A lack of space for storage and quality organization makes getting started on any project a nightmare. This year, we have options for everything from organizing a single drawer and making the most of a small space to some of the toughest tool storage available. Here are the Pro Tool Innovation Award Winners for PTIA 2018 Storage Awards!
Winner – Storage Organizers & Accessories
Rockler Lock-Align Drawer Organizer Starter Kit
What they said:
Organize any drawer—and keep it that way—with the Rockler Drawer Organizer System. Use the interlocking trays, bins, and dividers to build a tidy grid of compartments customized not only to the size of your drawer but also to the tools and hardware that you need to sort. The trays interlock side-to-side and line up end-to-end to fill out drawers of any width or depth. When you get to the final piece at the end of the row, simply cut it to fit with an ordinary pair of scissors. The synthetic rubber material is easy-to-cut, and the grid of cutlines on the back side ensures that the interlocking feature still works once the tray is cut.
What we say:
Ever look at drawer organizers and wish you could change just a couple of things to suit your needs? Rockler solves the problem for you with their Lock-Align Drawer Organizer. You can customize your drawer—no matter what size it is—into the perfect space for screws or fuses or connectors or plumbing fittings or…well, you get the idea.
Price: $24.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Backpacks
Fluke Pack30 Professional Tool Backpack
What they said:
It can be very inefficient—as well as frustrating—to run back and forth to grab additional tools because you can’t carry everything you need to the job site. The new Fluke Pack30 Professional Tool Backpack makes it easy to organize, transport, and access all the tools you need for the day. Designed specifically for an electrician’s DMMs, clamps, tools, and accessories, the rugged backpack also protects tools even on the dirtiest work site.
The Fluke Pack30 features over 30 pockets and pouches designed to hold a broad array of Fluke tools and accessories, as well as screwdrivers, pliers, tape rolls, and other hand tools. You get six main storage compartments for convenient organization, a special pocket for tablets and laptops 12 inches (30 cm) wide or smaller, and even storage for safety glasses, earplugs, and cell phones. It also features a rugged, waterproof molded bottom to protect as well as hold the backpack upright, keeping tools organized and within easy reach.
What we say:
There are a lot of tool backpacks on the market, but Fluke’s Pack30 Professional Tool Backpack is the first one we put on and said, “Ah, that’s what a backpack is supposed to feel like.” It doesn’t have the largest tool capacity, but it has the most intelligent layout for organization. It’s really well-built, and it fits great. At the end of the day, isn’t that all we’ve been asking for?
Price: $199.99
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Fixed Storage
STANLEY STMT81527-36 in. Wall Mounted Folding Workbench
What they said:
The STANLEY 36-inch Folding Workbench features a slim folding design, 150 lb. work surface load capacity, and space to store tools and accessories. It can be assembled and hung quickly onto wall studs or concrete & masonry. Its slim, 9-inch frame is constructed of heavy-duty, 20-gauge steel, and its sleek design takes up minimal space in the closed position. The user can get work done where they need to, but also have a neat workspace, as the STANLEY 36-inch Folding Workbench includes a plastic organizer bin to store smaller parts and an internal locking system to keep the user’s tools safe and secure.
What we say:
Stanley’s Wall-Mounted Folding Workbench is the perfect solution for DIYers looking to make more efficient use of the space they have. With the ability to hold up to 150 pounds, it’s a 36″ x 23″ workspace with a pegboard backing. When you’re done, it folds up to just 9″ deep, eliminating the need for a permanent workbench that takes up a ton of space.
Price: $129.99
For more information, click here.
Winner -Modular Storage
Milwaukee 48-22-8400 PACKOUT Modular Storage System
What they said:
Since launching the Milwaukee storage category in 2014, the lineup has grown to include a breadth of solutions that deliver on the versatility and ‘Nothing But Heavy Duty’ promise demanded by users. With the introduction of the PACKOUT Modular Storage System, Milwaukee takes this commitment to the next level. Most current modular storage systems available today limit users to a single footprint or box size that offers very little versatility to fit their needs. PACKOUT is a game-changer for these users because it’s the first multi-footprint system that allows boxes, organizers, and totes of multiple sizes and configurations to easily stack and lock together.
What we say:
Milwaukee PACKOUT is one of the most exciting storage systems to come out in several years. With outstanding durability, PACKOUT offers some options that we don’t see in other storage systems. Namely, half width boxes that still lock in place and open top tool bags that lock into the system. This may be the single most innovative tool debuted at the Milwaukee 2017 New Product Symposium just because of the vast number of tradesman who can benefit.
Price: $29.99-$129.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Rolling Chests & Cabinets
DEWALT DWST25294 52 in. Wide 9-Drawer Rolling Tool Cabinet
What they said:
DEWALT 21″ Deep Tool Chests and Cabinets are 25% deeper than traditional tool storage. The 52” wide 17-drawer storage combination stands out with massive storage capacity and top-tier quality. Innovative features include integrated power strips with USB ports, 33″ wide drawers, and industry-leading 200 lb. ball-bearing drawer slides. The full-width drawer features double sets of slides to support 300 lbs., and a 12″ deep drawer holds power tools, such as a circular saw. 18-20 gauge double wall construction and industrial 6″ casters enable a massive 2,500 lb. overall load rating.
What we say:
DeWalt targets top quality with their new 21″ Deep Tool Storage Cabinet. Extra deep drawers mean you have room to store more, so DeWalt puts 200-pound drawer slides on most of the drawers and 300-pound slides on the full-width drawer. You’ll have to work awfully hard to hurt the double-walled steel panels. If you want more, there’s a corresponding cabinet to fit on top to make a more comprehensive storage solution.
Price: $1,099.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Rolling Job Site Storage
KNAACK Model 139-SK Safety Kage Cabinet
What they said:
The KNAACK Safety Kage is an industry-first, one-stop-shop for all organizational, fall protection and safety needs on the job site. Never before has a storage cabinet been designed specifically to meet the needs of standard personal protective equipment for an entire work crew, while also providing easy transportation and top-notch security.
The right side of the interior cabinet houses ample secure storage space for all types of fall protection and personal protection equipment, including hooks and ample room for hanging harnesses, pulleys and ropes. The left side of the KNAACK Safety Kage offers three shelves for storing hard hats, vests, and gloves. The top shelf has cubby holes to store smaller safety items such as dust masks and safety glasses. Finally, the outside of the unit has protected storage for a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and personal eyewash station. The Kage stores these three items on the outside for fast access in case of an emergency.
During an emergency or in the event of low visibility, workers will easily be able to locate the unit. Its bright, “safety green” color stands out among other equipment on the site.
What we say:
Most job site storage focuses on keeping your tools organized and secure. Knaack takes it in a different direction by making sure your safety gear and PPE are just as organized and secure with their Safety Kage rolling cabinet. With equipment getting stored the same way every time, and with the easy-to-see green color, your crew won’t have any question where to find exactly what they need when they need it.
Price: $2,099
For more information, click here.
Winner – Truck Boxes
Husky Matte Black Aluminum Full Size Low Profile Saddle Truck Box
What they said:
The Husky Truck Box has many advantages over its predecessor. The most obvious include the push button locks and closed rotary latches. These offer superior security and convenience over the previous model’s paddle handles and open latches. Additionally, the new box has protected gas struts. These increase durability along with the EPMD rubber weather stripping which provides greater resistance to the elements than open-cell foam. Plus, they add value by included mounting hardware and a plastic tray.
What we say:
At $269, you might be wondering where the compromises are with Husky’s Aluminum Full-Size Low Profile Saddle Truck Box. You’ll be looking for a while. Welded construction and a rubber weather seal give it a solid construction that can stand up to the elements. Husky also upgrades their latest edition with push-button locks and rotary latches to make it more secure.
Price: $269
For more information, click here.