The BIG question - what size is the DeWALT DXL

The clue is in the name when it comes to DeWALT's latest addition to the range. DXL. But actually, what size is the DeWALT DXL? We've been lucky enough to lay our hands on one, so here's all you need to know.

What size is the DeWALT DXL?

Pretty big. To us it seems more like it's a great addition to your workshop tool storage rather than a portable set up. That said, the workstation does come with a worktop and a dolly, so it is portable. If not practically so. But here's all the weights and dimensions you need to know.

1. Dolly (DeWALT part number DWST08530-1)

Starting from the bottom up, you've got the dolly first. The base unit onto which all the other units sit for maneuverability. The load capacity of this, officially, is up to 200kg, so as you'd expect it's not a small or light unit. The tough terrain wheels are 6" on casters, so they do give good movement in spite of the heavy weights.

So what size is the DeWALT DXL dolly on it's own? Before anything else is added this weighs in at a hefty 12KG / 27lbs.

One thing we noted on this dolly is that the footprint is slightly bigger on it than on the rest of the modules. Therefore it widens the overall workstation profile by about 5". This takes it slightly too wide to navigate a lot of standard door-frame sizes and could make maneuverability indoors tricky.

2. Deep drawer (DeWALT part number DWST08510-1)

Of course you can position the drawers in whatever configuration you want with this being a modular system. For us, we have two of the single deep drawer units on top of the dolly. These offer real big scale storage with an XL volume capacity of over 42 liters and according to the manufacturer they'll carry a load of up to 25kg.

While you can neatly fit two of the shallow ToughSystem trays side by side in the drawer it's a tiny bit too tight to get the deep trays in there, this seems to be one of the very few compatibility features that's been overlooked.

In the deep drawer you get a usable depth of just under 15cms which means that even without the addition of trays you can use multiple foam layers in there to really get the most from the space. With no tools in it though, this drawer weighs in at over 15kg / 34lbs, laden with our tools though just under 23kg / 50lbs. Or when you think about DeWALTS published capacity you could be looking at a 40KG drawer unit!

3. Shallow drawers (DeWALT part number DWST08520-1)

Bear in mind that this comes in a two-drawer unit. The overall published volume of this being 42.8 liters. These are said to hold up to 25KG total, ie 12.5KG per drawer.  

The usable drawer depth measures in at a around 58mm per drawer, so still a really usable space. You can also take out the base plate in the drawers to give you an additional 2mm of height, taking it to 60mm. You can also comfortably fit two of the ToughSystem shallow trays side by side in the drawer without issue.

The weight when empty, is 20kg / 44lbs. So fully laden you could be looking at 45kgs overall.

4. Work top (DeWALT part number DWST08550-1)

This is a sizeable unit in itself, and has a load capacity of 40KG. It's much lighter than the other parts though, with the size of the DeWALT DXL work top coming in at just £2.65kg / just under 6lbs.

What size is the DeWALT DXL workstation overall?

Of course, you're unlikely to use any of the units in isolation. Whilst this can be used in conjunction with your existing ToughSystem units, or even TSTAK (with adapters), many will like the look that the whole workstation offers as a stand-alone item. So what size is the DeWALT workstation overall?  Well, with our total configuration including worktop, Dolly, 2 x single deep drawers and 1 x shallow drawer two drawer unit, the scores on the doors are:

Height from the ground - 39" / 100cm 

Depth front to back - 21" / 54cms

Width left to right - 34" / 86cms

Total unladen weight - 65kg / 145lbs

So when you consider manual handling guidelines, you really would be pushed with some of the units not to need a two man lift, which is OK if you don't work alone. The units do come with two side handles so really do lend themselves to two man lifting. The overall weight of the units really is the only negative we've found in the whole system.