I spent a few afternoons browsing tool boxes at local hardware stores and a few afternoons browsing their online selections as well as searching Amazon. I was looking for a hard case, sturdy enough to be used as a stool in a pinch, so all cloth cases and bags were out. And I was looking for something I could organize screws and similar small items in. Having previously used tool boxes with built in subdivided trays in the lid, that was my first choice, though drawers were another option. I did, however, need a fair sized open bin to keep my larger tools, and most drawer units did not have that option, or were in my opinion too big.
I have used Dewalt power tools, and have loved them, but have not been impressed with the construction of their small tool storage systems, so I was a little concerned as to how this box would turn out, rather than biased towards it. I saw other Dewalt boxes in the same line at Home Depot, and was even more concerned, as some seemed well built while others felt cheap and fragile. I bought this box anyways, as it was the closest to what I needed, and was little more expensive than the cheapest, weakest boxes I could find in store.
This box, overall feels sturdy. I would not worry about breaking it using it as a stool, though the lid for the subdivided top section is thin enough to noticeably flex; compared to most tool boxes with subdivide tops, with their brittle clear plastic lids, the flex is much preferred. The metal latches for the main bin close securely, and I expect they will last as long as the box itself. The aforementioned flexible lid to the subdivided top does not latch in a convincing manner: It has stayed closed so far, but I expect it will be the first thing to go. As I am no longer working construction, I doubt it will ever go, but if I used the box on a daily basis, I wouldn't expect that top lid to last more than a year, maybe not even half a year, before the latches wear and no longer stay closed. The hinge to the main bin extends almost the length of the case, just an inch short on either end, and has a metal, presumably stainless steel, pin. The subdivided top has 4 plastic nubs acting as hinges.
This tool box can either be carried by a long metal handle, as shown in the pictures, or by a small plastic handle like a briefcase, which is not shown in any of the pictures. The long metal handle appears to be aluminum, and I thus expect it to tarnish over time, resulting in dark gray aluminum oxide marks on anything it touches. It is corrugated, resulting in added strength as well as a functional grip. The smaller plastic handle has a mildly rubberized coating; I do not like rubberized coatings as they quickly get dirty and are much harder to clean than smooth plastic, but this one is not sticky enough to concern me. While I prefer to carry it like a briefcase, I was surprised by how unobtrusive the box felt while carrying it by the long handle; it took little effort to ensure I did not bang the tool box against my knees as I carried it. Both handles are very sturdy, and lock reassuringly into open or flat configurations. I would expect both to last as long as the box even if I were using it on a daily basis. The tool box also balances on end, like a briefcase.
Inside, the main bin is 16"x11"x4" deep, with another 1" of clearance in the lid. The small bins built into the top are another 1 5/8" deep, with negligible clearance in the lid. I can fit my socket set, screw drivers, hammer, and measuring tape in the main bin just fine, though I cannot also fit my power drill. I am not as pleased with the subdivided top: the compartments are typically too big or too small. There are four small bins, in which I can put driver tips or wire nuts or whatever itsy bitsy thing I want, but they are only just too small to fit a normal sized measuring tape (considering how hard it is to find a normal instead of "fat" measuring tape these days, or that Dewalt makes only a fat version, this is not surprising), nor are they big enough to fit other common small tools, like allen wrenches, or even 2" screws in any useful quantity. There is one large bin, but at 5 3/8"x6 3/8", it is far too large for even a fat measuring tape, while being only just too small for Dewalt's sets of drill bits or driver tips. There are two more long bins, which would conveniently hold loose drill bits, or sawzaw blades; I have a Stanley utility knife in one, and while it is nearly the perfect length, it is wide enough to fit two or possibly even three such utility knives. This does make it easy to extract your tools, but it also feels like a lot of wasted space, and considering the namesake long handle is recessed into the lid, subdivided space is at a premium. I can fit all my tools and accessories in the tool box; just not in as organized a fashion as I would have liked.
Overall, this is a quality built tool box. If you are looking for a reasonably large main bin with a subdivided section, this will probably fill your need. The box is sturdy except for the lid on the subdivided top, but even that is sturdy enough for home use. If I were to change anything in a new model, it would be to ditch the long handle and use the freed up space to add more and better thought out subdivisions. I have now considered buying the two drawer tool box from this same set, but as I don't at present have a need, I haven't yet. I would buy this box again for family of friends.
While searching,I came across one other box that almost won me over, a Husky cantilever box/organizer. It was just as sturdy when closed, except that the clear plastic lid for its subdivisions was rather brittle. I would probably have bought that one instead had it not been for that brittle top and my not liking cantilever tool boxes. If you are looking for the same things I was, this may be a good option for you as well.
| Brand | DEWALT |
|---|---|
| Material | Durable Plastic |
| Color | Black|yellow |
| Product Dimensions | 17.3"L x 7.3"W x 13"H |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Repellent |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 10 Kilograms |
| Number of Compartments | 7 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00076174712186 |
| Manufacturer | DEWALT |
| Part Number | DWST17808 |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Country of Origin | Israel |
| Item model number | DWST17808 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | Yes |
| Size | One Size |
| Style | Long Handle Toolbox |
| Finish | Brushed |
| Pattern | Solid |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number of Handles | 1 |
| Measurement System | Metric |
| Switch Style | Long Handle Toolbox |
| Included Components | Dewalt DWST17808 |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | Manurfacturer limited lifetime warranty |
