I’m a big fan of Dewalt ToughSystem tool boxes – check out my review of the smaller one, which pretty much applies to all of the sizes. Here’s a look back at our preview when they first came out, and here’s another review where I compare the ToughSystem boxes to Bosch L-Boxxes and Festool Systainers. Here’s a more focused ToughSystem vs. L-Boxxes comparison.
Dewalt ToughSystem tool boxes are strong, sturdy, and very durable.
It turns out that Dewalt is coming out with two new ToughSystem tool boxes. First, there’s the ToughSystem Bluetooth radio charger that’s coming out with Dewalt’s 2015 end-of-year offerings.
Second, there’s this new ToughSystem organizer box (DWST08202).
Pat wrote in:
I love the blog, thanks! I was out trying to find the Ridgid stacking baskets, and came across this.
Hadn’t seen it here so figured you might be interested. the best part, the label showed a tough system open top tote “coming soon”.
Here’s my full review of Ridgid’s Pro tool boxes, and a preview of their new open-top crate/basket. After owning both, I think that Ridgid’s Pro tool boxes are a great value choice, but Dewalt’s ToughSystem tool boxes are larger and sturdier. I prefer Dewalt’s.
WOW – a Dewalt ToughSystem organizer? Sweet!
Back when Dewalt and Stanley came out with their new shallow and deep stacking organizers, I asked their Israeli product manager about whether we’ll see stacking organizers that attach to their TStak or ToughSystem lineups. I was told NO. After all, the Tstak system launched with some organizational components, and the small ToughSystem comes with removable bins.
But then, a few months later, Dewalt came out with a new Tstak organizer tool box.
Until Pat’s email, I had long ago given up hope that Dewalt would come out with a similar ToughSystem organizer.
Whereas the small ToughSystem tool box comes with 6 small bins and 2 large ones, the new ToughSystem organizer comes with 8 small bins and 4 large (medium?) ones. Without seeing these in person, it seems to me that new organizer’s bins are maybe smaller than those included with the similarly sized tool box.
The organizer also has a clear lid, so that you can see its contents without having to open the box.
Standard ToughSystem features are still present, such as the front handle, stacking latches, metal lid-locking latches, and weatherproofing seal.
Some features seem to have been sacrificed in order to maximize space for the internal compartment, such as a top handle, side handles, and a recess for the front handle. The handle does fold down, and looks to rest flush alongside the front of the box, and so it doesn’t protrude out too much.
The “assembled height” spec is smaller than for the small ToughSystem tool box – it’s 4.5″ vs. 6″, which indicates that it’s a thinner box. Without the top lid compartment of the small ToughSystem case, or a recessed top handle, the smaller size of the ToughSystem organizer isn’t at all surprising.
Price: $40
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
It doesn’t seem to available just yet, but should be in stock soon.
First Thoughts
Am I the only one that thinks this new ToughSystem organizer is a direct response to Milwaukee’s new organizer? The Milwaukee organizer is fantastic, and despite my long-time affinity for Stanley and Dewalt plastic tool storage and organizing products, I’m liking Milwaukee’s even better.
For a standalone organizer, the Milwaukee offers the same bin count in a smaller and more portable package. But if you’re looking for an organizer that’s part of a modular tool storage system, Dewalt ToughSystem has the edge. I suppose the Tstak organizer should also be considered, but I’ve never been a big fan of the system, aside for the budget pricing.
I think the new ToughSystem organizer looks quite appealing, and hope that Dewalt also releases a version with pick-and-pluck foam.
With this organizer, you give up a couple of convenient features, such as side handles and a top handle, and the front handle looks to poke out a little bit, but it’s an impressive accomplishment for Dewalt to have maximized the internal compartment space to such extent.