DeWalt Work Top Drawer Kit for 4 ft. industrial storage rack

Why I added this drawer kit to my 4‑ft rack

Space is always at a premium in my garage, and the open “dead zone” under the top shelf of my 4‑ft industrial rack had been nagging at me. I wanted a lockable, low-profile place for hand tools and consumables without sacrificing the footprint of the rack. That’s exactly where this DeWalt drawer kit fits—literally and figuratively. It turns the rack’s midsection into a usable work surface with a stout, full-width drawer below, and it does it without turning the rack into a wobblier version of itself.

Setup and installation

Out of the box, the drawer comes pre-assembled, which cuts install time way down. The kit uses DeWalt’s tab-and-bolt system to mount between the rack uprights in 2.35-inch increments. The hardware pack includes a 4 mm hex key and matching bit; I used the bit in a low-torque driver and the key for final snugging.

A few practical tips from my install:
- Make sure your rack is square and fully tightened before hanging the drawer. A racked frame makes alignment frustrating.
- A second set of hands helps while you index the tabs and start the bolts. Short of that, a pair of F‑clamps can hold the drawer rails at height.
- Seat the tabs fully. I needed a rubber mallet to coax one side into place.
- Test the drawer slide movement before you torque the hardware. If you feel binding, your uprights may be slightly toe‑in; loosen, adjust, retighten.

Total time was about 25 minutes with the rack already built. The included instructions get you there, but labeling on the hardware could be clearer. Fortunately, there aren’t many pieces to sort through.

Build quality

The unit is steel with a black, industrial powder coat that matches DeWalt’s 4‑ft rack finish. Edges are clean, holes line up, and the fit against the uprights is tight once everything is cinched. The drawer rides on ball‑bearing slides that open and close smoothly without noticeable side play. With a typical load of hand tools inside, the action remains consistent and confidence‑inspiring.

The locking cam is basic but useful. Think deterrent, not safebox. It keeps curious hands out and stops the drawer from creeping open when you move things around the rack. If you want real security, you’re still going to want a lockable cabinet.

Capacity and organization

Interior drawer measurements are approximately 41 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 5.5 inches tall. In practice, that’s:
- Plenty of room for full socket sets, wrenches, drill drivers, and a couple chargers laid on their sides.
- Not tall enough for many aerosol cans or large bottles to stand upright.
- Wide enough to lay longer pry bars and levels diagonally.

DeWalt rates the drawer at 120 lb when evenly distributed. I loaded mine with roughly 80–90 lb of mixed tools and fastener cases; the slides stayed smooth and the face didn’t sag. If you tend to drop dense items on one side of a drawer, spread that load or use dividers to keep the weight balanced. I added drawer liner to cut down on rattle and protect the finish—worth doing here because the steel top and drawer are otherwise bare.

A small note on dust: this isn’t a gasketed cabinet. Grinding or sanding nearby will put fines inside any open storage. The lock keeps the drawer closed, but it doesn’t seal it.

The worktop surface

Above the drawer is a steel work surface that turns your rack bay into a sturdy landing zone. The manufacturer states up to a 1,000 lb static load on that top panel, which is more than most of us will throw at it. Realistically, I used it as a prep area: staging fastener bins, a benchtop vise with a clamp base, and the occasional small press job. It shrugged off everything I placed on it and didn’t flex perceptibly.

Two considerations:
- Steel shows scratches. If you care about cosmetics, throw down a sacrificial mat or plywood insert.
- It’s not a vibration-damping bench. For hammering, I still prefer a thick wood top on a dedicated workstation.

Ergonomics and daily use

The 2.35‑inch height increments make it easy to park the drawer at a comfortable height relative to neighboring shelves. I set mine so the worktop aligns with the adjacent shelf deck, which created a continuous surface for bulky items. The drawer pull spans the full width, and the slides extend far enough that I can see and reach items at the back without fishing blindly.

What I appreciated most after a few weeks:
- The drawer’s full width lets me store long, awkward tools that don’t fit in a typical toolbox.
- Having a true worktop inside the rack simplifies small assemblies—I can keep bins on the top surface and the corresponding tools in the drawer below.
- The black powder coat wipes clean. Oil stains and marker scuffs didn’t set in.

What I’d change:
- The included instructions could be clearer about sequence and orientation. A simple parts diagram with callouts would help first‑time installers.
- The lockset is functional but light duty. An optional upgraded cam or hasp kit would be welcome.
- Pre‑punches for optional dividers would make customizing the drawer easier.

Compatibility caveats

This is purpose‑built for DeWalt’s 4‑ft industrial rack uprights (think models like DXST4500 and DXST4500‑W). It’s not a universal drawer for random garage shelves. Check that your rack has the correct hole pattern and spacing before you click buy. If you’re outside that ecosystem, you’ll be adapting hardware and likely drilling—possible, but not the intended use.

Also keep in mind total rack loading. If you park 1,000 lb on the worktop, the rack itself and the floor underneath need to be up to the job. The drawer kit won’t fix an underbuilt or out‑of‑level rack. If your floor is uneven, take a moment to level the uprights before installation; it pays dividends in smooth slide action.

Durability and maintenance

Powder coat quality is good. My unit arrived free of chips, and it’s held up to routine bumps. Ball‑bearing slides usually last a long time if you keep them clean. A quick vacuum and a shot of dry lube now and then keeps grit from building up. Avoid solvent baths on the finish; a damp cloth and mild soap do the trick.

The kit carries a 1‑year limited warranty. It’s basic, but appropriate for a passive accessory like this. Between the simple design and the included hardware, there’s not much to go wrong if you install it correctly.

Alternatives

Your alternatives boil down to:
- A rolling tool cabinet under or beside the rack: more drawers, better locks, bigger footprint.
- DIY plywood drawer under a shelf: customizable, cheaper, but time‑consuming and usually not as smooth as proper slides.
- Plastic bins on a shelf: cheap and flexible, but you lose the integrated worktop and easy access of a wide drawer.

The drawer kit’s value proposition is using the space you already have, keeping your aisle clear, and giving you a durable surface at a useful height.

Who it’s for

• Owners of DeWalt 4‑ft industrial racks who want integrated, lockable storage without adding another cabinet.
• Mechanics and DIYers who need a staging area for small assemblies with tools right below.
• Anyone trying to maximize cubic storage in a tight garage or shop.

Who should look elsewhere:
- If you need deep, tall drawers for bulky tools, a rolling cabinet is a better fit.
- If your rack isn’t a compatible DeWalt model, you’ll want a universal solution.

Recommendation

I recommend this drawer kit to anyone running a compatible 4‑ft DeWalt rack who wants to convert unused space into genuinely useful storage and a sturdy work surface. It installs quickly, feels solid under load, and the full‑width drawer makes organization straightforward. The ball‑bearing slides are smooth, the powder‑coated steel shrugs off abuse, and the adjustability lets you dial in a comfortable working height. The instructions could be clearer and the lock is basic, but those are minor knocks against a well‑executed, purpose‑built upgrade. If you’re already in the DeWalt rack ecosystem, this is an easy, worthwhile add.