Festool Systainer or Bosch L-Boxx

[Rocket1]

I'm looking for something to store my tools and detail supplies when I'm going mobile. Both of these products look like something I could really use and stay organized. Does anyone have any feedback on both? Systainers are really popular and have a lot of options but I like the sizes of the L-Boxx.

Advantages of one over the other?

 

[jake00]

I'd include this in the mix too

 

[Rocket1]

I haven't seen that system before. It looks like another good option

 

[Stuey]

Yep, Dewalt TSKAKs are about to be released.

http://toolguyd.com/dewalt-tstak-tool-boxes/

I have all 3 systems, spent money on additional Systainers and L-Boxxes.

Systainers: Most expensive, best locking system, cleanest look

L-Boxx: slightly larger than Systainers, requires slightly more finesse to stack and connect, more economical.

Tstak: most economical, no large box options, sturdier plastic composition

New L-Boxx products are on the way, probably late winter http://toolguyd.com/bosch-ls-boxx-i-boxx-and-cordless-tool-inserts/

If you tell or show me exactly what you want to store away I can probably give you a more specific recommendation. How many boxes are you looking to purchase? Which sizes?

I like aspects of all three systems. The L-Boxx feel like a Systainer derivative and the Tstak is an answer to both. Moving forward I will personally probably opt for Tstaks for my bulk storage needs.

There's also the Dewalt ToughSystem cases, but they're larger and meaner looking.

http://toolguyd.com/dewalt-tough-system-small-tool-box-review/

 

[Monte]

Do you plan future power tool or hand tool purchases and are you a professional user anf if yes what do you do ?

 

[Rocket1]

I'm a mobile detailer.

I have 3 polishers right now (Porter Cable 7424, Flex 3401, Flex PE14-2) I might add one more as a back up later.

I also have my touch up supplies (small brushes, sanding pens, some touch up paints, other misc items). I also have all of my pads for correction and polishing. I have wash mitts and towels for drying, polish and wax removal and interior. Right now I have my towels in a 14 gallon rubber made container and 2 smaller containers for overflow. My chemicals are in a plastic crate and 2 plastic containers about the size of an L-Boxx 1 & 2. I also keep supplies in my 2 wash buckets.

What I have works but I would like something hat looks more organized and professional. I really like some of the things the Systainers have and the options I can get. Originally I was planning to get the L-Boxxes because of price and size but they don't have many options that are available for organization here in the states. I need something durable that can hold up and I can add to if my needs grow or change

 

[Rocket1]

Yep, Dewalt TSKAKs are about to be released.

http://toolguyd.com/dewalt-tstak-tool-boxes/

I have all 3 systems, spent money on additional Systainers and L-Boxxes.

Systainers: Most expensive, best locking system, cleanest look

L-Boxx: slightly larger than Systainers, requires slightly more finesse to stack and connect, more economical.

Tstak: most economical, no large box options, sturdier plastic composition

New L-Boxx products are on the way, probably late winter http://toolguyd.com/bosch-ls-boxx-i-boxx-and-cordless-tool-inserts/

If you tell or show me exactly what you want to store away I can probably give you a more specific recommendation. How many boxes are you looking to purchase? Which sizes?

I like aspects of all three systems. The L-Boxx feel like a Systainer derivative and the Tstak is an answer to both. Moving forward I will personally probably opt for Tstaks for my bulk storage needs.

There's also the Dewalt ToughSystem cases, but they're larger and meaner looking.

http://toolguyd.com/dewalt-tough-system-small-tool-box-review/

I just checked out your links and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and review of each product. Any opinion you can share is appreciated since you experience with several of them.

 

[Stuey]

I just checked out your links and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and review of each product. Any opinion you can share is appreciated since you experience with several of them.

It really is a tough call as I like all four product lines.

TSKAKs might be too small for polishers, it's hard to say because I haven't seen their basic tool box size in person.

Between L-Boxx and Systainers, you can probably find pick & pluck foam for both. Sortainers are easier and quicker to stack and lock. Smaller L-Boxxes have handles on the top and front, larger L-Boxxes have handles on the top and sides.

Neither L-Boxxes or Sortainers are meant for heavy duty jobsite conditions. They're more suitable for renovation and indoor work, if that makes sense.

Dewalt ToughSystem cases are much more spacious, but might be out of place when used with detail tools.

For best appearances, I would go with the Systainers. For best bang for the buck, L-Boxxes.

You can buy an aftermarket folding cart to aid in moving heavier stacks around.

If there's anything I can show you photo-wise, let me know.

I have Sortainer samples but spent pocket money on 6 Systainers. I have L-Boxx samples and spent pocket money on maybe 7 boxes. Same with Dewalt's ToughSystem - I bougth about 4 units and received 4 samples. I received 2 TSKAKs and might buy 10 of the basic ones, maybe other styles as well once they're released.

What you might want to do is order one Systainer and one L-Boxx to see which you like more. Return the one you don't like and fully invest in one system.

Last year there was a $20 off $100 sale on Amazon in late Nov and through December. That's when I bought quite a few of my L-Boxxes. Some of the orders were cancelled in Jan due to fulfillment issues, but Bosch is currently gearing up for a big launch at the moment.

Depending on how many boxes you plan to purchase, the sale could save you considerable coin and might be enough of an incentive to go with Bosch over Festool. IF a similar sale is repeated in the next few weeks.

 

[Rocket1]

That's a great idea. I'll look for a sale and see about ordering one to look at in person to compare. I think I can get a Systainer locally.

I was really looking hard at the L-Boxxes before and I'm pretty confident that my 3 polishers will fit in the L-Boxx 2.

Do you have the larger Systainer and L-Boxx? I think both would hold most of my chemicals but I'm curious how they compare side by side. I wish Bosch would bring over the L-Boxx with the work light built in the lid. It would probably make my decission a little easier although I do like the more size options with the Systainers.

 

[Monte]

ok since you already have the power tools..... otherwise i would suggest a Festool Shinex and a Rotex in systainers
Unfortunately Flex like Fein too use their own non-compatible boxes. Most manufacturers offer their tools in Systainers (Festool, Protool, Metabo, Makita, Hitachi, Mafell, BTI, Berner, Bessey, Schneider and Prebena air tools, Jäger, Ironside.....(Bosch a while ago too) or L-Boxxes (Bosch, Stihl, Gedore, Kukko....)
I don´t own any of these boxes but i like how the "T-Loc" systainers work.
I think you also have more options with the Systainer system.


pics from a german car polishing forum:

That´s nice:

 

[Rocket1]

I really like the Shinex and I would have ordered it if it wasn't so expensive. Plus I'm limited to metric backing plates that I have to order from over seas unless I had an adapter made. I coulda as having trouble finding a place that offered the systainer system for the Shinex here also.

Those are great pictures of systainers and how I was planning on using them. I wish those colors were as easily available here.

 

[willhollin]

I think these are the manufacturer of the systainers -

http://www.tanos.de/default.asp?oid=000&lid=En

 

[cheechi]

i was considering the same thing (for different tools but same purposes, organization & professional look) and chose the sortimo/lboxx. my decision was based on seeing both in stores, but not the same store. multiple trips, measuring, plenty of math. what i found was that some sizes came out to be a lot more per volume within each line but overall the lboxx costs less for the storage capacity in every configuration i put together for myself.

after using the lboxx setup with a regular hand truck & in my truck bed uncovered, i can tell you the dark blue does show splash marks but is easy to wipe down & looks new. one lboxx4 fell down from 6ft high filled with stuff, it popped the latch open but the box is fine. has a little smudge of car paint it took with it, i didn't bother to buff it all out but i got a chip off with my fingernail just to see if it would lift.

the festool boxes on display at Woodcraft are stained, scuffed, and generally have that old, rotted, faded look that beige plastic gets. before you say it, this store has nearly no foot traffic (if i had to guess 50 people per day) on the 'store' side of it.

i also have some tough system boxes and i LOVE them. i agree with stuey they may not look like they belong where you would use them. the one thing though you may want to consider is they have water seal gaskets that neither sortimo or systainer have.

 

[Rocket1]

I wasn't overly concerned about being water tight just as long as I can splash a little water on it and it won't get soaked inside.

Thanks for sharing your experience with your L-Boxxes that does give me something else to consider when making my decision. Where did you find L-Boxxes locally. The only place I could think to find them was a Home Depot since they have so much Bosch stuff but I didn't see that they carried any tools that came in the case. I'll check again tonight when I return something I bought.

 

[Stuey]

Bosch L-Boxxes and Systainers will shed splashes of water. The designs are well thought out, but don't expect for either to keep contents dry when facing up against a firehose.

L-Boxxes might soon be in big box stores. Bosch is really pushing for the system and have recently come out with a lot of tool and L-Boxx bundles. Some tools will come with inserts. They're not in stores now, maybe in early 2013? imho, it'll be easier to buy online and return if you're not satisfied.

 

[cheechi]

The L-Boxxes I went and saw were at a mom & pop Stihl place that's also 'kind of' an Ace/lumber yard. They had the L-Boxx 3 and I literally had to beg them to take it out of the 'packaging' so I could measure the interior.

I hope Stuey is right. The tools that you can get on Amazon that include the L-Boxx and inserts are increasing, but for example, one is the Multi-X oscillator. Definitely not a slow seller around here, they often run out at Lowe's and have just added a new/refresh kit at HD. Neither of those are in-store L-Boxx kits; I keep wanting to give them them a good excuse for not doing it but at this point they're running out of excuses already.

Some kits, like this one could be but haven't yet been updated to ship in L-Boxxes. Anything with a similar case is easily converted into an L-Boxx 2 or 3 package. At least when they do finally get all the tools shipping in L-Boxxes across the board, we can stop having to settle for Bosch tool bags.

 

[Rocket1]

I might buy both and use one to organize my garage while I'm at it. I hate all those plastic cases tools come in because they take up so much room and waist space. Once I get both in my hand I'll decide which I want to use for detailing.

 

[danski0224]

I really like the Shinex and I would have ordered it if it wasn't so expensive.

I have the Shinex, and it works pretty darn good.

As far as backing plates go, why not stick with what Festool offers?

I also had someone send over some Festool car polishes, and they work real nice. I only wish that Festool would bring them to the USA, I need to get some more.

The Sortimo classic metal cases and T-Boxx products are nice. The interchangeable inserts are quite useful.

 

[Rocket1]

I like having different sizes and stiffnesses so I can adjust to what I'm working on. I like softer backplates for more curved or contoured surfaces.

The Shinex comes in the Maxi systainer doesn't it?

 

[Rocket1]

I ordered a Systainer yesterday to take a look at. I also ordered a mini one to use for some of my smaller tools I use

 

[Monte]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HBxgcGINn2Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Rocket1]

Thanks for posting the video. I got my systainer and the tool box that can connect to it. I like them a lot BUT I don't really like how the classic systainer latches are. I think I'd like the TLoc system better.

I saw a posting on another forum that showed that the lid on the systainer will bow when it's loaded down and lifted from te handle. It was worse on the TLoc than the classic. I think te latches on the LBoxx would prevent that problem

 

[Rocket1]

Last week I ordered 2 L-Boxxes to try out. I took advantage of the 25 off 100 promo and the cheaper prices of the boxes for the holidays. I think I might end up with a mixture of L-Boxx and Systainers. I like features if both and I think there might not be a single best one for all my stuff.

I do like how much more organized my stuff is with these over the Rubbermaid containers I've been using

 

[cheechi]

Let me give an update rather than starting a new thread. I've bought about 8 new LB's (1&2) in the past several weeks, taking advantage of the same promotion.

LB1 as of today still states "What's in the Box Carrying case and foam insert." on the Amazon page. LB2 used to, until I contacted them to tell them that (at the time I contacted them) the 2 LB2's & 1 LB1 I ordered did not contain foam in any. They sent me a replacement LB2 to see, it also did not contain it. As of today, LB2's description continues to say it doesn't come with the foam insert.

Fast forward to yesterday, my other 3 boxes came in & the LB1 did contain a foam insert. It may just have been an incomplete batch, or something like that. Who knows?

If you are counting on it coming with the foam, you may be in for a surprise. However, Amazon made it right for me. We couldn't really agree on the 'value' of the foam insert since it's not sold separately. They offered a free Pelican foam insert, which is about 1/6th the size, so i said if you want to send me 6 or discount the equivalent, I'd go for it. They did not like that, I took what I could get and they gave me $10 for each LB2 (before they changed the description) and $5 for the LB1 not containing it. All in all, pretty painless experience as Amazon usually is. I'll have to break down & order some Kaizen foam which I probably should have from the start.

 

[Rocket1]

I had seen several complain that the foam wasn't coming in the boxes any more. I wonder why Bosch changed? I found the foam online and its $25. I guess they could make more selling it seperate?

 

[boiler7904]

Cheechi or Rocket1 - If you want Bosch foam inserts, let me know and we can work out a fair price. I think I have two that I'm not using - although 1 may have a few cubes of the foam picked out.

 

[Phobo]

never had a systainer in hands but own several boxes I have to say a big minus for those l-boxxes is that they are only available from bosch (yeah I know gedore, kukko ... also provide tools in l-boxxes but price is still high) so they are not really cheap. Especially that dolly - couldnt believe the price when I first saw it.

 

[cheechi]

$8 HF dolly is perfect for the LBOXX footprint. No it's not quite the exact snug of the Sortimo dolly, but I haven't seen it for sale over here yet anyway.

 

[Rocket1]

I finally got my LBoxx in and my only concern is the latches. Compared to the rest of the box they feel a little flimsy but we'll see how they hold up.

 

[Phobo]

I finally got my LBoxx in and my only concern is the latches. Compared to the rest of the box they feel a little flimsy but we'll see how they hold up.

in case you need it one time you can buy all the parts separat from bosch dealers.

 

[Rocket1]

I found this online the other day

http://www.fastcap.com/estore/pc/Kaizen-Foam-p13435.htm

I'm going to try out a sheet I think it would work well in my tool box too but I'll try it out in the LBoxx first

 

[3PedalMINI]

I found this online the other day

http://www.fastcap.com/estore/pc/Kaizen-Foam-p13435.htm

I'm going to try out a sheet I think it would work well in my tool box too but I'll try it out in the LBoxx first

I just ran across your thread, Im an audio video contractor that has just taken the plunge into systainers/kaizan foam. I did a write up on my various forums and over at Detailing Bliss.

http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum...-storage-transport-mobile-shop-detailers.html

Here is my latest picture of them in the back of my van, Absolutely am in love with them! https://sphotos-b.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/741165_10151253849278791_1364001690_o.jpg

 

[Monte]

my favourite:

 

[Phog Allen]

Monte, that container is really nice. I own a couple of rotary tools and want to add the Proxxon IB/E grinder some day. Currently I use a Dremel case I purchased empty from them direct a number of years ago. It will hold the two tools(non-Dremel btw) just fine in the bottom but the top bit storage is a joke. They will NOT stay put. A few years ago at Christmastide Dremel had this big assortment of bits at all the big box stores. It works very well at storing and displaying the bits for ease of use. Of course it is about 30mm thick and has no tool storage. Carrying both is a pain. Something like that Systainer with bit storage on top with a clear viewing pane and storage in the bottom with whatever type of customisable foam they use to fit the tools would be perfect. I have included photos of the Dremel cases to show the issue. I hope both brands get good saturation in the U.S. I am tired of futzing around with make-do containers.

I grabbed these images off a forum somewhere. As you can see, they hold tools alright but the bits are dodgy at best.

Here's the 698 220pc assortment. Great case as nothing comes loose. I want something similar on top of a carrying case!

 

[cheechi]

I drill holes in a scrap piece of 2x6 for most bits, grinding and odd sized ones especially.

Most of the rest I store in Flambeau tackle box. I looked at the various boxes Dremel has made through the years but none of them are very good. It's a neat design and I thought for a while about both it and the 'toolbox' shaped one. In the end, Tackle storage works better for Dremel stuff.

 

[Phog Allen]

I drill holes in a scrap piece of 2x6 for most bits, grinding and odd sized ones especially.

Most of the rest I store in Flambeau tackle box. I looked at the various boxes Dremel has made through the years but none of them are very good. It's a neat design and I thought for a while about both it and the 'toolbox' shaped one. In the end, Tackle storage works better for Dremel stuff.

I certainly agree about Dremel's boxes. They need new designers.

When you say you looked at the toolbox shaped one are you speaking about a Systainer?

 

[cheechi]

More pics here.