Mobile Modular Tool Storage for Maintenance
Recently, management expanded my role and moved me to a larger, more visible office. Management also decided they didn’t like the image of a roller cabinet in my office, and I needed to find a new place to keep it. To that end, I decided to seize the opportunity and donate my 26″ U.S. General Roller Cabinet to my best maintenance technician. I’ve wanted a more portable solution, and this is the opportunity to make the change.
Why Milwaukee Packout?
I wasn’t simply looking for a portable tool system; there are great tool bags, tool packs, and backpacks from Wiha, Custom Leathercraft (CLC), Milwaukee Tools, and Veta Pro Pac, to name a few. I was most importantly interested in a durable modular tool storage system emphasizing “system,” and Milwaukee Packout fits the bill perfectly.
The Milwaukee Packout System lineup includes many storage containers, totes, toolboxes, and bags in sizes that suit almost any need. There is also a substantial sub-culture of non-Milwaukee Packout accessories that I will discuss elsewhere.
Why a Portable Modular Tool Storage System?
My team’s and my needs are evolving. We are located at our company headquarters but frequently service a second facility about 8 miles away. The ability to grab and go is a must. We have considered keeping tools and supplies at the remote facility, but there are many reasons not to do that.
A modular storage system consisting of Milwaukee Packout products makes grabbing the necessary tools and supplies easy while leaving what we don’t need behind in the maintenance cage. Our grab-and-go approach applies to both locations.
Additionally, we are embracing the Milwaukee Packout System to organize spare parts, tooling, and maintenance supplies for a significant portion of our needs.
Transitioning to the Milwaukee Packout System
Transitioning to the packout system from a traditional rollaway toolbox arrangement was an interesting experience. To begin with, I hadn’t carefully considered how much storage I needed. My roller cabinet drawers measure about 26 “wide by 22” deep, and the largest packout boxes I use measure about 2/3 less than the rollaway. To keep my tools well organized, this move to the packout system translates into a surprisingly expensive endeavor.
I also learned that I have a previously unknown quirk; I don’t like my tools moving around. I originally planned to buy simple drawer liners but instead used foam inserts. Many foam insert options are available on Amazon and 5S supply houses.
The most challenging packout detail for me to get used to is the drawer slides of the two-drawer and three-drawer units. The drawer slides lack the smoothness of quality ball-bearing slides, and the friction is probably intentional.
I need to mention the weight. The Milwaukee Packout System’s robust construction is heavier than one might expect and incomparable to the inexpensive storage products that look similar.
03/31/2024 Update: Elsewhere on this site, I suggested purchasing Milwaukee Packout products from Home Depot. Recently, a user suggested eBay on Reddit. A quick trip to eBay was a bit of an eye-opener. Whether purchasing from another person or an online retailer’s eBay store, deals will be had.
Using Milwaukee Packout System
As I wrote in the post “Basic Industrial Maintenance Tool List,” I believe in only carrying the tools necessary to perform a job, and this is one area where the Milwaukee Packout System shines. Utilizing specialized and dedicated packout boxes makes grabbing only what you need easy. Below is a short list of my most used, specialized packout-based tool kits. Some of the kits make it to nearly all jobs.
- Sensors, Relays, and Wiring – This kit includes a Turk sensor test box, Knipex automatic wire stripper, Knipex ferrule crimper, Jokari Sensor Special Wire Stripper, Fluke 187 DMM, and assorted miscellaneous control troubleshooting tools.
- Air Cylinder Service –
- Temperature and Analog Service –
- Panel Building & Enclosures –
- PLC and VFD –
- Equipment Specific Service –
MILWAUKEE PACKOUT SYSTEM
Milwaukee Packout Rolling Tool Box 48-22-8426
MILWAUKEE PACKOUT Rolling Tool Box 48-22-8426
Part of the industry’s most versatile and most durable modular storage system, the Milwaukee PACKOUT™ rolling toolbox is constructed with impact-resistant polymers, an industrial grade extension handle, 9 In. All-terrain wheels and metal reinforced corners provide up to 250 lbs of weight capacity in harsh job site conditions. Featuring an IP65-rated weather seal to keep out rain and job site debris, the Milwaukee PACKOUT™ rolling toolbox is fully compatible with all Milwaukee PACKOUT™ modular storage products.
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- Industrial grade extension handle
- 9 In. all-terrain wheels
- IP65 Rated weather seal
- Metal reinforced corners
- Metal-reinforced locking point
- Interior organizer tray
- Mounting location for the one key tick
- Heavy duty latches
Weight 28.595 Pounds
Milwaukee PACKOUT Low-Profile and Compact Low-Profile Organizers
Part of the industry’s most versatile and most durable modular storage system, the Milwaukee® PACKOUT™ low-profile organizer and compact low-profile organizer are constructed with impact-resistant materials for jobsite durability and feature an IP65-rated weather seal to keep out rain and jobsite debris. The interior contains no-travel bin seals to prevent the bin’s contents from migrating between bins during transport.
Milwaukee PACKOUT Low-Profile Organizer 48-22-8431
The interior contains 10 removable bins with removable bin dividers for increased storage capacity.
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Weight 4.63 Pounds
Milwaukee PACKOUT Compact Low-Profile Organizer 48-22-8436
The interior contains 5 removable bins with removable bin dividers for increased storage capacity.
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Weight 2.35 Pounds
Milwaukee Packout Deep Organizer 48-22-8432
MILWAUKEE PACKOUT Deep Organizer 48-22-8432
The MILWAUKEE® PACKOUT™ Deep Organizer has a 50lb capacity and is constructed with impact-resistant polymers to withstand harsh job site conditions. The weather seal has an IP65 rating that protects tools, accessories, and parts from rain and other job site debris. The organizer’s interior features quick-adjust dividers and a deep design for holding both large fittings and small parts. The transparent lid of the organizer seals the compartments to prevent contents from migrating and traveling during transport. The PACKOUT™ modular storage system allows storage customization to easily transport and organize tools and accessories.
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- 50lbs Weight Capacity
- IP65 Rated Protection
- Quick-Adjust Dividers
- Impact Resistant Polymer Construction
- Clear Top For Easy Identification Of Contents
- Heavy Duty Latches
- Reinforced Hinge
- Includes 6 Dividers
- 3 Large and 3 Small Dividers
Weight 2 Pounds
Milwaukee Packout 2-Drawer Tool Box 48-22-8442
MILWAUKEE PACKOUT 2-Drawer Tool Box 48-22-8442
The MILWAUKEE® PACKOUT™ 2-Drawer Tool Box has a 50lbs weight capacity and a locking security bar to padlock the drawers closed, keeping them securely shut during transport. As part of the PACKOUT™ Modular Storage, the toolbox provides customized storage solutions for easy transportation and organization of tools and accessories. This portable toolbox with drawers has impact-resistant polymers, all-metal ball-bearing slides, and metal-reinforced corners for ultimate job site durability. The 2-Drawer Tool Box has Quick-Adjust Dividers to customize the drawer layout (Includes 1 set of dividers). The PACKOUT™ Modular Storage System is the industry’s most versatile and durable storage system.
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- The locking Security Bar keeps drawers securely shut
- 50lbs Weight Capacity
- Part of the PACKOUT™ Modular Storage System
- Impact Resistant Body
- Internal Organization
- Metal Ball Bearing Drawer Slides
- Includes (1) Set of Quick-Adjust Dividers
- Metal Reinforced Corners
- Modular Connectivity with ALL PACKOUT™ Components
Weight 20.05 Pounds
Milwaukee Packout 3-Drawer Tool Box 48-22-8443
MILWAUKEE PACKOUT 3-Drawer Tool Box 48-22-8443
The MILWAUKEE® PACKOUT™ 3-Drawer Tool Box has a 50lbs weight capacity and a locking security bar to padlock the drawers closed, keeping them securely shut during transport. As part of the PACKOUT™ Modular Storage, the toolbox provides customized storage solutions for easy transportation and organization of tools and accessories. This portable toolbox with drawers has impact-resistant polymers, all-metal ball-bearing slides, and metal-reinforced corners for ultimate job site durability. The 3-Drawer Tool Box has Quick-Adjust Dividers to customize the drawer layout (Includes 1 set of dividers). The PACKOUT™ Modular Storage System is the industry’s most versatile and durable storage system.
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- The locking Security Bar keeps drawers securely shut
- 50lbs Weight Capacity
- Part of the PACKOUT™ Modular Storage System
- Impact Resistant Body
- Internal Organization
- Metal Ball Bearing Drawer Slides
- Includes (1) Set of Quick-Adjust Dividers
- Metal Reinforced Corners
- Modular Connectivity with ALL PACKOUT™ Components
Weight 22.45 Pounds
Milwaukee Packout 2-Wheel Cart 48-22-8415
MILWAUKEE PACKOUT 2-Wheel Cart 48-22-8415
The MILWAUKEE® PACKOUT™ 2-Wheel Cart has integrated PACKOUT™ mounting on the base and frame to securely stack or hang PACKOUT™ products. This PACKOUT™ rolling cart easily transfers on and off the job site with a 400lb weight capacity and 10″ industrial wheels. The 2-wheel tool cart is part of the PACKOUT™ Modular Storage System, the industry’s most versatile and durable storage system. The PACKOUT™ System offers customizable storage solutions for easy transportation and organization of tools and accessories.
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- Modular Connectivity with ALL PACKOUT™ Components
- In-Board Wheels for Compact Design
- Folding Load Plate for Compact Storage
- Compact Width
- Integrated Long Tool Storage
- Impact Resistant Body
- 10″ Flat-Free Wheels
- 400lbs Weight Capacity
- Stack or Hang
Weight 34 Pounds
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