We are what we have. you are dedicated to PDR. Your tool cart needs to be too. 

The Milwaukee Packout system has become a go-to storage and mobility solution for professionals across many trades. Rugged, modular, and expandable, it’s easy to see why so many paintless dent repair (PDR) technicians are drawn to it. On the surface, it looks like the perfect rolling tool solution: heavy-duty wheels, stackable cases, and wide availability at tool stores across the country.

But here’s the truth: what works for electricians, plumbers, or contractors doesn’t always translate perfectly to PDR. Packout is an excellent foundation, but there are drawbacks and limitations when it comes to dent repair work.

Before you invest, you need to know the five biggest problems with using Milwaukee Packout toolboxes for PDR.

1. Packout Wasn’t Designed for PDR Tools

The first and most obvious issue is that Milwaukee didn’t design Packout with PDR in mind. It’s a generic tool system built for tradespeople who carry drills, saws, fasteners, and hand tools—not long steel rods, knockdowns, glue pullers, or tab organizers.

What this means for technicians:

• Our tools are too damn long – PDR rods and hammers don’t store naturally in Packout drawers. They’re either too long or too thin for the compartments.

• Glue tabs and tool tips hide in the back – Glue tabs and knockdowns can slide around in standard bins, wasting time as you dig for the right piece.

• No work surface – PDR techs need a clean, ergonomic cart top to keep essentials in reach, which Packout doesn’t offer on its own.

In short: while Packout is durable and modular, it doesn’t meet the specialized workflow of a dent tech without heavy modification or an aftermarket top.

Rolling Tool Carts, What to Pick First, The Tool Cart System or the PDR Cart Top?

2. It's Hard to Work from the Top of the Cart

This is a big one: most PDR cart tops (like our own WQ1 and WQ2 by  WilleyQuick) are engineered to fit Packout. That sounds great, until you realize not all Packout versions or configurations are equally compatible.

YouTube channel where we compare our WQ1 versus WQ2 cart tops. 

In our other article, we talked about which to pick first, the cart or the cart top.

What can go wrong:

• Wrong version of Packout – some tops are designed only for the rolling cart base, not the slimmer stack boxes.

• Stability issues – if your Packout isn’t weighted properly, the top can wobble during use.

• Hidden costs – you may need to buy a new rolling base just to fit the cart top, even if you already own Packout gear.

This compatibility issue often frustrates technicians who already invested in Packout, only to discover that their existing boxes don’t match the PDR upgrades they want later.

3. Limited Drawer Depth for Rods

Packout drawers are great for short tools, tabs, and accessories. But PDR rods—especially long hail rods or double-bent door tools—are often too large to fit inside neatly.

The issue:

• Standard drawers are shallow – long rods stick out or don’t fit at all.

• No protective storage – rods can bang around, risking scratches or bent tips.

• Workarounds waste time – some techs strap rods to the side of their cart or carry them separately, defeating the purpose of an “all-in-one” rolling system.

If the primary tools of your trade don’t fit in your toolbox, it’s fair to question whether the base system is the right fit for PDR without customization.

This cart has the bottom tray to support the long rods and panel tools, as well as the WQ1 cart top.

4. Hot Glue Messing up Your Expensive Toolbox

We get messy with hot glue. We reuse glue tabs until they bust. Answer the phone with a glue gun in hand. Put stuff down and then spend 5 minutes looking for the little sucker.

The standard tool cart doesn't lend itself to this and it's too beautiful (and expensive) to get glue on it. 

We designed an elevated glue tray to keep all the gunk away from your work surface and the cart. It's hang a glue gun just right and keeps your slide hammer handy too.

The Bottom Line on Packout for PDR

Let’s be clear: Milwaukee Packout isn’t a bad system. It’s durable, widely available, and provides a solid rolling base. But it’s not perfect for PDR straight out of the box.

To make Packout work for dent repair, you’ll almost always need:

• A PDR-specific cart top for organization.

• A glue trays to manage tabs and the glue gun.

• A cart bottom to support your rods and picks

So, should you avoid Packout altogether? Not at all! But you should go in with your eyes open to the limitations. Don’t assume a toolbox designed for electricians will instantly work for a highly specialized trade like paintless dent removal.

Smart Alternatives for PDR Techs

If you’re weighing your options, consider:

• ToughBuilt StachTech Systems -  With the right mods, these also transform into a true PDR workstation. Our other favorite choice for PDR.

• DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 – A very Heavy Duty rolling toolbox, built mainly for tradesman or garage storage. Your Favorite WilleyQuick Tool Cart Tops and Accessories Coming soon!

The Best Tool Cart Tops for PDR Repair

Toolbox Shootout: Milwaukee Packout Versus the ToughBuilt Stacktech

Final Word: Invest Wisely

Your rolling cart is more than a toolbox, it’s the centerpiece of your workflow. Every wasted second searching for a glue tab or lugging around a heavy drawer system is time and money lost.

Before you sink hundreds into a setup, ask yourself:

• Will my rods, knockdowns, and glue gear actually fit?

• What am I doing with glue?

• What work surface do I have? Is it compatible with a PDR cart top?

If the answer leaves you uncertain, you’re better off starting with a PDR-specific solution and building around it.

🚀 Upgrade Your Packout with WilleyQuick

At WilleyQuick Tools, we’ve taken the strengths of Milwaukee Packout and solved its biggest weaknesses for dent techs. Our PDR cart tops and accessories are precision-designed to fit Packout bases, giving you:

• Organized cutouts for rods, knockdowns, and tabs

• A stable, ergonomic work surface

• A professional setup built for PDR—not plumbing or carpentry

Don’t settle for a system that wasn’t designed for your trade. Build a cart that works as hard as you do.