheap 3D printed one I bought on Etsy.
NoDak Farming
For me personally, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. I’ve been actively searching (including reading older Toolguyd posts) for ways to organize bits, without having to buy more bits. And I wanted to incorporate it with the Packout products I already have. On top of that, I wanted the tip-out style of organization that other manufactures have been using. This new release ticks off all boxes for me, across the board.
Jared
Very cool. For those with the time and budget to set it up, they can achieve a whole new level of organization.
Dennis
I love the bold statement that there are no downsides. Challenge accepted. I purchased the holiday special at Home Depot a couple weeks ago, when I spotted that it was Packout branded, and I love my Packouts. What quickly became apparent is that the see through lid is a waste of space. This is a case that is meant to be put into another case. You are far better off having 2 sides that can hold bits, at least it’s more space and weight efficient. I only have 1 so far, so I haven’t tried stacking them in the taller Packout storage containers. Although I notice that Milwaukee isn’t marketing that as a possibility. Also the ridges that hold the bit holders should have been molded into the Packout directly so you didn’t have to drag around all the extra plastic. However I understand that Milwaukee is trying to sell me things. And that would have cut into their profits. It’s also nice that they are coming around to making for the consumer what the aftermarket 3D printing community has been making for years.
That being said I am thrilled that they will finally allow you to buy the bit holders on their own. In the past it has been almost impossible to acquire a bit holder without buying a set.
I am however sad, because I have just learned within the last few weeks that the old Milwaukee bit cases lock into the front of the Packout Crate. So now clearly I’m still going to have to carry around a hodgepodge of different types of bit cases.
Jim Felt
Isn’t it weird or even kind of sad that they (Milwaukee corporate) never made that a widely known selling point? Whaaat the…
eddie sky
FYI
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Pipeline
Click on the Accessories tab and view them…
eddie sky
PS .. I did that because I wanted to know what bits were in each set. Shame that none of the bit sets carry a PZ (pozi drive) 1 or 2. Which its important for my work of assembling IKEA and other EU Furniture items here in the States.
Vards Uzvards
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AFVYCGC/
This PZ0-3 set might interest you.
Aaron SD
This is awesome! I was looking at my case last night wishing there was a trifold type or a way to hold more bits. The cost actually looks surprisingly reasonable for Milwaukee products.
Nathan
They look nice – but I suspect very spendy for my needs. I like the tool attachment idea. would like to see more of that.
Steve
This is like what SBD offers in Dewalt/Craftsman ToughCases for TStak/Versastak but better. Dewalt needs something like this for ToughSystem. This adds to why Milwaukee PackOut is on top. Everyone needs to make more insert options for the cases, especially for drill bits.
MM
These look great! I really like that they are selling the “empty case rows” separately. That is my one gripe with the Dewalt Toughcase boxes I’m using currently for my most commonly used drill/driver attachments. I like them a lot but they only sell empty cases, they do not sell the row inserts. I emailed their customer service to inquire about this and it took nearly three weeks before I heard back that no, they are not sold separately. That fact alone makes these a clear winner, in my opinion.
TonyT
As far as I know, these are the only ones sold with empty row inserts. DeWalt only sells empty cases or cases with bits. Bosch only sells empty cases, cases with bits, or row inserts with bits – and Bosch’s cases don’t stack with L-Boxx.
Flex has bit cases that fit in their stacking system, but IIRC, you have to buy with bits. My memory is hazy, but I think Ryobi Link is similar to Flex (some Link boxes have space for bit cases, but those only come with bits).
Intro pricing seems reasonable, a bit more than DeWalt (with the medium case at $7) or Bosch, but also much greater variety, and of course, much more flexibility.
Aaron SD
Says coming soon…. How soon?
Stuart
Winter 2022. I expect a gradual rollout.
Joe
This is nice. Good for Milwaukee. I have just recently been purchasing packout cases. I am through with Festool’s cheap, overpriced, brittle and ugly (they turn yellow if anytime in the sun) systainers.
Minions Web
I was just complaining you couldn’t by an empty configurable case, without having to buy bit rails filled w MORE bits…thanks for not making me wait 10 yrs for a tool I need Milwaukee!
Frank D
As somebody who has cut his fingers several times trying to get MW drill bits out and now uses a screw driver to pry bits out … it is about time!!!
I stopped buying MW kits and started pickinb up Bosch ones – lear lid ! – that have that type of tilt in & out
Love the idea of packout compatibility … but of course, like most people, I already have enough bits for a lifetime between a dozen of MWs, Bosch and a Dewalt and Craftsman here and there too. Sigh.
Probably will put my 3D printing cap on, instead of buying more bits.
Frank D
PS: I see now, empty cases sold separately. Will have to get some 🙂
Munklepunk
So Milwaukee builds a very nice, very expensive, portable storage system. They make it very storage inefficient so we have to buy more expensive boxes. When the aftermarket comes out with a really good market that is decently priced Milwaukee comes out with their own. It’s well built, as to be expected, but also very space inefficient so you have to buy even more boxes. Meanwhile they have some of the greatest hype marketing next to Apple and Tesla. I wish I were that smart.
Jim Felt
I dunno. Apple and even Tesla have lead their respective markets for too long to be mere “hype”.
I ditched our PCs last century with not a single meltdown since. While I have an EV it’s not a Tesla. Don’t care for their captive “dealership” model or the current management. (I find Milwaukee’s approach almost soothing in comparison to Elon’s). ;-)~
Munklepunk
You should also notice I never once said or implied any of them produced a bad product.
fred
Some like the almost eye-candy aspect of tool storage – where everything is on display. It has its place – and may be efficient in terms of productivity where it lacks efficiency in terms of space conservation.
In our metal fabrication business – our tool room guy had everything organized via drawer liners, shadow boards, indexes etc. When I’d visit, I was often amazed about how organized things were. Then I’d do a stint at the plumbing business – where many of the plumbers thought that 5-gallon pails were perfect tool carriers for most of what was needed – despite the fact that many of our trucks had all been upfitted with parts and tool storage solutions.
I guess what I’m saying is that there is room for alternative solutions to tool storage. While not everyone will like this Milwaukee approach – it will probably sell well enough – and it sure beats throwing everything into a 5-gal pail (lucky for the plumbers it was mostly wrenches and pliers – not drill and screwdriver bits).
Eric
Yeah, the whole setup has a lot of wasted space. The one thing I liked about the old cases was it was easy to just leave the bit holders standing up and pack in a ton of 1″ bits. Doesn’t look like this will do this which is unfortunate.
OldDominionDIYer
Would like to see a bit more although this is nice being able to connect to the underside of the lid or sides of deeper cases would be even better.
Russ Schmidt
If you search for “driver bit holder strips” on Amazon you will find plastic bit holders in a variety of lengths – 6, 8, 10, and 12 holes are well represented. I use these strips to organize my myriad bits. I store the filled strips in a slim packout case – Milwaukee`s recent deal on their packout bit set provided a great foundation for such a kit. I think the new smaller boxes previewed here would be a less space-efficient means to the same end.
Mark M.
I like this for a ton of reasons but the “easy bit removal” line caught my eye. I’ve got a Shockwave hex shank drill bit set and I have to use a pair of pliers to pull the bits up and out of the holder. Total PITA. The push-in design is a welcome change.
Frank D
Same here. As I have cut my fingers a few times using Milwaukee’s bit cases. I typically use a flat screwdriver to pry bits out, then wear a glove to put them back. I never understood how they figured it was ok to sell them like that. I thought about cutting tiny slits or warming the bits to enlarge the holes and make removal easier.
JR Ramos
I like the look of the smaller single sided cases…I’ll pick up a couple of each size when they’re available. Thus far I much prefer the Makita bit cases because the rows tilt out easily, and putting bits back IN is as easy as pulling them out. I find the DeWalt cases to be a pain putting bits back in, Milwaukee so-so. But I’ve got a few sets of stubby drill bits and gun taps that will fit great in that smallest case. One of those stubby sets is brad point and it’s nice not to have to poke those back into a row that doesn’t tilt out…..
kevin
actually it’s not difficult to “install” existing shockwave (or other) cases into the packout cases. with a little effort and planning you can get a custom layout to your liking. interested to see how these work out.
Frank D
Do you have a link to a photo, blog post or video by chance? Or indication how & where to look for it (to avoid spam filter issues).
I know Benjamen has a few 3D solutions. But I am curious to see how to make regular bit boxes work.
Matt
I wish the clear lids were more resistant to toluene. Last night I spilled some on my new case. While ago I looked at it and sure enough the lid looks frosted. I looked at my other two cases and sure enough the same because I was pretty sure a few months ago I spilled toluene on them as well. Are replacement lids available?
Jesse
So…the SKUs are not all new. From what I can tell, the 23 and 29 piece bit sets share SKUs with the older style cases. Already ran into issues with Acme Tool which has updated their photos and descriptions but are still shipping out the old ones. This will be fun for retailers.
Champs
I just bought one, the organizer to go with it, and this exact headache.
Why, just why, didn’t Milwaukee update the part number?
Mehdi
I can’t find two level case rows which are in some bit sets but couldn’t find them separately.
Fritz gorbach
Wors of warning here! It seems that these sets are not(or at least mostly not) new skus at all. Milwaukee seems to have updated the items without creating new skus. So I ordered a 23 piece Titanium bit set. Specifically, 23pc Red Helix Titanium Drill Bit Set (48-89-4631) – $37.97. The picture on the Acme tools website shows this kit as shown above, in the new medium organizer. However, what arrived was in an older style clamshell case, that is definitely not packout compatible. Yet the sku is the same, and the picture on Acmes site is not of what I received.
After a bit of searching, pictures of many of these skus, from a variety of sources, show products in both new and old style packaging. Kind of a disingenuous way to release a new product, if you ask me, as I don’t know which I will receive, and a couple of customer service reps I’ve contacted also can’t tell me.
Stuart
That’s good to know, and I’m sorry you experienced this!
If I recall correctly, the SKUs remain the same when the bit loadouts change slightly.
I have had this happen with other types of tools and brands before, and it’s indeed frustrating every time.
I wouldn’t say it’s disingenuous, but it’s definitely an inconvenience.
Champs
It is disingenuous because I bought the thing under the premise that I was buying three-flat bits in a Packout compatible case. The flats struck me as useful for Vix bits, and I bought a Packout slim organizer to complement it.
I got round bits that won’t fit in the case. More than a little disappointing!
Stuart
I’m sorry – you lost me.
You thought the 1/4″ hex shank impact-rated drill bits would be suitable for use inside self-centering Vix bits, and are unhappy that your round shank drill bits don’t fit in cases specifically designed and advertised for use with impact-rated accessories?
What you’re talking about is completely different from what Fritz was complaining about. At this point, most of the inventory should have rolled over, and the new kits and configurations are shipping with Packout-compatible cases.
Brian
This is great! I have been disappointed that it has literally taken this long. Personally I think that the brand should go all in on pack out. Anything you buy should be able to incorporate into the system seamlessly. I have purchased many of the aftermarket items but they are nowhere near the same quality. I got tboned when somebody ran a red light almost a direct hit to my bed and outside a couple broken tool trays, and scratches the boxes were perfectly fine. I know there’s other systems out there but I am happy with every penny I’ve spent on this system. Looking forward to see what else they come up with!
Steven Davis
Now if Milwaukee would do the same for drill bits…..
Stuart
They did…