Milwaukee High Capacity 10-Drawer Steel Storage Cabinet

When you’re in the market for a storage solution to keep your tools organized and secure, the Milwaukee High Capacity 10-Drawer Steel Storage Cabinet (model 48-22-8557) certainly catches the eye. With its bold red finish and robust build, it promises to be a staple in any workspace, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional. I decided to put it through its paces to see if it lives up to its reputation and price point.

First impressions are crucial, and right out of the box, the Milwaukee tool cabinet impresses with its solid construction. The 18-gauge steel used throughout feels reassuringly hefty, and the angle iron reinforced frame adds to the sense of durability. Even the industrial casters, which come pre-installed, exude quality and make moving this beast around the shop relatively easy, despite its substantial weight.

One of the standout features of this cabinet is the built-in power center, which is a thoughtful addition. It includes multiple outlets and USB ports, allowing you to charge your power tools and devices without cluttering your workspace with extension cords. This feature alone adds a level of convenience that many other storage cabinets lack.

The storage capacity is impressive, with 20,029 cubic inches of space spread across 10 drawers. Each drawer boasts a 150 lbs capacity, which theoretically means you should be able to store a significant amount of heavy tools without issue. The soft-close, full-extension drawer slides are another premium touch, ensuring that drawers don’t slam shut and tools remain in place.

However, in practice, I encountered some issues with the drawer slides. Despite being rated for 150 lbs, I noticed the slides on a couple of the deeper drawers struggled under less weight than advertised. Over time, this resulted in difficulty closing the drawers smoothly, and in one case, the slides even collapsed. This was disappointing, especially given Milwaukee’s reputation for quality.

In terms of layout, the Milwaukee cabinet is well thought out. The drawers vary in size, with the larger, deeper drawers perfect for bulkier items and the thinner, full-length drawers ideal for wrenches and smaller tools. The folding side shelf is a nice touch, providing extra workspace when needed and folding away neatly when not in use. Another pleasant surprise was the integrated bottle opener—a small but enjoyable feature for those long days in the shop.

One aspect that could use improvement is the drawer liners. While they do their job of protecting the tools and the drawers themselves, they tend to shift upwards when closing the drawers, especially if done with a bit more force. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it can be an annoyance.

The aluminum corner protectors and powder-coated finish add to the cabinet’s durability, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of a busy workshop. The overall aesthetic is striking, and it’s clear that Milwaukee has put thought into making this cabinet not just functional but also visually appealing.

Assembly was straightforward, thanks to the pre-installed casters and clear instructions. However, it’s worth noting that this cabinet is incredibly heavy, and moving it around, especially when fully loaded, can be a challenge. It’s best to have a helping hand when setting it up and positioning it in your workspace.

One area where Milwaukee could improve is customer service. I reached out with a question about replacement parts for the drawer slides and found the response time and support less than satisfactory. Given the premium price of this cabinet, I expected a more responsive and helpful customer service experience.

Despite some of the drawbacks, the Milwaukee High Capacity 10-Drawer Steel Storage Cabinet is a solid option for those looking for a robust and spacious tool storage solution. Its build quality, storage capacity, and thoughtful features like the built-in power center and soft-close drawers make it a worthwhile investment.

Would I recommend this tool cabinet? Yes, but with some reservations. If you’re a professional or a serious DIYer who needs a reliable and spacious storage solution, this cabinet will likely meet most of your needs. However, be prepared to potentially deal with some drawer slide issues and ensure you’re comfortable with Milwaukee’s customer service response time. For the price, you’re getting a well-built, attractive cabinet that will serve you well, but it may not be entirely free of hiccups.