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ToolGuyd > Editorial > Next-Gen Tool Storage Chest and Cabinet Combo Features Wishlist

Next-Gen Tool Storage Chest and Cabinet Combo Features Wishlist

Jul 6, 2018 Stuart 48 Comments

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Milwaukee Premium Tool Storage Combo for 2018-2019

I wish my next tool storage combo had electronic locks, so that I could lock and unlock it without needing a key.

Oh – just like this new Milwaukee premium model!

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Milwaukee Digital Tool Box Lock

I don’t remember the size, and cannot find it in my notes. I believe this is a 52″ or 56″ tool box – something like that. It’s huge.

Last year, when the Milwaukee premium tool storage lineup was first announced, I mentioned wanting an electronic lock. Well, by “mentioned,” I adamantly urged for it. I don’t like messing around with keys, but as my preschool-aged kids get older, there’s going to be a real need for me to be able to keep certain tool drawers locked.

Having a small digital keypad would be wonderful. I know Lista offers this as an add-on (and I mentioned that too), but at big pricing.

At the event, I asked about whether these locks will be available for retrofitting Milwaukee’s 46″ premium tool storage boxes, but they didn’t have an immediate answer for me. I’ll ask again.

Update: Nope, the locks cannot be retrofitted to other Milwaukee storage products.

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This is something I’d love to add to some of my office workspace tool drawers as well. I’m still in the process of making all my drawers, let alone designing a locking system for my wood cabinets, but it’s on my mind.

I really love Milwaukee’s tool storage products, especially these premium boxes, and am really hoping that they can make these electronic locks as an optional accessory.

I believe that it *should* be possible, with minimal modification to the tool box, if anything.

If or when I am ready to buy any new tool storage, I would really want it to have electronic locks, pretty much like the one shown on the new Milwaukee ball bearing storage combo.

What features do you want your next tool box to have?

Tool brands are trying all sorts of new things these days. Vertical “drawers,” speakers, pegboard, socket trays, and so forth.

Some ideas have caught on, such as covered or locking laptop trays, gas struts for supporting top lids, and power strips with USB outlets. Other ideas don’t seem to be very popular, but can serve niche needs. A few years ago, Kobalt built a refrigerator into one of their tool boxes!

Other Features I’d Like to See

  • LED lighting, at least built into the underside of the lid
  • Universal inductive cordless power tool battery charger (there are obstacles, but it’s doable, plus Bosch has a system, and Ryobi has been experimenting)
  • Spring-suspended or leveling casters (only available on super-premium models)
  • Swivel casters on both ends (at least as an option, since 2 fixed and 2 swivel work better in certain scenarios)
  • Adjustable drawer retention (Proto premium boxes have this)

Related posts:

Milwaukee Packout Tool Box Stack with Vacuum in a BoxDo You Want Milwaukee to Make a Packout-Compatible Cordless Vacuum? Milwaukee Tool Custom Packout Utility CartCheck Out This Milwaukee Tool Packout Utility Cart!

Sections: Editorial, Storage & Organization More from: Milwaukee

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48 Comments

  1. JC

    Jul 6, 2018

    Stuart, is there a release date and pricing for this premium Milwaukee box with the electronic locks?

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jul 6, 2018

      It’s not in the NPS18 materials, and hasn’t been officially announced yet.

      If I had to guess, I’d say it might start shipping in the Fall.

      Reply
      • JC

        Jul 6, 2018

        I only wish they had added a power strip on the other side of the compartment up top so that it would have two like the 52 and 56″ Husky. Im excited to learn more about this chest. Hope its 24″ deep as opposed to 18. If so I would definitely purchase as long as the price isnt outrageous.

        Reply
        • Eric

          Jul 6, 2018

          Well they need to be deeper than 21″ to get around the toolbox tariff, so they will probably be at least 22″ deep.

          Reply
  2. Wayne R.

    Jul 6, 2018

    I’ve bugged Pelican for built-in TSA-compliant locks too. Just hanging padlocks on them doesn’t work – not for long, anyway.

    Reply
  3. KokoTheTalkingApe

    Jul 6, 2018

    Electronic locks: I would worry about batteries dying, locking me out of the cabinet semi-permanently. Rockler sells a cool but pricey wireless system that will let you unlock cabinets within a 15 foot range. A few comments talk about the batteries on the latch side dying, without warning. People had to jimmy open cabinets. Not so good.

    They also sell a few non-electronic combination cabinet locks, for less money.

    Reply
    • Pete

      Jul 6, 2018

      Well…. These milwaukee locks do have a manual option to unlock/lock. So unless someone is that…. stupid for lack of a better term and leaves the keys in the box…. Than they get what they deserve.

      Reply
    • Doresoom

      Jul 6, 2018

      They could always make the battery compartment accessible from the outside. That’s how my gun safe is set up – the control panel has a slide-out battery compartment so a dead battery won’t lock you out permanently.

      Reply
      • Whiskey and Wood

        Jul 6, 2018

        I wonder if thats what the right hand panel does? It looks to have two very small torx screws, so it may be the battery compartment as suggested

        Reply
      • Tyler

        Jul 9, 2018

        Digital ATM locks have accessible compartments and/or terminals that you press a 9 volt battery up to if the internal battery dies. I could see that working in a case like this.

        Reply
  4. Steve

    Jul 6, 2018

    I just want Lowes to bring back that $99 power tool storage unit this Christmas, I’m kicking myself for not buying last Christmas.

    Reply
  5. The yeti

    Jul 6, 2018

    Do not care for locks. Around here they will steal the whole box. So the lock is worthless.

    What i would like to see. A chest that comes with socket rails pre labeled and mounted. Quality fittings so the sockets stay fast in place. Magnets are no good as they stick to too much stuff. Becomes a mess.

    Reply
  6. Nathan

    Jul 6, 2018

    yeah if it’s going to have a lock I’d rather it was a mechanical combination lock. I know guys that modify their boxes to have a single combination lock. Thought it was odd looking at first but them it’s just a pad lock sitting on the front with a custom made lock rail.

    Otherwise I don’t want inductive charging – I would avoid that if offered.

    I agree on the leveling castor thing and the castor options. Maybe do swivel castor on one end – and a swivel lockout castor on the other. Like you see on some other devices like a baby stroller. Foot lock prevents the caster from swiveling – but it can still roll straight. It’s make 2 foot controls on a set of casters but I’m OK with that.

    I’d not buy a larger rollaround without a built in power strip and grommets for cord runs.

    Oh and quick remove handles on the side. not always necessary but nice to remove when you need to put it up close. Or maybe a moveable handle.

    Reply
  7. glenn

    Jul 6, 2018

    All I want in a tool chest/trolley combo is a fair price. You can buy a reasonable running car for what some companies are asking for their combos, particularly here in Australia, lol.

    Also why do they keep putting power boards low on on the sides of trolleys? They are then useless when butted up to benches. Not everyone has the space to have a free standing tool cabinet. If they must be on the side, at least fit them to the top chest

    Reply
  8. Ken

    Jul 6, 2018

    Maybe a keyfob, like my car for locking and unlocking. Or it just knows when i am nearby and unlocks for me, than locks again when I walk away.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jul 7, 2018

      Craftsman tried that, with their Pro Series smartphone-based locks, and Ben had disappointing experiences with the Android app version.

      Reply
      • Brian M

        Jul 8, 2018

        I only carry my phone to my garage about half the time. I have a dedicated box to hold it in so it doesn’t get damaged or really dirty but I’d rather just about anything but an app…an additional app that lets you lock or unlock it would be neat(over wifi) but it needs a non-phone primary function as well. I like the keyfob auto unlock idea, it recognizes you’re near…works well in a shop, you’re near enough that if you ask for a tool it unlocks. Maybe a no-lock setting so it won’t lock when a drawer isn’t all the way closed too.

        Let’s be honest though, none of that will stop someone that wants to steal your tools out. It will keep fellow employees from borrowing tools when you’re not around but it’s all stuff that can be easily defeated, tool boxes aren’t safes. Not directed towards you but to some other replies on here.

        At the shop I lock my box so things don’t get moved, everyone knows that I’ll know and will take back my tool if it’s borrowed. Plus everyone also respects that I pay good money for my tools compared to what they spend on theirs. I’m soo lucky, I can go into the shop after being out for a month, there’s stuff on my bench but my tools are left alone, even the ones hanging in the open.

        Reply
  9. firefly

    Jul 6, 2018

    I think an electric lock with keypad is a great option. They are fairly simple device that can work reliably that doesn’t add too much the cost. With the right design the battery will last a long time. They can also design it so in case of a dying battery you can “jump” the lock using a 9v battery. I have seen that option with many electric locks.

    Proximity lock that auto lock/unlock based on a keyfob is a really neat option. However I don’t think that should be the default option for many reasons. First the battery life will be lousy. It is hard to make it work reliably. The battery is lousy because now the lock will need an electric actuator to motorize the lock. It will also need to ping the keyfob fairly often. The keyfob will also need a battery. On top of that what happen if a drawer is left open? Should it beep? Should it try to lock the remaining drawer? Should it close the drawer automatically for you? There are just too many thing that can go wrong or lead to a bad user experience so while the cool/convenient factor is there. There is a lot of trade off that have to be made that either greatly reduce the user experience or drive up the design complexity/cost.

    Reply
  10. Toolfreak

    Jul 7, 2018

    These “next-gen” tool storage units are just the same old stamped metal boxes with electronic gizmos added on.

    I’d like my next tool storage unit to be made of carbon fiber rather than metal. If it has electronic gizmos, maybe make it a biometric lock, with a security system that electrocutes anyone else that tries to open it or even takes a tool without asking.

    While we’re at it I’d like it to have a robotic assistant, and/or maybe a voice activated drone that can lift out the tool I need and bring it to me.

    Reply
    • Michaelhammer

      Jul 7, 2018

      Built-in vending as well for cold beverages and snacks. Voice command operated, of course.

      Reply
    • glenn

      Jul 8, 2018

      A pitbull worked for me, Before she passed away, nothing was ever stolen from my place.

      Reply
  11. Glenn

    Jul 7, 2018

    Now that is funny!

    Reply
  12. Norman

    Jul 7, 2018

    Do not care for locks. Around here they will steal the whole box. So the lock is worthless.

    Desired Extra Feature: An optional (because it will be lotsa $$) internal – and locking – jack system to allow lowering feet under each corner to get the wheels off the floor; if it doesn’t roll it’ll be harder to steal (think: hand-crank manual version of the air jacks on Indy cars).

    Way back when, I replaced the rivets holding the caster wheels in place with Grade 8 bolts with locking nuts (extra points for security nuts requiring special tools to install/remove). The box was jacked up a couple inches, wood blocks (a glued together stack of 2X8s) inserted under each end between the caster bases, and the wheels removed, kept locked in the bottom drawer. If it needed to be moved I could do it in about 10 minutes, anyone who wanted to steal it was going to have to either bring wheels and a scissors jack or a fork lift.

    If you use security nuts, re-install the axle bolts without the wheels, requires the thief remove the bolts before installing wheels (which he will have to bring) and if he cuts the bolts to put the wheels in he’ll have to bring his own axle bolts as well.

    The “quickie” method of partway accomplishing the same thing without jacking the box up is drill through both sides of the caster brackets and the wheels and insert a Grade 8 5/16-24 bolt, preventing the wheels from turning so the box won’t roll (nuts get installed in the inside so they’re under the box and not exposed). Locking nuts are basic, extra points for using security nuts that require a special tool to install/remove. Yes, the bolts can be cut, but that requires tools and time, and if the box is backed against a wall reaching the back casters to saw through the bolts increases the degree of difficulty.

    Pro Tip: Even with security nuts, use thread locker on the axle bolts; if tools are required to get the nuts all the way off rather than just spinning them off once loosened, it increases the time required; with the proper tools it’s negligible, without proper tools the extra time involved adds more discouragement.

    It is not possible to prevent all thefts, but substantially increasing the difficulty makes other targets more attractive.

    Reply
  13. Frank D

    Jul 7, 2018

    Stop costing a fortune for a simple metal case with metal pull out drawers.

    More / better built-in lighting.
    Internal power strip options.
    Built-in radio with bluetooth.
    Phone / tablet charger.
    Pull out work table surface.
    Pull out laptop tray / drawer.
    Have more approriate depth in drawers that allows for some power tools or parts storage cases.

    In other words … be less vehicle mechanics tool only oriented, but more like souped up workbench – tool case – storage system hybrid.

    Reply
  14. Ken

    Jul 7, 2018

    Modularity with an open interface for individual personalization.

    So i can pull out a bank of short drawers and put in a bank of fewer taller ones or vice versa.

    Need a 30 amp power distribution block? Pull out some drawers and pop one in.

    Vendor specific power tool battery charging modules? Your a dewalt guy so buy the dewalt charging module drawer, etc.

    Someone could make a refridgerated drawer if you wanted to store some drinks.

    Different core products to house the modules depending on what your size or budget or needs are.

    Maybe a built in tv module under the lid.

    The possibilities go on…

    Reply
  15. Jim Felt

    Jul 7, 2018

    Stuart. I truly hope Tool Chest MarCom and product development people are reading the last three posts in particular.
    Maybe some of these features exist with truly pro level boxes but I’m thinking not very darn many.
    And some of these ideas would be great (and pretty high margin if low sales) features that would be really really appreciated.
    I just cobble together these roller boxes into more bespoke arrangements but also we never leave our stuff unattended. Ever.
    What a fun thread!
    And now (too late for me at this point) the 22” boxes will become far more plentiful. If the “easy to win” trade wars don’t sink the entire economy.

    Reply
    • Joe

      Jul 7, 2018

      Why trump bashing? ..can’t get a thread without a liberal bashing trump…..the economy has never been so good in the last 9 years…
      ….I’d like to see some narrow tool chest options, 12”,16” maybe vertical drawers..for people with tight space..ya they must be secured or tip…..or tool chest with just long drawers, not cut up

      Reply
      • Michael Andersch

        Jan 18, 2020

        How the hell do I change the combo??? There’s not one video, thread, pdf, etc. on how.

        Reply
        • Stuart

          Jan 19, 2020

          Have you contacted Milwaukee customer service? There might be an instruction sheet that was missing from your shipment.

          Reply
        • Eddie

          Jan 23, 2020

          How do I set the combination ?

          Reply
  16. Matt

    Jul 7, 2018

    Am I missing something here?? It’s got a plug. Why doesn’t the plug power the locks as well as everything else? Could have a battery back up, but that wouldn’t be that difficult to do.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jul 7, 2018

      That would require greater costs and complexity, and not everyone plugs their tool storage into AC.

      Reply
    • Frank D

      Jul 8, 2018

      It would not be that difficult in concept, and there could be a modular wiring approach, where alongside the 110v for power points and charger station, there would be a transformer, allowing for a number of smaller gauge wires for 12v to power led lights, radio and then locks … but it would mean there’d have to be 12v wires run inside of the frame before the drawers go in, get the self adhesive wire clips in, run the wires, the somebody has to install the locks, … wiring is going to have to be tested.

      Might need some certifications.

      They will certainly charge for the R&D, parts, labor, …

      I do think that a central keypad would be cool. Let’s say your cabinet is composed out of four, five, six, … visible banks of drawers or doors … which now may mean several key points to unlock … it would be nice to have one bigger 10 digit keypad with a larger battery that can unlock all locks at once.

      Of course with a physical key backup method to unlock things, should electronics fail.

      Reply
  17. ToolOfTheTrade

    Jul 8, 2018

    I think that the electronic locks are a good idea but without constant power to the locks, it was definitely poorly executed in the design. If the lock fails, then you are SOL and you will need to find a way to get into your cabinet or keep people out. The locks appear to have the battery in the locks which could mean that the locks can be easily removed depending on what fasteners and materials they used and how secured they are to the cabinetry. What would be even better would be automatic locks with a remote via battery powered actuators. Illuminating sensors when opening and closing drawers. Pneumatic manifold built in for air tools with a retractable hose reel and a built in retractable power cord reel. Hose and cord included. As well as many of the aforementioned options above. There’s a lot that they can improve upon to make things easier by incorporating full optimization capabilities. If they are going to call it premium or charge a premium price, then it damn well better have premium capabilities. The locks are a good start, but they can do better. And I’m not necessarily referring to Milwaukee as much as the higher priced brands.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jul 9, 2018

      What makes you think that you’re out of luck if the battery runs out? Looks to me like there’s a slot for a backup key. If not, then perhaps the batteries are accessible without having to open the drawers.

      Reply
  18. Cody

    Jul 9, 2018

    Have you seen these new kobalt tool carts that let you choose what key that you want to lock it with house key, car key any key. https://m.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-3000-45-in-W-x-47-in-H-7-Drawer-Ball-bearing-Steel-Tool-Cabinet-Black/1000437811

    Reply
  19. Norman

    Jul 9, 2018

    Stuart, where did you find info on that premium Milwaukee tool box set? I don’t see anything abou it at the Milwaukee web site or the “usual suspects” who sell Milwaukee.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jul 9, 2018

      NPS18, saw it in person.

      Reply
  20. Andy Ringsmuth

    Jul 9, 2018

    I want a built-in helium tank so my tool box isn’t so heavy when I carry it around! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jul 9, 2018

      How heavy is that helium tank going to be? =P

      Reply
  21. Tyler

    Jul 9, 2018

    In-drawer lighting. There are times where it would definitely help out.

    I was entertaining a DIY setup with lights in each drawer that were controlled individually by door switches. I still want to do that, but to simplify I might just have a master momentary switch that kicks a timed relay to strip LED’s in each drawer. Push a button and the LED’s stay on for 2 minutes or something like that.

    Reply
  22. ToolOfTheTrade

    Jul 10, 2018

    Stuart, you are absolutely right. I retract the SOL comment about the locks. But it would be cool if they were battery powered actuators with a remote.

    Reply
  23. Debra K. Alexander

    Sep 18, 2018

    I am wanting to buy the Milwaukee Premium Tool Storage Chest and Cabinet Combo # 48-22-8546. Where can I find it? Home Depot does not have it.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Sep 18, 2018

      I’m told it’s still out of stock. https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-46-premium-tool-storage-combo-availability-update/

      Reply
  24. Jayjay

    Feb 16, 2019

    I am wanting to buy the Milwaukee Premium Tool Storage Chest and Cabinet Combo # 48-22-8546 or this new combo # 48-22-8556. Where can I find it? I’m in Australia. Please help?

    Thanks
    Jayjay

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Feb 16, 2019

      The 46″ isn’t available anymore, and the 56″ is coming soon, at least to the USA. I have no idea if it’s coming to Australia, or if any vendor would be willing to ship a unit overseas, due to the cost and risk of damage.

      Reply
      • Rob

        Feb 22, 2019

        48-22-8556 is now showing available for delivery or ship-to-store on Home Depots website.

        Reply
  25. bill dunn

    Mar 6, 2019

    I got the new Milwaukee 56 inch tool chest Monday at the home depot in Memphis, and it’s very large, I did notice one the box, MADE IN CHINA, it is solid and well made pics will come later

    Reply

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