sparky 1971
Well-known member
You really are an accountant, aren't you?
Best small tool tote for small projects?
- Thread starter SteveL
- Start date
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Ouch, $30... Not worth that. Had to look back and
I got it for $15.70
Radio Flyer
Well-known member
Same here. It's always "open" so you really don't need to unload it when you get there, just work out of it. It holds parts and tools. Just load it with what you need, and put it away when done. Different job, load it with different tools.I use one of these for projects, as needed. Nothing stays in it
As much as I like the choice you made for a glorified tool tote. I personally can't and won't put down $200 Bucks for that when a simple bag at Harbor Freight for $5 bucks will do the same thing! I have bought several and have different bags for different jobs and have organized them accordingly. I don't care what you buy or have eventually what your looking for ends up on the bottom! It goes with the territory! IMO!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
If that works for you Good! I'm happy for you!
Cheap? Maybe! Frugal in my opinion! LOL!!!
LtF
richfinn
Well-known member
Totally understand, it does at first appear to be an expensive purchase and I agonised over it for weeks, however once it arrived and I loaded it up (with a bit of thought how I would use it) I knew I had bought the correct bag for my purposes.
Previous to this model I have tried a few different brands and found them all lacking in rigidity/comfort/design/quality (they come with a good warranty and spare parts are available BTW).
I suffer with back problems (disc herniation) so weight/ergonomics and comfort are important.
This particular bag is designed in such a way that stuff stays put and doesn't all drop into bottom, but I know what you mean from other bags I have tried. I like to be super organised and on that front it definitely delivers 100%
I've since purchased two different bags from Veto for other tasks and they are equally well built.
Veto dealers regularly offer two for one deals which makes the price a bit easier to swallow. And they have an extensive range of stuff.
My only minor criticism is they don't produce any bags specifically designed for auto Mechanics yet (a socket storage rail system would be a good addition), but all other trades are seemingly well catered for
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ Because auto mechanics work out of gigantic tool boxes on wheels.
richfinn
Well-known member
Not necessarily, I haven't been workshop based in almost 20 years (thankfully)
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ That message apparently hasn't been received by the people making "tool totes".
Buddy of mine is the same way: works out of small bags he carries around in his vehicle. I had a hell of a time talking him into taking home a huge Craftsman cantilevered box that I was tired of tripping over out in the garage.
This is the same buddy that I just gave a bunch of "Milwaukee" bags to. He hates those open "tote" carriers such as all of those mentioned above.
That's why there's 93 gazillion different flavors of "tool rolls", "tool pouches", "tool totes", and other devices designed for hauling around various implements of destruction.
Personally, I prefer a small cardboard box for most of the small jobs I do: it serves double-duty as a trash receptacle and I don't have to worry about getting paint/glue/adhesives/sealers on it.
Buddy of mine is the same way: works out of small bags he carries around in his vehicle. I had a hell of a time talking him into taking home a huge Craftsman cantilevered box that I was tired of tripping over out in the garage.
This is the same buddy that I just gave a bunch of "Milwaukee" bags to. He hates those open "tote" carriers such as all of those mentioned above.
That's why there's 93 gazillion different flavors of "tool rolls", "tool pouches", "tool totes", and other devices designed for hauling around various implements of destruction.
Personally, I prefer a small cardboard box for most of the small jobs I do: it serves double-duty as a trash receptacle and I don't have to worry about getting paint/glue/adhesives/sealers on it.
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richfinn
Well-known member
I suspect Veto realise there is an untapped market for field based mechanics and even suggest a few different bags for "mechanic"
on their website, but clearly they need to speak to more of us to design a more specialised bag.
Mechanic Tool Bags | Veto Pro Pac: Tool Bags That Work
A collection of mechanic tool bags for contractors and tradespeople. Manufactured by Veto Pro Pac with a five-year limited warranty.
vetopropac.com
I live in England where it rains quite a lot so cardboard boxes don't last very long unfortunately
I considered this one too.
Motamec Service Flight Case MTB-100 Lined Mechanic Tool Box + Tools Tray Inserts - Motamec.com
<p style="margin-top:0;top:0;"> Motamec Professional Flight Case - Heavy Duty Universal / Storage Tool Box With Lid Tool Insets and Optional Alloy Tray <br /> <br />Motamec Flight Cases are designed for professional use, these too
www.motamec.com
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richfinn
Well-known member
genog
Well-known member
Small rolling cart works well
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Little hard to take upstairs or over to a buddy's, though
8Line
Well-known member
Is that a Benchmade Bugout I see there?@Renegade1LI
^ I hope that it is sturdier than the previous generation "Craftsman" bag I've been schlepping stuff around in for years:
I've been really happy with the "Riggers Bag" I got from Duluth a few years ago:
It's on sale a lot (and currently). Currently for $40. Not cheap, but holds a lot, has useful pockets and a very-comfortable handle. There's a bigger model available, and several others of the same design basis (including a bucket organizer) that are in their tool-bag collection.
It's on sale a lot (and currently). Currently for $40. Not cheap, but holds a lot, has useful pockets and a very-comfortable handle. There's a bigger model available, and several others of the same design basis (including a bucket organizer) that are in their tool-bag collection.
With all due respect, and as a guy who at one point was hauling around as much as 30lb/~14kg in technology through airports etc., my thought is you should have absolutely gotten the bag with wheels. My Briggs and Riley roller was a complete godsend during that time - my feet and my back were becoming a problem with all that **** on a shoulder strap...
Since those days are gone, I've put it up for sale on eBay, but it occurs to me that if it won't sell for the low cost I'm listing it for, it would make a damn decent travel tool bag...
Since I have an old car and go to shows, as well as help my mother out with her car, I have a "system." I have a nice tool roll that stays packed and I'll throw other things in that Duluth bag depending on what I'm doing. I also have a small folding table I bring to put tools and parts on when it's a remote-wrenching thing (vs. an emergency-only at car shows/whatever).
richfinn
Well-known member
I did think about that, and I would like a roller bag. But mostly I keep mine on a bench in my van and only take it out if I can't get close to the casualty vehicle (which usually means climbing stairs in car parks or fighting my way to the back of somebody's garage)With all due respect, and as a guy who at one point was hauling around as much as 30lb/~14kg in technology through airports etc., my thought is you should have absolutely gotten the bag with wheels. My Briggs and Riley roller was a complete godsend during that time - my feet and my back were becoming a problem with all that **** on a shoulder strap...
Since those days are gone, I've put it up for sale on eBay, but it occurs to me that if it won't sell for the low cost I'm listing it for, it would make a damn decent travel tool bag...
Since I have an old car and go to shows, as well as help my mother out with her car, I have a "system." I have a nice tool roll that stays packed and I'll throw other things in that Duluth bag depending on what I'm doing. I also have a small folding table I bring to put tools and parts on when it's a remote-wrenching thing (vs. an emergency-only at car shows/whatever).
bwringer
Well-known member
I suppose a yellow plastic Tidy Cat litter bucket is not in the spirit of what the OP is looking for, huh?
That's what I use for junkyard trips, anyway.
That's what I use for junkyard trips, anyway.
Shocker
Well-known member
Man, I can't stand having an open tote. I am always worried something will fall out or whatever.
My daughter got me the Crescent Tradesman Tool Backback for Christmas last year. It holds all my electrical repair gear. I am not a pro by any means but I do have a lot of electrical gear. I enjoy wiring up stuff.
My daughter got me the Crescent Tradesman Tool Backback for Christmas last year. It holds all my electrical repair gear. I am not a pro by any means but I do have a lot of electrical gear. I enjoy wiring up stuff.
nadogail
Well-known member
I found a bag with wheels and an extendable handle at Harbor Freight that seemed like it would be great, but I found I was not using it and handed it to an employee; he loves it.
richfinn
Well-known member
It's the constant zipping and unzipping and then having to put your hand down into a sometimes dark concealed space where sharp edges might be lurking (and the zips flaps eventually fail). I've come to the conclusion that if security isn't an issue open totes are just a little more convenient.Man, I can't stand having an open tote. I am always worried something will fall out or whatever.
My daughter got me the Crescent Tradesman Tool Backback for Christmas last year. It holds all my electrical repair gear. I am not a pro by any means but I do have a lot of electrical gear. I enjoy wiring up stuff.
four.cycle
Well-known member
8line said:
If you mean that blue thing, yes, it is a "Benchmade" knife my late brother-in-law gave to me a couple years ago. Very nice knife - opens easily and maintains an edge. Also cuts all sorts of cheeses.
Junkdrawer Dog
Well-known member
I thought my Dad was the only person who did that, lol! He would reinforce them with a little duct tape and use them for tools, parts and hardware. I can hear him now, "Hey! Don't throw that away. That's a toolbox!" The back of his work van was a sea of boxes but he had everything organized the way he wanted it.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ The funny part of it is, I have NO shortage of "portable" tool boxes/bags/carriers. It's usually just some piddly little "fix" somebody needs done that only requires a few tools and almost always involves some "clean up" - the box makes a great trash receptacle, and I don't leave any mess behind for somebody else to clean up - like I wasn't even there.
four.cycle
Well-known member
speaking of "tote".... Cripe Distributing recently added these to their line-up:
"Contain It" ONE gallon 20-pocket bucket organizer (uses a one-gallon paint can)
$5.00 + $5.00 shipping
"Bucket Boss" 18" x 10" x 12" bag
$18.00 + $12.80 shipping
"Bucket Boss" 16" bag
$22.00 + $12.50 shipping
YMMV
"Contain It" ONE gallon 20-pocket bucket organizer (uses a one-gallon paint can)
$5.00 + $5.00 shipping
Contain IT 9511 20 Pocket Bucket Organizer, Junior 1-Gallon | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Contain IT 9511 20 Pocket Bucket Organizer, Junior 1-Gallon at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
"Bucket Boss" 18" x 10" x 12" bag
$18.00 + $12.80 shipping
Bucket Boss Classic 06066 Pro GateMouth Tool Bag 18" x 10" x 12" | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Bucket Boss Classic 06066 Pro GateMouth Tool Bag 18" x 10" x 12" at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
"Bucket Boss" 16" bag
$22.00 + $12.50 shipping
Bucket Boss 60016 Gatemouth 16" Tool Bag 721415600165 | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Bucket Boss 60016 Gatemouth 16" Tool Bag at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
YMMV
That 1 gallon paint can organizer is the cats meow. I'm a big fan of the bucket organizer as stated above but sometimes you don't need a whole bucket full of tools for small jobs. I'm ordering 2.speaking of "tote".... Cripe Distributing recently added these to their line-up:
"Contain It" ONE gallon 20-pocket bucket organizer (uses a one-gallon paint can)
$5.00 + $5.00 shipping
Contain IT 9511 20 Pocket Bucket Organizer, Junior 1-Gallon | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Contain IT 9511 20 Pocket Bucket Organizer, Junior 1-Gallon at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!www.ebay.com
"Bucket Boss" 18" x 10" x 12" bag
$18.00 + $12.80 shipping
Bucket Boss Classic 06066 Pro GateMouth Tool Bag 18" x 10" x 12" | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Bucket Boss Classic 06066 Pro GateMouth Tool Bag 18" x 10" x 12" at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!www.ebay.com
"Bucket Boss" 16" bag
$22.00 + $12.50 shipping
Bucket Boss 60016 Gatemouth 16" Tool Bag 721415600165 | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Bucket Boss 60016 Gatemouth 16" Tool Bag at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!www.ebay.com
YMMV
For those of you using 5-gal buckets for hauling stuff around, these handles are awesome, especially when what's in the bucket is heavy:
(you cut off the original and replace it)
(you cut off the original and replace it)
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ really? I looked at it and thought "Oh, it's too small!".
Are there any left?
Are there any left?
captain14
Well-known member
The link is from Amazon and shows $13.50 for 6 grips. Doesn’t show as OOS.
Aaron_W
Well-known member
I'm a fan of the Husky bags and totes, decent quality, a lot of variety and not very expensive. As far as stuff just laying in a bag, that is what organization is for. Small plastic boxes, small zippered bags etc keep things together that should be kept together.
I had the same issue. Finally just went and got a Husky 290 piece mechanics tool set. Kind of heavy to lug around, but has almost everything I need to work on household "honey do's", my dirt bike, junk yard runs, etc. During the summer it lives on the patio so my wife can use it for her back yard projects - no more worries about her "borrowing" and misplacing my nice tools from the garage. My son borrows it sometimes too, to take to his friend's house to work on his friend's car. Probably one of the best tool purchases I've made as far as how much it get used. If anything gets lost, HD is a 10 minute bicycle ride from my house and the individual Husky pieces are cheap to replace.
Another vote for the Snappy Grips. Great for 5-gallon buckets around the yard...and for work!For those of you using 5-gal buckets for hauling stuff around, these handles are awesome, especially when what's in the bucket is heavy:
(you cut off the original and replace it)
Here's an old shot of my Bucket Boss and bucket with my original gas hose handle.
Attachments
Stanley 2-Compartment Storage Tote Tray and Small Parts Organizer STST41001 - The Home Depot
The Stanley STST41001 Portable Storage Tote Tray is a portable, multi-purpose tool storage unit that makes it easy to carry your tools from 1 site to another. It has a rugged, deep design that is wide
www.homedepot.com
nadogail
Well-known member
I used a liner that had both interior and exterior pockets that fit a 5 gallon bucket to carry tools from my service van to the machines I was working on.
wandrur
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I got a closeout Duluth riggers bag a couple of months ago, and I really like it. I benefit more from the open main area vs lots of little pockets, so it's great for my uses.
I used a very similar tool basket in a Aerial life bucket truck that had plastic hooks on it to put on the bucketI'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
I don't think there is a better bag than Veto.
I have a Veto bag I used in HVAC service for five years and I have it loaded up with hand tools yet. I just grabbed it the other day when our dryer was on the fritz. It is about 15 years old.
One thing I really like about it is the plastic bottom. I can set it in a mud puddle and the tools do not get wet.
I have a Veto bag I used in HVAC service for five years and I have it loaded up with hand tools yet. I just grabbed it the other day when our dryer was on the fritz. It is about 15 years old.
One thing I really like about it is the plastic bottom. I can set it in a mud puddle and the tools do not get wet.
We do not want to take food out of the Laborer’s children’s mouths.Seldom used Electricians tools = broom and dust pan
oldschoolcraft
Well-known member
I love the design of bucket organizers as well as small-medium wide mouth Open top bags. Unfortunately I’ve only come across cheap **** in this space. Even my Milwaukee open top bags are trash.
I wish someone would take “cheap” designs like a simple wide mouth bag with minimal organizers, or a bucket boss, and make it from quality materials.
I wish someone would take “cheap” designs like a simple wide mouth bag with minimal organizers, or a bucket boss, and make it from quality materials.