DeWalt 28 In. Water Seal Tool Box

Why I reached for this 28-inch box—and kept using it

I picked up the DeWalt 28-inch box to bridge a gap in my kit: something bigger and tougher than a typical hand toolbox, but simpler and lighter than a rolling stack. After a few weeks of hauling it in and out of the truck, through a couple of rainy days, and using it as a makeshift cutting station, it’s earned a permanent spot in my rotation.

Build and design

The box is built from structural foam—rigid, dense plastic that’s far stronger than it looks. If you’ve ever wondered, it’s not Styrofoam; it’s a molded, high-impact material that resists flex without adding much weight. Empty, the box is just under 10 pounds, and the shell feels solid in the hand. The lid closes onto an all-around gasket that seats evenly, and the hinge line feels stable with no wobble.

DeWalt uses metal latches here, which I prefer to plastic in this size. They snap shut with a positive feel and don’t bite your fingers when you’re wearing gloves. There’s a padlock eye at the latch, so you can lock it when you need to—handy for keeping curious hands out or when you’re leaving it in a shared space.

Dimensions matter with a box like this. At roughly 27.7 inches long, 12.5 inches wide, and 11.5 inches tall, it’s big enough to swallow a compact circular saw, a drill/driver set, and a full suite of hand tools without turning into a black hole that you can’t lift. The weight capacity is listed at 100 pounds; more on that in a moment.

The lid has a molded V-groove. It’s not a gimmick—I’ve used it to steady conduit and 2x stock for quick cuts. It’s the sort of simple feature you don’t think about until you need it.

Capacity and organization

Inside, the 3/4-length tray is the right call. A full-width tray would waste space; this one gives you quick access to frequently used hand tools while leaving a long, open channel alongside for larger items. I’ve kept pliers, drivers, and a utility knife in the tray, with a 24-inch level and a compact pry bar tucked beside it. Below the tray, there’s room for a drill, impact driver, batteries, a charger, and a pouch of fasteners.

If you live out of organizers with tiny compartments, know that this box isn’t trying to be a parts bin. There are no integrated small-parts organizers or dividers beyond the tray. I just drop in a couple of small cases for screws and anchors. It’s simple, and that’s part of the appeal.

Capacity is listed at 9.2 gallons. In practical terms, I’ve loaded it with a mix of power tools, hand tools, and consumables to around 60–70 pounds. The body didn’t bow, the lid closed square, and the latches still lined up. I believe the 100-pound rating is realistic, but at that weight you’ll feel it in your forearms.

Water resistance and protection

The water seal isn’t a marketing flourish—it works. I left the box in the bed of a truck through a steady rain, and the contents stayed dry. The gasket compresses evenly along the perimeter, and the lid overhang helps shed water. I wouldn’t submerge it or leave it in standing water, but for jobsite weather, roof work, or a splashy cleanup, it’s the kind of protection I want. The structural foam also insulates tools from temperature swings more than thin-wall plastic, which is a nice side benefit.

In daily use

This is where the box shines. The ergonomics are better than they look in photos. The main handle is comfortable, and the side hand recesses are a thoughtful addition. If you load it up or need to carry it with a second person, those recesses make a difference. The footprint is long but slim, so it slides between other cases in the truck and doesn’t hog floor space in a small van.

I’ve used the lid as a light-duty work surface—marking cuts, setting down fasteners, and clamping thin stock against the V-groove for quick hacksaw jobs. It’s not a sawhorse replacement, but it saves steps. The tray lifts out smoothly and nests securely when you drop it back in, even if the bottom compartment isn’t perfectly neat.

Security is basic but adequate. The metal latches resist accidental release, and adding a padlock is quick when needed. The latches haven’t shown rust after wet conditions, and they haven’t loosened with repeated cycles.

Durability

Structural foam boxes tend to age well if the hinge and latch hardware are up to the task. After a couple of weeks of real use, the shell shows scuffs but no cracks, and the rim gasket is intact with no nicks. Setting the box down on gravel or concrete hasn’t chewed up the bottom. The lid closes flush, and there’s no telltale rattle that suggests alignment issues.

While there are heavier-duty boxes out there, they’re often heavier, more expensive, or tied to modular systems you might not want. This one hits a nice balance: tough enough for jobsite abuse, not precious, and easy to carry solo.

Portability and trade-offs

No wheels. That’s by design. At under 10 pounds empty and with a relatively slim profile, it’s meant to be carried. For most loads—say 40 to 60 pounds—it’s comfortable for short to medium hauls. If you routinely move 80 to 100 pounds of gear long distances, a rolling solution is more practical. The side recesses mitigate the strain, but physics still applies.

Another trade-off is organization. You get a simple tray and a big cavity. If you need meticulous separation for fasteners, bits, and fittings, plan on adding organizers inside. I’ve had good luck dropping in two slim cases upright next to the tray so they’re easy to grab.

Who it suits

• General contractors and remodelers who want a tough, weather-resistant carry box for a core kit.
• Plumbers and electricians who appreciate the V-groove and the ability to store longer hand tools beside the tray.
• DIYers who need a durable “grab-and-go” box that can live in a garage, shed, or truck bed without worrying about weather.

If you’re invested in a modular stacking system with rails, drawers, and carts, this box doesn’t integrate. It’s a standalone workhorse. And if you’re managing small parts at scale, a dedicated organizer will serve you better.

What I’d improve

• Optional internal dividers or a full-length secondary tray would add flexibility without complicating the design.
• A brighter interior would make it easier to spot dark tools; the black shell can be a black hole in low light.
• Rubber feet or a slightly textured bottom could help the box stay put on smooth truck beds.

None of these are deal-breakers, and I appreciate that the current design stays focused and durable.

Warranty and value

The 1-year limited warranty is standard for this class. More important is that the box feels like it will outlast the warranty by a long stretch. With metal latches, a continuous seal, and a shell that shrugs off knocks, it doesn’t feel like a consumable.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 28-inch box for anyone who needs a rugged, water-resistant, no-nonsense carry toolbox with real capacity. It hits a practical sweet spot: big enough for a serious kit, light enough to carry, and tough enough to live on a jobsite. The structural foam body and metal latches inspire confidence, the gasket keeps out weather, and the 3/4-length tray actually improves usability rather than getting in the way. You’ll want separate organizers if you deal with lots of small parts, and if you regularly move very heavy loads, a wheeled system is better. But as a reliable, everyday hauler that protects tools and simplifies the workday, this box earns its keep.