Milwaukee PACKOUT vs. DeWalt TSTAK/ToughSystem

Quick navigation links:

• Milwaukee PACKOUT system review
• DeWalt ToughSystem review
• DeWalt TSTAK review
• DeWalt TSTAK vs ToughSystem
• How to choose a storage system

As a tradesperson or contractor, you rely on your tools to make a living. If you are an active hobbyist or handy homeowner, you also rely on tools to get projects done at home. No matter the level of project you're involved in, modular toolbox systems can help keep you organized and prepared.

Finding the best tool storage system might seem like a challenge. There are many different tool organizer manufacturers on the market, and each company offers different product features to consider. To get the best information about what organizing system to invest in, it's essential to do some research.

You can find independent reviews online through reputable websites and consumer recommendations. Of these, two top brands continually lead the pack. Those are Milwaukee, with their PACKOUT modular tool organizers, and DeWalt, with their TSTAK and ToughSystem products.

DeWalt TSTAK/ToughSystem vs. Milwaukee PACKOUT

Both DeWalt and Milwaukee are excellent tool manufacturing companies. You can’t go wrong investing your hard-earned money in either brand. If you visit professional job sites or enter a well-equipped workshop, you’ll likely find an assortment of both Milwaukee and DeWalt power tools at work. That’s because these top brands are durable, dependable and proven performers.

Milwaukee Tool has been around since 1924. Their brand name has become synonymous with quality. Although Milwaukee has a longstanding reputation for top-notch electric tools, they have recently entered the tool storage and organization market. Milwaukee’s new line is called PACKOUT, and it is a serious contender for being one of the most versatile modular storage systems you can invest in.

DeWalt is just one year older than Milwaukee. Raymond E. DeWalt, who invented the radial arm saw, founded his American tool company in 1923. It’s since been acquired by Stanley Black & Decker and has produced excellent tool organizers for decades. DeWalt’s best-known organizers are the TSTAK and ToughSystem products.

It is no trade secret that Milwaukee and DeWalt compete on different price points. Milwaukee products tend to be more expensive than DeWalt's. However, cost isn't always the best indicator of value depending on your particular needs.

It all depends on your brand preferences, needs and in understanding the differences between how the two manufacturers design and position their tool and part organizers. To help you make an informed choice about selecting Milwaukee vs. DeWalt when buying tool organization systems, we have put together a fair and objective review of the Milwaukee PACKOUT products and the DeWalt TSTAK/ToughSystem organizers. Reviewing criteria that include:

• Features
• Durability
• Weight
• Capacity
• Versatility
• Affordability

Milwaukee Tool prides its PACKOUT line on being one of the most versatile and durable modular tool and accessory storage system on today’s market. The PACKOUT system has a multi-footprint design that stacks and locks 14 different components into an entire assembly. With the high-capacity, medium-weight and exceptionally durable PACKOUT pieces, you can truly customize a storage layout to suit your exact purpose.

Milwaukee PACKOUT systems use an impact-resistant polymer in the hard case construction. The hard case can take an enormous beating, as seen in a demonstration by Cop Tool. Milwaukee’s soft-side cases have 1680D ballistic composite material that renders the system nearly bulletproof. Furthermore, all PACKOUT hard-sided cases have IP65-rated weather seals.

A unique point with the PACKOUT organizing system is the mixed use of hard and soft-sided cases. This concept revolutionizes the way you store and transport every tool and fastener you are ever likely to use. PACKOUT features include clear-topped cases that allow you to see the contents at a glance, which saves valuable time on a job site. Here is a review breakdown of the key components you can mix and match with Milwaukee PACKOUT organizers.

• Milwaukee 48-22-8426 PACKOUT Rolling Tool Box: As the base component in the PACKOUT system, this is the largest PACKOUT toolbox, with a storage weight capacity of 250 pounds. The rolling toolbox has nine-inch all-terrain wheels that let you easily transport equipment up and down stairs, as well as over the roughest ground. It has a fixed industrial-grade handle that adjusts and turns the base unit into a handcart on which to interlock every other PACKOUT component.
• Milwaukee 48-22-8425 PACKOUT Large Tool Box: Here is your secondary toolbox that adds additional space for storing large tools. You can cap this box on top of your rolling platform or detach it for a free-moving case. This large toolbox features a 100-pound capacity. Like all PACKOUT products, this box has metal reinforced corners, locking points and top handle.
• Milwaukee 48-22-8424 PACKOUT Power Tool Case: The third main PACKOUT storage box is a 75-pound capacity, high-impact box. It is a shallower model of the 48-22-8425 large toolbox, and just as strong. This excellent piece is ideal for keeping power tools out of the wet weather. It also has interior trays for parts sorting.
• Milwaukee 48-22-8450 PACKOUT Power Tool Case With Foam Insert: If you are concerned about damage to sensitive tools or products, this impact-resistant case is perfect for you. It has a customizable foam insert that lets you build a nest for whatever fragile items you want to protect. This case interlocks with all other PACKOUT products, and also has an IP65-rated weather seal. Its weight capacity rates at 75 pounds.
• Milwaukee 48-22-8436 PACKOUT Compact Low-Profile Organizer: For handling small parts or fasteners, add this low-profile organizer to your PACKOUT system. Its design has no-travel bin separations to make sure screws, nuts or nails don’t mix. This organizer has the same impact-resistant construction as other PACKOUT boxes. It also has excellent water sealing ability to protect the contents.
• Milwaukee 48-22-8300 PACKOUT Jobsite Tech Bag: If you have a choice of one PACKOUT soft-sided case, make sure to check out the Jobsite Tech Bag. This unit works perfectly for carrying small tools like screwdrivers and pliers around a site while the heavier PACKOUT components stay put. The tech bag has 1680D ballistic material sides, but the base is molded high-impact polymer, which lets the Jobsite Tech Bag snap on and off your other PACKOUT components.

The Milwaukee PACKOUT organizing system offers you other clever and creative components. The 48-22-8322 20” Tool Bag and the 48-22-8321 15” Tool Bag are also soft-sided attachments that complement the other pieces. To round out your Milwaukee PACKOUT organizing system, you might want to include the 48-22-8315 15” Tool Tote and the 48-22-8302 Jobsite Cooler.

Regarding price point, a Milwaukee PACKOUT organizing system runs on the higher end of the scale than DeWalt’s ToughSystem and TSTAK tool organizers. However, do not let price alone dictate your investment choice. Comparing DeWalt to Milwaukee is not “apples to apples.” There is clear value in Milwaukee products, but DeWalt also has two excellent organizer lines well worth considering. First, we will review the ToughSystem.

For quality and price, the DeWalt ToughSystem is top-notch. Its price is slightly higher than DeWalt’s older TSTAK organizer system but somewhat less than the Milwaukee PACKOUT products. Again, do not let price alone dictate your choice. DeWalt is a highly reputable tool company that firmly stands behind every product.

Like the Milwaukee PACKOUT organizers, the DeWalt ToughSystem is component-based. There are also 14 individual items you can add to a ToughSystem collection, ranging from toolboxes to support brackets.

When comparing the DeWalt ToughSystem vs. Milwaukee PACKOUT organizers, one factor to consider is that DeWalt does not offer soft-sided cases. They do, however, let you remove and replace organizing components from the stackable system without disturbing another piece. With the Milwaukee line, you snap and unsnap boxes and containers on top of or beside one another.

DeWalt’s ToughSystem design allows each container to sit on brackets attached to a freestanding metal carrier. This carrier or framework is the ToughSystem’s backbone. A bracket design lets you remove the bottom container while leaving the upper components in place. Here is a review of the most popular DeWalt ToughSystem components.

• DeWalt DWST08210 ToughSystem DS Carrier: The DeWalt DS Carrier is similar to a dolly or hand truck. It serves a more specialized purpose, though. The carrier has two rugged plastic wheels and a sturdy metal frame equipped with an ergonomic handle. Folding brackets let you adjust heights to accept various toolbox components and parts organizers or bins. A central locking system securely holds other DeWalt ToughSystem components in place.
• DeWalt DWST08204 ToughSystem DS400 Extra-Large Case: For securing and protecting bulky tools like circular saws and pneumatic nailers with their hoses, you’ll want to start with a DeWalt extra-large case. It is made of high-strength 4mm structural foam plastic for immense durability, yet is surprisingly lightweight. This case holds up to 110 pounds and seals out water with an IP65 rating.
• DeWalt DWST08201 ToughSystem DS150 Small Case: For smaller items that need excellent protection, you will want to add this compact case to your ToughSystem collection. It is also made of the same structural foam plastic as other DeWalt boxes and offers identical water resistance. The DS150 holds up to 66 pounds of tools, fasteners or whatever you would like to house.
• DeWalt DWST08205 ToughSystem Tote: This open-interior tote is a must to go with your ToughSystem outfit. It allows for bulk storage of items like cables, tie-downs and even spray cans. The DeWalt high-impact plastic tote has side grab handles for easy carrying as well as sliding into the carrier brackets. The tote also lets you hold small parts organizers in one central container.
• DeWalt DWST08202 ToughSystem Organizer: Make sure you include a ToughSystem Organizer for sorting small connectors and fasteners. You can also adjust internal partitions in a DeWalt organizer to secure small tools. This component has a clear top for easy viewing. The plastic construction weighs in at seven and a half pounds and can store up to 44 pounds at maximum capacity.
• DeWalt DWST08290 ToughSystem Two-Drawer Shell: This ingenious ToughSystem component from DeWalt is a toolbox with two deep drawers that slide out on steel slides with ball bearings. You can store whatever fits in the drawers and retrieve the contents with an easy pull. Because they are DeWalt ToughSystem components, you can add multiple drawer units above or below others.

Two more ToughSystem pieces worth investing in are the DWST08404 Cooler and the DWST08810 Speaker and Charger. Other add-ons to consider are the DWST08240 Van Racking Solution for your vehicle and the DWST08260 Workshop Racking System for your shop. The price point of DeWalt’s ToughSystem components falls between the Milwaukee PACKOUT organizer and DeWalt’s newer and less expensive TSTAK tool organizing system.

Many contractors begin with DeWalt’s original ToughSystem tool and part organizers. For years, ToughSystem boxes, bins and containers have been job site mainstays.

In 2012, DeWalt responded to market demands with lower cost and more straightforward tool and parts organizers than their ToughSystem. The target market for their new TSTAK containers is primarily hobbyists and home DIY-ers, rather than professional contractors. The chief difference between the ToughSystem vs. TSTAK is that the TSTAK system is in a much more affordable price range than the ToughSystem or what Milwaukee offers with PACKOUT components.

Lower price doesn’t mean inferior quality, by any means. Many professionals recognize the value TSTAK products offers. Today, you will find TSTAK organizers on commercial sites working alongside ToughSystem and PACKOUT organizers. TSTAK components are not interchangeable with ToughSystem parts, however. Here are the main TSTAK organizer pieces to build an affordable system.

• DeWalt TSTAK DWST17806 Deep Box: This large, sturdy container is a must to start your TSTAK organizer system. It is best for storing bulky items like cords, hoses and straps. With its six-gallon capacity, the Deep Box is also ideal for heavy tools and assorted equipment needing a home. Heavy-duty latches and hinges make the box a reliable base for other TSTAK components.
• DeWalt TSTAK DWST17888 Trolley: To build a mobile TSTAK system, you will need a trolley. This component is much like the carrier in a ToughSystem package, but offers a four-wheel design for exceptional stability when parked. The trolley tips back to wheel it about and has 360-degree mobility. It is also strong, with a supporting capacity of 200 pounds.
• DeWalt TSTAK DWST17820 Mobile Storage Deep Box on Wheels: If you want one contained unit that blends the deep box storage capacity with a lighter mobile attachment, the TSTAK DWST17820 model is your best choice. It is a two-wheeled assembly with a retractable handle integrated into the deep box. The unit lets you stack multiple boxes on top of the primary container.
• DeWalt TSTAK V DWST17805 Organizer With Clear Lid: Your TSTAK organizer assembly would not be complete without one or two tool and parts organizers. The clear lid gives you instant visibility of what you have inside. The container has side latches for easy access, yet secure holding power. It has a maximum 22-pound load capacity, which handles practically any objects you can fit inside.
• DeWalt TSTAK IV DWST17804 Double Shallow Drawer: As you will find with DeWalt’s ToughSystem, storage boxes with pull-out drawers are exceptionally handy. This TSTAK component has ball bearing slides for durability. It also has removable dividers so you can custom-fit different storage configurations.
• DeWalt TSTAK II DWST17807 Flat-Top Storage Box: Storage boxes do not get much simpler than the DeWalt TSTAK flat-top. Per size, they also do not get much handier. The flat-top storage box is a universal three-and-a-half-gallon container that can hold up to 66 pounds. This rugged box has high-impact plastic with durable metal fittings.

There is tremendous value in DeWalt’s TSTAK tool and parts storage system. Over time, you can tack on additional components, such as DeWalt’s TSTAK I DWST17808 Long Handle Box, the DWST88801 Foam Insert and the DWST17510 Flexvolt Radio Charger. When it comes to configuring a TSTAK organizing system, your only limit is your imagination.

DeWalt TSTAK vs. ToughSystem

There is no way of reviewing the DeWalt TSTAK vs. the DeWalt ToughSystem by claiming one is better than the other. Like all DeWalt products, both organizing systems have specifically designed purposes and applications. It comes down to a matter of personal choice and knowing what conditions you intend to use the storage units under.

If price is a concern, you should have a serious look at the DeWalt TSTAK products. On the other hand, if you want extended features, the ToughSystem might be a better choice. The best thing you can do is research the products and measure them against your needs. You should also shop through a reputable supplier like Construction Fasteners & Tools. Tap into the knowledge of experienced staff who will help you make the right choice.

How to Choose the Best Tool Storage System for Your Needs

You cannot go wrong with buying Milwaukee or DeWalt tool and parts organizers. Both are outstanding manufacturers with the experience to know their customers' needs and which design systems best serve them. Of course, everyone has budget limitations, but do not let price be the only factor in your buying decision. Choosing the best tool storage for you is a personal matter. It is also something Construction Fasteners & Tools can help with.

Construction Fasteners & Tools is one of Canada’s leading suppliers of quality products for professionals and home enthusiasts alike. We handle all types of Milwaukee and DeWalt organizing components at the best prices you can find. You might be surprised to discover there is not much price difference between the DeWalt TSTAK, the ToughSystem and the Milwaukee PACKOUT products.

Feel free to browse Construction Fasteners & Tools' online inventory for these storage systems. For more information on tool organizers or any other products that we offer, give our staff a call at 866-816-1929 or reach out to us online.