Dewalt Tool Boxes strength?

[Armed Bear]

I was at HD today and I narrowed it down to the 2 portable tool boxes that I like. it's the Dewalt One Touch and the Husky Treadplate Steel box.

but I'm thinking that maybe the Dewalt will probably not be strong enough if I fill it up with tools, maybe it might just break because it's plastic.

The Husky Steel box seems a lot more strong but for some reason I just like the Dewalt a little better to bring with me to work because it will be easy with the one hand opening and it's lightweight.

Has anybody here ever owned a Dewalt tool box and did they hold up with a lot of tools inside them?

 

[3xpendable]

No DeWalts but have used plastic boxes for years with no problems with cracking. I did melt one tho lol

 

[Armed Bear]

No DeWalts but have used plastic boxes for years with no problems with cracking. I did melt one tho lol

I'm kind of worried that the one touch opener will just snap and break if I have alot of heavy tools in it, I've seen other plastic boxes do it before.

 

[Conductor562]

Here's a review (with video) my cohorts over at Tools in action did on a similar Dewalt model.

http://professional-power-tool-guide.com/2012/09/dewalt-tough-box-gets-initiated/

 

[Conductor562]

Spoiler alert: I personally didn't see where it was all that tough

 

[Stuey]

It ranked well in my book.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/hom...ughest-new-toolboxes-abusive-lab-test-8048795

Conductor, the OP's pick is not a Tough System tool box like the one tested by TIA. Apples vs. oranges. Even so, a small or large Tough System box (here's my review of the small) would be stronger, but they're also much larger.

I think the Dewalt pictured above is a great choice and LOVE the one-handed opening.

 

[cheechi]

Look at the Stanley/Bostitch/Fatmax branded 'structural foam' ones that both HD & Lowe's sell. Get you one of those and test it out, the 23" is only like $19. If that one isn't tough enough, the Dewalt you posted isn't going to cut it for you.

 

[Armed Bear]

Look at the Stanley/Bostitch/Fatmax branded 'structural foam' ones that both HD & Lowe's sell. Get you one of those and test it out, the 23" is only like $19. If that one isn't tough enough, the Dewalt you posted isn't going to cut it for you.

the Dewalt one only cost $20, so I might as well just get the Dewalt.

 

[85camaro]

I own the Husky box. While the exterior is tough, the lid fell off for some reason and it wasn't even abused. I still have the box but i lost the lid.

 

[Armed Bear]

I looked at the specs of both boxes and the Husky box could handle up to 100 lbs and the Dewalt handles 60 lbs.

I guess the Husky box is overall better and only cost 5 more dollars than the Dewalt. Plus the Treadplate design is solid.

 

[Armed Bear]

I own the Husky box. While the exterior is tough, the lid fell off for some reason and it wasn't even abused. I still have the box but i lost the lid.

Isn't there a warranty if the lid falls off?

 

[85camaro]

Isn't there a warranty if the lid falls off?

Probably, I just never acted on it.

 

[Stuey]

I looked at the specs of both boxes and the Husky box could handle up to 100 lbs and the Dewalt handles 60 lbs.

I guess the Husky box is overall better and only cost 5 more dollars than the Dewalt. Plus the Treadplate design is solid.

Realistically do you plan on loading it with more than 60 lbs? Much more than that and you'll probably see handle failure. If more than 60 lbs, you should separate the load into more than one toolbox, or find one with two handles like the Dewalt ToughSystem.

A higher load rating does not necessarily make the Husky better. Both are available at Home Depot, so try them out in store. You might like the one-touch latch of the Dewalt and hate its inner storage geometry. Maybe the Husky will bang against your leg as you try to carry it.

 

[zer0cell]

Its funny, I actually own BOTH of those boxes and those are actually the only two tool boxes I own. I also have several husky brand open style totes. I really like how easily the dewalt one closes and latches and it appears to be the best plastic tool box I have come across in its price range. So far it appears to be worth the $20 I spent on it. Yeah, I wouldn't use it to fill it up with bolts or sockets to capacity as that's just going to be too much weight.

I use the husky black metal box above for the heavier items and use the dewalt box for larger tools such as a few hammers, hand saws, rubber mallet, tape measures etc. which is I think what the dewalt box was intended for.


Oh yeah.... by the way don't count on the locking mechanism on the black husky box to keep out intruders. It is easily compromised by taking a flat head screwdriver and prying off the retaining latch which pops right off. You can then gain access to the contents of the box and then when you are done, pop that retaining latch right back on and no one would know the difference... just something to keep in mind. You may have to drill into the box and fashion your own locking device if security is an issue for you.