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?