Milwaukee PACKOUT™ 2-Shelf Racking Kit

Milwaukee’s PACKOUT™ 2-Shelf Racking Kit has been a noteworthy addition to my workshop, and as someone who values organization and functionality, I was eager to see how it would stack up. With a versatile mounting system, E-Track compatibility, and the promise of customizable storage solutions, this tool had quite a reputation to live up to.

First impressions matter, and the PACKOUT’s build quality is immediately apparent. The shelves are constructed from durable polypropylene, reinforced with metal to ensure sturdiness. Each shelf boasts a 50 lbs weight capacity, which, in practice, has been more than adequate for my various tools and equipment. The impact-resistant body further adds to its robustness, making it suitable for heavy-duty use in a variety of environments, from my home garage to a contractor's trailer.

Mounting the system was straightforward, thanks to the included E-Tracks. However, I did encounter a notable hiccup. The E-Tracks are designed to be mounted 18 inches on center, which isn’t a standard measurement in North American construction, where 16 inches or 12 inches on center are more common. This oversight required some creative problem-solving and additional hardware to securely mount the shelves to the wall studs. Once installed, though, the shelves felt secure and capable of handling the advertised weight.

One key feature that stands out is the modular connectivity with all PACKOUT components. This allows for a highly customizable setup, which is crucial for anyone with a growing collection of Milwaukee tools. I found the integrated tie-down points particularly useful for securing larger tools, preventing them from shifting during transport. The integrated handles also make the shelves easy to move, adding another layer of flexibility to the system.

Despite these positives, there are some limitations worth noting. The height adjustment of the shelves is somewhat restricted, which can be an issue if you’re looking to fit specific toolboxes or drawer units within the racking system. For instance, the popular Milwaukee PACKOUT drawer units do not fit comfortably on the lower shelf due to the limited vertical space. This necessitates either placing them on the top shelf or finding an alternative solution, which can be frustrating given the otherwise modular nature of the PACKOUT system. Extending the E-Track length to 22 inches could potentially resolve this issue, allowing for more versatile configurations.

Another minor inconvenience was the lack of included bolts for securing the shelves to the brackets. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, it did require an additional trip to the hardware store. Including these bolts in the package would have been a thoughtful addition, ensuring a smoother installation process.

Once fully set up, the PACKOUT racking kit proved to be a game-changer for my workshop organization. It enabled vertical storage, freeing up valuable floor space and making it easier to access tools quickly. The shelves lock securely into place, ensuring that everything stays put even when driving across bumpy terrain in a work van or trailer.

One of my favorite aspects of the system is its adaptability. I was able to use the shelves to create a compact workbench within my trailer, simply by adding a wooden top. This versatility extends to its use in various settings, from professional job sites to home garages. The sleek, professional appearance of the racking system also earns points – it looks great and adds a polished touch to any workspace.

However, it’s important to weigh these benefits against the cost. The PACKOUT racking kit is on the pricier side for a shelving system, and this might be a deterrent for some. While the quality and durability justify the price to a degree, it’s worth considering if the investment aligns with your specific needs and budget.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee PACKOUT 2-Shelf Racking Kit offers a reliable and flexible storage solution for both professional and personal use. Its robust construction and modular compatibility are major strengths, and the ability to customize your setup is invaluable. However, the non-standard mounting measurements and limited height adjustability are significant drawbacks that could impact its usability in certain situations. If you’re already invested in the PACKOUT system and need a durable, adaptable racking solution, this kit is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you require a more flexible or budget-friendly option, you might need to explore alternative shelving systems.

Overall, I would recommend the PACKOUT racking kit for those who prioritize quality and customization in their tool storage solutions. Its strengths undoubtedly outweigh the limitations, making it a worthy addition to any well-organized workshop or mobile workstation.