If you work with your hands, you know Milwaukee’s Packout system has been all the rage for some time now. The modular design is a great idea, and all the big names have their own version of it. DeWalt, Ryobi, Craftsman, and Flex all have similar storage systems, and it’s easy to see why. Literally, all it takes is a quick glance to see exactly what the advantages are with a system like this.
I’ve always seen the Milwaukee Packout boxes as solutions that are more intended for construction workers than mechanics. That’s simply because construction workers generally change job sites frequently, while mechanics tend to stay put. However, there are some exceptions to that rule. Mobile techs who make a living on the go could make good use of modular rolling tool systems like this. It’d also be a great for track days for those who don’t have an enclosed trailer doubling as a workshop.
After spending some time with Milwaukee’s Packout tool boxes, I can confirm that take. No, it’s not a necessary for the average mechanic and there are cheaper alternatives worth considering. However, high portability and awesome organizational factors are great for gearheads on the go. If I were a mobile tech, I’d definitely build my load out around this system or something similar. And if I ever get the Charger to the track, you can count on this going for the ride.
The Bottom Line
| Milwaukee Packout Rolling Storage System | |
|---|---|
| Quality | 9/10 |
| Value | 6/10 |
| Portability | 9/10 |
| Versatility | 8/10 |
| Overall | 8/10 |
Milwaukee Packout Specs
Milwaukee‘s Packout setup is simply a modular rolling tool storage system. It starts with a rolling base with an extendable handle for easy transportation. Interlocking slots on the tops and bottoms of the boxes allow you to stack and lock them together. You can easily tote a tower of tool boxes along, if you don’t want to carry them individually.
For this review, Milwaukee sent out quite a few options to work with. Specifically, a combination of the PACKOUT™ Rolling Tool Box base, PACKOUT™ Compact Organizer, PACKOUT™ 4 Drawer Tool Box, the PACKOUT™ 2-Drawer Tool Box, and some magnetic trays. I also have the Shockwave socket sets that can stack onto the system. According to my tape measure, the base has a height of 16 inches, a width of 22 inches, and a depth of 18 inches. The attachments vary in size, but all fit within that foot print.
All of the Milwaukee Packout boxes are built from impact-resistant polymers with metal-reinforced corners. Drawers are also set up with ball-bearing slides for the quality and reliability you’d expect for the money. Speaking of which, the base retails for $139.00, the four-drawer unit retails for $199.00, the two-drawer for $156.00, the compact organizers for $37.99, and the magnetic trays for $16.99. A lifetime warranty is standard.
Getting to Work With Milwaukee Packout
While the Packout is intended for remote jobs, I did make a ton of use of it throughout several projects inside the shop. Most notably an engine job on my project truck. Having all of my power tools right there as I worked had me feeling spoiled beyond measure. Though, it’s absolutely overkill in this respect, and a basic shop cart would make a lot more sense. After all, there’s no place to store parts on the Packout.
My shop is a bit cramped thanks to that truck, though. So, I’ve conducted a good amount of work in the driveway as well. It came in handy for some brake work on my Fiance’s daily and my dad’s truck, along with some random bouts with my ’69 Charger. Being able to wheel the Packout to the cars with all of my tools made things a lot easier. The specific configuration I found most effective for my use is the two-drawer box sandwiched between two shockwave socket sets and the rolling base. The base and two-drawer boxes have large cavities that are great for larger hand tools, power tools, and supplies like gloves and glasses, with separators to keep everything organized. The Shockwave socket sets have additional storage space for ratchets, extensions, and other small items you might want on hand.
The 9-inch all-terrain wheels on the base Packout box handle varying terrain pretty well. Obviously, a paved driveway is easily within their scope, but I’m also really impressed with their performance on dirt and gravel. I expected that, considering the broad focus on the trades. The extendable handle and kick-out at the base for tipping the system like a dolly really helps with transportation. Being able to split the system apart in seconds is great for maneuverability as well.
I really appreciate how sturdy these boxes feel. Like many, I half-expected them to feel like a plastic tackle box, but they’re definitely a lot beefier. Even the clear plastic faces on the Shockwave boxes are plenty hardy. I have dropped those on multiple occasions, and they’ve held up just fine. The sturdiness also carries through to all of the joints and drawers.
As for the organizational factor, the separators included with the base and two-drawer system make it really easy to organize things however you want. That can make a big difference for mobile techs who use this as their primary tool storage system. If you are going to use the 4-drawer box for hand tools, I would recommend adding foam inserts to keep everything firmly locked in place while you wheel around. The included separators are great, but that would take this to the next level.
That’s not to say you can use this system in place of a full-on tool chest, even if it has quite a few drawers. The base has a total weight capacity of 250 pounds. That’s more than enough for the majority of remote jobs, but itlimits you from using this as the centerpiece of your shop. Not that it was intended for that anyway.
That brings me to the final point I want to hit. As nice as this is and as much potential as it has for mobile mechanics, it’s simply a luxury for the rest of us. Now, that’s not necessarily a major problem, but it does work against overall value when you consider the pricing. Unsurprisingly, the Milwaukee Packouts are a bit more expensive than most of the competitors. The quality and variety available really do make them an excellent choice for many tradespeople. But only a small group of mechanics will entertain the idea, most likely opting for the cheaper options.
The Verdict: A Win Mobile Mechanics and Track Days, Simply a Luxury for The Rest of Us
Milwaukee Packout is a well-built, well-thought-out rolling storage system. It meets the needs of tradespeople who make a living outside of a shop, saving them trips to and from the tool truck on long jobs. The ability to separate things easily and carry them individually really adds to the flexibility. The variety of boxes and attachments available help with mass appeal.
It is limited in the automotive space. These are undoubtedly a solid choice for mobile techs but are simply a luxury otherwise. I have used them in my trunk kit, and they’re really nice to have around in general. I could see these being great for track days and other recreational settings. However, they’re a bit expensive for someone who does the majority of their work in a garage. That’s not just in the case of the Packout boxes specifically, but anything in this space. To me, a to-go tool bag or a tool cart just makes more sense for most situations. That said, you will be happy with the quality and flexibility if you opt to buy them anyway.
