The Craftsman Tradestack and the Craftsman Versastack are some of the notable choices of portable tool boxes. They are both made by the Craftsman brand. The Craftsman Tradestack and the Craftsman Versastack tool boxes do share some similarities. For instance, they are both made out of plastic, have a suitcase style, and are water-resistant. They also have fundamental differences which we shall highlight. For instance, they weigh and cost differently. We shall be exploring that and more in this discussion. Ultimately you will be able to make an informed choice for either.
Table of Contents
Craftsman Tradestack Vs Versastack: Comparison Table
| Craftsman Tradestack | Craftsman Versastack | |
| Build Material | Plastic | Plastic |
| Water Resistance Level | Water resistant | Water resistant |
| Weight | 7.5 Pounds | 3.92 pounds |
| Dimensions | 21.3 × 14.5 × 6.25 inches | 17.3 × 13 × 6.5 inches |
| Style | Suitcase | Suitcase |
| Ratings | IP65 rated | IP54 rated |
| Price | Check Price On Amazon | Check Price On Amazon |
| Craftsman Tradestack |
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| Craftsman Versastack |
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Craftsman Tradestack Vs Versastack: Design And Features
The Craftsman Tradestack tool box is specially designed for outdoor use. When you purchase it, it comes with 6 removable covered cups for small parts organization. The Craftsman Tradestack also has considerable storage space to accommodate both power tools and hand tools. The Craftsman Tradestack tool box is designed in such a way that enables automatic connection to all Tradestack units. The drop and lock system is what makes that possible. The predominant build material is plastic.
The Craftsman Tradestack tool box has more storage room inside than the Craftsman Versastack. The Craftsman Tradestack also features a removable tray inside the bottom box. The Craftsman Versastack is also specially designed for outdoor use. The Craftsman Versastack tool box also wields substantial storage space. The build material is robust enough for long haul use. Just like Craftsman Tradestack tool box, the Craftsman Versastack’s setup allows for easy stacking of units in the box.
Craftsman Tradestack Vs Versastack: Water And Dust Protection
One of the key differences between the Craftsman Tradestack and the Craftsman Versastack portable tool boxes are their protective characteristics. Generally the Craftsman Tradestack and the Craftsman Versastack are made of similar looking plastic. However, the plastic of the Craftsman Tradestack tool box is tougher. The Craftsman Tradestack tool box is rated as IP65. The Craftsman Versastack tool box is IP54 rated.
This means that the Craftsman Tradestack is totally impervious and resistant to dust. This extends to being resistant to incessant downpours of water. Thus the Craftsman Tradestack tool box can be rained on or have water poured on it without an issue. The Craftsman Versastack tool box is resistant to dust but it is only to a limited extent. As for water, the Craftsman Versastack tool box can only withstand splashes of water.
Craftsman Tradestack Vs Versastack: Stacking And Handling
The Craftsman Versastack tool box has metal latches. Whereas the Craftsman Tradestack tool box has plastic latches. The lid of the Craftsman Versastack tool box can open to a 90 degree angle. The Craftsman Tradestack tool box’s lid can also open to a 90 degree angle. The Craftsman Versastack tool box has handles on the top and the sides. The Craftsman Tradestack tool box only has a handle on the side; not on the top. These are the same handles you use to lock it in place when stacking it on top of the other. This implies that the Craftsman Versastack tool box does not have a one touch release mechanism. The Craftsman Tradestack has a one touch release mechanism.
The Craftsman Tradestack tool box system has a top adapter plate that makes it possible to add a Craftsman Versastack tool box on top. That is a unique versatility. The Craftsman Tradestack tool box comes with organizers inside. The handles you use to wheel the two portable tool boxes are different. The Craftsman Tradestack has a wider handle. The Craftsman Versastack tool box’s handle is positioned at the middle. The Craftsman Tradestack’s handle has slots and grooves that can be handy in handing or wrapping things around. The Craftsman Versastack does not have such elements on its wheeling handle. Handles for both the Craftsman Tradestack and the Craftsman Versastack have a release button and are adjustable as well.
Pros Of Craftsman Tradestack
The most notable feature of the Craftsman Tradestack tool box is its one touch release. The Craftsman Tradestack is IP65 rated – way better than the Craftsman Versastack. This means the Craftsman Tradestack tool box is robust enough to withstand water and dust. Overall, it is made out of a structural foam design which makes the Craftsman Tradestack tool box quite durable. Automatic connection to any Tradestack system is also a huge plus.
The Craftsman Tradestack tool box’s suitcase style is convenient and easy for handling and safe storage. You can stack automatically thanks to the Craftsman Tradestack’s drop and lock mechanism. The one touch release makes it easy to detach units effortlessly. The other good thing about the Craftsman Tradestack tool box is that it is lockable. Compatibility with any Tradestack unit is another huge benefit.
Cons Of Craftsman Tradestack
The Craftsman Tradestack tool box is priced more than the Craftsman Versastack. The Craftsman Tradestack tool box weighs almost two times more than the Craftsman Versastack. These two attributes can be undesirable for some users looking to get the Craftsman Tradestack. The Craftsman Tradestack tool box may be inconvenient to work with in direct heat. This is especially so because of the predominantly black colour which is highly heat absorbent. The other downside of the Craftsman Tradestack tool box is the plastic latches. They may not be as strong and reliable as the Craftsman Versastack’s metal latches.
Pros Of Craftsman Versastack
The Craftsman Versastack tool box offers ease of use. This is in part made possible by the bi-material handle on top of each unit. You can easily lift due to that feature. The ball bearing slides are well-adapted to handling heavy duty loads. The other upside of the Craftsman Versastack is stackability. As in, you can easily stack several units on top of each other. The side latches make it easy for units to be stacked like that. The Craftsman Versastack tool box is compatible with any Versastack unit.
The Craftsman Versastack is also lockable. The Craftsman Versastack tool box is IP54 rated. This means it is also specially designed to be water resistant and dust resistant. However, this is to a lesser or limited extent. Just like the Craftsman Tradestack, storage is easy because you can open or close by using push buttons. In comparison, the Craftsman Versastack tool box is lighter in weight. The other good thing is that the Craftsman Versastack costs less than the Craftsman Tradestack tool box.
Cons Of Craftsman Versastack
The Craftsman Versastack tool box generally has smaller storage room inside the box. The Craftsman Versastack also does not come with organizers in the top tool box. The wheeling handle of the Craftsman Versastack tool box is inconveniently positioned and too narrow. It also does not have elements that can make it multipurpose e.g. grooves or slots. The Craftsman Versastack tool box does not have a one touch release mechanism. This makes disengaging stacked tool boxes take more time and effort too. The Craftsman Versastack also has a lower IP rating which makes it susceptible to aggressive dust and water.
Factors To Consider When Buying Portable Tool Boxes
There are a number of important factors to consider when you are looking to purchase portable tool boxes. The usual primary consideration is the storage capacity. The type and size of tools you wish to store inform that to a great extent. The other factor is the nature of the build material and quality. Mostly you would want a portable tool box whose build material is durable. The most commonly used build materials are either plastic or metal. Another important factor is the extent of how portable the tool box is. The way a tool box can be moved varies depending on its design. There are some portable tool boxes that have wheels. There are some that do not and have to be lifted.
These are dynamics that should be factored in so that you choose one that is easily portable. Another important factor to consider is layout of the portable tool boxes – both exterior and interior. For instance, it is commonplace to find portable tool boxes having removable trays. Is this something you want or not; this is an example of a choice consideration. The other obvious factor is the price point. This is not always black and white but almost always comes down to your pocket. However it is important to recognise that the cheaper a portable toolbox is the more likely it is to be lacking in some things. Thus you should not just make the price point the sole determinant.
Craftsman Tradestack Vs Versastack: Our Pick
Though the Craftsman Versastack tool box is cheaper, we cannot consider it as the best pick. Our best pick is the Craftsman Tradestack tool box. This is because it has several desirable and convenient attributes. Yes it costs more but it not that much more than the price of the Craftsman Versastack. The Craftsman Tradestack tool box has a higher IP rating thus making it more robust. The Craftsman Tradestack tool box has significantly more storage room inside the box.
The Craftsman Tradestack’s wheeling handle is ergonomic and multipurpose. The Craftsman Tradestack tool box is easier to disengage from a stack due to the one touch release mechanism. The included 6 removable cups or organizers make the Craftsman Tradestack more preferable too. Then the other reason for picking the Craftsman Tradestack tool box is its tougher plastic build.
Tips On Organizing A Tool Box
First and foremost you must take into account all the tools you have. This is to ensure you come up with a rough idea of how you should store them. The other important thing is to dedicate different containers to specific types of tools. For instance, you could store measuring tools in the same container. This makes access easier and faster. The other thing is that you should make your often used tools most accessible. For example, you can store those types of tools in removable trays.
Tools that are either considerably big or weighty are better off placed in or at lower parts of the tool box. Then in the same vein, tools that are light and small need to be placed in or at upper parts of the tool box. The other tip you can consider is to label your tool box(es) or organizers in the tool box. This makes it easier and faster to find what you are looking for. These are some of the essential tips on organizing your tool box.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will Craftsman Versastack Work With Tradestack?
Yes. Craftsman Versastack is compatible with any other Craftsman Tradestack tool boxes and bags. In order to make that happen you simply need adapter plates. It is an adapter plate that makes it possible for Craftsman Versastack and Craftsman Tradestack to be stackable.
Who Makes Craftsman Tool Boxes?
Craftsman tool boxes are made by Stanley Black & Decker. This is the same company that also makes Dewalt Tstak tool boxes. That is why you find that Craftsman and Dewalt Tstak are often compatible. It is also the same reason why there is some compatibility between Craftsman Versastack and Craftsman Tradestack tool boxes. They are all from the same company.
Conclusion
At the end of the day it is about what appeals to your needs. If you are after more storage space and options, stronger build quality, and ergonomic design, the Craftsman Tradestack tool box is for you. If you are looking for something cheaper then you can settle for the Craftsman Versastack tool box. However, the Craftsman Versastack being cheaper may be subjective. This is because it has some limitations and its lifespan may be shorter too. Their starting price points are separated by just a couple of dollars after all. Thus it would be wiser to settle for the Craftsman Tradestack tool box.
| Craftsman Tradestack |
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| Craftsman Versastack |
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