beyond by BLACK+DECKER BLACK+DECKER BDST60500APB Stackable Storage System - 3 Piece Set

A modular hauler that’s easier to live with than a single big box

After a few weeks of moving tools, cords, and odd-shaped gear around with Black+Decker’s stackable system, I’m convinced modular beats monolithic for most day-to-day hauling. This three-piece setup—two lidded toolboxes that lock onto a rolling open tote—let me split heavy loads into manageable chunks for stairs and tight spaces, then snap everything together for long hallway pulls or parking-lot treks. It’s not a jobsite tank, but it’s sturdier and more thoughtfully designed than its price suggests.

Setup, build, and first impressions

Out of the box, the units arrive nested. The feel is familiar Black+Decker: molded plastics that favor weight savings over bombproof heft, with latches and hinges that close positively and don’t rattle. The colorway is subdued and the profiles square, so stacking feels secure and storage-friendly.

The three components:
- A shallow top box with a removable tray for bits and small hand tools
- A deeper mid-size box for bulkier items
- A rolling open tote that serves as the base, with two large wheels and a telescoping handle

The auto-lock side latches do the heavy lifting. Set a box on the one beneath it and the locks snap home without fuss. A quick-release makes separating modules a one-hand job—handy when you’re wearing gloves or balancing a doorframe with the other hand.

Access without un-stacking

My favorite design choice is access while stacked. With the units connected, I can still pop the toggle latches on the top or middle box and open them like normal. That means fewer tear-downs in the field, and less temptation to pile loose tools on the ground. The latches themselves are easy to operate and, so far, reliable. They don’t have the heavy, over-center “clack” of metal hardware, but they haven’t sprung open accidentally or drifted out of alignment.

Security-wise, each lidded box has provisions for a small padlock. It’s more about deterrence than high security, but it’s useful in shared spaces or while you run back to the truck.

Rolling performance and ergonomics

The telescoping handle deploys smoothly and locks with a reassuring snap. It’s shaped to keep your wrist neutral and gives good leverage when the stack is loaded. The two-wheel setup favors simplicity and stability over nimble maneuvering—think suitcase, not four-wheel dolly.

On smooth floors, the system glides well. On cracked sidewalks and asphalt, it’s still controllable, though the hard plastic wheels transmit bumps. They’ve held up in my use, but this is an area where more premium systems justify their price with rubberized tires. If you’re rolling across gravel daily, you’ll feel the difference. For garages, shops, venues, and convention centers, these wheels are fine.

One small but thoughtful detail: the handle’s open back lets you reach gear with rear ports—portable power stations, for example—without unstacking. Lower the handle and you’ve got unobstructed access.

Capacity and organization

The top box’s removable tray is genuinely useful for fast-access items: drivers, pliers, consumables. Below it, there’s enough space for compact cordless tools. The middle box is tall enough for small routers, sanders, or a nest of cords and power strips. The open tote swallows oddly shaped items, long clamps, or cases you don’t want to Tetris into a lid.

The open tote’s trade-off deserves attention: there’s no standalone lid. As part of the stack, the upper box acts as the tote’s “cover.” Used solo, the tote is simply an open bin on wheels. Depending on your loadout, that can be a plus (easy toss-in, maximum volume) or a minus (no dust protection or secure top when you roll it out alone). I’ve worked around this by strapping a small case across the top or keeping at least one lidded box in the stack. It’s not a flaw, but you should plan for it.

In practical terms, the system carries more than you think without feeling unwieldy. The ability to split the load truly matters on stairs: carry the top two boxes separately, set them by the door, then reconnect to roll across the lot. That workflow is why modular storage exists, and it works well here.

Durability and day-to-day use

After repeated latching cycles and a fair amount of rolling on concrete, the system shows minimal wear. The hinges haven’t loosened, the telescoping handle stays tight, and the latches still align cleanly. The plastics are rigid enough to resist flex when loaded, though, like all plastic systems, I wouldn’t stack something truly heavy on the lids for extended storage.

Weather sealing is basic. Light drizzle won’t be an issue for the lidded boxes, but I wouldn’t leave sensitive tools outside in a storm. The open tote is, of course, open. If weather exposure is part of your routine, you’ll want dry bags or a tarp in the kit.

Compared to pricier systems

Against premium modular platforms, this one is lighter and simpler. You don’t get rubber wheels, metal latches, or IP-rated seals. You also don’t pay for them. For home workshops, creative trades, light service work, and event or field use, the balance of cost, capacity, and convenience is strong. If you’re a contractor banging gear into a truck bed daily, rolling through demolition debris, or stacking five high in the rain, you’ll likely outgrow it and want a heavier-duty ecosystem.

Small quirks and wish list

A few notes after living with it:
- The top box handle is on the front face rather than dead center on the lid. It’s fine, but a centered lid handle would make quick lifts cleaner.
- The wheels are durable plastic. Rubberized wheels would improve shock absorption and quietness on rough surfaces.
- The open tote without a lid is versatile but demands some packing forethought if you plan to use the base on its own.

None of these are deal-breakers, and all are consistent with the system’s price and intended use, but they’re worth knowing up front.

Practical packing tips

• Group by task, not tool type. For example, dedicate the middle box to everything needed for electrical work or finishing, so one box gets you rolling on a task.
• Label the box fronts. Quick ID saves time when the stack is turned.
• Use the tray for consumables and marking tools; refill after each job.
• If you regularly roll the open tote solo, add a lightweight strap across the top to keep tall items from bouncing out.
• Consider stick-on foam or dividers in the middle box to keep smaller cases from sliding.

Who it suits

• Homeowners and DIYers who want all-in-one portability without the bulk of a single massive chest
• Trades and creatives who haul gear into venues, classrooms, or small jobsites where stairs and long hallways are common
• Anyone organizing around a portable power station—this stack carries the accessories and makes moving the setup painless

Heavy construction pros who need maximum ruggedness and weather sealing every day should look higher up the food chain.

The bottom line

The stackable system gets the fundamentals right: quick, reliable stacking; easy access without full teardown; a comfortable, stable rolling base; and enough capacity to cover most kits without turning every move into a deadlift. It’s thoughtfully laid out, pleasant to use, and easier on stairs than a single heavy box. The compromises—plastic wheels and an open base without a standalone lid—are real but manageable with smart packing.

Recommendation: I recommend this system for users who value modularity, portability, and sensible organization at a fair price. It’s a strong fit for workshops, light trade work, and anyone shuttling gear through buildings or venues. If your use skews toward harsh jobsites or all-weather exposure, consider a heavier-duty platform; otherwise, this strikes a practical balance that makes daily hauling simpler and less tiring.