04/08/2016
“MILWAUKEE, WI – Following the release of their widely popular 46” Steel Storage Chest and Cabinet, Milwaukee Tool continues to expand their Storage Solutions with the addition of two new steel storage units – a 60” Mobile Work Station and a 30” Steel Storage Chest and Cabinet. Built for extreme productivity, the new storage solutions are the most durable and best equipped storage units on the market today.”
That’s the first part of the press release from Milwaukee announcing their two new tool storage units. These I imagine will be well received, as the 46″ Steel Storage Chest and Cabinet launched at this time last year is still the most searched, most popular item on this blog. Now the ability to add storage and even a durable work surface to a shop or garage means not having to build stationary shelves and offers the advantage of mobility whether you have one, two or all three of these pieces.
The 46″ combination that I put in the shop last year has been a boon to the organization, care and security of my collection of Milwaukee tools, but I find that some drawers are getting loaded with additional layers of hand tools, and some larger cordless power tools are residing in much less convenient wooden cabinets because I am simply running out of room. Milwaukee calls these “storage solutions” and to me they are just that, so I’m considering adding one to the shop at work and one at home.
The 30″ Steel Storage Chest and Cabinet look to be a match for the 46″ units I have now, but the press release doesn’t include dimensions, so I don’t know if they are the same height. Not that it matters much except to my inner interior decorator. The set has 12 drawers with 100 lb. capacity slides. The combination shares a number of features with its big brother. These include integrated power strips, external mounts for chargers, partitions in the deep drawers for drills and larger tools, a lockable separate drawer for valuables and a pull-out laptop work surface/drawer. When closed, the top clears 9½”, a handy space for frequently used items.
The deep bottom drawer of the 30″ unit has partitions for upright drill storage and space for other bulky items. I’m curious to know if a second set of drill partitions could be added to allow a line of six drills and drivers. I’d like to have my M18™ Fuels and Compacts in the same location. From the look of the next drawer up, it might be a good size and place for battery storage, right near the cordless tools.
Like its older sibling, the 30″ has a pull-out drawer with a lid that serves as a desk, handy for a laptop or tablet or yellow pad. It can be locked independently when closed for security of personal valuables, mobile devices, etc..
The 60″ Mobile Work Station is a bit of a departure from the other chests, having a hardwood work surface instead of a rubber mat. This benchtop can be reversed in the event that one side gets carved up too much. I assume that it means that it could be easily replaced as well. I’ve got some character grade white oak that would look pretty snappy on this. One reader on Instagram has suggested he would like this for a kitchen island!
Milwaukee says:
“Exclusive to the 60” Mobile Work Station is a 22” multi-position metal peg wall, which provides a convenient place to store frequently used items. With an additional 11 drawers that include 100lb soft close slides and a center drawer with a moveable divider, the Work Station can support a weight capacity of 2,200 lbs. Every inch of the space is maximized with features such as a multi-position utility shelf that can be mounted at different heights on the side of the work station for convenient storage of bulk items, a quick-access tool holder that provides easy access to longer tools like screwdrivers and ratchets, and a one inch thick reversible hardwood top. ”
Another departure from the other tool chests is the cabinet with a door and an adjustable shelf instead of drawers. I like the option of a tall space with no shelf at all.
The deep bottom drawers have room enough for saws and drills and feature the moveable partitions appearing in the 30″ unit as well.
The narrower of the deep bottom drawers has room for both drills and extra batteries.
One or both of these tool storage units can add organization, and therefor productivity to any shop. With my experience of the 46″ Steel Storage Chest and Cabinet, I can recommend these versions without reservation. I look forward to first hand experience soon.
-dvl
Wow! Just bought one at home depot,paid $698.00 after unpacking and assembling was unpacking the pad for drawer bottoms and there it was a manufactures suggested retail price display cardboard placket saying price should be $598.oo what are we to believe as a consumer? ??
Tom, I just looked up the price on Home Depot’s web site and see $698 there as well. Do you have a photo of the placard?
Dean, the 60″ Workbench and other large Milwaukee storage chests are available exclusively at Home Depot.
Looking for the lowest price for the Milwaukee 60 inch workbench
These units look great! I’m not really a tool chest guy, but after seeing the options that Milwaukee is providing for storage and organization how could you go wrong. This is a great explanation of what to expect. Thanks Dirck, now I’m even more excited for these.