Festool somewhat recently came out with a new Sortainer small parts tool box, model 200119.
The new Sortainer is a bit different from the other models in the lineup, featuring 3 large full-width drawers. Here’s a look at one of the other/older Sortainers:
The new Sortainer is taller, as tall as a Systainer 4, and is compatible with T-Loc Systainers.
See Also: Festool Sortainer Review
I recently bought 2 of these new Sortainers, but have not yet figured out what I’d use them for. Probably small tool storage, or maybe for small photography gear and accessories.
Each drawer has 2 removable dividers, which create 3 almost equal-width compartments. There are accessory kits to add small bins and center zone dividers, at a cost of $25 per drawer. If you want the whole thing equipped with the bins and horizontal dividers for the center, it’ll be $75 extra.
These new Sortainers are priced at $155 each! Yes, I know, very pricy.
But I didn’t pay that much. I paid around $80 each, not including shipping. I ordered these from Amazon UK as part of a larger order, so the freight shipping fee was divided among a couple of different items.
It was a big order, with priority freight totalling around £40, or about $50. But, even if that was just for the Sortainers, I’d have saved money.
My Sortainers arrived separately – less than 2 full days after placing my order, and were perfectly intact. Thus far I’ve only ordered items from Amazon UK and DE with Global Priority shipping, with the assumption that the quicker shipping will result in less jostling and opportunities for damage.
Ignoring shipping costs for a moment, I paid around $86 each. Well, figure $90 if you include currency conversion losses and foreign transaction fees. That’s still a LOT of money for a plastic tool box, but I have had great experiences with Festool Systainers and Sortainers, and wanted to see what these new ones were all about.
With this new Sortainer, I think I got my money’s worth. I’m not sure I would consider them a good buy at $155 though. At this point, I think I’m done buying Sortainers. I have 10 drawered units, 4 of which were sent to me for review a long time ago, and now these two new 3-drawered Sortainers.
It might seem silly to pay so much for plastic tool boxes, but I have gotten great use out of my other Sortainers. I don’t really use them for portable storage anymore either, I use them on my workbench and on a cabinet near my desk. The small drawers hold all kinds of things, and pull out easy if I need them. Maybe I’ll take some photos for you, if anyone’s interested.
I’ll try to show them all kitted out once I’m done. Maybe I’ll add foam to the drawers, if filling them with tools.
I own a LOT of Festool mini Systainers, and use them to hold all kinds of things. I’m starting to regret the investment, but they’ll continue to see long-term use. After moving and working with a different workspace configuration, the mini Systainers don’t really work well with the space. If I could, I would trade 6 mini Systainers for a single Sortainer.
Sorry for the digression, it’s been a tough process finding the perfect storage solutions for my different and sometimes changing needs.
If you have any questions about these new Sortainers, please let me know!
One more plus is that the frames are better constructed. With my other Sortainers, heavy vertical loads, such as if 2 or more or stacked on top of each other, lower drawers can be tough to open. These new Sortainers seem to be structured differently, with vertical loads being less likely to affect drawer operation.
I have also considered trying out a Sortimo WorkMo (Google Image Search), but have my hesitations – the WorkMo is a lot larger and might be tougher to find a use for if not used for my primary tool and parts storage.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via Amazon UK)
See Also(Bin Insert Kits)
With the bin insert kits, you don’t have to buy 3 per Sortainer, but it looks like you should fill each divided section front to back to prevent the bins from sliding around.
While my experiences with Amazon UK have been great, your experiences will vary. Order breakable items at your own risk!