Version 2 tool bag... Looking for more ideas to add or remove.. Help

[GophersGarage]

I would like your help to get more ideas of must have top quality tools to fit into my tool bag.

Current set up items

1- Tapes (Teflon, Electrical, Gaffer, Rubber Seal Tape, Duck)
2- Mini Empire Level
3- Knipex mini bolt cutters
4- Pencil, Shapie
5- Lenox Folding saw (with 2 types of blades)
6- Wiss metal shear
7- Makita ratching driver
8- Flip driver (philips and flat)
8a- Fuller pocket screw driver
9- Red bit holder (coming soon Wera tool check plus)
9a- Bosch 6" locking hex extension, Makita non locking hex extension 5"
10- Hammer 8oz
11- Channellock code blue adjustable
12- Channellock side cutters (replacing soon with Knipex)
13- Channellock long nose (replacing soon with Knipex)
14- Klein wire strippers
15- Fiskar scissors
16- Vise Grips
17- Glues (Goop2, JB Weld, Krazy Glue, Rubber Cement)
18- Stud finder (need to replace with better)
19- Uni Meter Pro (amazing for its size)
20- Maxpedition case (files, punch, tweezers, magnets, solder torch)
21- Mini general drill bits and Bosch concrete drill bits
22- Headlight (replacing soon with Fenix version)
23- Titan bit set (replacing soon with Wera tool check)
24- Pencil case (1/4" drive sockets, Hex keys and Torx )

Plan is to fit inside a Veto electrician bag. (Veto MCT) or maybe the larger Veto LC



Items not in picture that I have also

Knipex Cobras 180 (I have the 250 version as well but thinking to large for general use)


Knipex Pliers 180 (I have the 250 version as well but thinking to large for general use)


Milwuakee M12 Gen 3 Fuel Impact and Drill.


The idea here is to be compact but able to pull off general repairs.
Electrical repairs, Auto, Household etc

 

[Dave455]

Packing tools for “general” repairs is difficult, because you can encounter such a variety of tasks - woodwork, mechanical, electrical etc etc.

First thoughts are - more screwdrivers. Most repairs involve unscrewing and replacing screws. At the minimum a decent bit driver with a good selection of bits, and probably some fixed drivers in the popular sizes (1/4” slotted and No. 2 Phillips).

Pliers - the Knipex Co Bolts are quite a specialised tool, especially as you already have dedicated cutters. I’d probably leave these out, but add combination pliers or slip joints.

If you go down the “bit driver” route add some Torx and hex bits. Maybe add some hex keys anyway.

Depending on what you are doing, I find at least one sharp wood chisel is useful.

For electrical work, consider a tool such as the Knipex electrical installation pliers, that are pliers, strippers, cable cutters and crimpers all in one.


I own a property and I generally have the following with me, even if I’m just doing some painting. There are always other problems that need sorting out. I’ve usually got a drill/driver or impact wrench with me too - and of course the bits to fit.

I don’t find I need both. Increasingly I just bring the impact driver, and use hex shank drill bits.

 

[GophersGarage]

Packing tools for “general” repairs is difficult, because you can encounter such a variety of tasks - woodwork, mechanical, electrical etc etc.

First thoughts are - more screwdrivers. Most repairs involve unscrewing and replacing screws. At the minimum a decent bit driver with a good selection of bits, and probably some fixed drivers in the popular sizes (1/4” slotted and No. 2 Phillips).

Pliers - the Knipex Co Bolts are quite a specialised tool, especially as you already have dedicated cutters. I’d probably leave these out, but add combination pliers or slip joints.

If you go down the “bit driver” route add some Torx and hex bits. Maybe add some hex keys anyway.

Depending on what you are doing, I find at least one sharp wood chisel is useful.

For electrical work, consider a tool such as the Knipex electrical installation pliers, that are pliers, strippers, cable cutters and crimpers all in one.


I own a property and I generally have the following with me, even if I’m just doing some painting. There are always other problems that need sorting out. I’ve usually got a drill/driver or impact wrench with me too - and of course the bits to fit.

I don’t find I need both. Increasingly I just bring the impact driver, and use hex shank drill bits.

Great Info

First thoughts are - more screwdrivers. Most repairs involve unscrewing and replacing screws. At the minimum a decent bit driver with a good selection of bits, and probably some fixed drivers in the popular sizes (1/4” slotted and No. 2 Phillips).

Good point only issue with fixed drivers is the space they take. I have the Makita 1/4" driver with 60 bits which work for now

Pliers - the Knipex Co Bolts are quite a specialised tool, especially as you already have dedicated cutters. I’d probably leave these out, but add combination pliers or slip joints.



If you go down the “bit driver” route add some Torx and hex bits. Maybe add some hex keys anyway.

Yes I have bits and hex and torx key ways mini kits inside pencil case.

Depending on what you are doing, I find at least one sharp wood chisel is useful.

Good call I need to add that.

For electrical work, consider a tool such as the Knipex electrical installation pliers, that are pliers, strippers, cable cutters and crimpers all in one.

Wow those are nice!

I own a property and I generally have the following with me, even if I’m just doing some painting. There are always other problems that need sorting out. I’ve usually got a drill/driver or impact wrench with me too - and of course the bits to fit.

I don’t find I need both. Increasingly I just bring the impact driver, and use hex shank drill bits.

 

[CGarage]

What kind of work do you do and what do you expect you will need to fix while working from a tool bag?

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I'm in the process of putting something together very similar, and am very excited to discuss this with you

You and I have similar goals.

Pliers
I'm going with two pairs of each of the 250s Knipex Pliers Wrench and Cobras. Two of each. That should let me do plumbing work. I'm going to pair them with a single one of each of the second to smallest pliers wrench and cobras, the 125mm (5").

You mentioned the 250s might be too big for general purpose work. I'm hoping between those and the 125s, I can do everything. If not, I also plan to have in my car, a mini kit of 7" pliers. The mini kit will just be a 7" pliers wrench, 7" cobras, 7" linesman, and a multi-bit screwdriver. So if for some reason I'm traveling and the 10" is too big and the 5" is too small, I can go to my car and grab the 7s.

Also in my car will two pairs of big boy Cobras 400mm / 16" and one 400mm Pliers wrench. Not something I plan to use often, but having in the car seems like a good idea. Also in the same car kit where my hacksaw lives..

Hammer
I dont know if I'll have a hammer in my kit or not. If so, it will be an 8oz Estwing ball pean hammer. If not, the "hammer" will be a Snap On 9.5" Linesman Pliers. They weigh 20oz. Most linesman pliers these days are only 15 to 16 oz. I find 20oz linesman make great hammers. How much am I actually hammering? Not much, if I was, I'd want a dedicated hammer.

Chisel
Chisel was mentioned. Definitely needed to do stuff like interior doors. I have a cheap crappy Kobalt one. I'd like to buy a nicer one, but none of them are really great these days. FatMax looks better than what I have, but it has a rubber handle that will degrade. The older Stanleys have a solid acetate handle so I might look for a vintage one. Whatever I get will have the solid metal end cap for striking. I've installed a handful of door hardware using my single 1/2" Kobalt chisel, banging on the end with my linesman pliers. It works. Maybe not as clean as legit tools, but I'm not a professional door installer. I'm a handyman and if I tried to carry around all of the tools to a professional level of every trade, I'd have hundreds of pounds of tools to carry around.

Screwdrivers
My working plan is to use a multi-bit screwdriver plus one or two demolition impact screwdrivers. Definitely a flat head. Possibly also a Philips. I find them handy when working on rusty fasteners. The flat head also becomes a pry bar. Demolition meaning the kind with a metal cap you can strike. With your linesman pliers

Hex Fasteners
I don't want to carry a socket set around. My current working solution is a set of 1/4" hex nut driver bits that fit into an impact driver, or can also fit into a handle bit driver. I have both metric and standard and removed duplicative sizes. 5/16" is the same as 8mm so I removed that. 7/16" is the same as 11mm so I removed that.

I ran into a situation where I installed some hex head screws into a stud, and my M12 impact driver lacked the power to drive it all the way in. I deactivated the trigger mechanism, and then just turned the entire driver by hand, spinning it to get leverage to finish the last few turns of the screw. I had to install 4 screws. Wasn't a big deal. If I was doing this all day I might want an M18 or a ratchet, but if I'm installing 4 screws into studs a month, this works.

I'm tentatively planning to keep a set of combination wrenches in my car, maybe sizes 8mm to 19mm in metric and standard (5/16" to 3/4") with the duplicate sizes removed. 5/16" = 8mm, 7/16" = 11mm and 3/4" = 19mm. Maybe I'll start lower, down around 1/4" / 6mm range. I wouldn't use these often enough to carry in my bag, but I like the idea of having them on hand. I could have used them when installing a dishwasher recently. I had used my 5" pliers wrench to do the feet adjustment, but due to the access, it took me forever. It would have been worth my walking to my car, getting wrenches and finding the right sized one for the feet.

If I do this, I'll also carry a wrench extender, since the reason to grab a wrench might be for higher torque than I can get from my 10" pliers wrench.

I am tempted to have a reasonably sized socket set in the car. Leaning towards 3/8" intermediate length plus a single long flex head ratchet. I just dont really see myself using that often enough to justify more **** in my car. The wrenches themselves are a bit of a stretch for what I do.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Cutting Tools
I have a full size hacksaw in my car. I might pack a small baby hacksaw in my kit. I'm also very tempted to buy and pack an M12 cut off tool, or maybe an M12 die grinder. I think either of those could do any kind of cutting I need done, in a small package, very efficiently.

A razor utility knife of course.

That would mean I have two power tools in the bag. M12 impact driver and an M12 cutting tool/die grinder. Maybe also add one of the small M12 lights with the 2amp battery. And run 4amp or higher batteries in the impact driver and cutting tool. This lets me juggle batteries if one dies on a job. It's likely one day I'll either be doing a lot of cutting or a lot of fastening, but not both. Heck, maybe I only have a single larger battery for the two tools, and the smaller 2amp for the light, which is my backup emergency for the day.

Electrical
I bought the Klein multi-bit insulated screwdriver set. That lets you swap the entire blade out for another insulated blade. And the Knipex electrical multipurpose pliers that someone else linked above, except in the insulated version. These two tools should be good for my electrical tool needs.

I'm also planning to have a multimeter plus GFCI tester and tic tester pen and some extra leads.

Locksmithing / Picking
I'm thinking of adding some locksmithing/picking tools. I'd like to be able to re-pin common household lock, although unless I'm also cutting key blanks, it doesn't make much sense. I guess I could have a handful of key blanks for the 4 to 5 most common keyways in America, and hold the key in vice grips, and file down the key by hand. I don't really see myself re-pinning locks often. I had a friend who broke up with a crazy ex and wanted the door lock replaced. If I could have re-keyed it, that would have been nice. And fun practice. But might be over the top for this kind of kit with basic tools.

I'm still learning and am not good at any of this stuff yet.

There are common keys to open stuff like gates and filing cabinets. I might add a few of those to the kit. if you're a nerd who wants to see what I'm talking about watch this video:

 

[PoorUB]

I have a tool bag I used for HVAC service when I had a J-O-B.

You will never have everything you need in one bag, so don't even try!

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Drywall
I plan to have this as a separate kit. I don't see myself doing drywall with my regular toolkit. The amount of stuff I need for that has too much volume. I guess I could put a single 4" tape, and a 5-in-1 painters tool in this general purpose toolkit and do small dry wall repairs. I'll still need the drywall tape, the mud, the drywall pieces themselves, a bigger level than I necessarily want to carry in this kit. So I'm leaning against it.

 

[Jim greengo]

I would like your help to get more ideas of must have top quality tools to fit into my tool bag.

Current set up items

1- Tapes (Teflon, Electrical, Gaffer, Rubber Seal Tape, Duck)
2- Mini Empire USA Level
3- Knipex mini bolt cutters
4- Pencil, Shapie
5- Lenox Folding saw (with 2 types of blades)
6- Wiss Metal shear
7- Makita driver
8- Filp driver (philips and flat)
9- Red Bit holder (coming soon Wera tool check plus)
10- Mini Hammer
11- Channellock code blue adjustable
12- Channel lock side cutters (replacing soon with Knipex)
13- Channel lock long nose (replacing soon with Knipex)
14- Klien wire strippers
15- Fiskar scissors
16- Visa Grips
17- Glues (Goop2, JB Weld, Krazy Glue, Rubber Cement)
18- Stud finder (need to replace with better)
19- Uni Meter Pro (amazing for its size)
20- Maxpedition case (files, punch magnets, solder torch)
21- Mini general drill bits and Bosch concrete drill bits
22- Head light but (replacing soon with Fenix version)
23- Titan bit set (replacing soon with Wera tool check)

Plan is to fit inside a Veto electrician bag. (Veto MCT) or maybe the larger Veto LC



Items not in picture that I have also

Knipex Cobras 180 (I have the 250 version as well but thinking to large for general use)


Knipex Pliers 180 (I have the 250 version as well but thinking to large for general use)


Milwuakee M12 Gen 3 Fuel Impact and Drill.


The idea here is to be compact but able to pull off general repairs.
Electrical repairs, auto, household etc

I prefer rector seal Tplus2 over Teflon tape for most projects.

 

[CGarage]

I prefer rector seal Tplus2 over Teflon tape for most projects.

When would you NOT use rector seal TPlus2?

 

[aggiegrads]

As far as the locksmith tools, you can buy a pair of precut “set up keys”for about a buck. This would keep you from having to file-cut a new key.

SC4 Schlage 6 Pin Set Up Keys (Pair)

SC4 Schlage 6 Pin Set Up Keys (Pair) 1 Pair of Schlage 6 Pin Set Up Keys

www.clksupplies.com

You still have to carry followers and the correct pins, but all of this should be in a pinning kit.

if I were trying to minimize the number of tools carried, I would carry a bag of pins with each size from Schlage and Kwikset, and a file. If you repin a single cylinder with a longer pin and file down the existing key, that would be enough to keep the crazy ex out until you can come back with a full set of locksmith tools. You still need the followers, but I have used hex keys in a pinch and it works fine.

 

[tjansson]

I didn't see any utility knife. I'd throw in a olfa and probably skip the scissors.
If this kit is really going to cover minor automotive repairs too, you really need a socket set and ratchet, and maybe even combination wrench set.
Disposable gloves would be good.
Prybar, of the carpentry variety.

 

[Dave455]

Good point only issue with fixed drivers is the space they take. I have the Makita 1/4" driver with 60 bits which work for now

This is all perfectly valid.

You can probably expect to do about 80% of what you need with a bit driver. Keep good bits though. I’ve gone entirely PB Swiss for my “ property maintenance“ box, and don’t regret it!

Sometimes though, bit drivers just don’t work. I’ve included a 5/16 slotted driver which I use a lot. Bit drivers struggle on these screws. I also find I need drivers that work on recessed terminals, which bit drivers don’t

Some other thoughts. Most of my pliers are plain steel finished. They work best for me. But, for these sort of maintenance tasks where I’m working outside as well as in, and sometimes working with old paint, sealant etc, I went for chromed.


Saws are always a problem. Essential to have in my opinion, but they don’t fit a mid sized box, and tend to saw up anything else carried with them. These folding saws work superbly. I’ve replaced my original Silky with this one now. It’s great. The Milwaukee is the equivalent for metal (or plastic pipe, or whatever) I use this a lot and have only just replaced the original blade.


Here are some of the bits I carry for my impact driver. As well as screwdriver bits. I have some hex shank nut runners and drill bits. The drill bit quality isn’t top end, but good enough for this kit. The Bosch “multi material” bits are useful, and also available with hex shank.

With regard to hammers, the ideal for the job would probably be an 8oz to 12oz “Warrington” pattern. But, wooden handles take a beating being carried around so I tracked down the baby Estwing with the steel handle.

 

[kngelv]

I have two VETO LC bags and you will never get all that stuff in there. It is too narrow for the meters, plastic bins and a 12V Impact. With that style bag you need to have one side with larger open pockets. I got frustrated with my LC's and gave one to my son for his bicycle repair tools and the other I occasionally use fo random jobs. Veto has way too many useless pencil size and/or shallow pockets in far too many of their bags. I currently use a Veto Tech OT-LC bag which is by far the best of my six Veto bags. It is more configurable than nearly all of their bags. you can take out the tool wall on one side and have plenty of room for your larger items and still have one side with deep enough pockets for your other tools.

James

 

[Jim greengo]

When would you NOT use rector seal TPlus2?

I use it on pretty much anything involving gas/air or water.
I've been guilty of using too much tape on plastic fittings in the past and breaking them,I don't have that problem with rector seal.
I do use tape and rector seal Tplus 2 together on steam lines though.

 

[GophersGarage]

What kind of work do you do and what do you expect you will need to fix while working from a tool bag?

this is not work related just general handyman type of bag for example going to a friends to help out or in the car etc

I prefer rector seal Tplus2 over Teflon tape for most projects.

I searched that item it looks to be a paste not a tape. I think for my compact bag this would not work well to carry due to size

I didn't see any utility knife. I'd throw in a olfa and probably skip the scissors.
If this kit is really going to cover minor automotive repairs too, you really need a socket set and ratchet, and maybe even combination wrench set.
Disposable gloves would be good.
Prybar, of the carpentry variety.

Sorry not in picture but I do have in pencil case.

I went with the Olfa rubber version



also have the Milwaukee mini folding knife that uses the other style of replacement blades

 

[Jim greengo]

this is not work related just general handyman type of bag for example going to a friends to help out or in the car etc



I searched that item it looks to be a paste not a tape. I think for my compact bag this would not work well to carry due to size



Sorry not in picture but I do have in pencil case.

I went with the Olfa rubber version



also have the Milwaukee mini folding knife that uses the other style of replacement blades

They make small bottles of it also,you can probably even get it in a squeeze tube.Hahaha

 

[Jim greengo]

Lowes has it in small tubes.

 

[GophersGarage]

I have a tool bag I used for HVAC service when I had a J-O-B.

You will never have everything you need in one bag, so don't even try!

I saw a video of a guy with the TP XXL and he fit a lot more then me. I thought the MCT is larger then the TP XXL?

Which bag do you think I should go with?
Comments I read on the LC and XL is that they are to heavy to carry but I have not seen them in person so not sure.

I didn't see any utility knife. I'd throw in a olfa and probably skip the scissors.
If this kit is really going to cover minor automotive repairs too, you really need a socket set and ratchet, and maybe even combination wrench set.
Disposable gloves would be good.
Prybar, of the carpentry variety.

I do use scissors very often I was thinking to replace the Fiskars with Knipex version but not sure have to research more


For sockets I currently have 1/4" Metric and SAE in pencil case but if I go with the Wera tool check I will remove them. I don't think I need much more then 5-13mm based on the last few years what I have reached for. Also going 3/8" drive and more sockets is a lot of weight and space. I don't want to get to carried away.



Combination wrench good call. I currently have a few in pencil case from Gearwrench 10-15mm but way to much weight. I am thinking to maybe get a set of the slim wrenches from Grip and just use the 10-15mm sizes not the big ones since not needed. They are thin and light.



Regarding gloves I will add in some Nitrile gloves and my fast fit Mechanix gloves clipped to the outside of bag.





Pry bar was in the set up originally but I removed it and now looking to replace with a flat head with striking cap (demo driver?) might be more useful since I can pry or punch with it.

 

[GophersGarage]

This is all perfectly valid.

You can probably expect to do about 80% of what you need with a bit driver. Keep good bits though. I’ve gone entirely PB Swiss for my “ property maintenance“ box, and don’t regret it!

Right now I have Titan 60 bit kit but going to replace with Wera soon. I saw the PB bits too

Sometimes though, bit drivers just don’t work. I’ve included a 5/16 slotted driver which I use a lot. Bit drivers struggle on these screws. I also find I need drivers that work on recessed terminals, which bit drivers don’t

I will most likely add some fixed handles, just need to load up the current gear and see what space is left.

Some other thoughts. Most of my pliers are plain steel finished. They work best for me. But, for these sort of maintenance tasks where I’m working outside as well as in, and sometimes working with old paint, sealant etc, I went for chromed.


Saws are always a problem. Essential to have in my opinion, but they don’t fit a mid sized box, and tend to saw up anything else carried with them. These folding saws work superbly. I’ve replaced my original Silky with this one now. It’s great. The Milwaukee is the equivalent for metal (or plastic pipe, or whatever) I use this a lot and have only just replaced the original blade.

I currently have the Lenox folding saw. I went with that brand since it has a pretty heavy duty blade holder that you screw in to lock the blades. Loaded is the general purpose wood blade, I also have in green graffer tape is a metal blade.

Here are some of the bits I carry for my impact driver. As well as screwdriver bits. I have some hex shank nut runners and drill bits. The drill bit quality isn’t top end, but good enough for this kit. The Bosch “multi material” bits are useful, and also available with hex shank.

Since I may not be able to carry both the m12 impact and drill I might have to switch my drill bits to hex shake version to fit the m12 impact or use one of these guys

With regard to hammers, the ideal for the job would probably be an 8oz to 12oz “Warrington” pattern. But, wooden handles take a beating being carried around so I tracked down the baby Estwing with the steel handle.

I am currently using a 8oz and its perfect size for small bag. It is not a fancy brand, I might replace it if I can find something higher end in 8oz.

 

[KnurledNut]

I would recommend two separate kits for things that move and things that dont.
There is overlap, but combining the two can be aggravating.

 

[Dave455]

Right now I have Titan 60 bit kit but going to replace with Wera soon. I saw the PB bits too





I will most likely add some fixed handles, just need to load up the current gear and see what space is left.



I currently have the Lenox folding saw. I went with that brand since it has a pretty heavy duty blade holder that you screw in to lock the blades. Loaded is the general purpose wood blade, I also have in green graffer tape is a metal blade.




Since I may not be able to carry both the m12 impact and drill I might have to switch my drill bits to hex shake version to fit the m12 impact or use one of these guys




I am currently using a 8oz and its perfect size for small bag. It is not a fancy brand, I might replace it if I can find something higher end in 8oz.

The Wera bits are fine for general maintenance, in fact they are my “go to” for woodworking etc. The PB Swiss are a notch up, but I don’t see the point using them if I’m removing an old woodscrew with a crappy head that’s full of paint anyway! You can definitely justify two grades of bits.

I buy Wera because they’re good enough, relatively inexpensive, and easy to replace. If I could get, sayApex, for less money, I might.

Those Lenox saws look great.

With regard to impact wrench or drill driver, the drill driver will drill big holes and drive small screws, the impact wrench will cope with small holes and big screws. Doing these general repairs it’s generally the latter I need!

 

[GophersGarage]

I have two VETO LC bags and you will never get all that stuff in there. It is too narrow for the meters, plastic bins and a 12V Impact. With that style bag you need to have one side with larger open pockets. I got frustrated with my LC's and gave one to my son for his bicycle repair tools and the other I occasionally use fo random jobs. Veto has way too many useless pencil size and/or shallow pockets in far too many of their bags. I currently use a Veto Tech OT-LC bag which is by far the best of my six Veto bags. It is more configurable than nearly all of their bags. you can take out the tool wall on one side and have plenty of room for your larger items and still have one side with deep enough pockets for your other tools.

James

I saw open tops from Veto but I really do need one that is closed top. Its better for in the truck keeping tools more tidy.

I would recommend two separate kits for things that move and things that dont.
There is overlap, but combining the two can be aggravating.

I was thinking this too, Its just a pain now to have 2 items instead of one bag especially when speeding so much for a bag.

The Wera bits are fine for general maintenance, in fact they are my “go to” for woodworking etc. The PB Swiss are a notch up, but I don’t see the point using them if I’m removing an old woodscrew with a crappy head that’s full of paint anyway! You can definitely justify two grades of bits.

I buy Wera because they’re good enough, relatively inexpensive, and easy to replace. If I could get, sayApex, for less money, I might.

The 1" version bits I really don't use much. I don't like how they lock into the driver like 2".

Generally my thoughts are to keep a 20-30 bit set of 1" (like the Wera tool check) for specialty bits and the 2" for commonly used bits like Phillips and Robertson 1-2 on a quick access holder outside the bag.

in 2" I usually buy the Milwaukee or Paulin (Made in Canada) are my Fav due to colours for quick grab.

Those Lenox saws look great.

With regard to impact wrench or drill driver, the drill driver will drill big holes and drive small screws, the impact wrench will cope with small holes and big screws. Doing these general repairs it’s generally the latter I need!

The M12 are just for simple jobs. For real work I have my Dewalt 20v which are my fav. But I know what you mean.
(side note the impact is super compact vs the drill to carry in a bag)

I also saw these super compact cordless screw drivers from Bosch, Dremel etc very neat.

 

[Dave455]

The 1" version bits I really don't use much. I don't like how they lock into the driver like 2".

Generally my thoughts are to keep a 20-30 bit set of 1" (like the Wera tool check) for specialty bits and the 2" for commonly used bits like Phillips and Robertson 1-2 on a quick access holder outside the bag.

That’s a good plan. It’s useful to have some bits of every type as you never know what you will encounter.

The locking feature is more a function of the type of bit, than the length. PB Swiss, for example, offer both styles in some lengths.

The non locking are “C” style, and the locking are “E” style, if memory serves. Of course, you can’t really get the locking bits in one inch length, and that’s probably the most popular size.

Carrying the longer length bits is one way to get around the problem of accessing terminal screws. I have a Wera set that contains slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv, hex and Torx. I often carry it away from base, so I know I’m covered.

Scissors or snips are seriously useful. The Knipex shown are one of the few tools they don’t make themselves. They’re o.k. but a local hardware shop had the same scissors (different handles) for a third of the price!

I’ll probably get a pair of these Engineer (Made in Japan) scissors at some point. They seem geared towards the things I do, and I like the protective guard.

 

[GophersGarage]

That’s a good plan. It’s useful to have some bits of every type as you never know what you will encounter.

The locking feature is more a function of the type of bit, than the length. PB Swiss, for example, offer both styles in some lengths.

I really like the finish of the PB they look very high end.

The non locking are “C” style, and the locking are “E” style, if memory serves. Of course, you can’t really get the locking bits in one inch length, and that’s probably the most popular size.

Carrying the longer length bits is one way to get around the problem of accessing terminal screws. I have a Wera set that contains slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv, hex and Torx. I often carry it away from base, so I know I’m covered.

Scissors or snips are seriously useful. The Knipex shown are one of the few tools they don’t make themselves. They’re o.k. but a local hardware shop had the same scissors (different handles) for a third of the price!

I didn't know they were not made by Knipex. You are super helpful thank you for info.

I’ll probably get a pair of these Engineer (Made in Japan) scissors at some point. They seem geared towards the things I do, and I like the protective guard.

 

[Dave455]

I really like the finish of the PB they look very high end.



I didn't know they were not made by Knipex. You are super helpful thank you for info.

I’ve been very impressed by PB over the years, and even met Max Baumann, the owner, once!

I think, for 1/4” hex bits, they can’t be beaten. Zephyr are probably the equal quality wise, but PB have the edge on finish. Everything else - Apex, Wiha, Wera, Witte, Felo, even Snap On, are not quite as good.

The Knipex scissors are decent. I don’t know who the OEM is though. They are made in Germany, so perhaps a Solingen firm?

I have these Facom snips, which are great, but I only have one pair so they’re always in the box I don’t have with me.

 

[Cooter Brown]

A couple of clamps, maybe a couple of 4" C-clamps and a spring clamp or two. Often invaluable in field work, and at the least can make many jobs easier and faster.

 

[GophersGarage]

A couple of clamps, maybe a couple of 4" C-clamps and a spring clamp or two. Often invaluable in field work, and at the least can make many jobs easier and faster.

I am going to try to fit 1 or 2. The problem is space.

 

[Robinson1]

Torx t15, t20, & t25 are everywhere now.

A small 1/4” drive socket set is very useful. Walmart sells one under the Hart brand for $20 in a small blow mold case. Looks like a set of drill bits when it closed. Home Depot has a similar set under the Ryobi name. It’s likely the same set as TTI owns both companies. It’s a great set for the money and doesn’t take up much room in a bag

 

[Scotty_B]

For your scissors, consider the classic Klein electrician's scissors.



Forged steel, not stamped, with hardened blades. You can get them in nickel coated or stainless, bare or with plastic-dipped handles. Tough and durable, yet versatile and precise. This is the standard tool for pros who work with telecom cables and wiring. The Max Level EDC channel on YouTube has done multiple tests on dedicated scissors (including the Knipex), and the Kleins always come out on top. They pretty much cut everything cleanly an precisely.

Here's a screwdriver I think every general repair tool bag should have, especially if you encounter rusty, seized screws: the Vessel Megadora Impacta.



It's literally a twist on tang-thru, demolition style screwdrivers. Literally because it's designed to be a screwdriver and impact driver in one. Use it as a conventional screwdriver, or give it a good whack with a hammer to free up a seized screw.




The twisting impact action is subtle. You might not think it's doing anything at first, but it works extremely well. That's speaking from personal experience. There are plenty of videos showing its effectiveness, too.

All Vessel driving tools are top-notch, but the Impacta is unique and great to have on hand.

Oh, get long (9-10") diagonal cutting pliers with an angled head instead of the straight 8" one you have.



If you ever need to pry up nails in tight spots you can't reach with a hammer, crowbar or nippers (such as a electrical box nailed to a stud behind drywall), this is the perfect tool. Knipex is great, but I have the Channellocks and they've never failed me.

 

[GophersGarage]

Torx t15, t20, & t25 are everywhere now.

A small 1/4” drive socket set is very useful. Walmart sells one under the Hart brand for $20 in a small blow mold case. Looks like a set of drill bits when it closed. Home Depot has a similar set under the Ryobi name. It’s likely the same set as TTI owns both companies. It’s a great set for the money and doesn’t take up much room in a bag

I think for sockets I am going to go with Makita impacts in 1/4" drive. the most compact I have seen

 

[lardy1]

I keep a set of those Makita impact sockets and an old Craftsman impact driver in the house. They were incredibly cheap at the time.

 

[GophersGarage]

For your scissors, consider the classic Klein electrician's scissors.



Forged steel, not stamped, with hardened blades. You can get them in nickel coated or stainless, bare or with plastic-dipped handles. Tough and durable, yet versatile and precise. This is the standard tool for pros who work with telecom cables and wiring. The Max Level EDC channel on YouTube has done multiple tests on dedicated scissors (including the Knipex), and the Kleins always come out on top. They pretty much cut everything cleanly an precisely.

Here's a screwdriver I think every general repair tool bag should have, especially if you encounter rusty, seized screws: the Vessel Megadora Impacta.



It's literally a twist on tang-thru, demolition style screwdrivers. Literally because it's designed to be a screwdriver and impact driver in one. Use it as a conventional screwdriver, or give it a good whack with a hammer to free up a seized screw.




The twisting impact action is subtle. You might not think it's doing anything at first, but it works extremely well. That's speaking from personal experience. There are plenty of videos showing its effectiveness, too.

All Vessel driving tools are top-notch, but the Impacta is unique and great to have on hand.

Oh, get long (9-10") diagonal cutting pliers with an angled head instead of the straight 8" one you have.



If you ever need to pry up nails in tight spots you can't reach with a hammer, crowbar or nippers (such as a electrical box nailed to a stud behind drywall), this is the perfect tool. Knipex is great, but I have the Channellocks and they've never failed me.

1- I really like those Kleins since they will take up little space in bag. Thats the one thing I don't like about my Fiskars.

2- I think your right about having demo drivers in kit. I saw Vessel versions and might go with that brand.

3- For nails thats a good point having curved pliers I have to see space in bag first on those guys

 

[GophersGarage]

The other day I bought this one. Seem handy for bag

 

[ekuhn]

Bag needs an 8" Pair of Channel Locks

 

[GophersGarage]

Bag needs an 8" Pair of Channel Locks

I currently have the Knipex Cobras and pliers in 180mm (7.25") and 250mm (10")

I am thinking the 180mm are the ones I am going to use in bag not the 250 to help with weight and space

 

[Dave455]

The other day I bought this one. Seem handy for bag

They are! I’ve added one to my box too.

I always seem to find some flaky paint that needs scraping or a crack that needs filling, even if I’m not looking for those jobs.

As a matter of interest, the regular (non folding) Purdy decorating tools are quite nice. Stainless ones are fairly essential.

Anything with a sharp point though, needs to be a folder if it’s kept with other tools, or they get damaged!

 

[Bubba Fett]

Klein electricians scissors (or D-snips) are simply amazing.

 

[GophersGarage]

They are! I’ve added one to my box too.

I always seem to find some flaky paint that needs scraping or a crack that needs filling, even if I’m not looking for those jobs.

As a matter of interest, the regular (non folding) Purdy decorating tools are quite nice. Stainless ones are fairly essential.

Anything with a sharp point though, needs to be a folder if it’s kept with other tools, or they get damaged!

Yuppers the folding is what I really liked for the bag set up. Nice and safe

Klein electricians scissors (or D-snips) are simply amazing.

are these the ones?

 

[ItsNemo]

I did a video on what's in my general purpose handy carry around bag:

I have started to build out a small cordless tool bag to supplement this one, still picking up pieces for it but have Dewalt 12v impact, drill, and screwdrivers for it.