Having a convenient tool bag is an excellent accessory for any professional plumber, electrician, or carpenter. When choosing the best tool bag, there are a few considerations to make that will help to keep you organized and keep your special tools handy.
Here are a few tips on what to look for in the products and a few reviews to help you start shopping.
DeWalt Pro Contractor’s Tool Bag – Best Choice for Contractors
Professional contractors appreciate high-quality accessories that are easy to use.
The DeWalt Pro Contractor’s Tool Bag is constructed of heavy-duty polyester and features a pop open design and a double pull zipper. This product also includes an adjustable shoulder strap that is non-slip and padded with a measuring tape clip and utility knife pocket.
The DeWalt Pro Contractor’s Bag was created to hold your cordless tools and more. With the wide-open mouth, this bag gives you plenty of room for storing all your favorite hand tools and power tools.
This is easy to carry a device with durable handles allowing you to carry large tools and cords easily, plus the flat front pockets can easily carry cell phones, notepads, pens, and flat documents.
With reinforced bottom pads, the DeWalt tool bag has good durability and the pads also help to stop water and dirt from damaging your tools. The fold-down flap uncovers more pockets in the back that gives you additional space for hand tools. This is the ideal size for a contractor and all their tools with forty pockets, a pop-open design, and a large interior compartment to meet all your needs.
Pros
- Heavy duty and large
- Straps work really well, even when it is filled up and heavy
- Great quality that can hold a lot of tools and accessories
Cons
- When all pockets are used, it gets too big and heavy
- Some users lose items when using all the exterior pockets
Veto Pro Pac TECH-LC – Best Tool Bag for Service Technicians & HVAC
A modified version of the original model LC, the TECH-LC was designed for service technicians. Some of the changes made were intended to accommodate tools for service technician tools and their work routines.
Including 53 pockets, the TECH-LC has plenty of pocket room for meters, drills, parts, and hand tools.
Made of Denier Nylon, this is also a good tool bag for bulkier items and includes eight small Neoprene pockets designed to hold drill bits and bit extensions. This rugged construction is great on the worksite and it also comes with a five-year warranty.
Pros
- Great design, easy to carry
- Perfect when you are in a confined space
- Heavy duty and dependable zipper
Cons
- Inside are short and loose, so you need to put several tools in one pocket to keep them secure and upright
- Bag organization system could have been designed better
Workpro W081023A – Best Bag for Small Projects
Constructed of polyester materials, the Workpro W081023A includes various pockets for tools and an adjustable strap for easy access.
It also includes a wide open mouth with a wide top that zips so you can easily reach your tools. This is a durable product with heavy stitching that is easy to carry from job site to job site.
The Workpro W081023A is perfect for carrying small to medium items like hand or carpenter tools.
This is a sturdy bag featuring a rubber foam bottom that keeps your tools protected from hard falls. The outer mesh pockets are perfect for storing personal items, accessories, or small tools.
Pros
- Durable and easy to carry
- Good value for the money
- Solid and well-made product
Cons
- When zipped closed the top is narrower than the bottom
- Not easy to zipper
Milwaukee 48-55-3500 – Best Water Resistant Bag
This easy to use contractor bag is durable and water resistant. The Milwaukee 48-55-3500 has soft sides and is constructed of tough 600 denier material.
Giving you more storage for the job site, the Milwaukee 48-55-3500 allows you to carry tools and accessories and features a dual handle and shoulder straps for easy carrying. If you need to, you can fit a whole series of tools and still have room to spare.
The Milwaukee 48-55-3500 Contractor Bag also features a durable zipper closure. It measures 20 ½ x 9 x 8 inches and is a perfect choice for tool and accessory storage. It has numerous inside pockets for smaller items and you can fit a battery charger in the large inside pocket.
Pros
- Good quality bag and fits all kinds of tools and accessories
- Good value for the money
- Nice strong strap that lets you hold what you need
Cons
- Outside pocket can tear if you’re not careful
- Zipper is not very durable, it bends and the threading comes out
Custom Leathercraft Tool Bag – Best Tool Bag for Electricians
Made with rugged polyester, the CLC 1529 Tool Bag features a 16-inch center and 16 pockets. This is an easy to access product that lets you reach your tools fast and keeps your tools close reducing the need to run back to your truck for forgotten tools.
The multi-compartment center is great for a variety of items and the convenient plastic organizer lets you clear out clutter while giving you easy access to all your tools.
The CLC Tool Bag also features large side pockets with loops that allow you to organize your tools. The back zippered compartment allows you to store valuables safely and the padded shoulder strap lets you keep your hands free to carry larger items like ladders and drywall.
This is a great size bag that doesn’t become too large or annoying to use. And once you remove the inner compartment it collapses for easy storage. Custom Leathercraft makes high-quality and easy to use accessories for your work life as electrician.
Pros
- Convenient and helps you keep your tools organized
- High quality and space saving choice
- Padded handles are comfortable and help carry heavy loads
Cons
- Material covering the metal wiring wears away revealing sharp edges
- Tape measure clip doesn’t work well
Dewalt Mini Contractor Tool Bag – Best Compact Tool Bag
The perfect size for carrying compact power tools, the Dewalt Mini Tool Bag is ideal for impacts, drills, batteries, and chargers. It can also carry smaller tools like wrenches and screwdrivers for easy access at the job site.
It features heavy-duty stitching that guarantees that it can hold a large amount of weight, especially when you need to carry to multiple tools at the same time.
Measuring 13 x 9 x 9 inches, the Dewalt Mini Tool Bag includes a durable zipper enclosure that guarantees that your tools won’t fall out while you are transporting them.
With sturdy and durable handles and a heavy duty nylon material, this product also features plastic skids at the bottom for increased stability so that it can take some abuse our at the work site. And six external pockets will help provide an extra area for small accessories.
Pros
- Holds drill and accessories well
- Fits larger tools and attachment easily
- Well-made and sturdy, stands up to abuse on the job site
Cons
- Fabric is thinner than expected
- Size is smaller than anticipated
DEWALT DGL573 Tool Bag – Good for Carpenter
The DeWalt DGL573 has a ton of compartments that range from small to large making access to all tools easy. Inside the big zippered pouch is one large open compartment that includes four areas to separate the tools you want faster access to.
The back of the bag features four large pouches plus a strap for additional convenience. One side includes two small slots and a hook to attach tools you often use while the other side includes two more slots and a covered Velcro pouch.
The included LED light can be directed easily into the bag to find specific tools.
The 13 outside pockets and the 28 multi-use pockets give you plenty of room for storage and organization, plus vertical pockets allow you to keep tools in sight for fast access. Carry handles have a padded web design and the shoulder straps are adjustable for convenience and comfort.
This product allows to hold a ton of carpenters tools and accessories like extension cords, drills, screwdrivers, pliers, and wrench sets, plus base pad feet lessen abrasion and wear on the bag and your tools.
Pros
- Very roomy and high-quality
- Can take a beating out in the field
- Well-made and designed, really tough
Cons
- Light switch is horrible although the actual light works well
- Top straps are inconveniently placed and get in the way when taking stuff out
DEWALT 16-Inch Tool Bag – Perfect for Tradesman
Featuring a large interior and a pop open design, the DEWALT 16-inch Tool Bag allows you to easily access tools and parts with fourteen interior pockets and one zippered pocket to keep valuables secure making it a great choice for contractors.
The heavy-duty, smooth double pull zipper is durable and outperforms expectations. The DeWalt Tool Bag is also constructed of ballistic, heavy-duty poly fabric that outlasts its competitors and also features four base pads that protect the bottom from getting dirty and wet.
With a convenient pop-open design, the large mouth opening gives you quick and easy access to all the tools and parts that will be stored in the interior compartment.
With thirteen interior pockets, you can secure your valuables for better accessibility and, with reinforced edges, corners, and bottom base pads, you have added wear resistance. The shoulder strap is adjustable and features a non-slip padded design with a non-slip handle to make carrying your bag more comfortable.
This product is designed to hold everything you will need at the work site. With twenty exterior pockets, you have plenty of options to keep you organized.
The DeWalt 16 inch also features one exterior flap that is a covered pocket with a hook and loop closure. This is designed to be a professional workhorse solution for your tools and accessories that can endure the toughest job site conditions.
Pros
- Very durable, can take the abuse of the worksite
- Internal pockets keep everything organized
- Top will stay open while you search for things
Cons
- Need sleeves that are useful for hacksaws and hand saws
- Need more pockets for small tools
Gatemouth Hard Tote – Most Versatile Bag for Plumbers or Painters
When you want tool bag that is built to last, the Gatemouth Hard Tote is ideal for tool storage when you are on the go.
Constructed with a double wall 600 poly ripstop fabric that is wear resistant, this is an excellent tote for DIYers and professionals like plumbers.
Featuring side storage mesh pockets with an elastic trim, the Gatemouth Hard Tote also includes a steel handle that is equipped with a comfortable rubber foam grip and eight total pockets that are reinforced and twelve inner tool loops for a great storage solution.
This tote is good for more than just holding tools. This durable and handy tote can be used for carrying cleaning or craft supplies. It includes a variety of pockets styles including three mesh, four open, and one zipper, plus the tool loops give you plenty of storage option for small tools and parts. A handy metal tape clip is also included.
Pros
- Great choice for tools, even holds a tape measure
- Great size, can take it anywhere
- Sturdy and good for holding daily work tools
Cons
- Feels like there is cardboard under the fabric so you don’t want to get that wet
- Pockets aren’t quite tall enough for some tools
Rothco Canvas – Best Jumbo Bag
The Rothco Mechanic Tool Bag is a heavy duty product measuring 17.5 x 9.5 x 6.5 inches. Constructed with a heavyweight 100 cotton canvas material, the Rothco Mechanic Tool Bag is durable and has a hard fiber bottom for extra sturdiness.
It also features two long outside pockets with closures that snap and a large main compartment.
This is a military-style device that includes a heavy duty nylon zipper for the main compartment. It also includes a total of 12 interior tool pouches for a variety of storage options for tools and parts. This is a roomy tool bag that allows you to carry the tools you need to the worksite to finish the job.
Pros
- Sturdy feeling, good material thickness
- Include more pockets that are not seen in the description
- You can nest quite a few tools into this roomy product
Cons
- Material is a cheap canvas
- Side pockets should be zippered, not buttoned
Best Tool Bag – Buying Guide
Who Needs a Tool Bag?
A tool bag isn’t for someone that only has a handful of tools, but if you have a good collection of tools like levels, socket wrenches, pliers, and crowbar, then a tool bag is a good way to stay organized. Because think about it, you spent a lot of money to buy all of these tools; it only makes sense that you should keep them all safe.
They also give you fast and easy access to all of your tools when you need them. These handy bags can allow you to keep all of your devices together in one place, and since it’s portable, you don’t have to worry about carrying a toolbox with you when you move locations.
Advantages of a Tool Bag
• It a great way to store all your tools in one bag, which makes it easier to find and keep safe.
• It makes carrying tools easier since you take all your tools together anywhere you want.
• Tool bags are great to protect your tools from water and direct air contact.
• They give you a more professional look.
Considerations Before Buying a Tool Bag
Material
The most common material that tool bags are made of is canvas and nylon. More durable products are usually made of poly fabric, nylon, and canvas.
Durability is an essential factor when considering which tool bag to purchase as you want one made with a sturdy and durable material that can withstand the weight of a lot of tools. So, the stronger the material is, the longer your purchase will last.
Multiple pockets
Since tools come in a variety of sizes, you need to make sure there are numerous pockets that can store different sized tools. Bigger tools like power drills and hammers will need a different type of pocket than smaller tools like screwdrivers.
Padding on the bottom
Having a pad or feet on the bottom of your tool bag is one way to stop wear and tear. You will find that the best tool bags have either feet or thick padding, which can protect tools from dirty or wet surfaces.
Reinforced bottom panels also make them easy to load up and sturdy while prevents the tools themselves to tear out the bottom.
Padded, textured handles
Having padded or textured handles is another great feature that makes it easy for you to carry the bag for long periods.
Wide-mouth opening
Wide mouth openings are another great feature of a good tool bag as it makes it easier to load and unload your tools.
Zippered compartments
If you have problems with misplacing small items, then you need to look for an option that has zippered compartments.
Metal framed top flap
Some toolbag models have a metal frame that is stitched into the fabric allowing the top to stay open while you load and unload your tools.
Different Sizes
Depending on how you plan to use your tool bag, you will want to consider what size do you want. Smaller tool bags work better for small jobs or trips. Larger will have lots of pockets for all your power and hand tools, and it’s a great way to store all your tools for convenience and easy access.
Depending on the number of tools you plan to carry and what you plan to do with the tool bag, make sure to find the right sized product to meet your needs.
Hooks and clips
If you plan on buying a device with hooks and clips, make sure to check that all the hooks and clips are good quality and have been attached well to the bag.
Fasteners and Zippers
Zippered pockets are a great way to make sure valuable and small items stay secure. Make sure you choose a device with durable zippered pockets because weak zippers tend to break and become unusable. Options with heavy duty and durable zippers and fasteners that withstand extreme use are the bags you want to find.
Waterproof/Weatherproof
Having a waterproof bag will help to keep your tools safe from the weather, plus the bag itself won’t get ruined if it gets wet.
Built-in light
For those that work in low light conditions, a built-in light can be very handy as well as good safety features. Using power tools in low light conditions without the right light isn’t safe, so having an option that has a built-in flash can be very handy to have so, it can focus the light on your work area or even on the bag itself.
Wheeled bags
Having wheels on your gear makes it easier to transport, which can be very handy with the weight that tools can add to your bag. It can be a chore to carry it around, and it can add additional strain on your body. Wheels on your bag will help to make moving it from worksite to worksite a lot easier.
Retractable handles
Retractable handles are also handy if your tool bag has wheels. This type of handle will make the tools organizer easier to move around, especially if they are telescopic and can easily adjust to your height.
D Rings for Attaching Tools
D rings can help to attach tools to your pouch for additional storage and convenience. Typically stitched into the bag’s fabric, D rings are a handy feature that should have reinforced stitching for durability.
Taking Care of Your Tool Bag
• Regularly check the zippers to make sure they are still able to zip and unzip easily. If you notice that the zippers are starting to catch, then it is time to lubricate them with a silicone spray.
• Always use your tool bag with its recommended weight limits and make sure not to put too many tools in it. You want to make sure that the number of tools you are carrying does not exceed the bag’s safe working load limit.
• When cleaning your bag, use warm, soapy water and avoid using harmful chemicals such as bleach.
FAQ
Should I settle for a tool bag or a toolbox?
Even though toolboxes are useful, a tool bag is much easier to carry around even when you have loaded it with lots of tools. You may struggle to lift a toolbox while having to transport it using public means to your job, but a tool bag will not give you difficulties. We would recommend that you, therefore, get the right device for your work.
Must I be a professional to buy a tool bag?
No. Though most products are designed for professionals who spend the most time working with different tools in the field, you can still get one for your home use. Having invested in various tools, you have to prevent them from getting misplaced. Keeping them all together in a safe tool bag also enhances safety at home so that your children don't get hurt playing with them. It also keeps you organized and saves time, so that you don't have to keep on looking for a lost tool.
What materials are best for my tool bag?
If you need to keep numerous tools that range in size, choose a bag made from canvas or nylon. These materials increase durability and prevent your purchase from wear and tear. A dense material ensures the stability of your bag as it holds lots of tools in position for your convenience.
What is the right size for my tool bag?
The size of a tool bag also depends on your tools and your task. For a small job that you don't often do, you can choose a small one while everyday duties with lots of tools require large tool bags. Fortunately, there are all kinds of sizes of tool bags that provide sufficient room for all your tools. Most of them offer different pocket styles for you to separate all your items for quick access.
How do I avoid losing items when carrying my tool bag?
Some users complain that they lose items when they have exposed pockets hanging on the sides of your tool bag. To avoid this, if you have to carry small items that can get lost, choose an option that is fitted with inner pockets, so they don't keep on falling out of your bag.
How do I access my tools fast when working in an area with no light?
Sometimes as an electrician, you may need some extra help when trying to access your working tools in darkness. This is why you need a tool bag that has a built-in light to help you see what you are working on and make it easy for you to reach for your tools. Check out the Dewalt DGL573.
Can I get a tool bag to work under harsh climatic conditions?
Yes. Not all tool bags are made the same. We have some water resistant choices that keep your tools safe from the rain. If you are worried about your items rusting from harsh climatic conditions, choose a Milwaukee 48-55-3500. It is designed with a denier material for maximum protection of your devices.
How do I take care of my tool bag?
Make your tool bag last long by handling it with care. Mind about your bag's capacity before overloading it with excess weight. If you have excess items, get a product that can sustain the pressure of your tools. You should also clean it regularly with a soft brush and a mild detergent. Strong bleaches affect the fabric of a tool bag and make its colors fade easily. In case you notice that your zippers are not working appropriately, silicone spray can help in lubrication.
Last words
You may think that tool bags are only recommended for professionals and contractors, but many DIYer’s and handymen have found that these products are a great addition to their gear. Investing in the best tool bag is a great idea, especially if you have a large number of hand tools.
They are also a convenient replacement for a toolbox that is an easy way to carry a larger amount of tools to your jobs.
