My son is leaving to Texas (collage) this summer and he is taking a Milwaukee M12 inflator, M12 lantern, charger and a couple batteries. Wanting a well built bag with little to no logos on it so as to not draw attention. Like the screaming red Milwaukee bags do. Hate to buy crappy cheap ones from Amazon or Ebay. Any suggestions?
Well built discreet tool bag
- Thread starter autobon7
- Start date
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
A small duffel bag from any sporting goods store will look like any other gym bag
I would agree with 600ejones above - Bucket Boss makes some reasonably priced bags that hold up well and are low-key. I would also look at some of the offerings from Custom Leathercraft (CLC) and Rothco. The Rothco stuff is basically military-surplus and is as bare bones as you can get while still being built well.
This would be an excellent “stealth” choice if you don’t want to advertise your are carrying tools or expensive electronics. The only negatives I can think of is that the fabric tends to be a lower denier nylon. Tool bags tend to be denier 500 or higher and are less likely to tear or split the seams.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I'm guessing an inflator and a flashlight aren't getting carried around a whole lot
Mr. Wonderful
Well-known member
Tool Bag, Canvas with Leather Bottom, 11 Pockets, 18-Inch - 5003-18 | Klein Tools
This canvas tool bag features 10 interior pockets and 1 external for organization. The leather bottom and sides provide extra protection from the elements. #8 natural canvas is heavy-duty for added durability. At 18-Inch (457 mm) wide and 14-Inch (356 mm) high, this is the perfect bag for on the...
Klein makes understated quality bags in a ton of different sizes.
jbfsr
Well-known member
Try backpacks at LL Bean
Ohmthis
Well-known member
My recommendation it to leave the nice tools at home. I took a socket set w/wrenches (alltrade because I didn’t want good tools messed with, and some basic hand tools to college with me when I got my first off campus place. Guess what, didnt matter, they got stolen anyways. They were hidden really good……Or so I thought! A cheap headlamp and a 12v car plug in inflator will fit his needs and you won’t cry if they are taken or broken.
If running the gym bag option, you will want your tools in pouches or rolls to prevent the bag from tearing out. Depending on how much tools you plan on carrying, the bag could get heavy real fast.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Did you read the OP?
designer485
Well-known member
How about a Carhartt Duffle Bag. I have a larger one that works great for larger tools and is very durable. They don't scream tools.
https://www.carhartt.com/product/800314/legacy-20-gear-bag
https://www.carhartt.com/product/800314/legacy-20-gear-bag
Ed_Hazard
Well-known member
Good ol basic black mechanics tool bag. Sometimes the longer one is called a "tanker" bag. And yeah if it's tools for just in case get him Ryobi. Yes I'm a heretic get the burner... But the inflator works well, lights are deacent, and for the price you wont cry if they get stolen.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EOTBCTG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EOTBCTG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Attachments
Here's another idea. Get some rubber covers for the batteries banging around in the bag.
Rothco Waxed Canvas Shoulder Duffle Bag - 19 Inch
Rothco’s Waxed Canvas Shoulder Duffle Bag offers a modern, durable take on the classic duffle bag. Buy Now.
www.rothco.com
Rothco Waxed Canvas Shoulder Duffle Bag - 19 Inch
MSRP $21.99
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Those scream important stuff
I'm not sure of the size but would they fit in an empty plastic 35lb. Tidy Cats Kitty Litter container?
Bubba Fett
Well-known member
This is my suggestion as well. I have a few of the smaller Rothco bags, and I like them. Very discrete, and pretty well made.Here's another idea. Get some rubber covers for the batteries banging around in the bag.
Rothco Waxed Canvas Shoulder Duffle Bag - 19 Inch
Rothco’s Waxed Canvas Shoulder Duffle Bag offers a modern, durable take on the classic duffle bag. Buy Now.www.rothco.com
Rothco Waxed Canvas Shoulder Duffle Bag - 19 Inch
MSRP $21.99
crewchief888
Well-known member
backpack.
all the kids have them
all the kids have them
Not So Legendary
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2021
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I also use some rothco bags in my truck to keep straps and some emergency stuff organized. My emergency jerky came in handy to lure my dog when he was a stray on the side of the road.
I work part-time at an auto store. We have semi-homeless people come in to buy a part, install it in their car, and then "forget" to give the tool back when they're done. as they say, this why you can't have nice stuff.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
How about a cooler?
what school is he heading to?
captain14
Well-known member
I’d said go with a cooler or a Kitty litter bucket like DAustin said above.
I see coolers in thrift stores on a regular basis.
Stephen F Austin
ZRX61
Well-known member
Another vote for Rothco.
www.rothco.com
Equipment Tool Bags
View Rothco's Collection of Military Mechanic Tool Bag in both canvas and additional tactical fabrics.
I approve of this school.
I used to carry tools in a Kitty Litter bucket in the back of the Jeep no one ever bothered it. Just needed to change it once in a while after the sun worked on it to keep it looking new. Plus, the kitty litter was good to have for oil spills. A tool roll keeps the tools handy taking them out of the box.ace10
Well-known member
In the trunk of a car... any cheap plastic tub will work.
Visible in the back of an SUV... put the tools in a cardboard box labeled "Job Applications"
Visible in the back of an SUV... put the tools in a cardboard box labeled "Job Applications"
CGarage
Well-known member
Any military type bag, gym bag etc will draw attention and could cause a break-in.
Happens all the time.
Go on eBay and buy a used duffel bag or a kids backpack.
Military and sports bags advertise that the contents are worthwhile and therefore $$$.
Happens all the time.
Go on eBay and buy a used duffel bag or a kids backpack.
Military and sports bags advertise that the contents are worthwhile and therefore $$$.
Ton ton
Well-known member
How about a heavy duty wooden crate with a cardboard box inside. It's just random stuff. LOL.
The Bean
Well-known member
out in the east piney woods of Nacogdoches. what kind of vehicle? if a jeep or truck, you might want to consider a bolted down tool box or lockbox. but as we all know that won't stop an experienced or determined thief
interestingly enough, the Clery Report is very clean with NO vehicle theft, but that doesn't jibe with the monthly reports. woah, big surprise for teh residence hall liquor violations (
)Public Records | Police | SFA
www.sfasu.edu
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
Backpacks are low key. Go for cheap and subtle, matching vehicle interior color if you can. My last 2 were from Vans in blue/grey and from Disney in an orange, yellow, and brown pattern. Both go through airports happily, tuck under seats or into footwells, and would hold my M12 inflator, batts, charger and other stuff no problem, and be easy to carry or access.
In comparison, Craftsman screams tools. Bosch does too. I have those, and a black HF bag. All get locked up for good measure.
In comparison, Craftsman screams tools. Bosch does too. I have those, and a black HF bag. All get locked up for good measure.
CGarage
Well-known member
No. They are not. They hold laptops, cameras and firearms. Dumb idea. Truly.
cvairwerks
Well-known member
Duluth Rigger’s bag.