DeWALT ToughSystem DXL omkostninger kontra fordele

When it comes to any tool system, you really want to consider what features and lifespan you'll get from your purchase in relation to the cost of it. So here we're taking a closer look at the cost versus benefits of the DeWALT ToughSystem DXL.

About the DeWALT ToughSystem DXL

This is the latest addition to their popular ToughSystem 2.0 range. As the name suggests this really is XL in terms of size, and so as you'd expect, in investment too.  For many this system offers an incredible addition to your workshop storage with the added benefit of portability perhaps more than being an every day mobile solution. Mainly just because of its size and weight. 

Presently, the range of options in the DeWALT ToughSystem DXL are pretty limited. There's a dolly (wheeled trolly unit) for portability. Also, a functional worktop to sit on top. Then to chop and change around in-between there are a deep drawer or shallow 2-drawer unit to suit. 

These ToughSystem DXL cases do also connect to older ToughSystem cases... bot the original and the 2.0. So, if you're considering an upgrade or expansion of your existing system, you can do so easily. Even the TSAK can work with this system via use of the adapter plates. Obviously that then means that all the compatible variants like Facom, Stanley, Craftsman can all be used with the system too.

They've really thought of everything. Right down to making sure that the shallow trays fit neatly inside the drawers too. Just the shallow ones though, the deep trays are just a smidge too deep for the deep drawer.

Additional features

At first glance, you might think that these drawers will be IP rated as there's a great seal around the drawers. Unfortunately though they aren't. But as the seals look strong they should certainly impede any dust, dirt or weather from getting into the drawers too easily.

The wheels look pretty rugged, and as they are all individually lockable casters, should offer good maneuverability when on site.

A neat feature is the integral locking mechanism meaning you can easily add a padlock to protect your contents if you're leaving your gear unattended on site for any period. When we say easily, the positioning of the padlock is slightly awkward. And you might want one not too big as the position means it will be sticking out a bit. But the latches are really need, and totally unobtrusive when not in use, great design by the manufacturer.

A key feature for us is in the drawers themselves which open out to full length. This means you can access all your tools, even those right in the back of the drawers, without issue.

So far then, there are a lot of benefits and functional attributes that make this an attractive addition to the range.  But what about cost...?

How much does the system cost?

Obviously different countries and the wide variety of stockists and re-sellers will have different levels of pricing, As with all things, this may end up coming down slightly over time. But at time of writing, this is the sort of investment you'd be looking at for each item in the Dewalt ToughSystem DXL range as it presently stands:

1. Dolly (DeWALT part number DWST08530-1)

£168.00 / $218.00

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

£240.00 / $298.00

(each, The complete workstations sold by most retailers come with two of these)

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

£252.00 / $326.00

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

£84.00 / $109.00

So right now in the UK you'd be looking to pay around £984.00 (equivalent to $1275.00) for the DeWALT ToughSystem DXL Workstation. That's not an insignificant sum when you think you can get a large, quality rollcab for around half that cost.

Is the DeWALT ToughSystem DXL worth it?

This is difficult to say, it's horses for courses. Lots of people will love this system. It undoubtedly reflects DeWALT's usual build quality, and it's modular nature which can be made to work with the existing ToughSystem range is a massive benefit. Plus the drawers offer a lot of space and capacity to be really organised with a lot of tools, and that's always a big plus for us.

For us, it's hard to see how this can be a useful solution when you're on site due to the size and the heft, being a 2-man lift so not ideal for lone workers. However if you wanted a dedicated workshop storage system then surely you'd go for a roll-cab which would offer more drawers for half the price? And yet in Jona's words "It's got a lot going for it. This is one of my favourite toolboxes ever". So maybe it's one of those "want" rather than "need" purchases.

Whether it represents good value with such a large price tag is hard to say. It's a quality bit of heavy-duty kit, so if that's something you need in your life, or you want to expand your existing DeWALT/ Stanley / Facom / Craftsman storage, then it's definitely worth considering!