Milwaukee has expanded their Packout system of modular tool storage products with a new tool tray, model 48-22-8045.
The new Milwaukee Packout tool tray looks to be a fairly straightforward solution. It features a large carrying handle that can be pushed in for a lower profile or stacking.
It comes with adjustable dividers, for up to 6 storage compartments.
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The Packout tool tray has a 25 pound load capacity.
Multiple Packout tool trays can be stacked together for storage.
They can also be carried in stacks, although you’ll probably want to pay attention to the weight capacity.
And, the tool tray can also be placed inside different sizes of Packout tool boxes – the rolling tool chest, rolling tool box, XL tool box, and large tool box.
The Packout tool tray is rotated 90° to fit across the opening of the rolling Packout tool chest.
And, it also locks into Packout cleats, allowing it to be secured to the top of a stack of Packout tool boxes.
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Price: $40
ETA: April 2022
Jared
Always handy to have a way to organize inside those large storage boxes. Seems well designed.
James C
First thought is dang, of course they announce this right after I bought six Dewalt trays to organize projects. Then I saw the price of this and remembered why I don’t have more Packout stuff. I’m sure it’s worth it for some people but I just can’t justify it for my needs.
Matt the Hoople
Which Dewalt trays?
Stuart
https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-toughsystem-tool-trays-special-buy/
Matt the Hoople
Oh those. I like those and want some. Missed out on them when on sale. They sold out before I could get some. Waiting for the next time. Only thing missing on the deep Dewalt is a carry handle like the pack outs have. I love one handed totes for carrying tools and supply’s to a task. I dont have any of the pack out containers so the Milwaukee’s are a bit steep for my DIY needs. For around $17, I think the Husky connect ones are a really good deal. Even if one doesn’t have other connect boxes.
James C
Yeah, those. I have four shallow and two deep. I built a cabinet for them on top of my workbench for easy access. They’re great for organizing projects. I made some plywood dividers for a few of them that help with the small stuff.
I don’t have any of the toolboxes they fit in so I’m missing out on some of the functionality. And like you said, without a carry handle they aren’t that convenient to transport – around the house isn’t a big deal but taking them offsite would be a hassle.
Matt the Hoople
Looks like the Dewalt are back in stock at HD with free ship to home. Gonna grab a few.
Jeremiah Ducate
Im actually surprised at the price. I expected $60 considering the price of other packout stuff. Im bothered that HD doesnt have their basic, nesting plastic handtrays anymore. Used to be $4 i think, which should make them about $6- $7 now. I still would get some-more at that price. Nothing ive seen below $10+ ive seen that matches the durability and utility.
OldDominionDIYer
Nice! I like it, PackOut has matured into so many things, really seems like the most comprehensive “portable storage solution” available today.
Adam
Really clever to have it fit into the toolboxes. I wish I had a use for the Packout stuff, because all the organization really appeals to me.
Jeremiah McKenna
If you buy it,… you will use it. You’ll find a way to justify buying, and buying and buying some more.
NoahL
Sounds like a great way to waste money 😂… But seriously my wife put up with me buying new tools for work but she still doesn’t quite get the storage buys.. I’m on tradestack/TSTAK which is much less expensive and lighter than packout. Works for me.
aaron s
wow, looks like an amazing product. worlds better than the similar purposed dewalt trays but also way more expensive…
Jim Felt
It’s always interesting to me to see the contrast in construction sturdiness of these heavier duty Milwaukee American-centric designs v. the lighter build European brands.
Like maybe careful gentle users v. the rough and tumble cowboy/biker user? (For illustration purposes only).
Yeah. I’ve both styles. But I’m also neither of those extremes in my usage.
Even the molded in colors seem compatible with their respective looks.
But doesn’t it seem this way to others as well?
Just curious.
Stuart
Speaking from experience, Festool Systainers canNOT endure a lot of abuse or even rough handling. Bosch L-Boxxes aren’t much toughter.
But, tool transport methods and usage environments tend to be very different.
JGonzo
Yeah, I let a friend borrow my TS55 and he treated it like it was in a Packout case, rather than the, um, fastidiously German instrument that it’s intended (for better or worse) to be. He was not thrilled with the price when he went to replace the broken Systainer before returning it to me.
I’ve even heard of people who buy Festool and then transfer them to Packouts (haven’t met one yet, or I’d be buying their leftover Systainers on the cheap…).
Billy
I got heavy into the packout system by way of the seasonal sales and thought it would be perfect for organization. However, I’m not a contractor. My tools live in my garage, but are regularly taken out to a couple of rental properties I manage as well as the regular odd jobs for family and friends. I thought the packout system would be awesome for my needs, and it was nice. However, I ended up with a few Festool Systainers that I purposed for a few items and tasks. I found that, for my uses, they were a much better form factor and size and have begun switching over to them as needed. The size options and customization is so much nicer for what I need, especially on the organizers. And one of the most important parts is their footprint. I’ve found in almost every case I’m able to fit the same amount of gear into something that takes up much less space. The last point is a huge plus for storage in the garage and also when loading up my mid-sized truck.
No doubt the packouts are more durable, but I guess for a guy that isn’t banging them around a job site every day the systainers are a much more efficient solution. Once I get organized I’m going to list all of my packouts on craigslist.
Jack Smith
You wouldn’t happen to be in Ohio would you?
Julian Tracy
I’ve had at least 30 sustainers of various styles and sizes over the last ten years or so. (Bought most from a remodeling contractor that’d sell them to me cheap as he had no use for them.)
In all those years, I’ve never broken a single one. Meatheads will find a way to f$&% up just about anything.
But absolutely, they’re a completely different breed of durability compared to Packout stuff.
David
Can you latch a full sized pacout on top?
Harry C
I think so? It better be capable of that for $40.
If the bin/crate thing can attach to other bin/crate things and also to the top of Packout things, then logically it would make sense that said Packout things could attach to the top of said bin/crate thing too.
Stuart
I don’t believe so.
1) They would have shown it in such a configuration.
2) It looks to be 2-rows deep, and you can only latch full-size Packout cases to bases/lids with 3 rows of cleats.
Even if you *can* you probably shouldn’t.
Ross
It does look like you can though, the back edge is recessed which looks like a spot the 3rd cleat can sit over the edge.
Farmerguy
Yes. Looks just like how the PackOut crate locks together with items on top of it. Like Stuart says “can you vs should you” applies
Harry C
Milwaukee is on a roll for 2022.
(Insert “Shut up and take my money!” Futurama meme.)
Ok so yes, this is expensive AF compared to other “similar” bins. I would be in the “no” camp too if it weren’t so gosh darn clever.
It has a carry handle (basic requirement), removable dividers (nice idea; not unheard of), it can stack with others like it (useful) & with the Packout system as a whole (um, wut?), AND it nests inside of the larger toolboxes as a tray (whoa whoa whoa hang on; excuse me?).
I can definitely see potential use cases- Notably having a few category-specific trays (batteries, M12 & M18 impacts w/ bits, couple OMTs with blades, etc) that live on the wall near the workbench with the rest of the tools but can then be transported in [lockable, IP65] toolboxes when they need to go somewhere.
Even worse (for my wallet) is that I didn’t have much interest in the long rollie box, but now it seems much more enticing because it can hold a couple of these bins on top of larger tools or a few tool bags because, again, weather resistant and lockable.
I do agree with everyone who brings up price with respect to Packout. I started with the Ridgid system a few years before Packout was announced, continue to use & appreciate it, and even grab a new crate from time to time. In terms of what you get for your money, I think you can’t beat the Ridgid stuff. It’s durable, weather-resistant, and around half the cost of equivalent Packout items. But that system remains relatively static in its offerings- only the clear-lid organizer and long rollie box have been released since I first bought into it (whisperings of a cooler haven’t appeared to come to fruition either).
Meanwhile over in the Packouthouse it’s been a real bonanza of new stuff released on a consistent basis, and that’s before we get into 3D printerville for limitless modding potential (HUGE shout-out to Benjamin for continuing to offer up his designs for free to anyone who wants them!).
So yeah; stoked on this bin/crate thing, and while I wish it was offered at a $25 pricepoint it won’t stop me from trying out one of them to start and see if it lives up to expectations.
Jim Felt
Good news! Futurama is also getting a reboot!
Jack Smith
I have a six piece Packout system but I also have a three piece Ridgid tool box set.
Anybody who doesn’t want to pay Packout prices I will recommend the Ridgid boxes because they are really very well made and they lock together really well. Very simple and reliable system.
But if you can afford it the Packout is the best you can get. I got my Milwaukee Packout started when they were on sale right before Christmas.
Funny thing is I have pretty much all DeWalt tools. I wish DeWalt had designed this set of boxes, but they didn’t and I have zero brand loyalty. Which perfectly matches the loyalty that these companies have for us.
JR Ramos
I may have to pick up a couple of these if I can see them in person. Not crazy about that 25lb rating – would be nice if they’d used a continuous metal handle instead of “metal reinforcing” the plastic ends…likely that would increase the weight capacity some. Probably more expensive than it should be but at least the price isn’t eye-watering. Thanks for the heads up!
Plain grainy
Milwaukee also has a new divider for the crates! OFF Topic: Toolbarn-Metabo 36 Volt triple hammer impact kit. $199, has a free battery(4.0 multivolt i think) with the kit. I think they just lowered the price from $279. Kit includes 2 (2.5 multivolt batteries) plus the bonus 4.0.
Plain grainy
The free 4.0 battery deal must have ended on March 1st. The listing no longer offers it.
Frank D
First time in a while that I am excited about a new MW PackOut product, without finding it a compromised design or too expensive for what it is. Probably going to try to get a couple as soon as they’re out.
Jp
It’s good that milwaukee applied since dewalt was beating it by making a system that makes the interior of its box system more useful and practical.
CountyCork
Does packout have a warranty? I purchased the utility cart which had broken plastic tabs along the side and returned for another with the same issue. I’ve tried emailing 2 months ago and never received a response. What’s the best way to remedy this issue (better to just call?). If I could get parts I could easily swap them out but I don’t see this is possible.
JR Ramos
I think those are by-decision. Telephone best, social media second-best, or a review on their site if they don’t curate it and then fail to be reachable via email. Plain email with them seems to mostly go unanswered. If you have a service center nearby you could call them up also but many do tools-and-batteries only.
Bruce
Go on instagram and look for milwaulkee. They seem to respond there and other social media sites
Stuart
Hmm. It should, but I can’t find any information on this.
For immediate damage, that calls for return + exchange or return + rebuy.
Jeremiah McKenna
At first I was thinking, “Meh, I’m not even a crate fan.” Then I saw them inserted in the larger boxes. To me, that would be how I’d use them. I like my gear secured when traveling.
I’m waiting for them to come out with a folding table.
Mike
I own rental properties and I have always pulled a 6 x 12 trailer to every maintenance call because you never know what you will end up needing. Since I purchased the packout system I rarely ever take the trailer. I was able to organize so many tools and supplies into the boxes that it’s rare that I don’t have what I need. The only issue I have had it if you overfill the black organizers in the large boxes you will break the ears off when you close the lid. Other than that this is one of the best buys I have ever made.