The problem with buying great, innovative tools is storing them. Storage addresses the tool crib, the shop, the job site, and the vehicle that goes in between them all. We try to recognize the many ways innovation improves how we store, transport, and organize power and hand tools. Here are the PTIA 2020 Storage Awards winners!
Winner – Accessories
Tool Hangerz Pro Pack – 8 Piece Combo Set
What they said:
ToolHangerz is top-tier when it comes to tool organization. No more flimsy hangers falling or breaking when grabbing your favorite tools! This 8-piece Pro Pack system offers diverse solutions, allowing you to store circular saws, drills, batteries, and much more. Tool Hangerz is different from other solutions as they are specifically designed to allow multiple uses per hanger and ease of use when placing or removing a variety of power tools. American made ToolHangerz allow for maximum accessibility to all your tools and supplies, and are conveniently capable for both pegboard and slat board wall systems. Why continue with clutter? Use ToolHangerz and organize your space today—your way.
What we say:
While you can perhaps get something cheap at the local big box store to hang a full-sized drill or some hand tools on pegboard, Tool Hangerz expands their repertoire. The company makes hangers for circular saws, jigsaws & batteries, large power tools, drills, nailers, sanders & routers, and more. Some of the hangers feature flat surfaces that you can set tools, accessories, or batteries on. Of course, they make locking J-hooks and other general utility hangers as well. They also make these items in both pegboard style and direct-attach. For the latter, a simple large screw or screw/washer combo will affix it to any wood surface.
Price: $74.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Coolers
Milwaukee Tool 48-22-8460 PACKOUT 16QT Compact Cooler
What they said:
Our PACKOUT Modular Storage System is the industry’s most durable and versatile storage system. The PACKOUT 16QT Compact Cooler holds ice for over 30 hours, and we’ve constructed it with impact-resistant polymers for ultimate jobsite durability. This cooler is IP65 rated to withstand harsh environments and jobsite debris. Our 16-quart cooler with an integrated bottle opener and interior storage tray offers you maximum versatility on and off the jobsite with a no-sweat exterior. The MILWAUKEE PACKOUT Modular Storage System allows you to customize a storage system that easily transports and organizes your tools and accessories.
What we say:
There are a plethora of coolers available, and some are better than others. What sets Milwaukee’s PackOut cooler apart is the quality and its compatibility with the PackOut system. We like the 16-quart size. It’s large enough to hold your lunch and enough drinks and snacks to get you through those hot summer days yet small enough to easily manage. With 30 hours of maximum ice retention, it’s ready to work alongside you during those long hot days.
Price: $99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Fixed
Milwaukee Tool 48-22-8488 PACKOUT Customizable Work Top
What they said:
The PACKOUT Modular Storage System is the industry’s most versatile and durable storage system. The PACKOUT Customizable Work Top is constructed with impact-resistant polymers and ½” marine grade wood top that provides users with a durable work surface for assembly and writing tasks. Featuring a 50lb weight capacity and a fastener-ready design, the Customizable Work Top allows users to attach vises, chargers, and a variety of other items to the top of their PACKOUT stack for easy and secure transport. The PACKOUT Modular Storage allows you to customize your storage system for easy transportation and organization of tools and accessories
What we say:
As your PackOut system gets taller, why not use the top as a work surface? Milwaukee’s team asked the same question and decided to make it happen. With a tough polymer as its foundation, there’s a marine-grade wood top in the center. When your jobsite doesn’t offer much table space, PackOut gives you what you need for a variety of tasks.
Price: $49.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Rolling Chests & Cabinets
Craftsman 2000 Series Steel Tool Chest
What they said:
Proudly Made in Sedalia, MO USA, and constructed of 18-gauge steel with the iconic Craftsman I-Frame design. 3-Piece Combo is a part of the feature-rich Craftsman 2000 Series tool storage platform. What makes this combo unique is that it is the first-ever combo to offer soft-close slides on a 12-inch deep unit with 75 lb. capacity which expands soft-close into a more economical solution. It is the lowest cost soft-close equipped combo in the market and features a 650 lb load rating and 4.5-inch x 1.5-inch casters.
The 26-inch 4-Drawer Chest is constructed with an 18-gauge double-wall frame for strength and durability. It has four drawers featuring soft-close slides with each drawer boasting 75 lb capacity. The chest incorporates recessed metal side handles for convenient mobility. The intermediate chest includes three drawers and provides additional storage space. In addition, the 12-inch deep intermediate chest has three soft-close slides with 75 lb capacity. The 4-Drawer Rolling Cabinet features a full-grip tubular side handle facilitating mobility.
All in, the new Craftsman 2000 Series Tool Storage platform combines all the great features of the Craftsman 2000 Series line at a more economical solution.
What we say:
Start writing your own Craftsman story with the 2000-series steel tool chest or combo. Craftsman targets high value with features that professionals enjoy. With 75-pound soft-close drawer slides and 18-gauge steel, this storage solution’s regular prices feel like a sale. To top it all off, Craftsman produces these right here in the USA.
Price: $99 – $239 for individual pieces
For more information, click here.
Winner – Rolling Jobsite
Milwaukee Tool 48-22-8415 PACKOUT 2-Wheel Cart
What they said:
The Milwaukee PACKOUT 2-Wheel Cart has an integrated PACKOUT mounting on the base plate and the frame to allow the user to securely attach PACKOUT products in a variety of orientations. The cart’s 10” industrial wheels and a 400lbs weight capacity provide users the versatility to move large objects around the jobsite and the compact width allows it to easily roll through narrow doorways.
What we say:
As one of the most anticipated PackOut expansion pieces, we’re excited about the Milwaukee PackOut 2-Wheel Cart. The base plate secures PackOut boxes, letting you essentially customize the base of your rolling cart. You can stack up from there or hang smaller cases vertically on the middle mount. Storage areas on the cross members add versatility that we don’t normally see on hand trucks. To top it all off, Milwaukee built this cart with a monster 400-pound capacity. Sure, there are other hand trucks you can get, but they’re not nearly as much of a storage solution as Milwaukee’s PackOut 2-Wheel Cart.
Price: $199
For more information, click here.
Winner – Tool Boxes
Milwaukee Tool 48-22-8422 PACKOUT Compact Tool Box
What they said:
Our PACKOUT Compact Tool Box is part of the MILWAUKEE PACKOUT Modular Storage System, the industry’s most durable and versatile storage system. The PACKOUT Compact tool box is constructed with impact-resistant polymers and features a 75lbs weight capacity. The tool storage box connects with other PACKOUT system components via integrated locking cleats. The IP65 rating weather seal to protect tools and accessories from rain and other jobsite debris. Quick-adjust dividers and an interior tray keep equipment organized. The portable tool box is easily transported with its carry handle and reinforced hinges. The PACKOUT modular storage allows you to customize your storage system for easy transportation and organization of tools and accessories.
What we say:
Milwaukee’s PackOut Compact Tool Box is everything you need it to be. As a deep, half-width box, it’s perfect for storing tools up to the size of a circular saw. It’s more than bulk storage, however. Dividers let you customize the layout to your liking. Plus, it has a weather-tight seal, letting you transport your tools and gear in the back of your truck without fear of the elements.
Price: $59.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Tool Rigs
Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Click Lock Modular Tool Belt
What they said:
Klein Tools Click-Lock Modular System offers an innovative method of tool storage and transportation for trade professionals. With multiple pouches and holding options, the system is designed to give a customizable option that can fit any professional’s jobsite needs. The wall rack and tool belt have innovative connections so you can mix and match pouches as you need, and transfer them from stationary storage on the wall rack to on-the-go storage on the tool belt.
The Tool Belt specifically fits all Klein Tool Pouches with 2-inch tunnel loop belt connections. The 2-inch wide double webbed belt features a padded liner with a breathable mesh interior, as well as thick rugged leather belt ends. It includes metal connection points to attach suspenders for extra support, and side handles for ease of lifting.
What we say:
We absolutely love the modular concept surrounding Klein’s Tradesman Pro Click Lock Modular Tool Belt. Rather than carrying everything everywhere, use Klein’s Click Lock pouches to build out specific kits you need and take just what you need to get the job done. The belt itself is more than just an afterthought to hold pouches, however. It has solid padding for comfort and a double-punched leather strap to secure it at your waist. It even has attachment points for suspenders if you prefer.
Price: $35.99
For more information, click here.