Keeping tools and fixings organised is one of the biggest daily challenges on site, in the van, or in the workshop.
Loose boxes, stacked cases, and overfilled organisers might look tidy at first, but they often slow you down when you actually need to get to something quickly.
Drawer systems have become a popular solution because they remove a lot of that friction from everyday work.
Instead of unclipping and unstacking boxes to reach what’s underneath, drawers give you instant access to tools, fixings, and accessories exactly where you expect them to be.
For trades that rely on efficiency, whether that’s electricians, installers, joiners, or maintenance engineers, having everything visible and within reach makes a noticeable difference.
Less time searching means more time working, and a setup that stays organised even when the job gets busy.
That’s why drawer-based storage systems are now being built into vans, workshops, and site setups across the trades, offering a more practical way to keep essential kit organised and ready to go.
Drawer Systems Across the Major Storage Ranges
Tool drawer systems are now available across most of the major modular storage platforms, each offering a slightly different approach to organisation. While they all solve the same core problem, quick access to tools and consumables, the way each range handles drawers makes them better suited to different working styles.
Site Storage Drawers
Site storage drawers are designed for trades who need fast, repeatable access to tools and consumables while working on the move.
By using pull out drawers instead of lift off boxes, these systems allow tools, fixings, and accessories to be reached without dismantling stacked setups.
This makes drawer based storage particularly effective for van racking, mobile site setups, and high pace jobs where efficiency and organisation directly impact productivity.
Milwaukee PACKOUT Drawers
PACKOUT drawers are designed for trades who want constant access without breaking down their setup.
The pull-out drawer format means tools, fixings, and accessories can be reached even when the unit is stacked within a larger system. This makes them particularly useful for van setups and site work where time matters.
The drawers are built to handle weight and repeated use, making them suitable for hand tools, testers, fixings, and accessories that are used throughout the day.
Adjustable dividers allow each drawer to be laid out to suit individual workflows, helping keep frequently used items visible and easy to grab.
PACKOUT drawers are commonly used by mobile trades who want organisation without slowing down between jobs.
Shop PACKOUTBosch L-BOXX Drawers
Bosch L-BOXX drawer units are built around structured organisation and workshop-friendly layouts.
Rather than deep open storage, the drawer format focuses on separating small parts, accessories, and hand tools into clearly defined sections.
Multiple drawer heights allow different items to be stored logically, from fixings and bits to compact tools.
The drawer layout makes them particularly effective in workshops, service vans, or controlled site environments where organisation and repeatability are important.
With newer L-BOXX drawer designs, access and usability have been improved, making them a strong option for trades already working within the L-BOXX system who want better control over small items.
Shop Bosch L-BOXXDewalt ToughSystem 2.0 Drawers
Dewalt ToughSystem 2.0 drawer units are built for demanding site environments where durability and protection matter as much as access.
Designed as part of a heavy duty modular system, they offer a robust drawer based alternative to lift off boxes while maintaining full stack compatibility.
The reinforced construction and weather resistant sealing help protect tools and accessories from rain, dust, and site debris, making them well suited to outdoor and high traffic jobs.
Pull out drawers allow tools, fixings, and consumables to be accessed without unstacking, keeping workflows moving on busy sites.
ToughSystem drawers are commonly used by trades who need secure, repeatable organisation for daily site work, especially where storage is moved regularly across uneven ground or between work areas.
They suit users who want drawer convenience combined with the toughness of a full site rated storage system.
Shop ToughsystemDewalt TSTAK Drawers
TSTAK drawer units offer a lighter, more compact drawer solution for everyday organisation.
Available in both deep and shallow drawer formats, they are ideal for fixings, drill bits, blades, and smaller accessories.
The drawer design keeps contents visible and separated, making it easier to stay organised throughout the job.
TSTAK drawers are commonly used in vans, workshops, or as part of smaller portable setups where space is limited.
They are a popular choice for trades who want drawer convenience without the size or weight of heavier duty systems.
Festool Systainer Sortainers
Festool Sortainers focus on precision organisation rather than heavy duty storage.
The multi-drawer layout is designed for small parts, fixings, and accessories that need to be kept clearly separated and easy to access.
Each drawer can be divided to suit specific components, making them particularly useful for installation work, workshops, and bench setups.
The drawer format works well for trades who value consistency and a clean working environment.
These systems are commonly used where tools and accessories are returned to the same place every time.
Shop Festool SustainerMakita MAKPAC Drawer Cases
MAKPAC drawer cases combine compact size with practical drawer access.
The multi-drawer layout is ideal for storing fixings, plugs, screws, and small accessories that are used repeatedly throughout the day.
The drawer format avoids the need to empty boxes to find small items, making it a time-saving option for van and site use.
MAKPAC drawer cases are often used by electricians, plumbers, and general trades who want a simple, reliable way to keep consumables organised.
Workshop Storage drawers
Keeping tools organised, protected, and easy to access is essential in both workshops and vans, especially as setups grow beyond basic toolboxes.
Workshop storage drawers offer a more structured approach, using full width drawers to separate tools, fixings, and consumables while keeping everything visible at a glance.
Whether used as part of a mobile workstation or as fixed workshop furniture, drawer based storage is designed to support heavier loads, improve organisation, and reduce time spent searching for kit.
Dewalt ToughSystem DXL Drawer Units
ToughSystem DXL drawers take the concept further, offering a larger, more workstation-style approach to drawer storage.
The deep and shallow drawer options allow for a mix of tool storage and consumable organisation within the same setup.
Built for heavier payloads, DXL drawers are often used in semi-permanent van or workshop layouts, where they act as the backbone of a larger storage station.
Dividers allow tools and accessories to be laid out clearly, while locking mechanisms help keep drawers secure during transport.
These drawers suit trades who want a more structured, fixed storage solution rather than something that is constantly being lifted on and off site.
Shop Dewalt DXLBunker Drawer Cabinets
Unlike modular stacking systems, Bunker drawer units are designed as standalone workshop storage.
With multiple full-width drawers in varying depths, they provide structured storage for complete tool kits, from small hand tools to larger power tools.
The drawer layout keeps everything visible and protected, while the integrated worktop adds a practical working surface.
These systems are best suited to workshops and garages rather than mobile site use, offering long-term organisation in a fixed location.
What Trades Actually Store in Drawer Systems
Most drawer systems end up being used for the items trades reach for constantly throughout the day.
Fixings are usually top of the list, with screws, plugs, anchors, bolts, and specialist fasteners kept separated so you can grab exactly what you need without digging through a box.
Electrical accessories are another common drawer filler.
Connectors, terminals, glands, clips, and small components are far easier to manage when each type has its own place and stays visible while you’re working.
Drill bits, blades, hole saws, and cutting accessories also suit drawers well.
Instead of being buried in cases or loose in tool bags, they can be laid out so you can see what’s there at a glance, which makes swapping accessories quicker and keeping track of stock much easier.
Drawers are also often used for the smaller everyday essentials.
Tape, gloves, markers, testers, and other bits that get picked up and put down constantly tend to live in drawers simply because they’re quick to access and easy to keep organised.
Of course, once you’ve got a drawer system on the van or in the workshop, it doesn’t always stop at tools and fixings.
When something’s easy to reach and stays put during transport, it has a habit of becoming the go-to storage spot for… other essentials too.
A Smarter Way to Stay Organised
Drawer systems have become a popular choice because they solve a simple, everyday problem. They make it easier to keep tools, fixings, and accessories organised in a way that actually works on site, in the van, or in the workshop.
Whether it’s a heavy duty drawer unit built for daily site use, a compact organiser for fixings, or a workshop drawer setup that keeps everything visible, the right system helps reduce wasted time and frustration.
Instead of rebuilding stacks or searching through boxes, everything stays where you expect it to be and is easy to access when you need it.
There’s no single setup that suits every trade or working style.
Some will benefit from large, load bearing drawers for tools and accessories, while others will get more value from smaller drawer units focused on consumables and everyday essentials.
The key is choosing a drawer system that fits how you work, not the other way around. When storage is organised properly, it stays organised, and that makes the working day smoother from start to finish.