Makita is rumored to be launching their own modular tool box system, and it looks to be based on an extra-large-sized tool chest not unlike Milwaukee’s Packout.
Shown above is a Packout stack in Makita teal colors, which is approximately what the new Makita system will look like.
Here’s a look at a colorized version of Makita’s patent application artwork.
A lot of questions have been on my mind about the design, but the biggest one keeps coming up the most. WHY would they design a larger form factor toolbox system?
Milwaukee has a similarly-sized and featured Packout rolling tool chest, and I feel it’s a very specialized tool box.
It’s great to have this as an option, but as the ONLY rolling tool box in a modular tool box system? I think that’s a huge mistake.
Maybe some pros do move their equipment around like this. But it’s not for everyone, and I would say not for most users.
Milwaukee’s Packout tool chest is cavernous on the inside. It’s got a lid stay, large wheels, large handles, removable tote, and the option to add DIY dividers and lid panels for greater organization.
It’s a modular-capable rolling tool chest.
Most users seem to greatly prefer smaller rolling tool boxes.
Rolling tool boxes…
are…
ubiquitous…
for…
a…
reason.
Rolling tool boxes are a hugely popular way for pros to move their tools and supplies around.
Makita could be praised for trying something new, but larger tool chests aren’t exactly new.
Home Depot had a Husky model that worked with their Tool Connect system.
According to Lowe’s, they sold 400+ of the Craftsman VersaStack rolling tool box last week.
But how many users are buying it to be the center and sole mobility component for a modular tool box system, compared to the number of users who only want a standalone rolling tool chest?
Personally, I prefer 4-wheel carts, and I load them up with drawer tool boxes and crate-style tote boxes.
Like most 2-wheel rolling tool boxes, dollies can easily navigate hallways and doorways, and I break down a stack if I need to go up or down stairs.
Not everyone uses 2-wheel tool boxes or 4-wheel carts with taller stacks. Some users just carry their tool boxes around, or load them into shelves in a workshop or van. Some might start and end with a tool bag and organizer.
Dewalt just launched their ToughSystem DXL product family, and it’s a workstation-focused extension of their existing product line.
It’s also compatible with their existing ToughSystem tool boxes, drawer units, and organizers.
ToughBuilt showed off multiple mobility solutions when they announced their StackTech modular tool box system nearly one year ago.
Rumor has it that Makita’s new modular tool box system will launch with components similar to what’s featured in their patent application artwork:
- Rolling Tool Chest
- Large Tool Box
- Extra Large Extension Tool Box
- Medium Tool Box
- Deep Medium Organizer
- Low-Profile Medium Organizer
- Deep Compact Organizer
- Optional Accessories
3pc tool box combination towers and stacks have been the de facto starting point for a lot of users. Will Makita have a starter combo, and how much will it cost?
For the past few years, I’ve heard countless requests for improved accessibility via rolling drawers and cabinets that can be accessed without unloading everything.
Has Makita heard differently, that tool users want a system based on a larger rolling tool box?
I think that launching a large tool chest as the focal point of a brand new modular tool box system is a… puzzling decision, or maybe there’s far greater appeal than I perceive.
So, is there far greater appeal than I perceive?
Has everyone been waiting around for a tool box system based on a rolling tool chest? Would you buy into a new tool box system that doesn’t have drawers, a standard-size rolling tool box, or 4-wheel cart?
So far, I think that there could be interesting aspects to the new tool box system, but the bulk of Makita’s design decisions don’t make sense to me.
Can someone please explain to me why this is a good starting point for a brand new modular tool box system?
And if it’s due to launch in Q4 2024, why haven’t they made any official announcements yet?
Regarding comments, if you want to talk about how you think the modular tool box market is already too saturated, chime in on this post – It’s Not Too Late for Makita to Launch a Pro Tool Box System.
