Best small tool tote for small projects?

[SteveL]

As my garage is basically a show room and only has car washing items and yard stuff, all of my hand tools are in my basement wood working/ metal working shop. It seems whenever I have a small project in the garage or outside, I end up running back to the basement a dozen times to get that socket, wrench, whatever is needed for the job that I didn’t think about. I have an older Husky tote that is basically a stiff canvas bag with a handle but everything just ends up on top of each other in a mess. I really don’t work on my cars anymore so it doesn’t make sense to have duplicates of everything in the garage plus as I get older, I’m finding that I would rather get rid of stuff instead of buying more tools.

Anyone have a tool tote that they love that’s a bit more organizable than a bucket?

 

[BarrelRoll]

I've had 2 of these (1st one was company owned and stayed with the last place when I left) and haven't been able to kill them in the underground mining industry. The current one is going on 2 1/2 years with no signs of dying. They also make a smaller version. A shoulder strap is key to any tool bag, I don't know how I used to have a bag without a shoulder strap.

https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/tool-totes/17-pocket-tool-tote-shoulder-strap

 

[RTM]

Some opinions in this one you may enjoy reading

Cheap tool storage for homeowner tools?

Hi All, Relatively new homeowner here. While I love wrenching on cars as a hobby, DIY homeowner jobs spark me little joy. Most of the homeowner tools I've I bought for the house are pretty entry level. Storing those tools in a seemingly bottomless tool bag worked fine for a bit.... ....until...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[kbeefy]

canvas tool bag.

bucket or tote for larger tools.

 

[GeoBruin]

I really like the bucket organizers that turn a bucket into a tool bag.

 

[richfinn]

Veto pro-pac OT-MC (other versions are available)

Well built, good design, great handle/shoulder strap,lots of modular add on accessories available (meter bags etc)

You will get over the price tag eventually

Tech OT-MC Open Tool Bag for Tool Storage - VetoProPac

The Tech OT-MC tool tote bag is an open-top tool storage optimizer. It is a compact open-top tool bag with an internal plastic box.

vetopropac.com

 

[subroc]

There is no good bag. Well. a bag is a bag. You said you don't want duplicates. Is your plan to load and unload this bag every time you need to use it filling some multi pocketed bag with tools that are stored elsewhere? Or, is this where you will keep these particular tools from now on? I worked at a shipyard. Most jobs were remote. You had to "tool up" for each job. It required constant loading and unloading bags for different jobs from the small simple operations to the larger operations. No bag is going to overcome your reluctance to have duplicates. In your case it will just be more work.

I just bought a bucket boss. Have not loaded it yet. It will be used for carpentry/DIY. The stuff I load it with will stay in it.

 

[Trapps]

CLC has many options that run from small and very basic to very big and full featured. I own 3 and they are super durable. Be careful of too big which can equate to a heavier-than-you-might-want bag. My electrical bag has suffered considerable weight gain - so much so that I'm thinking of getting a smaller general purpose bag and then only taking the complete rig for bigger jobs:



I also use the canvas bags that came with some of my tools as totes for specific jobs, loading as needed for a remote project.

 

[AreBeeBee]

Bucket with cloth organizer insert for me. Scheme works even with my desk coffee mug.

 

[qdvuu]

Depending upon the tool sizes, consider using an electronics briefcase toolkit which has slots for tools so they're not all piled in. I acquired an used empty one years ago and it's useful for what you have in mind, assuming the tools are not too large. Here's a generic one to give you the flavor:



Briefcase Toolkit

 

[four.cycle]

A couple months ago I saw some nice "Milwaukee" branded bags from Cripe Distributing online and ordered a few of them.
I gave one to a buddy of mine. He raved about it so much I gave him a couple more. I sent a couple out as Christmas presents, and gave another one to another buddy. That left me with none.
I ordered a few more about a week ago. Different bags for different stuff - these are great. Well made. Beefy zippers.
YMMV

Milwaukee bags from Cripe Distributing 01/17/23

 

[Renegade1LI]

I just picked up this cm bag at lowes, nice size, feels well made, good layout plus a hard bottom. They also make it in an open tote may go back and get that also, I like how it opens up with good accessibility.

 

[logical]

I have a Bucket Boss like this in the house with very basic tools and load it up with more from the garage or basement for more complicated jobs. I like it a lot. Not my pic or tools.

 

[four.cycle]

@Renegade1LI
^ I hope that it is sturdier than the previous generation "Craftsman" bag I've been schlepping stuff around in for years:

 

[Renegade1LI]

@Renegade1LI
^ I hope that it is sturdier than the previous generation "Craftsman" bag I've been schlepping stuff around in for years:

Haven't used it yet but it's freestanding so not just a soft bag, we'll see.

 

[four.cycle]

^ I got that little black one on a close-out deal, thinking it would be suitable for use as a "tool tote", but it's simply not built to handle any real load. I use it to carry gloves, wallet, other junk.

 

[tarbellb]

What's your budget?

Honestly a good tool BAG is better then just about anything in similar capacity.

There are levels of quality, see above, Veto, CLC, etc.. but even my rental house Husky bag is excellent. Multiple bags is better for being mobile and organized, tool boxes are good for stationary work, and the totes ie PackOut are nice for mobility but bulky, heavy, and not great for small hand tools.

 

[SteveL]

To clarify a little, I would likely load for each job as I will only use this a couple of times a months at best. Budget isn’t an issue but I‘m not the type to buy a Veto just because I can. I was in a Lowes today and saw this electricians bag that actually looked pretty nicely laid out. Lots of loops to hold a variety of wrench’s, pliers, screwdrivers, etc. while not being too large. My old Husky can get really heavy if you load it up. And not opposed to having a couple of options depending on the size of the job. Obviously drills and other power tools take up a lot of space won‘t fit in the electricians bag.

 

[JradM]

I like the open-top square "electrician's" tool bags for the use you're describing. Which one depends on your budget and the kind of tools you're putting inside.

I just retired my very aged Mastercraft (a Canadian brand) bag when I received the Husky" 10-inch Electrician Tool Bag with Driver Wall" for Christmas.

I like the rigid bottom and the construction quality seems very good. The handle is much better quality and a better design compared to my old Mastercraft.

I had to change my organization a bit for the new bag. I had deeper/skinnier pockets on the outside of my old bag where I put all my pliers. The new bag has loops on the inside that fit, but the outside pockets are too shallow or loose. Everything fits though - the new bag is slightly larger in fact. Overall, I'm very pleased with it.

My favorite thing about this size of bag is that it forces you not to just dump your junk into it because everything has a spot. That helps it stay light enough to comfortably shoulder carry or toss in the car without too much hassle.

 

[richfinn]

To clarify a little, I would likely load for each job as I will only use this a couple of times a months at best. Budget isn’t an issue but I‘m not the type to buy a Veto just because I can. I was in a Lowes today and saw this electricians bag that actually looked pretty nicely laid out. Lots of loops to hold a variety of wrench’s, pliers, screwdrivers, etc. while not being too large. My old Husky can get really heavy if you load it up. And not opposed to having a couple of options depending on the size of the job. Obviously drills and other power tools take up a lot of space won‘t fit in the electricians bag.

You did ask for the "Best" which is why I suggested Veto pro-pac.

You might want to look at "Tough Built" or the Amazon bags for budget options.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Husky 18 in rolling tool bag, Husky 14 in 15 pocket open top, and Craftsman Plastic Lockable tool boxes are decent. Some duplication but electric, plumbing, carpentry, and vehicle have specific tools. Prefer power tools in their own cases.

 

[SteveL]

You did ask for the "Best" which is why I suggested Veto pro-pac.

You might want to look at "Tough Built" or the Amazon bags for budget options.

i just watched a video on the Veto OT-MC and liked it a lot. Pretty amazing how much stuff you can get in one. Just because I posted a photo of the Kobalt does not mean a Veto or similar is out if the running yet. They are obviously a much better quality and can see justifying one if I were to use it every day. In my case, it may make more sense to have a couple that are already set up, say one for electrical and one for plumbing/general maintenance.

 

[richfinn]

i just watched a video on the Veto OT-MC and liked it a lot. Pretty amazing how much stuff you can get in one. Just because I posted a photo of the Kobalt does not mean a Veto or similar is out if the running yet. They are obviously a much better quality and can see justifying one if I were to use it every day. In my case, it may make more sense to have a couple that are already set up, say one for electrical and one for plumbing/general maintenance.

If you go for a Veto wait for the regular buy one get a free accessory deal, you can add a nice meter bag or pouch for the same price usually.

You can pack a lot of stuff and keep it organised very easily

 

[ForrestT]

Lots of good ideas I’d mention here. A couple things I’d add. Look at flea markets for bags. Most I’ve bought there for $10 or less. I’m selective it’s a clean bag. Don’t want a piece of trash. My best find was a Klein backpack. I paid $50 for it. It was gently used. I’m a fan of a general maintenance bag, an electric bag, a construction bag, and a plumbing bag. I’ll add to each back for what I think I may need for the jobs I’m doing. The rest I keep in my box or organized in the shop. All bags reside in the shop except for an electrician’s tote in our utility room that just had the basics-screw drivers, pliers, utility knife, adjustable wrench, etc.

 

[tarbellb]

Careful- just cause it holds doesn't make it better.

My Husky electrical bag like JradM is well organized, not to the brim, and still heavy.

 

[tarbellb]

Multiple bags each with a type of work being performed is a great way to go.

 

[bonneyman]

I've used this Husky small tote for service work on roofs.

Husky 16 in. Plastic Portable Tool Box with Metal Latch (1.6 mm) in Black THD2015-03 - The Home Depot

Organize your tools in your home or at the jobsite by owning this Husky Plastic Tool Box with metal latch in Black. Offers durability.

www.homedepot.com

I got injured in a bike crash some years ago. And the chiropractor said - because of that - I needed to get a smaller tote for tools other than lugging the 5-gallon paint bucket up a ladder. After some searching I bought the Husky at HD.

I don't carry a socket set for HVAC work, but this thing carried all my basic tools. (If I needed something specialized, I made another ladder trip). But - for the initial check on units - this tote did what I needed. It was inexpensive, lightweight, durable enough, and if it wore out and cracked no biggie. I've since started hauling it around at home as it has pretty much everything minor tasks require. Good investment!

 

[mike93lx]

I use one of these for projects, as needed. Nothing stays in it

 

[JradM]

Careful- just cause it holds doesn't make it better.

My Husky electrical bag like JradM is well organized, not to the brim, and still heavy.

That's what I was trying to get at too! Posting photos definitely helps make the point.

By the time you load up one of those bags, that's already a lot of weight - but if you're thoughtful about your tool selection, you can get everything you need in there to accomplish a LOT of work.

I've had larger bags too - and I suppose they can make sense if you have a few bulky tools to transport - but inevitably there's just a "pile" of tools in the bottom and it's very easy to get overloaded. The point of picking a bag like that is that it's easy to carry around and keeps things organized.

Interesting to see your loadout. We carry different stuff, but also have a lot of overlap.

 

[BarrelRoll]

My old Husky can get really heavy if you load it up. And not opposed to having a couple of options depending on the size of the job. Obviously drills and other power tools take up a lot of space won‘t fit in the electricians bag.

Get a bag with a padded shoulder strap. It makes it so much easier to lug a bag around. At work I have the Klein loaded up as shown above and an empty husky i throw power tools and stuff i don't usually carry. The Klein goes on 95% of my jobs, occasionally I'll just take the husky for a specific job I know can be done without needing much.

My work situation is a bit different than a homeowner though I find having some save my *** tools in my bag prevents trips back to my toolbox. Things like a magnet on a stick, pick, 6" file and small pry bar. I don't use them every time though it's nice having them right where I'm working when I need them.

 

[tarbellb]

That's what I was trying to get at too! Posting photos definitely helps make the point.

By the time you load up one of those bags, that's already a lot of weight ...

Interesting to see your loadout. We carry different stuff, but also have a lot of overlap.

This bag was def a little more metal work centric. It changes for the task at hand.

Not shown are the M12 impact and drill that sit on top typically.

My rental house bag (no pics) is more well rounded for general house repairs.

 

[sparky 1971]

I loathe the nylon bags and pouches. The pockets are always too big and whatever is in them falls over and needs to be grabbed with needle nose to be pulled out. I've tried a few and tossed every single one of them in the trash within a month. I am currently using a CLC leather tote at work for the jobs where I'm not wearing a pouch. I bought it for around $100 a year or so ago. I also have an Occidental Leather journeymans tote, but it stays on the truck and contains the seldom used tools because it's too expensive to be laying around on jobsites.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VXRZNK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001E40L5U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[tarbellb]

Seldom used Electricians tools = broom and dust pan

 

[richfinn]

This is my Veto OT-MC set up, it has my most used hand tools and a cordless ratchet with a few commonly used sockets for basic automotive repairs (I have a lot of other stuff in my van).

This bag is very rigid with a plastic waterproof base and the pockets are tight with armoured liners to stop sharp tools cutting into the fabric, the box with the spark plug sockets on top contains zip ties and heat shrink **** connectors etc.

I have a shoulder strap if I need to carry it into multi storey car parks or motorhomes etc,

It has saved me a lot of time running back and forth to the van, but you need to be ruthless and hone it down to the most useful tools.

I have other set ups for more heavy-duty work, and diagnostics but this is my go to for quick simple repair tasks.

I take the little tray with my meters and probes if I need to do any basic electrical testing (but it's the tip of the iceberg )

 

[Nutria]

Pretty much everything in this thread is more useful than my go-to, but I keep on using it . . . just because.

 

[SteadyC]

I use an old carry on luggage with wheels. Free and you don't have to carry it.

 

[vwpieces]

I use one of these for projects, as needed. Nothing stays in it

I have the same and use it when I need to move tools to house for a project. Also use it when I clean up in the shop to carry all the tools to the toolbox and put them away. Pretty cheap too.
Rubbermaid brand.

 

[IndyGarage]

I keep my tools in "kits" from smallest - what I have in my pocket - to largest - my shop complete with lift, machine tools and full set of hand an power tools.

OP said "best" and the best bag solution is a Veto. But there are tote solutions that are better than bags - I just bought a Milwaukee packout setup for my bigger tool setup - I cannot comment on the usefulness of this yet.

I've tried dozens of solutions to the bag problem and I settled on two different veto models. The advantage of them is there is a place for every tool, so over time you know exactly where to find what you are looking for and when it's time to put things away, you can see at a glance if you are missing anything. It saves you tons of time looking for tools and I haven't lost a tool from my Veto bag in 10 years.

For my traveling kit I have a Veto Pro Pack that I carry in my truck and can pull out anywhere to work on something. It carries a pretty good set of tools securely and I never lose tools from it.

At home, my fixit kit is a Veto MB2 in it I have a small electrical meter, pliers, small 1/4 socket kit, screwdriver scissors, marker, wire stripper, electrical tape, multi screwdriver and utility knife. I can do a lot of fixes with that kit alone.

I do not like open top bags - I had a bucket boss type and a tool tray type open top that didn't do it for me. I did buy one of the Veto open tops and I did not like it. The closed bags keep your tools organized and clean if they fall over or get rained on or whatever.

For my larger tool setup, I'm still experimenting. I just bought a set of packout toolboxes to solve the "rolling tool kit" problem - a complete set of sockets 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, complete set of wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, a few power tools. This set can handle larger projects.

 

[mike93lx]

I have the same and use it when I need to move tools to house for a project. Also use it when I clean up in the shop to carry all the tools to the toolbox and put them away. Pretty cheap too.
Rubbermaid brand.

Cheapish. I bought at $17 but the current listing on Amazon is $30. Too much, IMO

 

[crunchwallet]

Cheapish. I bought at $17 but the current listing on Amazon is $30. Too much, IMO

Husky used to offer this two pack for $15 but I haven't seen them at HD in some time now. I bought 6 or 8, after using them I found the ability to clip/stack two together was great when I wanted a few tools in one and connectors/bolts/nuts/wiring stuff in the other.