Tool bags for field service tech in power generation

[rexdriver85]

Hey guys, I've been a diesel technician in shop for 12 years now, I'm making a move into Power Generation where I'll be in the field now all day working out of a Chevy Van.

I can't bring my Matco 4S and Matco tool cart with me. So I was wondering if anyone can recommend any good bags you field techs are using day to day out there? Veto bags look awesome, but really expensive.

I won't need my air tools anymore, but I would like to bring most of my stuff out there with me.

Thanks!

 

[crewchief888]

i've pretty much given up on trying to use a bag. the only one i keep on hand is on of the small military type bags i keep my cordless batteries in.
i use a cheap plastic handle tote (menards $5 or so). i also sometimes use a milk crate, also doubles as my "mechanics" seat.
i also have a hardsided, wheeled bag with a handle in case i have to move a lot of bulky stuff, or am far from my truck, like inside a building under demolition

in addition to hand tools, i typically have my laptop, a remote start box, an additional ECU interface box and assorted USB & connector cables.

i'm a field mechanic at a const eq dealership, most times i can carry the hand tools i need in 1 hand.....

ive got a couple bags, but unless i'm hauling tools from my garage to work at the shop, mainly fab/layout tools and electric grinders, i dont bother with them

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I'm not in a permanent service truck. I only go out on the road occasionally - sometimes for a quick emergency, other times for multi-day onsite projects.
I use the kit bags that cordless tools came in (about 12W x 14L x 12H sized) and group stuff together - one bag for electrical stuff, one full of generic hand tools (pliers, hammer, etc). I always keep one bag empty to pick out the exact items for the task at hand and carry the stuff to the machine.

 

[Ericmacc]

I would say veto bags are good. A little expensive but there durable. The plastic bottom is great for the elements.

 

[spike99250]

Check out the Husky bags at Home Depot.

 

[Sloper0204]

I like everything I own from Adventure Tool Company, especially their Tool Pouches. I don't use tool bags, I use Pelican Mobility Series Cases with my tools organized into various rolls/pouches/bags. Love the mobility series because of the huge wheels that will roll over loose gravel found on every industrial or construction site known to man.

I would say veto bags are good. A little expensive but there durable. The plastic bottom is great for the elements.

Having owned a pile of the Veto bags, they are only good if you are going to be using the tools of similar size to the ones they were designed for. If you carry combination wrenches and socket sets, they aren't worth much IMO. Good for tradesman tools though.

 

[Al67ss]

I serviced industrial robots for 13 years. Tried many different tool bags, totes, boxes over the years and the best bag I had was from Duluth Trading Co. It was very durable and hauled everything I ever tried to put in it. Lots of organization inside which made it easy to find tools. They are a little expensive but so is buying multiple bags. They don’t have the same model but have something close to it.

Al

 

[SuperXero]

I second those husky bags from home depot. They're pretty good value.

 

[jd_1138]

Why not go with portable metal (or plastic) tool boxes? Like 4 or 5 drawer ones? When your tools are stuffed in bags, it's hard to find the tools you need. Sure maybe have 2 or 3 bags to act like carry bags.

It's easier to see the sizes and types of tools if they're in drawers lined up based on sizes. Have a drawer for screwdrivers, one for pliers, one for wrenches, one for sockets, one for test equipment, one for consumables like connectors/wires.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Hey guys, I've been a diesel technician in shop for 12 years now, I'm making a move into Power Generation where I'll be in the field now all day working out of a Chevy Van.

I can't bring my Matco 4S and Matco tool cart with me. So I was wondering if anyone can recommend any good bags you field techs are using day to day out there? Veto bags look awesome, but really expensive.

I won't need my air tools anymore, but I would like to bring most of my stuff out there with me.

Thanks!

I work as a mobile generator tech (came from the diesel world as well). My most used service tools are in an electrician's style CLC bag, and I also have a regular toss and carry CLC bag for actual repairs when I need other tools from the truck tool box.

Any idea what all you'll be working on (rental or customer equipment, what brands, Diesel or LP/NG)?

 

[tonyciambrone]

I looked at soft bags at all the big box stores. Husky was the best by far. they have a rolling setup.

Other options would be something like Ridgid' s stacking toolboxes, Milwaukee PackOut stuff etc.

 

[rexdriver85]

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys! I'm going to check all of them out.

 

[rexdriver85]

I work as a mobile generator tech (came from the diesel world as well). My most used service tools are in an electrician's style CLC bag, and I also have a regular toss and carry CLC bag for actual repairs when I need other tools from the truck tool box.

Any idea what all you'll be working on (rental or customer equipment, what brands, Diesel or LP/NG)?

Awesome man, how long have you been on the power generation side? I'm pretty excited to get out of the shop and out on the road, I need the variety. I don't really know the electrical side of it yet, but they will train.

So I'll be working on mostly all, from what I understand the main ones are MTU, CAT, Kohler, Cummins, 2 stroke Detroits, Perkins, Deutz, Doosan and Waukesha, mostly all customer equipment but we do have many rentals as well.

What do you work on?

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Awesome man, how long have you been on the power generation side? I'm pretty excited to get out of the shop and out on the road, I need the variety. I don't really know the electrical side of it yet, but they will train.

Going on 4 years now. Electrical and controls is the major part of it, so get ready to be thrown into the fire and learn fast.

So I'll be working on mostly all, from what I understand the main ones are MTU, CAT, Kohler, Cummins, 2 stroke Detroits, Perkins, Deutz, Doosan and Waukesha, mostly all customer equipment but we do have many rentals as well.

By chance are you working for Interstate? That sounds like their lineup, especially coming out of the truck field.

What do you work on?

Working for a small family company doing certified work for Cummins, Kohler, Generac, Briggs/GE, Millbank, Winco and Gillette. Also working on CAT/Olympian, Detroit, Honda and anything else that I get called out to do. Only really dealing with units up to 150kW here, but waiting to hear back on a offer for another company and another move, looking forward to getting back to the bigger stuff.

 

[dan360]

I use a CLC 1528 for my small kits.

https://goclc.com/products/Work-Gear-Softside-Tool-Carriers-Bags-Backpacks/1528

Have four kits made up for various things. Remote site engine generators, pumps, valve banks, etc. Long walks and long climbs sometimes and having everything in one quick package is nice.

It's the square bag that stands up by itself. Creative packing can get a ton of tools in it and it's hell for stout. I have four of them, all different colors. CLC makes them for a bunch of people. That way I can grab the 'color' kit and know that it's game on.

 

[thatguysb]

I personally used bags for a while as i do work on call sometimes, Bags are ideal for grabbing stuff and throwing stuff in as you can think of the job. EG shop towels, specialty tools ect. I really hate using them for actual tool storage as its always a burden to get the correct thing as they always seem to lie at the bottom of the bag. Its nice however in a vehicle as the stuff rarely shifts and makes noise.

I like a small portable toolbox, something with two tiers. Im working out of one for the past couple years, has all basic hand tools for my job.

 

[samss]

Started out with the green army tool bag 20 yrs ago and have used a lot of open top bags. Just recently got one of the Milwaukee back packs with the hard bottom and really like it. Have you spread out everything on a workbench to get an idea of what you need?

 

[WhiffySpark]

Why not go with portable metal (or plastic) tool boxes? Like 4 or 5 drawer ones? When your tools are stuffed in bags, it's hard to find the tools you need. Sure maybe have 2 or 3 bags to act like carry bags.

It's easier to see the sizes and types of tools if they're in drawers lined up based on sizes. Have a drawer for screwdrivers, one for pliers, one for wrenches, one for sockets, one for test equipment, one for consumables like connectors/wires.

Weight. And the drawer guides **** horribly on all that ones I’ve used. I’ve never tried a truck brand one.

OP I brought my brother in law a CLC back pack off Amazon. It’s nice. The miluwakee ones are really nice too

 

[gregpack]

I'm not in power generating, but I do general equipment maintenance. I find it most efficient to have a grab and go pouch that is small and I can do 80% of what I need to out of that. I then have a larger box that keeps the tools I use less often.

If you have a van you may have room for a top chest right behind the seats facing backwards.

 

[brownbagg]

why not a tool bucket

 

[rexdriver85]

I'm not in power generating, but I do general equipment maintenance. I find it most efficient to have a grab and go pouch that is small and I can do 80% of what I need to out of that. I then have a larger box that keeps the tools I use less often.

If you have a van you may have room for a top chest right behind the seats facing backwards.

I have thought about getting a top chest or a road box for exactly the spot you are talking about but I was trying to get away from having to shell out money for yet another expensive chest. I can look into some used ones though, thanks for the suggestion!

Going on 4 years now. Electrical and controls is the major part of it, so get ready to be thrown into the fire and learn fast.

By chance are you working for Interstate? That sounds like their lineup, especially coming out of the truck field.

Working for a small family company doing certified work for Cummins, Kohler, Generac, Briggs/GE, Millbank, Winco and Gillette. Also working on CAT/Olympian, Detroit, Honda and anything else that I get called out to do. Only really dealing with units up to 150kW here, but waiting to hear back on a offer for another company and another move, looking forward to getting back to the bigger stuff.

I'm ready man! I think I'll enjoy challenge of something new and not having to work on the same trucks everyday.

The company is actually called Penn Power Group, I'm located in PA.

Good luck on the new job, hope it works out for ya!

 

[Ben1967]

I don't go out on the field that often, but when I do I just use a dewalt tool bag.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I have thought about getting a top chest or a road box for exactly the spot you are talking about but I was trying to get away from having to shell out money for yet another expensive chest. I can look into some used ones though, thanks for the suggestion!

You'll be amazed at how much you can pack into a 26" top box when you have to make it count! I'm just using a throwaway 4 drawer Waterloo I bought on sale for like $35 and bolted to a platform I built in place of the rear seats. So far it's worked out well.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6841707&postcount=25

That whole thread has some pretty good mobile storage organization ideas.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=369122

I'll try and get some pictures of the bags I'm running when I get a minute.

I'm ready man! I think I'll enjoy challenge of something new and not having to work on the same trucks everyday.

The company is actually called Penn Power Group, I'm located in PA.

Good luck on the new job, hope it works out for ya!

You too! Make sure to keep us updated how it goes.

Don't forget, service manuals are your friend and don't let the smoke out!

 

[Brownsfan]

If you are in a permanent assigned truck it's a little easier. I have a 26" craftsman top box in the back of my van near the side doors. That holds all the heavy sockets and less used things. I have a Rolling tool bag from home depot (husky) packed with stuff I use daily. That goes with me. While I'm not in the same field as you I am a field service tech. While getting used to the field coming from a shop you will loose tools. Come up with a system to double check before you leave the site.
This is the rolling bag I use.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-18-in-Rolling-Tool-Tote-82001N11/203124166

 

[rexdriver85]

You'll be amazed at how much you can pack into a 26" top box when you have to make it count! I'm just using a throwaway 4 drawer Waterloo I bought on sale for like $35 and bolted to a platform I built in place of the rear seats. So far it's worked out well.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6841707&postcount=25

That whole thread has some pretty good mobile storage organization ideas.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=369122

I'll try and get some pictures of the bags I'm running when I get a minute.



You too! Make sure to keep us updated how it goes.

Don't forget, service manuals are your friend and don't let the smoke out!

Thanks for all the useful info, I really appreciate it and I'll keep in touch to let you know how it's going!

I'd love to see your bags.

 

[rexdriver85]

If you are in a permanent assigned truck it's a little easier. I have a 26" craftsman top box in the back of my van near the side doors. That holds all the heavy sockets and less used things. I have a Rolling tool bag from home depot (husky) packed with stuff I use daily. That goes with me. While I'm not in the same field as you I am a field service tech. While getting used to the field coming from a shop you will loose tools. Come up with a system to double check before you leave the site.
This is the rolling bag I use.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-18-in-Rolling-Tool-Tote-82001N11/203124166

Great info, I will put that into practice. I HATE losing expensive tools. Nice looking bag too.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Thanks for all the useful info, I really appreciate it and I'll keep in touch to let you know how it's going!

I'd love to see your bags.

Absolutely! If you hit any roadblocks troubleshooting and need to ping some ideas off of someone, shoot me a message and maybe I'll be able to help (or at least have a service manual handy).

I'll try and get some pictures of my bag setup and what's in it this week.

Great info, I will put that into practice. I HATE losing expensive tools. Nice looking bag too.

I could count on one hand what I've lost over the years between home and working in shops. Since I've gone into field work though, random tools like to vanish into the truck or the snow. That's the reason my Williams Supercombos all came home, and my wrench rolls have a mix of cheap old stock USA Kobalt/Napa/KD/Allen/Armstrong now.

 

[Tduby]

I’m in hydro generation and each site has good set of tools in them but I use those husky rolling bags for the electrical tools I need or want to keep the greasy mechanics from using. I wish they would but a truck with contractor box but I make do piling them in back seat with different color painted handles.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Had a minute when I stopped by the shop and snapped a couple of pictures. This is the CLC open top electrician's bag that I keep all my basic service tools in.

Middle section holds Fluke 87V, set of Snap-on mini picks (in a Gearwrench pouch), M12 3/8" ratchet, and Snap-on 3/8" QR flex ratchet, and most important of all; hearing protection!

1/4" flex ratchet, 1/4" GW sockets on a rail, SK spinner handle, MAC 3/8" locking extensions (for spark plugs), spark plug sockets, tape, Hex and Torx keys (in reality I only need maybe 4 sizes for valve adjustments and lugs, but then they'd be easier to lose). Usually there's a battery terminal puller behind the keys, but not sure where it walked off to. Also has a small parts box built into the bottom with fuses, batteries, crimp connectors, heat shrink, small hardware, etc.

Feeler gauges, Snap-on spark plug gapper, Snap-on 3/8" mini roto ratchet (for spark plugs, again), mini screwdrivers for adjusting VR pots, xacto knives for scraping gaskets, colored tape for IDing leads when loadbanking, some misc sockets in the small pocket.

Couple of screwdrivers, 3 nut drivers, small prybar, oil filter pliers, pliers wrench, dykes, Knipex hose pliers and Channellock E318 needlenose for pulling fuel and block heater hoses.

10mm Williams combo and ratcheting wrenches, angle and offset box wrenches for valve adjustments, fuse pullers for BBS5 fuses in transfer switches, long punch for lining up holes, extendable magnet, razor knife, post cleaner.

CLC bag for actual repairs. Just toss in what i need per job. I don't keep anything in the pockets

As you can see, the problem this time of year with the open top is getting rain and snow slopped on and tools rusting. I could ditch a good amount of what I'm hauling around if I wasn't doing as much smaller home standby stuff.

 

[skouby]

I started as a diesel mechanic as well and now have been a field tech for several trades around that world. Been a generator tech, air compressor, and currently work on railroad trucks. Been in vans and trucks. I always have a stationary toolbox mounted in or on the truck or van. And always have a go bag where I can do 75% of my work out of. I highly, highly rrecommend Klein open top bags.
This is the bag I currently am using and has survived a lot of abuse.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Tradesman-Pro-10-in-Tote-Organizer-5541610-14/205547067

I also recommend getting a monetzuma crossover box to mount in your van, it's all about keeping track of your tools in the field. Losing tools gets expensive.

 

[gregpack]

it's all about keeping track of your tools in the field. Losing tools gets expensive.

I'm mobile and a little scatter brained and lose 5X more tools than I break.

 

[sberry]

Not in the same field but have worked service before on lotso stuff. I have a tray, not sure they make this exact one anymore but modified it for the tools and it is about the handiest thing I ever used. It rides on the seat, mainly I grab stuff and pocket it, do not have to open or rummage thru other boxes to get what I need most of the time and can carry it in for more extensive work, also easy to keep track.
Some of these pics are older, I had added or changed. I used to use a bigger truck, also had these more packed with near everything but finally trimmed it down quite a bit, removes stuff I didn't use but thought I might need and made a lot of it do double duty.

 

[Sloper0204]

it's all about keeping track of your tools in the field. Losing tools gets expensive.

That's why I took a page from the FOD boys with my "critical" tools:

 

[decaf]

This is my fieldbag.

 

[mshell56118]

working on generators for 20 yrs now. have used my share of bags I work for Cummins and work anything from an rv unit to 2.5mw units. I do it all engine work, electrical, programming, paralleling, networking, pms i have this bag and it is awesome https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QNTVV6Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20 that i use daily for general stuff, fluke 233 small set of combos, 1/4 socket sets, screwdrivers and allens, m12 impart driver, plus misc stuff and room to put other stuff needed for jobs. I have a lenox back pack that has all my insulated tools along with my fluke 3000fc and amp module, along with flir one pro infrared this is mainly set up for transfer switch services I do at a university that has over 100 switches and lots of walking. the dewalt bag has a built in light which is nice for emergency calls. Invest in a small pocket flashlight and a headlight. One thing i found out the hard way was you do not want a huge bag to carry b/c you always end up loading so heavy it kills you and the other thing is I found i do not like a bag without a shoulder strap it frees up my hands o be able to carry buckets and stuff.

 

[mshell56118]

Also if you are on Facebook there is a great group to join (Premier Generator Tech Connection) it is a closed group and you have to be accepted but there are guys from all over every different mfg and if you have an issue if you post it on the page you usually get responses pretty quick on what it could be usually someone else has seen it before

 

[rexdriver85]

Had a minute when I stopped by the shop and snapped a couple of pictures. This is the CLC open top electrician's bag that I keep all my basic service tools in.

Middle section holds Fluke 87V, set of Snap-on mini picks (in a Gearwrench pouch), M12 3/8" ratchet, and Snap-on 3/8" QR flex ratchet, and most important of all; hearing protection!

1/4" flex ratchet, 1/4" GW sockets on a rail, SK spinner handle, MAC 3/8" locking extensions (for spark plugs), spark plug sockets, tape, Hex and Torx keys (in reality I only need maybe 4 sizes for valve adjustments and lugs, but then they'd be easier to lose). Usually there's a battery terminal puller behind the keys, but not sure where it walked off to. Also has a small parts box built into the bottom with fuses, batteries, crimp connectors, heat shrink, small hardware, etc.

Feeler gauges, Snap-on spark plug gapper, Snap-on 3/8" mini roto ratchet (for spark plugs, again), mini screwdrivers for adjusting VR pots, xacto knives for scraping gaskets, colored tape for IDing leads when loadbanking, some misc sockets in the small pocket.

Couple of screwdrivers, 3 nut drivers, small prybar, oil filter pliers, pliers wrench, dykes, Knipex hose pliers and Channellock E318 needlenose for pulling fuel and block heater hoses.

10mm Williams combo and ratcheting wrenches, angle and offset box wrenches for valve adjustments, fuse pullers for BBS5 fuses in transfer switches, long punch for lining up holes, extendable magnet, razor knife, post cleaner.

CLC bag for actual repairs. Just toss in what i need per job. I don't keep anything in the pockets

As you can see, the problem this time of year with the open top is getting rain and snow slopped on and tools rusting. I could ditch a good amount of what I'm hauling around if I wasn't doing as much smaller home standby stuff.

Ah, nice setup, gives me an idea of what I'll need day to day. Thanks for the pics!

One thing is apparent, It looks as if I'll need much less tools than I'm used too working on the heavy trucks.

So many bags to choose from... lol.

working on generators for 20 yrs now. have used my share of bags I work for Cummins and work anything from an rv unit to 2.5mw units. I do it all engine work, electrical, programming, paralleling, networking, pms i have this bag and it is awesome https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QNTVV6Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20 that i use daily for general stuff, fluke 233 small set of combos, 1/4 socket sets, screwdrivers and allens, m12 impart driver, plus misc stuff and room to put other stuff needed for jobs. I have a lenox back pack that has all my insulated tools along with my fluke 3000fc and amp module, along with flir one pro infrared this is mainly set up for transfer switch services I do at a university that has over 100 switches and lots of walking. the dewalt bag has a built in light which is nice for emergency calls. Invest in a small pocket flashlight and a headlight. One thing i found out the hard way was you do not want a huge bag to carry b/c you always end up loading so heavy it kills you and the other thing is I found i do not like a bag without a shoulder strap it frees up my hands o be able to carry buckets and stuff.

Funny you mention the headlight, I'm that guy. I literally cannot work without one anymore. Every shop I've ever worked at I got made fun of for a few months until the guys started trying it out for themselves. I've gotten so many guys into headlights over the years. I'm proud of that, lol.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Ah, nice setup, gives me an idea of what I'll need day to day. Thanks for the pics!

One thing is apparent, It looks as if I'll need much less tools than I'm used too working on the heavy trucks.

WAY less for the day to day, once it gets into engine diagnostics and repair you'll be right at home.

Although it does seem that the smaller they get, the more tooling you need (RV units are the devil ).

 

[Jlarson]

I'm on the electrical side more then mechanical. I get all the controls, ATS, switch gear, and instrument/SCADA connection work. I do a lot of portable emergency hook ups and temp power too. I alternate between a Veto MCT and a leather electricians tote, when I'm doing more construction oriented stuff then service I use the tote or when one of the two needs cleaning I switch for a couple days.

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[Slednut]

I work as a mobile generator tech (came from the diesel world as well). My most used service tools are in an electrician's style CLC bag, and I also have a regular toss and carry CLC bag for actual repairs when I need other tools from the truck tool box.

I also use a CLC bag.