DeWalt TSTAK VI - Deep Box

Why I added the TSTAK Deep Box to my kit

I’m picky about storage. I want boxes that protect tools, stack neatly, and don’t fight me on site or in the shop. After living with the TSTAK Deep Box for several months, it’s become my go‑to for “full‑size” tools that don’t sit well in standard cases: plunge routers, circular saws, track saws, and a few oddball combos. It hits a nice middle ground—more robust and configurable than a generic tote, lighter and more compact than the heavy‑duty site chests.

This box is part of DeWalt’s TSTAK system, so it interlocks with other modules and rides a trolley if you’re building a stack. On its own, it’s a deep, flat‑top case with a removable tray and metal hardware. It’s simple, but thoughtfully executed.

Build and design

The Deep Box measures 17.3 x 11.9 x 13 inches and weighs just over 5 lb empty. The footprint is shelf‑friendly, and the height gives you the clearance to stand taller tools or nest an awkward shape with foam. The plastic shell has enough give to absorb knocks, but it doesn’t feel flimsy. Metal latches and hinges are the right choice here; they close cleanly, don’t flex under tension, and haven’t popped open on me even when I’ve overloaded the box.

The handle is a bi‑material top carry—comfortable, with enough thickness to keep the edges from biting into your hand during longer hauls. The flat top doubles as a staging surface for fasteners or a notepad. I wouldn’t use it as a step, but as a temporary horizontal spot, it’s handy.

One point to note: this is a flat‑lid storage case, not an organizer with a clear lid. If you’re expecting small‑parts bins built into the lid, this isn’t that box.

Capacity and organization

Inside, the headline is volume: it’s a 6‑gallon deep cavity rated to 66 lb. I’ve carried a full‑size plunge router in the bottom with room for baseplates and guides, and separately, I’ve fit a 7‑1/4 inch circular saw with charger and batteries using a simple foam insert to keep everything from shifting. A corded track saw will sit diagonally and still let the tray ride above it.

The included tray is a partial-width design (roughly two‑thirds of the interior width). That choice is intentional: the tray stays out of the way of taller tools while still giving you drop‑in space for batteries, blades, markers, and a small wrench set. The trade‑off is that, because it doesn’t span the entire opening, small loose items can tumble into the main compartment if the box is jostled while open. I solved that with small pouches for consumables and a foam kit for the bottom.

If you like to build custom interiors, the geometry is friendly to Kaizen/EVA foam. The vertical walls and depth make it straightforward to cut pockets for a saw, router, or multi‑tool plus accessories.

In use

Day to day, the Deep Box earns its keep by being easy to carry and hard to annoy. The handle balance is good even when loaded up, and at 5.26 lb empty, you’re not burning weight budget on the case itself. The latches snap positively with a one‑handed close, and the side latches that tie into the TSTAK system are stout enough that I trust a stacked pair when rolling across smooth concrete.

What I appreciate most is the way the interior space works for real tools. A lot of “modular” storage leans toward small parts or shallow drawers. This one actually swallows full‑size gear without forcing you to choose between the tool and its accessories. If you plan ahead with foam or dividers, you can build a single “project box”—tool, charger, batteries, blades—so you grab one case and go.

Stackability and system compatibility

If you’re already in the TSTAK ecosystem, this clicks right in. The side latches interlock securely with other TSTAK modules and the trolley. I’ve stacked the Deep Box under a shallow organizer and above a drawer unit without any racking or unintended releases. The flat top and bottom make alignment easy, and the latch design doesn’t snag when you’re sliding boxes on and off shelves.

If you’re not invested in the system, it still works well as a standalone case. The footprint is compact enough to live in a van cubby or a garage shelf, and the flat top keeps stacks of “mixed brand” cases from playing Jenga.

Durability and protection

The plastic shell has taken the usual knocks—concrete, truck beds, and the occasional tipped stack—without cracking. The metal hinges and latches are the standout durability features, and they’re why I prefer this over budget bins with plastic hardware. The corners are reinforced enough to shrug off everyday abuse.

Protection is good for impacts and basic dust control, but this is not a sealed case. There’s no gasket at the lid, and it’s not waterproof. In a light drizzle on a jobsite, my contents stayed mostly dry, but I did see moisture at the lid edge after a prolonged ride in the back of a truck. If you routinely work outdoors in heavy weather, you’ll want either dry bags inside or a gasketed system built for that environment.

Security is another consideration. There’s no integrated lock on this model. The latches are sturdy, but there isn’t a dedicated padlock hasp. If you need to secure tools on site, plan on locking the whole stack in a gang box or using a cable lock through your rack system. For shop and vehicle use, that hasn’t been a deal‑breaker for me, but it’s something to be aware of.

What I’d change

A few practical tweaks would make this box even better:

• A full‑width tray option. The partial tray makes sense for tall tools, but I’d like the choice of a full‑span tray for builds where the main compartment is mostly open storage.
• A lid gasket. Even a simple foam seal would elevate dust and moisture resistance. As is, it’s fine for interior work and protected transport, but not for rain.
• A padlock point. A small, reinforced hasp would cover basic security needs without complicating the design.

None of these are deal‑breakers, but they’re worth noting so you can plan around them.

Who it’s for

• Pros and serious DIYers who want a deep, modular box for bulky tools within a lightweight system.
• Woodworkers and remodelers building “project kits” (tool + accessories) that move from shop to site.
• Anyone already invested in TSTAK who needs a deep module to round out drawers and organizers.

Who should look elsewhere:

• Trades working in all‑weather environments who need waterproof, gasketed storage.
• Users who require built‑in locking for site security.

The bottom line

The TSTAK Deep Box does what a good storage case should: it protects tools, carries comfortably, and plays well with a broader system without adding complexity. The size and depth make it more versatile than a typical mid‑size toolbox, especially for full‑size power tools that never seem to fit quite right elsewhere. The metal latches and hinges inspire confidence, the handle is genuinely comfortable, and at 66 lb rated capacity, it can shoulder a meaningful load.

Its weaknesses—no gasket, no integrated lock, and a partial‑width tray—are real but manageable. For my work, the payoff in capacity and modularity easily outweighs those shortcomings. With a bit of foam and a couple of pouches, it becomes a tidy, single‑box solution for tools that used to rattle around in bags.

Recommendation: I recommend the TSTAK Deep Box to anyone who needs a durable, stackable, and genuinely useful deep case for corded or cordless tools, especially if you’re already using TSTAK modules. It’s a smart, everyday workhorse. If weather sealing or on‑box locking is a must for your workflow, consider a gasketed alternative; otherwise, this hits the sweet spot for capacity, comfort, and system compatibility.