Tool backpack or other options

[vavet]

I just installed a hard truck bed cover on my tundra. Now it’s time to make it really useful. I’d like the ability to carry some common tools with me in an organized way. This will be general handyman type stuff. My biggest need to transport tools is for my rental house.

i know about the larger Milwaukee pack out type modular devices. They have a rolling cart with various types of cabinets that can go on top to fit your individual needs. I’ve see the tool backpacks some of our vendors at work have used. They seem super handy, but get pricey! Wow!

up until now, I’ve been using soft sided tool bags, but they’re really just an abyss. There is no internal organization at all. I spend a lot of time digging around to find the right screwdriver or any other tool. The specialized backpacks have lots of pockets and compartments.

initially I was just thinking of getting some rubbermaid or action packer type totes and trying to develop a divider inside of those. From a $ per cubic foot standpoint, that probably makes the most sense, but I’m not sure I need that much room either.

what is your experience of finding and/or developing the sweet spot of sufficient space, organization level, and cost?

 

[cgrutt]

I use the Milwaukee packouts but purchased a couple of Klein bags (a backpack and separate electrician style tote) and have been really happy with them. The backpack has assortment of handyman type tools. The tote is more geared toward network cable and general electric. Ive done a ton of projects with them and have found about 90% of what i need is in the backpack or one of two packout boxes I usually keep in my truck.

 

[bonneyman]

You might want to try a Bucket Boss and a 5-gallon paint bucket. Has tons of pockets inside and out, slides right over a cheap plastic pail, plus you still have the internal capacity for bulky items. Very durable sleeve, and if the handle fails or bucket cracks it's cheap to replace.

https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-Boss-10030-Bucketeer-BTO/dp/B00GK4TOWK?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[RTM]

I've tried the bucket boss, found it way too tippy for house use. In the truck scares me even more. I had a black yellow tote, and a Rubbermaid, and also felt them a black hole. I am currently running a small zip top gatemouth bag, one with simple tools, and another with slightly better straps. I like these as when the truck bed gets filled, they can go in the cab, or fit in a small hole in the cargo. If I needed more space, I have another bigger gatemouth.

As this is my garage sale haul the dogs take on vacation vehicle, I don't carry lots of tools routinely, but can toss them in to help at a project easily.

 

[IndyGarage]

Veto pro pack. I've had one for 10 years, used it thousands of times and it still works great. Yes it's pricey but it will save you money over your plain soft sided bags in several ways - first, you will never lose a tool because you can see what is missing in an instant. Second, you will never have to dump all your tools out of the bag to find something - everything is always in the same spot in the bag. That alone will save you a ton of time. Your tools will never get wet or muddy. The Veto has a plastic tub bottom that is waterproof. Finally when it's zipped up, the tools are secure and even if the bag falls over they will stay put.

I've also got a packout and I like it, but just not in the same league of usefulness as the Veto.

These days there are cheaper alternatives to the Veto, so they might be OK, but I can attest the Veto is good.

 

[Rusted Nut]

I've had one of these for 15 years, great quality. Quite a few pockets and what not. I use some small plastic bins for some stuff. Best tool carrier I've owned!

Husky 18 in. 18 Pocket Rolling Tool Bag HD65018-TH - The Home Depot

Easily attach your tape measure to your pocket without damaging the jeans by using this Husky Zipper Top Rolling Weather Resistant Tool Tote Bag in Red with pockets and heavyduty telescoping handle.

www.homedepot.com

 

[FigN⋅m]

I've had one of these for 15 years, great quality. Quite a few pockets and what not. I use some small plastic bins for some stuff. Best tool carrier I've owned!

Husky 18 in. 18 Pocket Rolling Tool Bag HD65018-TH - The Home Depot

Easily attach your tape measure to your pocket without damaging the jeans by using this Husky Zipper Top Rolling Weather Resistant Tool Tote Bag in Red with pockets and heavyduty telescoping handle.

www.homedepot.com

I went even smaller with the one below and have been impressed with its build quality.
Having a smaller bag also makes it actually possible to carry it when it's full!

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Heavy-Duty-14-in-PRO-Tool-Bag-H-014-SLO/323717398

 

[Beerhippie]

Veto pro pack. I've had one for 10 years, used it thousands of times and it still works great. Yes it's pricey but it will save you money over your plain soft sided bags in several ways - first, you will never lose a tool because you can see what is missing in an instant. Second, you will never have to dump all your tools out of the bag to find something - everything is always in the same spot in the bag. That alone will save you a ton of time. Your tools will never get wet or muddy. The Veto has a plastic tub bottom that is waterproof. Finally when it's zipped up, the tools are secure and even if the bag falls over they will stay put.

I've also got a packout and I like it, but just not in the same league of usefulness as the Veto.

These days there are cheaper alternatives to the Veto, so they might be OK, but I can attest the Veto is good.

For three hundred bucks, does it come with a strapping youth to carry it for me?

 

[IndyGarage]

For three hundred bucks, does it come with a strapping youth to carry it for me?

Yeah they are expensive - I looked on Amazon and seems like they go from about $200-300 for the full size bags. They are excellent quality though, not the thin material that most tool bags are made of. Like anything else, you get what you pay for.

I also have two of the smaller Veto bags, which are the same level of quality.

 

[Dave455]

To be honest, finding the right solution to this is difficult.

For a start, everybody’s requirements are different.

One requirement for me is ensuring that nothing gets damaged by tools bashing together.

I know some folks are big into foam lined drawers. For me that wouldn’t work. Aside from the cost, and the fact that tool kits are ever evolving, I find these foam linings to be space wasters.

Best solution for hand tools, if your tool load has evolved to the stage that it’s not changing drastically, is to get whatever boxes you like and build your own wooden dividers. I’ve done this with some boxes, and it’s great where I have.


Another option is to have a box with some simple divisions, then wrap your tools to stop them rattling. I do this with a kit I keep on one of my vehicles, and it works well, but it would be inconvenient if I was always in and out of that case. (It’s a Keter case by the way, very good value).

I have a couple of these Keter cases for electrical tools and they work well for that.

For property maintenance tools, I must admit I’ve reduced the hand tools to one small box, densely packed, and unless I think I’m going to need more, I don’t take more.

Power tools, which I need for most jobs, I generally pay up and get a case and liner for, or alternatively a plastic box.

Bags? Unless they are well organised they don’t work for me. I can see why the Veto bags would work well for maintenance tools, but you’re right, they are a bit costly. I could get five of those Keter cases for the cost of one Veto Pro Pack.

 

[KnurledNut]

what is your experience of finding and/or developing the sweet spot of sufficient space, organization level, and cost?

I'm currently using a large open-top bag for hand tools. I find this form of vertical storage to be very efficient and user friendly.
It lets my tools breathe, so when they get wet they can dry, and it doesnt trap humidity nearly as bad as an enclosed bag.
For me, the open-top design is largely hassle-free for accessing stuff since most everything can be seen at a glance, especially in the cab or bed of a truck and when I dont need to bring in the whole bag.
My bag is very lightweight empty...heavy enough loaded. I've worked with guys that had Vetos that took two people to move. No thanks.
I'm not a big fan of the new era stacking boxes for constant storage. I do however have a large deep wheeled version that I like on the job to use as a catch-all, trash bin, materials storage, etc, and to keep stuff out of the dirt or off of surfaces I dont want to damage, makeshift work surface, as a hub to minimize losing tools, temporary lockable storage, and ability to move more than I can carry in my two hands at once.
I keep power tool batteries and a folding worklight in a 5 gal. bucket and hang my impact driver and drill on the rim. If you can't tell so far, I like accessibility. No fuss, grab and go. Other power tools are in a MED-LG size ziptop gatemouth bag.
These different setups give me flexibilty instead of being locked into one system or difficult to modify arrangement.
Just my .02

 

[GeoBruin]

Obviously not for everyone, but I've really enjoyed the Pelican 0450. It rides under the tonneau cover in my Tacoma.

 

[joel63]

To be honest, finding the right solution to this is difficult.

For a start, everybody’s requirements are different.

One requirement for me is ensuring that nothing gets damaged by tools bashing together.

I know some folks are big into foam lined drawers. For me that wouldn’t work. Aside from the cost, and the fact that tool kits are ever evolving, I find these foam linings to be space wasters.

Best solution for hand tools, if your tool load has evolved to the stage that it’s not changing drastically, is to get whatever boxes you like and build your own wooden dividers. I’ve done this with some boxes, and it’s great where I have.


Another option is to have a box with some simple divisions, then wrap your tools to stop them rattling. I do this with a kit I keep on one of my vehicles, and it works well, but it would be inconvenient if I was always in and out of that case. (It’s a Keter case by the way, very good value).

I have a couple of these Keter cases for electrical tools and they work well for that.

For property maintenance tools, I must admit I’ve reduced the hand tools to one small box, densely packed, and unless I think I’m going to need more, I don’t take more.

Power tools, which I need for most jobs, I generally pay up and get a case and liner for, or alternatively a plastic box.

Bags? Unless they are well organised they don’t work for me. I can see why the Veto bags would work well for maintenance tools, but you’re right, they are a bit costly. I could get five of those Keter cases for the cost of one Veto Pro Pack.

Very nice setup for the ratchet and sockets.

 

[Dave455]

Very nice setup for the ratchet and sockets.

Thanks!

When I put that together I seemed to need to take those tools everywhere, and wanted everything protected. There are some wrenches and pliers underneath.

I made the tray from scraps in a spare afternoon, but finished it with Sikkens coloured varnish, which I use for a lot of projects.

 

[littlebean]

This looks like a great idea, definitely got me thinking!

 

[jsl007]

This particular packout box size I find to be very useful - It has 4 internal organizer trays inside, and will ultimately hold a lot of hand tools and even drills / impacts etc.

 

[MovingAlong]

I just installed a hard truck bed cover on my tundra. Now it’s time to make it really useful. I’d like the ability to carry some common tools with me in an organized way. This will be general handyman type stuff. My biggest need to transport tools is for my rental house.

Not sure exactly "where" you're looking to manage tools, or what trades you're working in... but do get the message it needs to be cheap.

If you're looking for organized truck storage, plenty of DIY long drawer system designs to put in the bed.

If you're looking to transport between the truck and house, buckets and a hand truck work fine.

If you're looking to carry tools on you, then a simple framers/carpenters/electricians tool belt would be the trick.

Without knowing your tool list, what kind of work you anticipate (rentals require everything, just didn't know if you did electrical, plumbing, doors, windows, drywall, painting, etc. these would all have their own special tool set and carrying options) just throwing ideas against the wall. Let us know if something sticks...

 

[rust in the eye]

Lay out all of the tools you wish to carry then count the number and style of compartments you'll need. With that you'll have a better idea of what and how configured.
I'm partial to cantilever style boxes. Roll ups are great if you carry wrenches.

 

[joel63]

To be honest, finding the right solution to this is difficult.

For a start, everybody’s requirements are different.

One requirement for me is ensuring that nothing gets damaged by tools bashing together.

I know some folks are big into foam lined drawers. For me that wouldn’t work. Aside from the cost, and the fact that tool kits are ever evolving, I find these foam linings to be space wasters.

Best solution for hand tools, if your tool load has evolved to the stage that it’s not changing drastically, is to get whatever boxes you like and build your own wooden dividers. I’ve done this with some boxes, and it’s great where I have.


Another option is to have a box with some simple divisions, then wrap your tools to stop them rattling. I do this with a kit I keep on one of my vehicles, and it works well, but it would be inconvenient if I was always in and out of that case. (It’s a Keter case by the way, very good value).

I have a couple of these Keter cases for electrical tools and they work well for that.

For property maintenance tools, I must admit I’ve reduced the hand tools to one small box, densely packed, and unless I think I’m going to need more, I don’t take more.

Power tools, which I need for most jobs, I generally pay up and get a case and liner for, or alternatively a plastic box.

Bags? Unless they are well organised they don’t work for me. I can see why the Veto bags would work well for maintenance tools, but you’re right, they are a bit costly. I could get five of those Keter cases for the cost of one Veto Pro Pack.

Could you tell me what:
1. Size sockets, shallow and deep
2. The Bits, type
3. is the PB K160/2-30
are in the tray?
It look like a well put together collection.

 

[Dave455]

Could you tell me what:
1. Size sockets, shallow and deep
2. The Bits, type
3. is the PB K160/2-30
are in the tray?
It look like a well put together collection.

The shallow sockets are 8 to 21 with no skips aside from 20. I inherited these from my Dad, and this box started out because I thought I might as well use them as not.

I was carrying them around in a plastic box for a long while, but used them a lot because I had them with me. If I was buying a set myself, I’d probably go for 6 point

The deep sockets are 7, 8, 10 and 13. (13 was missing from photo). The last 3 cover about 90% of my deep socket needs. The 7 was for a specific application at the time.

The bits are PB Swiss - 3/16, 1/4 and 5/16 slotted, together with No.1, 2 and 3 Pozidriv. I have some Phillips in the bottom of the box.

The little PB K160 is just a handy little driver that deals with smaller slotted screws. It was a bit of an afterthought as I built the tray for the other tools, but it’s useful.

 

[joel63]

The shallow sockets are 8 to 21 with no skips aside from 20. I inherited these from my Dad, and this box started out because I thought I might as well use them as not.

I was carrying them around in a plastic box for a long while, but used them a lot because I had them with me. If I was buying a set myself, I’d probably go for 6 point

The deep sockets are 7, 8, 10 and 13. The last 3 cover about 90% of my deep socket needs. The 7 was for a specific application at the time.

The bits are PB Swiss - 3/16, 1/4 and 5/16 slotted, together with No.1, 2 and 3 Pozidriv. I have some Phillips in the bottom of the box.

The little PB K160 is just a handy little driver that deals with smaller slotted screws. It was a bit of an afterthought as I built the tray for the other tools, but it’s useful.

Thanks for the detailed explanation.

 

[Dave455]

Thanks for the detailed explanation.

Perhaps not much use for general handyman stuff, but I find I can do an awful lot of mechanical stuff with a good set of sockets and a bit driver. There are some pliers, bit sockets and wrenches in the bottom of the box, and some oddments like a 7mm nut runner for hose clips.

I have got a bigger “road box” but this one is more “grab and go”. Also, I store this in my house, so it’s usually handy.

 

[tarbellb]

For mobility (job sites in my use case) a combo of plastic totes and electrician bag was my optimal setup

Rolling Packout or similar (Rigid is great bang/buck) for large tool - ie drills, saws, etc...
+
10" Electricians bag for small hand tools- the vertical dedicated storage pockets are excellent

I would typically wheel my gear to site, then load my impact+drill (M12) on top of the bag and tote around the site like that

 

[Dixie_Flatline]

Veto pro pack. I've had one for 10 years, used it thousands of times and it still works great. Yes it's pricey but it will save you money over your plain soft sided bags in several ways - first, you will never lose a tool because you can see what is missing in an instant. Second, you will never have to dump all your tools out of the bag to find something - everything is always in the same spot in the bag. That alone will save you a ton of time. Your tools will never get wet or muddy. The Veto has a plastic tub bottom that is waterproof. Finally when it's zipped up, the tools are secure and even if the bag falls over they will stay put.

I've also got a packout and I like it, but just not in the same league of usefulness as the Veto.

These days there are cheaper alternatives to the Veto, so they might be OK, but I can attest the Veto is good.

I bought mine when I was doing refrigeration work back in 2006, and its still a great bag today. I sprayed the exterior with camp dry numerous times because I would be stuck out working in the rain more often than I cared to. Between that plastic bottom and the camp dry it kept the contents protected. Buy once, cry once.

 

[JohnC1957]

I have a couple Veto bags also. They’re great. I have a selection of other bags I bought to save a buck filled with stuff I should throw out lol

 

[danski0224]

I have tried other things and consistently come back to the Dandux Coal Bag.

Dandux Classic 1121 Coal Bag Natural

An original product that we've been making the same way for close to 100 years. Often copied, Never Duplicated. Features include: double bottom, riveted stress points, traditional folded ends Made from heavy weight 24 oz #4 cotton duck; the Dandux 1121 Coal Bags has the durability you expect...

crdaniels.com

I put separate Klein zippered bags (or similar) inside for some organization.

It doesn't completely eliminate the digging to find stuff... but oh well. I should label some of the smaller zippered pouches.

 

[Caa311]

I've had one of these for 15 years, great quality. Quite a few pockets and what not. I use some small plastic bins for some stuff. Best tool carrier I've owned!

Husky 18 in. 18 Pocket Rolling Tool Bag HD65018-TH - The Home Depot

Easily attach your tape measure to your pocket without damaging the jeans by using this Husky Zipper Top Rolling Weather Resistant Tool Tote Bag in Red with pockets and heavyduty telescoping handle.

www.homedepot.com

I went from the green military bag to this great bag at a great price but I still pile to much **** in it.

 

[MongoTA]

I only have to drag tools once, maybe twice a month. I've had a couple of these bags for years, I use them. Not overly pricey, about $50.



In the outside pockets I'll stand up screwdrivers in one, pliers/channel locks in another, etc. They stay vertical and it's easy to look down into the pockets and grab what's needed. Batteries and battery powered tools go in the main compartment. I also slide hard-sided cases in the center compartment.

For a full timer, or if you needed to go up a ladder with your bag, these wouldn't be the best. But for a casual guy like me who goes from Point A to Point B, they work well. Built well too. They have an entire line of bags/cases/pouches/aprons, etc.

 

[richfinn]

Veto Pro-pac is the only tool bag I will ever buy.

Sure the initial cost of $175-$350 (depending on which model) seems expensive to the uninitiated, however somebody has put a lot of time and effort into the design and construction of these products.

They are very tough bags, most models have a waterproof base, the pockets are lined so sharp tools won't tear them up, the handles and straps are strong and super comfortable to hold, the pockets gently form to shape of whichever tool you put in them and keep stuff highly organised and protected.

Lots of options for customizing the bags to suit whatever trade you are involved in.

Look for the regular "buy one get one free" offer where you can buy a full size bag and get a smaller pouch or drill holster free

 

[richfinn]

For three hundred bucks, does it come with a strapping youth to carry it for me?

What's $300 nowadays?

He's had the bag ten years and it's still going strong, I think that's good old fashioned value for money

 

[Jure]

Wurth

Buy Tool backpack with watertight base shell online

Only with Würth: Buy Tool rucksack with watertight base shell, High-quality rucksack with several pockets easily and securely online ▶ Your specialist for trade and industry » Find the perfect product ✓Over 120,000 products ✓Purchase on account ✓Exclusively for trade customers

eshop.wuerth-industrie.com

 

[Kkmk]

Is this type of bag common outside australia?

https://www.beehivevinyl.com.au/shop-online/beehive-toolbags/vinyl-tool-bags/

I use a hard base commissioning bag all day every day as a maintenance fitter with a set loadout, but also a double base for when I know I need more / bigger / different tools.

We find these great. Durable, slots for individual tools but can jam a socket ser or impact gun in the open space. Perhaps find something similar tk these?

 

[Bert_]

For mobility (job sites in my use case) a combo of plastic totes and electrician bag was my optimal setup

Rolling Packout or similar (Rigid is great bang/buck) for large tool - ie drills, saws, etc...
+
10" Electricians bag for small hand tools- the vertical dedicated storage pockets are excellent

I would typically wheel my gear to site, then load my impact+drill (M12) on top of the bag and tote around the site like that

I've had that bag for a few years now. The picture makes it look a lot more organic than is really possible.

I made a holder for screw drivers that really helped. I cut ~6-8" pieces of PVC and duck taped them together. Fits pretty well in one side of that bag and the screwdrivers always stay upright and in their place.

 

[Aileron]

JMO, I did mechanical service. I think the veto paks, back pack specifically are too heavy before adding your tools. I use a bucket boss or actually the husky bucket organizer because I don't want half the outside to a dedicated drill holder. That what the center of the bucket is for. Same for a grease gun, drop it in the center and off you go.
My go to service bucket weighed 28#s. I did take the handle off and get a Berkly rope handle. I also carried a rubbermaid cart in my truck. Usually the bucket rode onto that until i had to **** it up a ladder onto a roof. Again i think the 5 gallon bucket is a lot safer to pull up with a rope than a box and safer than having something heavy on your back climbing a ladder. You can set the bucket down in a water puddle and not worry about your tools getting wet or the bag soaking it up. when your having to study a manual it makes a decent seat to sit down on also. I would also bunge the hande to a shelve inside teh service van so it ddnt fall over.

 

[richfinn]

This is my Veto OT-MC

 

[KnurledNut]

This is my Veto OT-MC

Solid bit of kit! Assuming all metric?

 

[richfinn]

Solid bit of kit! Assuming all metric?

Yep all metric

 

[KnurledNut]

Still hoping @vavet replies with more details. He definitely needs our help spending his money!

 

[AJHD]

This is my Veto OT-MC

Always enjoy seeing your setup.

 

[cgrutt]

So think today may be a good example. Helped my buddy with some various projects that I mostly completed from backpack. Prepped shower for new caulk, installed new faucet, fixed some issues with staircase, hung some hooks in bedroom and repaired broken piece of blustone on fireplace. Did some more stuff but didnt need any tools. Pretty happy with configuration.