Tool Bags

[katiexoxo]

When buying a duffel-type bag to carry tools, what kind of material should I look for?

Are North Face Basecamps travel bags suited for carrying tools? Looking at the reviews, they are considered the most durable

 

[gdocktor3]

I don't think North Face bags are designed for carrying tools. Tools are sharp, pointy and heavy. You need an actual "tool bag" that's designed to carry tools. Not sleeping bags, boots and stuff like that. I use a CLC bag at work that's loaded down with approx 50 lbs I'd say and it's held up great for two years now. Mines filled with Hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, pipe wrenches, hack saw, adjustables, pliers, channelocks, snips, roll of wire, and every thing else needed for maintenance at a hospital.

http://www.goclc.com

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: I've got several tool bags and like these Klein ones the best for my Ryobi 18 v tools in one and my bigger hand tools in the other one. its made of heavy duty canvas material and leather.

mine is open inside, but i found this picture of one that has pockets for tools that i might have to buy one.

very durable and i've owned mine for years.

 

[Scout Driver]

We use CLC tool bags at work. They have stood up very well.

One thing I will mention though.......I do recommend getting one with a hard, flat bottom. The "pouch" type tool bags can have a tendency to tip over when loaded heavy. Its not a big deal, but something to look at.

Scott

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: SAFETY TIP to share if you are carrying batteries for your power tools in these bags DO NOT THROW IN SCREWDRIVES OR WRENCHES IN THE BAG IF BATTERY CONNECTIONS ARE EXPOSED!!

i've read of several members saying they had their bags go up in flames cause they had a screwdriver or wrench lay across the battery's contacts.

i put my spare batteries in my tools in the bag instead of having them loose at the ready cause even though i know it could cause a fire i still forget and throw tools in my bags occasionally.

 

[BajaBound]

I love the craftsman two pack. I have been using mine for nearly 6 years. Just bought a new set for other uses.

 

[RangerChief]

Veto tool bags make nice bags, including a cargo tote.

 

[Rustypigeon]

I have been very impressed with the Husky tool bags. I have a few of them I use as trunk tool bags. Very durable and a good price.

 

[Jeepster04]

I love the craftsman two pack. I have been using mine for nearly 6 years. Just bought a new set for other uses.

Ive bought every variety of bag that craftsman makes and really like them. Have multiples of each since I buy another set when I see them on sale.

 

[Roobaix]

Veto Pro Pac are my favorites.
CLC makes some nice stuff as well.

The North Face Base Camps duffels are very nice bags but I wouldn't buy them for tool storage. I have two of them (The XL and the M I think) and use them all the time for mountain climbing and travel. The inside is coated with a water proofing that will be destroyed by metal tools sloshing around.

 

[DFB]

I have all kinds of soft side tool bags too...a lot of Craftsman labeled ones, a bunch of Milwaukee ones, some of them have soft foamed bottoms too, and even tried a couple from HF and for as cheap as they were they're ok


My best and toughest two are both very heavy duty, both have wire reinforced top openings so they stay open and both have rubberized waterproof bottoms and that I really like! The smaller of the two is under a Craftsman brand label and the larger one is labeled omg get this...Buffalo Tools. Can't even remember where it came from I have had it so long now. Even has outside loops to carry a level

 

[Stuey]

What size are you looking for?

But I agree. For hauling tools, you'll want something meant for heavier loads. Tools are denser than outdoors gear.

 

[Brian_WK]

Back pack style options:
Klein
Veto Pro Expensive but is the snap-on of tool packs
Craftsman
Husky
Milwaukee

Brian

 

[Badger 13]

I have a couple of the "Bucket Boss" brand one's and very happy with them.

 

[FigureItOut]

As mentioned, Veto makes absolutely stellar bags that'll last forever, are very well designed and are just a joy to work out of.

That said, Husky bags from HD are an incredible value. I worked out of one for a long time and it's as good as new. I was looking at their latest stuff the other day and they're really nice. It looks like who ever is designing them is getting plenty of feedback from actual tradesman about how they work and what design features will make work easier.

Unless I'm mistaken, you want to look at the bags that are primarily black with red trim, rather than the primarily red bags with black trim.

Another option is ToughBuilt. They focus on tool belts but have several bags also. They make innovative, user-friendly designs. I don't actually own any but I'm going to pick up their tool belt system in the spring. Based on their reviews, warranty and statements from the company, I'm convinced they're highly dedicated to quality.

 

[tonyprovo723]

What trade will you be using them in? Is this need for travel or around job site use? Checking tool bag for flights?

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[Ainsley]

I love my Veto MCT but they're pricey pieces.
I've actually been impressed with the higher end Husky bags, they've really stepped up the quality on them. I have the 22" tool tote which is part of their "pro" line and its quite nice.

 

[turbodave]

I love the craftsman two pack. I have been using mine for nearly 6 years. Just bought a new set for other uses.

I've keep a tool kit in one and ratchet straps in another in my truck, probably 5 years now of riding around behind the seat, in the bed, and tossed around all over and they are holding up great. Hard to beat them for price and they go on sale frequently.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

+100 on the Veto Pro Pac! They are costly, but worth it.
I've used Klein, Stanley and HF on different jobs. The thing about the Veto is that you can organize your tools much easier & more efficiently than other bags, keep all of your tools on the inside of the bag, and lock the bag with some small pad locks (won't prevent theft of the bag, but will prevent unauthorized borrowing of your tools). The shell is tough and the bottom will never get torn.

 

[ryan20021982]

I have a couple of the Bucket Boss bags and like them, the material really holds up and they don't break the bank.

They have a couple different lines of them but mine are the Original ones
http://www.bucketboss.com/bags--totes.html

 

[Fcvapor05]

One more vote for bucket boss. My jobsite bag is this one:

http://www.bucketboss.com/60016.html

And it has survived a hell of a lot of abuse. It's almost white now from exposure to heavy industrial solvents in automotive paint shops, but other than than it holds up.

 

[betcd]

I would go with the husky bags from home depot, price is good very strong bags

 

[Cope]

+100 on the Veto Pro Pac! They are costly, but worth it.
I've used Klein, Stanley and HF on different jobs. The thing about the Veto is that you can organize your tools much easier & more efficiently than other bags, keep all of your tools on the inside of the bag, and lock the bag with some small pad locks (won't prevent theft of the bag, but will prevent unauthorized borrowing of your tools). The shell is tough and the bottom will never get torn.

I have this bag for electrical tools, and another Veto for carpentry tools. They are awesome bags with a heavy plastic pan on the bottom so your tools won't get wet if the bag is on wet ground. Expensive but worth it.

 

[katiexoxo]

looks heavy too... 4 KG when empty :/

 

[Brian_WK]

The weight of the bag will end up being 1/8 of the weight of the tools. My veto currently packed to the gills is 73 pounds. That is after I cut 10 pounds by finding tools that are one size fits many. Bag holds it just fine without busting out and it gets abused. But yes the vetos are quite heavy but ticker more robust materials are what causes that. If you are looksing for something to carry less go with one of the lighter cheaper options and they will suit just fine.
The Vetos really are the Snap-on of tool bags expensive and meant for the professional enviroment. Kliens I see as the Mac's mid grade. Everything else is the homeowner grade and will handle the light abuse and weights just dont expect 15 years+ out of them.

Brian

 

[FigureItOut]

The weight of the bag will end up being 1/8 of the weight of the tools. My veto currently packed to the gills is 73 pounds. That is after I cut 10 pounds by finding tools that are one size fits many. Bag holds it just fine without busting out and it gets abused. But yes the vetos are quite heavy but ticker more robust materials are what causes that. If you are looksing for something to carry less go with one of the lighter cheaper options and they will suit just fine.
The Vetos really are the Snap-on of tool bags expensive and meant for the professional enviroment. Kliens I see as the Mac's mid grade. Everything else is the homeowner grade and will handle the light abuse and weights just dont expect 15 years+ out of them.

Brian

I agree with you on everything, but I think you left out the Husky pro versions for a mid-grade bag. They blow away anything else in their class and price range. I switched my main bag from Husky to Veto ONLY because I wanted the best, not because the Husky was inadequate for professional work in any way.

On second thought, I also switched because I was starting to work at dealerships, and being unknown in my industry I didn't want a big box brand name on my stuff, if that makes sense. The Veto gives off a more professional impression, not important to everybody.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Besides my Veto bag, another tool bag that I have is a 9" Mcguire-Nicholas that I picked up at Menards for 9$, several years back. It's small and light.
It only has 2 uses:
1. Emergency tools that I keep in the trunk of our car when traveling.
2. U-Pull Junkyard tools.

 

[yamaha0343]

I love the craftsman two pack. I have been using mine for nearly 6 years. Just bought a new set for other uses.

The smaller one is the perfect size to keep my receiver hitch and towing stuff in the truck. Works out great.

 

[Finky198]

I own a complete set of the TNF duffels in summit yellow They are the toughest bags around I have filled them with just about everything BUT tools as there is no way to keep the organize without using other bag and or pouches... My personal OP stick with tool bags for tools and camping / travel bags for the latter.... but once you buy a TNF duffel you will never need another piece of luggage...

 

[kngelv]

I use to drink the Veto kool aid but time has lessened my like for them. I have two Veto LC bags and I don't use them anymore. I'd rather have less pockets with more room. I'm an industrial electrician and feel there are too many narrow pockets and way too many spots for pens, pencils and small precision screwdrivers. I like that the sides zip up and they have a stable waterproof base but dislike most everything else. For the price they charge they could easily make them in the USA. If I'm buying Chinese bags I think the professional Husky bags are a better buy.

James

 

[Derek420]

I have the snap on one and it's great and I've had 80-100 pounds in mine and while hard to carry it held up and now I've cut back to 50-60 pounds and it's gtg. It is a very thick nylon? type material I'm not sure what it is but it's not really nylon. They are doubled up on material as the inside has a different type of material as a liner and has metal rods/wire around the top to hold shape as well as a insert in the bottom and lots of pockets and zipper pocket on inside. I bought mine used full of good tools for $50 but are not expensive new I think mine is $65 or less and mine is the power tool bag which is the medium/large size as they make 1 size bigger and a few smaller as well as tote types that don't have a zipper I highly suggest looking into them mine is the green version. Also for small go boxes check out the red plastic blue points they are the best plastic box you can get period as I got 150-175 pounds in it and it's hard to pick up but handle holds great and no stress marks on plastic and holds a lot of tools and has a top tray and spot for lock that is tough as well I could pick it up by the pad lock on it easily and would hold but make a mess inside. The plastic is very thick and strong and won't crack ever I'm 200 pounds and even full or empty I can stand sit or jump on it without hesitation it's made of a special plastic. You will love them both and are cheap for being snap on.

 

[Dingleburry]

Love the veto pro pac.
Its very well made. Im sure if you get anything from veto you wont be dissapointed. The best money can buy.
Heres mine. It weighs about 50 lbs. Alot of stuff hidden in various pockets aswell. Used multiple times daily for about 3 monts. Bought it used. No signs of any tearing or anything.

 

[PBCampbell]

I'm not clear as to what you're looking for, but if bulk storage is a need look into canvas totes. Duluth Trading used to have some nice ones, but it doesn't seem they carry them anymore. L.L.Bean came up after a brief search with some similar looking items. There used to be heavy duty ones used by the phone companies for bulk cable dispensers that were tough as nails and seriously heavy duty.

 

[Brownsfan]

I agree with you on everything, but I think you left out the Husky pro versions for a mid-grade bag. They blow away anything else in their class and price range. I switched my main bag from Husky to Veto ONLY because I wanted the best, not because the Husky was inadequate for professional work in any way.

On second thought, I also switched because I was starting to work at dealerships, and being unknown in my industry I didn't want a big box brand name on my stuff, if that makes sense. The Veto gives off a more professional impression, not important to everybody.

I looked into veto bags. Still using Husky. The rolling one and a smaller hand carry for most used tools. I looked at bags from Lowe's ,Menard's, Craftsman and Husky as well. The Husky hands down was the best for the money. May still get the Veto just because... wel because they are the best. Just like a snap on box for the shop. Not a need but a want for the best.

 

[kblee27]

Reading this thread makes me spend money again. Just ordered the Veto Pro Pac MC. I wanted to carry it on a motorcycle, be water resistant and this bag seemed to be the answer.

I had a few CLC bags, but they were open tool bags.

 

[Roobaix]

Reading this thread makes me spend money again. Just ordered the Veto Pro Pac MC. I wanted to carry it on a motorcycle, be water resistant and this bag seemed to be the answer.

I had a few CLC bags, but they were open tool bags.

The Veto is not water resistant.

 

[Brian_WK]

The Veto is not water resistant.

The fabric and base are but the zippers are not.

Waterproof Base: 3mm Injection Molded Polypropylene
Waterproof Body Fabric: 1200 PVC Impregnated Denier Nylon
Waterproof Tool Pocket Fabric: 1200 PVC Impregnated Denier Nylon

I have carried mine though rain on a roof top and a bicycle and very little gets into the bag through the zippers. Also have had snow stuck to the outside and when melts was only 3 or 4 drops of water inside. I would open it up once inside to allow full drying.
Motorcycle your results may very as you would have driving rain but will definitely be better then a open bag. If so i would keep all electrical tools in a roll or cinch bag.

Brian

 

[JWBII]

While I like the quality of veto I have 2 and at the mall moment I don't use them. As mentioned above it has a lot of pockets but they are more for long and skinny tools. The bigger pockets are a little shallow for wider, tall tools. For instance you don't have a lot of room for cordless tools in them. It is possible to put a drill and impact in t here but it's tight. You can't put the Milwaukee mini bandsaw in there. If veto made a big with more room and wheels on it I would prolly seriously consider it.

I bought the smaller roll bag made by husky and it's pretty much perfect for my needs. I'm a plumber and it fits pretty much all I need for the day. Enough pockets for hand tools, mini bandsaw, 12v drill and impact eat ect. So far it's held up very well.

 

[FMC1959]

I also find the Veto bags incredibly robust and capable. However long it lasts will depend on your needs and usage, but I doubt you can find a bag that will last longer. And they do have bags with less pockets and more space.

For best bang for the buck, I also agree with the Husky supporters, in particular, the Husky Pro, which are black with slight red trim. Very strong well made bags and you won't find anything with similar quality for the price.

The regular Husky, mainly red with some black trim are OK, lots of similar bags out there in this price range and quality.

 

[rick carpenter]

I have been very impressed with the Husky tool bags. I have a few of them I use as trunk tool bags. Very durable and a good price.

Me too. I generally stuff my canvas Husky bag so full it won't zip. I just can't seem to kill it no matter how hard I try and I've had it forever. A couple of years ago some guys were giving me grief about my "tool purse". Then they picked it up and the jabbering stopped. I also have Husky's version of the bucket boss, as well as a garage sale Craftsman bag. Canvas is the way to go if you pack your tools in the back of a car/van/truck, they fit snugly into spaces between other things and they don't slide around.

I don't carry tools in any of the various metal toolboxes I've collected over the years but I do use a plastic toolbox for my chainsaw go-box, it keeps the wet on the outside.