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]

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

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

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

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")

Systainer horizontal dimensions)^[8]

Type	Nominal (mm)	Actual (mm)	Internal (mm)	Style
				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

Variations

The T-Loc style uses a single rotating catch mechanism.

Festool dust extractor with attached systainer

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

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