DeWalt Multi-Level Workshop

Why I switched to a rolling workstation

I wanted one box I could roll from the truck to the work area, open up, and see everything at a glance. For the past several months, the DeWalt workstation has been that box. It’s a four-level, cantilevered setup on wheels with a telescopic handle, rated for 90 pounds and about 22.5 gallons of storage. It’s not a modular tower you stack piece by piece; it opens like a tackle box on steroids, letting you pull one latch and expose your hand tools, fasteners, and larger tools all at once. That single-travel access has real value on site.

Setup and first impressions

Out of the box, there’s almost nothing to assemble. The telescopic handle feels solid, the steel rails that guide the extension are straight, and the ball-bearing slides let the tiers glide open without fuss. One pull-up latch at the front controls the whole show. The footprint—roughly 21.5 inches wide by 15.1 deep—fits easily in the back of an SUV and doesn’t hog floor space in a shop. Collapsed height is under 29 inches, so it tucks under a bench.

The plastic shell is thick enough to inspire confidence and light enough to matter. This is not a steel road case; it’s a job box built to be moved.

Organization that actually speeds you up

The layout is the headline feature. The top is a dedicated toolbox with enough depth for hand tools, small sanders, batteries and chargers. Open the latch and the cantilever action lifts the top and mid levels, revealing two middle sections with molded organizers—ideal for screws, bits, nails, plumbing fittings, and other small parts that like to migrate. The partitions keep small hardware from commingling across sections, and because the organizers slide out with the tiers, you can see everything without digging.

The bottom bin is for bulkier tools. I’ve carried a circular saw, reciprocating saw, grinder, oscillating multi-tool, and a brad nailer by laying them on their sides or diagonally. It’s not a black hole; it’s just big enough to swallow the essentials for a room’s worth of work. If you plan your load, you can keep the top for frequently grabbed hand tools, the middle for consumables, and the bottom for power tools you’ll stage as needed.

A thoughtful touch: the way the tiers articulate gives you a top-down view of the mid sections. No more opening three different boxes to find a 5/32 bit. That’s the productivity win over modular stacks.

Capacity and load

DeWalt rates the unit at 90 pounds. I’ve had it close to that—around 75 to 85 pounds—and the slides and handle hold up. Even when loaded, the action is smooth. The single latch hasn’t balked or flexed on me, and the tiers will stay in position if you’re on reasonably level ground. If you’re running near the upper end of the load capacity, pack with the heaviest items low to keep the center of gravity where it should be.

If you frequently haul more than 90 pounds of tools, you’ll be happier with a heavier-duty modular system. But if you’re carrying a typical 20V kit and supplies for a day’s work, this strikes a nice balance between capacity and mobility.

Mobility and handling

The telescopic handle is reinforced metal, and I can pull it comfortably whether I’m in a hallway or crossing a driveway. The wheels are wide enough to roll over compacted gravel without digging in, and the box tracks straight. Stairs are still a chore—no surprise there—but the handle doesn’t wobble in a way that scares me.

One reality check: the stock wheels are plastic. They roll fine on smooth floors and sidewalks, but rough parking lots and curbs will age them quickly. After months of use, I swapped mine for the same size with rubber tires, which quieted the ride and improved durability. The axle setup makes the swap simple if you decide to do it.

Build quality and maintenance

This is a plastic-bodied workstation with steel reinforcements where it counts. The slides are ball-bearing and run well if you keep them clean. Dust and grit will eventually slow any slide; a quick blowout and a shot of dry lube keep things smooth. The side linkages that lock the tiers together feel stout enough for everyday use but, as with any cantilever design, they don’t love impacts. If you toss this off a tailgate repeatedly, it will show it.

I’ve noticed no flex in the handle under load, and the latch still aligns and bites cleanly. The shell has held up to normal jobsite bumps without cracks. I wouldn’t call it waterproof, and it doesn’t have seals, so I avoid leaving it uncovered in rain. For transport, a strap around the body is cheap insurance to prevent accidental openings.

Security-wise, I run a small padlock through the front latch when I’m in shared spaces. It won’t stop a determined thief, but it stops casual borrowing and keeps curious hands out.

Everyday use

Day to day, what I appreciate is how fast I can get to what I need. Roll in, pop the latch, and everything is visible and reachable. I label the compartments inside the mid trays and keep extras in small bins, so restocking is painless. The workstation lives in the shop, too, and acts as a compact rolling bench for punch-list tasks.

I’ve also used it for non-trade outings—camping setups and community events—because the tiers lend themselves to cooking gear, lighting, and cables. It’s surprisingly adaptable when you need organized, mobile storage with fast access.

Trade-offs versus modular systems

Compared to a modular stack (ToughSystem, Packout, etc.), this workstation trades modularity for speed of access:
- Pros: One latch gets you to all levels; great visibility; fewer trips; compact footprint.
- Cons: You can’t detach a single box to carry upstairs; the whole unit moves as one; plastic wheels are a weak link if abused; capacity is capped at 90 pounds.

If your workflow demands carrying one small case up a ladder, a modular setup still wins. If you typically roll everything to one work zone and set up shop, the cantilever style is faster.

Tips for getting the most out of it

• Keep the heaviest items in the bottom bin to stabilize the center of gravity.
• Clean the slides periodically and use a dry lubricant to avoid attracting dust.
• Consider upgrading the wheels to rubber-tired units if you work on rough surfaces.
• Label the mid-tier compartments; it saves time and prevents duplicate purchases.
• Use a strap in transit to prevent accidental opening and reduce racking forces.

What could be better

• Rubber-tired wheels from the factory would be a meaningful durability upgrade.
• A weather seal would broaden its use outdoors.
• Replacement parts (wheels, latch) should be easier to source directly.

None of these are dealbreakers for how I use it, but they’re worth noting if you’re hard on gear.

Who it’s for

• Ideal: Remodelers, maintenance techs, DIYers, and hobbyists who want fast access to a well-organized kit and routinely roll up to a work area on relatively smooth surfaces.
• Acceptable with caveats: Trades working light-to-moderate daily duty who keep loads under 90 pounds and don’t mind occasional maintenance or a wheel upgrade.
• Look elsewhere: Pros who routinely exceed 90 pounds, drag boxes over rough ground daily, or need modular carry options for stairs and ladders.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt workstation for anyone who values fast, visible access to tools and small parts in a single, mobile unit. The cantilever design and ball-bearing slides make organization genuinely useful, the handle is sturdy, and the 90-pound capacity covers a typical cordless kit with room for consumables. Be realistic about its limits: it’s a plastic-bodied box with plastic wheels, not a steel dolly. Treat it with a bit of care, keep the slides clean, and consider a wheel upgrade if your terrain demands it. For light-to-medium daily use and serious DIY work, it’s a smart, time-saving solution that earns its floor space. For heavy, abusive pro duty, I’d steer you to a more rugged modular system.