Dewalt Tough System 1 or Tough system 2?
Hopefully this video can help you decide. With all the Black Friday, Cyber Monday,
and holiday deals running all month, it was too hard for me to resist expanding
my black and yellow storage options. So first I'll compare each box individually and
then cover general attributes, which will apply to all the boxes in each set. As always see
the information section below if you'd like to jump to a specific point in the video.
Let's start at the bottom and work our way up. These are the dimensions of the extra large
mobile toolboxes. ToughSystem 1 comes with a 22 inch mobile toolbox model dwst08250, also
known as ds450, and 2.0 comes with a 24 inch box model dwst08450. So 2.0 is slightly larger. Let's
talk about the internal dimension since storage is what's important.
While 2.0 is a bit larger on
the outside, the increase in internal capacity is minimal when I factor in the topography. With 2.0
there are indents for the outside handles, wheels, front buckles, and there's less open space above
the lid. Regarding weight, system one is weighing in around 19 pounds while system 2 weighs in
around 24 pounds. 2.0 is a few pounds heavier, but given it's a bit larger and has larger wheels,
I'm basically comparing apples to bananas. System one's load rating is 88 pounds while system 2.0 is
250 pounds. crazy Is that right or even possible? That's what the specs are telling me, but if
that's right? Wow! That's a lot of tools.
Tough system one has seven inch diameter wheels
that are one and three quarters inch thick and I believe they're hard plastic. The wheels
of 2.0 are a bit more rugged at eight inches in diameter and two and a quarter inches thick. It
looks like they're made of hard rubber and that would be better for gravel. The axle of tough
system one is not covered but it is with 2.0 and they've added a convenient dolly-step for tilting
it back easier when the box is fully loaded. Of course neither system 1 nor 2.0's wheels and
build are as rugged as the dwst08210. That's the tough system ds carrier, which would be the
best choice if you tackle a lot of stairs. Both 1 and 2.0 have telescoping handles although the
handle of 2.0 is thicker and oriented differently. The handle of 1.0 is modestly taller and there's
a twisting mechanism for raising and lowering it. The handle does fold down lower than 2.0;
however, with 2.0 DeWalt not only changed the mechanism to an easy push button release, but
the handle is removable by twisting the tabs at the bottom making it easier to get the whole thing
under the cover of a pickup bed.
That's awesome! Both have nice chunky handles on top, but you'll
notice the handle of 2.0 is just slightly wider. For side handles I prefer the handles of system
one since 2.0 only has underside grip indents. I'm sure that was done given 2.0's higher load
rating. Oh my back. In terms of accessibility you'll notice the handle of system one
tilts backwards when the lid is open. It doesn't make a big difference but
it would if you're in a tight space, and the lid stays open. 2.0 has a lid that locks
in the open position without tilting the handle, so that's an improvement in my opinion. System
one comes with a three quarter box-top tool tray and 2.0 comes with a 40% of box-top tool tray.
Neither trays have adjustable compartments and both have plastic handles. Honestly, these trays
aren't important to me since I take them out to preserve space for tools. I load these boxes
like a little kid piling tools into a toy hutch. If you use the tough system 25 and a quarter
inch workshop racking storage system, system one's mobile toolbox fits, but it mounts
backwards.
2.0 won't fit at all so it's going to live on the floor. Let's move on to the 22-inch
large toolboxes that Home Depot calls medium. System one comes with dwst08203 and 2.0 comes
with dwst08300. These are the exterior dimensions, but again my measurements may differ slightly
from DeWalt's website since they factor in the latches and every other bumpy surface. Regarding
interior dimensions, they're about the same but 2.0 looks slightly bigger. Neither are smooth
corner to corner because both interiors are contoured for different things. For example,
1.0 has the latch screws sticking through and 2.0 has rounded corners likely added for
strength. 1.0 has more open space in the lid, but 2.0 makes up for that with box depth. Both
boxes weigh about 9.4 pounds without the trays and both have top handles. Again, 2.0's handle is
a little wider.
Both have rugged comfortable side handles, although 2.0's are slightly wider, and
both latch securely into the tough system workshop racking storage system… Sold separately. System
one does not have a locking stay open lid like 2.0 although sometimes when I close 2.0 it sounds
like breaking plastic. Freaks me out! System one comes with a 95% of box stop tool tray and 2.0
comes with a roughly 40% of box top tool tray. Neither trays have adjustable compartments and
both have plastic handles. As I mentioned earlier, these trays aren't important to me. All right,
let's talk about the 22 inch small toolboxes. System one comes with dwst08130 aka ds130 if you
buy all three boxes together, but since I've built my system one over time with various combo kit
purchases I have dwst08201 also referred to as ds150.
The ds-150 has a top handle, added storage
under the lid, and eight removable divider cups, while ds-130 does not have a top handle, only
four divider cups, and has two separate top compartments. Exterior dimensions are almost the
same though with 2.0 being a little larger than both system 1 boxes. Interior dimensions were
difficult to measure given all the contoured surfaces so i did my best. The DS130 weighs 8
pounds while DS150 and 2.0 both weigh 9.7 pounds. Neither ds-130 nor 2.0's dwst08165 have a top
handle, although ds150 does. That's sad because while it's probably too much weight for a single
handle, I like being able to grab two boxes at a time. The DS130 and the large system one
box have an air lock on top and system 2.0 boxes have this… it accommodates small parts
organizers like dwst08020. All small boxes have front handles although 2.0's are wider.
All have
comfortable rugged side handles although again 2.0's are wider and they all attach into the
tough system workshop racking storage system. DS130 and DS150 do not have stay open lids,
but 2.0 does. The DS130 comes with four parts organizers and two overhead compartments and the
DS150 comes with eight parts organizers, which I've removed to make room for my drills, as well
as overhead storage with two sub compartments. 2.0 has no overhead storage, but comes with two
enclosed parts organizers with nice adjustable compartments. That's great for organizing
small parts but again they reduce tool real estate so I store them elsewhere. If you're
still with me… because I know it's a lot of information and even i'm tired of listening to
my own voice at this point… now I'll discuss the overall features. For those of you who try
to buy things produced in the good old U.S.A.? Dewalt does offer toolboxes marked with this
sticker.
"Built in the USA with global materials" and oddly this phrase is trademarked, but all
of these boxes say, "Made in Israel." Okay! For security, both systems can be locked with
padlocks or cable locks, but DeWalt has added a metal washer for reinforcement to all of the
2.0 boxes. Systems 1 and 2 are made of heavy duty structural foam for high impact protection,
but throw the big or medium box loaded with tools off a truck? Forget about it! Both are also
waterproof; however, keep in mind that with all the nooks and crannies on the tops, leaving these
in the truck when it rains or outside overnight when it gets dewy….? Is dewy even a word? …
you might dump all the moisture into the toolbox. Make sure the lids are dry before opening them.
In my opinion the material of one feels tougher, although the load capacities are higher in system
2.0, which contradicts my last statement.
Of course I'm assuming the specs are accurate. 1 and
2.0 are IP65 rated for water and dust protection. The gaskets in system 1 are tucked up and
under the lids while 2.0's are visible and appear to be thicker. The first time I opened
a number two… Did i just say that? Anyway, it sounded like a fresh can of Pringles or tennis
balls. I should probably redo that last part. System one has one-piece, solid, anti-rust metal
latches. I think they're zinc. 2.0 has two-piece, metal, and plastic latches. I think the metal
is stainless. I should point it out because I just noticed that on system one's extra large
mobile toolbox there aren't any screw and metal brackets for the latches. None of the latches are
easy to open and close without hurting yourself, but I get injured every day. It's not a matter of
if, it's a matter of how bad and will I need to go to the hospital. That's just me.
The best way
to open the locks and avoid injury is to pull up from the bottom and keep your hands out of the
way. Regarding the lid's hinges, I have to say the annoying snapping and cracking of system
2.0 causes me to question their longevity. While I like to stay open lids, I think i prefer
system ones' lids. When it comes to stacking and attaching boxes, system one's locking mechanisms
can be stiff. Sometimes it requires a rubber mount to get these buggers to connect although
if you're not stacking the boxes the latches fold nicely out of the way.
They don't do that on
2.0. 2.0 has patented auto connect for easy on and one-touch off… or two touch if you count both
hands. The patented mechanism does have a spring and sticks up. That could impact longevity if
you're sliding boxes in and out of a vehicle. Luckily you can mix and match systems. 2.0 is
backwards compatible so system one attaches to two and 2.0 attaches to one. Just keep in mind you'll
need a system one box on top to attach the power station with 4-bay charger.
I should also mention
that system 1.0 has the metal latch on the back to lock into the utility hand truck, while 2.0
does not. Dewalt claims that system 2.0 has 20% more capacity if you factor in all three boxes,
but keep in mind the mobile box is larger, the tool tray in the medium box is half the size, and
the small box doesn't have the storage compartment under the lid. 20 percent more capacity? Sure, but
it kind of smells like a marketing gimmick to me. Speaking of smells… system one smells awful like
my grandmother's house. May she rest in peace. 2.0 smells like my neighbor Tommy's basement.
Both smell terrible so there's no clear winner or loser here. If you're concerned with
aesthetics 2.0 is shinier. Come on! Who cares? Let's briefly talk about the warranty. It's a
lifetime limited warranty, but DeWalt will most likely expect you to mail the defective box back
to them for inspection.
Not free or easy and it may be cheaper just to buy a new box, which makes
me think, "Fool me once? Shame on you DeWalt. Fool me twice? I'll be looking at the Milwaukee Pack
Out. I've heard good things about Ridgid too. These boxes aren't strangers to issues slash
fails. Most common are broken tote handles, wheels falling off, front latches
snapping off, a box cracking, or side handle splitting due to weight or a
fall from a truck. They're tough but they're not bulletproof. Regarding price… and I should
point out i missed my black friday deadline to get this review done…. at Home Depot, tuff
system 1 ranges from $99 to $119 for the set. Holy moly that's cheap! System 2.0? $159 for
the set. Is it worth the price difference? I think so although for the hardcore contractors,
consider getting the extra large toolbox without the wheels and the tough system utility cart.
Keep in mind the cart is bulky and it has its own drawbacks which go beyond the scope of this video.
To wrap up, you'll need to weigh the pros and cons for yourself to figure out what's the right rig
for your job.
When I do the math system, 2.0 is the winner, but not by much. So get your black
friday, cyber monday, holiday shopping deals on, before they're gone. I hope this video has
been helpful. If it has please do me a favor and like it and consider subscribing. That
always helps me out. Thanks for watching! …The first time i opened a
number two…
did i just say that?.
