Best portable toolbag/box

[Miller6386]

I have searched all over the net and the forum without finding something that really seems to fit my needs.... I am in the machine repair/relocation field. Each day is something new from tearing down a cnc to running pipe or conduit so I need a TON of tools with me... Wrench sets SAE and Metric, screwdrivers, pliers, ratchets, extensions, sockets, hammers, squares, levels, tape measure........... I think ya'll get the point...

I have a nice folding hand cart to move the bag with so if its bigger that is fine.. I need something I can get all of this stuff into which will organize it all and keep it in pretty easy access.... I have a small bag I bought but most of the stuff must be piled up in the bottom there for I am digging through tools to find what I need.... I have a nice electricians bag put together with all that kind of stuff so now I just need the "mechanical" stuff listed above in this bag... I found a couple at HD that would work if need be but basically I need a TON of storage in a small package...

I am always in a different vehicle so having everything in 2 or 3 bags is a must. If I was always in my own vehicle it would be no big deal to have 4 or 5 bags full of everything that I could just pick and choose from once on site but since I usually get dropped off I need to take as much with me as possible... I am looking and leaning towards this..
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-18...ith-Tool-Wall-88597N11/203203959?N=5yc1vZc2g6

But am VERY open to other options.. ESPECIALLY if you have first hand experience with what you are offering... I know most will say get a VETO and be done but I just can't drop that much cash on a bag at the moment...

 

[NKlamerus]

I may have missed something but why bags? They are easier to carry?

If I were you, I would search craigslist for Pelican cases. They are strong and waterproof. And some have wheels and a handle

 

[Miller6386]

I've had bad luck in the past with plastic tool boxes. And the bags offer more organization via pockets.

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[ephotrod]

I use something like this. I use several small ones have also have this. The reason I use these types of bags over the other is because they are very durable, can handle the weight, the sharp edges of tools, cheap, and are readily available being close to Fort Bliss.
Josh

 

[Miller6386]

I use something like this. I use several small ones have also have this. The reason I use these types of bags over the other is because they are very durable, can handle the weight and sharp edges of tools, cheap, readily available being close to Fort Bliss.
Josh

Those are what I started with and I found myself spending to much time digging stuff out to find something buried in the bottom. I actually have a 24" very similar to that which I am using now.

 

[Outlawmws]

A Pelican box isn't "just" a plastic box. they are pretty bullet proof. Put it this way, there is a version made for the military with wheels and handle, and if the military can trust that setup, surely you could. Stuey had a write up on them.

 

[Outlawmws]

Wow they still make that mil bag? I have one from WWII exactly like that.

 

[Miller6386]

A Pelican box isn't "just" a plastic box. they are pretty bullet proof. Put it this way, there is a version made for the military with wheels and handle, and if the military can trust that setup, surely you could. Stuey had a write up on them.

I've found a few I like now but not sure my wallet can handle the blast

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[Zeke]

I use soft bags now. When you find one you like for size and compartments, make sure it has lots of pockets.

 

[quattroJoe]

Have you looked into the hand carry toolboxes that have a top that opens plus two or three drawers below? Most of the big names carry them- Craftsman, Kobalt, Husky, Homak, as well as some of the better brands. Just do your research, a lot of them have flimsy drawers and **** slides. I've checked some of them out in store and the Kobalt and Husky offerings aren't terribly impressive, some of the Craftsmans are alright.

 

[Miller6386]

I use soft bags now. When you find one you like for size and compartments, make sure it has lots of pockets.

That's the issue is finding one with enough pockets

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[archirelic]

No love for the Veto Pro Pacs? I've got several varieties/styles...and they all serve me well.

 

[Miller6386]

No love for the Veto Pro Pacs? I've got several varieties/styles...and they all serve me well.

I looked at them but the price is a little more than I want to drop on a bag right now. Maybe in a year or so but I have a few specialty tools to order that are going to hurt the wallet the next few weeks

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[metaldad]

X2 on the veto bags.
pricey, built to last, with a guarantee. i have several.
http://www.vetopropac.com/

 

[JonnyMac]

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/accessories/miscellaneous/49-17-0180

These are awesome.
Gets all your screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches and lots of other tools which need fast access. Handles stay upright so its easily grabbed and its got a good section of internal storage. Its one of the best mobile tool carriers ive seen and used. All the regularly used tools can go here with the lesser used stuff stored in a box. Loads of pockets inside and out..

 

[archirelic]

I looked at them but the price is a little more than I want to drop on a bag right now. Maybe in a year or so but I have a few specialty tools to order that are going to hurt the wallet the next few weeks

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Completely understandable. What's your budget look like with regards to acquiring a bag?

 

[Miller6386]

Completely understandable. What's your budget look like with regards to acquiring a bag?

I'd like to keep it under $100 or so... But can go a little more if the right bag was there.

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[mechanicalmoron]

I hate canvass toolbags, they are so ugly, cheap, throwaway...

But for all that, they ARE cheap, do the job, weigh way less, and suddenly seem to be everywhere, or maybe I'm just becoming aware of them. A "nice" one is like 25 bucks.

I have a haggard one I got free, that I use for cheap tools I don't really like. The stuff that I need, but I'm sort of ashamed to own, like my dorman riviter.

 

[56FordGuy]

I looked at them but the price is a little more than I want to drop on a bag right now. Maybe in a year or so but I have a few specialty tools to order that are going to hurt the wallet the next few weeks

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Before I bought my Veto, I used a variety of bags. Most would last about a year and a half before the outer pockets started to tear or a hole wore in the bottom.

If Veto isn't an option right now, I'd look at the River Rock (or is it Rock River?) line that Fastenal sells. The one I bought from them had plastic runners along the bottom which prevented wear through, and the handle (it was open top) folded to the side so the entire bag was open to access tools. It's eventual failure point was the outer pockets wearing through, and it had one side held closed by goofy snaps that I still don't understand. It lasted longer than any of my other pre-Veto bags though.

 

[Hantke]

I have searched all over the net and the forum without finding something that really seems to fit my needs.... I am in the machine repair/relocation field. Each day is something new from tearing down a cnc to running pipe or conduit so I need a TON of tools with me... Wrench sets SAE and Metric, screwdrivers, pliers, ratchets, extensions, sockets, hammers, squares, levels, tape measure........... I think ya'll get the point...

I have a nice folding hand cart to move the bag with so if its bigger that is fine.. I need something I can get all of this stuff into which will organize it all and keep it in pretty easy access.... I have a small bag I bought but most of the stuff must be piled up in the bottom there for I am digging through tools to find what I need.... I have a nice electricians bag put together with all that kind of stuff so now I just need the "mechanical" stuff listed above in this bag... I found a couple at HD that would work if need be but basically I need a TON of storage in a small package...

I am always in a different vehicle so having everything in 2 or 3 bags is a must. If I was always in my own vehicle it would be no big deal to have 4 or 5 bags full of everything that I could just pick and choose from once on site but since I usually get dropped off I need to take as much with me as possible... I am looking and leaning towards this..
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-18...ith-Tool-Wall-88597N11/203203959?N=5yc1vZc2g6

But am VERY open to other options.. ESPECIALLY if you have first hand experience with what you are offering... I know most will say get a VETO and be done but I just can't drop that much cash on a bag at the moment...

I have that one, it's a great bag, i love it for storing power tools. But i would be cautious about abusing it, it doesn't seem like it can handle a ton of stress in the long run.

If you can use metal, i got this one a bit ago:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D8UPIMO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I love it. Buy the "damaged box" one for $19.00 and if you don't like it, it was only $19, I got free shipping with it to, think i paid like 22.47 and couldn't be happier.

 

[Rogue1987]

I've been using this backpack for daily use and its held up well for a basic electrical troubleshooting setup.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006QG36NA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[sloppy]

I'd like to keep it under $100 or so... But can go a little more if the right bag was there.

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I think the veto pro pac Xl is around 150 on amazon..

you wont find a better bag..

 

[cheechi]

If you want organization in a bag, you have few options outside of Veto. Klien is the only one that really comes to mind.

That being said, on the cheap side you could get one of the Husky 'tool wall' soft boxes, but most of them are toolbox style more so than bag style. They do make a few that are pretty much bags also. Personally, I have looked a few times but never bought one as I always found a better solution.

Trust me I can tell you first hand that Husky bag you linked, the tools will not stay put like they are in the photo. anything on the outside pockets better not be able to come out of them, it better be a tight fit! Anything on the inside pockets will be a mess inside it. Anything you expect to stand up like that drill, will be on its side or knocked everything else out of place.

I used to be an onsite PC repair tech as well as run cat5/6/security & low volt systems. If bags are best for you then I would have more smaller bags and find a way to put them all sorted per task/type rather than try to have fewer containers just for load/unload purposes. The more bags, the better organized and specialized they can be and you can decide this job doesn't need any plumbing tools at all so that stays in the car (or at the office) and so on.

Nowadays if I were setting up my portable tool set again I would either go with a toolbox with drawers and foam/FOD style, or do the LBOXX/Toughbox and the cart either of them offer. I would have a bag or 2 depending on the use (power tools, big/odd size cases or hand tools) but I would not personally do everything in bags.

 

[Reese]

You might look at the CLC 1539 58 pocket 18" bag. Retail is around $90 or $50-80 on ebay. It has two sections with pockets and a big center section. I have had one for 2-3 years and like it.

 

[r_olson_06]

Look into the newer Klein bags lots of pockets. I am in a similar field and I use these for smaller jobs. Plus they have a lifetime warranty and seem to bigger and cheaper than veto.

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[jeffmoss26]

I use this canvas riggers bag for my voice/data tools.

 

[jethro29]

I've tried them all over the years and in my opinion the snap-on is by far the best tool bag I've ever had,it has pockets on the inside,pockets on the out side,carry handles and a detachable shoulder strap.here's some pics of one of the new ones I've got.these things are badass.

 

[rshadd]

I like this mechanics tool bag for keeping a set a tools in the truck. It not pretty, but it is very durable. Rothco G.I. Brass Zipper Mechanics Tool Bag - Black (#9192) - $15

 

[Danglerb]

What I like about fabric tool bags vs plastic or metal is a tool bag 1/3 full, squishes down to about 1/3 size.

Best is to have several kinds, try them, use what you like for what works best.

 

[BikerDad]

You might want to consider going into using either DeWalt T-Staks or Bosch L-Boxx systems.

http://www.dewalt.com/tool-categories/hand-tools-storage-and-work-support.aspx

 

[Miller6386]

You might want to consider going into using either DeWalt T-Staks or Bosch L-Boxx systems.

http://www.dewalt.com/tool-categories/hand-tools-storage-and-work-support.aspx

I looked at those also. Trying to find them locally to check quality and feel.

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[Strouty]

Damn you guys to tool hell, now I need to spend more money. I have been searching for a rugged laptop bad that won't tip over. The veto one looks perfect, except for the price. I think it is exactly what I am looking for.

 

[bibman]

I've been beating the pis out of one of these for four years. No complaints. Zero issues with the bag. Some HD still have them....I'm looking to ad. The tool wall 18" inch husky bag shortly.

 

[_Dock_]

I have used this one all over the country for about three years. The only complaint I have is that the pockets on the inside are limited. I took one of the handle bags and shoved it down on the inside to increase the amount of pockets.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Husky-18-in-Rolling-Tool-Tote-82001N11/203124166

 

[kngelv]

Just get the Veto. Wait till you have the funds. Any money spent on another bag is money that could have went toward a Veto. In my twenty years as an electrician I have had a bag from every major brand. None have lasted more than a year or so. I carry way more tools than a typical electrician. I can do anything from data to 750 MCM and 1/2" EMT to 4" rigid pipe with the tools I lug around in my Veto. I'm a year and a half in on my first Veto and it still looks brand new.

James

 

[Strouty]

I just ordered the laptop bag. The Veto LT, it was pricey ($260), but my laptop and components are expensive too. I have been sick and tired of the bags that tip over when you set them down. The bottom on this one should keep it upright even when open. I am looking forward to using it, but it is quite heavy even empty. I will post my thoughts on it after it arrives.

VETO LT

Over the last 10 years I have easily spent $500 on bags that were never quite what I wanted, so I am expecting this one to be the last one I need to buy, ever.

 

[archirelic]

I just ordered the laptop bag. The Veto LT, it was pricey ($260), but my laptop and components are expensive too. I have been sick and tired of the bags that tip over when you set them down. The bottom on this one should keep it upright even when open. I am looking forward to using it, but it is quite heavy even empty. I will post my thoughts on it after it arrives.

VETO LT

Over the last 10 years I have easily spent $500 on bags that were never quite what I wanted, so I am expecting this one to be the last one I need to buy, ever.

I've got the XLT and have been nothing but impressed with it. Had it for over a year now I believe and still going strong.

 

[Miller6386]

I just ordered a CLC 1530. Looks to be closest to what I need. I'm still going to get a new smaller electrician bag for those days. Looking like 3 bags will be my normal. 1 for power tools and accessories. 1 for electrician stuff and the new CLC. for wrenches hammers, pry bars, and other machine tear down stuff...

I appreciate all the info and please keep the input and pictures coming!

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[Strouty]

I've got the XLT and have been nothing but impressed with it. Had it for over a year now I believe and still going strong.

I liked that bag, but I felt the storage for the paperwork was more for me. I rarely need my tools and my laptop, so I hope this will work. What I really wanted was the tech series backpack, but setup like the LT bag. Maybe they will make one like that in the future. The only concern I have is the big goofy handle.

With my current laptop backpack, I tend to throw one strap over my shoulder instead of actually wearing it. It always ends up sliding off my should at the worst possible moment. I am hoping this one will be more balanced since it was design with a shoulder strap.

 

[1cargarage]

I used a CLC 1579 20" Open Top Soft Sided Box for a few years to carry around construction type tools. It works pretty well and I still have it. No big complaints. There are a lot of pockets, but such is the case with all bag style kits, the smaller tools always find their way to the bottom in a hurry.

CLC 1579 ~$53

On Amazon -> http://www.amazon.com/Custom-LeatherCraft-1579-20-Inch-Open-Top/dp/B000EDRTQG/ref=sr_1_15?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1400043120&sr=1-15

In your case, since you say you're constantly on the go, I would give the Facom line a look. Unlike the CLC soft boxes, the Facom offerings zip up so your tools are concealed and contained. That's personal preference though. The Facoms are a bit spendy, but they look very nice (I haven't handled them in person). Some of them have wheels too, if you're into that kind of thing. Some of the Facom stuff can be kind of difficult to get in the states. Ultimate Garage carries a lot of Facom tools.

Facom Tool Bags and Boxes -> http://catalogue.facom.com/en/categorie/toolboxes-cases-and-chests

Ultimate Garage has these listed:

Facom BS.T20 (47 Liter) ~$99

http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=35_981_1095&products_id=4634

Facom BS.T14 (34 Liter) ~$75

http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=35_981_1095&products_id=5784

Facom BS.R20 (33 Liter) ~$160

http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=35_981_1095&products_id=6768

Moving up the food chain, the Facom 2092A might pique your interest. It's not a soft case, but what you lose in fabric is made up in extra space and looking like a total badass.

Facom 2092A ~$625

Orrrrrr.... You could be a man and get a real mobile toolbox. Specifically, the:

Stahlwille 96/3 Mobile Workbench ~ a cool $5500

Since it's German, you might need a metric to SAE receiver hitch adapter for pulling behind the pickup. I can't verify that personally.

Seriously though, I have nothing bad to say about the CLC 1579 20" Soft Box It has been good to me.

Happy Hunting