# DeWalt ToughSystem 1.0: discontinued, and it still stacks with 2.0

> DeWalt replaced the original ToughSystem with ToughSystem 2.0 in 2019-2020. The old boxes still lock onto 2.0, so a 1.0 stack can keep growing with today's pieces - here's what changed and what to buy now.

- System: DeWalt ToughSystem (1.0)
- Status: Discontinued
- Launched: 2011 (announced)
- Replaced by: ToughSystem 2.0 (2019-2020), compatible
- Checked: 2026-10-01
- Page: https://modulartoolbox.com/guides/dewalt-toughsystem-1-0/

DeWalt announced the original **ToughSystem** in 2011, one of the first pro modular tool box systems in the US. In 2019 it announced **ToughSystem 2.0**, and from 2020 the new line replaced the old one in stores. Modular Toolbox only lists systems you can buy new, so the original isn't in the catalogue. People still own a lot of it, though, and still search for it.

## Will my old boxes work with the new ones?

Yes. DeWalt says ToughSystem 2.0 is "designed to be compatible to all original TOUGHSYSTEM products", so 1.0 and 2.0 boxes lock into the same stack. That makes ToughSystem one of the few systems where a generation change didn't strand anybody's boxes. Compare RIDGID Pro Gear, where 2.0 stacks on 1.0 but the lineups differ, or Husky, where Build-Out doesn't fit Connect at all.

## What changed in 2.0

- **Latches:** 1.0 used solid metal side latches that you lock by hand. 2.0 uses spring-loaded latches that snap shut when you set a box on top.
- **Size:** 2.0 boxes are slightly bigger. SlashGear measured the large box at 19 × 11 × 9.25 in for 1.0 and 19 × 12 × 10 in for 2.0.
- **Wheels and handles:** the 2.0 rolling base has larger wheels and wider handles that are easier to grip with gloves on.

## Joining ToughSystem to TSTAK

DeWalt's other system, TSTAK, doesn't lock onto ToughSystem. DeWalt sells the **TOUGHSYSTEM 2.0 Adaptor (DWST08017)** to join TSTAK, ToughCase and Pro Organizer pieces to a ToughSystem 2.0 stack. With a 2.0 piece in the stack, that reaches your 1.0 boxes too.


## Sold new today

- [DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0](https://modulartoolbox.com/lines/dewalt-toughsystem-2-0/index.md) (15 products; [what it stacks with](https://modulartoolbox.com/stacks-with/dewalt-toughsystem-2-0/index.md))
- [DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 DXL](https://modulartoolbox.com/lines/dewalt-toughsystem-2-0-dxl/index.md) (6 products; [what it stacks with](https://modulartoolbox.com/stacks-with/dewalt-toughsystem-2-0-dxl/index.md))


## Questions

**Is DeWalt ToughSystem 1.0 discontinued?**
Yes. DeWalt replaced the original ToughSystem with ToughSystem 2.0 starting in 2020, after announcing it in 2019. New 1.0 boxes are only left over in stores or sold used.

**Does ToughSystem 1.0 stack with ToughSystem 2.0?**
Yes. DeWalt describes ToughSystem 2.0 as "designed to be compatible to all original TOUGHSYSTEM products", so 1.0 and 2.0 boxes lock into one stack.

**Does ToughSystem 1.0 work with TSTAK?**
Not directly. DeWalt's TOUGHSYSTEM 2.0 Adaptor (DWST08017) joins TSTAK pieces to ToughSystem 2.0, and a 2.0 piece in the stack is then the bridge to 1.0.

**What should I buy to add to a ToughSystem 1.0 stack?**
ToughSystem 2.0 pieces, including the larger 2.0 DXL range. They are the current line and they lock onto the original boxes.


## Sources

- [DeWalt: TOUGHSYSTEM 2.0 DXL 30 in. 2-Drawer Unit (compatibility statement)](https://www.dewalt.com/product/dwst08520/toughsystem-20-dxl-30-2-drawer-unit)
- [DeWalt: TOUGHSYSTEM 2.0 Adaptor DWST08017](https://www.dewalt.com/en-us/product/dwst08017/toughsystem-20-adaptor)
- [ToolGuyd: a timeline of every modular tool box system (ToughSystem announced 2011; 2.0 in 2019)](https://toolguyd.com/modular-tool-boxes-timeline/)
- [SlashGear: ToughSystem 1.0 vs 2.0 - replaced starting in 2020; latches, sizes and wheels compared](https://www.slashgear.com/1828596/dewalt-tough-system-1-and-2-compatible-how-different-explained/)