Looking for a tool bag

[FuzzyTiger]

I'm looking for suggestions on a tool bag but I can't seem to find a decent one at any of my stores locally. The only one I've found that I really liked was the MAC Tools Wheel Pro Bag (TB506) but its been out of stock and I've been on the wait list for it with my Mac guy for nearly a year now.

What I'm looking for is essentially something I can toss my automotive tools into if I'm heading over to help a friend or relative with their car. I'm a hobbyist not a professional so I'd rather not get into things like the Dewalt or Milwaukee modular toolbox systems if I don't have to (plus I find they take up more space and are pretty inconvenient to use). I do want it to have wheels though because I'm lazy and tools are heavy.

It does need to be big enough to fit my sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, M12 impact, M18 impact, multi-meter, miscellaneous supplies and so forth. And it should ideally hold as much of the things internally as possible.

Most of the bags I've seen at my local Canadian Tire/hardware stores seem more oriented towards construction/handyman type stuff and don't really seem like their frames/wheels would hold up to the weight of my tools.

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[engineer2]

Home Depot has the Husky one. Not as nice as the Mac.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

Home Depot has the Husky one. Not as nice as the Mac.

Yeah. Its the closest I've found and it didn't really impress me. The wheels, handle and bottom really didn't seem like they'd hold up long term plus its 600 denier fabric vs 1200 on the Mac... and on top of that I can get the Mac cheaper than the Husky.

 

[klassenl]

I can get the Mac cheaper than the Husky.

That's not something you hear very often.

 

[Jweebothee]

This is what I use, works pretty good, no complaints, been my junkyard bag for a little over a year and havnt had any issues with it

 

[Mark in Indiana]

My suggestion is that if you want to go top end, get a VETO tool bag. Great for organizing the tools that I use 80% of the time. Expensive, but you only have to buy one. A boiler technician turned me on to them. He put his through hell and it looks good.

If you want to go casual, get any cheap bag from a big box home improvement store of HF. Same quality. The bag in the second picture is what I carry tools with, when I go to the you-pull junk yard. It's lasted over 10 years, likely because I don't abuse it.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

Klein makes an excellent tool bag. My local HD stocks it.

 

[mwalsh9152]

my field techs use the 18" Husky roller bag. It holds up well in daily use for them, so I wouldnt be too worried about it in your occasional application.

 

[MJK]

I used to use the same thing as @Jweebothee. It really worked well, particularly if you used zipper bags and tool rolls to help organize wrenches and sockets that get tossed in the middle. I switched to a Milwaukee Packet compact toolbox (48-22-8422). I like that it stores easier, is weatherproof and can be customized with the include dividers. I don't like the lack of a shoulder strap.

IMO the real key to road bag organization are the inner bags. I use smaller waxed canvas zipper bags for screwdrivers, picks, pliers, hex keys, cutters, electrical, zip ties, strippers, heat shrink, OBD, flashlight. Etc. I use bigger but similar ones to keep sockets together. One bag per drive size. Each Metric/SAE/Shallow/Deep on their own rail. Wrenches go in a cheap waxed canvas roll. Throw in a breaker bar and a few odds and ends and either the Husky or the Milwaukee are full with no room for power tools.

Works well for me.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Klein tool bags are made with high quality fabrics, but some of the design choices are annoying to me. I have the one with the magnetic puck-style work light. I really like the concept, but the bag doesn't open very wide. I have one of their backpack bags, but it doesn't stand on it's own, and will fall over and dump everything out.

CLC tool bags are lesser quality, but for the price they are not bad. I have a smaller blue model that I use as my computer repair bag.

I also like the Rothco military-style tool bags. They don't have many pockets, and the ones they do have are small, but they are a good "dump everything in one compartment" bag, and are great for keeping track of zip ties, electrical tape, compressed air, and other items that take up too much space in the main bag. Not very organized, but you can cram a lot of stuff in them.

 

[metaldad]

klein canvas tool bag, leather bottom, internal pockets.

Deluxe Tool Bag, Canvas, 10 Pockets, 14-Inch - 5102-14SP | Klein Tools

This deluxe canvas tool bag features lots of interior pockets to organize your tools. Made of heavy-duty canvas, this bag will stand the test of time. A detachable shoulder strap can be adjusted for a comfortable fit. With the moisture-resistant vinyl bottom and non-scratch studs on the base...

www.kleintools.com

Deluxe Tool Bag, Canvas, 17 Pockets, 24-Inch - 5102-24SP | Klein Tools

This deluxe canvas tool bag features lots of interior pockets to organize your tools. Made of heavy-duty canvas, this bag will stand the test of time. A detachable shoulder strap can be adjusted for a comfortable fit. With the moisture-resistant vinyl bottom and non-scratch studs on the base...

www.kleintools.com

 

[mmggdd]

klein canvas tool bag, leather bottom, internal pockets.

Deluxe Tool Bag, Canvas, 10 Pockets, 14-Inch - 5102-14SP | Klein Tools

This deluxe canvas tool bag features lots of interior pockets to organize your tools. Made of heavy-duty canvas, this bag will stand the test of time. A detachable shoulder strap can be adjusted for a comfortable fit. With the moisture-resistant vinyl bottom and non-scratch studs on the base...

www.kleintools.com

Deluxe Tool Bag, Canvas, 17 Pockets, 24-Inch - 5102-24SP | Klein Tools

This deluxe canvas tool bag features lots of interior pockets to organize your tools. Made of heavy-duty canvas, this bag will stand the test of time. A detachable shoulder strap can be adjusted for a comfortable fit. With the moisture-resistant vinyl bottom and non-scratch studs on the base...

www.kleintools.com

5 gallon

I'm looking for suggestions on a tool bag but I can't seem to find a decent one at any of my stores locally. The only one I've found that I really liked was the MAC Tools Wheel Pro Bag (TB506) but its been out of stock and I've been on the wait list for it with my Mac guy for nearly a year now.

What I'm looking for is essentially something I can toss my automotive tools into if I'm heading over to help a friend or relative with their car. I'm a hobbyist not a professional so I'd rather not get into things like the Dewalt or Milwaukee modular toolbox systems if I don't have to (plus I find they take up more space and are pretty inconvenient to use). I do want it to have wheels though because I'm lazy and tools are heavy.

It does need to be big enough to fit my sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, M12 impact, M18 impact, multi-meter, miscellaneous supplies and so forth. And it should ideally hold as much of the things internally as possible.

Most of the bags I've seen at my local Canadian Tire/hardware stores seem more oriented towards construction/handyman type stuff and don't really seem like their frames/wheels would hold up to the weight of my tools.

Anyone have any suggestions?

5 gallon bucket works great.

 

[PhantomEB]

I particularly like my Kuny bag. It lives in my car and is thrown in the truck when I need to use the truvk.

 

[csp]

This is what I use, works pretty good, no complaints, been my junkyard bag for a little over a year and haven't had any issues with it

I bought this bag five years ago and I drug it in and out of other peoples houses for three years loaded to the gills and it's still in great shape.

Prybars, hammers, etc are just as heavy as sockets and ratchets and I always had a cordless impact driver, cordless drill and extra batteries in it. I'd bet it weighed 60-75 pounds daily.

 

[CGarage]

I have the large Facom bag and love it.....
I gave one as a gift to a guy with an entire 3 car garage filled with Hazet and he loves it for mobile repairs (serious hobbyist mechanic).....

 

[nerraw117]

that facom is identical to my mac bag and I love it. Use it all the time for mobile work at my job

Tool Bag, Multi-Use

Ideal for on-site maintenance .Special screwdriver partition .Easy access to the tool compartment .Adjustable saw compartment with hook and loop closures .Flap top storage pouch .Hanging metal clips .Ergonomic design leather handle .Large side pockets .Durable 1,200 x 1,200 denier fabric .Rigid...

www.mactools.com

 

[trackwelder]

I have the large Facom bag and love it.....
I gave one as a gift to a guy with an entire 3 car garage filled with Hazet and he loves it for mobile repairs (serious hobbyist mechanic).....

Where did you buy it. I’m interested

 

[CGarage]

10 years ago from UltimateGarage or thereabouts on a holiday special. It swallows a giant amount of tools. Very happy with it. Still looks new after all these years.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Husky tool bags, 14 in. 15 Pocket Open Top Supply Tool Bag ($28), and 18 in. 18 Pocket Rolling Tool Bag ($100).

 

[PoorUB]

I will second the Veto bag. I bought one 15 years go while doing HVAC work. Expensive, but worth every penny. I keep mine loaded up with my hand tools I use doing HVAC and grab with when I do repairs at home, or at my mom and dad's. Handy to have ready to go. When I need to grab a bunch more tools everything goes in the standard 5 gallon tool tote we all have.

 

[drtyler]

I know you want a bag. But, if you can't find one, I have been using this Ridgid wheeled box from Home Depot for a couple years now. The wheels hold up well when it's loaded with hand tools. Its not terribly big or cumbersome.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ridgid-22-inch-gear-cart-pro-wheeled-tool-storage-tote-in-black/1000819367

 

[bustedcrawler]

For my rockcrawler and my Jeep I use two of the Titan Toolbag's from Brennan's Garage: Titan Tool Bags

Big enough to fit all my hand tools in one, and all the battery in another. When I ran the Dusy with the JK, the power tool bag had M18 1/2 Fuel impact, 3/8 stubby M18 impact, M12 flashlight, M12 soldering iron, charger, and 2x spare batteries for both M18 and M12. M18 were 5.0 batteries and M12 were the 3.0 ones.

I have a prototype Titan bag and it's still going strong after 4+ years of abuse. The new ones are nice being yellow vs the black I had. Much easier to see inside.

I was playing with storage in this pic Below.
Left to Right: Snap on Bag that came with my 3/8 cordless impact, Titan tool bag, Milwaukee bag from either a hacksall or drill.

 

[gmcgeo]

I have used all these styles, then i changed over to the back pack tool bags. and i love it! so much easier to throw on my back and walk into a place then try to carry and lug those around.
I have this one

Amazon.com

 

[Trapps]

CLC Custom Leathercraft L258 TechGear Roller Tool Bag with Lighted Handle, 17 Inch - - Amazon.com

CLC Custom Leathercraft L258 TechGear Roller Tool Bag with Lighted Handle, 17 Inch - - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

Anecdotal evidence, but I've had several CLC bags over the years. All have seen some rough treatment and all are still in service and in very good condition. I like being able zip the whole thing up so if I should happen to brake, turn or accelerate ( ) rather, um, abruptly, and the bag goes for a tumble, tools and parts are not strewn all over...

 

[mike93lx]

If you aren't storing stuff it it and just need it for short jobs, a bucket is about as good as it gets. Totally waterproof, built in handle, easy to clean and easy to get more.

I recently grabbed a rubbermaid commercial cleaning caddy for around the house or taking a few things to a buddy's. Simple, cheap and easy to get stuff in an out of

 

[Rbcsci]

For my rockcrawler and my Jeep I use two of the Titan Toolbag's from Brennan's Garage: Titan Tool Bags

Big enough to fit all my hand tools in one, and all the battery in another. When I ran the Dusy with the JK, the power tool bag had M18 1/2 Fuel impact, 3/8 stubby M18 impact, M12 flashlight, M12 soldering iron, charger, and 2x spare batteries for both M18 and M12. M18 were 5.0 batteries and M12 were the 3.0 ones.

I have a prototype Titan bag and it's still going strong after 4+ years of abuse. The new ones are nice being yellow vs the black I had. Much easier to see inside.

I was playing with storage in this pic Below.
Left to Right: Snap on Bag that came with my 3/8 cordless impact, Titan tool bag, Milwaukee bag from either a hacksall or drill.

Ha! I was going to recommend Brennan’s tool bag, but I thought that NOBODY would have any idea what I was talking about and it would be a long explanation. Mine holds 35 pounds worth of tools and repair materials and goes EVERYWHERE my Jeeps go. Great product from a true enthusiast!

 

[ZRX61]

I also like the Rothco military-style tool bags. They don't have many pockets, and the ones they do have are small, but they are a good "dump everything in one compartment" bag, and are great for keeping track of zip ties, electrical tape, compressed air, and other items that take up too much space in the main bag. Not very organized, but you can cram a lot of stuff in them.

I have this small one that has my Autel scanner, Avo meter, boroscope & other assorted electrical gubbins in it:

Rothco | Login To Your Online Account

Log in to your Rothco online account to be able to place B2B wholesale orders.

www.rothco.com

There's also this one:

Rothco Heavyweight Canvas Platoon Tool Bag

Rothco’s Heavyweight Canvas Platoon Tool Bag is the ideal solution for carrying and organizing your tools. Constructed from durable heavyweight cotton canvas, this tool equipment bag is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy use. Buy Now.

www.rothco.com

And a bigger one:

Rothco Canvas Jumbo Tool Bag With Brass Zipper

View Rothco's Canvas Jumbo Tool Bag With Brass Zipper. The jumbo tool bag is perfect if you're looking for a durable, versatile, and long-lasting way to carry your tools and/or other gear.

www.rothco.com

 

[joseywales]

Hmm...Rothco is interesting. Thanks for posting.

I'm a big of bag nut and there's lots to look at their. Their prices aren't insane either.

The 19" bag I like, but no strap = fail. I get that the bag might be heavy for shoulder carry, but give the user the option.

I like their Tactical Convertipack, but 7 pictures showing the two different colors, an how the bag can be worn on shoulder or waist doesn't tell me...what does the inside look like! They describe it, but it'd be nice to see. I like enough that I might write them for pictures.

I was at HD today and grabbed the 18" Huskey bag - discounted because it was the last one and filthy.

 

[bustedcrawler]

Ha! I was going to recommend Brennan’s tool bag, but I thought that NOBODY would have any idea what I was talking about and it would be a long explanation. Mine holds 35 pounds worth of tools and repair materials and goes EVERYWHERE my Jeeps go. Great product from a true enthusiast!

Ha, I figured the same but for automotive tool kit that is has what you need and only a couple extras Brennan's bags are hard to beat.

They are handy, and after the next order I put in, I'll have enough for two in the jeep, two in the buggy, and then a floater or maybe two.

 

[BreeStephany]

I really like the CLC 18" multi-compartment tool carrier! I have 3 of them, have 30~60+lbs of tools in them and they are still going strong after 14+ years of use. They are pretty packed and the zippers and fabric are still going strong.

I have heard a lot of GREAT things about Veto Pro Pac, but personally have not tried them. Unfortunately, they are only sold online and through a select set of retailers in Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas that I am aware of.

 

[KnurledNut]

For my rockcrawler and my Jeep I use two of the Titan Toolbag's from Brennan's Garage: Titan Tool Bags

Big enough to fit all my hand tools in one, and all the battery in another. When I ran the Dusy with the JK, the power tool bag had M18 1/2 Fuel impact, 3/8 stubby M18 impact, M12 flashlight, M12 soldering iron, charger, and 2x spare batteries for both M18 and M12. M18 were 5.0 batteries and M12 were the 3.0 ones.

I have a prototype Titan bag and it's still going strong after 4+ years of abuse. The new ones are nice being yellow vs the black I had. Much easier to see inside.

I was playing with storage in this pic Below.
Left to Right: Snap on Bag that came with my 3/8 cordless impact, Titan tool bag, Milwaukee bag from either a hacksall or drill.

Ha! I was going to recommend Brennan’s tool bag, but I thought that NOBODY would have any idea what I was talking about and it would be a long explanation. Mine holds 35 pounds worth of tools and repair materials and goes EVERYWHERE my Jeeps go. Great product from a true enthusiast!

For us in humid areas, it seems like moisture would be a problem. Noticed any issues?

 

[KnurledNut]

Discountinued bags dont help the OP much, but years ago, HD had a 14” Total Tech bag w/ tool wall.
It was one of their most praised bags and when they stopped production, their website was flooded with reviews from professional technicians begging them to bring it back.
They never did.
Ive been using one for years and love it.
To this day, I still consider it one of Vetos fiercest rivals.
They rarely show up on ebay, and are sold quickly.
One of the most important advantages for me is the handle design. It had a hinged metal bar. The bag gets heavy loaded, and that bar can be grabbed like your curling weights, keeping your back straight.
The single hole handle on Vetos only gives you one awkward grab point. This is especially noticeable on the XL/XXL, which really could benefit from two or three.

 

[Rbcsci]

For us in humid areas, it seems like moisture would be a problem. Noticed any issues?

I haven't noticed any, but I'm pretty meticulous about cleaning and oiling tools after an outing and the bag is definitely water resistant if not waterproof. I've been thinking about doing an inventory of my bag and making a few changes to the line up. I was thinking that I might create a thread with the packing list. I'll check for corrosion when I do it.

 

[bustedcrawler]

For us in humid areas, it seems like moisture would be a problem. Noticed any issues?

I haven't, but I am out west so not much humidity. I leave the zippers partway open when I get back from a trip to help avoid trapping humidity in the bag, as part of my clean and check of the tools.

The zippers are waterproof, and I've had that tested. So whatever gets in stays in. I'd toss some desiccant bags in to play it safe if I was in a high humidity area.

 

[joseywales]

I really like the CLC 18" multi-compartment tool carrier! I have 3 of them, have 30~60+lbs of tools in them and they are still going strong after 14+ years of use. They are pretty packed and the zippers and fabric are still going strong.

I have heard a lot of GREAT things about Veto Pro Pac, but personally have not tried them. Unfortunately, they are only sold online and through a select set of retailers in Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas that I am aware of.

I have a Veto. Bulletproof for sure, but it’s not lightweight. I have a Milwaukee backpack for general use, thinking backpacks were a good hands-free solution. Not yet convinced.

Thanks to you, I found the 18” CLC on Amazon Warehouse for $74, so it will be here next week

 

[BreeStephany]

I found the 18” CLC on Amazon Warehouse for $74, so it will be here next week

Nice find! I love them for storing my spare tools / specialty tools and carrying them into the jobsite, but have definitely been eyeing the Veto backpacks for those days when I have to lug my tools up to the roof via 5 or 6 flights of stairs, as the shoulder ******** the CLC just isn't enough support for me for LONG distance carrying.

 

[joseywales]

Nice find! I love them for storing my spare tools / specialty tools and carrying them into the jobsite, but have definitely been eyeing the Veto backpacks for those days when I have to lug my tools up to the roof via 5 or 6 flights of stairs, as the shoulder ******** the CLC just isn't enough support for me for LONG distance carrying.

Agreed. I’ve upgraded nearly every shoulder ******** every style bag I have for that reason.

 

[BreeStephany]

I’ve upgraded nearly every shoulder ******** every style bag I have

Curious what you use for upgraded shoulder straps.

 

[joseywales]

Curious what you use for upgraded shoulder straps.

I knew that question was coming. I'm a bit of bag and case freak. I hit the thrift stores, etc. If I like a strap well enough, I'll buy the bag to get it. Short answer, I don't have a specific brand. I can tell you that more padding doesn't always mean better.

I look for metal swivels, not plastic.
I make sure it grabs the shoulder and doesn't slide - hate sliders.
Swiss Gear - One of my favorite straps, has no real padding, but it stretches, like bungie elasticity, very comfortable and I use it on my heavy range bag. I might have taken that off a Wenger Swiss Gear garment bag believe it or not.

What I might do a search sties that sell heavy duty bags for tools, firearms, etc. and if I like a strap, see if I can order it from the company. Once I get this CLC, I'll see how I like the strap.

I'll post if I find anything worthwhile

 

[BreeStephany]

Once I get this CLC, I'll see how I like the strap.

The swivels/clips on mine are steel and strong. The strap and swivels/clips are very robust, but the movable shoulder pad seems like it was a cheap attempt at resolving an after thought, which is the only bad thing I could say about the bag. Never really use the shoulder strap enough to look at getting others.