We recently took a first look at the new Milwaukee Tool Packout workshop storage system, which is expected to launch later this year in June 2022.
Milwaukee has not yet released any new information, but I came across additional imagery and official product names on a retailer’s website. This gives us a clearer look at each of the new Packout shop storage components.
Update 4/4/2022: This post has been updated with model numbers and official pricing information.
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Milwaukee Packout Mounting Plates
- Large Wall Plate (48-22-8487): $39.97
- Compact Wall Plate (48-22-8486): $19.97
Milwaukee Packout Bins, Racks, and Tool Holders
- Bins 2-pack (48-22-8063): $9.97
- Large Bins 2-pack (48-22-8063): $14.97
- Tool Rack (48-22-8340): $14.97
- Screwdriver Rack (48-22-8341): $14.97
- Compact Shelf (48-22-8347): $19.97
- Roll Holder (48-22-8337): $24.97
- Organizer Cup (48-22-8336): $12.97
- M12 Battery Rack (48-22-8338): $19.97
- M18 Battery Rack (48-22-8339): $24.97
- Long Handle Tool Rack (48-22-8349): $39.97
- Tool Station (48-22-8343): $39.97
Milwaukee Packout Tool Hooks
- Wide Hook (48-22-8332): $19.97
- 6″ Curved Hook (48-22-8331): $19.97
- 9″ Straight Hook (48-22-8330): $19.97
- 4″ Straight Hook (48-22-8334): $12.97
- 3″ Curved Hook (48-22-8335): $12.97
- 4″ S-Hook (48-22-8333): $14.97
Milwaukee Packout Wall Cabinet
- Packout Cabinet (48-22-8445): $139.00
A Closer Look at the Drill/Impact Tool Holder
It looks like the Packout “Tool Station” was designed to fit Milwaukee’s full range of M18 drills, impact drivers, and impact wrenches. It should be compatible with broad range of drills and impacts from other brands as well.
There’s a shelf for batteries and chargers above the tool holder, and a small ledge in front of the handles for drill bit and screwdriver bit accessory cases.
ETA: June 2022
First Look:
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Nathan
does the drill driver holder have a pocket that holds a tool box of sorts – – what is that under the driver handles in the pic.
Curious as to how much as it looks very expensive especially if you have to buy the wall plates separate. They wall cabinet intrigues me the most.
MM
Yes, that’s what it looks like to me. There’s a small pocket or shelf at the back of the holder. It’s easier to see it in the small photos Stuart posted in the middle of the page showing all of the bins and holders individually.
The wall cabinet is the most interesting to me too, especially if it is compatible with the mobile packout carts.
Stuart
I mentioned in the post that there looks to be a small ledge for holding accessory cases. It’s hard to see, but it appears to be a shallow recess with a slightly angled lip.
D3t
https://www.bardonsupplies.com/en/products/tools/tools-miscellaneous/packout-tool-station-tool-organizer/
Here’s a better picture.
Jason
Very curious how expensive all this will be. I like the compact nature though.
Jim Felt
As much as I love dedicated storage…
This’ll never replace an apple crate equivalent full of power tools. Or am I exaggerating? ;-)~
Because Red, Yellow, Blue, the other Red, etc. etc.
nigeldh
I agree with you Jim. My in-shop use kits in are crates – milk, letter/legal filing size, or Rigid / Milwaukee rectangular.
I repurposed several heavy duty metal filing cabinets for storing my batteries, cordless tools, chargers. BTW, even our local reuse center does not want filing cabinets.
I keep a couple of Husky backpacks with sets of tools. So I can grab and go. Since I am mostly doing trail building projects like lean-to, bridges, puncheons, I usually need to pack my tool in. So tool bags without shoulder straps are less useful, harder to carry.
If I was setting up a work van or trailer then the battery storage, other storage, on the walls would be great and worth the pricey price.
SamR
The drill holder seems too bulky.
It would be better to have two drill holder sizes for different drills instead of a universal one.
If a small drill holder is available, I think it will hold three drills instead of two! Definitely, there is room for improvement!
OldDominionDIYer
Nice! It is going to take me a while to get things arranged but I’m thinking this is what I’ll use to reshape my tool walls. going to have to take some planning but I like what they are putting together.
Saulac
I appreciate the Packout’s aesthetic on this line. But using “Packout” in the name seems confusing since none of this accommodate Packout boxes. If I am not mistaken, Packout boxes wouldn’t latch into the mounting plates, nor can be put on any of the rack. This “Workshop” system seem to be for light/smaller items.
Leo B.
A good number of Packout boxes should be able to integrate into the plates, just like the plate that’s available now. For most, it would just be a size issue, with the box not being able to fit on a half-width or smaller mounting plate. Organizers, drawers, the crate, and some other boxes that I’m sure I’m forgetting should be able to integrate into the wall just like normal, more or less.
Dave
PACKOUT boxes can be hung/latched onto the wall plates, and you could put a toobox/organizer on the plate first, then hang one of these new accessories onto the box/org if desired. Some accessories just won’t lock into the box/org but will lock on the wall plates.
Brian M
Packout has vertical and horizontal positions, some things work on both. Why rebrand it differently? Then what do you brand the crate or wall cabinet that will be used on both? They’ll probably retrofit the 2 and 3-door shelves too.
Saulac
I stand corrected on Packout boxes can be mounted on the wall plates. Thanks for all that corrected me. Surprised that Milwaukee decided not showing so, and only showed the new cabinet.
MM
The reason to brand them differently is to eliminate any confusion as to what parts fit with what.
When I previously heard “Packout” I assumed that every item in the series could interlock with every other item in the series. This is not the case.
Saulac
Yes. And my original comment on the naming was based on comparability as well as function/intent.
– Packout (only): mobile system between shop/transport/worksite.
– Workshop (only): stationary system to store items not typically stored in Packout boxes.
– Packout Worshop: to me, this would be a stationary system to allow quickly store and retrieve loaded Packout boxes. This is the equivalent of the wooden shelving systems that many have come up with for their shops and vans.
Hoser
It truly amazes me that they are making these, and will amaze me more if people buy them. An ounce of skill and a small cost for some lumber and you could make much nicer, more efficient, and FAR cheaper storage. Sometimes I wonder what people do with the tools that they have, is the goal just to display them on the wall?
Stuart
I know, right? And what’s up with restaurants – selling prepared food that people can make themselves with ingredients they can buy at the grocery store for less money?!
If it’s not for you, it’s not for you, but there’s no need to be patronizing.
MM
I know you meant the comment scarcastically, but honestly: yes, what is up with restaurants? Serious question. Are they not the exception rather than the rule when it comes to the source of your meal?
I can’t speak for all, of course, for me eating at home with my family is the standard. We cook–doing otherwise is simply a gigantic waste of money. In my opinion, restaraunts fall into two categories:
1) A nice restaurant for special occaisions (i.e. a date, anniversary, birthday, graduation, etc)
or
2) Exceptional circumstances: emergencies, travel, business meeting.
In my opinion you have to have very deep pockets and something of a disregard for frugality if restaurants are the default option rather than the exception, and I think the same can be said for organizers like this. They do have their place but I think there needs to be some compelling reason why they can’t be DIYed, just like a meal.
Stuart
I’m sorry, I’m just tired of “let me attack anyone not aligned with my views” attitudes. Putting others on the defensive is not an appropriate way to ask questions or learn anything. You didn’t do this, but I sensed this in the earlier comment.
There are 100 reasons why someone might want a meal from a restaurant. Me? A cup of chili every once in a while costs a lot less and takes less time than an entire pot.
I’m the only one in the house that eats burgers, and maybe I don’t want to go through a pound of beef in short time.
I grab fast food or takeout for lunch on occasion when I’m driving all around and cannot budget the time to stop home for even a peanut better sandwich.
I bought cut fruit at the supermarket after both of my kids were born, although not a lot of it or for everything. Even though it cost more, the time and effort savings were worth it. My wife had c-sections both times, and it was a great convenience being able to open a container and fork melon into a bowl rather than getting a whole melon and having to wash, prep, cut, and clean.
For DIY, not everyone has access to woodworking tools. Not everyone is up to designing their own organizers or accessories. Not everyone can design and fabricate strong and secure accessories. Not everyone has the time.
With parts bins, some people have the “just tape up some cardboard, there’s no need for plastic boxes” standpoint.
If you want to DIY wall storage, that’s fine. If you would rather purchase solutions, that’s fine. Circumstances are different depending on the user, and they can also change.
I buy when I need to buy, and build when I want to build. Plenty of products don’t align with my needs and wants but can still suit other users.
Jack
Agree w/ Stu. Not every tool is for everyone – same with every tool accessory. I like these accessories, appreciate Milwaukee’s interest, analysis and investment, but will watch for lower prices before pulling the trigger (likely BF). I own Packout items and some, not all, of the new products have my attention. Thanks, Stu.
Mr. Creek
LOL!
MM
Generally I’m inclined to agree with you–most of the time when I see various organizer solutions being advertised for DIYers I get confused–isn’t the whole point of “DIY” to…well…do it yourself? I would not buy this for my own garage or shed or whatever but I can see when people would.
For example, I used to manage a university research lab years ago and I often needed storage solutions. I had two options:
1) DIY. That would mean I’d have to file paperwork to borrow the university truck, wait my turn to use it, go pick up supplies, return the truck on the other side of campus, more paperwork to sign it in, then go to a different building entirely to sign-out tools (hopefully nobody else has them already!), clear out a work area, do the work, then return everything and sign it back in.
-or-
2) Buy some ready-made organizers that take minimal work to set up
The rules of the university made the #1 option impractical so #2 it was.
Eric
Even on the purely DIY side there are people that enjoy making all the organizers, fixtures, and jigs as much as they do working on whatever projects they do. And others that feel making all that takes away from the time they could be working on things they actually enjoy doing.
Though I expect the primary market for these will be commercial shops that would rather their employees be doing something that makes the company money.
Beanhole
10 years ago I would have said the same thing. There are two kinds of people that will buy these items. People with more money than brains and people with more money than time. Luckily, at this point of my life, I have more money than time. Since organization helps me save time and I’d rather spend my time on more valuable projects, I would certainly consider buying something like this. However, I have already made all of this stuff so I don’t need it. Nevertheless, if you have the money don’t waste your time making something that doesn’t bring you joy.
King duck
Some is nice and some is just silly even if you fall into the more money than time category some of this is just silly. It will cost you $45 for a paper towel holder.
I’m sort of interested in the drill station but still seems like better cheaper options on Etsy and Facebook if I don’t want to make my own.
John Blair
How about: You’re a professional mechanic with a wide variety of tools for working on cars but don’t own any woodworking tools at all. How easily you can see tools and making sure everyone knows where to put tools back keeps thing organized and helps you make more money.
But for anyone, time spent making organizers is time you aren’t making money doing your actual job. Depending on your hourly rate, building inexpensive organizers may actually cost you more than just buying something.
Also, some people just like the process. I love to 3D print things and about 1/3rd of my 3D prints are things to make 3D printing better. There are people who only print parts for their 3D printer and never print anything functional. To me it seems a waste but if it makes them happy, more power to them. Of course every time I see a cool jig or organizer, I’m like… Hmm, I might design a personized version of some of these for my own shop and 3d print it. It will never make financial sense for me to do it. I like it, it’s fun for me.
Frank D
I want to be enthusiastic, but any thoughts as to how many hundreds of $ for the setup in the lead picture?
Stuart
Pricing information has not yet been announced.
szymon
way too many 0’s after the first digit.
Andrew
There’s probably a comma in the number.
szymon
Is it fair to say there there will not be any jobsite packout items released this year as they are focusing on the garage storage?
Stuart
The year just started, with 46 weeks to go.
szymon
I guess you are right.
I guess I’m skeptical but hopeful that there will be more jobsite related packout stuff.
I have no need for the garage stuff.
Stuart
At the least, there’s the cabinet and a full-size cooler.
The workshop storage products are expected to launch in June, and there’s still another half a year after that.
At this time, we can only guess one way or another with 50-50 chances, and I generally don’t like those odds.
MFC
French cleat style system.
Jayne Erin Defranco
Great idea but not for me. I’m just your average joe homeowner, over the years I have just made what i have needed out of wood scraps, and huang them up on plywood. I can see how this would have value to Milwaukee tool fans. Yes, Its very nice and would keep things neat.
Tom D
The wall cabinet looks fully Packout normal stack compatible.
Khalil alhawajreh
I have multi tools in my home I don’t know how much will cost me for 20 devices rather than accessories I am working with.
I should look for other and cheap way to organise the hole shop.
Christopher
A bunch of plastic crap! Build your own.
eddie sky
While some do really nice work with wood (you see the price of baltic birch ply lately???) I am inclined to look for something else, neater.
But seeing this on Belt’s and Boxes… I was like … the holders cost more than the tools!!
I prefer some old shelving or PVC cobbling. Or even that nice painted, steel peg board system. But I lack organization skills AND money to waste it on.
fred
In the last day or so I got emails from at least 2 sources (Acme and ToolNut) promoting Packout items. Neither seemed like they were touting sales – but looked more like a heads-up to try to move product. At my point in life – I have built-out all the tool storage that I’m likely to want or need. Some of the new plastic options from TTI and SBD seem OK but may prove to be more glitz than long-term solutions. But it’s always nice to have options and time will tell about how well these will hold up compared to the bins and racks I built 40 to 50 years ago out of hardwood, angle iron, pipe, rod etc. I can say that there is a homogeneity of look about them if you like that sort of thing.
Franck B.
I’m willing to bet that what you’ve crafted to use in home or workshop is great, and probably both beautiful and functional.
But I think the plastic stuff is pretty good for taking on the road. Plastic lends an air of disposability. And out there, it might be destroyed as it’s rarely taken care of. I mean, the name “Packout” seems to exude the premise of mobility. Seems weird for them to target home users.
fred
I think that it may also have the advantage of being more easily cleaned. Vacuuming and dusting in a garage – can go only so far. The neat and clean new wall shown in their illustration soon becomes covered in grime. My solution – has been a fresh coat of paint every few years. But the puckout plastic – might be better amenable to washing.
MM
Yikes, these are expensive! That setup pictured at the top of the article looks like it would cost about $600 based on these prices.
Mac
$600 seems kinda low. It looks nice. Would match my red gear, but I just don’t see the upside beyond that for the massive investment vs roughly any other garage storage system.
Am I expected to move these around regularly? I sure hope not.
Even if I didn’t want to just build my own solution – why not organize it the way I want with cheaper options first?
The reason I like the packout stack is that I can adjust the boxes I’m rolling on site. If I’m in the shop – I just don’t see the need to take any of these down to use. I’m either missing the use case, or Milwaukee created a solution to something that didn’t actually pose a problem – and I like to think they’re some clever folk, so I really want to know the thought process here.
I could have seen investing in red shop storage if I didn’t also need mounting plates for everything. The prices aren’t terrible, not great either, for just the storage – but why the mounting plates?
They made full size plates for the original stuff too, or am I making that up? Why aren’t those also being used/pushed in this release?
I’m just confused. Didn’t mean to go off on a mini-rant, but also don’t really want to back and edit it smaller. Sorries.
Koko The Talking Ape
A few days ago, fred, Joe Hanson and I had a nice discussion about improvements on tool backpacks. One idea that came up was to attach one of those mounting plates to an external frame from a backpack, or even an ALICE frame. That would move the weight off your shoulders and onto your hips, which can bear much more weight for much longer, as any backpacker knows. The frame, shoulder straps and hip belt are simple, light and durable. You could stack Packout boxes on the plate, swap them out as your needs changed, pop them off for easy access, etc.
OTOH, you have to procure the frame, though they aren’t expensive, and you can often find them used (external-frame packs are slightly old school, and aren’t as good as internal frames for scrambling on steep or rough terrain.) And the frame adds some bulk. And attaching a mounting plate would require some ingenuity.
I’d be eager to see whatever people’s experiments along these lines!
Mac
That seems clever. Maybe there are cool portable solutions for these. Even kitting out sawhorses or just a folding sandwich board might be worthwhile. Then I might take these off the wall to go with me and actually swap items around as needed.
That’s so, so, so very many latch plates needed then though if I also have them all down the shop wall. But, maybe worth it for the easy customization?
It just looks so strange with the sales image being a shop wall, because all these things already exist if you don’t want to diy. Even to kit a van, how much will actually get swapped around from shop to van?
Koko The Talking Ape
Yeah, I don’t see these being used on shop walls much. Some kind of rail system seems more versatile. They might work for a van.
A sawhorse or rolling tool stand is an interesting idea, though it would be nice if you could open the Packout box without everything falling out. If they made a cabinet which Packout boxes could out and then you could open the lid would be pretty cool.
Koko The Talking Ape
Sorry, “which Packout boxes could SLIDE out….” I’m imagining something like those drawers that Home Depot and hardware stores used for small parts. You slide them out and then lift a lid to get your SS washers or whatever.
Dominic L
Ar some point, the cost of all the plastic bins on a wall, will approach the cost of a full Snap On cabinet.
Steven L
Congrats to Milwaukee for adding more storage options to their product line.
I am debating getting a cordless 23 ga pin nailer. All my 18-20V battery tools are Dewalt plus a few Bosch 12v drills/drivers. But Milwaukee’s 12v pin nailer is top of my list – don’t want to add another battery platform; but, might get one during the next round of sales. I wouldn’t have that option if Milwaukee wasn’t aggressive in bringing new product to market.
Some folks use a handsaw, others a circular saw. Not everyone is the same. Someone will enjoy buying and using Milwaukkee’s new storage options
Fyrfytr998
I would rather build my own tool holders, and I have.
MM
The Dewalt 23ga pin nailer, DCN623, is expected to be released very soon. Several vendors are already listing it on their sites.
Franck B.
I had been waiting for the Dewalt for a long time (my primary battery platform). I did get a Ryobi T50 stapler which I have been using with Dewalt batteries via $10 adapter, and was very happy that Ryobi was sufficiently reliable to handle stapling duties (I’ve had negative experiences with the newer tools in more demanding tasks, which I’ve never had with Dewalt except for one tool).
So I thought I would give the Ryobi 23g pin nailer a try as well, and it does just fine since pin nailing doesn’t seem to demand much. I do a lot of hardwoods with it and haven’t had a problem, again still using Dewalt 20V batteries.
While the stapler was an inexpensive experiment since it was $40 bare tool and I already had the adapters, the pin nailer is kind of pricey but is also a much better built tool.
I will probably get the Dewalt when it comes out (thanks to @MM for the heads up) but I don’t think it will perform any better and will probably be expensive. But if it takes 1-3/4″ pins (the Ryobi does not) then it will be worth it.
Franck B.
Grr it’s limited to 1-1/2″. But it’s Atomic and very cute.
MM
The length confused me a little too. I could have sworn that when they were first talking about this tool last year the specs being thrown around talked about a 2″ pin capacity. But it’s clear now from Toolup’s video and the graphics we can see on the tool that it’s 1 1/2″ max. I wonder if they changed the design after finding it couldn’t reliably sink 2″ pins? It doesn’t really bother me, I think I’d rather use larger fasteners if I needed that kind of length, but I’m still a bit curious.
Franck B.
Craftsman also now have a 23g pinner. When it comes I’ll compare it to the Dewalt, but it’s not the same as it is 1-3/8″.
Franck B.
Oh yeah, I use the longer ones for when thinner brickmould or other casing needs to be preassembled, glued and edge pinned. The wood would probably split with a larger nail.