One tough tool tote

Lugging around a bunch of tool boxes is no fun, so I was very excited to learn about the new ToughSystem storage products by DeWalt. This smartly designed system might just provide the easiest, best and safest way to store, organize and transport tools.

The heavy-duty, professional-grade tool boxes--called modular storage units--are made of durable, impact-resistant structural foam. The tool boxes are stack-able and secured with side latches, allowing you to carry two or three boxes at once.

And the lid of each tool box is equipped with a continuous watertight seal that blocks out rain, dirt and moisture.

The three tool boxes lock onto the ruggedly built wheeled carrier, which can support 260 pounds. You can then remove the tool boxes, as you need them, or work directly from the carrier.

A central locking mechanism secures the tool boxes to the carrier, and each box can also be padlocked.

Each tool box slides onto a pair of arms that extend out from the metal carrier, as shown at right. However, once you remove the boxes, you can fold the arms flat and use the carrier as a hand truck to move supplies and materials, such as cement bags, concrete block and joint-compound buckets.

Here's approximate pricing on the four ToughSystem components: Small tool box, $50; Medium tool box, $60; Large tool box, $70; wheeled carrier, $190.