Tool cases for protable electric power tools

[cowboy73]

Do you folks try to buy the power tools that include a case or do you just buy what you need to buy and get a case later? I know the higher priced power tools usually include a hard case. I have noticed some of the brands are going to the soft tool bags.

 

[wbclassics]

I absolutely hate the soft tool bags. If they're not going to give me a hard case, they might as well not even bother putting the soft bag into the package.

 

[terrancelee]

I'm an electrician and I hate cases. I can store my drill, sawzall, skilsaw, two lights, vacuum, and impact driver in my toolbox in half the area of a case.

 

[hedjhawg]

Cases get in the way. They get shown to the recycle bin as soon as the tool comes out...

 

[never enuf time]

I love the case as they protect the tool & hold blades or accessories

 

[mdbeck1]

I've got a soft case for my cordless stuff. I use it but no matter how big it is there never seems to be enough space for all the stuff that gets thrown in.

 

[slip knot]

I miss the old metal cases that could be repurposed for other storage needs. Soft sides are OK but these newer molded plastic cases are ****. They are way too big compared to the size of the tools and I haven't seen one yet that could be repurposed for anything other than filling the trash can.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I don't like them. I hate to have to unpack something every time I want to use it.

 

[Scout Driver]

I'll take a case every time I can get one. Its all about being able to keep handles, cords, chargers, attachments, tools for the tools etc. all together. My big DeWalt polisher came with a large, soft-sided case with pockets. Its great because it has lots of room for extra pads, polish and a few towels. Great for doing off-site jobs with it!

Scott

 

[jarren]

they take up way too much space in shop.

 

[jvitez]

I go out of my way to buy a portable tool with a factory hard sided plastic case. It keeps everything organized, in one place, and for wood working/around the house projects I just grab what I need and go. Now if I was a contractor I can see wanting things stored differently (in the work truck/trailer, roller tool box, etc), but for my DIY use they're perfect.

 

[torqueman2002]

I miss the old metal cases that could be repurposed for other storage needs. Soft sides are OK but these newer molded plastic cases are ****. They are way too big compared to the size of the tools and I haven't seen one yet that could be repurposed for anything other than filling the trash can.

+1

 

[cowboy73]

I like the cases because they protect the tool, its cord and hold the accessories. I recently went to grab my orbital sander and it had a big ol' blob of grease on it. Yeah it's a cheap sander I bought that didn't come with a case. Stupid grease gun. I need to make that grease gun holder I seen on here...

 

[TheGrooveking]

They have their place, for tools that are going to be in a mobile situation it offers great protection. But in a production environment they impede efficiency, but I agree to the organization standpoint. Having over 50 cases can be a storage issue and the old out of sight out of mind applies, and have to admit that I've bought another biscuit cutter and electric portable planer because I totally overlooked my existing ones (I know insert the word stupid here, but at least I was buying tools). I've since straightened out that problem with a steel shelving unit for most of my small to medium tool cases.

TheGrooveking

 

[logical]

I'd take the metal cases over anything commonly used today. The red metal Milwaukee Sawzall case is a moden day classic I think. If the plastic case is designed so you can easily repack it after using the tool I prefer a briefcase style hard plastic case over a soft case. They store well lined up like books on a shelf under my workbench and keep stuff together. I use them (whichever material case) for stuff that isn't used every day like nail guns, sawzall, hammer drill, etc. Cordless drills and more common stuff just sits out in the open on a workbench or wherever it was used last and the case gets tossed or repurposed.

The plastic case that came with my Skil brand Jig Saw is the worst design I've ever seen. The only way to get it in the case is to remove the blade, coil the cord into a fist sized figure-8, bend the cord right where it connects as if you want it to break off and close the lid fast before it pops out of it's hole.

I have a few of the soft bags but can't warm up to them for big corded power tools. My Skil Worm-drive Circular Saw is in one and it always feels like a bowling ball bag full of crowbars and doesn't really protect the saw from anything except dust.

 

[crewchief888]

i keep the hardcases,
the more i use a powertool the less it gets put back in the case.
for portability i use a big tool bag from lowes . it's big enough to hold 3 or 4 grinders, 3/8" drill, bits, extra wheels and disks.

too bad the OEM cases are all diferent sizes, i'd be nice if there were std sized cases (within reason) i did run across some universal powertool cases a few years ago, made by stackon, nice size for cordless drill, ect. they felt pretty flimsy and cheap, but i still have one that bangs around in my service truck, and hasnt fallen apart after 10 years

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Since so many of you hate cases for power tools, how about someone saving and sending me the case for a Makita 7-1/4" circular saw. They are as common as flies around here with the framers and carpenters. I bought one years ago as a 5007NB the NB meaning "no box" and it was simply in a cardboard box. I don't use it often and the cardboard box is starting to fall apart. I keep all my stuff on some open metal shelves and it helps to keep it boxed up. Less damage from moisture and less likely for the stupid mud wasps/daubers to build a nest in something. Since I don't use most tools at home very often, its better that things stay in cases.

Charles

 

[Vinko]

I've got the OEM cases for Milwaukee corded drill, sawzall and a Metabo 4.5" grinder.

I've got other stuff just open on a shelf, but I'd like to get the German-made systainers or equivalent when I can. They can organize all the consumables like 3m discs, and so forth.