DeWalt TSTAK II 13 in. Stackable Flat Top Tool Storage Case

Why I added another TSTAK case to my stack

I picked up this TSTAK case to fill a very specific hole in my shop: a shallow, stack-friendly box that could carry a cordless drill/driver kit one day and act as a small-parts caddy the next. After a few months rotating it between shop storage, the back of the truck, and jobsite punch lists, it’s become one of my most-used TSTAK pieces—warts and all.

Build and design

This is a compact, modular tool case built around the TSTAK II footprint. At 6.5 in tall, 13 in wide, and 17.3 in deep, it hits a sweet spot for day-to-day carry. The shell is rigid plastic thick enough to shrug off normal jobsite abuse without feeling brick-heavy; the empty case is about 4.7 lb, which matters when you start stacking multiples.

The hardware is better than you might expect at this price. The front latches are metal with a rust-resistant finish, and they bite positively when you close the lid. I wouldn’t call the latch action “buttery”—more like distinct and slightly stiff—but that’s part of why it stays closed in transit. The side latches are the signature TSTAK connectors, and they lock this case securely to other TSTAK units. I routinely stack it on a rolling base with two drawers and a deep box above it, and the tower behaves as one unit over thresholds and up ramps.

The bi-material top handle is genuinely comfortable. It doesn’t cut into your fingers even when the case is fully loaded, which for me is usually a 18V drill/impact set, a charger, two batteries, and a handful of bits. DeWalt includes a lockable hasp on the lid; it accepts a small padlock. It’s a deterrent, not a safe, but useful when you have to leave a stack in a vestibule or shared workspace.

Fit and finish are solid, with well-molded edges and a hinge that hasn’t loosened. The lid has a perimeter lip that helps with dust control, but there’s no gasket and no IP rating. I treat it as “shop and interior jobsite safe,” not “rain-ready.”

Interior and capacity

Inside, the case is sized for cordless tools, accessories, and small parts. Mine arrived with a shallow tray that accepts small removable bins. Those bins do their job, but the clip-on lids are the weak point of the interior. They close, but they require an extra beat of attention to snap properly, and they’re easy to bump open if you’re in a hurry. If you plan on tossing loose screws and walking fast, expect to open the lid to a few wanderers unless you keep the case level.

The main well is open and deep enough for:

• A drill/driver and an impact with compact batteries, or
• Two compact laser levels and brackets, or
• An impact wrench and a battery ratchet with spares

The 6.5 in height works great for compact kits. There are days I wish it were an inch deeper for tall tools or larger chargers, but that’s what the deeper TSTAK boxes are for. I’ve also tried the customizable foam trick—cutting a piece of pluck foam to cradle a frequently used kit—and this case’s footprint is perfect for that. It’s a cost-effective way to get Systainer-like organization without committing to a dedicated insert.

DeWalt rates the case for a 66 lb load. I haven’t hit that ceiling, but I’ve carried north of 40 lb without the lid flexing or the handle complaining. The plastic ribs inside the lid help keep the top from bowing down onto whatever you’re storing.

Stacking and mobility

This case shines in a stack. The side latches engage cleanly with other TSTAK units, and the smaller TSTAK footprint pays off in tight spaces and stairwells. A full tower stays manageable because the individual boxes are shallower and lighter than many of the competing systems. I run this case second from the bottom—easy to open while still latched on the cart—and I can pull the lid up without unstacking, which keeps workflow quick.

On the mobility front, a couple of notes:

• The side latches are stout but require a positive thumb press to release. With gloves on, I sometimes have to use two hands.
• The flat top is genuinely flat. It’s good as a temporary tool rest or impromptu step for one foot when you need a little height to reach a ceiling bracket. It’s not meant to be stood on, but it’s stable.

Day-to-day usability

A few habits have made this case better for me:

• I added labels to the front and side. Because all TSTAK cases share the same face, labeling saves a ton of time hunting in a stack.
• I ditched the lids on two of the small bins and keep those for bulk fasteners. The other two bins keep their lids for small hardware I don’t want migrating.
• A small silica gel pack in the corner helps keep rust off bits and driver shafts. The case isn’t sealed, but it’s closed enough that humidity management helps.

The latch action has loosened slightly with use—in a good way. It’s still positive, but not as stiff as day one. Nothing has racked or misaligned despite being regularly tossed onto a cart and into a van.

Durability and weather

The case has taken the usual knocks without complaint: tipped stacks, sliding around a truck bed, cold mornings, and hot afternoons. The metal latches haven’t shown rust yet, and the hinge is still square. That said, this is not a waterproof box. In a downpour, water will find the seam. If you need real weather protection, you’ll want a system with a gasketed lid and an IP rating. For interior work and typical shop use, the dust resistance is adequate.

Compatibility and limitations

A few limitations worth knowing before you commit:

• The small-parts bins aren’t a universal standard. They don’t cross-fit with organizers from other DeWalt lines or most third-party bins.
• At 6.5 in tall, it’s not the right case for bulky tools or tall chargers. There’s a deeper TSTAK option for that role.
• The lids on the included bins are fiddly. If small parts security is critical, consider swapping to foam, using aftermarket bins that fit the tray, or supplementing with a dedicated parts organizer.
• The side-latch release can be annoying with gloves. It’s secure, but it’s not a feather-touch design.

None of these are dealbreakers for me, but they’re worth factoring into how you plan to use it.

Value and warranty

The value proposition is strong. You get a robust, modular case with metal latches, a comfortable handle, and proven stackability at a price that makes building out a system realistic. The limited lifetime warranty is a nice safety net for defects; it doesn’t cover abuse, but it signals that the company expects this case to live a long, hard life.

Who it’s for

• Tradespeople and DIYers building a modular storage stack who work primarily indoors or in covered spaces.
• Anyone who prefers smaller, lighter boxes to keep loads manageable when climbing stairs or moving through tight spaces.
• Users who like to customize interiors with foam or removable bins rather than fixed molded inserts.

Who should look elsewhere: If you routinely work in wet, muddy, or heavily dusty conditions; need gasketed protection; or want deep storage for bulky tools in a single box, a waterproof system or a deeper case is a better fit.

Recommendation

I recommend the TSTAK case. It’s a durable, compact, and genuinely useful modular box that does exactly what a daily-use case should: carry a practical load comfortably, latch securely into a stack, and hold up to being moved, opened, and closed a dozen times a day. The metal latches, comfortable handle, and 66 lb rating inspire confidence, and the smaller footprint keeps stacks manageable.

It isn’t perfect. The small-parts bin lids are fussy, the side-latch release can be stubborn with gloves, and it’s not the box to leave in a rainstorm. But for interior jobsites, garage organization, and anyone building a modular setup without overspending, this case is easy to recommend. If you pair it with foam or better bins—and keep it out of heavy weather—it becomes one of those “reach-for-it-first” boxes that earns its spot in the stack.