Which Tool Solution Deserves Your Money? Packout - Bauer - Hart

As a follow up to the initial Bauer Modular system video I did, and because of some of the questions / comments I got, I went out and randomly selected some items from the Packout and Hart lineup to see how the quality and features stack up across three tiers of modular tool storage systems. This isn't a comprehensive review but I do give you my opinion on what I would spend my money on. The video is on the longer side so for your convenience I added chapters so you can skip to what interests you.
00:00 At the beginning, is where all videos must start
01:25 Bauer, HF takes on the world
03:40 Milwaukee Packout, yeah, we know you are good
07:00 Hart, this does impress me much
12:26 Hart Drawers, I'm listening...
13:36 Harbor Freight Storehouse, at least its cheap
14:22 Options, Options, Options
17:50 There is still something missing
20:52 Winner takes all
23:09 Wrap up
#Milwaukee #Bauer #HarborFreight #DoItWithHART

[@co1973]

Something of which many are unaware- menards sells the exact same system as bauer, under their masterforce brand. I have some of both brands, and they are completely interchangeable. This is important because the manufacturer (whoever that is) has a larger market and is likely to develop more products in the system, than they would if Harbor Freight was their only distribution channel! That being the case, I fully expect the bauer/masterforce line to grow.

[@80garage7]

This is really good to know. I do not have a Menards locally (unfortunately) but I took a look at the website and sure enough, I see the Masterforce version. The one thing I don't see is the small parts organizer but since HF sells that maybe they don't need it. Thanks for the info!!!

[@redimage4255]

Would the master force fit up with the Bauer?

[@chaley9093]

@@redimage4255 co1973 said it would.

[@nickm9102]

@@redimage4255 definitely behind the release of this video but yes, Masterforce and Bauer are the same system design. with that said all of the stress tests I have seen show the Bauer branded items out performing the Masterforce in durability

[@joeyshmoey8514]

I like the Bauer system, due to the crate option, for my purpose of having locking storage on the rear rack of my electric bicycle. The large Bauer tool box (without wheels) can be bolted to the rear rack of my bike (Rad Mini ST2), and is large enough to hold bike helmets and personal items; and it can be locked. The crate can be latched to the top of the tool box when needed to carry grocery bags or other bulky items.

[@80garage7]

Glad the Bauer system is working well for you. I agree, the Hart system 100% needs a crate. I personally use Ridgid crates and they fit the bill for a lot of things. Thanks for the feedback!

[@trebest52]

@@80garage7 Do you happen to know if the Milwaukee small parts bin will actually fit and lid close in the hart small part organizer?

[@trebest52]

The half Bins that is.sorry I did not clarify

[@ThiCityProductions]

great idea sir!

[@OShackHennessy]

This was an incredibly helpful review. I have been considering the Hart recently

[@80garage7]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching.

[@wiredperformance6130]

I’m a fan of quality no matter who makes it. Milwaukee started this trend years ago and is continuing to expand still. It’s expensive but it’s also complete as far as other accessories! Nice comparison video! 👍🏻

[@80garage7]

You are absolutely right. They have done a great job growing the system, barely a month goes by without a new Packout accessory! Thanks for watching.

[@lowlight8466]

When using it as a mobile tool kit I do use a Milwaukee storage system, I do use the Hart storage system with wheels for my RC Racing setup. Both have been extremely durable.

[@jmhm17]

The Bauer looks like it's glass fiber reinforced which explains the price. The Hart is a softer less brittle plastic so it will take a lot of shock before it cracks. I just bought the Hart system and I think unless you're a contractor on job sites every day the Hart can't be beat for the price. TTI is keeping in mind that they need to make sure they don't make their budget system more appealing than their premium brand but you know in time more and more accessories will come out the more popular the Hart system becomes. And whats cool about Hart being TTI they have the engineering and customer feedback that they can put into Hart. Bauer can't compete with Hart and Milwaukee is you ask me. Also you nailed it with all these brands missing the mark on having inserts. These are just boxes at the end of the day where you're left making something on your own or digging through tools. It seems like something so simple but no one offers anything it's crazy

[@ChattanoogaDan]

I own a construction company and i run 3 crews. I rarely do anything myself but about once a month i take on a small project like replacing deck boards, install a door, or rebuild a set of deck stairs. Most of what i do is carpentry/exterior renovation. I was tired of my old toolboxes and wanted a modular system. Since i rarely use it i picked up the Hart system on impulse while i was at Walmart and it has been perfect for what i needed. I've had it about 9 months and it's only seen about 8 jobs. Still looks and works like new. Glad to see it stacks up well against the competition lol

[@brianboutte9590]

I just purchased the Hart system and I’m very pleased so far. Looking forward to what’s to come in this system in the future!

[@80garage7]

I really hope they continue to grow the system like the Packout. Thanks for watching!

[@vince2997]

How has it held up?

[@brianboutte9590]

@@vince2997 I don't regret my purchase. I don't abuse them, so they are doing fine.

[@BigHoss-dk4qj]

Thanks I didn’t know you could get the replacement parts for the packout.

[@dannysorden8310]

I have the hart system. I got a case with removable cubes woth mine. I bought the 2 drawer separate and I love it all. I use it for my lawmcare business

[@miestermind]

you had me at defense in depth... :) had some flash backs from work lol

[@80garage7]

I think I might know what type of work you do! Thanks for the comment!

[@jamvan2k]

Great review. I’m going to try the Hart system, seems to be the most affordable at this point… Now if I was a contractor and traveled everywhere I would consider higher end more durable storage though probably. But mostly working on cars at home and doing home improvement stuff it seems the Hart setup is the most practical for most.

[@80garage7]

Thanks, glad the review helped.

[@80garage7]

Glad you found it helpful. Hope it works well for you.

[@erallen97]

Good review, I have one set of rigid boxes but I need another set for more storage. Looking at the different brands I will like try a set of hart because of the price.

[@Assorted12]

I purchased some of the Bauer sets to use as a camp kitchen setup. I needed something that would hold up for moderate use without spending a bunch of money. The Bauer's seemed to fit the bill.

[@80garage7]

Yeah, it really seems to be a quality product esp for home use. If they add just a few more variations, I think they will be able to differentiate themselves from Ridgid at a similar price point.

[@tpeacock84]

I,be been eyeballing the Milwaukee ones for this reason and Bauer/harbor freight just gave me the reason to pull the trigger $$!

[@ziggystardog]

I prefer the Husky cases. Got a couple on sale and bought some of the accessory items. Wish it was a more of an ala carte system, but works for me. I use the less functional components for fixed storage. Don’t understand your obsession with the plastic attachment systems breaking. I’d focus more on ease of use, as they’re all fine durability-wise, really.

[@80garage7]

Thanks for your comments.

[@cohoonatube]

Late to this video, thanks for the review! Would love to go Milwaukee... they even have a coffee mug that connects! I snagged Hart for my... 2nd Amendment accessories, and have been very impressed... surprisingly so. I run Kobalt XTR and 24v for most of my projects as they just do what I need... they are blue, these cases are blue, I know this is so lame of me, however... I was expecting you to choose Milwaukee like every other video. Pleasantly surprised! Thanks again.

[@BillyLinn]

Good video sir!

[@Sokrates66]

The packout drawers are unbeatable.

[@gTcoughlin]

Nice video kinda made my decision more difficult lol bc I agree with opinions on Hart system & Bauer is just a bit too high. I think the Bauer boxes are quite a bit more in quality but, I wish they had 1/2 boxes! So now I almost just want to buy the Hart bc it's so cheap! If they had trays in the small boxes I would have already bought it

[@nickm9102]

That has an easy solution. If you have a 3D printer make your own, if not HFT has a lot of cheaper cases that you can take the trays from.

[@gebronthomasson6960]

Good video

[@search_eternal]

The Hart system with the Drawers looks pretty good. But wish they were set up more like the Tstak/VesaStack ones. Those are the best Drawers IMO.

[@80garage7]

I haven't used those, I should see if I can find them locally.

[@kings17court]

I really like the Hart. The combination of price, options, and flexibiity won me over. I wish the triple stack that's sold as a unit came with a different top part. I would prefer the 2-drawer part, instead of the clear top divider thing. I'll probably have to buy the 3 stack and the 2 drawer unit.

[@80garage7]

I agree with you. I hope that as the system becomes more popular they end up treating it a bit more like the Packout where you can customize them the way you want. Thanks for watching!

[@McTrottis]

You can buy them separately. I just did that. Got the roller box bottom, then drawers, then the smaller box, then the two small parts organizers. I'm about to get another set of drawers.

[@Auto-Bots.Custom.Detailing]

No doubt that pack out is built better.. but who has the better warranty and customer service?? For the price I’m saving money and going with HF.

[@robertrice6679]

Sorry, go with Ridgid storage solutions, durable, heavy duty and AFORDABLE!

[@80garage7]

I have a few of the Ridgid crates and I do think they are quite durable. Certainly a good choice if their offerings for your needs. Thanks for watching!

[@coytus94]

I honestly think the Bauers are pretty close to being worth the money, especially compared to the Packout system. Just for comparison, the bottom roller box for the Packout is $140, the Bauer one is half the price at $70. Yeah maybe it could be like ten bucks cheaper or so, but they're pretty close to being worth the price they're asking for them. I will agree that their biggest cons are definitely the locking tabs (while not god-awful) being the biggest fail point over time, and the limited choices of boxes for them. If they can include at LEAST 5 other boxes or accessories for their system (one of them definitely being a box with either 2 or 3 drawers like the Packout has) I think that it will be a pretty good system to completely invest in for the money. Not to mention that every now and then HF still sends out like 10 or 15 percent no exclusion coupons for customers with emails (since they no longer mail out catalogs, it's all electronic now) so that can be applied to the system as well to make it even cheaper. You don't see that happen very often with Milwaukee, if at all.

[@80garage7]

I 100% agree with everything you said. If they add drawers and a few other thicknesses of organizer boxes Bauer is the system to beat. I think right now, for me, it is limited. I also think they could provide replacement latches if they do break as those are likely the mechanical fuse of the assembly. Thanks for watching and for commenting!

[@typg93]

does the hart drawers fit a drill and driver?

[@ThiCityProductions]

my 2 cents. I really like the Hart & Ridgid 2.0. The HART is great for its size! If your working on a truck or confined space the HART is unbeatable. Its just as durable for normal practical use as any other modular tool system. The Ridgid 2.0 is the best full size modular tool system p4p. Very durable, tall truck handle, best weather proof, releasing drawers this year, and removable handle AND wheels! Milwaulkie, FLEX, and KLEIN MOD BOX are for the super techies and over priced in my opinion. at 33% more cost. Ridgid also looks discreet and most professional IMHO

[@l-ssfhgr6118]

Bought this Flex pack out a few months ago. Used on three projects. The latches between the top box and the middle box kept hanging up or not locking. Soooo, tried to call company service to get a fix. Wasn't asking for anything but a tech to walk me through the fix(maybe a replacement latch?). First, good luck getting through, they DON"T answer their phones. After a half hour hold the message comes on offering a call back. No choice gotta grow old on the phone or give up. No call back, so the next day I try again, same deal, but this time I get a cal back. Pleasant young lady hears the problem and takes all my info and says they are sending a new replacement unit!! Of course nothing took place, NO Replacement Unit, No Latches, NO NOTHING!!!! The product seems to be well made except for these few minor issues, however I would never recommend buying a Flex product. They have no customer loyalty.

[@MrRob1426]

Update video coming soon?

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

This is the same system as sold in Menard's stores under the "Masterforce" brand.

[@jonathansims525]

I really like the Hart, but I'm hung up on the use of dividers rather than boxes.

[@80garage7]

I totally understand. I am planning to 3d print some bins for those cases.

[@cody4128]

I wish packout wasn't the only system to have a mounting plate. I would have went with other brands if there was a reliable way to secure them in my suburban.

[@80garage7]

The only other system with an OEM wall plate is Ryobi but it isn't quite the same. I am encouraged by the Ridgid 2.0 system, it has a "wall hook" that looks like it could be used to secure it in a van or truck. I have seen it at the stores and played with it just a little but I like what I have seen so far. Maybe it's time for an update!!

[@moisesrobles7884]

Flex is the number one bro dont look where your not suppose to ok remember flex the Intemenaitor

[@gebronthomasson6960]

Flex is closest to perfect.. but expensive …But sure will get even better

[@gebronthomasson6960]

But do like the bins versus seperators

[@fartpooboxohyeah8611]

It's interesting that you're "guaranteeing" people the Bauer and the Hart latches will break,... without any testing whatsoever or long term use, lol. Still, thanks for the overview.

[@coytus94]

I just bought the Bauer system yesterday. For what you pay they're really decent boxes. The plastic latches are not horrible by any means, but once you actually get your hands on one and play with them a little you'll see exactly why he says they will break. It might not happen relatively soon or anything like that, but it's definitely going to be what fails first on that system with heavy use before anything else does. As long as you're not constantly latching and unlatching the boxes at an abnormal rate and wearing them out they'll still last for quite awhile. They do tend to be a little stiff though from time to time.

[@nickm9102]

@@coytus94 That is the main reason that Bauer needs to add a drawer unit to the mix. then you open the bottom box without removing it from the drawers, then have your big box, on the drawers and then the small box or the basket. Another thing that would work if they are looking to expand in the "half box" field is a mounting plate that can lock on top/ be a crate lid. I would have to check but if the crate can be in the middle that would be an easy expansion and a game changer for their system.

[@bluemantom77]

Keter makes these boxes

[@80garage7]

I was certain that was the case for the Hart but I could not confirm on the others. It makes sense though. It strikes me as a bit funny that one company makes all of these, meaning they are purposely designing the incompatibility into them. Thanks for the comment and for watching!

[@fartpooboxohyeah8611]

The Bauer stuff has been out of stock at my local Harbor Freight forever, I've never even seen them in person when I visit. Online reviews are great. Seems like they can't keep them in stock. I was going to go with Ridgid, but I think for my needs the Husky Connect system might be the way to go. The HART stuff seemed pretty chintzy and cheap when I gave it a quick look in person. Maybe I'll have to look closer next time, but I wasn't impressed.

[@co1973]

If you have a Menards near you, go check out their masterforce line. It's exactly the same as the bauer, just green and black, manufactured by the and company. It is a few bucks more expensive per piece, but if you can't get the bauer, it may be worth it to you.

[@outrageous-alex]

we know the packout is good, but its nearly always 3* the price of competitors as well the one thing, that really worries me, if I go with the HART for example, how long till it stops being made? I cant see PACKOUT disappearing, at least not soon. And the amount of diy pieces for packout right now is insane, imagine in 20+ years your looking for a broken HART box replacement, likely wont find it, but will find PACKOUT probably. Who knows if there will be a better competitor in future.

[@80garage7]

100% valid concern, I have the same concern about the Bauer really. Packout has set the standard and has gained a tremendous following and an avid 3D printed add on market as you point out. I do think Walmart/TTI have a viable, affordable, alternative in Hart. However, I don't know if they agree. There is more competition coming for your dollars too, with the new Ridgid 2.0 and the Flex tools system. I think there is a decent risk that these companies oversaturate the market. Thanks for watching and for your insights.

[@skiprope536]

You don’t use it for a living.,,blah blah blah. The biggest bang for the buck is theBauer. Kicks ask for price point…and craftsmanship.

[@mikewarpula911]

Why is possibly the top of the line being compared to prosumer systems. Seems like we all knew the out come

[@skiprope536]

@@mikewarpula911 the Bauer s do the job brilliantly. As a pro master carpenter contractor that does it all…and jumps all day long from tool to tool…HVAC, Electrical, plumbing, acarpentry Bauer is great. Millwalkevis over priced crap. There bits suck.

[@thepubliceye]

I see you don't use the case

[@80garage7]

You are correct, I didn't really use these in this video, I only compared. Before I decided on a system I wanted to see them side by side and see what features I might want. In a future video I will be adding some 3D printed things to the Hart system. Thanks for your comment and being a subscriber!

[@ninepuente]

Plastic it's just Plastic

[@mos8541]

DEF NOT hobo freight, every single box from all the brands except hf are made by Good Israelis! not thos other people