(Part 2) Best tool bags according to redditors

Craftsman 9-37535 Soft Tool Bag, 13" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VMTG1C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_vnf6CbGCK2KCH

I'm gonna pop /u/the-packet-thrower 's bubble here.

I had an initial reaction to your request to post links to all kinds of things I would want in such a case. But the problem is very similar to suggesting what laptop backpack you should buy.

The purchasing decision depends heavily on a wide array of very personalized requirements & desires.

You've given us practically nothing to work with, so any suggestion can be both right and wrong at the same time.

We don't know if you need to enter highly secured data center facilities, such that all your shit will be x-rayed or visually searched.
We don't know if you need power tools or spare parts.
We don't know if you do small office installs, and need cable pulling & terminating kits, drywall saws and boxes.

All we know if you need a big box with wheels that can hold some patch cords and screws.

I helped design & build an entire data center in Ireland using only this Milwaukee screwdriver. How? Easy. I paid for professional installation of the cabinets, UPS, PDUs and CRAC units.

But in your case it sounds like instead of paying contractors to do certain activities, you do them yourself.
Unless we know what those activities are, it's kind of hard to suggest a case or sets of tools or components, since we don't know what activities you need to perform on site.

You say you don't want to build this kit out by hand, but I honestly can't see any other way. Each decision is a personal choice.

• Quality v/s Cost
  
• Weight v/s Durability
  
• Multi-purpose v/s Task-specific
  
• Warranty v/s Disposability
  
  -----
  
  So, here is what I'll do instead of trying to suggest everything you might possible put into a magic box.
  Here are five or six products that you might not have seen to consider, or products that I believe I would want on a job site.
  
  

1. Milwaukee Ultimate Jobsite Backpack
   

• Carrying around a toolbox sucks. Putting all that stuff on your back? Yeah that's way more convenient.
  
• Again, I'm not sure just what you need to carry...
  

2. Milwaukee 12v Cordless Drill
   

• I like the smaller 12v form factor as I find it less fatiguing pushing screws into racks.
  
• I don't drill holes, just rack screws. So why buy more power & weight?
  

3. Milwaukee PACKOUT Rolling Toolbox
   

• I don't own one of these, but I like what I see a lot.
  
• It's modular, and you can pick & choose what size boxes you add to your stack.
  
• YouTube
  

4. C14 to 2 x NEMA5-15 Outlet adapter
   

• I work in data centers sometimes that do not have any 120v outlets, just C13/14 220v PDU outlets.
  
• That adapter will let you plug in your dial-voltage laptop brick so you can get a charge.
  
• Don't plug in anything that isn't dual-voltage though.
  

5. Monster Power Outlets 2 Go
   

• Less of a job site item, and more of a laptop bag item...
  
• I hate fighting for outlets in an airport.
  
• I carry a large USB power bank, but if I need to charge my laptop, this has gotten me out of a jam from time to time.
  
  
  I hope this was helpful...
  

• Laptop
  
  
• Logitech MX Rechargeable Bluetooth Mouse
  
• Communication Cables (USB Serial Converter, DB9 Gender Changers, AB Cables, Ethernet of various sizes, RJ45 Coupler, etc.)
  
• Wiha SlimLine Kit
  
• Fluke 789 Processmeter
  
• Test lead Kit
  
• Voltage Sniffer
  
• 5-Port Switch
  
• Wire Stripers
  
• Wiha Dikes
  
• Needle Nose
  
• Fold-up Allen Wrench
  
• Klein Tool Bag
  
• Swiss Army Backback
  
• Electrical Tape, Fuses for Field Install and Multimeter Spares, Surge Protector, USB Drives with Automation Software, Fold-up TV Dinner Table, Fold-up Chair with Cushion, Notebook, Business Cards, Pens, Sharpies, Phone, Hardhat w/ Headlamp, Safety Glasses, Electrically Insulated Steel Toed Boots.
  
  
  
  This is setup is mainly for project startups and it would probably change if I was in more of a service engineer role.

This bag works great for making the Volcano portable.

Below are links to everything on Amazon:

Crazy Ants Reel Rolling Tool Bag Pouch Professional Electricians Organizer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O0FN832/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OtgGzb838Y9H5

BXQINLENX 8 PCS Gundam Modeler Basic Tools Craft Set For Car Model Assemble Building(A) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GH6B3Z6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_grgGzbFBB475F

Stanley 84-096 5-Inch Needle Nose Plier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001IW50Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gtgGzb2XFXKT9

StarTech.com 7-Piece Precision Screwdriver Computer Tool Kit (CTK100P) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001NYK16/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0ugGzbMGHA2NQ

Dynamite 5 pc Metric Nut Driver Assortment https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BQ4XPQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rvgGzb3V9N7CK

NEEWER® Titanium Nitride TiNi Hex Driver Wrench 4 Piece Set 1.5mm/2mm/2.5mm/3.0mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CP2GGBI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7WgGzb3WEWHC0

Bondhus 12592 GorillaGrip Hex Tip Fold Up Tool with ProGuard Finish, 7 Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00269YAIQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zXgGzbJZRSBR6

There are also a few assorted items in there as well, standard scissors, small little brush(for getting dirt out of the quad in a crash), extra 12v power chord for my balance charger, small wrench(for propeller nuts), a couple extra small screw drivers. In the pouches: micro fiber cloth for fpv camera lens, zip ties and Velcro tape.

I've tried a bunch of backpack toolbags, the one I recommend for most people is the dewalt lighted bag.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QNTVVOG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_GunyCbFGZ91JS


The one I like the most, is the veto pro pac tech pack, but it's way too expensive for most people, and really is intended for somebody that needs the durability and portability, every single day.

My next favorite is the one I linked, then the milwaukee, then the husky (home depot brand, apparently it only appears for sale on rare occassions.) And then, the klein. What I look for most, is that it stands up on it's own, and that it can separate many small tools/parts, but also can hold large items like drills/impacts.

I use this one as I travel to and from any type of jobsite doing any number of tasks (I literally have every hand tool you could find yourself needing in this bag, it took me months of organizing, adding/removing tools to optimize it):

Veto Pro Pac TECH PAC Service Technician Bag, 1-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DYQLXHG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_0q26BbJFDTE9X

However, my brother who is regularly based at one jobsite for several months at a time finds this (half the size) to be more than adequate:

VETO PRO PAC TECH-MCT Tool Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CENNFYS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_Dr26Bb2DHX1HK

Expensive? Yes. The best quality? Without a doubt.

I've had mine for two years and it looks the same as when I purchased having wiped off the dirt.

My vote would be a nice shop apron. This is the one I have:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GK4U3SO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_eTuIyb5VG27EZ

After going through a whole bunch of t shirts and pants because I'm messy with the glue and all that, plus digging chips out of my shirt pockets for days, I bought one of these guys. Now it looks like hell, but I'm not ruining shirts any more.

Look at bucket boss tool bags. They are expensive but great quality. This one fits enough tools to take apart most of my car in my trunk, including at 24" breaker bar.
https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-Boss-60024-Gatemouth-LongBoy/dp/B00GK4TRK4
Edit. I have also put over 80# in it and it took the weight no problem.

I'm a huge fan of the Husky Tool bags Veto tool bag and the Kline Tools Backpack.

I bought this Klein tool bag for my hand tools and it's great. And when I picked up a WD 4TB External, I grabbed this case to go with it. Keep all my flash drives with it.

Crazy Ants Reel Rolling Tool Bag Pouch Professional Electricians Organizer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O0FN832/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_m8fGzb3CNPMZH

You might find that over time, you need to carry more and more stuff. I play in jazz bands, so I always bring four mutes. After playing a gig with too little light on stage, I always bring a LED battery stand light.

I have one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-Boss-60024-Gatemouth-LongBoy/dp/B00GK4TRK4

It has many pockets, and the main compartment is divided in two lengthwise. That separates my trombone stands from the mutes and the stand light. I used to just use a duffel bag, and the mutes got knocked around.

The pockets are used for: clothes pins for outdoor gigs, bow tie (for the guy who shows up at a gig without one), sun glasses, ear plugs, Scotch tape, and slide sprayer and lubricants.

I use one of these for my jazz horn, a King 2B. It's light and strong, about $200. https://www.amazon.com/J-Winter-CE-176-Fiberglass/dp/B007J4DD8Q/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1505920754&sr=8-5&keywords=eastman+trombone+case

They have a bass trombone version, which might fit your Yamaha.

I bought this...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GK4U3SO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Only complaint is the back clip around the lower potion of your waist is difficult to snap given that is located near the back of your hip when fit snugly. I like that the pockets are not pushed out and all clips are close. Safety 1st!! Less/zero loose ties = less chance of a tool eating them.

Yes that's what I use along with a wide mouth tool bag but I can have five or six pencil pouches standing in a row with key chains to label them and get to what I need quickly. To me this combination is the best band for your buck but it doesn't look like a first aid kit if somebody is looking for one. So that might be something to think about


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004VMTG1C/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474936674&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=craftsman+tool+bag

Throw things into a heavy duty contractor tool bag. Put everything back once you're done.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P30BO6/ref=psdc_553578_t3_B0006JO2CM

Edit: Brand doesn't matter here. Mine's a Husky that's still in great shape after 10 years.

This is a selection of what I keep in my tech go-bag. You'll build your kit as you learn and build experience, or realize you could have helped a customer out of a jam quicker if you had that tool with you.

• cheap flashlights you wont feel bad about leaving in a ceiling or inside a rack: https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Lights-Super-Bright-White/dp/B00I45JKTA/
  
  
• torx screwdriver for lots of little devices. I have a similar set and it's pretty decent: https://www.amazon.com/Vastar-Magnetic-Precision-Screwdriver-Electronics/dp/B015F734P0/
  
  
• power supply tester
  
  
• rechargable canned air
  
  
• zip ties
  
  
• velcro: https://www.amazon.com/iMBAPrice-Cable-Fastening-Tape-Yards/dp/B00FT2WHO6/
  
  
• leatherman/gerber multi-tool (needlenose) convenient when you need to do something quick and you don't have your bag with you.
  
  
• Set of pliers/wire cutters (leave the chanel locks at home): https://www.amazon.com/Tools-VISE-GRIP-4-Piece-Traditional-2078707/dp/B000CFMCTK/
  
  
• sharpies
  
  
• electrical tape: the good kind not the cheapo stuff
  
  
• multi-screwdriver: https://www.amazon.com/Lenox-Tools-23932-Multi-Tool-Driver/dp/B0013NX2DA/
  
  
• cordless electric screwdriver if you have lots of screwing to do.
  
  
• razor knife: https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Lite-Pocket-Knife-31-000345/dp/B002RILCLY/
  
  
• cable tester/tone generator: https://www.amazon.com/ELEGIANT-Multifunction-Tracker-Measuring-Instrument/dp/B01HCQSHNG/
  
  
• analog phone for testing phone lines: https://www.amazon.com/Saytay-Telephone-Lineman-Tester-Connectors/dp/B01ABT7458/
  
  
• punch down tool: https://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Punch-Krone-Blade-TC-PDT/dp/B0000AZK4D/
  
  
• cable crimper: https://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-RJ-45-RJ-12-RJ-11-TC-CT68/dp/B0000AZK4G/
  
  Various extra parts I've accumulated over the years like screws, ATX Molex Power to SATA Power Adapters, ATX Molex Y splitters, SATA cables etc..
  
  Good luck and some tools overlap like multi tools and pliers so if budget is low, go with the tool that covers the most jobs.
  
  Edit: I noticed your bag is kind of expensive compared to something like a Dewalt tool bag. I use a plain Dewalt bag which is not as cool as the one in the link, but it's just as tough. This might be a good and less expensive consideration for you if you don't require the look of a briefcase for your tool bag.
  
  Edit 2: You may want to mark your tools with a wrap of some crazy bright color electrical tape to be able to recognize them when they walk away.
  
  
  

Bought on Amazon.

Has a pocket for manual in the lid, semi-hard case. Absolutely perfect fit for the cano and supplies.

Edit: also has a shoulder strap.

Superior tool basin buddy

https://smile.amazon.com/Superior-Tool-03825-Wrench-Wrench-coupling/dp/B007BI7IJA/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3MVMO3N7DDBT7&keywords=superior+tool&qid=1568886959&sprefix=superior+tool%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-4

1/4 dive socket set up to 9/16 or the metric equivalent plus extensions

https://smile.amazon.com/TEKTON-4-Inch-6-Point-Ratchet-32-Inch/dp/B07P7WMK4L/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3LFRNNYLLK74W&keywords=1%2F4+drive+socket+set&qid=1568887157&sprefix=1%2F4+drive+%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-4

Tool bag ( may as well start thinking about having more then one )

https://smile.amazon.com/DEWALT-DGL573-Lighted-Technicians-Tool/dp/B00QNTVV6Y/ref=sr_1_4?crid=9LFYMX8PWTBT&keywords=dewalt+tool+bag&qid=1568887426&sprefix=dewalt+tool%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-4

I really like that tool bag, use an old tool bag for spare / rare tools

I have this backpack and I love it. I probably have 35lbs of shit in it, basically all of my handtools plus some extras, though I recently got a Sawzall, so I took my drill and impact bits out and put them in a contractor bag with a shoulder strap (its a Milwaukee that came with my drill/impact) but the clips that attach the shoulder strap to the bag are plastic and feel cheap as fuck, and I'm constantly worried its going to break on me, when "all" I really have in it are drill, impact, 3 bit set boxes, sawzall and blade container, battery charger and a 5AH battery on each tool. I toss the backpack on, then the bag over my shoulder but I'm also holding onto the handles because of my anxiety over the strap breaking on me.

Do you currently literally carry a bucket around?

Not sure if you're interested in something like a compact tool bag, but I have this VETO PRO PAC and I couldn't love it more! They make larger ones as well. Great build! https://www.amazon.com/Veto-Pro-MC-Handling-Tools/dp/B00NLXNW3A/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1491016814&sr=1-2&keywords=veto+pro+pac

this past january i pulled my back, so it was time for a tool bag overhaul. Now I use this husky bag and this veto pro.

I use this Dewalt backpack works really well for what I need it for

Take a look at this.

VETO PRO PAC TECH-MCT Tool Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CENNFYS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_DHQXBbRMZGE7Q

But if he is an awesome uncle get him this.

VETO PRO PAC Tech Pac LT Tool Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WZLTCHO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WJQXBb8ZC8NN6

Problem is, I have this:

https://www.amazon.com/Occidental-Leather-9850-Adjust-Fit/dp/B00HGASW48?ref_=ast_bbp_dp

I can't remove the hammer loop/pliers pocket from the back. The bottom of the plier pocket thing keepspushing my pants down everytime I put it on. I still like it albeit it's a slightly annoying thing I wish I can change. It's all good I'll just rock the plumber's crack.

Klein Tools also makes a backpack the Tradesman Pro Tech Backpack

I have had a similar bag for over 3 years. It's less money, just as easy to get into, and is made to carry more weight on average. It doesn't need to be this exact bag, but most tool bags make amazing range bags. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000Q5KYKA/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1342711588&sr=8-1

Do you mean something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/Custom-Leathercraft-IP489X-Suede-3-Pocket/dp/B001AIKIE4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382973242&sr=8-1&keywords=leather+tool+belt

I like being a guy because of communication.

I'm usually fairly straightforward, while my wife has a thousand ways to say "No."

There's only 2 items I want right now, both for my TF2 Engineer Cosplay!

Gloves

Toolbelt -- It's a little over with shipping, but it'd be awesome to have! :D

Thank you so much for this contest!

I have a tool bag for in the house. I keep all the usual items. I can take a picture of it for ya when I get home.

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https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DG5543-Inch-Tradesmans-Tool/dp/B001P30BO6/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=dewalt+tool+bag&qid=1563036747&s=gateway&sr=8-3

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Out in the garage the other post got it right with the Harbor Freight tool Chests. You can't go wrong with them. They will hold up and last you forever.

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You want to keep stuff off the floor so I would recommend these

https://www.samsclub.com/p/members-mark-4-shelf-industrial-storage-rack/prod22160218?xid=plp_product_1_3

they are 2 Feet deep so can hold a lot.

If you buy two you can actually fill up a whole wall.

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I like these as parts organizers in my garage, Milwaukee makes good ones also. You don't want to go cheap on these, it is a bad day when you go to carry it somewhere and the latch breaks and spills out 1000 screws

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https://www.amazon.com/DeWalt-DWST14825-10-Compartment-Organizer-Metal/dp/B00AUVX394/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3DS66NM6H7SBY&keywords=dewalt+storage+organizer&qid=1563037131&s=gateway&sprefix=dewalt+storage%2Caps%2C224&sr=8-4

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I use one like this in the house to hold small parts

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-25-Removable-Compartment-Professional-Organizer/dp/B00005QWYF/ref=sr_1_37?keywords=parts+organizer&qid=1563037496&s=gateway&sr=8-37

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Now for stuff I feel will change your life.

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If you do any electrical work, or for changing face plates. This screwdriver will change your life.

https://www.amazon.com/Interchangeable-Screwdriver-Klein-Tools-67100/dp/B003FC75YE/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=klien+screwdriver+fast&qid=1563037724&s=gateway&sr=8-7

I saw a electrician using it and I had to go buy one.

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I always have multiple sizes of these in the garage. They work great for hanging or fixing anything.

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https://www.homedepot.com/p/Deck-Mate-8-x-2-in-Star-Flat-Head-Wood-Deck-Screws-5-lbs-Pack-2DMT5/305418729

I just order Star bits instead of buying a bit set with a bunch a bits I don't use.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XYS26HQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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If you have a sawzall and some trees you need to trim these will saw through a 4 inch branch like it is butter.

https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-PC760R-9-Inch-Pruning-Reciprocating/dp/B005DYMRA4/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_rp_c_0_1/130-4777576-0899065?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B005DYMRA4&pd_rd_r=b176538d-8b66-4ae2-ae89-92e5aef62a85&pd_rd_w=eLDwX&pd_rd_wg=Z1XlH&pf_rd_p=4b985ee3-c51c-45b0-b742-d73501cbd701&pf_rd_r=7T9YW21VA3QFF00GFKS4&psc=1&refRID=7T9YW21VA3QFF00GFKS4

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These are great stud finders. They find the drywall screws that go in to the studs.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IKK0OI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I installed 3 of these in my garage and the light output is amazing.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078B7KG1R/ref=dp_cerb_1

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can't think of anything else right now.

When I lived in an apartment I had this husky: Husky 18 in. Rolling Tool Tote https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008VEICU2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_R37pxbM5F6A60

The rest lived at a shared workshop.

Husky 18 Inch 600-Denier Red Water Resistant Contractor's Rolling Tool Tote Bag w/ Telescoping Handle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008VEICU2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kQQWDbJA591TH

This is what I use. The 5500 is a little small for what I like to carry. Been one of the best bags I've ever used

Occidental Leather 5596- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0090PJE9Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_gR7aAb5218YW2

Yes they do. I use one. The whole pouch is leather.

Edit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0090PJE9Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_wiFtybPR8E19R

This is the one that I use. It works well enough but I tend not to like putting my laptop in it, it just makes it to heavy.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G0KQKLC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3rGzDbH859BK8

Occy Bags

this is what I and about 4 other guys at work use.. I got a lot of flak for them at first, but then those dudes turned around and bought themselves some. They are very comfortable, WELL built, and i can't imagine doing rough in without them... thats all i do is new construction

Check this thing out. it might take a tiny bit of wrangling but I doubt you can find a more durable "back pack" check the dimensions to see if it will fit under your seat....

http://www.amazon.com/VETO-PRO-PAC-Tech-Pac/dp/B00WZLTCHO/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1457496402&sr=8-8&keywords=veto+pro+pac

In the end it is your choice, I'm just trying let you know that cargo pants can be viewed as unprofessional in an office environment.

Chinos\khakis are actually perfectly usable for the situation you are describing. My Dockers have 5 pockets - if that not enough I should be using a bag.

Suggestions:

> usb cable and power plug for my phone

Front left pocket (side opposite of keys)

> a small pouch full of flash drives

Consolidate these with a tool like YUMI and keep everything on 1-2 large drives.

I keep a single Verbatim TUFF 'N' TINY 32 GB drive on my keychain, it holds all the bare essentials I would need to rebuild most of my systems from scratch.

> 7" tablet

Back left pocket (opposite of your wallet)

> Zalman VE-300

Reconsider the need for this on your person. With a basic YUMI multiboot setup you won't need the Zalman unless things are seriously broken. If you trim back your flash drive collection though, you should still have room for it in one of your pockets.

Put the Zalman, extra flash drives, and a few other basic tools\cables in a small tool bag and bring that when you expect to need them or if you are parking far away.