Purchase Link:
[PACKOUT 3 Drawer unit] https://shrsl.com/2xmcq
[PACKOUT 2 Drawer unit] https://shrsl.com/2xmcx
[PACKOUT Open crate] https://shrsl.com/2xmcy
My Thoughts On the Milwaukee Packout Modular Storage System
Hey guys – I realize PACKOUT isn’t new. The internet is filled with tons of pros sharing their experience with PACKOUT. So why am I making this video?
What I noticed is I had a pretty unique journey when it came to my experience with PACKOUT. A lot of videos and articles online are of pros sharing their PACKOUT setups for the shop or in their vehicles… and while I certainly have those setups too… I’ve also had an interesting time creating a PACKOUT kit setup I can take directly out onto the job site.
I wanted to share this because, frankly, I haven’t seen a ton of people talking about how PACKOUT works for them when they roll it up onto the job site. So, let’s get into it…”
What PACKOUT Brings To the Table
Neither PACKOUT, nor stackable storage is new so what makes it stand out? This article is NOT a tool/product review, it’s about process and organization. Specifically my process.
How I Look At PACKOUT
Remodeling and construction job sites are busy, hectic arenas, with tools and equipment everywhere, contractors many times overlook the “tools that protect the tools” and their need for power tool storage.
I’ve personally run the gamut on tool storage. I started storing my tools in the original boxes they came in, then switched over to using 100% Bosch L-Boxx system, and later started using tool bags because they took up less space on my trailer shelves.
I’ve always believed that modular organizers are designed to allow for better and more secure storage, better organization and easier mobility. I’ve also preached that being organized is key to being productive at work.
PACKOUT seemed like the next logical step for me, but my 6x10 tool trailer disagreed. The trailer had welded shelves that were custom-designed for the L-Boxx system. As a result, I did not jump on the PACKOUT bandwagon until I replaced my trailer with a Sprinter van.
What Sold Me on PACKOUT:
I recently watched one of my carpenters unpack his PACKOUT stack – he had everything he needed and brought it in on one trip. After seeing that, and knowing I was moving on from a trailer to a Sprinter van, I decided it was time to try PACKOUT’s stackable storage approach.
“Contractors use only 33% of their time on the job site working. The rest of that time is spent on tasks such as material runs, un-planned demands and interruptions, searching for tools and parts, and running errands.”
Making A PACKOUT Everyday Carry Kit
I decided it was time to create tool kits of commonly used tools and ALL of their accessories. Depending on the work we’re doing I would grab that appropriate kit.
A Great Approach, Until It Wasn’t
I was using the PACKOUT kits for a while and realized that there were times that I needed to make one-cut with a circular saw and had to unclick and remove 3 Packout boxes to access the bottom circular saw case. After this happened a few times, I realized that this was a no-go for me.
Back To The Drawing Board
Right around this time I started testing out the PACKOUT drawer sets. They come in two sizes. [ 2 drawer and 3 drawer]
The drawer units got my attention, as well as, my crews eye. The drawer sets instantly allowed me to access lower cases in a stack without removing the upper cases in that same stack.
Hmmmm – ok maybe this is the unicorn I’m looking for. I started organizing my tools using the drawer systems, placing two of them at the rear doors of the van, facing out. My thoughts were that I could access the drawer contents without having to enter the van. Here’s how I laid it out:
Small Drawer Unit:
Drawer 1: Pneumatic finish naier and finish nails
Drawer 2: Pneumatic brad nailer and brads
Drawer 3: Pneumatic pin nailer and M12 cordless pin nailer and pins.
This set up has been working amazingly well. I use the PACKOUT crate to load up the tools I need and bring them in, and keep the PACKOUT drawer units in the van, as a home base, for all of the accessories.
Using these drawers has lead me to the conclusion that I definitely want to add more drawer units to my van for my multi-tool, jigsaw, sander and maybe a mini-recip.
Improvements To PACKOUT
I know I said this wasn’t a product review but I think having a drawer solution on wheels is a must for Milwaukee. I also think that this drawer unit should be large enough for a circular saw or at least a reciprocating saw.
Overall Thoughts on PACKOUT
I really like the PACKOUT system, especially the drawer units. I’m planning on investing in more drawer units for my van. The next group of drawer units will be added to my mobile, “on-wheels,” stack. My goal would be NOT to have to unclip the stacked drawer boxes and keep it as a constant “mobile tower.”