{"id":31976,"date":"2022-10-22T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-22T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.protoolreviews.com\/?p=31976"},"modified":"2023-07-11T09:54:39","modified_gmt":"2023-07-11T13:54:39","slug":"milwaukee-packout-modular-storage-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.protoolreviews.com\/milwaukee-packout-modular-storage-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Milwaukee PACKOUT Modular Storage System Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Our Milwaukee PackOut Modular Storage System review had us covering everything the company currently offers. The system lets you easily stack and lock together boxes, organizers, and totes of multiple sizes and configurations. Through an intuitive and quick attachment mechanism, you have the freedom to stack and lock various PackOut tool boxes, organizers, and totes into any variety of configurations to suit your needs. What’s more, Packout keeps expanding to things like the Packout Radio<\/a>, Packout light<\/a>, Milwaukee Packout drawers<\/a>, and even a Packout vacuum<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The initial PackOut Modular Storage System consists of 8 products \u2013 3 tool boxes, 2 organizers, and 3 storage totes.  All of the items in the PackOut line are built with an emphasis on convenience, organization, and durability. Since then, however, the system has expanded almost exponentially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’re going to break down our review of the Milwaukee Packout system in a couple of phases. First, we’ll look at each class of storage as a group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milwaukee PackOut Modular Storage System Tool Boxes<\/h2>\n\n\n
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The foundation of the Milwaukee PackOut System is the rolling toolbox. In the same category are two other non-wheeled toolboxes. For common features, they all sport an IP65 rating against dust and water along with reinforced corners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milwaukee constructs all of the tool boxes in the PackOut line from impact-resistant polymer.\u00a0 There are also Milwaukee Tick<\/a> mounting locations on the lids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We paid special attention to the latches on each of the tool boxes in our Milwaukee Packout review. The stout latches give plenty of reason for confidence. I like that Milwaukee includes a metal washer to reinforce the padlock hole. However, one of our boxes already lost one, so you’ll want to keep an eye on those.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I’d really like to see is for the internal boxes on these to nest onto the Packout lids. But the design feature that allows the boxes to lock together requires some extra tooling for the boxes and bins to sit in them nicely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milwaukee PackOut Organizer Options<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Things begin to shrink slightly when you move to the PackOut Organizers. The latches aren’t as substantial but are still excellent for the application. The handles are a bit smaller as well. However, the attachment points are just as solid as the tool boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll notice a strong resemblance to the Milwaukee Jobsite Organizers<\/a> from recent memory. The internal boxes are the same and you can organize them the way you like. The lid also recesses into them so bits, fasteners, etc. don’t go wandering next door. The lids are transparent, so it’s easy to identify what’s in each box. Milwaukee crafts each bin using impact-resistant polymers that have an IP 65 rating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like the internal boxes on the tool boxes, what’s missing here is the ability to set the bins into the top with a level of security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milwaukee PackOut Totes<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Unique to the PackOut system is the integration of soft storage tote bags, which clip onto the top of any PackOut toolbox or organizer. You can attach the tote to the top of your PackOut gear for easier transport. These totes are available in three sizes – 10″, 15″, and 20″ with a variety of pocket and loop combinations.  All of them feature 1680D ballistic material construction, as well as impact-resistant molded bases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I really like about the integration of totes in the PackOut system is that it allows me to keep my hand tools organized separately from my power tools. Realistically, how often do you go to a job with no hand tools?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the end, it’s a great way to ensure you can customize the entire system and grab just what you need for each job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milwaukee Packout Shop Storage and Customization<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Starting with wall\/floor plates<\/a>, you can hang your Packout-compatible tool boxes, radio, and other solutions more conveniently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2022, Packout took the next step by adding shop storage and organization to the mix. Two new wall plate sizes (one smaller and one larger) now make customizing the use of your space easier. From there, we have all kinds of accessories from hooks and shelves to battery organizers and long-handle tool holders. There’s even a cabinet and paper towel roll holder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re organizing your shop or garage, it’s the best overall system we’ve used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n
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I’ve had a lot of requests to review the Milwaukee Packout system in comparison to what you get from DeWalt or Ridgid. The short story is it’s a much better system\u2014but it’s more expensive. That’s a slippery slope, though. It’s kind of like comparing an SUV built on a car frame to one built on a truck frame. Yes, they’re both SUVs, but they’re not in the same class. That’s where the Milwaukee PackOut system is compared to the other portable storage options – it’s simply a different class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I love about the system is the customization that goes along with so many storage options. Optimizing the toolboxes for power tools and accessories, the organizers for fasteners, and the totes for hand tools, I can grab the components I need for any job and leave the rest in the shop or the truck. Plus, you have a tough system that offers unique and flexible options for each component.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is there room for improvement? Absolutely. I’d really like all the internal bins and boxes to fit onto the PackOut locks and each of the components has tradeoffs here and there. But overall, this is the system every tradesman is going to want to get into. And Milwaukee has already told us this is only the beginning for PackOut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customize and Build Your Own Packout System at Milwaukee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can actually customize and build your own Milwaukee Packout System by dragging and dropping components together to decide what works for you. It’s an interesting module Milwaukee Tool added to their Packout sub-site. Check it out for yourself<\/a> if you haven’t already.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Milwaukee PackOut Modular Storage System Components<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tool Boxes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Milwaukee PackOut Rolling Toolbox<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the base of our review of the PackOut system, we had the rolling toolbox.  Boasting 9″ all-terrain wheels and a metal through-axle, Milwaukee designed this toolbox to easily roll over a variety of surfaces and job site conditions.  This toolbox includes an industrial-grade, ergonomic extension handle designed to support box loads of up to 250 lbs.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Unless you’re an electrician or HVAC Pro that really can get away with carrying your tools in a bag or backpack, you want to get the PackOut rolling box as your foundation. It’s great for bulk storage and can fit a variety of power tools and accessories. As long as you’re not OCD about everything sitting exactly where you placed it, it’s a good bet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we reviewed the Milwaukee Packout review, we loved that the lid stays open on its own. This held true even when sitting at an angle. You can feel it gently snap into place. The latches are stout, which is always a win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The telescoping handle seems awfully close to overbuilt. Just keep in mind that it’s going to potentially support the rest of your PackOut system and its contents.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Our rolling box managed to take some damage in shipping. While it’s always a bit of a bummer for your new tools to be imperfect when they arrive, it’s actually the perfect opportunity to see how the reinforcement protects the box and its contents.<\/p>\n\n\n

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