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ToolGuyd > Editorial > Reader Question: Can I Use Modular Tool Storage in the Workshop?

Reader Question: Can I Use Modular Tool Storage in the Workshop?

Mar 13, 2023 Stuart 33 Comments

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Milwaukee 48-59-1809 M18 Packout Battery Charger on Tool Box Tower

Modular tool box and storage systems have never been more popular, with near-constant product line expansions and the steady introduction of new competition.

What’s the big deal about modular tool boxes? Why have they become so popular? Can they be used in a workshop? Are they right for everyone?

A reader wrote in with some great questions that I will do my best to answer. Nathan wrote:

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I have a couple floor-standing toolboxes that hold most of my hand tools in my workshop. I do have odds and ends around that I’d like to put somewhere a bit more organized. I generally work in my own shop or on my own property, and if I need to take tools somewhere else (less often), I usually just throw what I need in a toolbag and go.

After reading your recent posts today about both the US General toolbox and the Bosch L-Boxx, I’m again left wondering: what is the big deal with portable, stacking boxes (e.g. Milwaukee Packout, DeWalt Toughsystem, etc.)?

I’m clearly missing something, due to the popularity… or am I? Perhaps it’s not just for me? I wonder if you could help me and perhaps others with me that are in the same boat. Could you possibly do an overview on how these storage systems compare to more traditional storage, like basic plastic bins, metal toolboxes / tool cabinets, etc.? I think this would be helpful for me to decide whether to take a pass on these somewhat pricey, yet popular, storage systems, or to jump in with everyone else and improve my (shop) life.

In addition to reporting on developments in the modular tool storage industry, I have been using different tool box systems for more than a decade now.

To start off, they are absolutely not for everyone, or all circumstances.

Modular tool boxes offer two things – portability and organization.

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With respect to portability, modular tool boxes, bags, and organizers typically provide strong, convenient, and versatile ways to move tools, parts, and equipment around.

I often need separation and organization more than I need portability. Modular tool box systems allow for tools to be grouped together in common themes.

A stack of modular tool boxes takes up less space than most single-bay rolling tool cabinets, and allows for greater configuration options. Rather than trying to shoehorn a collection of tools, parts, and supplies into a tool chest, you can go with a more optimized selection customized to your specific needs.

They’re not better than drawers, shelves, industrial bins, and other such solutions; modular tool storage products simply present another approach, even if portability is a minimal or completely irrelevant consideration.

Modular Tool Box System Launch Timeline

It all started with Festool Systainers, which were pricey and typically only popular with Festool users. Certain Festool products, such as their Sortainers with drawer compartments, proved decent for shop use, presenting a portable alternative to typical bin cabinets or hanger systems.

(In my experience, Sortainers are really bad when stacked – all of the drawers start to bind together and are difficult to open and close.)

Bosch L-Boxx, a Sortimo-made tool box system, was officially announced in 2010.

Dewalt ToughSystem tool boxes were announced in 2011.

Dewalt Tstak, a smaller system similar in size to Systainers and L-Boxxes, were announced in 2012.

The Ridgid Pro Gear system came out in 2014.

Milwaukee first launched their Packout storage system in 2017.

There are other systems – Craftsman’s Tstak-compatible Versastack system, Craftsman Tradestack, Makita MakPac, Flex Stack Pack, Kobalt CaseStack, and the upcoming Klein ModBox, just to name a few.

Some brands have launched new generations of products: Dewalt launched ToughSystem 2.0 in recent years, and Ridgid also recently launched their Pro 2.0 tool boxes.

Why are they so Popular?

Have you ever heard of Akro-Mils? Quantum Storage System? Durham Manufacturing? There’s a much greater chance you’ve heard of Milwaukee Packout than those industrial-focused brands.

Modular tool storage systems have become highly visible. They’re prominent on retailers’ websites, at jobsites, and definitely on social media.

Milwaukee Packout Tool Box Stack with Vacuum in a Box

I spotted this Milwaukee Packout setup in the field a few years ago – at an arts supply store where techs were repairing the checkout system. Now, the bin on top could be replaced with a Packout-compatible cordless vacuum.

Modular storage systems have been popular for years, just not here. Now they’re more popular than ever in the USA and elsewhere, thanks to high market visibility, aggressive promotions, and the regular launch of solutions and products aimed at easing common user frustrations.

Can They be Used in Workshops?

Ryobi ToolBlox

Ryobi had a stackable tool box system designed for workshops, Toolblox, although they were only ever available overseas. Now, they have the Link system.

Craftsman also had a modular tool chest system, made by Keter.

Facom Tool Box and ToughSystem Combo

Facom integrated their mobile tool chests with ToughSystem products.

BluCave Modular Storage System

BluCave had a modular wall-mounted storage system where tool box modules could be removed and carried around.

There were many attempts at modular shop storage products.

Milwaukee Packout Shop Storage Products 2022 Closeup

Milwaukee now has shop storage accessories within Packout, as well as shelves and their other horizontal-surface mounting accessories.

Is Packout perfect? Of course not. The same is true for L-Boxx, ToughSystem, Systainers, and other modular storage systems.

In my experiences, every modular storage system has compromises.

Bosch L-Boxx Storage Stack

I used Bosch L-Boxxes in ways where nothing else would have worked better at the time, at least with respect to off-the-shelf solutions, even from industrial suppliers.

It’s all about problem-solving solutions that reduce frustrations.

How many people who use Packout, Systainers, or other modular systems in their workshop have ever opened an industrial catalog to see what else is out there? There are plenty of other storage options out there. Visibility is important.

The beauty of Packout and other systems is that they bridge the gap. Portable solutions can be used in stationery setups, but it’s a lot harder for products designed for fixed location use to be made more mobile.

Dewalt’s ToughSystem was the first durable modular tool box system. Systainers and L-Boxxes are decent, but they’re not anywhere as robust. That kick-started things.

Milwaukee Packout Wheeled Dolly Stack

Packout is not just a tool box system. They rapidly and steadily expanded the system with more. The line launched in 2017, and in 2018 the brand announced slim organizers, tool bags, a rolling cart, and cases with custom foam inserts.

In 2019, Milwaukee added a crate and wall-mounting options.

Packout tool boxes with drawers came out in 2020.

Milwaukee’s steady expansion put the pressure on Dewalt, prompting ToughSystem 2.0 to improve upon the first-generation offerings.

With modular storage products gaining sales, more and more brands wanted a share of the action. All of that competition has helped to propel things forward.

Dewalt ToughSystem 20V Charger Tool Box DWST08050 with Batteries and USB Charging

Dewalt just came out with a ToughSystem 2.0 battery charging tool box.

With all of these options, it’s easy to find a solution that fits one’s needs. The more solutions there are, the greater the chance an individual product or two will draw in new users. Once a user buys into a system, they are more likely to make additional purchases.

Modular storage systems have also become the Trapper Keepers of the construction industry.

Some people will argue that many modular tool box systems are a waste of money, but there are also some folk who don’t see the merit of cordless power tools.

Looking on social media, there are some great examples of van and truck integrations.

But, I’m also sure some users buy into modular storage systems when other products might have better served their needs.

I use a couple of different storage systems in my workshop in ways that benefit me. Would I recommend it to others? That’s the difficult part. These are highly versatile systems designed for mobility. Some of the benefits are lost in a stationery workshop setting. There are also many other options if portability is less of a priority.

It’s tougher to recommend modular storage products to individual workshop users than professionals who need durable on-the-go solutions.

But on the other hand, there’s no easy substitute. Sometimes modular tool box systems are the clear answer.

A lot of people look at all of the setups online and on social media and think “wow, it works for them, could it work for me too?” That’s something only you can answer.

I have been using modular storage products for many years now.

I also have the privilege of being able to explore many new products and accessories, whether for free or on ToolGuyd’s dime.

Workshop storage is tricky. Unless you recognize clear benefits in modular tool box systems, keep searching until a superior solution presents itself.

Also keep in mind that you don’t need to buy an entire stack or tower of products. If a singular tool box or accessory fits your needs, start there.

I have tried so many different product systems over the years. Something that works well for one person might be a complete waste of money or inefficient nightmare for others.

Looking at others’ setups can work for inspiration, but never forget that individual needs can vary. Everyone prioritizes time, effort, and money savings in a different order.

Modular tool box and organizer systems have worked out well for me over the years, some better than others. But I also don’t treat them all as modular.

One of my favorite tool bags is the Milwaukee Packout compact tote. I don’t use it with any other Packout products, although I have considered pairing it with a parts organizer. I like it for its size, features, and quality.

I use Dewalt ToughSystem trays, despite not owning any tool boxes to put them into. My Packout vacuum sample is used by itself 99% of the time. Dewalt recent sent over a ToughSystem 2.0 charger, and I like its size so much that I will likely buy two or more of the deep tool boxes once available.

Can modular tool boxes and storage products be used in the workshop? Yes! Portability, stackability, and compatibility aspects usually do create compromises that can take a little away from their versatility in workshop settings.

Can they work for you? That depends on whether you have identified any needs they can meet, problems they can solve, or frustrations they can ease. If you’re not sure, start small and see how well it works out.

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Sections: Editorial, Reader Question, Storage & Organization

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33 Comments

  1. GAK

    Mar 13, 2023

    My take on it is; modular tool storage systems in the workshop are fantastic for items/categories of tool you don’t use often.

    I’m a machinist, so all the machining tools I use regularly are in drawer cabinets of various sorts. I should be all Lista, but that gets super expensive – so mostly a mix of Husky $400 Home Depot boxes and a nice Snap On service box with the side-sliding top drawer I love.

    But of course, I have a bunch of electrical tools, and woodworking stuff, and some car stuff. None of which I use very often, but gotta keep around to be a well-rounded individual. Packout? Ideal for all that. It stores small, takes up very little space, is easy to grab to use wherever needed, and goes back clean and tidy.

    Would I want to work in a shop out of Packout? Absolutely not! But for occasional use categories, it is ideal. Of course, it is designed for mobile folks where you can trade the inconvenience of stacked boxes with the need to be portable every day.

    Reply
    • newbs7

      Mar 14, 2023

      Exactly this!

      Same for me. Got my larger wood working tools in my garage and all the necessary items in drawers and my tool chest. But for lesser used handyman things like electrical tools and extra supplies, tiling tools, plumbing tool, standard honey do “go bag” etc, I use packouts which suit all my needs. Love that they have the larger boxes with clear lids now, super helpful for a quick check of what’s in there.

      Reply
  2. Jared

    Mar 13, 2023

    If you’re not moving your tools from your shop, then the big advantage of a mobile tool box system is lost. There’s certain things those mobile boxes are not good at, like socket and wrench storage, so why put up with that if you don’t need the mobility?

    My shop isn’t heated (except by a wood stove I light when I’m inside) so I store some stuff in Toughsystem boxes for the weather resistance, but that just slow down access versus the tools I keep in my tool chests, on shelves or in open-top totes.

    Basically, I don’t think they are a good general-purpose shop storage option, but can be worth the compromise if you benefit from being mobile.

    Reply
    • TomD

      Mar 14, 2023

      The problem is when you’re in that dividing line between “always in the workshop” and “almost always in the workshop” – then you either have to repack stuff to move offsite, have things in containers that are annoying to get to, or end up with duplicate tools.

      The third is where things often gravitate I’ve found.

      Reply
  3. Bonnie

    Mar 13, 2023

    I think there’s a faint dividing line between “sorting organizers” and “modular toolbox systems”. Small parts organizers (could be as simple as Plano tackle-boxes, Akro-Mills drawers, or as fancy as Sortimo boxes) are always useful for specific sets of things, like hardware, and always have been.

    Modular toolboxes that snap together? To my mind they immediately cause more headaches than they solve within a workshop (assuming you’re not loading up a workvan every day). They’re barely more compact than a gorilla rack, while being more expensive, specialized, and requiring multiple steps to get to that one tool you need right now. If it’s just storage you’re likely way better off using file boxes or clear plastic tubs to store like-with-like.

    If you don’t have a dedicated work space, and have to setup a temporary shop all the time then they make sense. The extra effort needed to access everything is offset by the portability. Similarly if you have a particular type of work that you can’t spare the space to have a permanent setup. I used a stack of husky organizers (made by Keter I believe and unfortunately discontinued) for model-making before I had a dedicated craft room, because that was a hobby I had to setup on the kitchen table and then put back into storage. But I have never wanted toolboxes (modular or traditional) in my woodshop because they slow everything down and make it harder to get to things.

    I was kind of surprised to hear you call Akro-Mils an industrial brand, as I consider them almost an eponym for plastic drawer boxes (like Plano can be for tackleboxes). But I guess they’ve ceded a lot of the arts and crafts space to ArtBin. Those plastic drawer organizers are ubiquitous though, I don’t think I’ve encountered a shop or craftroom without at least one of those tucked away somewhere.

    Reply
    • Jared

      Mar 13, 2023

      I have several Milwaukee parts organizers, the non-packout versions, that I use in my shop. In that case though, I built a cabinet to store them so I can grab the one I want individually instead of lifting the whole stack. Like you said, latching boxes together would just be annoying in the shop.

      Just FYI, if you check a catalogue from an industrial supplier like Grainger, there’s a lot of Akro-Mills products made for the industrial space.

      Reply
      • Bonnie

        Mar 13, 2023

        Sorry, not saying Akro-Mils isn’t an industrial brand, but not one I consider eclusively industry-focused like say Lista.

        Reply
  4. Sam

    Mar 13, 2023

    At first blush, I think to myself , these portable/mobile toolboxes are primarily designed for tradesmen in the field…what purpose or niche could they have in a home shop? Milwaukee has started to bridge the two with small modular “do-dad”wall setups, which is handy for some particular shop setups…I drop those into existing drawers.
    The thought of mixing the mobile and stationary tool setups never crossed my mind as they are really separate endeavors. Heck, I even have diferent tool lines between the two scenarios. Home shop tools are nominally Ryobi while the professional face saving field work tool setups are a Makita, Milwaukee mix in different mobile boxes…primarily Rigid versions and a newer Dewalt TS2.
    I will have to give the workshop use of mobile storage a second thought to see how that helps.

    Reply
    • Sam

      Mar 13, 2023

      Well…I think Bonnie explained it well. In shop use of these mobile toolboxes is more cumbersome than useful. Kinda explains why the thought never entered my mind.

      Reply
  5. OGC

    Mar 13, 2023

    I just set up Packout stack for my kids 8U team. I was usually hauling a wagon with balls, nets, catcher’s gear, etc. Now everything is organized and efficient, just like I like it. As a trim carpenter/cabinet guy I keep a set of power tools and job specific gear (changes for each job) in Packout stacks that make it super easy for mobile working. I usually don’t get them out in the shop or home unless I need them. Sockets, etc. have different storage in rollaway carts and dedicated wall storage. Stackable storage isn’t a fix-all but it’s fantastic for anything that needs to move around.

    Reply
  6. ak28117

    Mar 13, 2023

    Agree with most of the comments in the thread.

    For the specific use case this user has brought up, I don’t see the need for a stackable mobile tool box. Unless – the user doesn’t have much space in the shop and would like the flexibility of moving large sections around to accommodate. But then I guess, it isn’t much of a shop. So yeah, Packout or similar doesn’t make much sense.

    A decent rolling tool cabinet and a standard toolbox makes more sense.

    I am amazed and not surprised by the sea of sameness that is now the stackable toolbox category. Looks like every brand has one and I wont be surprised if all roads lead to a few manufacturers who make it for most of the brands.
    Amazed at how big this segment has become and not surprised because everyone is chasing the category leader – Milwaukee. The Packout system is ahead of everyone by a country mile. Milwaukee did not come out with this concept first…from what I have inferred in previous posts, Bosch and Festool had their systems but I think Milwaukee did it best in terms of selling the category of stackable tool boxes and claiming it. Milwaukee in general is ahead of everyone in the tool industry when it comes to designing for the category and then owning it. Packout belongs to the same cohort as Sawzall and Hole Hawg among others.

    If you are a general contractor, electrician, plumber or any other similar member of the trades…for the most part, it’s a point of pride having that big red system to cart around, that houses all your tools so you can be ready to tackle when you get the call ….and I would venture its also a form of credibility to have a brand like that to show you are a serious professional.

    This category is popular because the category leader is great at marketing and selling it and there are several influencers who do a good job touting it (I’ve noticed Flex showcase their Packout as well in many channels recently….but its still called a Packout for a reson). There are even specific IG accounts just focused on the MW Packouts…stacking them up like a leaning tower of Pisa…I don’t get that.

    A decent rolling tool cabinet and a standard toolbox and no regrets for the judicious user.

    Reply
  7. MFC

    Mar 13, 2023

    That ryobi toolblox system looks like what I’ve wanted all along. I never knew it even existed! And I guess it didn’t in the States…

    Big drawers, little drawers, cabinets… Come on Packout, catch up with Ryobi! lol

    Reply
  8. Saulac

    Mar 13, 2023

    Think about the disadvantages of these module tool storage (MTS): size, access, packing density…Can you use MTS excursively in a shop? Yes, but there are better option out there. Do they have a place in any shop? Yes, even if you never bring your tools out of the shop. MTS is great for organizing tools and accessories into specific “jobs”, such as “routing”, “planing”, “sanding”, “lube”, “soldering”, “testing”,…Auto mechanics are anal about tools cabinets, probably only behind machinist, yet they still buy/keep plenty of “tool cases” for specific jobs.

    Reply
  9. J. Newell

    Mar 13, 2023

    I have some space and storage restrictions. I keep some power tools in storage containers on dollies so I can easily move them around and keep them organized and easily accessible. Labeling tape can be a big help with organization.

    Reply
  10. Munklepunk

    Mar 13, 2023

    The issue with using portable toolboxes, toughsystem, packout, only in a shop is you end up with boxes everywhere half open because you really don’t have any place to put the tools when you are done using them for now. Because you don’t want to put them away and then take them back out. And what you need is always towards the bottom of a stack. And since most people don’t have a big shop, especially diy, and floor space is at a premium that gets old quick. If you have drawers on mobile systems they are nice but get expensive very fast, much more expensive than a decent tool chest and far worse use of space.

    Reply
  11. M

    Mar 13, 2023

    I keep my painting supplies in a set of ridgid boxes. They just work well for co-locating everything and when I need to wheel them to someplace I have everything I need in one spot. Be that a room or a single project. I could accomplish similar with totes, but the portability aspect is why they modular tool box works best.

    I also use a set of modular tool boxes as my shooting range kit. They are fantastic for that purpose. I used to use gutted jogging stroller with other boxes and bags for this purpose. The tool boxes are smaller and weather proof, I have my spotting scope, tripod, and shooting mat attached to it. Can even put a golf umbrella into the PVC tube to provide shade/rain coverage or use it to rig up a poncho tarp off of. Can hang my shooting jacket off of the handle. Biggest downside is it’s heavy, but I can cross load across the boxes to make it more manageable to get into and out of the vehicle.

    I’m contemplating getting another Ridgid crate and cutting the bottom off of it to mount my miter saw onto rather than getting another miter saw stand that I’ll inevitably hate. I built all of my portable benches/carts to be the perfect height for my tablesaw as well as for the possibility of doing this with my Ridgid boxes.

    Reply
  12. Jamie Lee Davis

    Mar 13, 2023

    Packout and Versastack for home use here. I keep my power tools in cases according to tool type together with consumables for that tool type. No guessing.

    Reply
  13. Matt C.

    Mar 13, 2023

    All of my tools are kept in the garage. All mechanic tools are in stationary tool boxes. I transferred most of my general home repair tools in my Ridgid portable tool stack. If I’m doing work around the house, I bring one of the boxes with me. If my mother needs something done at her house, she usually adds about 5 more repairs when I get there. So I learned to bring a portable box of tools for those surprise projects. The downside to this is if I’m home and I just need one tool that happens to be at the bottom of the portable tool stack, it takes a little extra effort. But the setup works for me 99% of the time.

    Reply
  14. Joatman

    Mar 13, 2023

    I too, like the reader, just throw what I need into a tool tote/ bag and go…..then put everything back when I get home. I’ve never come close to buying a mobile stacking system for any job I’ve needed to do at home or my rental property. Those stackable systems are designed to keep your tools safe to and from, and on a job site. I can definitely see the value there if that’s your profession. But you give up a lot of space for that extra protection. For home use, I would rather have something more accessible than a stack of cases. A rolling tool chest would be the better choice. And don’t forget about a pegboard. Menards has some stainless steel pegboard panels at a very reasonable price. It’s great how many tools you can hang on a 4’x4’ set……freeing up tool box space and making your go-to tools easily accessible.

    Reply
  15. SlowEng

    Mar 13, 2023

    When I was in the army I had my mobile tool box for aircraft mechanics that I drug around every where till the wheels fell off. The tools were specific to working on helicopters and each drawer had foam inserts precut for every tool. Made it easy to check if you left your wrench someplace you should not have at the end of a job.

    I have been wanting to build something similar for working on cars, on my airplane, or just around the house. However I can’t really bring my self to pick any modular tool system for the task. The boxes are expensive, I get they have to be super rugged for contractors, but I don’t need all that. . Most of the inside of the box is not really usable in these systems due to ribs or other injection molded features. The biggest thing that holds me back is planned obsolescence on the part of the manufacturer. Versastak/tstak looked like a good compromise in cost and function but I get the feeling they will be discontinued soon. Sure they have the adapter plate for toughsystem but that looks a bit goofy, mismatched sizes.

    How much longer till packout 2.0 is out and you find your self with an incompatible defunct system? Plus it’s another walled garden to keep you buying from one brand.

    I wish we could get Euro bins for cheap or reasonable here in the US as that seems a better choice for modular setup at lower cost. Also since it’s a standard any vendor can make it which helps guard against obsolescence by vendors when they go to version 3.0 . I know Euro bins are not weather tight or drop tested from skyscraper but they seem plenty good for most people in Europe.

    Akron mill, quantum, etc make a similar product I just don’t know if they are interchangeable with each other or Euro bins or just proprietary in design.

    Ultimately I don’t want to get stuck in proprietary plastic box of the vendors design. Plastic ages and becomes brittle or worn out with age. Once a vendor stops supporting that design the overall utility of the system will slowly drop as you can’t replace broken units or add to the set as needed.

    Reply
  16. Tom

    Mar 13, 2023

    I have a full Tough System 2.0 set up for the 30+ Dewalt 20v and 60v tools I own and use on our farm. I use the labeling built into the cases. Great to just grab the specific tool case I need to fix an irrigation riser, a tractor, or a fence post, jump on the side by side, and go. I know the tool and accessories are secure and dry during transport. I like that since all of my cases also have foam that I cut out for each specific tool and the accessories, my employees do not misplace or lose attachments and the like. Also, I know the motors and tools are kept clean when I am welding. The two chainsaws, large work light, grass trimmer, and backpack sprayer do not fit. A couple other larger 20/60v that do not fit are in larger Dewalt bags zipped shut (pressure washer and cut off saw as examples). I love the Tough System 2.0 for farm use in the shop AND in the field. Once you get in the habit of picking up after yourself after each use/day, the fact that the cordless power tools are in cases are not a hassle at all. Hand tools are still in large tool boxes.

    Reply
  17. Tom

    Mar 13, 2023

    I too am tempted by the portable systems, but I much prefer working out of task driven tool bags. To compliment my bags, regular plastic totes on shelves are less expensive and more practical to hold materials and less used tools when portability isn’t a factor.

    Reply
  18. John

    Mar 13, 2023

    I am a big fan of the Dewalt Toughsystem Drawers in my shop. I have them mounted on the wall rack and I also have the bins.

    Reply
  19. Chuck+Forster

    Mar 13, 2023

    I tend to not like redundancy in tools. I keep my woodworking tools and general tools in the same place nearby. In my Toughsystem setup I keep job specific tools together. Plumbing tools in one box and electrical in another. If I need to dart into the kitchen, basement, or hit the road with plumbing tools, I grab that box. If I don’t quite know the extent of an electrical job, more often than not I have all the tools and parts I need for most jobs In a toughsystem box.

    Reply
  20. Joe Jones

    Mar 14, 2023

    Drawers are much more convenient, but to me, corrosion prevention or mediation has a great deal to do with “sealable” tool boxes as opposed to drawers in my garage in South Louisiana.

    Reply
    • Bonnie

      Mar 14, 2023

      We don’t have nearly the same humidity here in the PNW, but I found throwing a couple reusable dessicant pouches into my hand tool (lots of cast iron) drawers helped even out humidity swings and reduce corrosion.

      Reply
  21. TimL

    Mar 14, 2023

    I’m not into packout, but I just saw a guy on YT talking about new items. It’s like “731woodworks” or something. He had a short video about new items in r&d. Might be some of these same ideas.

    Reply
  22. JoeM

    Mar 14, 2023

    I’d use modular systems in a set workshop area. You can put everything away, then bring the exact tools you want to use, direct to where you’re at. When done, clean them up a bit, and bam, put it straight back away. Clean and efficient use of space and resources!

    There will always be times when you want more permanent solutions, of course, because no two craftspeople are truly identical in how they work best. There’s too many variables to limit any one person to conform to any one set way of storing things. Variety and Choice are a big part of what makes us good at what we do, aren’t they? You gotta let us have choice, or it can throw off our best work!

    Reply
  23. Mr.X

    Mar 14, 2023

    Really like my Milwaukee Packout stuff. Mostly. Moving it around on the wheeled base unit works very well when I am working in contractor mode and wiring boilers, roughing in houses, or doing general electrical work. What does not work well is when I am looking for something in the stack of 6 Packout boxes and the part I need is in the bottom box. Always. Shop/garage storage is much the same problem. I built a rolling shelf unit to slide Packout boxes in, but it sort of defeats the purpose of the modularity. The next evolution of Packout might lean towards easy access boxes where the stackable, lockable connection is not required.

    Reply
  24. Justin

    Mar 14, 2023

    My mechanics tools are in my humongous rolling toolbox. My carpenter tools are in a set of Packouts. That way when I am working on a DIY project, I can take the Packouts and go. Or helping a family member or friend, I can load them in the back of the truck and my tools will be clean and dry when I get there. When not used they’re protected.

    Reply
  25. Jronman

    Mar 14, 2023

    Tough System drawer units are my go to for modular storage. I am mostly working in my garage but on the rare occasion I need to take tools somewhere modular storage works nice. Drawer units also work well in a shop. No need to move a box from my wall rack. I can just open the drawer like I would if I had a nice mechanics tool chest. I also have systainers and I like to keep my systainers. Eventually I would have a drawer tray for each systainer in a nice miter station setup. Not quite as efficient as a regular drawer but better than a toolbox stack.

    Reply
  26. Chip

    Mar 16, 2023

    As a cabinet installer packout is a huge time and frustration saver.
    3 years ago when I started,we would gather up shop tools from a list,and would always forget at least 3 tools that wouldn’t be piled into a Ridgid 3 pc rolling box.
    Currently everything has a place (no foam or painted outlines) and when the place isn’t filled ..you go look for it.
    I have a dedicated stack with cabinet (tracksaw) 3 drawer (handtools and drivers).
    On wall brackets I have “pluck and play” less used (router, tru-positionhardware jig,inspection camera,23g pinner,shims and 6 other boxes that I can use individually or add to the main stack.
    Makita x2 mitersaw,and m18 tablesaw live on two Ridgid rolling stands.

    All work and personal vehicles have a Ridgid crate that fits perfectly between bucket seats,or behind front seats.
    It’s more narrow and longer than the PO,it holds a trashcan, tp,and jumper cables .
    It isn’t as strong as PO,but it’s size is perfect for this use and can easily be moved very quickly.

    My welder lives on a cheap plastic rolling cart, but don’t have a tank for full mig yet.

    All mechanics tools live in a rolling toolbox,and 2 rolling shop carts.

    Work tables are 1 ss cart,3 plywood and centipede/sawhorses.
    My work and life is fairly mobile,and is different then 90% that read this.

    Reply
  27. TomL

    Mar 17, 2023

    I was at Menard’s today and there is a Masterforce stack that seems to be priced lower than Craftsman. In some ways, the plastic boxes seem better constructed than the lower end metal cabinets and such.

    Reply

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