My review of the Milwaukee Packout mobile tool box system.

[Eddo Rogue]

I work for the film industry as a local 44 union "propmaker". We get a mill, and then sent around to various stages on the lot. Sometimes a beach cruiser is required. Most of the guys run framers bags, and a rolling tool box. Big tools are provided, we just need to bring small stuff, and/or our own cordless tools if we want. I started noticing these packout boxes a lot. At the time, I was running a Dewalt rolling bin aka "black bathtub", and it was not ideal. Also noticed my buddys using them for other things: camping bins, range boxes etc....so I went all out and grabbed 2 stacks worth of various attachments. Got the rolling bin base and the caster wheeled base. A large box, various storage bins, a medium box and milk crate for the top. Anyways, here is my review...

Pros:
-super sturdy, solid plastic.
-Nice buckles, reinforced locking ring.
-snap in system is a good design, they lock together nicely, and stay put.
- lots of options to customize compartments, arrangement and whatnot.
-tires roll nice, and are replaceable.
***Biggest pro! If I need to access something small, or out of the bottom bin, it is not a big deal...

Cons:
- Expensive!
- Kinda heavy, but as it should be...
- The handle could be more solid, it flexes and slams your knuckles, especially if you a stacked hinged edge at grip height.
-The release button could be a little bigger, or just more accessible.
****Biggest con: these things are trays within bins, separated by dividers everywhere. They don't leave much room for anything. Most of that stuff I had to dump out so I could fit actual tools in it. But now I got a bunch of random trays floating around. Also some larger boxes would be nice, but they did just come out with an XL box that looks the right size for big stuff.

My goal was to have "stage" box of carpentry stuff, and a metal shop box for when I'm the welder. In the end, I was unable to perfect the setup for metal shop, mainly because its just too much stuff. I went back to the craftsman rollaway for metal shop, and the rolling packout for my stage box. Its got a medium box and the milk crate on top, doesn't even stick up past the handle. I'll either sell, trade, or gift the rest....or just keep it as a home box.

Feel free to post any questions, or your mobile tool box experience. Cheers!

 

[Dirtman]

Got pics?

 

[Eddo Rogue]

This is the home box.

 

[dvdswan]

When I was an installer for electronics on ships/vessels I carried my tools in a backpack type tool bag. Had 56 lbs. (according to the airlines) of tools in the bag. Looked like this... But it wasn't a Milwaukee brand



It worked really well having to go down passage ways and over knee knockers. It wasn't fun to carry but I had the tools I needed.

 

[Jazzer]

I’ve been looking at that system for my remodeling work. Thanks for the review, Eddo. Nothing’s perfect for everything, it seems. It helps to get an outside view.

-Jazzer

 

[Eddo Rogue]

When I was an installer for electronics on ships/vessels I carried my tools in a backpack type tool bag. Had 56 lbs. (according to the airlines) of tools in the bag. Looked like this... But it wasn't a Milwaukee brand

View attachment 57310View attachment 57311

It worked really well having to go down passage ways and over knee knockers. It wasn't fun to carry but I had the tools I needed.

The backpack comes in handy for certain gigs. I had a bucketboss one for awhile, but didnt use it much. Ended up gifting to my buddy who often runs bags strapped to his motorcycle, which it worked perfect for.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I’ve been looking at that system for my remodeling work. Thanks for the review, Eddo. Nothing’s perfect for everything, it seems. It helps to get an outside view.

-Jazzer

It would work well for such work...my only warning is get a large box if you plan on packing a circular or jig saw etc....but there will be plenty of accessible and organized storage for things like bits, blades and hardware. Also it rolls nice, even when loaded heavy.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I started with the Packout system awhile back, I do boat electrical work on the side and I had just done repairs on a houseboat that was down a ramp, down another ramp, way out to the end of the pier in the river and way down at the end. I had all of my gear packed in tool boxes and bags, but it was a massive pain to drag it all down there and back. Then I saw the Packout boxes for sale and picked up a 3 piece set for $200. I did give a look at the other rolling storage systems but they were all either smaller or much more flimsy.

Still feel like the boxes are a bit expensive but I’m happy with it. Works well for my electrical gear but I’m still doing some adjusting. Between upgrades in tools and adding more to my starter set, it’s just been tweaking it all to my liking. The one contractor I help now and then, he’s been die-hard Dewalt until he met me. Now he has a Packout system and a couple Milwaukee battery tools, lol.

I‘m working towards getting a Packout system together for my locksmithing stuff too. It will be a little overkill probably for that, but I might as well stick to the same system because then if I have to change a box on one set because I got a new tool or something and need to, I can use it for one of the other sets.

@Eddo Rogue , I will gladly take any unused trays or whatever if you’re serious about getting rid of them, I have a lot of small things with the electrical and locksmithing that I could use some extra

 

[Dirtman]

Well that definitely beats my mobile tool storage system.... aka an old gym bag.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I couldn't see spending the money on the pack out system. I ended up going with RIDGID mobile tool storage because I needed something... and so much cheaper then the Pack Out system. This system is also simple... just 5 different pieces.

It's not a perfect system either but I find it works pretty well. The quality seems good... metal buckles... o-ringed lids... heavy duty. The extendable handle on the rolling box is probably the weak link... I understand that and use it accordingly. I like the system enough that just bought two more pieces... another crate and small tool box. My plan is to pack those with all my truck stuff... recovery strap... air compressor... jumper cables... and a dedicated Ranger tool kit. I have future plans for organizing my camping hunting and fishing equipment... then i just back up to the garage and load whatever boxes I need. I don't regret choosing the RIDGID system...

 

[Roert42]

I worked out of a toolbox like this for years, essentially a big pelican case, on and off of airplanes three times a week. Stuff I used a bunch in the little pallets, and all the big stuff/ loose items in the bottom organized in bags or tool rolls. This one cost about $350 new.

I always wanted a toolbox like this, with the draws to shadow tools, but it weighs lbs empty so it would weigh 100lbs with all my tools and stuff in it. This one cost about $700 new.

 

[2drxploder]

I have craftsman box system, works well for home projects/side jobs.
I carry a tool backpack @work too. Im on 2nd one in 3 years, 1st one was a cheap one lasted a few months but I liked the idea, so I bought a good one. Im a commercial/industrial plumber, do residential side jobs.

 

[dccarpenter]

Right now I just use riggers bags like in the photo or regular soft side tool bags for everything , mostly commercial carpentry. I can fit 6 of them in my cross bed toolbox at a time.

I've been interested in the Packout system but none of my helpers or coworkers care enough to put things back correctly so I'm worried the boxes would turn into a heavy box o' junk.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I started with the Packout system awhile back, I do boat electrical work on the side and I had just done repairs on a houseboat that was down a ramp, down another ramp, way out to the end of the pier in the river and way down at the end. I had all of my gear packed in tool boxes and bags, but it was a massive pain to drag it all down there and back. Then I saw the Packout boxes for sale and picked up a 3 piece set for $200. I did give a look at the other rolling storage systems but they were all either smaller or much more flimsy.

Still feel like the boxes are a bit expensive but I’m happy with it. Works well for my electrical gear but I’m still doing some adjusting. Between upgrades in tools and adding more to my starter set, it’s just been tweaking it all to my liking. The one contractor I help now and then, he’s been die-hard Dewalt until he met me. Now he has a Packout system and a couple Milwaukee battery tools, lol.

I‘m working towards getting a Packout system together for my locksmithing stuff too. It will be a little overkill probably for that, but I might as well stick to the same system because then if I have to change a box on one set because I got a new tool or something and need to, I can use it for one of the other sets.

@Eddo Rogue , I will gladly take any unused trays or whatever if you’re serious about getting rid of them, I have a lot of small things with the electrical and locksmithing that I could use some extra

I too was sold on the mobility, I do a lot of moving around at work. I started with the 3 pc kit as well for $179, so same deal in total lol.
I highly considered the dewalt 2.0 system. Its pretty good. I would be running it if not for the packout.
The trays happen to fit in my rollaway drawers perfectly. I've repurposed them.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I couldn't see spending the money on the pack out system. I ended up going with RIDGID mobile tool storage because I needed something... and so much cheaper then the Pack Out system. This system is also simple... just 5 different pieces.

It's not a perfect system either but I find it works pretty well. The quality seems good... metal buckles... o-ringed lids... heavy duty. The extendable handle on the rolling box is probably the weak link... I understand that and use it accordingly. I like the system enough that just bought two more pieces... another crate and small tool box. My plan is to pack those with all my truck stuff... recovery strap... air compressor... jumper cables... and a dedicated Ranger tool kit. I have future plans for organizing my camping hunting and fishing equipment... then i just back up to the garage and load whatever boxes I need. I don't regret choosing the RIDGID system...

View attachment 57338

The rigid setup is pretty good. A lot of the guys run it.