DeWalt 24 in. Tote with Removable Small Parts Organizer

I like storage that earns its keep. After a few months using the Dewalt tote-and-organizer combo on jobsites and in classrooms, I’ve formed a clear picture of what it does well and where it comes up short. This is a two-piece system: an open tote for larger tools and supplies, and a snap-on organizer for small parts. It’s not a rolling chest and it’s not a miniature tackle box—it lives in the middle, and it shines when you need to carry a thoughtful mix of both.

Build and design

The overall build is what I expect from Dewalt: thick plastic walls, a long metal handle that feels solid in the hand, and metal latches on the organizer that won’t corrode at the first hint of moisture. The organizer locks onto the tote via a front push-button that’s easy to find even with gloves. The mechanism has just enough resistance to reassure you it’s secure without requiring a wrestling match to detach.

Dimensionally, the tote is a long, low rectangle—about 26 inches deep, 13 inches wide, and just under 10 inches tall. That footprint matters. It slides nicely into the trunk or across the back seat, but it’s not a compact cube you’ll tuck into a narrow closet or under a short shelf. Empty, the system weighs about 8.6 pounds, so you’ll feel it even before you add tools.

One subtle design touch I appreciate: the main compartment uses a squared, almost 90-degree internal profile that stands hammers, pry bars, and other angled tools upright rather than letting them slide diagonally and bury themselves. That makes grab-and-go work more efficient.

Organization that actually holds

The top organizer is the star of the show if you carry fasteners, fittings, anchors, wire nuts, blades, or office extras. The layout uses removable dividers, so you can create long channels for spade bits or break it into smaller cells for screws and anchors. The lid closes tight, and in practice it keeps tiny parts in their lanes even when the box is tipped, bounced in the truck, or carried on edge. I’ve had paper clips and thumb tacks stay put after a brisk walk and a few stair climbs.

Capacity-wise, the organizer favors medium-size compartments. If you’re after dozens of micro-bins for specialty hardware, this isn’t a high-part-count cabinet. For general jobsite fasteners and everyday supplies, it’s a good balance—big enough to carry what you need for the day, small enough to see everything at a glance.

The tote underneath is an open bay. That’s the right choice here. I can drop in a driver in its soft case, a couple of hand saws, a roll of paper towels, a first-aid kit, cleaning wipes, or a stack of books and manuals when I’m teaching. Because there aren’t internal walls to fight, oddly shaped items fit without fuss. The tradeoff is that you’ll want a few pouches or smaller boxes if you’re mixing many small loose items; otherwise, they’ll migrate.

On the move

Transport is where this system earns its keep. The metal handle spans the tote’s length and balances well with the organizer attached. I can grab it off a bench and move building to building without hunting for a second handhold. The handle angle leaves knuckle room above the organizer lid, so you don’t bang your fingers every step.

The front push-button release is efficient: press, lift the organizer with its own integrated handle, set it where you need it, and you’ve instantly split your kit into “small stuff” and “big stuff.” That saves steps on tasks where the parts box belongs at the work surface and the tote can sit safely to the side. The button’s action is positive, and the halves reconnect with a firm click. I’ve never had a surprise separation.

A practical note on load: the published capacity is 22 pounds. The handle and walls feel like they could take more, but it’s smart to stay within spec, especially if you’re carrying this daily. Loaded with a mix of fasteners, a cordless driver, pliers set, hammer, and PPE, I’m usually in the 18–22 pound range. There are no wheels, so if you routinely go longer distances or pack heavy, you’ll feel it in the forearm. I’d welcome a wheeled variant for that use case.

Durability and security

The plastics shrug off bumps, and the anti-rust metal latches on the organizer have held tension and alignment after countless openings. The long handle doesn’t flex or creak under realistic loads. The bottom of the tote shows scuffs from concrete and asphalt, but no cracks or gouges.

As for security, there’s no integrated lock. The organizer has a spot where you can run a small padlock through the lid hardware, which deters casual snooping, but it doesn’t turn the system into a lockbox and it doesn’t secure the tote itself. If theft is a concern, store it out of sight or use a separate lockable solution.

The lifetime limited warranty is reassuring for a product that will see routine abuse. I haven’t needed service, but it’s the kind of tool you expect to keep around for years.

Daily use impressions

• Setup: Customizing the organizer dividers took five minutes and saved me hours later. I built lanes for driver bits, utility blades, and zip ties, and dedicated bins for Tapcons, anchors, and #8 wood screws.
• Access: Because the tote is open, the tool you need is either visible or one layer down. Hammers and levels sit upright; longer pry bars ride diagonally. Nothing feels wedged in.
• Stability: The nested design is stable when you set it down. The organizer’s flat lid acts like a table for notes or a tablet, though it’s not cushioned, so don’t expect shock absorption.
• Cleanliness: The black shell hides grime but wipes down easily. The clear organizer lid makes it obvious when a bin is running low.

Limitations to consider

• Size: It’s long. In tight vehicles or crowded shops, that footprint can be awkward.
• Weight capacity: At 22 pounds rated, this isn’t a haul-everything crate. If your workflow involves sledgehammers, rotary hammers, and boxes of fasteners all in one go, pick a rolling or higher-capacity solution.
• No wheels: Carrying a fully loaded kit across a hospital campus or a large school gets old. Plan your load or make two trips.
• Small-parts density: The organizer favors medium bins. If your day runs on lots of tiny fasteners in many flavors, consider a dedicated small-parts case with more, smaller compartments to complement this.

Who it’s for

• Mobile techs and instructors who need a tidy, professional-looking setup they can split quickly between parts and tools.
• Homeowners and maintenance staff who want one container for hand tools below and consumables up top.
• Installers who need a compact yet capable day box to stage at a workstation while keeping larger items nearby.

If you want a modular stack that clicks into a broader cart ecosystem, or if you need a compact box that lives under a bench, this isn’t the right fit.

Tips to get the most from it

• Right-size the organizer: Set dividers for your most-used fasteners and remove the rest to prevent “junk bins.”
• Pouch the small stuff in the tote: A couple of zip pouches or a soft caddy keeps the open bay tidy.
• Mind the weight: Keep heavy items low in the tote to maintain balance and stay within the 22-pound limit.
• Use the split: Detach the organizer and put it at eye level where you’re working; leave the tote near the door with bulk gear.

Recommendation

I recommend the Dewalt tote-and-organizer for anyone who needs a durable, grab-and-go system that separates small parts from larger tools, and who values quick access over maximum capacity or modular stacking. The build quality, tight-sealing organizer, and slick push-button detachment make daily tasks smoother. Just be mindful of the size and the 22-pound rating, and know that it’s a carry system, not a rolling chest. If that aligns with your workflow, it’s a dependable, well-thought-out solution that should serve you for years.