Craftsman Rolling Tool Boxes: VersaStack, Chests or Carts?
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Craftsman has been a household name in American garages for generations, and today its rolling storage splits into two families. One is VERSASTACK, a system of plastic boxes that click together into a tower you can wheel from the garage to the backyard. The other is steel drawer chests and carts that live in the garage and roll a few feet when you need them. For a new DIYer or someone buying a gift, picking between them comes down to where the tools will travel.
Here is the short version of the six below: three are VERSASTACK pieces for moving tools around, one is a fold-out 22-inch rolling workstation, and two are steel chests with drawers, including a heavy-duty cart with built-in power outlets.
Craftsman Rolling Tool Boxes Compared
| Model | Style | Weather resistance | Load rating | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VERSASTACK XL Rolling Tower (CMST60420) | 4-piece stacking tower | Dust and water resistant | Not listed | 33.9 lbs |
| 22-in. Rolling Tool Box (CMST20880) | 4-level fold-out workstation | Water repellent | Not listed | Not listed |
| VERSASTACK Tower (CMST60402) | 3-unit stacking tower | IP54 | 66 lbs rolling, 110 lbs stacked | 20.9 lbs |
| VERSASTACK 30 Gallon Chest (CMST17870) | Rolling chest | IP54 when latched | Not listed | 19.9 lbs |
| 26-Inch Tool Chest Combo (CMST82763BK) | 5-drawer steel chest and cabinet | Not listed | 300 lbs | 69.5 lbs |
| Tool Chest with Wheels (CMST98276GB) | 4-drawer steel cart with power | Indoor use | 700 lbs | Not listed |
CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK XL Rolling Tower for Outdoor Projects
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK XL Rolling Tower Tool Storage System, 4 piece (CMST60420)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK XL Rolling Tower Tool
Best for: Outdoor projects with bulky tools
Pros
- Three XL units plus adaptor
- 7-inch off-road wheels
- Dust and water resistant
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Heavy at 33.9 pounds
- Third unit details cut off in listing
The CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK XL Rolling Tower Tool Storage System (CMST60420) is a 4-piece set: three VERSASTACK XL units plus an adaptor. The description names a 22-inch XL suitcase and a 22-inch XL deep toolbox, and the rest of the list is cut off, so the third unit is not fully described. The units stack with an automatic drop-and-lock mechanism and separate with a one-touch release.
It is built for outdoor work: Craftsman says the design is tested and rated for dust and water resistance, and the 7-inch wheels are designed to go off-road across lawns and gravel. Overmold latches open easily, a coated handle is comfortable to grip, and the included adaptor connects it to regular VERSASTACK boxes sold separately. It weighs 33.9 pounds and carries a limited lifetime warranty.
This is the pick for homeowners who haul bulky tools to the yard, a shed or a job away from the garage. For a smaller, lighter tower, the standard VERSASTACK set below costs you less space.
CRAFTSMAN 22-in. Rolling Tool Box for a Fold-Out Workstation
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN 22-in. Rolling Tool Box with Wheels, Black, Plastic, Lockable (CMST20880)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
CRAFTSMAN 22-in. Rolling Tool Box
Best for: Hand tools and accessories on the move
Pros
- 4-level fold-out workstation
- Ball-bearing slides
- Metal telescopic handle
Cons
- Listing conflicts on color and material
- No weather rating beyond water repellent
The CRAFTSMAN 22-in. Rolling Tool Box (CMST20880) is a multi-level rolling workstation with 4 storage compartments. In one movement, it opens and extends so you can see all four levels at once, which is handy for sorting hand tools, screws and accessories. A single front pull-up latch opens it, ball-bearing slides keep it smooth even with heavy loads, and a reinforced metal telescopic handle lowers for storage. Heavy-duty wheels help it roll over rough ground.
The listing is inconsistent: the title says black and plastic, while the spec sheet lists red and metal. It measures 21.5 x 16.2 x 28.8 inches and is described as water repellent and lockable. The listing does not give a weight or load rating.
This suits someone with lots of small items who wants to see everything at a glance. It is not stackable with VERSASTACK, so choose a VERSASTACK tower if you want to add modules later.
CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK Tower with Metal Wheels for a First Modular Setup
The CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK 17.126-in Metal Wheels Lockable Tool Box (CMST60402) is a three-unit tower: a bottom mobile unit, a middle deep toolbox and a top organizer for small parts. All three are IP54 rated. IP54 is a standard rating meaning protection against dust and splashing water, good for a damp garage or a light drizzle.
The rolling unit carries 66 pounds, or 110 pounds when stacked. Units lock together with durable side latches, heavy-duty rust-resistant metal latches secure each lid, and the metal-plastic telescopic handle leans back to maximize storage, with a push button to extend it. It weighs 20.9 pounds.
This is the easiest entry into VERSASTACK for a new DIYer or a gift. For heavier outdoor loads, the XL tower offers larger wheels. Our guide to the Craftsman rolling tool box range covers more sizes.
CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK 30 Gallon Quick-Access Rolling Tool Chest for Big Tools
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK 30 Gallon Quick-Access Rolling Tool Chest (CMST17870)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK 30 Gallon Quick-Access Rolling
Best for: Large power tools and stacked systems
Pros
- 30-gallon capacity
- Half-lid quick access
- IP54 when latched
- Padlock eye
Cons
- Single open compartment
- Dividers not clearly included
The CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK 30 Gallon Quick-Access Rolling Tool Chest (CMST17870) is a large rolling bin with 30 gallons of space for saws, sanders and other big tools. Its clever feature is a half-lid: you can open half the top to grab something without removing the VERSASTACK boxes stacked on it, and it works one-handed.
It is IP54 rated when the lid is closed and latched, has rust-resistant metal latches and hinges, an integrated padlock eye, a telescopic pull handle and heavy-duty wheels. Ribs inside accept dividers, and you can stack VERSASTACK boxes on top in two directions to make a workstation. It weighs 19.9 pounds.
Choose it as the base of a bigger VERSASTACK system or for bulky power tools. For small parts, pair it with the three-unit tower.
CRAFTSMAN 26-Inch Tool Chest Combo for a First Garage Drawer System
The CRAFTSMAN Tool Chest Combo with Drawer Liner Roll (CMST82763BK) is a two-piece steel chest and rolling cabinet with 5 drawers, shipped together with the chest inside the cabinet. It uses 20 to 24 gauge steel, and each drawer runs on 30 lb full-extension ball-bearing slides. The whole unit has a 300 lb load rating on 3 x 1 inch casters, two of which lock and swivel.
It offers 10,227 cubic inches of storage, a lift-up panel covering an open space for larger tools, a keyed locking system and an included drawer liner roll. It measures 18.25 x 30.94 x 32.25 inches, weighs 69.5 pounds and is made in the USA with global materials.
This suits a new homeowner setting up a garage workbench area. It is meant to stay put, not roll across a yard. For more drawer options, see our Craftsman rolling tool cabinet guide.
CRAFTSMAN Tool Chest with Wheels and Power Outlets for Serious Workshops
Best for: Serious garage workshops needing power
Pros
- Supports up to 700 lbs
- 6 outlets plus USB-A and USB-C
- Soft-close 100 lb drawers
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Indoor use only
- Drawer count listed as 4 only
Best for: First garage drawer setup
Pros
- Chest and cabinet together
- 5 ball-bearing drawers
- 300 lb load rating
- Keyed lock
Cons
- Heavy at 69.5 pounds
- Small 3 x 1 inch casters
The CRAFTSMAN Tool Chest with Wheels (CMST98276GB) is a steel utility cart with 4 drawers that supports up to 700 lbs. Each 22-inch-deep drawer has full-extension soft-close ball-bearing slides, holds up to 100 lbs and comes with a liner.
Built-in power sets it apart: 6 outlets plus USB-A and USB-C compatible ports for charging batteries and phones. Pegboard sides add hanging storage, a keyed internal lock secures tools, and four 5 x 2 inch swivel casters move it. It comes in grey, purple, red, black or white and carries a 10-year limited warranty. The listing recommends indoor use.
This is the workhorse for a dedicated garage shop. It is overkill for a few hand tools, where a VERSASTACK tower is simpler.
How to Choose the Right Craftsman Rolling Tool Box
Where will it travel. Yards and job sites favor VERSASTACK with big wheels and IP54 sealing. Garages favor steel drawer chests.
What you store. Small parts suit the fold-out 22-inch box or VERSASTACK organizers; big power tools suit the 30-gallon chest.
How much weight. The steel chests handle 300 and 700 lbs; the VERSASTACK tower rolls 66 lbs.
Room to grow. VERSASTACK pieces connect together, and the XL tower includes an adaptor for standard units.
Gift tip. If you are buying for someone else, peek at their garage first. A person who works mostly from a shelf of hand tools will love a VERSASTACK tower, while someone with a growing battery tool collection may get more from the powered cart, where they can charge batteries in one spot.
Plan the floor space. Steel chests take up a fixed footprint along a wall, while VERSASTACK towers can be stacked tall and rolled into a corner. Measure the spot and the door width before ordering the larger pieces.
FAQ
Which Craftsman rolling tool box should I buy first?
The three-unit VERSASTACK tower is a flexible start; a garage-only user may prefer the 26-inch chest combo.
What does IP54 mean?
Protection against dust and splashing water, listed for the VERSASTACK tower and the 30-gallon chest.
Can I stack VERSASTACK boxes on the 30-gallon chest?
Yes, in two directions, and the half-lid opens without removing them.
Which Craftsman chest has power outlets?
The CMST98276GB cart, with 6 outlets and USB-A and USB-C ports.
Which has the best warranty?
The VERSASTACK XL tower lists a limited lifetime warranty; the power cart lists 10 years.
