recommend me an electricians tool bag

[sherrod624]

I'm pretty close to finishing up an electrical degree and am looking a good tool bag. i was thinking about something like this. I've had tool bags that zip up and was really leaning towards an open top unit like the link. hoping to get some ideas from you experienced electricians.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TW5PUK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Coolguy83]

Buy a veto pro pac

 

[LXCam]

I've used the canvas version of that bag for a couple decades and love it. The only issue I always had with them is since it was design as a linemans bag and is meant to be hung, the sides like to droop. So I've always installed U shape flat bar braced against the bottom and bolted to the top where the rope holes are. That keeps the whole assembly rigid and works great. The best part is there are more then enough holders for nut drivers, a full battery of screw drivers and the side pockets handle everything and anything you need plier wise. Also since there isn't a ton of unused space in the bottom of the bag, you'll stay away from a collection of misc **** that can really add up in weight. Go to a larger canvas bag and pretty soon that boy gets hefty.

BTW, congrats!. After being in the trade better then 30 years it has provided me with a decent life style and all though it's not directly what I do anymore I wouldn't change anything.

 

[Jurt]

I have had a lot of tool bag/boxes over the years. Honestly the only one i have stuck with is the veto propac xl. They are very good quality and worth the extra cost.

 

[shampoop]

I've had a lot of variety in demands for a tool bag. I'm HUGE on organization, just makes life easier when you know where everything's supposed to be. That being said,

I have both the large and small version of this bag and LOVE them.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DYVHS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Basically the small one is great for your basic tools, and is easy and comfortable to actually carry around a lot. The large one doesn't seem THAT much bigger, but it really is, you can load that thing up so much that you are totally stocked with every tool you might need, but it's so heavy that it's ridiculous to carry. It's the ultimate T cart tool bag. Carries everything but has a very small footprint and requires minimal real estate.

The downside to those bags is weather resistance and the fact that all of your tools will fall the **** out if you put them in a truck bed, or in a gang box and someone knocks them over. I'll eventually buy a veto pro pac, which would solve the **** falling out and weather resistance problems but at 4x the cost of a CLC, it will have to wait.

basically, you're gonna end up with a lot of bags in the end for various job circumstances. Where I lives it rains a lot, so if you're working outside, no kind of bag will do, and only a waterproof box will suffice, the clc bags i like so much are perfect for indoor and T cart use, but overall, the only thing I've seen that looks like it would perform in most all situations is the veto pro pac.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I'm pretty close to finishing up an electrical degree and am looking a good tool bag. i was thinking about something like this. I've had tool bags that zip up and was really leaning towards an open top unit like the link. hoping to get some ideas from you experienced electricians.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TW5PUK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Depends on what you got. My electronics bag zips up because I keep a lot of hacks around and assorted other small pieces. Granted I'm not an electrician but I assume electricians keep a lot of small stuff on hand that can get lost pretty easy (even something as simple as waterproof wire nuts). I would avoid anything open.

What you could do is use a bigger closed bag (craftsman, clc, or husky) and put parts in a segmented parts bin, then use a tool wrap for drivers (screw and nut drivers) and the assorted other pliers/tools you got. might have to use more than one wrap though. If you got nice drivers (such as the klein ones) you don't want them hanging off the side of a bag.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I would go to home depot and look at their husky bags, specificly the pro line, their bags are really nice for the money.

 

[Docman]

I have had a lot of tool bag/boxes over the years. Honestly the only one i have stuck with is the veto propac xl. They are very good quality and worth the extra cost.

Yep. This one always gets much love when people hunt for recommendations. When unzipped it's basically an open top like the OP wants.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009K77K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[damienga15de]

I love my ck magma backpack,

 

[wild cowboy]

I have had a lot of tool bag/boxes over the years. Honestly the only one i have stuck with is the veto propac xl. They are very good quality and worth the extra cost.

$170 - yeah, right

I will get one of those about the same time that I set $10,000 on fire for a toolbox!

 

[ecotec]

The Veto Propac LC is probably a better size than the XL. The XL is too big (unless you are a giant).

 

[archirelic]

Check out the entire VETO PRO PAC line. There's multitudes of sizes as well as open-top vs. closed-top bags. If the XL is too large, they do offer the LC and MC as well.

If budget is definitely a concern, I'd second looking into some of the Husky bags at Home Depot. Their electricians tool tote is good quality at a good price in my opinion.

 

[Jurt]

$170 - yeah, right

I will get one of those about the same time that I set $10,000 on fire for a toolbox!

I have yet to see any other bags stand up to what my veto has. The quality of the zippers and plastic base hold up much better compared to similar Klein style bags, and the veto bags come with a 5 year warranty. It's amazing what you can fit into them and still be organized enough to know what is missing with a quick glance. Well worth the $170. The last thing I want is my zippers to blow out when my bag is being loaded and unloaded on airplanes/greyhounds when I am getting to my job sites.

 

[JackDiddly]

I do mostly HVAC and mechanical work, I personally carry the large open CLC bag and I love it. Its mostly always overloaded and has held up to the every day abuse and banging around from site to site for years. I have a few other bags for other things (Husky) they are shite in comparison, and will fall apart quicker under daily stress. Do yourself the favor and spend a little more for a quality bag that will hold up over time.

 

[bw77]

Review of the Veto Propack XL by an HVAC guy:

 

[SantaAna12]

I too ended up with lots of bags. The Klein is a solid bag, that allows instant access to tools, and will carry a few supplies. It's simplicity and relative small footprint will outlast many other options.

 

[Cope]

Buy a veto pro pac

Agree. I bought the LC. I am a home hobbyist electrician, but I have a lot of tools. Right after I bought my LC I saw a pro electrician who had one. He had it for a year and was still pleased with it. This was three years ago, and I still like mine.

http://www.vetopropac.com/products/model-lc

 

[AE2]

I have a CLC #1127. It's a zipped bag with a removable open tote. Tons of pockets. I've had it for a long time and really like it.
http://m.grainger.com/mobile/product/CLC-Tool-Bag-5LD77

 

[1950mercury]

For a service tech or installer?

 

[cheechi]

I don't like open bags, or at least ones that you can't enclose if needed. My Klein bag is similar to yours but for the zipper and the pocket arrangement are different. Can't find the exact one but this is similar.

I genuinely like Stanley bags whether they are branded Fatmax, Bostitch, or Stanley. Some older Dewalt bags are not bad but not the flimsy ones they sell now. Rubber bottom, lots of pockets, I have used them for all manner of tools. Secondarily I would look at the Husky bags at HD, if you aren't sure what you like they are usually a good starting point. Find what you like or don't by feel and even by using it for a few weeks.

I would not buy a Veto product sight unseen. You might. They are nice but you don't know which one is for you and pictures and reviews can only do so much when you're talking about that price point.

 

[FMC1959]

I first saw the Veto's on Cool Tools, they look very nice and strong. I am not a pro electrician, if I was, the premium price of a Veto would be justified.

OP, the Klein pic in your first post, I have a bag very similar (not Klein) and overall good, but what bothers me is the way the bottom is. It has a tendency to roll over easier than I want.

I have since got the Husky that archirelic had a link. For value, great bag for $40. I have it stuffed, lots of spots for tools, super solid and doesn't roll over.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-10...qqzc91&cm_mmc=CJ-_-6147012-_-11210757&cj=true

 

[kngelv]

I'm an Industrial Electrician at Ford. The Klein in the OP's post is ok except the pocket stitching will tear in about six months. The canvas Klein bags are great for stuff like drills and large meters but not so much for regular tools – the sides collapse too easily.. I have never had a CLC bag worth much. The open top square bags will tip over again and again. I currently use a Veto Pro Pac LC and have come to loathe it. The pockets are too shallow and each side is too narrow. It looks really nice when you first put tools in it but if you are constantly going in your bag you will find it annoying to use. The tiny pockets at the inner front look like they would be great for precision screwdrivers but are too shallow. They are great for pencils but what electrician is going to carry a dozen or so. Try putting a selection of nut drivers and screwdrivers in the pockets. Whoever designed it never used typical electrician tools. I hope you get an answer because I've been in this trade for eighteen years and still have not found a great bag.

James

 

[toplessHO]

Ive gone thru alot of bags and found the best one to be a bucket boss brand
that was given to me as a "sample" along with the first bucket boss.
I cut a piece of masonite to stiffen up the bottom.
Also get the Klein zippered bags to organize things like wrenches drill bits etc.
2nd choice would be a Klein linemans bag and quite a few zippered bags labeled with contents.You dont need to spend $200 to get a nice setup.

Ill add this
make sure you get one big enough to put a hacksaw in it

 

[sherrod624]

I'm an Industrial Electrician at Ford. The Klein in the OP's post is ok except the pocket stitching will tear in about six months. The canvas Klein bags are great for stuff like drills and large meters but not so much for regular tools – the sides collapse too easily.. I have never had a CLC bag worth much. The open top square bags will tip over again and again. I currently use a Veto Pro Pac LC and have come to loathe it. The pockets are too shallow and each side is too narrow. It looks really nice when you first put tools in it but if you are constantly going in your bag you will find it annoying to use. The tiny pockets at the inner front look like they would be great for precision screwdrivers but are too shallow. They are great for pencils but what electrician is going to carry a dozen or so. Try putting a selection of nut drivers and screwdrivers in the pockets. Whoever designed it never used typical electrician tools. I hope you get an answer because I've been in this trade for eighteen years and still have not found a great bag.

James

well i was trying to decide between the VPP LC or OT-LC until that statment

 

[toplessHO]

http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/deluxe-canvas-tool-bags/16-406-mm-deluxe-canvas-tool-bag

http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/zipper-bags/canvas-zipper-bags

 

[heytrid]

myself and my gf have this, Before the klein I had a Kuny's but the center section was black so it was always very dark, inside the Klein is orange so it made it very easy to see, both sides fold down completly, Stood up to 2 years of daily Controls/Automation installs & service. I had it loaded up too (full set of Klein screwdrivers, full set of fuller screw drivers, claw & ball peen hammers, assortment of pliers/cutters, allen key sets, Wera terminating screwdrivers) I bet the stupid thing weighed well over 50 lbs.

Only complaint would be the pad on the shoulder strap was not great but that is an easy fix.

http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/tradesman-pro-organizers/tradesman-pro-organizer-ultimate-electricians-bag-0

I always wanted a Veto, my boss had one and I found the same thing mentioned above, the pockets were very shallow and some were cery small.

 

[jcfields]

.

 

[awdblazer]

this is what i rock out at work with

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/husky-17-open-tool-tote/958849

going strong for 7 years

 

[Jdsmith]

I do service work and protective relay work on switchgear and other substation controls. I tried numerous bags and settled on a Veto OT-XL about 5 years ago and it works well. The side with pockets holds a half dozen screwdrivers, 1/4, 5/16, and 11/32 nut drivers, 7" Knipex cobras, dikes, linemans, strippers, fuse pullers, socket ratchet and extensions, and a few things I'm forgetting. I keep my Fluke in the open side all the time as well as a label maker, fiber or Cat-5 test set, cordless impact, rails of sockets, can of cable clean, etc. as needed. The OT-XL is heavy when loaded, but I typically park within a hundred feet of the work location (think utility substation where you can drive right up.) I have taken it to a few sites where I've had to walk a quarter mile into a plant and it is manageable but if I did that every day I would get a different bag. I typically carry a laptop, associated cables, and paperwork in a backpack. If I didn't need the laptop I would try the Veto or Klein backpack for tools. I would like a backpack that could carry a 17" laptop, hand tools, and a Fluke - I could carry a canvas bucket or a cheap open plan bag when I needed additional larger items.

 

[Cope]

well i was trying to decide between the VPP LC or OT-LC until that statment

Opinions vary with personal experience and what you load in your bag. There are many happy Veto users. I have mine stuffed full of Klein pliers and screwdrivers, a Fluke 83 and an Amprobe clamp on. I have no problem finding things. The OT is probably easier access, but less protection from the elements.

 

[Ainsley]

I have the kuny's / CLC electricians bag and it is great. I also have the klein version and hate it, tips over constantly because of the tall plastic feet.

 

[SantaAna12]

"The stiching in the Klein will tear out in six months."

This has not been my experience in multiple Klein purchases over 30+ years.

 

[kngelv]

"The stiching in the Klein will tear out in six months."

This has not been my experience in multiple Klein purchases over 30+ years.

They will on the bag in the OP's link. I had it happen to two different ones.

James

 

[SuperXero]

Don't get the veto unless you like to burn money. They're heavy and overpriced. Just get a husky tool bag from HD. They're a good value and of decent quality.

 

[Larryjones]

My electrician friends love their Veto Propacs.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I really like the look of the Ideal/CLC/Occidental leather totes. Veto bag would definitely hold more tools.

 

[Techna]

Husky bags are very nice homeowner quality bags at homeowner quality prices. If you make a living with your tools, a pro quality bag makes sense and is money well spent. Veto bags are pro quality (yes at pro prices) that only prove their worth in that environment. They are without a doubt more durable than Husky (I’ve actually worn out both), but keep in mind that there is more than durability determining the cost of these things. The very thoughtful layout of my Veto Tech LC not only puts my tools in the right places; but more importantly they allow me to arrange them in such a way that I can quickly scan my bag to make sure I’m not leaving anything behind. The nature of my work makes it easy to accidentally cover up and hide tools in leaf litter so scanning for empty places in my bag is a tactic that I employ often. Also, Veto’s zero downtime warranty is the real deal. As hard as I use my work tools, it’s not terribly unreasonable that I managed to wear out one of the zippers on my bag. Veto had me a brand new loaner/replacement very quickly along with a prepaid shipping label to send my old bag back for evaluation and possible repair. Less than a week after I sent the old one back, I got an email thanking me for buying Veto and telling me to keep the new bag.

 

[alinc100]

I have a Veto ProPac MC ,new with tags ,never had a tool in it.I'd sell for $75 plus shipping if it helps a younger person get in/stay in a skilled trade.

https://www.vetopropac.com/product/mc

 

[FigureItOut]

I can't offer you any additional info about Veto bags, but I'll throw my vote in. I've had Klein, Husky Pro, and CLC, and wouldn't work out of anything but a Veto now. The biggest negative I hear is their weight, and I just don't see it. If a Veto is a full pound heavier than a comparable bag from another brand, that's still just a small percentage of the total weight of the rig when loaded. I think the impression of them being too heavy stems from their capacity. The space is used so much more efficiently that they end up getting loaded more heavily than other bags.

I think my LC goes for about $180. I'll gladly admit I've gotten so spoiled by that bag that I'd spend double that to replace it if it was necessary.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930AZ using Tapatalk

 

[Evan(CA)]

I got it with a tool lot I bought and I really like it. Very well built and rugged bag with substantial storage.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Klein-Tool...mate-Electricians-Bag-554181914-/192169405419