Sometimes it’s good to explore tools and storage products from a fresh perspective, and so ToolGuyd is setting up a new tester with Milwaukee Packout tool storage.
Everyone’s tool storage needs are different, and so I encouraged them to visit a Home Depot store and just handle everything.
Shown above is what they came back with – a Milwaukee Packout 3pc tool box combo. The combo features (with links to the Home Depot listings):
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Rolling Drawer Tool Box
3-Drawer Tool Box (Multi-Depth)
Large Tool Box
I’ve been thinking about it, and this does look to be the perfect Milwaukee Packout tool box starter set. If you disagree, what would you start out with today instead?
Thanks to the “buy more, save more” discount, it was less painful to buy it all.
The tester also selected a Packout tool bag, which can be attached on top and equipped with project-specific tools and parts. I added in a couple of other items – a compact organizer and a tool caddy for external attachment.
I also set them up with what I find to be the ideal setup for stationary shop use – the 4-wheel cart, one each of 2-drawer and 3-drawer tool boxes, and the customizable worktop.
It seems like I went overboard in gearing them up, but that’s how you determine what works well and what doesn’t.
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The intent behind the setup is stationary and portable tool storage. Sometimes the tester needs to “grab and go” with just one tool box, other times everything might be needed. The stack will sit next to a workbench much of the time. Whether stationary or in the field, the drawers allow for quick retrieval without everything having to be unstacked.
I might consider a different middle drawer box for my own needs, but I think the basic combination is a great idea – it gives you both portability and accessibility with few compromises.
It’ll be interesting to see how everything works out. What do you consider to be the perfect Milwaukee Packout starter setup?
As a reminder, the “buy more, save more” deals are still going strong. See Also: Milwaukee’s Best Packout Deal is Back for Black Friday 2025.
We’ve got plenty more Black Friday deals coverage:
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Andrew Holmes
Especially with the sale going on I think a really good starter set would be the roller drawer bottom, the modular 3-drawer, and medium tool box, I think it comes out to around $350 after the discount
Mike
It was $250 in april 2025. They’ve just jacked the price to make it look like a sale. Wait till spring.
Stuart
It’s still $250. What they’re saying is that EVERYTHING together was $350 after buy more, more discount.
Mike
A bit confused. Currently in east coast it totals $352.97 (30% savings). Rolling drawer, 2 drawer, and medium tool box
Stuart
The rolling single drawer tool box launched at $250 and was not “jacked up to make it look like a sale.” The “around $350 after discount” for the package that Andrew mentioned is a very good price for what you get. Before or after this promo, the price for all that is going to be a lot higher.
It seems that the first Mike was confused and mistakenly believed just the rolling single drawer tool box was inflated to $350 when its price was – and still is – $250.
Chris
For the last 2.5 years I (Remodel carpenter) have used a 3-equal-drawer box on top of 2 2-drawer boxes with a 4-wheel cart and a 20-inch tool bag on top for hand tools. This holds about 95% of the tools* I need for everyday tasks, and works well whether I have it on site or I am working out of my truck bed.
*I use toughbuilt pouches so I keep them pre-loaded with my most used hand tools in my electrical, drywall, siding boxes, etc.
I don’t store my primary M18 6.5″ circular saw in a toolbox. Either it hangs from the packout rail on site or sits in my back seat. So a bit of a caveat with that one.
Along with the drawer stack, I almost always carry a standard organizer loaded with GRK torx, and 2 low-profile organizers. One with Drill bits, and the other with driver bits.
I have many more for whichever specific task or tasks I am doing, but the drawer stack almost always goes.
Leo
Hey Chris, appreciate the breakdown of your setup. Do you have any recommendations for the 20-inch tool bag? I’d also be interested to know which toughbuilt pouches you favor.
Brad
I’ve seen the compact organizer listed on HD as 16 inch deep and on Amazon as 12 inches deep. Who is right?
Brad
Nevermind. I can’t read. Internal vs. external dimensions. Although on Amazon there’s a lot of “suitable for Milwaukee” clones using the same images.
Evan
I agree that this is a very good all around set up. I have spent a lot of money this year and last on packout via the save more sales and always create a cart of $400 to be eligible for $150 off. This year with the rolling drawer I have created the system you have above, but added a few side accessories to make it work even better for my use. I think sometimes the medium box on top can be better than the large depending on what the project is but good starter set with the deal!
MFC
Roller drawer at the bottom for circular saw, recip and other long power tools, Then the two drawer unit for batteries and drills/impacts, and then the open-top milk crate above for all of the other miscellaneous hand tools other various tools.
No wasted time accessing through lids and you always have a spot to toss some tools if needed.
Daniel
I use my stack mostly as stationary, but do move it around my shop.
I didn’t like the rolling toolbox for the base and did some major upgrades this year.
I went with the 24 x18 Packout dolly with the 3 drawer unit for my new base. Much easier to move around the shop. Got some side attachments for the new drawers, added a compact tool box, and a Packout vacuum, Deep organizer and also Some wall plates and a wall cabinet.
I already had a few Packout crates, and a bunch of 5 unit Packout storage. Those will go on the wall.
I split it into two separate orders to maximize savings. Saved 300 with the buy more save more. Spent 600 and got 900 worth of Packout. Pretty steep, but even my frugal wife was impressed by the new setup.
Not sure what I will do with the old roller tool box I bought last year. Maybe I’ll give it to the wife. 😀
Tool Junkie
I’m a general contractor. We use the base to hold our circular saw, reciprocating saw and a few other big tools, with the blades going in the tray. We really like the handles on that base, so we can put someone on each handle & lift it into the truck. The middle one in your photo holds our impact drivers, multitool and jigsaw, along with more hand tools & blades. The top box in your photo holds the Milwaukee track saw on its side, along with rail clamps, a rapid charger, router & bit set.
Nice choice Stuart!
JMAC
Finally the rolling drawer! Why would the bottom compartment open from the top on a stackable system!? Anyways I just bought this (almost) exact set up after a few years of reorganizing my tools with different packout combinations based on certain jobs (handyman / electrical). I’ve tried a few different alternatives (veto pac tool bag/ pouches and holstery pouches/ clips). I finished a job testing this set up and am pleased. It made sense to have a small work area on top with the top compartment opening up. I added a small basket in addition to the tray to the side rack attachment that’s quick and easy to take off for doorways and will be adding a couple hook attachments for additional convenience. I’m aided by the veto pac sp-mc that holds my core hand tools and m12 impact. I went with the (4) drawer instead of the (3), it holds so much! Thinking of a way to store the work top behind in case of adding a crate or other packout item. The last thing I wish I could put the rolling base on a rolling dolly (just easier for small adjustments). Glad to be in similar thinking with others!