Rigid has been great and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg for each box and feels right up there with the more expensive stuff in terms of build and strength.
I loved getting the crates years ago for I believe less than $20. Now they’re over $30. Petroleum prices and inflation hasn’t helped on all of these types of products. I will say the drawer units are priced high compared to the other premium units like Toughbuilt and Packout. I was expecting the 3 drawer/2 drawer for around $100 to be competitive.
@@jinlondzale4191 I know this might sound silly but can you put other tool brands in the Milwaukee system. I don't see that one can't but I just want to know.
First off, great content! I like that you put in options that you weren't even reviewing so people could check for themselves. Also one HUGE major thank you for getting to the point. So many videos try to give 10 minute intros on why you need one of these...ugh! You got right into it and all of the content was well put together and valid.
Keep all my hand tools in my Packout three drawer setup. Organized by section with dividers. Pull out what i need and goes on my toolbelt. Then when it's time to put away, I know exactly where they all go. I rarely use my 15" packout tote anymore. I have my 3 drawer ontop of my 2 drawer which holds my drills, impact and nail gun. Have my large compact packout organizer with my most used scerws, and all nail gun sizes. All are on a packout holder on a custom dolly so i can roll it around with me. Can always throw my packout vacuum ontop of it all to bring with too.
@@JakeWeiheI saw the sk modular storage system at sema. It's really nice and about the same price as others on the market. It has some great options too, but it sucks that there's no dividers. I'd looovvveee to see a video on them because there is basically no info or reviews on them currently. Thanks!!
Even after watching this, I am very happy that I went with RIDGID 2 years ago. Now I have 1 of every box they made. Now I really think that only the drawer boxes are necessary, with maybe a small/medium box on top of a couple drawer boxes stacked. I also found my truck/dolly wheels switches flawlessly to my drawer boxes. They only need to make one deep drawer box imo... for things like a circular saw, but a medium box on top of the drawer boxes stacked should work for that, as well.
I just picked up the Rigid XL 2 drawer and the medium box for my circular saw. Also got the removable handle and wheels. $140 before tax w/ the Home Depot special. They are awesome. Planning on eventually getting the 3 drawer to put on the bottom of the stack and maybe a couple small boxes/parts organizers. They completely eliminate the need/use for any other toolbox. Really happy with the purchase
Can't believe Rigid is the only company to figure out making the dolly mechanism removable. I hate having the bottom box only accessible by removing all the other boxes.
I am looking for this too, and im tired of searching. I only need drawers because i dont carry any power tools. If anyone knows any can you please reply to this with a link to the tools box?
T Stack fits between the seats on my Chevy Express. I have 6 drawers, a parts bin and the clip board as my center console. Perfect for small parts, keys and pens. Far better than a large one bin console.
I own the Toughbuilt, it's amazing! Picking up the cooler and the larger drawer stacks this week to add to my 3-drawer, roller, and big box I already own. Super beefy and smooth feelings.
Awesome video man!. I currently have pack out but I'm not a big fan of the drawers for the flexing issues that you pointed out. Lol I've told other people this and they have said I don't know what I'm talking about haha. So I'm currently looking at possibly switching half of my system to flex Ridgid or toughbuilt. The fact that tough bill has a bottom rolling dolly coming out with a big drawer has me really leaning towards waiting for them because that's ultimately what I want so I can then stack a drawer on top. What would you pick of those three and which of those three would be your last choice?
Got to be one of the most detailed comparison videos of the different modular boxes available, many thanks for producing this. I just wish Klein and Toughbuilt would get their systems over here in the UK.
Hell yeah this is the exact video I’ve been looking for. Going to do a van build out soon and since the drawers will be stationary I’m not married to packout for them
I was looking at boxes just today and Lowe’s happened to have a boat load of the built tough . I ended up going bonkers and picking up a fairly large collection. The half size not being able to have larger box on top, but other than that this set up is great! I love that they kept the same foot print and shape for the medium sized boxes .
👏 Very detailed and helpful for those considering adding drawers to a currently owned system or drawers as a main consideration for picking a platform.
Rigid is the best. I was waiting for Stacktech but after messing with the Rigid drawers, they're the best option. I got two of the 3-drawer boxes and the chest-style box with the handtruck wheels. I moved the drawers around to have 2 large drawers on the bottom, 4 small drawers in the middle, and the top chest for the rest of my box/case tools and power tools. The larger drawers hold pliers, clamps, meters, etc. The smaller ones hold foam cut-out socket sets, drivers, and rolls of wrenches. The dimensions make the most sense for a simple home gamer tool guy. Everything just fits, but isn't crammed in there. If I want to roll my stack around the garage, if the handtruck is too inconvenient, I can just set the whole stack onto a $5 furniture dolly from HF and it stays nice. It's also the only system that can use a true wall cleat. Everything else has trays or bars that would be sticking out of your wall and eating up space when it's not hanging. You can cut a serviceable cleat for the Rigid boxes out of scrap wood. Rigid is just the best option if you just could use a simple rollcart toolbox for home, but want the added benefit of portability to bring your tools to, say, your parents' house or something if you ever needed to help fix something. The only use case I see for going with StackTech instead of Rigid is if you need the handtruck/cart transformer solution because you have hundreds of pounds of gear to move from your van to a worksite each day.
Great video. A lot of info also. I like the Ridgid boxes. They same to be the most simplest design and sturdy at the same time. Also the box looks rugged so it doesn’t make me feel bad if it has a scrape, gash or anything else on it because it looks like it can handle it. All the boxes are nice though. Great job with your design accessories I will be sure to check out your site. Thanks again.
I have been looking for a video like this for sometime now. And you did a great job. Hit on all the points that I wanted to know about. GREAT JOB!! Now have to go and look at all the add-ons you have and see which way to go. Thanks. Looking forward to next videos.
I love the simplicity of the Rigid/AEG drawer lock mechanism, you can kick both sides shut or open with your feet it's great, solid metal wire never gonna break
After actually seeing most of these in person I decided on StackTech. It feels and looks like the more premium option overall. Thank you for all the comparison videos!
I have the gen 1 Rigid stuff, and I HATE it. The box connectors are the worst - They wear down over time (Or just come badly molded to begin with) and then the boxes start disconnecting during moving. The box locking latches on the Gen 1s also snap off it they get too hot, but the Gen 2s fixed that. I can't wait for the StackTech drawer bottom. Once its released, the Rigid is being converted to toy storage for my nephew.
Both Milwaukee and Dewalt offer dollys and handcarts that the drawer boxes can stack on at the bottom, it's just a different handle system than the typical stack combos we're used to. Stacktech is also releasing a dolly and handcart by this Summer. Rigid definitely falls far behind in multiple categories compared to all 3 of those other options.
Just got a full set of pro gear 2.0 yesterday. Excited to move all my tools over and see how it goes. This is my first “stack” system. I currently have a bunch of random tool bags and take like 5 trips out to my car on average when doing an install
SK metal boxes. Sounds great I would be interested in a weight comparison of a similar sized plastic boxes between there closer in weight than we think
Thank you for doing all this comparison work. I had problems with my packout drawers rigidity and am looking for something better. Your thoughts and analysis were exactly what I was looking for! You have a new subscriber. I am definitely looking forward to trying out a metal stacking toolbox, but worried about weight
You did such a nice breakdown analysis and great job of testing that I couldn't help but feel like you did the video a disservice by not having a longer final analysis. It seems like three or so of these systems stand out when you crunch the numbers and it might have been helpful to emphasize which balances the best features for it's speciality.
The video is to help you make an informed decision based on your own needs and wants - not tell anyone which is the best based on features I rank in importance for a certain specialty, trade or project type. Factors like vehicle used or location can change everything for many users and literally come down to one most important feature like color or cost when deciding which to buy
@@JakeWeihe exactly, which is why acknowledging the balance of needs and pointing out the ones strongest across those needs would have been really helpful and a nice capstone to an otherwise helpful video
I just got the Stack Tech after watching this video. I was leaning on it already but your video made it clear it fit my wants and needs best. Being black it doesn't scream steal me like Milwaukee lol. Also it's very high quality. Unfortunately they weren't on sale at my local Lowes. So I couldn't get more than two boxes right now. But I plan on more to further organize my stuff up really nicely! Even though I'm not a traveling mechanic or tech it will help me stay more organized around my place with all my tools and parts and test equipment. Cause right now it's a mess or cardboard boxes and old tool boxes lol.
Wow, glad I stumbled across this video. The accessories you've come up with are really smart. Really interested in the wall mounts for the packout. I think it could be a game changer for my work trailer organization.
You're the reason i went with ModBox. Just received my single and 2 drawer boxes. Looks pretty sweet. Put in an order for some of your modbox accessories!!!
Lost this video. Searched it again just to drop a like. Great video. Traditional media officially dead. Such great quality work 👍 ps all these toolboxes too big for me, you should do version comparing smaller ones eg tstak, Systainer etc 👍
Have two sets rigid drawers and two sets of kobalt drawers in trailer setup. Like the kobalt the best. Smoother, quicker and easy lock mechanism. Kobalt works better for larger tools and batteries. Rigid better for smaller items in thinner drawers. Snips, plyers in larger drawers. I have 5 stacks gen 1 rigid boxes so don't have Gen 2 cart to fit drawer box which is an awesome feature. Also 2 kobalt stacks. These two brands are the best value.(imo). Great video and feature comparison!
All the stuff that really matters to me it seems Ridgid has. Especially if you keep making more add-ons for the system. Great video. Perhaps one of your best. I appreciate the video. I'll go pickup a Ridgid drawer system soon. 👊👍
for the toughbuilt drawers ive made myself some steel locking points and 1/8 steel drawers cover attached to the corners while covering the security screws that hold the corners in place it worked really well for me although it should have been part of it in the first place although i will probably end up getting your slide locks
I have must of my tools Milwaukee and have the packout but that stacktech looks good and sturdy im definitely thinking about that and also for the bottom toolbox to be drawer will be insane.
Great review!!! Really love how you quickly show all the real "hands-on testing" for each in sped up video, and clearly cover each feature. Love that you create your own "products hack tools" and sell them as accessories as well. You should be a professional product tester or work for one of these manufacturers to show them how to build things right!! :-) FYI - from my experience with similar in store testing: WINNER: Ridgid 2.0. No-brainer after reading this post and comparing side by side hands-on in store, most other brands of which I hated. RUNNER UP: Flex at Lowes; clearly built like a tank, and much sturdier and heavier with metal corners and lots of accessories, but it was probably overkill for me in terms of weight and price. Also, unfortunately at my Lowes, there were barely any on the shelf and the only one left in the store already had a bent wheel (how long did it last before someone "returned" it?), plus numerous reviews mention the handle breaking (ironic they would build this thing so solid, then go cheap on the handle which is the single most likely point of failure). I really did like the Flex locking mechanism (way easier to engage and less "pointy" and "jagged" than DeWalt's, see below), but I also found it was really hard to locate the handles or unlocking mechanism by touch or color as they were too close together and all black and grey colored (hard to see in poor lightning; I found myself hunting around by feel or visually looking each time...maybe that would pass with muscle memory, but I don't want to have to hunt for the handle each time I use it or have to "learn" new muscle memory just to open/close/lock it). FAILS: DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryboi (just looked cheap, didn't even consider), Craftsman (metal latch style), and others. While I like the "auto locking" mechanisms of the DeWalt, Flex, and others in theory, playing around with them in store, I found they were often difficult to engage or already loose or not springing/unspringing properly. Too many moving parts and points of failure. Also I'm afraid I would forget or think it was engaged when it wasn't (hard to tell without jiggling, and how do you do that when it's full of stuff?), then accidentally have it tip over or spill all over the pavements, potentially damaging $1000's worth of tools. If they're this hard to automatically "click into place" when empty, what about when 100lbs of tools in them?? I was hoping to like DeWalt's, since most of my tools are DeWalt. I've steered clear of Milwaukee tools because when I was first evaluating power tools, I immediately noticed how much more difficult the Milwaukee charger is to engage (requires a two-handed operation), and they just seemed clunkier and not as ergonomic, whereas my DeWalt easily pops on and off with one hand. I also find DeWalt makes much more comfortable and intelligently designed tools in general, much better to hold in your hand (often offering ergonomic soft handles on many of their small hand and power tools), yet ironically their storage solution has tons of sharp, jagged edges (including on the "auto lock" handles which my hand is likely to graze and beat up my knuckles), and a difficult-to-engage locking mechanism much like the Milwaukee power tools and chargers I avoid. I immediately ruled out the DeWalt for the same reason I don't like Milwaukee (their charger base especially made me switch to DeWalt for all my tools, whereas the DeWalt tool box has the same negatives as the entire Milwaukee line): I find the mechanism is very clunky, hard to operate/engage, and, in the case of DeWalt, full of sharp and pointy edges. Same reason I refuse to buy Craftsman or any other brand with aluminum clips... I don't trust myself that I won't slice my hand open on them accidentally when in a hurry. The Ridgid is also like 50-60% the cost of the Milwaukee, DeWalt, Flex, and others and like 90% the same build quality (or perhaps even better) than the DeWalt or Milwaukee, IMO, with better reinforced sides, drawers, and ridges (pun intended) all around. It's also one of the lightest, so every pound counts when you don't need 500lb worth of gear. While the Ridgid does have a manual locking mechanism, after getting quickly frustrated with the DeWalt and others in the store just trying to click them into place "just right" to engage, I actually like the idea that I know for sure when it's locked or not, a single handle without a bunch of springs and parts that could easily break or fail. It's also easy to tell visually and by touch to locate the handles without visually searching much. This thing is simple and does everything very well, without all these extra moving parts and points of failure, and at a lower price. Very happy with Ridgid so far. Will see how it holds up, but it's just all around the clear winner in terms of ergonomics, design, durability / build quality, price point, and availability (many in stock at HD). About the only negative I can think of so far is that there is no single bar / pin locking solution (you have to weave a locking cable through multiple holes), but some of the others including the DeWalt don't even lock at all! Also while the wheels may not be as robust as some of the others, they seem plenty sturdy to me, but only time will tell (at least they weren't already broken in store!). Some things are just over-engineered. To me, the Ridgid 2.0 wins hands down in all categories.
I am so grateful for this video. I have been eyeing Dewalt for awhile until you showed me their drawers. The most basic thing and yet they don't have a dividing system? If you wanted to make your own storage system within with 3d printing, I guess it wouldn't be a bad, but for tools I would prefer a premade system. Looking at Rigid or Toughbuilt or modbox now. If only these were more accessible in Canada.
Man, what an amazing review. So indepth on SOOO many brands. I have the Rigid 1.0 and do love it, it was cost effective and suits my needs. I am interested in the drawers now though and can't wait to see your custom accessories and how I can incorporate them.
@JakeWeihe I was going back and forth between Milwaukee, Klein, and Rigid. But with all the aftermarket support with 3D printed inserts and accessories, I'm going to go with the Milwaukee Packout system. (You have great accessories I need to get!) Not in this video, but I also saw in-vehicle shelving that works with the systems. And since I'm only using this for onboard travel tools in my truck, that was also an important factor. Doesn't hurt that all my power tools are Milwaukee, too. Lol.
Toughbuilt is amazing! But waiting on the 3 drawer with wheels is getting out of hand! It's clear they don't want to take my money over the last year & the last I was told was maybe November 2024. Honestly sad that I am forced to spend money on trash boxes I don't want but need because I can't continue to wait for Toughbuilt to make 3 or 2 drawers on wheels. Great job because everyone wants to come home & hear about tools in the way in the garage...
GREAT VIDEO!!! Thanks for all that! I'm looking forward to you getting the new TOUGHBUILT pieces this summer to review them. As of today, that is the system I'm going with. Their Rolling Drawer Box is what I've been waiting for since I first started researching Stack Systems. A drawer that fits a circular saw is something I think many of us have wanted for a long time. And YES! I'm voting for you to get a hold of the SK Stack System. Especially the Front Double Door Box option. Drawers are best to use in my opinion, but that "French Door" Box could be great for storing things like spray paint cans, cleaning bottles and sprays for car detailing. Your review could make me lean more toward SK, which I was about to buy before I saw the TOUGHBUILT system new pieces announcement. For me, multiple size drawers are key, from shallower to super tall, whether they have 1, 2 or more drawers. Again, The new options coming from TOUGHBUILT appear to be perfect size options. They just have to come up with a way to lock them in a future fix or adapter. Although locking them isn't important for my personal usage. Thanks again! Have a great day!
After market fix and go cleets would be great because while the whole line is compatible they all don’t come with them. I got the Rigid set because it seems the most child proof with you being able to anchor it to the wall. You don’t have to worry about tipping hazards
If I could go back in time I would have chosen ridged just because you are able to put the drawers on the bottom(connected to the wheel base) that for me is a game changer
Let me tell you that this video was very thorough. However, its like going to restaurant that has a very extensive menu. It just makes deciding on what you want more challenging.
The rolling casters that you created for the toughbuilt dolly system is PERFECT! Hopefully they release their rolling drawer box soon. Any chance of having rolling casters that work with the RIGID dolly system?
I'm cheap. over 100 bucks for plastic boxes in nuts. I've been using the t-stack/versastack for years as field service tech. I've got different drawer boxes set up for different tasks. I just grab the ones I need out of my truck and slap them on the folding dolly baseplate. They may be lighter duty than these but every box I've got cost me under $30 each.
Oh, I made my choice(s). Started with Milwaukee and still building my F L E X Stack Pack. Will also add in the new Makita if they do their OD Outdoor color.
I picked up tradestack drawers during the buy more save more event which got me $66 two drawer units. Couldn’t pass up the deal and I have a ton of Tstak/Versastack with adapters for them to mount to the tradestack drawers units. Single and two drawer tstaks, 2 drawer tradestacks for more capacity all able to mount together. I just wish craftsman would launch the two and three drawer unit tradestacks they’ve had advertised for nearly a year in the pamphlet when you buy a tradestack. Thanks for pointing out the containers fitting tighter in your configuration. I had them all in those notches and they do move around being inside the truck.
Looking for new tool storage system as I have been downsizing from a house to condo. Honestly I like the dewalt with the wall hanger and dolly cart with slide out features vs unstacking. But that tough built also looks fantastic and I like the accessories option. Now I’m not a contractor or trades. Just a guy who is handy and likes to work on my overlander and home repair and helping friends. This was a great video regarding a honest review.
i have Flex & Ridgid yes Ridgid is a lot cheaper but in the long run they are made to store tools, you can take all the brands and find good and faults in all of them. I bought Ridgid pretty much for shop storage and I bought Flex because they were on sale and was a lot cheaper than Milwaukee and Klein wasn't in stores yet.
I had the Rigid version first and then switched over completely during a thanksgiving break to Milwaukee around 2020. I think one HD said they didn’t have the packout system because it was just a fad. I drove from Tallahassee, Florida to Valdosta GA to get everything I needed. Over the years I have relied on Toolnut and Acme tools. Beats driving all over. Home Depot is the hardest to order from because they will just cancel your order on lack of interest. Just happened again two weeks ago when I ordered something and they DP said pick it up and didn’t have it when I arrived. POS. I retire soon and my packout system will become camping storage kit. The tool box craze reminds me a lot of the kayak fishing craze. Tight lines.
I invested a ton of money on Packout before they came out with the drawers which are a game changer. Juggling boxes around is nuts. If it doesn't fit into the drawer I probably don't need it. I hate Milwaukee Red because they scream out Steal Me!. I wish Milwaukee would offer black boxes in the USA. In the future I'm going Ridgid just for the cost alone. Their stackable totes are the best
My Trade stack has that issue with engaging on the tote box. But I got the rolling, the tool case and tote all three for 90 dollars and I am hella happy.
These companies need to hire you for fresh, useful ideas. Very detailed and useful video.
Accepting and give his opinion of which one was the best
Rigid has been great and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg for each box and feels right up there with the more expensive stuff in terms of build and strength.
I loved getting the crates years ago for I believe less than $20. Now they’re over $30. Petroleum prices and inflation hasn’t helped on all of these types of products. I will say the drawer units are priced high compared to the other premium units like Toughbuilt and Packout. I was expecting the 3 drawer/2 drawer for around $100 to be competitive.
Legit. I love my ridgid boxes, but their attachment method has bitten me pretty bad before.
@@KiltPatrick The latches failed?
@@EverythingisFiremine failed, they would tend to unlatch causing them to fall
2 Draw Rigids were down to $33
Them toughbuilt sets are crazy. Gonna have to go that route.
Wife got me the original Milwaukee Packout system 4yrs ago or so. Zero issues so far and I absolutely love it.
Wife bought you that? 😮 geez that’s some wife
@@jinlondzale4191 I know this might sound silly but can you put other tool brands in the Milwaukee system. I don't see that one can't but I just want to know.
@@Tang0Fox1 wtf are u saying?
First off, great content! I like that you put in options that you weren't even reviewing so people could check for themselves. Also one HUGE major thank you for getting to the point. So many videos try to give 10 minute intros on why you need one of these...ugh! You got right into it and all of the content was well put together and valid.
Thank you!
I watched the whole video and I don't regret it. Lots of good content, no filler. Thank you.
Keep all my hand tools in my Packout three drawer setup. Organized by section with dividers. Pull out what i need and goes on my toolbelt. Then when it's time to put away, I know exactly where they all go. I rarely use my 15" packout tote anymore. I have my 3 drawer ontop of my 2 drawer which holds my drills, impact and nail gun. Have my large compact packout organizer with my most used scerws, and all nail gun sizes. All are on a packout holder on a custom dolly so i can roll it around with me. Can always throw my packout vacuum ontop of it all to bring with too.
I’m in the market for something like this. Since this guy designs accessories for all these systems, his insight is unique.
Let's see the SK video!!!
you got it!
@@JakeWeiheI saw the sk modular storage system at sema. It's really nice and about the same price as others on the market. It has some great options too, but it sucks that there's no dividers. I'd looovvveee to see a video on them because there is basically no info or reviews on them currently. Thanks!!
This. I'll be waiting
@@victorhoyt4352maybe 3D print them!
Even after watching this, I am very happy that I went with RIDGID 2 years ago. Now I have 1 of every box they made. Now I really think that only the drawer boxes are necessary, with maybe a small/medium box on top of a couple drawer boxes stacked. I also found my truck/dolly wheels switches flawlessly to my drawer boxes. They only need to make one deep drawer box imo... for things like a circular saw, but a medium box on top of the drawer boxes stacked should work for that, as well.
I just picked up the Rigid XL 2 drawer and the medium box for my circular saw. Also got the removable handle and wheels. $140 before tax w/ the Home Depot special. They are awesome. Planning on eventually getting the 3 drawer to put on the bottom of the stack and maybe a couple small boxes/parts organizers. They completely eliminate the need/use for any other toolbox. Really happy with the purchase
I keep trying to find reasons to buy the Milwaukee packout, but keep coming back to the Rigid. They check a lot of boxes.
Best comparison video in existance. Great job! May the algorithm gods shine down upon you with glory
🙌🏻 thank you!
I'm a mechanic looking for a mobile setup, I need the best drawer options w/ as many drawers as possible. This video helped alot, thank you
You got it! 👍
Can't believe Rigid is the only company to figure out making the dolly mechanism removable. I hate having the bottom box only accessible by removing all the other boxes.
Literally every company does this
@logan False
I have the dewalt and Ridgid rolling boxes. The drawers on the bottom are really convenient.
Klein has the handle being removed
I am looking for this too, and im tired of searching. I only need drawers because i dont carry any power tools. If anyone knows any can you please reply to this with a link to the tools box?
T Stack fits between the seats on my Chevy Express. I have 6 drawers, a parts bin and the clip board as my center console. Perfect for small parts, keys and pens. Far better than a large one bin console.
I own the Toughbuilt, it's amazing! Picking up the cooler and the larger drawer stacks this week to add to my 3-drawer, roller, and big box I already own. Super beefy and smooth feelings.
Awesome video man!. I currently have pack out but I'm not a big fan of the drawers for the flexing issues that you pointed out. Lol I've told other people this and they have said I don't know what I'm talking about haha. So I'm currently looking at possibly switching half of my system to flex Ridgid or toughbuilt. The fact that tough bill has a bottom rolling dolly coming out with a big drawer has me really leaning towards waiting for them because that's ultimately what I want so I can then stack a drawer on top. What would you pick of those three and which of those three would be your last choice?
Got to be one of the most detailed comparison videos of the different modular boxes available, many thanks for producing this. I just wish Klein and Toughbuilt would get their systems over here in the UK.
before reading this ive emailed Klein UK to ask when they will be available here
send them an email too, it will help.
Im deep in Ridgid boxes and crates , But that Toughbuilt is really sexy. Great job Man !
Those are the two I like the most. I'm torn between them. How long have you had your Ridgid and have they held up nicely?
Man this is a very deep dive into these systems! Good job!
Hell yeah this is the exact video I’ve been looking for. Going to do a van build out soon and since the drawers will be stationary I’m not married to packout for them
I was looking at boxes just today and Lowe’s happened to have a boat load of the built tough . I ended up going bonkers and picking up a fairly large collection. The half size not being able to have larger box on top, but other than that this set up is great! I love that they kept the same foot print and shape for the medium sized boxes .
👏 Very detailed and helpful for those considering adding drawers to a currently owned system or drawers as a main consideration for picking a platform.
Mr. Weihe, always thanks for your brilliant ideas, products and analysis for all of tool box related things. you are truly specialist in this field. 😊
Rigid is the best. I was waiting for Stacktech but after messing with the Rigid drawers, they're the best option. I got two of the 3-drawer boxes and the chest-style box with the handtruck wheels. I moved the drawers around to have 2 large drawers on the bottom, 4 small drawers in the middle, and the top chest for the rest of my box/case tools and power tools. The larger drawers hold pliers, clamps, meters, etc. The smaller ones hold foam cut-out socket sets, drivers, and rolls of wrenches. The dimensions make the most sense for a simple home gamer tool guy. Everything just fits, but isn't crammed in there. If I want to roll my stack around the garage, if the handtruck is too inconvenient, I can just set the whole stack onto a $5 furniture dolly from HF and it stays nice. It's also the only system that can use a true wall cleat. Everything else has trays or bars that would be sticking out of your wall and eating up space when it's not hanging. You can cut a serviceable cleat for the Rigid boxes out of scrap wood. Rigid is just the best option if you just could use a simple rollcart toolbox for home, but want the added benefit of portability to bring your tools to, say, your parents' house or something if you ever needed to help fix something.
The only use case I see for going with StackTech instead of Rigid is if you need the handtruck/cart transformer solution because you have hundreds of pounds of gear to move from your van to a worksite each day.
Great video. A lot of info also. I like the Ridgid boxes. They same to be the most simplest design and sturdy at the same time. Also the box looks rugged so it doesn’t make me feel bad if it has a scrape, gash or anything else on it because it looks like it can handle it. All the boxes are nice though. Great job with your design accessories I will be sure to check out your site. Thanks again.
I have been looking for a video like this for sometime now. And you did a great job. Hit on all the points that I wanted to know about. GREAT JOB!! Now have to go and look at all the add-ons you have and see which way to go. Thanks. Looking forward to next videos.
Glad it was helpful!
I love the simplicity of the Rigid/AEG drawer lock mechanism, you can kick both sides shut or open with your feet it's great, solid metal wire never gonna break
I'm a dewalt tool guy but, I carry them in pack out
I’m a Milwaukee tool guy, but carry them in a mod box
I’m a Milwaukee guy, but I carry them in Dewalt to disguise them, so they are less likely to be stolen 😄
@@lukehanna7440 ouch lol
After actually seeing most of these in person I decided on StackTech. It feels and looks like the more premium option overall. Thank you for all the comparison videos!
Got rid of just about all my packout to invest into StackTech!
Ridgid, hands down. 😊 It's the only one that can be used as a bottom box so you don't have to unstack a ton of stuff to get to your largest box.
Bottom drawer with wheels coming to stacktech this summer
I have the gen 1 Rigid stuff, and I HATE it. The box connectors are the worst - They wear down over time (Or just come badly molded to begin with) and then the boxes start disconnecting during moving. The box locking latches on the Gen 1s also snap off it they get too hot, but the Gen 2s fixed that.
I can't wait for the StackTech drawer bottom. Once its released, the Rigid is being converted to toy storage for my nephew.
Both Milwaukee and Dewalt offer dollys and handcarts that the drawer boxes can stack on at the bottom, it's just a different handle system than the typical stack combos we're used to. Stacktech is also releasing a dolly and handcart by this Summer. Rigid definitely falls far behind in multiple categories compared to all 3 of those other options.
Just got a full set of pro gear 2.0 yesterday. Excited to move all my tools over and see how it goes. This is my first “stack” system. I currently have a bunch of random tool bags and take like 5 trips out to my car on average when doing an install
@@ttgk8506 For some reason they still haven't released it. Kline has released theirs though.
One of the most useful videos on TH-cam
Thanks!
SK metal boxes. Sounds great I would be interested in a weight comparison of a similar sized plastic boxes between there closer in weight than we think
Thank you for doing all this comparison work. I had problems with my packout drawers rigidity and am looking for something better. Your thoughts and analysis were exactly what I was looking for! You have a new subscriber. I am definitely looking forward to trying out a metal stacking toolbox, but worried about weight
Where’d you get the idea about the ridgid drawer swap? How bout a shout out? Thanks for the video!
I saw a pic on the Facebook group. Good to see you have a video on TH-cam tho. Adjusting the slides is kind of tricky!
I switched from the toughsystem 2.0 to the StackPack. I prefer the Dewalt drawers but wanted the versatility of the Flex system.
You did such a nice breakdown analysis and great job of testing that I couldn't help but feel like you did the video a disservice by not having a longer final analysis. It seems like three or so of these systems stand out when you crunch the numbers and it might have been helpful to emphasize which balances the best features for it's speciality.
The video is to help you make an informed decision based on your own needs and wants - not tell anyone which is the best based on features I rank in importance for a certain specialty, trade or project type. Factors like vehicle used or location can change everything for many users and literally come down to one most important feature like color or cost when deciding which to buy
@@JakeWeihe exactly, which is why acknowledging the balance of needs and pointing out the ones strongest across those needs would have been really helpful and a nice capstone to an otherwise helpful video
I just got the Stack Tech after watching this video. I was leaning on it already but your video made it clear it fit my wants and needs best. Being black it doesn't scream steal me like Milwaukee lol. Also it's very high quality. Unfortunately they weren't on sale at my local Lowes. So I couldn't get more than two boxes right now. But I plan on more to further organize my stuff up really nicely! Even though I'm not a traveling mechanic or tech it will help me stay more organized around my place with all my tools and parts and test equipment. Cause right now it's a mess or cardboard boxes and old tool boxes lol.
Nice!
The amount of information you provided is immensely helpful! What an excellent video -- Keep it up!
Subbed!
Wow, glad I stumbled across this video. The accessories you've come up with are really smart. Really interested in the wall mounts for the packout. I think it could be a game changer for my work trailer organization.
You're the reason i went with ModBox. Just received my single and 2 drawer boxes. Looks pretty sweet. Put in an order for some of your modbox accessories!!!
Awesome thanks!
Really need tool boxes since I’m moving and been buying a lot of mechanic tools. This really helped. Thank you.
Lost this video. Searched it again just to drop a like. Great video. Traditional media officially dead. Such great quality work 👍 ps all these toolboxes too big for me, you should do version comparing smaller ones eg tstak, Systainer etc 👍
Thanks! Part 2 detailing more systems including some smaller options is on the list!
Have two sets rigid drawers and two sets of kobalt drawers in trailer setup. Like the kobalt the best.
Smoother, quicker and easy lock mechanism.
Kobalt works better for larger tools and batteries. Rigid better for smaller items in thinner drawers. Snips, plyers in larger drawers.
I have 5 stacks gen 1 rigid boxes so don't have Gen 2 cart to fit drawer box which is an awesome feature. Also 2 kobalt stacks.
These two brands are the best value.(imo).
Great video and feature comparison!
Great video my man! This is clear and extremely thorough, thank you. This is what kind of videos YT could use more of.
I'm in the market right now, this was by far the best video on this stuff plus I love the mods. I will definitely check out your site 👍🏾
Awesome, thank you!
I switched from Milwaukee to Ridgid. My only complaint is the drawer depth. The drawers being on the bottom is a huge time-saver
All the stuff that really matters to me it seems Ridgid has. Especially if you keep making more add-ons for the system. Great video. Perhaps one of your best. I appreciate the video. I'll go pickup a Ridgid drawer system soon. 👊👍
I like the Dewalt because they fit in cabinets of my kuv service truck perfectly.
Cool
I went with toughbuilt stacktech
nice!
I did to. Couldn't be happier
for the toughbuilt drawers ive made myself some steel locking points and 1/8 steel drawers cover attached to the corners while covering the security screws that hold the corners in place
it worked really well for me although it should have been part of it in the first place although i will probably end up getting your slide locks
I have must of my tools Milwaukee and have the packout but that stacktech looks good and sturdy im definitely thinking about that and also for the bottom toolbox to be drawer will be insane.
The 2-drawer Flex Stack Pack is sweet!
26:30 💯 finally that’s why I’m getting rid of my Milwaukee drawers. Ridgid is indeed the way to go
I'm not big on downplaying a product because of possible future failure, but overall, this is a very thorough, helpful, and well done video. Good job.
Great review!!! Really love how you quickly show all the real "hands-on testing" for each in sped up video, and clearly cover each feature. Love that you create your own "products hack tools" and sell them as accessories as well. You should be a professional product tester or work for one of these manufacturers to show them how to build things right!! :-)
FYI - from my experience with similar in store testing:
WINNER: Ridgid 2.0. No-brainer after reading this post and comparing side by side hands-on in store, most other brands of which I hated.
RUNNER UP: Flex at Lowes; clearly built like a tank, and much sturdier and heavier with metal corners and lots of accessories, but it was probably overkill for me in terms of weight and price. Also, unfortunately at my Lowes, there were barely any on the shelf and the only one left in the store already had a bent wheel (how long did it last before someone "returned" it?), plus numerous reviews mention the handle breaking (ironic they would build this thing so solid, then go cheap on the handle which is the single most likely point of failure). I really did like the Flex locking mechanism (way easier to engage and less "pointy" and "jagged" than DeWalt's, see below), but I also found it was really hard to locate the handles or unlocking mechanism by touch or color as they were too close together and all black and grey colored (hard to see in poor lightning; I found myself hunting around by feel or visually looking each time...maybe that would pass with muscle memory, but I don't want to have to hunt for the handle each time I use it or have to "learn" new muscle memory just to open/close/lock it).
FAILS: DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryboi (just looked cheap, didn't even consider), Craftsman (metal latch style), and others. While I like the "auto locking" mechanisms of the DeWalt, Flex, and others in theory, playing around with them in store, I found they were often difficult to engage or already loose or not springing/unspringing properly. Too many moving parts and points of failure. Also I'm afraid I would forget or think it was engaged when it wasn't (hard to tell without jiggling, and how do you do that when it's full of stuff?), then accidentally have it tip over or spill all over the pavements, potentially damaging $1000's worth of tools. If they're this hard to automatically "click into place" when empty, what about when 100lbs of tools in them??
I was hoping to like DeWalt's, since most of my tools are DeWalt. I've steered clear of Milwaukee tools because when I was first evaluating power tools, I immediately noticed how much more difficult the Milwaukee charger is to engage (requires a two-handed operation), and they just seemed clunkier and not as ergonomic, whereas my DeWalt easily pops on and off with one hand. I also find DeWalt makes much more comfortable and intelligently designed tools in general, much better to hold in your hand (often offering ergonomic soft handles on many of their small hand and power tools), yet ironically their storage solution has tons of sharp, jagged edges (including on the "auto lock" handles which my hand is likely to graze and beat up my knuckles), and a difficult-to-engage locking mechanism much like the Milwaukee power tools and chargers I avoid.
I immediately ruled out the DeWalt for the same reason I don't like Milwaukee (their charger base especially made me switch to DeWalt for all my tools, whereas the DeWalt tool box has the same negatives as the entire Milwaukee line): I find the mechanism is very clunky, hard to operate/engage, and, in the case of DeWalt, full of sharp and pointy edges. Same reason I refuse to buy Craftsman or any other brand with aluminum clips... I don't trust myself that I won't slice my hand open on them accidentally when in a hurry.
The Ridgid is also like 50-60% the cost of the Milwaukee, DeWalt, Flex, and others and like 90% the same build quality (or perhaps even better) than the DeWalt or Milwaukee, IMO, with better reinforced sides, drawers, and ridges (pun intended) all around. It's also one of the lightest, so every pound counts when you don't need 500lb worth of gear.
While the Ridgid does have a manual locking mechanism, after getting quickly frustrated with the DeWalt and others in the store just trying to click them into place "just right" to engage, I actually like the idea that I know for sure when it's locked or not, a single handle without a bunch of springs and parts that could easily break or fail. It's also easy to tell visually and by touch to locate the handles without visually searching much.
This thing is simple and does everything very well, without all these extra moving parts and points of failure, and at a lower price. Very happy with Ridgid so far. Will see how it holds up, but it's just all around the clear winner in terms of ergonomics, design, durability / build quality, price point, and availability (many in stock at HD).
About the only negative I can think of so far is that there is no single bar / pin locking solution (you have to weave a locking cable through multiple holes), but some of the others including the DeWalt don't even lock at all! Also while the wheels may not be as robust as some of the others, they seem plenty sturdy to me, but only time will tell (at least they weren't already broken in store!).
Some things are just over-engineered. To me, the Ridgid 2.0 wins hands down in all categories.
Thanks Ken. Ridgid is a great system and I like it too
I am so grateful for this video. I have been eyeing Dewalt for awhile until you showed me their drawers. The most basic thing and yet they don't have a dividing system? If you wanted to make your own storage system within with 3d printing, I guess it wouldn't be a bad, but for tools I would prefer a premade system. Looking at Rigid or Toughbuilt or modbox now. If only these were more accessible in Canada.
Man, what an amazing review. So indepth on SOOO many brands. I have the Rigid 1.0 and do love it, it was cost effective and suits my needs. I am interested in the drawers now though and can't wait to see your custom accessories and how I can incorporate them.
I bought a full toughbuilt setup just for storage at the house. Was on sale at lowes for 50% off so I pulled the trigger and they are awesome!
Can’t hate on a good deal!
Super thorough comparison! Really well done! Its cool to see all the different options on the market and how they differ.
Thank you!
Absolutely love my Husky Build Out boxes, best build quality for the money hands down!
This is the video I've been looking for. This is 'Project Farm' level thorough! Thanks for helping me make my final decision. You earned a sub 🤝
Thanks! 👍
What did you decide on?
@JakeWeihe I was going back and forth between Milwaukee, Klein, and Rigid. But with all the aftermarket support with 3D printed inserts and accessories, I'm going to go with the Milwaukee Packout system. (You have great accessories I need to get!)
Not in this video, but I also saw in-vehicle shelving that works with the systems. And since I'm only using this for onboard travel tools in my truck, that was also an important factor.
Doesn't hurt that all my power tools are Milwaukee, too. Lol.
Best review on the tube. Thanks. One of the nice features of Rigid is the multi height drawers within the single three drawer box.
Toughbuilt looks so damn good!
It is, I picked up 3 pieces a month ago and adding to it this week. Super smooth and clean setup.
Tough built is by far the best toolboxes on the market
Toughbuilt is amazing! But waiting on the 3 drawer with wheels is getting out of hand! It's clear they don't want to take my money over the last year & the last I was told was maybe November 2024.
Honestly sad that I am forced to spend money on trash boxes I don't want but need because I can't continue to wait for Toughbuilt to make 3 or 2 drawers on wheels. Great job because everyone wants to come home & hear about tools in the way in the garage...
Stack Tech have just appeared here in Australia at Bunnings and Tool Kit Depot. Very impressive. Very well thought out.
The Toughbuilt stack tech has way more options than any of the rest in my opinion plus it just looks really good.
GREAT VIDEO!!! Thanks for all that!
I'm looking forward to you getting the new TOUGHBUILT pieces this summer to review them. As of today, that is the system I'm going with. Their Rolling Drawer Box is what I've been waiting for since I first started researching Stack Systems. A drawer that fits a circular saw is something I think many of us have wanted for a long time.
And YES! I'm voting for you to get a hold of the SK Stack System. Especially the Front Double Door Box option. Drawers are best to use in my opinion, but that "French Door" Box could be great for storing things like spray paint cans, cleaning bottles and sprays for car detailing. Your review could make me lean more toward SK, which I was about to buy before I saw the TOUGHBUILT system new pieces announcement.
For me, multiple size drawers are key, from shallower to super tall, whether they have 1, 2 or more drawers. Again, The new options coming from TOUGHBUILT appear to be perfect size options. They just have to come up with a way to lock them in a future fix or adapter. Although locking them isn't important for my personal usage.
Thanks again! Have a great day!
After market fix and go cleets would be great because while the whole line is compatible they all don’t come with them. I got the Rigid set because it seems the most child proof with you being able to anchor it to the wall. You don’t have to worry about tipping hazards
Can’t wait to see your products for Casestack. Keep up the good work brother.
sounds good, thanks!
Honestly, thank you for this review. Most in depth review I've found.
If I could go back in time I would have chosen ridged just because you are able to put the drawers on the bottom(connected to the wheel base) that for me is a game changer
Let me tell you that this video was very thorough. However, its like going to restaurant that has a very extensive menu. It just makes deciding on what you want more challenging.
Haha
Still love milwaukee packout & toughbuilt
Awesome, very informative. Love your mods for the boxes, one of these companies should definitely hire you ! 👍👍
A great video brother. I use Milwaukee Pack out and One Rigid box. In this video I like the Klein system.
I like the Rigid boxes the best , love my Milwaukee M12 tools too
The rolling casters that you created for the toughbuilt dolly system is PERFECT! Hopefully they release their rolling drawer box soon. Any chance of having rolling casters that work with the RIGID dolly system?
I'm cheap. over 100 bucks for plastic boxes in nuts. I've been using the t-stack/versastack for years as field service tech. I've got different drawer boxes set up for different tasks. I just grab the ones I need out of my truck and slap them on the folding dolly baseplate. They may be lighter duty than these but every box I've got cost me under $30 each.
Finding a solution that works for you is what is most important. Sounds like you found exactly what you need
Great video, this is super useful, what program do you use to design your 3D parts?
Great video, I am starting to look at purchasing a system soon and your review helps. At the moment I am leaning towards toughtbuilt 🤔
I have an in depth review on that system if you want to check it out
@@JakeWeihe Hi Jake, thanks for letting me know, I can see 2 vids on toughbuilt from about 6 months ago. Will watch today
Oh, I made my choice(s). Started with Milwaukee and still building my F L E X Stack Pack. Will also add in the new Makita if they do their OD Outdoor color.
Have a two broken Milwaukee drawers that failed at different points. They won’t honour warranty on either so think I’ll try tough built next
Great work! Exactly what I'm looking for....outstanding you make innovative accessories also!!
I picked up tradestack drawers during the buy more save more event which got me $66 two drawer units. Couldn’t pass up the deal and I have a ton of Tstak/Versastack with adapters for them to mount to the tradestack drawers units. Single and two drawer tstaks, 2 drawer tradestacks for more capacity all able to mount together. I just wish craftsman would launch the two and three drawer unit tradestacks they’ve had advertised for nearly a year in the pamphlet when you buy a tradestack.
Thanks for pointing out the containers fitting tighter in your configuration. I had them all in those notches and they do move around being inside the truck.
Wow, I've been waiting for this video for a long time. Thanks amigo!
Thanks for watching!
Looking for new tool storage system as I have been downsizing from a house to condo. Honestly I like the dewalt with the wall hanger and dolly cart with slide out features vs unstacking. But that tough built also looks fantastic and I like the accessories option. Now I’m not a contractor or trades. Just a guy who is handy and likes to work on my overlander and home repair and helping friends. This was a great video regarding a honest review.
i have Flex & Ridgid yes Ridgid is a lot cheaper but in the long run they are made to store tools, you can take all the brands and find good and faults in all of them. I bought Ridgid pretty much for shop storage and I bought Flex because they were on sale and was a lot cheaper than Milwaukee and Klein wasn't in stores yet.
I had the Rigid version first and then switched over completely during a thanksgiving break to Milwaukee around 2020. I think one HD said they didn’t have the packout system because it was just a fad. I drove from Tallahassee, Florida to Valdosta GA to get everything I needed. Over the years I have relied on Toolnut and Acme tools. Beats driving all over. Home Depot is the hardest to order from because they will just cancel your order on lack of interest. Just happened again two weeks ago when I ordered something and they DP said pick it up and didn’t have it when I arrived. POS. I retire soon and my packout system will become camping storage kit. The tool box craze reminds me a lot of the kayak fishing craze. Tight lines.
I invested a ton of money on Packout before they came out with the drawers which are a game changer. Juggling boxes around is nuts. If it doesn't fit into the drawer I probably don't need it. I hate Milwaukee Red because they scream out Steal Me!. I wish Milwaukee would offer black boxes in the USA. In the future I'm going Ridgid just for the cost alone. Their stackable totes are the best
Flex Stack Pack. They have 2 different boxes with drawers and a cabinet box. And the fact that they made a detachable dolly is amazing.
Damn, if I wasn’t already sold on the stack tech boxes. All your locking parts really sold me over completely ha
Thank you for such a complete comparison video ! Is there any chance you're going to design accessories for the L-boxx system ? Thanks !
As a milwaukee fan boy and charder member I am very happy with the rigid drawer boxes, they are far far far better.
Puns should always be intended. Nice work
Love the video's level of detail and presentation. GREAT JOB!
Thanks Michael 👍
My Trade stack has that issue with engaging on the tote box. But I got the rolling, the tool case and tote all three for 90 dollars and I am hella happy.
Can’t beat it at that price!
Toughbuilt Stacktech is the GOAT. What they already have out makes them the GOAT. What they have coming makes them untouchable.
I'm definitely going to have to stick with ridgid cause that's what I own but the weight limit is really low.
Very thorough review mate, nice job 👍
This is one of the best review videos ever 🏅
Really good and thorough video!
Great video. I cant decide what i want to get. I like the Ridgid and the tough built