Archived from the Tools In Action forum (In The Shop). This thread is read-only.
What did you use? Do you still use something different?
Nowadays, every major brand has a modular toolbox system, with rolling chests and/or carts and various pick and choose components to be able to optimize your loadout to your project’s needs. There are lighter weight options that have been around for a while, like T-Stak/VersaStak and L-Boxx, though I believe that ToughSystem was the first heavier duty line designed for weather resistance. Though brands like Flex, Klein, and even Bauer (Harbor Freight) now offer modular storage, the original three “rugged” systems were Ridgid Pro, DeWalt ToughSystem, and Milwaukee Packout. Before those really took hold, though, each brand had some unique standalone boxes:
Ridgid: The Pro Tube toolbox was released around the same time as their modular boxes but lacked interchangeability. It also seemed to be sold for a very short time. I remember seeing them around the time I picked up my first Ridgid stack, then seeing them marked down a little (not enough for me to buy one) before just disappearing a few weeks later. New Ridgid Pro Tool Boxes
Milwaukee had their Jobsite boxes in 13″ and 26″ 26 in. Jobsite Work Tool Box / Milwaukee 330mm (13″) Jobsite Work Box 48228010 | Milwaukee Tool NZ. These were claimed to survive over 1000 drops, and are good boxes that stack well, but lack the locking and rolling capability of Packout. I have two of the 26″ ones and four of the 13″ ones, with the larger ones used for general tools (the corners hold drills and impacts well) and the smaller ones outfitted for electrical and plumbing work. Before I got the Ridgid Pro system, these were my go-to boxes, with the small boxes doubling as seats and even to hold beer on ice every now and then. The only problem is that they can get heavy when loaded down.
DeWalt, meanwhile, still sells their 28″ rolling box, as well as a few other designs: DEWALT 28 in. W 12 Gal. Polypropylene Rolling Tool Box DWST28100D – The Home Depot. I have one or two of these and find them to be a good choice for when I don’t need my ToughSystem boxes.
Of course, many of us started with a basic 20″ metal toolbox. My old Craftsman–the first toolbox I ever owned–is in the shop right now, and I ran across a vintage one yesterday for $5 at a garage sale. I passed it up because I simply don’t need another basic box and still have some of my dad’s old Craftsman 20″ boxes in storage.
The modular boxes are mostly user-friendly and do not rely on having the entire system to store and transport your tools. The medium sized boxes, like this 22 in. Pro Tool Box, Black | RIDGID Tools, can easily be used like those old steel boxes, or locked on top of rolling box full of power tools, extension cords, and other stuff. The organizers can be selected based on contents (wire nuts, drywall screws, etc.) for the project and either hand carried or tossed on top of the stack, while the bottom rolling boxes can be used alone and make for excellent seats when working at lower levels or simply taking a break. Of course, they all come with cautions not to use them as steps, so I’d never do such if I had to replace a light bulb or drive some screws near the ceiling.
So again, what type of toolbox(es) do you use? Are you a diehard Milwaukee loyalist with your entire garage and van decked out with thousands of dollars’ worth of Packout? Someone who picked up a Ridgid or ToughSystem stack back when they were $99 and $129 on sale, respectively? Or simply someone who still has that old 20″ steel box on the work bench, waiting for the next project to come up?
Nice topic. Wow, I have Milwaukee, Dewalt, Rigid and more. I have so many because when I went to the store, I just grabbed the size I needed or what was on sale. If I traveled for work, I would probably stick with the same brand but mine just sit in my garage or shed. Great topic.
Eric – TIA wrote:
On 4/28/2025 at 7:42 AM, Eric – TIA said:Nice topic. Wow, I have Milwaukee, Dewalt, Rigid and more. I have so many because when I went to the store, I just grabbed the size I needed or what was on sale. If I traveled for work, I would probably stick with the same brand but mine just sit in my garage or shed. Great topic.
Mine do the same, sitting around. I’ve got 2-3 each of the Packout, ToughSystem, and Ridgid Pro stacks, and both a VersaStak and TradeStak, but the older boxes are still perfectly serviceable and work even better for some projects. I particularly like the Milwaukee rolling tool bag I picked up for about 75% off in 2016 or so. I think Milwaukee went all-in on Packout, all but abandoning their standalone bags and boxes. While I can’t lock something on top of the bag, it is sturdy enough to pile a couple of power tools or another toolbox on.
Yes, agree with the Milwaukee I have to get in my garage and do something, lol