I was at my local Acme Tools fall sale and I spotted something that wasn’t supposed to be shipping yet: Dewalt’s new DS290 ToughSystem drawers. They had them out on the floor available for purchase, even though their website says they are still in pre-order.
The differences between this new toolbox and the previous DS250 ToughSystem 2-drawer toolbox appear to be the lack of fastener storage bins, the redesigned handles/locks, and the dust and water seal on the drawers.
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The drawers feature ball bearing metal slides, a latching handle that keeps the drawer from sliding out when the box is in transit, and a IP54 rated water and dust seal to keep your tools clean and dry.
The new drawer box is 21-3/4″ wide by 12″ high by 13″ deep. Its rated weight capacity is 22lbs.
It has the standard ToughSystem stacking latches to connect to other ToughSystem boxes and the side handles are compatible with Dewalt’s ToughSystem brackets.
The new ToughSystem drawers aren’t available yet, but you can pre-order them online at Acme Tools for $90. They estimate the ship date will be December 26th, 2018.
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Available: Late December 2018?
Price: $90
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First Thoughts
I have a few ToughSystem boxes and I like them both as stand alone toolboxes and as a stacking system, but I can also see the utility in having drawers rather than having to unstack the toolboxes or remove the box from a bracket before you can get inside.
When I was playing with the drawers, they appeared to be made from the same structural foam as the rest of the ToughSystem boxes. The drawers slid smoothly, but I did have to slam the drawers shut to get them to latch properly. I’m not sure if I was closing it incorrectly, maybe I should have held the handle/latch while shutting the drawer, but I figure people are going to close the drawers by just pushing on the outside.
One issue with plastic toolbox drawers is that the boxes tend to sag when there is weight on them, making it hard to open and shut the drawers. I’m not sure if that will be a problem with these new ToughSystem drawers or not.
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Rick
Stew;
Too bad dewalt never contacts me for the toughsystem add ons, because I certainly have ideas for them.
I would have told them that two drawers with two seals makes it less versitile. It also requires the drawer to do the sealing.
Instead, they need to have a single door that does the sealing, and either a single large bin or two bins (or 3 bins) on sliders on the inside.
Your test of the closing is probably the way it will be done in the real world. It’s neither gentle, nor smooth, and would aggrevate users like myself. In addition, once loaded up, do I want to be slamming 11 lbs of dynamic load on the drawers? (Per drawer)
I would certainly not slam closed my tool chest, ball bearing or not.
90 dollars for a two drawer is hefty to store a drill. Not practical for screws. And probably best for diagnostic or precision equipment. I don’t know if I want to subject my thermal cameras or micro calipers to that kinda of open and close abuse.
Cr8on
Stuart didn’t write this, your comment should have been directed to Benjamen. 🙂
NOTE: I fixed his comment per his next comment and deleted that one. -Ben
Rick
Doh!! where’s that edit feature?!
firefly
I share similar thought as well. This is because I have been thinking and waiting for a similar system. I was excited when I saw that Dewalt have released a new set of drawers. My excitement was quickly dwindled when I dig a little deeper.
Joe
Do you even have the tough system ? These drawers will be awesome, of course they are made.for.people who can open the latch then close the drawer…they have a three drawer also…tough system is incredibly strong, waterproof and versatile…
Rick
Joe, I have 2 or 3 dozen tough system boxes. I have 0 of the drawers, and will continue to stay that way for the reason I mentioned. Gen 1 wasn’t even water resistant. I also have L Boxx and Systainers, but they aren’t designed to be nearly as rugged or even try to claim water resistance. Like having a 2wd jeep wrangler.
What would you put in your drawers with a 22 lb total box limit?
Joe
That’s awesome having that many tough system boxes..they take a beating…I agree the gen 1 drawer wasn’t rated for water, definitely were not perfect, but also no one else has them…as you said sustainers are a good shop system but not in the field.
………my point was Ben condemning the gen 2 BEFORE even putting a tool in it,then all the comments followed suit…damn give them a shot first. They were redesigned to be water resistant and address the sag. ..the drawer on the old unit went full length,the new unit has a frame around and a drawer in between.
….I ordered 6 (2 drawer) and will get 6(3 drawer). These are perfect for the cart,van,trailer( which we use)or garage…I’d bet they will work great (or good at least) …I’d put a drill and impact with bits in 1 drawer, a larger 899 by itself, probably 2/3 , M12 tools and bits in 1 drawer and so on … again no one else has a rugged jobsite drawer units at least DeWalt is trying again…
……so many DIY guys on here or technical guys but not actual daily (8-10hr) 6-7 days a week guys that use these boxes and tools., Lots of theories on here but not hard ,in the field,long term testing .
You didn’t see Milwaukee make a drawer unit and they had 4 years to look at tough system….
Benjamen
Joe don’t put words in my mouth. This is what I said:
“One issue with plastic toolbox drawers is that the boxes tend to sag when there is weight on them, making it hard to open and shut the drawers. I’m not sure if that will be a problem with these new ToughSystem drawers or not.”
I did not condemn these new drawers, I’m merely expressing concern that several other different types of plastic drawers have had issues with sagging.
I have talked to Stuart and several other reviewers about this issue and several people on this very post have reiterated this issue. You can’t just dismiss it out of hand.
You even so much as said: “They were redesigned to be water resistant and address the sag. ..”
So me wondering if it will be a problem with the new design is fair game.
Joe
Think positive , what if you said” these new TS drawer units look well made,stong, durable, weather tite” .. would anyone have mentioned the “sag,”.? As soon as you did ,the comments followed.
.. Many guys also noted they didn’t have sag issues with TS or tstak, when properly loaded.
….a couple guys said they won’t buy them,in part,just from your early review.,that’s what I’m talking about.
You do understand,most people follow. Whatever you guys say,they agree.Very few people, rock the boat.
I give opinions based on years of daily use, outside, not a few minutes or days with a tool. I want to help Pros make good decisions because a diy guy can use anything and get by. DeWalt isn’t selling all its 20v line and flexvolt line to DIY people, it’s the.pros spending tens of thousands of dollars, every year.
…..
Stuart
He wrote:
One issue with plastic toolbox drawers is that the boxes tend to sag when there is weight on them, making it hard to open and shut the drawers. I’m not sure if that will be a problem with these new ToughSystem drawers or not.
That’s a neutral point, and fair.
Plastic tool box drawers DO tend to sag. I’ve seen it with both Festool and Dewalt tool boxes. I haven’t seen the same with L-Boxxes, though.
That’s the first thing to come to my mind about these too. What happens if you put 2 fully-loaded tool boxes on top? Will the drawers bind, or open smoothly? It’s a fair question to ask. If we can’t answer it first, maybe a reader can, a lot of commenters are ToughSysrem users.
Joe
How do you assess that question before the tool is even out? How can readers answer it when the tool isn’t out?
I love tool discussions,I’m just saying don’t be negative before it’s even out to try…no one at nps17 said anything negative.about them.
I’ll buy you a couple to try out.
Stuart
Fact: Stackable plastic drawer tool boxes have exhibited varying degrees of sagging and binding when a load is placed on top.
Fact: This is a plastic-drawer stackable tool box.
Therefore it is reasonable and fair for the question to be asked: will sagging also be an issue with this design?
Ben’s comment about the matter:
One issue with plastic toolbox drawers is that the boxes tend to sag when there is weight on them, making it hard to open and shut the drawers.
This is true and factual.
I’m not sure if that will be a problem with these new ToughSystem drawers or not.
This is as neutral as can be. I think you’re seeing negativity because you want to.
Will an issue that has been known to affect plastic-drawered tool boxes be exhibited by these new ones? Maybe. Maybe not.
These were showcased at the Dewalt 2017 event, not NPS17, which is Milwaukee’s show.
If you want glowing positivity, there’s lots of that on Instragram.
We’re not going to refrain from fair, objective, and neutral thoughts and considerations just because you personally don’t care about case flexure.
Please go back and read his comment again. He’s essentially asking the question, not answering it.
It’s one of several things to investigate, either by us, or a reader if they can get to it first. Personally, I’m waiting for the 3-drawer unit. The previous 2-drawer sizing just wasn’t very useful for me.
Joe
Always fun talking tools with intellectuals. (” Read any good books lately? ,Joe) yes, 9th edition of the MA building code…
Again,I’m just saying “Ipse Dixit” from editors can have an affect on much less experienced tool users leading to assumptions ,which may or may not be true. Therefore, possibly swaying their decision making process , before facts are in evidence.
Agree to disagree…
Stuart
There’s no “ipse dixit.” Go back and read exactly what’s written. It’s a valid fact-supported rumination.
Luke Keller
I agree. I have the first gen drawer tough system as well. I don’t like the sag they have. But I learned they are great for light weight service stuff in the field. I work in new home construction and do some prep for finals. They work great for carrying spare light bulbs, railing grommets, door hinge pins, door stops, spare sawzall blades and a few light weight fasteners. I hope the new version is stronger, that way I can get even more utility out of them. The drawer concept is great. I have a crew cab F150 and I keep two first gen drawers stacked at my rear door. The drawers slide right out. They are a bit wide being full width of the tool box, so they run a bit, but the new gen should work great.
Neil Heuer
22 LBS?! Come on.
The yeti
I agree. At that point. May as well spend a bit more. Get a Knaack box or a Green Lee.
Ya its going to be heavier. However. Lasts for ever. Is not plastic. Wont end up in the landfill within 6 months.
It is time for people to stop buying all this ready made instant land fill. Put tariffs on plastics President Trump. Do it for our environment.
Dewalt can and should do a lot better
Jack
if they made it out of metal it drives the price way up. the original comment says $90 is a little hefty for what you get but imagine if it was $130-160 for a single unit.
Joe
C’mon…leave politics out… again ? End up in a land fill? This system is for pros and lasts years…carry a Knack box full of tools to the jobsite and back again?????? Seriously?
Try to understand the intended purpose of tools then respond. These are made to stack on the tough system Dolly and wheel your tools to the jobsite and back again…or stack on a rack system in the van or garage…
….it works incredibly well and pros love the system ….
Thom
Yeah because I want to drag around heavy steel boxes all day instead of light weight plastic ones so the greenie tree huggers can be happy as they dance around the maypole..
Rick
Have some metal tool boxes. Dents walls too easily. isn’t dust and water resistant. large boxes are heavy. Even in the old days people rarely used metal boxes for construction tools, it was always wood boxes because of the weight. Cost wise, It wouldnt be that different. Keter makes these, their imported from israel.
Metal also bends, and has no ability to flex before breakage.
Bigd383lt1
This drawer system is designed well beyond that of its predecessor. The locking system of the drawers breaks in so it is easier to close and even before it did I just pushed shut with a thumb on either side until I heard the click of the locks. The main update to this box over the previous is the solid fronts of the drawers. On the old ones the two piece construction fails and the drawers become impossible to function. I have been using this box for nearly a year now always locked in the tall van racking system. The bumps and jolts of being in the back of a 10′ trailer have never opened up the drawers and has been fully locked in place. This is a fantastic drawer toolbox!
bob
They pulled all mention of any IP rating off of these things. The drawers don’t close properly, these are a piece of junk and still need work to be done to them.
firefly
Yup, noticed that as well.
The Acme listing for Tough System and Tstak mentioned Proposition 65 warning. I couldn’t see any on Dewalt website. I emailed Stuart to see if he know anything about it but I haven’t’ heard back from him yet.
Greg
The prop 65 warning just says it’s known to the state of cancer to cause California.
firefly
I don’t care much for the Prop 65 either. As far as using it as a tool box I have no qualm whether it’s there or not. However there are some great benefit about using a locking stackable system for inside a car to store snack and such on road trip. In such case having a Prop 65 tag does give me the pause. Beside I don’t recall seeing that label before on my older Tstak system.
So what I am trying to find out is. Did Prop 65 change? Did Dewalt switch material and/or manufacture? If the label need to be there Dewalt should have it on their website as well. It also would be nice to be able to understand which component cause the label to be there. Is this the plastic, is this a small part on the handle? This is also the part where mandate such as Prop 65 become next to useless because sometimes it’s much easier to just slap the whole label on the box to satisfy regulatory requirement. Though small details help people like me to decide whether it’s a good idea to repurpose the box or how much care should I exercise around the tool box.
Thom
Everything is know to the State of California to cause cancer.. Seriously everything.
Bigd383lt1
They are amazing and anyone who has actually used these more than trying to open and close them on a store shelf would know that. The slides are great and the locking mechanism works just as it should. This box is designed well!
David
I’m still holding out with Ridgid boxes currently, just hoping they’ll expand past the limited selection they currently have right now. Toying with getting the Dewalt boxes as all of my cordless tools are Dewalt and I have a radio and multi-port charger compatible with tough system boxes
Fm2176
Both systems have their merits. I’ve owned the Ridgid for almost five years and the only issue I’ve had is a loose (broken?) locking bar retainer on one box. With the new clear top organizer, Ridgid offers just enough to keep me interested.
While I prefer DeWalt, I had to warranty a DS450 after a side handle broke off, compromising the integrity of the box. I’ve also had a few minor mishaps, and the locking system is less than ideal for rough terrain. The DS Cart is outstanding, though, and the ability to add the radio and power station to the stack is great.
Rick
I too also had a ds450 that the side handle snapped off. (with part of the box). Adding insult to injury, then I tried to use the top handle, (since Im now missing a side) and the top handle popped off.
Dewalt did right by me and sent out a new box . But there are weight limitations for sure.
Greg
The plastic drawer sag is something I’d be concerned about too. Maybe their construction fixes that, but I’d want to see it first hand before putting money down, that’s for sure. I do like the idea behind a dust/water seal… if it works.
Joe
One guy, Benjamin, mentions possible drawer say, without even putting 1 tool inside it and every comment follows suit…thses new drawers were designed to accomplish fixing any drawer or top sag..also to be water resistant…..try to give them a chance before the criticism…
….and remember,most tools that cost more then 70$ are made for pros…we want this system and await the 3 drawer unit as well..it’s the most versatile system available for ….pros
Tim E.
Do you have them and have put 1 tool in them to make your claims that they won’t have an issue with sagging? My existing tstak drawers have major issues with this, and I assume a similar experience is what prompts the concern (although notice they also didn’t say that the drawers definitely do sag, just that it’s a concern).
Joe
Dear Mr diy …yes I have the most tool experience on this forum. Also the most tool knowledge. ..I have most tools in all platforms, including all the tough system and tstak..the drawer unit tstak don’t sag if loaded to the proper weight….
…..as for the tough system drawer units. They were loaded at the nps17 and opened ,showing the strength. I understand you are just diy and don’t use pro tools 10hrs a day 7 days a week….
….this is 90% a diy forum so your in good company
Tim E.
I 100% disagree with your assessment, my tstak drawers are only lightly loaded, one only had foam and 8 not-huge combo wrenches in it, and still has issues with the bottom of the drawer rubbing. There are no screws piled up in middle organizer sections or anything that would cause excessive center loading, so I have no good cause to point to for the sag. That said, not every unit has had the issue, so it could just be manufacturing variance, or it definitely could be in how I load them for some of them. Ben’s comment that sagging could be a concern is completely valid based on that real-world experience.
I would pause occasionally to consider your tone and attitude (and grammar), you’re always dismissing everybody else’s opinions, calling them wrong as if you’re the only one who can ever be correct about anything, and just generally being demeaning. It’s tarnished people’s respect for your experience and knowledge because of how you present yourself here. You are one person doing 10 hours a day 7 days a week. The other hundreds of folks here likely add up to a hundred of hours a day, 7 days a week of experience.
Joe
Ben can’t have “real world experience “with a tool that’s not out yet..and 50,000 diy guys does not even come close to 1 talented, experienced framer/builder, whether it’s me or a thousand other master builders from here to Europe…
..my comments are for someone who actually knows about tools ,uses professional tools and is thinking of buying a tool discussed here. …and doesn’t realize that most comments are from guys with little to no experience using the tools professionally and daily..
…..I have been thanked by a few guys for my input and if I can help another pro out ,I’m more then happy too……..and if I can push for American made tools for American jobs ,that’s a big plus.
….sorry I you don’t like the tone,no offense.but you should realize if you make a comment it could get criticized or rebutted., As I realize when imake a comment and welcome any feedback.
Rick
I hope you don’t assume because he uses a tstak instead of another type of sorting makes him a diy guy, and not a pro.
There are many diy guys who would put many pro’s to shame.
Talent isn’t in the tools you own, but how you use it.
Joe
We have tstak and I love it ,guys like “tools of the trade ” and others criticized it…”gotta use metal” a statement like that just shows you don’t work in the field…
….are a few diy guys better then a few pros, ? Probably….but the majority of diy guys are not near the level of actual professional tradesman.(.not guys that say their “pro’)..
Bigd383lt1
Spot on!
Dennis
I’ve been seeing pictures online of a 3 drawer unit that is supposed to be the DS295, but I’ve never seen any more information than the picture and model number. Anybody have an idea when that one is coming out?
David Funk
Europe…
Altan
I like the Toughsystem boxes, I have the DS100, DS150, DS250, DS300 and DS400 ones, WIth the DS150, DS300 and DS400 I am extremely happy, I would not rate DS100 as great but they are still good with clear lid you can see inside the box, just the latches are not perfectly designed. DS250 is good also, but the drawers can get stuck sometimes, I think if the drawers were vertical would be better design as if the drawer length is more it will bend down more also, DS290 and DS295 are similar design to DS250 and I think they will have that problem as well.
Rick
the ds100 has great latches, so I assume you mean the side latches (instead of a handle) that clips into the cart and organizer?
Its just very different than every other version, with these tiny tabs. But it does maximize the inner space though, and the box doesnt get too heavy as its mostly a small parts organizer.
Altan
No, the front latches, I don’t use side latches at all.
Another problem DS250 has and I think DS290 and DS295 would have also is that if you put heavy things on the top drawer it does not balance itself and once you open the drawer it falls down unless you put another box on top of it, I have one DS250 and it has some compartments with clear lid on them I use it to keep my screws organised, these compartments are placed in the top drawer which I believe should be placed in the bottom drawer to keep the box more balanced/stable, unfortunately it has a specific design which allows you to just keep them in top drawer.
Rick
The side latches are for the toughsystem cart and racking organizer.
I had to go and check my boxes (only got them recently) to see what you meant. I didn’t even realize that they were different, just went with the flow.
I have no slide units, and probably won’t put it into my work flow.
You bring out a good point about the (tipping).
I am imagining putting this box on a table top and pulling open the top drawer, and the whole thing falls to the ground- will the drawer survive? its one thing to be strong with the drawer closed, a totally different thing with a box open…
MichaelHammer
Finally! Alas, too late for me. I am solidly invested in the Tstak system. I use the single drawer and double drawer boxes extensively. In one I keep my M18 fuel hammer drill and m18 fuel multi tool and a 5ah battery. No sag and no drag. They’re all full of tools and drill bits and accessories without issue. They’ve been going strong for over four years now. The only issue I had was when I filled one of the single drawer’s included bins with screws. The weight made the drawer drag, but did not impede function. The issue was parts shifting during driving made it so that I couldn’t open the drawer.
I have to believe that these tough system drawers are going to be even stronger and more durable than Tstak.
Joe
Exactly
Tim E.
Interesting. I didn’t really have any sagging issues with the single drawer unit, but all of my double drawer units have had major issues with the sagging, they drag like crazy and are difficult to open and close, even not super heavily laden. One I had a foam bottom in and one set of 8 combination wrenches in it, and that was it, and it had issues. I haven’t tried using any of them as organizers for screws yet, but imagine that would be even worse. It’s sad, because I really do like the drawers, and I still use them all the time even with the issues. Maybe there’s some way to put a piece of Teflon under the drawer or something to help with the problem…
szymon
These are available at a local tool supplier in Toronto, Canada already 😉
Rick
You win this one!!!
ToolOfTheTrade
I wasn’t aware that $70 was the threshold between professional and diy grade tools. Is that according to an industry standard that none of us know about? Never heard that before. What’s the weight capacity and what are the dimensions? They look like a really cheap set of chester drawers similar to the ones that you can get from Walmart at a much cheaper price. I’m betting that the plastic used to make these drawers as well as the entire thing is less than 3/16″ thick and the ball bearing drawer slides are the cheapest they can get. I’m sure that the type of plastic they used ain’t the same as a plastic chair and barely has any load bearing yield or tensile strength and very little rigidity to it. It’s probably the same plastic as their blow molded cases. And yet they’re making bs like this to store tools in. I bet if I filled the drawers up with nuts and bolts or an electric motor or anything that has weight to it that it would likely collapse or the drawers would fall off when extended open. So what’s the point of making something like this that can’t be utilized to hold anything that’s meant to be stored in something that’s been manufactured by a brand that makes tools? Bottom line is that stuff like this shouldn’t be made of plastic and the idea of making something that is meant to store tools out of plastic is something that was poorly thought out and there should be a sanctions and tariffs that keeps garbage like this from being manufactured. If you can’t handle carrying a sheet metal or aluminum toolbox, then stop loading it with more than what you need and eat your Wheaties.
DIYquest
Staying on topic, I’m excited that DeWalt came out with an improved drawer version of their Tough System lineup. DeWalt’s previous version fell short of expectations as many users complained that the drawers would sag when lightly loaded, making them difficult to close. I have confidence that DeWalt didn’t make the same mistake twice and I’m planning on adding these tool boxes to my DeWalt workshop storage rack.
It’s actually ironic, I had previously passed on purchasing the Tough System and invested in Bosch L-Boxx’s and then later the Milwaukee Packout. It wasn’t about a month ago that I got fed up with having to constantly un-stack my tool boxes to get the tool I needed. I saw HD had the DeWalt workshop racking setup at a great price and I’ve become a fan of the ToughSystem ever since.
This new drawer system is perfect for me, rather than buying additional steel tool boxes that become permanent fixtures in my garage, these thermoplastic boxes will offer me the durability and versatility that I need to work at home or at the job site
Rick
Sortimo does make several racking systems for the L-boxx.
Unfortunately, I’ve never able to get one. Instead Bosch sent me a youtube tutorial on how to build one.
DIYquest
Sortimo’s L-RACK, with the
i-boxx 53, is my go to screw organizer. I love that I don’t have to un-stack boxes to get the screw organizer tray that I need. however, I’ve never been a fan of the large tray. It’s too small for most power tools and it’s challenging to keep tools organized. In addition, the Sortimo’s L-Boxx’s are not robustly made with all their tool boxes being made out of basic sewer pipe (ABS plastic), with no glass reinforcement, with the only exception being their clear lids, used on the i-boxes are made out polycarbonate, which is one of the most robust thermoplastics that money can buy. What I like most about this new drawer based Tough System is that their large enough to fit my power tools . How well they hold up in the field, time will tell
Joe
Exactly
Joe
Says the diy guy with $59 tools…
Rick
Very big difference between construction and automotive. Plucking sockets and various wrenches out of a portable tool box is much more labor intensive, which is why they make the boxes a certain way to lay out tools. Those drawers get open and closed close to several hundred times daily.
I assume that DIYquest was referring to the larger special purpose automotive tool chests.
Joe
Tough system boxes aren’t designed for automotive use, especially these drawer units.. obviously metal carts 18g steel or better is needed due to the weight and demand on the drawers.(120-200 lb drawer slides)
….I hope people understand that. Mechanics will argue amongst themselves as to which brand will due the job best..HF,Sunex,Matco,Mac, Cornwell,Husky, Snap On, etc….that’s not my field.
DIYquest
Joe, my name is reflective of my lifestyle. If you want to do things right nowadays, you’re going to have to do it yourself more often than not. I don’t cut corners and I would never buy cheap tools, because you get what you pay for more often than not
Paul White
Milwaukee should do a beefed up system like this called pack slide out it would be great