This might come as a surprise, but you can judge the dedication and capability of a mechanic, handy man or a carpenter by one simple thing, how they use their tools. This statement probably seems like an exaggerated assumption to most people, but go ahead and look at a professional worker. That individual would have a shelf full of tools neatly arranged. The tools would be sitting comfortably at a safe distance from each other. They would be using one of the best tool bags to move their tools. The instruments would be scratch less and there won’t be a sign of wear and tear even after years and years of use. On the other hand, go look at some stay-at-home DIY guy. That person probably has all of his equipment either laying on the work bench or clustered inside a single drawer. They will definitely have scratches all over them. They’ll be bent down and that is the exact opposite of a professional’s tools.
An expert knows that his equipment is his source of income and, in turn, he respects the tools. If you’re also a start up worker, you need to make sure that you take good care of your tools. Because they don’t go around for the price of a soda, they’re expensive. You can’t exactly buy them every now and then. To be honest, that is more the reason to store away your tools safely.
So, how can you do that? If you work in one specific work place then you can simply buy a tool shelf. But, if you work in different houses and move frequently, then a shelf isn’t what you need. You need something a little more portable and that something is a tool bag.
Tool bags are just like your typical bags from the outside, but the insides are a completely different story. The best tool bags have designated compartments for the common tools (Screw drivers, wrenches and measuring tapes) and extra compartments for special tools (drills, small air compressors and hand held vacuums). So, they are the perfect way to carry your tools. But, the question is what carrier do you buy? If you do a little bit of research, you will notice that there is a wide range of bags available. To make your choice easier, we are about to list 10 of the best tool bags in the market. They might not be the one for you but they will certainly help you understand what you need.
Top 10 Best Tool Bags reviews
|
Product Name |
Weight |
Dimensions |
Size |
CTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
DEWALT DG5543Tradesman's Tool Bag |
4.2 pounds |
13.8 x 4.5 x 19.3 inches |
16-Inches |
|
|
CustomLeatherCraft1539 Tool Bag |
4.6 pounds |
18 x 14 x 7 inches |
18-Inches |
|
|
DEWALT DG5597 Tool Carrier |
5.7 pounds |
15 x 11.5 x 17.8 inches |
18-Inches |
|
|
Stanley STST70574 Tool Bag |
1 pounds |
11.9 x 5.1 x 9.9 inches |
12-Inches |
|
|
BLACK+DECKER Storage Bag |
3.7 pounds |
21 x 5 x 8.5 inches |
21-Inches |
|
|
Custom LeatherCraft L245 Tool Carrier |
7.8 pounds |
18 x 9.8 x 12 inches |
18 inches |
|
|
Snap-On 870340 Trunk Organizer and Tool Bag |
3 pounds |
3.6 x 19 x 11.5 inches |
19-Inches |
|
|
Klein Tools 55453HSB Tradesman Pro Organizer Bag |
19 pounds |
19.9 x 16.3 x 11 inches |
one size |
|
|
VETO PRO PAC Model XL Tool Bag |
9.2 pounds |
16.5 x 9.5 x 20.2 inches |
17 inches |
|
|
VETO PRO PAC OT-XL Tool Bag |
10.2 pounds |
20 x 11 x 15.5 inches |
xl |
1. DEWALT DG5543 Tradesman's Tool Bag
DEWALT products by CL literally set the bar for all other tool bags because this is the best it is going to get. If you’re looking to buy a quality product while spending the least amount of money, then DEWALT DG5543 is the thing for you.
The DEWALT tool carrier comes in two different sizes; 12 inch and 16 inch. Other than the obvious size difference, a couple other things are also different among the two. First of all, both of the sizes have the same amount of exterior pockets that is 20 pockets. However, the smaller bag has 9 interior pockets while the other one has 13 pockets. The second difference is the strap on the bags. The 12 inch bag only has a handle while the longer one has a handle and a shoulder strap.
Unlike some of the oth er tool bags, this one can open and close without any hassle. The main compartment contains an easy to use zipper t hat can unzipped conveniently. The compartment itself is very spacious so you can store your heavy duty tools and equipment effortlessly.
As said earlier, the bag has over 20 exterior pockets that can allow you to have hundreds of option for storing your tools. The body of the bag is made from Ballistic Poly Fiber that makes this bag much more durable than most of the other cases.
The base of the carrier is also padded for extra protection. Other than the primary padding, the four edges of the base are also heavily padded to keep it safe from water and dust and reduce the chances of wear and tear.
The pockets are one of the best things about this bag. The exterior pockets are open but one of them has a flap with Hook and Loop Closure. On the inside, one pocket has a lock so you can store your valuable equipment in that compartment.
Pros
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Two different sizes.
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An insane amount of exterior and interior pockets.
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Comfortable shoulder slip.
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Durable zipper.
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Easy to open and close.
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Ballistic Poly Fiber makes the case strong.
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Base of the bag is padded to help the case last long.
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A seal-able exterior pocket and a lockable interior pocket.
Cons
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The exterior pockets are lined on top of each other. So, you can you have 10 pockets because once you put something heavy in one pocket, the other one is rendered useless.
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The interior pockets are also a similar story. If you fill the case to the brim, then don’t expect to use the pockets because you won’t be able to at all.
2. Custom LeatherCraft 1539 Tool Bag
If you know anything about CLC products, then you definitely know that they make some of the finest leather products out there. The 1539 Tool Bag i s also one of the high quality products under CLC’s belt.
The 1539 tool bag is probably one of the largest bags out there. With a length of 18 inches, the case makes sure that you can easily store your heavy tools and machines. You can easily organize all of your stuff in the 45 pockets which is the best feature of this tool bag. The main compartment of the case is also pretty roomy and you could store a number of hand held tools in that compartment.
The case has a main flap at the front that contains a zipper to protect all of your tools. This flap also prevents the tools from falling out of the case. The two outer compartments contain 18 pockets each. These pockets are completely vertical so that all tools stay in sight and are easy to take out. The bag also has space for a large tape measure. There are also additional seven pocket compartments on the outside that are perfect to store frequently used tools for quick access.
The body of the bag is also pretty durable. The case is made from heavy duty poly fabric and poly ballistic trim that ensures that the case lasts for a long time. The sides of the case are also padded for added protection for your tools. The bag is equipped with a handle as well as an adjustable and comfortable shoulder strap. The case can be pretty heavy due to all the tools, so the shoulder strap makes sure that you can carry the bag without any problems.
Pros
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18 inch length allows you to store a ton of stuff.
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45 pockets can allow you to have a hundreds of options for organising your tools.
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Spacious centre compartment.
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Front flap prevent the items from spilling.
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Zipper offers perfect protection for your items.
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Designated compartments for tape measure.
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Strong and durable body.
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Handle and shoulder strap allows you to carry the bag easily.
Cons
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Shoulder strap isn’t durable.
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The actual pockets are 45 but the total pockets are advertised as 50. CLC isn’t misleading their customers; they just made a modification to their design and didn’t bother to change the descriptions afterwards.
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A full bag doesn’t balance well and the case tilts over.
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Pockets overlap and if you stuff one pocket, it won’t leave much space in the other one.
3. DEWALT DG5597 Tool Bag
This is the second DEWALT Carrier on this list and this one is completely different from the first one. Usually, when you want to buy a tool bag, you want to make sure that you choose a bag that provides at least a couple of choices for lengths and most of the DEWALT bags do just that.
This tool carrier comes in two different sizes; 14 inch and 18 inch. Unlike the other DEWALT bag, the two sizes have no other difference other than the pockets. The smaller size has 16 exterior pockets and 7 interior ones which include two flap-covered ones. The 18 inch bag has 18 exterior and 16 interior pockets with 3 flap-covered pockets.
One of the most significant features of this bag is the solid steel bar handle on the top. The handle has a thick foam grip that reduces strain due to carrying the case for a long time. The bar handle is sort of a bitter sweet feature because the tools will be sticking out with no covering. Some people don’t prefer this because the tools will be vulnerable to environmental changes while some people would like the extra space the open top provides. However, the top is detachable and allows you to zip the top. Worried about how you’re going to carry the bag? Well, don’t because the case also has a shoulder strap.
The case, just like the best bag carriers out there, is made from heavy duty poly and ballistic poly fiber. The OEM Standard poly fiber makes sure that the bag lasts for a long time. Similar to the other DEWALT bag, this case also has a padded base with reinforced edges to protect the case from dust, dirt and water.
The case also has designated pockets for same common materials such as utility knives, measuring tape, etc. One added benefit of this case is that it also has a spot for an electrical wire. There are two small attachable flaps on the front and you can stick the wire in them.
Pros
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Two different lengths allow you to choose according to your requirements.
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A bunch of different pockets including zipped and flap pockets.
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Solid steel handle bar with a thick foam grip.
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If you don’t like the handle bar, you can also detach it.
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Heavy duty OEM Standard Ballistic Poly Fiber.
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Padded base.
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Specified pockets for common equipment.
Cons
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Pockets overlap.
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As said earlier, some people would like the handle bar with a closed top.
4. Stanley STST70574 Tool Bag
This case from Stanley is ranked the best selling tool bag on all platforms. The first reason is probably the fact that this bag is the cheapest one on this list. While most people prefer paying top dollar for the protection of their tools, some can’t afford to. So, if you want the best protection at the cheapest price, then this is the thing for you.
The case doesn’t have any special features; it’s just like any other bag. It doesn’t have three dozen pockets or some fancy accessories; but, this bag does what it is supposed to, and it does that perfectly.
The tool carrier is mainly made of heavy duty polythene fiber which makes it water resistant to some extent. The main color of the case is black but it also has gray, yellow and silver detailing. The case isn’t hard, the sides are pretty soft. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the case is too weak. As a matter of fact, this is sort of an advantage because the case can stretch an extra inch. But, don’t worry because the thick padding provides the necessary protection that you need.
The bag is only 12 inch long which is perfect for electricians, but if you’re a carpenter or a repair man, you should buy something a little wider. The case has a total of six exterior and six internal pockets. Both of the exterior and internal pockets are divided into two parts and both packs of three are placed opposite to each other.
Four of the exterior pockets are the same size while the middle pocket on both sides is larger than the rest. The middle pocket on the front also has a flap. The interior pockets are small but they are velcroed together so you turn two small pockets into one large pocket. This way you don’t have to worry about wider tools.
The bag has a handle with a leather grip so you can easily hold the heavy bag without the handle digging into your hands. One drawback is that the bag doesn’t have a shoulder strap. Now, you should note that the bag isn’t supposed to be that heavy. It is a small bag so you shouldn’t have a problem lifting it. But, then again, some of us like to have more than one option.
Pros
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An economy bag that is extremely cheap.
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Durable material.
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Water Resistant.
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Soft-sided case.
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Six interior and six exterior pockets.
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Leather grip on the handle.
Cons
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The length of the bag is too small for some people.
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No shoulder strap.
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Zipper is weak.
-
Due to some reason, most of the bags come with a pretty bad smell.
5. BLACK+DECKER BDCMTSB Storage Bag
The Black+Decker tool carrier is also a pretty standard bag. This bag is similar to the one by Stanley in terms of functionality. It does what it is supposed to and nothing else. Another thing similar about the two bags is that both bags are pretty inexpensive. This one isn’t as cheap as the other one, but it still is good enough so that everyone can buy it.
The best thing about the bag is its size. Its length is about 12 inches with a 19 inch width. This bag is probably one of the widest ones out there, so you can easily store a ton of stuff inside the bag.
Inside the main compartment, there are two detachable rigid dividers. There dividers are nice to have but only if you own a Black+Decker product because most of them will fit nicely in these compartments. Some tools from other manufacturers might even fit in, but if your power tools don’t fit, you can easily remove one or both of dividers.
The design of the main compartment can be called a bit flawed. The bag is advertised to have a wide opening. But, the wide opening means that some of the compartment space will be rendered useless because the zip also needs some room to close. This isn’t that big of a deal, but customers need to know this detail before they buy the bag.
On the front, the bag has pretty large three pockets. The two pockets on the opposing sides aren’t as wide but the one in the middle is pretty roomy and, the best thing, it is covered with a flap for added protection.
The bottom of the bag has a unique feature that isn’t very common among tool bags. The base of the carrier isn’t fabric; it is made of pure plastic. So, instead of attaching padded foam on the bottom B+D stuck a thick chunk of plastic on the bottom. The bag might be a little heavier due to this, but rest assured, you could throw the bag in a pile of mud but your tools still won’t get wet.
Pros
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Affordable price.
-
Extremely wide and provides a ton of storage space.
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Comes with two detachable dividers.
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Front pockets for added storage options.
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The plastic base protects the carrier from dirty, moldy or wet environments.
Cons
-
The wide opening and the zipper don’t work well. The zipper limits some area of the compartment.
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Not as many pockets as you’d hope for.
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Not much flexibility in terms of items that can be stored with the dividers on.
6. Custom LeatherCraft L245 Tool Bag
The CLC L245 is one of the best tool bags in terms of functionality. There are literally a ton of small bits and pieces of detail that can be game changing for the productivity of a workplace. The bag might leave a dent on your wallet, but, we can assure you that you won’t regret spending all that money.
The first thing about this case is the overhead bar handle. The handle can be rotated in a 180° angle. Oh, we haven’t told you the best thing. The bar has an LED light with three levels of output. The light is perfect to illuminate the case itself. You can even use the light to illuminate a dark work area and the 180 degree adjustable handle makes that even more convenient. The light uses two AAA batteries that are included with the bag.
The case has two compartments. One compartment is for your power tools and the other compartment has pockets to store all the rest of your tools. The carrier has 14 outside pocket that are perfect for small boxes, measuring tapes, etc. On the inside, there are 42 different pockets for screw drivers, nails, drill bits and other accessories. There is also a designated hook to store your keys.
The total length of the case is 18 inch and you can pretty much store any power tool in the compartment. The bag has an ergonomic handle that reduces strain in your hand. The bag is big so it might get heavier than you can handle, so there is also a padded and adjustable shoulder strap. The bottom of the bag has padded edges to increase durability at the base.
Pros
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Overhead 180-degree rotatable bar handle for easy carrying.
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The 18-inch length makes the case pretty roomy.
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An LED light on the bar handle.
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Tons and tons of pockets to store your tools.
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There are several designed pockets for special equipment.
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The ergonomic handle reduces strain in your hands.
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Adjustable shoulder strap.
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Padded edges on the base.
Cons
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The stitching isn’t that durable.
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There isn’t much variety of items that can be stored in the designated pockets.
7. Snap-On 870340 Trunk Organizer and Tool Bag
The best thing about this Snap-On Tool bag is that it isn’t just limited to being a tool bag. The case is designed in such a way that it can be utilized for applications other than storing tools. However, the carrier is best suited for storing tools.
The case is 19 inches in length with an overall dimension of 19” x 12” x 15 ½”. The body of the case is mostly black with red finishing and outlining but the exterior pockets are colored red. The tool carrier has a Velcro handle on the top. There is also a shoulder strap in case the bag gets really heavy.
The interior of the case is really spacious. This particular tool bag is designed for mostly power tools. There are 4 exterior pockets and 14 interior storage sleeves for hand tools, but the case focuses on storing power tools. The middle compartment also has two dividers for storing tools easily, but you can also remove the dividers if you don’t want to restrict your storage space.
The case is manufactured from pure 600D Polyester which is extremely thick and durable. The polyester also makes the case highly water resistant so you can protect your tools in bad weather just as well as in good weather.
The bottom of the case doesn’t have extra padding or anything too special to protect the base of the case. The case is hard enough so it doesn’t collapse due to heavy weight. However, the case does have Hook and Loop strips on the base to prevent the case from slipping. This is perfect for people that are going to have their bag sitting in the back of a trunk for long hours.
Pros
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The case has multiple applications and you can use it in many ways.
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The 19 inch length leaves more than enough space for all types of power tools.
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Velcro handle and padded shoulder strap to make the case easy to carry.
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600D Polyester makes the carrier durable.
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Water resistant.
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Non-slip Hook and Loop Strips prevent the case from slipping.
Cons
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There should be more pockets on the outside. Four just doesn’t cut it.
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The tool holders in the interior are too small.
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Single zipper has a ton of room for improvement.
8. Klein Tools 55453HSB Tradesman Pro Organizer Bag
Klein Tools is the only manufacturer that offers any kind of major variety in their tool bags. Unlike some of the other producers, Klein Tools realize that not all people have the same requirements. That is why they have six different types of bags; Extreme Electrician’s Bag, Hacksaw Electrician’s Bag, Lighted Tool Bag, Rolling Tool Bag, Tech Bag and Ultimate Electrician’s Bag . Their specifications and features are given below.
From the outside, this bag looks more like a laptop bag. But, don’t worry, the Extreme Electrician bag contains 78 pockets for a tremendous amount of storage solutions. The carrier contains both a handle and a padded shoulder strap. The front pockets are protected with a flap to make sure your hand tools remain safe and sound. The bottom of the case is padded for protection against the environment.
The second bag is the Hacksaw Electrician’s Bag. This bag is pretty similar to the Extreme Electrician one and contains enough space to store any typical hacksaw. There are a total of 48 pockets inside the bag. This case is also made of the same 1680D Ballistic weave a s the other bag.
The Lighted Tool Bag has a little less pocket space than the other bags but it is perfect for people that don’t carry a lot of tools. The best thing is that the case contains an LED light over the exterior pocket that is removable and magnetic. There are 31 total pockets available on the Lighted Tool Bag. The carrier has a 1680D ballistic weave and a molded base for added protection.
The Rolling Tool bag is entirely different than any of the other cases. Well, if you didn’t guess, the term ‘rolling’ refers to the two removable wheels stuck on the bottom of the tool carrier. The case has 24 pockets and a heavy-duty durable telescoping handle. Unlike the other cases, this carrier is made from 600D ballistic fiber.
The Tech Bag is a little unique considering the fact that this case also has room for a laptop and other tools. There is a designated compartment for your laptop that is heavily separated from other tools. There are also other pockets for documents, pens, phones and other cables. There are 22 pockets t hat are just enough for a guy carrying tools and a laptop in the same carrier.
The Ultimate Electrician’s Bag focuses on only one thing; pockets. There are 55 pockets that are perfect for any electrician that has a bunch of small tools. 1680D Ballistic weave and extra padded shoulder strap makes it just the thing for anyone that has to carry a ton of stuff.
Pros
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Durable 1680D and 600D Ballistic Weave.
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Way more pockets than usual.
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Most of the bags are highly waterproof.
Cons
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The cases are much heavier than your average tool carriers.
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Sometimes the cases give a horrible stench right out of the box.
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Zippers are weak.
9. VETO PRO PAC Model XL Tool Bag
The Veto PRO XL is to tool bags what the F-22 Raptor is to air crafts. The Veto PRO is like a tank when it is compared to some of the other tool bags in the market. Thick and durable body, wide storage area and amount of pockets make the VETO PRO XL all you need.
The case looks like it’s made from solid steel, but it’s definitely not. The case is built from pure 1800 PVC impregnated denier that makes perfectly safe against all types of weather conditions. The base is water-proofed with a 3mm polypropylene base. Well, we don’t know what you think, but this case is one of the hardest tool carriers out there.
When it comes to pockets, this case beats all competitors. There are a total of 67 pockets in the case which include 61 regular and 6 zippered pockets. There is more than enough space for power tools, but you can also store a little over 100 hand tools in this bulky bag.
The case has an ergonomic design with a non-slip, padded shoulder strap that makes it really easy to carry. The bag also has an overhead handle , but you probably won’t get around to using that because the case can get pretty heavy.
The best thing about this case is the warranty. VETO makes sure that none of their products have any manufacturing defects, so they offer a five year warranty for the XL. This means that no matter what happens to the case in five years, VETO will be more than happy to offer a replace. You should also note that there are a few Terms and Conditions as to what items can be returned.
Pros
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Thick outer material makes the case weather-resistant.
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The polypropylene base makes the bag waterproof.
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67 pockets are all you need to store every single one of your tools.
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The bag can store over a 100 hand tools in this bag.
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Contains a non-slip and heavily padded shoulder strap.
Cons
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Zipper might get stuck and if you try to force it open, the bag might rip.
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The bag is pretty darn heavy. You should know that travelling with this bag is going to be pretty tough.
10. VETO PRO PAC OT-XL Tool Bag
The VETO PRO OT-XL is like an upgrade to the PRO PAC XL. This tool carrier is the most expensive one on this list and its price is way more than anymore would be willing to spend on a tool bag. However, it does have a couple of pretty cool features that can explain the huge price tag.
The case measures at 9.5” x 16.5” with a height of 13”. The case isn’t the widest of them all but it can still store a ton of stuff. There are a total of 40 regular pockets, 4 zippered pockets and 2 storage bays. The case itself can store over 80 hand tools comfortably. This carrier is also made from the same weather resistant fiber and waterproof base as the other VETO bag. This case also has an ergonomic design with a non slip, molded grip shoulder strap.
The case doesn’t really have a zip or some other way to shut the top. So, this means that your tools will be peaking from the top of the case 24/7. This is perfect for people that are going to be storing tools larger than usual. But, it really takes a toll on the protection of your tools.
Overall, this is a pretty solid case that offers more than enough protection for your case. However, we have to say that the quality doesn’t justify the price. You could easily buy some other case which offers almost the same protection at half the price.
Pros
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A ton of pockets with a few zippered ones as well.
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The bag can store over 80 hand tools.
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Weather resistant fiber.
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Waterproof base.
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Contains a non-slip, adjustable, molded grip shoulder strap.
Cons
-
No zipper on the top. Your tools are left a little vulnerable.
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The quality of the product and the price just don’t add up.
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The bag is a little too heavy.
How to choose the Best Tool Bags: Buyer’s Guide
A good tool bag can make or break the deal for the well-being of your tools. You need to get a tool bag otherwise your tools won’t even last six months. But, the question is, what tool bag do you buy? There are so many out there from manufacturers like Stanley, Custom LeatherCraft, VETO, Black and Decker and Klein Tools, that you have to be absolutely sure about what you’re buying.
Are you not sure about what you want? Then, just keep reading on. We are about to list everything you have to consider before buying a tool bag.
Sturdy Material
There are hundreds of materials used in tool bags and you need to make sure you buy a material that will hold up. Most tool bags are made from nylon or poly/polythene fiber. These materials are pretty strong and offer perfect protection for your heavy tools.
Pockets
Seriously, what’s the point of having a tool bag if you don’t have at least two or three dozen pockets to go with it? An average tool bag has about 20-30 pockets for hand tools. You also need to buy a tool bag that at least has this many pockets, otherwise there might not be much space left for your tools.
Carrier Sizes
Tool bags come in all types of different shapes and sizes. The length and width are going to be important if you’re focusing on storing power tools. A tool bag with about 18 inch width and 10 inch length is perfect for storing most tools. If you need a wider space, then you can go ahead and find a wider bag.
Padded Base
Your case needs to be protected from the bottom because that’s the first place the case will start to wear out. Tools are heavy and if your base isn’t padded, the tools will rip right through them. So, it’s really important that you find a bag with a thick padded base. If your tools are still really heavy, then there are bags with thick plastic padding as well.
The Bottom Line:
Having a good place to store your tools the tool carriers can play a very important role in leading a calm day. When you can find your tools easily and store them just the same, you can boost up your productivity tremendously. Moreover, buying one of the best tool bags out there is necessary if your tools are going to work in the long run. If you don’t spend some extra bucks buying a good tool bag, then you’re to have to spend much more replacing your tools every few months.