DeWalt TSTAK Open Tote

Why an open tote in a modular system?

Sometimes the quickest way to work is to see everything at a glance and grab what you need without flipping latches or digging through layers. That’s where an open tote shines. I’ve been using the TSTAK tote as my “frequent flyer” box—the one that rides on top of my stack and follows me from the van to the job and back. After months of service calls and small installs, I’ve learned where it excels, where it doesn’t, and how to set it up so it pulls its weight.

Design and build

The tote is a lightweight, rigid plastic bin with a folding, ergonomic handle and side latches that tie it into the TSTAK ecosystem. At 12.5 x 17.25 x 10.75 inches and about 3 pounds empty, it’s compact enough to carry one-handed but big enough to swallow a day’s worth of essentials. The plastic construction keeps it rust-free in damp conditions. I’ve set it down on wet concrete and tossed it into a humid van without any corrosion worries.

The handle is broad and comfortable, and the fold-flat design makes stacking cleaner. There’s a bit of flex when you load it near the top end of its 66-pound rating, but the handle and hinge have held up for me. The side latches are robust and familiar if you’re already running TSTAK. I’ll note that attaching this open module to others takes a slightly more deliberate push than some of the closed boxes in the line. It’s not a deal-breaker—just something I noticed in daily use.

Capacity and layout

This is an open box by design, which means the interior is one large cavity with a vertical-friendly layout. Taller items stand up nicely if you pack them smartly. I regularly carry:

• Two impact drivers and a drill
• A small pry bar and a 16 oz hammer
• A couple of battery packs
• A caulk gun
• A roll of tape, a speed square, and a chalk line
• Pouches for fasteners and small fittings

Because it’s open, I prefer using small pouches or trays for loose hardware. Without them, fasteners can migrate and smaller bits may get buried under larger tools. The upside is speed: reach in, grab the driver, drop it back in. No lid, no zipper, no buckles.

If you’re thinking about heavier loads, the tote’s 66-pound capacity is generous for this format. I’ve routinely carried 30–40 pounds of mixed tools without feeling like I was pushing it. Beyond that, the plastic walls start to flex slightly when you lift, and the balance becomes more noticeable (more on that below). For bulky items like a spade bit kit or a small orbital sander, the open height is a real advantage over lidded organizers.

On the stack: TSTAK integration

This tote clicks onto other TSTAK modules using the standard side latches. In practice, it works best as the topmost unit. That’s the whole point—you can walk up, see your tools, and get to work without staging boxes. I’ve occasionally locked it under a shallow organizer during transport, but you lose the quick-access benefit and it’s awkward to reach inside.

As mentioned, this module’s latch action is a touch stiffer than some of the closed TSTAK boxes I own. The alignment has to be straight, and I give the latches a firm, positive push to seat them. Once engaged, it’s secure. I’ve driven with a full tote on a rough road and nothing worked loose.

Ergonomics and carry

The handle’s contour and width distribute pressure well, even with a full load. What you will notice is balance. Because it’s open, how you pack it determines how it carries. If your hammer and driver are both on one side and your fastener pouch is on the other, it can feel slightly canted. That’s normal for an open tote. Loading the heaviest items near the center and balancing tall tools left-right makes a big difference. The handle sits central, but uneven weight makes any tote feel tippy in motion.

The fold-down handle is helpful when stacking or when sliding the tote under a bench. It doesn’t intrude into the interior space, and I haven’t had issues with it pinching contents.

Durability and weather

The plastic shell is tough enough for routine jobsite abuse—being dragged across plywood, bumped into door frames, and tossed into the van. It doesn’t dent like sheet metal or fray like fabric. The rust-resistant construction and minimal metal hardware mean wet conditions aren’t a problem. That said, this is an open box. Rain is still rain. I cover it or park it under a roofline if there’s weather, and I keep anything moisture-sensitive in lidded boxes below it.

So far, the side latches and hinge have held up fine. Scratches show on the black plastic, but nothing more than cosmetic wear. The lifetime limited warranty is reassuring, though I haven’t needed it.

In use on site

As a top-of-stack carry-all, the tote speeds up little tasks: punch list work, fixture swaps, door hardware tweaks. I can park it beside me, keep drivers upright, and fish a bit extension without breaking stride. In a service context where tools rotate constantly between tasks, that time savings adds up.

For longer installations or when I need to secure a lot of small parts, I’ll pair the tote with a lidded TSTAK organizer. Put the tote on top for tools, lock an organizer under it for fasteners, and a deeper box under that for specialty items. The system approach pays off in mobility: one stack in, one stack out.

Limitations and trade-offs

• Exposure: Open top equals no weather or dust protection. Don’t store sensitive electronics or layout tools here unless they’re bagged.
• Small parts management: Plan on pouches or cups. The tote doesn’t include internal dividers.
• Balance: If you habitually overstuff one side, you’ll feel it on the handle. Load heavy items centrally.
• Latch feel: Attaching it to the stack takes a firmer push than some TSTAK modules. It’s secure once latched, just not as buttery.

None of these are surprises; they’re inherent to the open-tote concept. Know them and you’ll be fine.

Canvas bag vs. this tote

Compared with a traditional soft-sided bag, the tote is lighter, keeps tools upright, and integrates with a stack. I appreciate not having a sagging flap or a collapsing mouth when the bag is half full. The rigid sides protect contents better in the van, and stacking eliminates the game of Tetris on the floor. If you rely heavily on zipper pockets and hidden sleeves, you’ll miss them here—but I prefer the speed of an open bin and add my own pouches as needed.

Who it’s for

• Tradespeople and DIYers who already use TSTAK and want a quick-access top module
• Service technicians who need to see tools instantly and move fast between tasks
• Anyone who prefers open organization with pouches over fixed partitions and lids

Who should look elsewhere? If you work outdoors in all weather and need dust/water protection, you’ll want a lidded box or an IP-rated system. If you carry lots of tiny fasteners loose, choose an organizer with bins.

Recommendations and setup tips

• Keep it on top of your stack for immediate access.
• Use zippered pouches or small trays for fasteners and fittings.
• Center heavy items; mirror tall tools left and right for balance.
• If the latch feels tight on another module, align carefully and push firmly—don’t slam.

Final take

The TSTAK tote does exactly what an open jobsite tote should: it keeps everyday tools visible, upright, and ready to grab, and it locks into a modular stack so transport stays simple. It’s light, sturdy enough for real work, and sized well for a day’s essentials. The trade-offs—no weather protection, a bit of balance management, and latches that demand a deliberate hand—are reasonable for the speed and convenience it delivers.

I recommend this tote as the top module in a TSTAK setup. If you value fast access, work mostly under cover or indoors, and prefer to build your own organization with pouches and trays, it’s a practical, durable choice that integrates cleanly with the rest of your kit.