Milwaukee Packout Alternatives?

[majerus]

What is the best alternative to Milwaukee packouts? They are so expensive hard to justify the price.

 

[countrybumpkin]

I love my packout setup but I also love the rigid tool boxes. In my opinion, the rigid boxes are just as good. I use them each for different things. A bit cheaper and they come with the rigid warranty.

They are quality made in israel. They are very sturdy with nice metal latches. They do not have all of the conveniences or nuances of the packout system, but just as good if not better in every other way.

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[Rarified27]

Packouts, for their price and grammatically egregious name, aren't flawless. The biggest gripe I hear about are the clear lids cracking. YMMV. I went with the Ridgid boxes. Cheap, durable and not an obnoxious color. If you do damage one, it's much less painful to replace. I have about a dozen not counting the crates and the oldest ones from 2014ish are still going with wear, but no actual failures.

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[Renegade1LI]

I went with the Dewalt tough system, i liked the ability to individually stack them. I built some custom racks for my work van and am building racks for the shop. What’s nice if i remove the boxes the supports fold flat if you need an empty truck. The cart works great, very adjustable and can be used as a stand alone hand truck. So far no issues and i drive in and out of nyc everyday, the boxes with tools are surprisingly quiet. Dewalt recently added removable tote trays for the new 2.0 boxes which are a big help for organizing.

 

[tarbellb]

Ridgid


My beef with Packout (and i own a ton of M18/M12) is

_ heavy, like way heavy
_ expensive
_ poor use of space

At that price point, you might as well start looking into the Systainers (Festool, etc..) or Sortimo.

 

[dacan23]

Yeah most the original pieces are heavy, even the totes. Perhaps that complaint is why many of the new items are not as heavy duty and cheaper in the quality sense, but my complaint is the newer pieces seem like junk. Totally agree on the poor use of space, they tried to maximize space in some ways but then didnt always follow it which makes the space akward sometimes.

Expensive yes, but there are always deals to be had, most of my collection was obtained from specials and selling off the pieces. Crazy to think what retail is of my packout collection, prolly $7-8k, no way I would ever pay even half that for what I have by itself.

Why I like it is mobile static storage, I kaizen foam most things, stackable organizers in many sizes, the totes and bags are useful.

Ridgid
My beef with Packout (and i own a ton of M18/M12) is
_ heavy, like way heavy
_ expensive
_ poor use of space
At that price point, you might as well start looking into the Systainers (Festool, etc..) or Sortimo.

 

[Voi]

Subscribed. I have some Packout containers & there is a lot to like but not great for small parts storage for some of my other hobbies.

 

[Ign]

Yeah Ridgid is not just a little cheaper but way cheaper IMO as it's regularly $98 for the 3pc set at least once a year - actually probably twice with "Spring Black Friday."

HD only recently hit the PO $179 mark by doing the CRATE as the top piece, but the 3pc Ridgid still includes 3 actual enclosed containers.

That said, I kinda like the crate for the same reason I like open pickup beds: easy access and odd shaped items can stick out/hang over/stand tall. I purchased the Ridgid crate also back when I owned that system.

Beyond that, tarellb is so right in that PO is stupid heavy. If you want a good laugh pick up the PO stereo (which is awesome BTW) - it's very heavy. I can't see a trades person loading up the system with tools, clipping on the stereo and dragging it up more than a couple of stairs.

I'd still just have my Ridgid system if I hadn't given it to my ex in the divorce, but I was itching to try PO anyway.

 

[Ign]

Also I hope Milwaukee doesn't see threads like this and determine they have to "cheapen" the PO system. I'd hate to see it get flimsy in the name of weight (of course the bean counters love these scenarios where they can claim it was for a positive benefit to the consumer but really it's for their $$ bottom line).

I'd hate to see the stereo get cheaper amps or fewer speakers.

Instead, I'd encourage Milwaukee to put some real thought and design engineering into how to reduce some weight but still keep everything really strong or performing well.

It's a tough situation balancing durability with weight.

I haven't yet experienced the "newer lighter cheaper" PO stuff mentioned in this thread

 

[earl84]

Not nearly as heavy duty, but I use a rolling Husky fabric tote. I like the several sewn in pockets that I can slide a lot of smaller tools into on both the interior and exterior.

 

[dacan23]

Have you handled the half width deep boxes? Thats one of the new "cheap" items I was referring too, not heavy duty at all. Yeah the stereo kicks *** and could use a second sub, I dont care how heavy it is.

I fear with them slashing the prices and offering promos on the totes and bags, theres cheaper V2 versions coming...

Also I hope Milwaukee doesn't see threads like this and determine they have to "cheapen" the PO system. I'd hate to see it get flimsy in the name of weight (of course the bean counters love these scenarios where they can claim it was for a positive benefit to the consumer but really it's for their $$ bottom line).

I'd hate to see the stereo get cheaper amps or fewer speakers.

Instead, I'd encourage Milwaukee to put some real thought and design engineering into how to reduce some weight but still keep everything really strong or performing well.

It's a tough situation balancing durability with weight.

I haven't yet experienced the "newer lighter cheaper" PO stuff mentioned in this thread

 

[tonyciambrone]

I don't like that the packout isn't square inside.
The little metal thing on the bottom of the rolling chest can go away
The aluminum corners are awesome tie downs but hamper the usefulness of the boxes.

Overall they are 7/10. Extremely beefy, quick and simple to use, easy to tie down, rolls nice, modular etc but also a little pricey and not efficient enough.

 

[cweidert03]

I bought some to use as the box I take in my SxS. I like the fact I can add or remove them for different types of riding. They seal well and I can keep tools and things separate. Although expensive it is still cheaper than the boxes made for the SxS


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[danski0224]

Tanos is the OEM for Festool Systainers and others that are similar.

There's at least one company in Germany that ships Tanos to the USA, if you buy more than a few.

Woodcraft has Tanos too.

 

[majerus]

This weekend I went to home depot and was able to get the Rolling Tool Box, Large Tool Box, and Tool Case for $200. Then I added a low profile organizer full size for another $40.

I was looking at all the rigid system which seemed nice, but I didnt really find any organizers for small parts which was my main use for the system. After looking at PO I think the way they connect together is going to become a defacto standard at some point. Being able to mount the organizers on the wall or throw in tool box is what made me pull the trigger. Still feel a bit bad for spending so much money on plastic.

They really should make 2 levels of organizers though one 'cheaper' one and one heavy duty. Spending $40 on an organizer felt like I was being robbed, but o well.

Had to work with the manager to get them to honor the online pricing, but after 10 mins or so they did.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-PACKOUT-22-in-Modular-Tool-Box-Storage-System-233663/303038736

 

[Rarified27]

This weekend I went to home depot and was able to get the Rolling Tool Box, Large Tool Box, and Tool Case for $200. Then I added a low profile organizer full size for another $40.

I was looking at all the rigid system which seemed nice, but I didnt really find any organizers for small parts which was my main use for the system. After looking at PO I think the way they connect together is going to become a defacto standard at some point. Being able to mount the organizers on the wall or throw in tool box is what made me pull the trigger. Still feel a bit bad for spending so much money on plastic.

They really should make 2 levels of organizers though one 'cheaper' one and one heavy duty. Spending $40 on an organizer felt like I was being robbed, but o well.

Had to work with the manager to get them to honor the online pricing, but after 10 mins or so they did.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-PACKOUT-22-in-Modular-Tool-Box-Storage-System-233663/303038736

I know you already committed to Milwaukee, but did your store have the Ridgid organizer in stock? Milwaukee has a larger variety of shallow, deep and full/half-width stuff, but I use the Ridgid stuff and have never wished for less space, lol.

 

[redragoon]

I've been more than impressed with my Ridgid set. I use them for various tool kits and rarely combine them into the stack.

I wish there were more options that had slide out drawers.

 

[IndyGarage]

If you want something cheaper you can get a similar function with a Fatmax mobile toolbox - They also make a Dewalt version. For super cheap there is a cheaper model Stanley rolling toolbox.

The Fatmax is really nice and I've used it for many years. The only problem is it takes a lot of room to open.

 

[majerus]

I know you already committed to Milwaukee, but did your store have the Ridgid organizer in stock? Milwaukee has a larger variety of shallow, deep and full/half-width stuff, but I use the Ridgid stuff and have never wished for less space, lol.

So they had the rigid organizer, but that looked like it was more for tools not random items? Is there another box your talking about?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...REC-_-pipinstock-_-315289493-_-205440492-_-N&

 

[Rarified27]

So they had the rigid organizer, but that looked like it was more for tools not random items? Is there another box your talking about?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...REC-_-pipinstock-_-315289493-_-205440492-_-N&

Yes- this one with the clear lid. I have a few and they've been great. I like being able to attach two or three and carry them as one similar to the Milwaukee design, but with side handles instead of the thumb release.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...rtment-Small-Parts-Organizer-238093/305855062

 

[neophyte]

Tanos is the OEM for Festool Systainers and others that are similar.

There's at least one company in Germany that ships Tanos to the USA, if you buy more than a few.

Woodcraft has Tanos too.

Tanos and Festool Systainers have gotten ridiculously expensive.

The #1 size in the regular systainers is around $60+ now, with the prices going up as the size increases.
Mini systainers even start at $25+.
Back when Festool first introduced the system in the USA, the cases started out priced at less than $40, and even then they were comparatively expensive, no natter how convenient.

The Bosch L-Boxx system seems to have a better price, as do the Makita Interlocking cases, which are modeled after the original Systainer Classic design.

Otherwise, to get better prices, the cases would likely need to be made in the USA, or maybe Mexico or Canada, since the cases don’t stack like certain other types of plastic storage, shipping costs get high when shipped from Germany, ir Israel, or wherever overseas.

 

[Pingel85]

My biggest gripe is that the handle of the large rolling box doesn’t go flush to the top. That doesn’t allow you to open the small box if it’s clicked in on top of it, and it sticks above the walls of my truck bed so I couldn’t use a tonneau cover, unless I set it on its back, spilling whatever organization I have in it. Also, seems like a giant flag in a parking lot “pack out in this truck come get me”.

 

[majerus]

Yes- this one with the clear lid. I have a few and they've been great. I like being able to attach two or three and carry them as one similar to the Milwaukee design, but with side handles instead of the thumb release.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...rtment-Small-Parts-Organizer-238093/305855062

They did not have that in store, otherwise I might have went with that. Pretty much exactly what I was looking for.

 

[ThatSickRip]

I love Milwaukee stuff, but for skill level and use, the Ridgid system was perfect. I also got the clear lid organizer and the crate. Each of the pieces are set up for certain uses/tools, so I can grab and go depending on whats getting done.

I like how the PO has more options, and so many sizes/styles, but I couldnt justify the cost for my uses

 

[BroncoAZ]

I’m going to drag this thread back up to the top. I looked at Milwaukee and the other PO options last year and decided on the Rigid system. If I could’ve gotten the black Milwaukee PO stuff from Europe I might’ve gone that way. The steal me red, wasted space in the corners, and cost drove me elsewhere. I have been accumulating the Rigid Pro Gear 2.0 pieces. I have three of the medium sized totes and two small totes. I haven’t bought in on the large totes or the cart as I don’t really need either piece. They finally released the 2.0 small parts organizers (half size) recently and I was able to find a pair of them at my local store. They also released the 2.0 crate, 28” rolling toolbox, full size parts organizer, and 2/3/4 drawer somewhat recently. While screenshotting I noticed they also have a vacuum mount. I was using the half size small parts units yesterday and I do like them. My only minor nit pick so far is that having the pair of half bins mid stack the top piece isn’t as solid as when connected to a full piece, but since my stack is relatively stationary at the tailgate of my truck it’ll be fine. For $20 each I think these are a very good deal. Still made in Israel