DeWalt ToughSystem Deep Tool Tray

First impressions and why I keep reaching for it

I reach for this tray more than I expected. On paper, it’s just a plastic bin sized for the ToughSystem 2.0 lineup. In practice, the Deep Tray has become a go-to caddy for staging jobs, ferrying supplies around the shop, and organizing the top tier of my ToughSystem boxes. It’s lightweight, deep enough to swallow a mixed assortment of tools and consumables, and the way it latches into the 2.0 boxes makes it genuinely useful—not an afterthought.

If you already live in the ToughSystem 2.0 ecosystem, the appeal is obvious. If you don’t, this tray still pulls its weight as a standalone organizer with better ergonomics than a typical open tote.

Build, materials, and form factor

The tray is molded from polypropylene, the right choice for a shop accessory that will see impact, solvents, and the occasional wipe-down. The plastic has enough rigidity that it doesn’t oil-can when loaded, and it resists scuffs better than the softer blends you see on cheaper bins. At about 18.3 x 12.1 inches and roughly 4.5 inches tall, the footprint is tuned to ToughSystem 2.0 boxes while still being comfortable to carry by hand.

A few small but thoughtful details stand out:
- Rounded interior corners that make it easier to clean and retrieve small parts.
- A perimeter lip that keeps the tray stable when it’s hanging inside a box.
- Flip-up side handles that double as connectors for carrying multiple trays.

Weight-wise, it’s light enough (around 1.8 lb) that the tray itself won’t factor into your load calculations. That matters when you’re stacking a few and hauling them across a jobsite.

Hanging, stacking, and the 2.0 ecosystem

The tray-positioning latches are the star of the show. They let you hang the tray at the top of a ToughSystem 2.0 box so you can access the tray’s contents without burying what’s underneath. It’s a simple idea executed well: positive engagement, no wobble, and an easy lift-out when you’re done. I’ve nested a deep tray over bulky tools in the bottom of a box and didn’t feel like I was playing Tetris every time I needed something from below.

Stacking is equally straightforward. Deep and shallow trays can stack to create a tiered layout inside a single box or work as a modular system outside the boxes. The side handles allow you to connect trays and carry them together, which is surprisingly handy; I often pair a “consumables” tray (oils, threadlocker, tapes) with a “hand tools” tray for short maintenance trips.

Compatibility note: this is built specifically for ToughSystem 2.0. It’s not designed for ToughSystem 1.0, TSTAK, or other brands’ boxes. If your setup is mixed, measure first and plan around the 2.0 hardware.

Customization that actually pays off

Inside the tray are a series of slots designed to accept plywood dividers. I cut a few simple panels to create compartments, and the difference in day-to-day use was immediate. Being able to size a bay for a grease gun, make a tighter channel for driver bits, and still leave an open area for gloves and rags keeps the tray from becoming a junk drawer.

A couple of tips from my use:
- Use thin, stable plywood and sand the edges so they glide in the slots and won’t chew into the plastic over time.
- If you want removable dividers, drill finger notches in the tops of your panels.
- Label the rim of the tray on two sides; when trays are stacked or hung, you can still see what’s what at a glance.

It’s worth noting that dividers are not included. The product is designed to accept your own cut dividers, and that approach works well—just don’t expect out-of-the-box compartments.

Ergonomics and portability

The side handles are simple, but they make the tray feel more like a caddy than a bin. They fold out of the way when you’re using the tray inside a box, then flip up for single- or double-tray carries. The grip shape is friendly to gloved hands; I never felt like the tray was twisting out of my fingers, even when I loaded it with oddly shaped items like polishers and spray bottles.

Carrying two connected trays is fine if the loads are balanced. If you overstuff one and keep the other light, the offset shows up in your wrist. I’ve had the best results by pairing trays with similar weight profiles: abrasives with hand tools, fluids with fasteners, and so on.

Real-world use

I’ve used the tray three ways:

1) As a removable top tier in a ToughSystem 2.0 box. I hang it at the top with frequently used items—drivers, pliers, tape, knives—so I can grab what I need without digging. The open space below the tray holds larger tools like grinders or a compact circular saw.

2) As a job caddy. For small equipment service, I pack it with oils, grease, spark plugs, gloves, and a basic tool roll. It’s deep enough to carry everything without items jumping ship on the walk from bench to driveway. For painting tasks, it easily corrals rollers, a small tray liner, brushes, tape, and a quart can.

3) As a parts-cleaning and staging bin. The polypropylene stands up to light solvent exposure and water-based cleaners. I won’t call it watertight—because it isn’t—but for contained cleaning and soaking with a secondary surface underneath, it’s convenient and easy to rinse out afterward.

Across those uses, the tray’s depth is the differentiator. Shallow trays are great for fasteners; this one shines when you need a carry-all that keeps medium-size tools and supplies from piling up.

Durability and maintenance

The plastic resists dings and everyday knocks. I haven’t noticed stress whitening at the corners, and the rim hasn’t deformed from hanging loaded in the box. The latch points still engage crisply after many cycles. Cleanup is as easy as a hose and a brush; polypropylene doesn’t hold grime the way softer plastics do.

Two cautions:
- Avoid dropping a fully loaded tray onto a corner; it’s sturdy, but it’s still plastic.
- If you use chemicals, confirm compatibility. Most household and shop fluids are fine, but strong solvents can haze or embrittle plastics over time.

The lifetime limited warranty is a nice safety net, though as always, read the fine print on what’s covered.

Limitations and nitpicks

• Dividers aren’t included. The product is designed for user-cut dividers, but marketing photos can lead you to expect otherwise. Plan to make your own.
• It’s 2.0-specific. If your kit isn’t ToughSystem 2.0, the hanging feature won’t help you, and fitment in other boxes is unlikely.
• Not a sealed container. It’s a tray, not a bin with a lid; dust and liquids have an open ticket if you leave it out.
• Hanging load caution. The hanging latches are solid, but I don’t treat them as a jack point. If you’re loading the tray with heavy items, use common sense and ensure the box is on a stable surface.

None of these are deal-breakers; they’re just realities of the format.

Value and who it’s for

As a single-piece accessory, the value proposition rests on efficiency. If you want faster access to frequently used tools inside a ToughSystem 2.0 box, this tray earns its keep on day one. If you’re looking for a standalone organizer, it’s still compelling thanks to the handles, depth, and customizable interior.

It slots nicely between a shallow parts tray and a full-on tote. Tradespeople, mechanics, and DIYers who routinely stage a task’s worth of tools and consumables will get the most from it. If you rarely move gear around or you need dustproof, sealed storage, you may prefer a lidded organizer instead.

Recommendation

I recommend the Deep Tray for anyone using ToughSystem 2.0 and for anyone who wants a rugged, customizable caddy around the shop. The hanging latches make the most of vertical space in 2.0 boxes, the side handles make carrying single or paired trays practical, and the plywood divider slots turn it into whatever organizer you need that day. Be aware that dividers aren’t included and that it’s not a sealed container, but if those caveats fit your workflow, this tray punches above its size in everyday utility.