Tool "To Go" Bag

[cgrutt]

I had a couple gift cards from Xmas and picked up a Klein Electricians backpack from Lowes. Seems like a nice bag. Want to put together a "to go"/"bug out" type of bag that I can keep in my truck or take with me while traveling in wife's car etc. No specific plans just so I can have some tools with me if vehicle breaks down or if we're staying at buddy's house and he asks me to take a look at some random project. Any suggestions on how to fill it would be appreciated. Thanks.

I bought the version that fits their MOD BOX containers but I'm already invested in the Milwaukee system.



Main section has nice assortment of pockets.

 

[cgrutt]

Going to take a stab at filling it will post pics later.

 

[GeoBruin]

Every time I have tried something like this, I have ended up needing a hand truck to move it. I guess I'm saying show restraint. I'm apparently incapable.

 

[Renegade1LI]

This is my to go bag, luckily it came with its own van.

 

[CoogarXR]

The more diversified your skills are, the heavier it will be, lol.

I have 4 mobile tool kits; my electronics kit (weighs almost 40lbs), datacom kit, mechanic kit, and my power tools bag (with the drill, impact, sawsall, blades, bits, etc.

All that, and I still need a 5-gallon bucket for overflow. Like the renovation I am doing now, I use the 5-gallon bucket for my pex tools, pipe wrenches, etc. Sure, I could make a plumbing kit too, but I don't do plumbing work frequently enough to warrant yet another kit.

 

[cgrutt]

Nice! @Renegade1LI Unfortunately no help with this.

 

[cgrutt]

The more diversified your skills are, the heavier it will be, lol.

I have 4 mobile tool kits; my electronics kit (weighs almost 40lbs), datacom kit, mechanic kit, and my power tools bag (with the drill, impact, sawsall, blades, bits, etc.

All that, and I still need a 5-gallon bucket for overflow. Like the renovation I am doing now, I use the 5-gallon bucket for my pex tools, pipe wrenches, etc. Sure, I could make a plumbing kit too, but I don't do plumbing work frequently enough to warrant yet another kit.

Yeah I understand I have a lot of "rough neck" style boxes organized for dedicated specific projects and as already stated the Milwaukee system for power tools and more specialized stuff. What I'm thinking with this is more of a multitool style bag that will just be handy for random stuff. I have a ton of 5 gal buckets filled with stuff too. I'm also thinking about putting some of my wiring/Lan tools in this bag along with some other generic stuff.

 

[cgrutt]

Kinda just came out of nowhere I was walking around Lowes, had the gift cards and just picked it up. Haven't really thought it through yet...

 

[kbeefy]

I first did a clamshell toolbox. I was big and quickly became too cumbersome to easily move.

Then I did GI bags. They work pretty well but are small and lack much organization.

Then I did a Pelican box with shadowed foam pallets. That worked OK, but the foam kept the tool density low.

Then I tried a 'tool roll'. It has good density and organization, but it gets heavy fast!






Thats just the sxs tools, but it serves as the base kit for emergency mechanical repairs.

 

[AJHD]

Here is another thread you might find useful;

Mobile tool kit based on first order of retrievability, what would you add or leave?

This is the current setup, most of my tools are old, some good but a lot of junk too. So with this I wanted to have as much nice newer stuff and just put the older stuff back in the garage as I build up what I use to see if it’s worth investing in. Lights, knives, and stuff like that stay in...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Renegade1LI]

I actually just picked this bag up for general use and it matches and mates up to the boxes. Oh and it says dewalt on it. Going to try and pack light, using the atomic line, drill, multitool small Sawzall and grinder. Hand tools, adjustable wrenches, screw driver set, 1/4 & 3/8 sockets, ratcheting wrenches, rechargeable lite, some basic ppe. Also some basic layout and measuring, bits, Allen's and some consumables. I'm sure I'll add to it as I go, probably add a 1/2 size bag if needed.

 

[NoahG]

I always start off with one bag and eventually my whole car becomes my mobile tool kit. I reset once or twice a year and the cycle begins anew.

 

[Coach James]

For my truck bag, I made a list of the jobs I would most likely be doing on short notice, as in not wanting to drive all the way home to get tools, then chose the tools to do them. The result was I have the things I need to do the jobs I might be doing, but kept it down to one manageable 12" bag.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

This one is my go to. The size keeps me from getting out of hand with the weight.

 

[Robinson1]

My service truck is in the shop. This is what I threw together so I can keep working the next few weeks. It’s a surprisingly small amount of tools versus what’s normally on my truck. Also threw a drill, reciprocating saw, oscillating tool, and grinder in a milk crate with batteries and bits/blades/charger.

I expect to be able to do 95% of building maintenance and install tasks with that bag

 

[kbeefy]

For my truck bag, I made a list of the jobs I would most likely be doing on short notice, as in not wanting to drive all the way home to get tools, then chose the tools to do them. The result was I have the things I need to do the jobs I might be doing, but kept it down to one manageable 12" bag.

I was an aviation field mechanic for quite some time. When I started I traveled with 2x 75# boxes. Then the airlines made 50# the oversize cuttoff, so I traveled with 2x 50# boxes. After 7 or 8 years, I had enough experience to know that there was only so much I could do without parts, and we never carried any large parts with us.

I trimmed my 'field tool box' down to 1x 40# box including a 14# GI bag inside of it. That and a pen did 90% of the required work, and the rest of the time someone was coming with parts and tools anyways. It made traveling WAY easier.

I have adapted my everyday tool 'load out' much the same way.

 

[cgrutt]

Well here's the first pass I'm sure it won't be the last lol. I generally also have a tool belt that has a hammer, prybar, tape measure, quick square, razor and pencil on it. Not sure if I'll keep all this stuff in here or not will see how it goes. As far as weight not too bad... just over 35#.





The medicine containers have various bits and some electrical connectors. I'll add a full list of whats inside in a little while.

 

[captain14]

I find I have to full my tool at after every couple of projects. As others said, the bay just gets too heavy and I find myself taking individual tools out of the bag to do a repair or diagnose something. And then you have to force your self to put everything back when done.

 

[bwringer]

Every time I have tried something like this, I have ended up needing a hand truck to move it. I guess I'm saying show restraint. I'm apparently incapable.

Same. I have a tool backpack for 99% car-related stuff that I keep in the vehicles, and it's gotten very, very heavy. Best to pause and gather mana for a moment before picking it up.

But boy, am I ready... for anything within 20 feet or so, anyway.

It could likely be about 1/4 lighter if I could only carry the tools used on our vehicles (8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22mm, etc). But I wanted to have complete sets of wrenches and sockets (add 13, 15, 16, 18mm, etc.) because I'm often called on to investigate some other vehicle.

My motorcycle tools are much more carefully curated and overall the kit is far more reasonable in weight and bulk.

 

[KnurledNut]

I have carried a Swiss Army backpack for many years. It’s a combination of EDC and some job specific tools as needed, DMM, etc.
I wanted the new Veto EDC but recently ended up switching to the Bauer and really like it.

 

[Just_Steve]

Hasn't failed me in 30 years.

 

[Robinson1]

I find I have to full my tool at after every couple of projects. As others said, the bay just gets too heavy and I find myself taking individual tools out of the bag to do a repair or diagnose something. And then you have to force your self to put everything back when done.

That’s where I get with tool bags. The big giant bags are a total pain and I’ve quit buying them. It’s hard to build a tool kit to cover everything without needing a service truck to haul it.

I’ve found what works best is several small bags one for general tools and then several more job specific bags. After almost 20 years in the business I’ve totally given up on what the general public perceives a tool bag to be. They just become a catch all and so heavy you can’t move them.

When your tool bag becomes so heavy it’s a burden to carry it into a job you’ve gone too far. My limit is about 30 pounds. Anymore than that I’ll 100% grab what I think a need and make a second trip (or third) to get what I actually need. At this point you’ve defeated the whole point of a grab and go tool kit.

 

[Robinson1]

Well here's the first pass I'm sure it won't be the last lol. I generally also have a tool belt that has a hammer, prybar, tape measure, quick square, razor and pencil on it. Not sure if I'll keep all this stuff in here or not will see how it goes. As far as weight not too bad... just over 35#.





The medicine containers have various bits and some electrical connectors. I'll add a full list of whats inside in a little while.

For my uses I’d skip the wrench sets and replace them with three adjustables. A pair of 10s and a 6. I’d add a stiff 2 inch putty knife, a nail set a single 3/16” pin punch and an 3/4” wood chisel. Other than that looks good. I could get some work done with that assortment.

Probably need the wrenches though if your shooting more for mechanical instead of building repairs

 

[cgrutt]

For my uses I’d skip the wrench sets and replace them with three adjustables. A pair of 10s and a 6. I’d add a stiff 2 inch putty knife, a nail set a single 3/16” pin punch and an 3/4” wood chisel. Other than that looks good. I could get some work done with that assortment.

Probably need the wrenches though if your shooting more for mechanical instead of building repairs

Thanks there is actually a putty knife, 10" adjustable and a nail set in there already. I was going back and forth with the wrenches could probably do without them but do need them every now and then. Forgot the chisel but that's one I don't really use all that often.

 

[cweidert03]

I put together a dewalt toolbox that lives in my truck bed, also have a pretty good tool kit in the SxS. I originally made the toolbox for when we had a 5th wheel. I’ve left it in there because I seem to help friends out and they never have tools needed. Luckily most of my helping is in my neighborhood

 

[KnurledNut]

@cgrutt
Your setup looks good. I didnt have time to analyze it piece by piece but it appears to be a good start. Portable set ups evolve. Ive always been intrigued by them and try to learn from what others choose, even though I consider myself well seasoned.
Their are always ways to cut weight. For instance, I swapped my adjustable wrench for an aluminum one.
I checked out that Klein backpack when it first came out and I like the pocket layout. I feel that was a good choice.
I will try to go back and check out your pictures a little closer. Thanks for taking time to post them.

 

[cgrutt]

This is what is currently in bag...

 

[AJHD]

This is what is currently in bag...

The most random assortment of tools I've ever seen...

 

[KnurledNut]

The most random assortment of tools I've ever seen...

I dont personally know cgrutt but I can tell you, that’s what multi-talented looks like.
Good people to have around when SHTF.

 

[cgrutt]

The most random assortment of tools I've ever seen...

Yeah well I haven't really figured out what this will be used for yet I just would prefer to keep some tools with me for random projects that I come across every now and then. If I have a specific project to do I'd bring tools needed to complete it. I "think" I can tackle a lot of different projects with what's there now.

 

[Lilian]

This is the cross-body tool bag I use. The size is 14 inches, which is just enough to hold the tools I need.

 

[captain14]

cgrutt,

Maybe add some disposable gloves?

 

[lolaetype]

No specific plans just so I can have some tools with me if vehicle breaks down

About 10 years ago I put together a small tool bag for each car, four of them at that time. A set of wrenches, screwdrivers, some fuses and bulbs, gloves, hand cleaner, paper towels, pliers, bungee cords and a tarp. I've never used any of them.

I also have a bag that contains a tire plug kit, a 12v tire pump and a jump starter. I put it in the trunk of what ever car we are taking on a road trip. I've never had to use that one either.

With a modern car, in my opinion, the best tool kit one can carry consists of a cell phone, some cash, a credit card, and a AAA card.

 

[cgrutt]

About 10 years ago I put together a small tool bag for each car, four of them at that time. A set of wrenches, screwdrivers, some fuses and bulbs, gloves, hand cleaner, paper towels, pliers, bungee cords and a tarp. I've never used any of them.

I also have a bag that contains a tire plug kit, a 12v tire pump and a jump starter. I put it in the trunk of what ever car we are taking on a road trip. I've never had to use that one either.

With a modern car, in my opinion, the best tool kit one can carry consists of a cell phone, some cash, a credit card, and a AAA card.

What actually made me start thinking about this was two recent situations with my truck where I was stuck without any tools (I normally have a ton of tools in my truck but cleared them out for winter). The first was a broken piece of radiator hose about 45 minutes from home. I walked to a Lowes and bought what I needed, including the small Craftsman 1/4 drive set in picture above, and repaired the problem on side of road. The second was engine was misfiring about 3 hrs from home. I actually had the small OBDII scan tool in the truck which told me what cylinder was having issue. I bought a new coil pack and another 1/4 ratchet and 7mm and 10mm sockets at a local Napa and repaired the issue in the Napa parking lot. Just this past weekend was staying at a friend's place 3 hrs from home and I helped him fix a sliding door at house we were staying at then went over to another house and helped him track down some wiring in wall back to panel to see if it could be used for an appliance he's thinking about adding. It would have helped both projects to have some tools with me. I'm glad the cell phone and credit card works for you but I feel more comfortable being more self reliant. To each his own and all that...

 

[lolaetype]

What actually made me start thinking about this was two recent situations with my truck where I was stuck without any tools . . . I'm glad the cell phone and credit card works for you but I feel more comfortable being more self reliant. To each his own and all that...

I agree with you. I'm not saying it's not a good idea to carry tools. I'll still carry the bags I've put in each car and I feel better for having them with me, but I've just never had to use them. Hoses, belts, broken exhaust hangers, broken wires that can be identified, and the like I'll happily tackle.

The one incident I've had in the past 10 years occurred last Christmas Eve. On the interstate in town the harmonic vibration damper on my F150 (97 v6 5 speed) broke, breaking off the bolt and damaging the crank. Cold and raining. I wouldn't have wanted to do repairs on the shoulder of the interstate, even if I could have. So, AAA to the rescue in that case.

 

[cgrutt]

@lolaetype sure no doubt. The other issue with me is this bag is really intended mostly for things besides the car. I find myself involved in all sorts of projects and just want to be better about being able to handle them when they come up rather than going to the nearest big box store and buying more tools that i probably already own for whatever project happens to come up.

 

[engineer2]

My bag depends on how far I'm going from home.
Local: flashlight, 10 mm wrench, multi-bit screwdriver, battery jump pack (only because the battery is old).
Weekend away: add the battery powered tire inflator and a tire plug kit.
Vacation: add the impact driver with bits & sockets, cheap wrench set, ODBII scanner and cheap multimeter.

Tool bag goes into the hotel room with me overnight.
More tools as needed if the trip involves helping someone on their house or car.
Only tool I've ever had to use so far was the 10 mm wrench after I found out Costco no longer installs new batteries.

 

[Improved700]

This is what is currently in bag...

Where's the hammer?

 

[cgrutt]

Where's the hammer?

I usually have a tool belt with hammer and some other stuff with me.

 

[Jack_K]

I keep adding so much to my bag that I can't carry it easily so I end up taking tools out instead of the bag.

The problem is that I don't have copies of tools so I keep taking them out and not returning them. The other day I had an ignition condenser failure. I had of course taken out the correct condenser at some time to use on another car. I found that I had another condenser but I needed to change the terminal, no problem I thought... I often have three different wire strippers in the bag, All were gone.

Good reason to buy more tools. I am about to sort out my bag so I'll post photos.