DeWalt 24-Inch Tote with Removable Power Tool Case

First impressions and layout

I’m a sucker for storage that earns its keep, and this 24-inch DeWalt tote hits a sweet spot between a simple open bin and a full-blown modular system. It’s a two-part design: a lower open tote for bulkier tools and a removable top case that doubles as a lid. A full-length metal handle arcs over the lower bin, and the two are latched together with metal hardware. Press a front push-button and the top case pops off so you can carry it separately or get to the lower compartment.

At 26.23 x 13.65 x 11.05 inches overall and just 7.41 pounds empty, it’s compact enough to toss in a truck bed but big enough to matter—DeWalt lists 3,413 cubic inches of holding capacity and a 70-pound load rating. The shell is resin, the latches and handle are metal, and there’s a V-groove with an integrated ruler on the top case lid for quick cuts in a pinch. It’s also lockable via a front hasp.

Build quality and durability

I put this tote through a few months of site work and garage use, and the materials feel right for the job. The resin body isn’t brittle; it shrugs off scuffs and the occasional toss into gravel. The heavy-duty metal latches are the star here—secure bite, positive snap, and no flex that would make you worry about the top case working loose while you carry it. The full-size metal handle is long, rigid, and comfortable in a gloved hand; it doesn’t sag under load.

This isn’t a weather-sealed box and doesn’t pretend to be. There’s no gasket, so it’s not something I’d leave exposed in rain, but for everyday transport and on-site use it’s robust. The anti-rust finish on the hardware has held up so far; no flaking or orange bloom after some damp mornings.

After loading it repeatedly near its rated 70-pound capacity—cordless circular saw, impact driver, spare batteries, grinder, and a pile of hand tools—the structure stayed square. The top case closes cleanly without needing to wrestle it onto the tote. I’ve had modular boxes where reattachment felt like docking a spacecraft; this is not that.

Organization and capacity in real use

The format encourages a simple split of your kit:

• Top case: power tool plus consumables. I’ve carried an impact driver, two batteries, and a charger up top, with bits and small accessories riding in pouches. The lid’s V-groove has come in handy to steady 1/2-inch EMT and small trim while trimming with a hacksaw. The ruler is fine for quick reference but won’t replace your tape.

• Lower tote: bulk and “just-in-case” tools. I keep hand tools, a compact grinder, clamps, a stud finder, and a pouch of fasteners down below. Because it’s an open bin, you can drop oddly shaped items in without playing Tetris. The downside is that small loose parts can migrate; I recommend adding a couple of small organizers or zip pouches to keep things tidy.

If you lean on one-box solutions, the 70-pound weight limit is a practical guardrail. The tote will hold more volume than you probably want to carry without wheels. Roughly two cubic feet sounds large, but once you add a few cordless tools and accessories, you’ll appreciate that the dimensions keep the load manageable and still fit behind a truck seat.

Ergonomics and workflow

The front push-button release for the top case is a smart touch with one caveat: reattachment is easiest when the top case latches are closed. If you forget and leave them open, the alignment is fussy. Once you get the muscle memory—close latches, dock, press down—it’s smooth.

The long metal handle is better than the plastic hoops you see on budget totes. It gives you a stable single-hand carry and folds out of the way without contacting the top case. When the tote is fully loaded, the handle angle keeps the box off your leg a bit, which I appreciate on longer walks. There’s no shoulder strap, and at this size you don’t need one, but if you pack dense metal tools and batteries you’ll feel it.

The V-groove/ruler lid is one of those features you won’t use every day but will be glad to have when you do. I’ve used it to notch a dowel and trim aluminum track on a finish job; it held well enough with one hand while I sawed with the other. It’s not a saw horse—treat it as a quick stabilizer for light cuts.

Security and protection

DeWalt includes a lockable hasp, and the metal latches themselves aren’t easily defeated. Still, this is resin, not steel, so a padlock is more about keeping honest people honest and preventing accidental openings. Protection against dust and water is basic: good for transport, not for a storm.

If you need drop-proof, dustproof, and waterproof, a gasketed IP-rated box is a better bet. For everyday carry between truck and task, this tote’s protection level is appropriate.

What stood out

• Metal where it matters. The handle and latches are confidence-inspiring. No flexy plastic snaps to baby.

• Useful two-in-one. Being able to pop the top case and bring just what you need to the task saves trips and keeps the lower bin undisturbed.

• Efficient size. It slides into tight spots in the truck and through doorways without banging trim, yet swallows a real kit.

• Practical features. The V-groove with ruler is a smart use of lid real estate and actually gets used.

Where it could be better

• No weather seal. I don’t expect IP ratings at this price point and format, but even a light gasket would add peace of mind for dusty or wet environments.

• Button-and-latch dance. Accessing the lower tote is easiest when you remember to close the top latches before using the front button. Not a dealbreaker, just a learned sequence.

• Limited modularity. This tote doesn’t interlock with DeWalt’s TSTAK or ToughSystem. If you’re invested in those ecosystems and want a single rolling stack, this won’t clip in.

• No wheels. At 70 pounds max capacity, that’s probably intentional, but if you frequently carry dense loads across long distances, consider a rolling chest instead.

Best uses and who it’s for

I see this tote fitting three main profiles:

• Mobile trades who travel light. Electricians, finish carpenters, and maintenance techs who want a focused kit with fast access. The removable top case makes grabbing a single tool-and-accessory bundle easy.

• DIYers with multiple small projects. If you’re not running a full modular stack, this tote provides a tidy home base for your core cordless tools and a handful of hand tools, with room for consumables.

• Specialists who keep task-specific kits. I’ve used it as a dedicated sanding/grinding box: abrasives and grinder below, multi-tool with heads and blades up top.

If you need to haul a shop’s worth of tools or work in heavy rain and dust, this isn’t the box. If you want quick access, durable hardware, and a balanced size, it shines.

Tips from the field

• Use pouches or small bins in the lower tote to prevent a fastener avalanche.

• Keep heavier items low to avoid a top-heavy feel when carrying.

• Label the top case edge so you can grab the right kit without opening it.

• If you cut in the V-groove, clamp or hold the work near the hinge side; it’s the most stable spot.

The bottom line

The DeWalt tote delivers a smart, durable two-in-one storage solution that favors access and practicality over bells and whistles. The metal handle and latches, reasonable weight capacity, and genuinely useful removable top case make it a workhorse for day-to-day jobs. It’s not weather-sealed, it doesn’t interlock with DeWalt’s modular systems, and you’ll want to refine your organization with a few pouches, but the fundamentals are solid.

Recommendation: I recommend this tote to pros and serious DIYers who want a compact, dependable carry solution for a core tool set. It’s sturdy, thoughtfully laid out, and easy to live with. If your work demands IP-rated protection, modular stacking, or wheel-assisted transport, look to a different platform; otherwise, this is a straightforward, reliable choice that earns its space in the truck.