Soft-sided tool bags? Again? HVAC Industry

[littletoes]

After some experience with a few, I've decided I just don't care for my tool bag.....Anyone else in the same predicament?

I've used a few over the years, and it seems I always end up with something I don't like about them.

My current one has the plastic "Plano" carrier in the middle, and it was the first thing I broke....darn. And it didn't separate smaller items worth a darn any way-like small glass fuses or small screws, wire terminals, etc.

Anyone have any pics or model numbers of what they like, and why, compared to what they've used in the past???

Thanks for the help guys!

'toes

 

[INYER face hole]

I use a CLC 5gal bucket caddy. Not sure of its model number, but it works great for me, only issue I have with it is it has too many pockets but I'm sure they have a model out there with fewer pockets.

 

[Holt]

Have you looked in Veto pro pacs. I havea tech lc, tp3 , and 2 mb bags. Quality it top notch with a 5 year warranty. The bags cost some money though.

 

[Coolguy83]

Veto pro pac it will last your for years.

 

[monomach]

It's not really a tool bag, but this is something that may work for you...

Put a standard tool organizer on a bucket and then stack a few parts organizers inside. They should fit pretty snugly, so stuff doesn't bounce out of them as long as you don't overfill them.

 

[8comm13]

I'm not in the HVAC industry but I have 2 Veto pro pac bags, the XL and the OT-XL and love them.

 

[Dynamic86]

Not in hvac but a millwright, I have used a soft sided kuny bag that holds my most used tools to the job site for three years now. It is extremely durable and folds closed when I strap it around my shoulder.

 

[MN4x4]

I am (or was) an IT guy. For years I used a Klein leather tool belt, but I recently retired it in favor of the Veto Tech LC. So far I am very happy with my choice.

I can now carry tools, meters, network testers, and a **** set - all in the same bag. It's really nice to just grab the handle and go, even if I mostly just work around our property now.

 

[littletoes]

Thanks Guys!

I was looking at the Veto bags too, they look like the closest to what I might want...but the price did scare me!

But, like all good tools, if they last....I have a CLC right now, which is just starting to wear through-which I'm not complaining about, since I only had to pay about $36 for it. The one I had before that was also a CLC that I paid about $20 for on close-out at Grainger, but it really wasn't what I wanted.

A 5 gallon bucket with a lid makes a great seat, but with a cover, it is awkward to carry and a true pain to carry through man-holes or roof-hatches. I use my shoulder strap every time I carry my bag. The thing weighs close to 50 lbs at times, without counting parts.

I hate having to go back to the truck for anything.

 

[metaldad]

load up your bag, and attempt to carry it, it will blow out your shoulder(s) eventually.
been in industrial hvac for 30 years. a tool pouch thrown in a 5 gal. bucket with a 2 wheeled hand truck with pneumatic tires is sufficient.

 

[tgb]

I use the 73 pocket clc tool backpack. They are expensive and last me about 3-4 years but the best all around package I've found for hvac work. If you deal with Johnstone they usually will have them on sale a couple times a year for like $30-40 off normal price.

 

[jeffmoss26]

The Veto bags do look nice, but I've only seen one person using one in the field. It was about 3ft long and must have weighed 100 lbs!

 

[mickeyone]

I work in television and film production and use veto lc in addition to several fibre cases the veto is versatile and organized, I see more and more guys using them,set dressers,carpenters ,grips all seem to like them pricey but well worth it.

 

[kngelv]

I have two of the Veto LC's - one for home use and one at work. I like them a lot. The one at work sits on a buggy while I answer calls in the plant. Took a turn too fast a few weeks ago and the bag went flying across the aisle. Because it was zipped I didn't have to pick up any tools as can happen with open tool bags - don't ask how I know this, haha. It holds up well in an industrial environment. It also has a real nice padded shoulder strap for when you have to climb stairs or access ladders. BTW I'm an electrician at Ford Motor Company.

James

 

[cheechi]

I have looked at the Veto bags numerous times but never pulled the trigger. Never seen anyone in person in IT, HVAC, or industrial maint/facilities carry one; the guys that do are mostly desk jockeys that have to go onsite once a week/month or so and I think they have to 'dress the part' so to speak.

Personally I like the various Stanley/Bostitch/Fatmax soft bags over CLC & the house brands at Lowe's/HD. I like Bucket Boss's quality but nobody local carries them so it's hard to compare.

For what I do, having the fewer, bigger pockets and large middle area works better. I put a smaller size Flambeau (better than Plano since the dividers go all the way up to contact the lid, small pieces don't get out of their compartment as easy) boxes in one from time to time but I have a case dedicated to all of those too. Usually I try to put power tools in hard cases except for 'used every day' ones like a drill/impact/light. LBoxx, Tough System & the Stanley foam boxes work best for these. I tried the bucket and still have one but I prefer a bag over the bucket every time.

 

[bdivell]

I work in the HVAC/R industry, I carry the ToolPak backpack and for just the basics (PM Work) I carry a small red toolbox.

 

[Zeke]

I've been using a Bucket Boss ever since they came out. I don't like them much as I have to spin it around all the time to find the side I want for the tools on the outside. I have several soft bags too. One for electrical, one for welding, etc. They seem to want to lean in some way that I can't see the tools well. The Vetos look wonderful but I can't see paying those prices.

 

[Slip_Kid]

I have use the Veto bags for years, no issues at all. I carry the small MB bag most of the time, it will do the job 95% of the time. I will carry the larger bag only when I need to. I added a shoulder strap to the small bag, it works well.

 

[littletoes]

Here is a better pic of the one I use and carry;

http://www.goclc.com/products/Work-Gear-Softside-Tool-Carriers-Bags-Backpacks/1529

This is the one I'm considering; **Ok....the more I look at THIS bag...not so sure. The "clear" pouches on the ends wouldn't last me a week. I'd hang it up on a pump and tear it up for sure. Wasted space-but not a good idea.

http://www.goclc.com/products/Work-Gear-Softside-Tool-Carriers-Bags-Backpacks/1530

Slip_Kid - I think I carry a few heavier tools. My work is a bit "heavier" than the average HVAC-R guys. I do quite a bit of piping at times. Just changes out a couple of 3" rising stem gate valves in a hydronic system a few days ago....from there to tuning a Weishaupt burner/flame rod replacement then to "caulking" a 3" flange on a leaking steam system (what a pain).

Forgot to mention, I can probably get this bag for around $40.00, but I have no "Line" on the VETO bags....and $200.00 is hard to swallow, even if the company buys them. I can't beat how good the VETO bags look, and well thought-darn!

 

[sloppy]

The Veto bags do look nice, but I've only seen one person using one in the field. It was about 3ft long and must have weighed 100 lbs!

they come in more then one size you know. The XL is a big bag. The tech bags are not that huge and have awesome tool storage..

We have a couple guys using them. And they are a awesome bag, Personally for what I am doing right now I prefer a box for my work. But if I go back to emergency/call type of work I will use a veto..


From what I have seen of the bags they are worth every penny of the asking price. Good materials, good zippers, ,layout/design, quality of construction. Their is nothing else on the market that compares..

 

[jeffmoss26]

Yeah, I know...that was just the only one I've seen in person.
I use a canvas riggers bag for my voice and data tools, it works pretty well.
My first real bag was a CLC traytote, I ended up giving it to my HVAC guy to replace the one he wore out.
I then used this:
It didn't have enough small pockets so I switched to this, which I wore out.

Current setup:

 

[littletoes]

Didn't realize there were so many "Tech" types on this site! I guess I should have realized.

It's great to bounce ideas off you guys, and see what you find indispensable. For example, to save a bit of room I carry a multi-bit screwdriver ((Klien 11-in-1) on my person-may save a trip to the truck!), although I've worn out several through the years. Bits usually get loose first-if you use them as a nut-driver for example....but in a pinch!

Wanna know what I've found to be a life-saver a couple of times? A foot-long Philips driver! It was all I could get to reach the screws on a burner on a $4000.00 HW Tank, and it was only a 50 gallon....why anyone would pay that for one, who knows....

How many of you guys are finding metric fasteners starting to show up, and Torx?

Here's a great question---How many times do you guys look at some job, you got sent too, and you think; "I'm use to working on million dollar equipment...and they sent me here to fix this....?"

Some great set-ups Jeff!

 

[jeffmoss26]

I have a Klein 11 in 1, but I normally only use it if I am on a ladder or lift, to save what I have to carry. I actually zip tied a spare tool bag to the last lift I was working on, good way to hold parts and tools.
I have a long #2 Phillips which really helps when working in control panels/cabinets. Also have a long cabinet tip slotted for the same reason.
The only metric/torx stuff I find is when repairing laptops, and that is a whole different set of tools.

 

[sloppy]

Yeah, I know...that was just the only one I've seen in person.
I use a canvas riggers bag for my voice and data tools, it works pretty well.
My first real bag was a CLC traytote, I ended up giving it to my HVAC guy to replace the one he wore out.
I then used this:
It didn't have enough small pockets so I switched to this, which I wore out.

Current setup:

Just looking at what your carrying you should really look into a veto tech XL. http://www.vetopropac.com/products/model-tech-xl Its a big bag but your already carrying a load from the looks of things..

The canvas bag is nice I have used one. I can honestly say I see a tech XL get abused much harder daily then that canvas bag i had. and its not looking any different then it did a year ago.. Not to mention all the tools are zipped away inside. No fall outs, wet tools, borrowed tools because some clown needed a screwdriver to pry a door open..

I said the XL was the bigger bag earlier and misspoke its the XXL-F or the OT-XXL.. Those things are monster's but they are more for contractors carrying longer heavier tools..

I think I may order one of the TP4 after this discussion. I do still carry a tool pouch and its looking a little ratty..

 

[jeffmoss26]

Maybe one day!

 

[littletoes]

The, only problem I have with drivers on the outside of the bag, they catch on things, that "draw" them out, and on occasion they hit the floor.

The one side of my bag that I keep against me when walking doesn't have anything that will catch on my clothes and fall out.

I keep it that way on purpose, and always consider it when buying a bag.

Wonder when somebody will make a bag in a crescent shape---wonder if it would work?

Another indespensible tools for me is my headlamp....when working in ceilings or dark corners, I seem to be using it more and more these days.

 

[bonneyman]

I use a CLC 5gal bucket caddy. Not sure of its model number, but it works great for me, only issue I have with it is it has too many pockets but I'm sure they have a model out there with fewer pockets.

I use the Bucket Boss for HVAC work. I'm on my third one in 15 years.
Getting thru attic access openings is a bit of a pain. But, roof work is a breeze. I climb up the ladder with both hands, drop a rope with a hook on the end, snag the bucket handle, and away we go!

 

[jeffmoss26]

Nice setup, Bonneyman!
I had a Bucket Boss at one point, I think I gave it to my old college roommate. Did not use it much, myself.

 

[IndyGarage]

I have looked at the Veto bags numerous times but never pulled the trigger. Never seen anyone in person in IT, HVAC, or industrial maint/facilities carry one; the guys that do are mostly desk jockeys that have to go onsite once a week/month or so and I think they have to 'dress the part' so to speak..

Desk Jockeys must be the ones who understand a business decision.

Get the Veto. It will save you money two ways. First it will save you a bunch of time. You won't have to look for a tool - it will always be in its place, and it will take a second to pull it out and a second to put it back. You won't have to rummage in a pile for tools.

Second you won't lose tools as often. If there is a spot open in my Veto, then I forgot something and need to find it. I cannot stand to "borrow" a tool from that bag for more than a few minutes, because it drives me nuts to have the empty spot.

I also use a Stanley Fatmax plastic roller box for my next larger tool set. My Veto LC is limited to about 20-30 lbs of tools, but I can't carry a socket set in there, or a full sized hammer. The fatmax can carry about 50-60 lbs of tools, and it has the advantage of the wheels, so it saves your back. It won't however allow you to see if your tools are missing as much.

 

[littletoes]

Second you won't lose tools as often. If there is a spot open in my Veto, then I forgot something and need to find it. I cannot stand to "borrow" a tool from that bag for more than a few minutes, because it drives me nuts to have the empty spot.

I also use a Stanley Fatmax plastic roller box for my next larger tool set. My Veto LC is limited to about 20-30 lbs of tools, but I can't carry a socket set in there, or a full sized hammer. The fatmax can carry about 50-60 lbs of tools, and it has the advantage of the wheels, so it saves your back. It won't however allow you to see if your tools are missing as much.

I think you HAVE to be like that....slightly paranoid about your tools, and when you get use to them always being in the same spot, then at a glance you know if one is missing. I HATE LOOSING TOOLS.....usually happens when someone borrows a tool out of my bag.....for example, I'm not a work this week, took it off on vacation---and another guy is working out of my truck, no biggie, but there will be ____ to pay if I'm missing any tools!

BonnyMan, bet I can guess what size those "T" handles are, 5/32" & 1/8" ? I have a "Bucket-Boss" totally set up with all my copper working tools. Benders, brushes, flux, reamers, flaring tools, etc.

It's a bit hard to carry with all the cleaning brushes hanging out on one side though. Nice to have everything in one spot!

Thanks for taking the time laying all your tools out, that's cool. We all use very similar tools. My wrenches have to go to 15/16". I use it almost every day working on pumps (have a rash of them to repair at several sites-problems with the polymer used on the seals by Armstrong with pro-glycol systems on the heating side. No problem with cooling.).

 

[bonneyman]

I think you HAVE to be like that....slightly paranoid about your tools, and when you get use to them always being in the same spot, then at a glance you know if one is missing. I HATE LOOSING TOOLS.....usually happens when someone borrows a tool out of my bag.....for example, I'm not a work this week, took it off on vacation---and another guy is working out of my truck, no biggie, but there will be ____ to pay if I'm missing any tools!

BonnyMan, bet I can guess what size those "T" handles are, 5/32" & 1/8" ? I have a "Bucket-Boss" totally set up with all my copper working tools. Benders, brushes, flux, reamers, flaring tools, etc.

It's a bit hard to carry with all the cleaning brushes hanging out on one side though. Nice to have everything in one spot!

Thanks for taking the time laying all your tools out, that's cool. We all use very similar tools. My wrenches have to go to 15/16". I use it almost every day working on pumps (have a rash of them to repair at several sites-problems with the polymer used on the seals by Armstrong with pro-glycol systems on the heating side. No problem with cooling.).

Yep, those are the sizes alright!

I did the layout #1) because I was replacing my old worn and torn BB, and had to empty the bucket anyway. And #2) because someone else asked me right around that time what tools I carry on a day-to-day basis. The only other tool I use like that not shown is my set of gauges.

 

[GreenLBZ]

Has anyone come up with a good idea for more dividers in these tray tote type bags?

 

[littletoes]

I use different size sch 40 pvc for a couple of items I don't want damaged. I put a pair of over-the-counter glasses in 1 1/4" with caps on both ends, and my headlamp in a 2" piece. Keeps 'em clean, and from being damaged.

That help a bit?