Systainer

Systainers (from sys-tem con-tainers) are modular inter-stacking plastic containers used for transporting power tools. Boxes from different manufacturers are compatible and can be stacked and clipped together. A design using four joining clips was introduced by Festool Tooltechnic in 1993.^[2] In 2010 the T-Loc variant was introduced using a rotating handle for connecting and locking of containers, in combination with redesigned feet.^[2]

Other names

Berner Bera Clic/+
Hitachi Hit-Case
Makita MakPac
Metabo Metabox/MetaLoc
Mafell Max/T-Max
Starmix Starbox
Systra Modul

ClassificationModular stacking tool box

Types

Classic
T-Loc
Tool Box
Systainer³

Used withPower tools

Quick facts Other names, Classification ...

Systainer
Plastic nubs around the base of each container enable stacking and inter-locking from multiple manufacturers.
Other names	Berner Bera Clic/+ Hitachi Hit-Case Makita MakPac Metabo Metabox/MetaLoc Mafell Max/T-Max Starmix Starbox Systra Modul
Classification	Modular stacking tool box
Types	Classic T-Loc Tool Box Systainer³
Used with	Power tools
Inventor	Martin Topel (de) Herbert Pauser^[1]
Manufacturer	Festo Tanos
Related	Euro container Sortimo L-Boxx Dewalt Tough System

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To reduce plastic pollution, Festool designed the Systainer to first allow distribution of products, then be reused in stacking form as reusable packaging for tool transportation and storage.^[3]

Several power tool manufacturers use or offer Systainer-compatible variants.^[4] Other manufacturers use the alternative Sortimo L-BOXX design.^[4]

The term "Systainer" was trademarked in the United States in January 1994.^[5]

Dimensions

More information Type, Stacking height increment (mm) ...

Systainer height by type (without 7 mm feet)^[6]
Type	Stacking height increment (mm)
I	105.0(2 × 52.5 mm)
II	157.5(3 × 52.5 mm)
III	210.0(4 × 52.5 mm)
IV	315.0(6 × 52.5 mm)
V	420.0(8 × 52.5 mm)
Mini III	142.0
Mini I	71.0
Micro	31.5

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More information Sys³, Stacking height increment (mm) ...

Systainer³ height by type (without 7 mm feet)^[7]
Sys³	Stacking height increment (mm)
112	105.0(2 × 52.5 mm + 0 mm — "4 inch")
137	130.0(2 × 50 mm + 30 mm — "5 inch")
187	180.0(3 × 50 mm + 30 mm — "7 inch")
237	230.0(4 × 50 mm + 30 mm — "9 inch")
337	330.0(6 × 50 mm + 30 mm — "13 inch")
437	430.0(8 × 50 mm + 30 mm — "17 inch")

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More information Type, Nominal (mm) ...

Systainer horizontal dimensions)^[8]
Type	Nominal (mm)	Actual (mm)	Internal (mm)	Style
Type	Nominal (mm)	Actual (mm)	Internal (mm)	Classic	T-Loc
Micro^[9]		105×65	100×60		Yes
Mini		265×171	254×154	Yes	Yes
Normal	400×300	396×296	382×267	Yes	Yes
Midi	500×300	496×296	483×267		Yes
Sys³ L	510×300	508×296			Yes
Maxi	600×400	596×396	545×330	Yes
Sys³ XXL	800×300	792×296	786×279		Yes

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Variations

In 2009, the design of Tanos' T-Loc stacking boxes was registered in the name of Timo Kuhls.^[10]

In 2011, the design of Makita's Makpac stacking boxes was registered in the names of Yuji Yamamoto and Kiyozumi Kokawa.^[11]^[12]

In 2014, the design of Tanos' cantilever toolbox was registered in the name of Timo Kuhls.^[13]

Beginning in 2014, the students at the Heinrich-Hübsch wood-working college in Karlsruhe started making wooden containers for each students' tools. The "Woodbox" design is 210 millimetres (8.3 in) high, with a transparent area for drill bits in the lid, and a T-Loc closing handle compatible with other systainer cases.^[14] In 2016 the teacher of the class, Peter Winklhofer, made the PDF plans available to enable other carpenters and students to build their own versions of the case.^[15]

In 2015, the design of Hitachi's micro-sized Hit-Case stacking boxes was registered in the name of Yi-Hung Lin.^[16]

In mid-2019, Systainer³ was announced jointly by Festool, Bott, and Tanos. These containers have integrated slide rail slots for direct connection to van racking, and front handles, along with backward compatibility.^[17]

Stacking order

More information Toolbox, T-Loc ...

Stacking order/compatibility of different types
Upper Lower	Toolbox	T-Loc	Sys³	Orga	Midi	XXL	Classic	Maxi
Toolbox	\|		Yes
Systainer³	\|		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	1‒2
T-Loc	\|		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	1‒2
Midi	\|		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	1
Sys³ XXL	\|		1‒2	1‒2	1‒2	1‒2	1	1
Classic	\|		Yes	Yes	Yes				Yes
Maxi	\|		×2	×2	×2				×2	Yes

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References

[1]
Noe, Rain (18 June 2015). "Core77 Visits Festool, Part 8: The Wrap-Up". Core 77.
[2]
DeBoer, Clint (21 October 2010). "Festool T-LOC Updates Systainer Storage System". Pro Tool Reviews. Retrieved 12 July 2018. in 1993, the Festool Systainer turned upside down the world of construction professionals, who by then was still mainly organized with boxes… Systainer is a composition of words Sys-tem and Con-tainer… first generation of Systainer… close and unlock four snaps, …new T-Loc system is backwards compatible with existing Systainers… T-Loc versions on top… T-shaped and Loc means close (Lock), open (Open) and connected (Connect).
[3]
Morris, Michael; Carnett, John B. (September 1994). "Euro Tools". Popular Science. Vol. 245, no. 3. p. 84. ISSN 0161-7370. Festo has also developed its own unique response to Germany's environmental challenge—by packaging its products in sturdy plastic crates call Systainers that later become a stackable, transportable storage system for tools and accessories.
[4]
Meltzer, Matthias (7 May 2018). "Handkreissäge kaufen: Das sind die beliebtesten Produkte" [Circular Saw shopping: these are the most popular products]. Computer Bild (in German). Retrieved 12 July 2018. Hersteller wie Festool, Mafell, Makita und Metabo liefern ihre Werkzeuge im Systainer von Tanos. Nur Bosch setzt bei den Geräten der Professional-Reihe auf die L Boxx von Sortimo.
[5]
"Trademarks". Official Gazette of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. 1170 (3): 128. 1995. SN 74-482,890, Festo KG, 7300 Esslingen Filed 1-25-1994… Systainer
[6]
A short extract of our product range (PDF). Tanos Medical (Report). 7 April 2015. p. 6. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
[7]
"Gibt es eine Übersichtstabelle mit allen neuen Bezeichnungen, Größen und Höhen?" [Is there an overview table with all new names, sizes and heights?]. Systainer³ verbindet Werkstatt und Baustelle. Festool Mobility (in German). Systainer³ (Höhe mit Fuß in mm): …SYS3 M 112; …SYS3 M 137 Neu… SYS3 M/L 187… SYS3 M/L 237… SYS3 M 337… SYS3 M 437
[8]
"Systainer® product overview: A short extract" (PDF). Tanos. 8 April 2014. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
[9]
"Micro-Systainer T-Loc" (in German). Koffer Fun Shop. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
[10]
US patent D627967S1, Kuhls, Timo, "Storage box", issued 2010-11-30, assigned to TTS Tooltechnic Systems
[11]
US patent D668867S1, Yamamoto, Yuji, "Tool box", issued 2012-10-16, assigned to Makita
[12]
US patent D668869S1, Yamamoto, Yuji & Kokawa, Kiyozumi, "Tool box", issued 2012-10-16, assigned to Makita
[13]
US patent D731183S1, Kuhls, Timo, "Storage box", issued 2015-06-09, assigned to TTS Tooltechnic Systems
[14]
"Ausgefallene Projektarbeit an der Berufsfachschule Karlsruhe: Praktisch für die Ewigkeit" [Unusual project at the Karlsruhe training college: Practically forever]. BM-Online (in German). 11 June 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2018.
[15]
Närdemann, Christian, ed. (24 June 2016). "Jetzt Woodbox-Baupläne herunterladen: Praktisch für die Ewigkeit: Werkzeugkiste für Ihr Azubi-Projekt" [Download Wood Box Blueprints now: Practically forever: Toolbox for your trainee project]. BM-Online (in German). Retrieved 25 July 2018.
[16]
US patent 9375835B1, Lin, Yi-Hung, "Tool box assembly", issued 2016-06-28, assigned to Fairness Technology Group
[17]
Dixon, Lucy (2019-07-03). "Festool to launch the Systainer3 tool storage system". Professional Builder UK. Retrieved 2019-09-16. Systainer³ can be integrated into the Bott vario³ vehicle equipment… Systainer³ Organizer… in two different sizes and has a transparent cover… integrated mounting rails… number "3"… indicates the third generation of the Systainer, which has been established in the professional trade sector since 1993, …compatible with all older Systainer models… three low Systainer³ variants have a handy front carrying handle

Dimensions

Variations

Stacking order

References

Further reading

External links

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