I was unable to find one of the new Porter Cable tool storage combos at any Lowes near me. I’m sure it’ll be sold nationwide, and it’ll be on display at more locations soon, but I was hoping to get a good look at it now.
Luckily, cr8ondt and Benjamen were able to find the Porter Cable storage combo on display at their local Lowes, and they posted some nice photos over at the ToolGuyd forum. You don’t have to register in order to see the photos.
Marc also sent in a photo of the pull-out work surface – thank you!
Trying to better understand the new combo, I reached out to Porter Cable with some questions and received lots of answers and insights.
You might also want to check out our preview post of the Porter Cable tool storage combo to get up to speed.
In bold are questions that I asked, questions that readers asked in comments to the preview post, and also responses to statements and assumptions I made in the preview post. Porter Cable’s answers are in plain text and not italicized, for easier reading.
Why Porter Cable branding? / Why Lowes?’
Porter Cable is a strong brand at Lowe’s and the brand traditionally caters to woodworkers and power tool users so that is why we have integrated the wood working surface for those consumers.
Are the dimensions the same between the Porter and Dewalt?
No, there is a DEWALT 36″ yellow box at Home Depot, a DEWALT 40″ Black box at Home Depot [and other distributors] and this Porter Cable box is 41″. Porter Cable and DEWALT boxes are completely different and manufactured in different facilities.
Is there a metal gauge?
This product is 21 gauge and comparable to others at that price point.
How useful is the tool holder that is located on the side? – Are the holes a fit for PC tools?
The holes should fit most power drills. Tools can be stored on the side as well as in the bottom right drawer where there is a lip to hold them in place to prevent sliding.
The side mounted tool holder is also removable. The user has the option to store tools on the side or the bottom drawer.
What are the overall dimensions?
41″ wide, 18″ deep, 62.5″ high. This size is similar to market competitors.
What is the gauge of the steel?
21 gauge
Are there speakers built into the top?
No. [They’re pass-thru grommets for power cables.]
Don’t understand the power strip location. Would like to see it higher up or off to one of the side to maximize storage space.
This is located within the center of the chest for easy access from all points. Users can charge their batteries or accessories and close and lock the lid while their devices are still being charged.
Pricing:
- Top section $280
- Bottom section $379
- Combination $659
Configuration is similar, but not identical to Dewalt’s premium ball bearing tool store combo. (I thought both were built off a common frame, but as answered above, that’s not the case.)
Yes, similar like many of the other toolboxes this size in the market.
Color scheme is distinct, without being too flashy.
Our color options follow our Porter Cable brand standards.
Not a true Porter Cable product – looks to be heavily inspired by the Dewalt combo, which might have been developed by a SBD sister brand or even an external OEM partner.
Porter Cable is traditionally a woodworkers brand and mainly a power tool user. Knowing this, we have incorporated those features where possible while still meeting needs in metal storage.
Benefit of pull-out work surface?
The pullout work surface functions like a drawer while taking up minimal usable storage space.
Lights would be interesting; drawer support is the primary concern, internal organization is secondary.
Given that internal organization is a concern, Porter Cable provides a variety of drawer sizes and depths.
Does it compare with the 3 Milwaukee tool storage options which is at a lower price point.
Yes, this is a comparable product to Milwaukee and other competitors’.
No handle on top of the lid?
The Porter Cable also has a lid handle built in, a different design than DEWALT.
I think that answers all of my questions, as well as all the ones that readers brought up in comments. Is there anything else you’d like to know about the new Porter Cable tool storage chest and rolling cabinet combo?
Hopefully the Lowes locations near me will put one on display soon so I can check it out in person myself!