Milwaukee PACKOUT™ Rolling Drawer Tool Box

Storage solutions can make or break the efficiency of any job site, and Milwaukee’s PACKOUT™ Rolling Drawer Tool Box presents itself as a robust contender in the modular storage market. With a reputation for durability and versatility, Milwaukee’s PACKOUT series has garnered considerable attention. After spending some time with the Rolling Drawer Tool Box, here are my impressions.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that catches your eye is the solid build quality. The Rolling Drawer Tool Box is constructed from high-density polymers, which give it a sturdy feel without adding unnecessary weight. The exterior frame feels robust and resilient, capable of withstanding the knocks and bumps that are inevitable on a bustling job site. The box is designed to offer a 250-pound weight capacity, making it suitable for storing heavier tools and materials.

One of the standout features is the quick, one-handed opening mechanism. This is a significant advantage when you’re in the middle of a task and need to grab a tool swiftly without fumbling. The metal locking bar, designed to keep the drawers securely closed during transport, is a thoughtful addition, though it does have its quirks, which I’ll discuss later.

Functionality and Usability

The Rolling Drawer Tool Box comes with dividers that offer additional organization options. These dividers are intended to help you keep smaller items in place and reduce the time spent searching for specific tools. However, I found the dividers to be somewhat flimsy. They often pop out of their tracks, especially when the drawers are heavily loaded. This can be frustrating, as the primary purpose of these dividers is to provide a seamless organizational solution.

Another point of contention is the drawer slides. While the drawers generally open and close smoothly, there were instances where they required more force than expected. This issue seemed to stem from the drawer slides not being perfectly aligned, causing some resistance. In one of the units I tested, the drawer slide on the middle drawer was particularly troublesome, requiring significant effort to open and close.

Storage Capacity and Portability

One of the most appealing aspects of the Rolling Drawer Tool Box is its capacity. The drawers are spacious and can hold a variety of tools, from M18 impact guns to smaller hand tools. However, the weight distribution is crucial. If you load heavier items in the top drawers, the box can become top-heavy and prone to tipping over. To avoid this, it’s best to place heavier tools in the bottom drawer, ensuring better stability.

The portability of the tool box is another strong point. The wheels are sturdy and roll smoothly, making it easy to move the box around the job site. The handle is comfortable to grip and provides good leverage, allowing you to transport the box without straining your back. However, it’s worth noting that the box lacks weather sealing. While I didn’t experience any issues with water ingress, there’s no dedicated sealing mechanism, which might be a concern for those working in environments with high moisture levels.

Durability and Long-term Use

Durability is a mixed bag with this tool box. On one hand, the exterior is tough and can handle rough handling. On the other hand, the internal components, particularly the locking mechanism and drawer slides, leave something to be desired. After a few weeks of use, I noticed that the plastic components of the locking bar started to wear down. This is concerning because the locking bar is essential for keeping the drawers closed during transport. If it fails, the drawers could open unexpectedly, causing tools to spill out.

Additionally, the drawer bottoms showed signs of sagging when loaded with heavier items. This sagging can cause the drawers to catch on the frame, making them harder to open and close. While this wasn’t a deal-breaker for me, it’s something to keep in mind if you plan to store particularly heavy tools in the box.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

The Milwaukee PACKOUT™ Rolling Drawer Tool Box has a lot going for it. The design is well-thought-out, and the build quality of the exterior is impressive. The one-handed opening mechanism and sturdy wheels make it a practical choice for those who need a portable storage solution. However, the issues with the internal components, such as the drawer slides and locking mechanism, are hard to overlook.

If you’re looking for a modular storage system that offers excellent portability and a good amount of storage space, this tool box is worth considering. However, be prepared for some potential frustrations with the dividers and drawer slides. The lack of weather sealing might also be a deal-breaker for those working in wet environments.

Would I recommend the Milwaukee PACKOUT™ Rolling Drawer Tool Box? Yes, but with reservations. It’s a solid choice for those who prioritize portability and need a quick-access storage solution. However, if you’re looking for long-term durability and flawless functionality, you might want to explore other options or wait for Milwaukee to address these issues in future iterations.