Discuss Recommend a New Tool Bag in the Electrical Tools and Products area at ElectriciansForums.net

H

hightower

Morning all,

About 18 months ago I bought a Stanley Fat Max Open Tote Bag, the only thing that concerned me was the only real place to put screwdrivers was in the outside pockets. This has worked well for 18 months, but the screwdrivers have now gouged a hole in the bottom of each pocket - it's fine while I've got 7 screwdrivers stuffed in holding each other in place, but as soon as I take 1 or 2 out the others drop down and protrude out.

Anyhow, looking for a replacement bag, like open totes but open to recommendations. Not wanting to spend a bomb, but also not wanting something that'll last 18 months or less.
 
Store your infrequently used screwdrivers as you do now, but buy a good quality LEATHER pouch for the ones you know you will be using daily.
I have a one that I have used for years and years , although showing wear ,it has no holes in it yet.
 

I've got one of those, it does the job for me, travelling from job to job on the underground, I can get a fair bit in there but have to carry MFT separately. They were selling them for £36 on Amazon a while ago, so I think you could get one of them cheaper than 50 quid. Only downside is there is no lockable zip to it to stop people borrowing your tools if they are left unattended on site.
 
I've got one of those, it does the job for me, travelling from job to job on the underground, I can get a fair bit in there but have to carry MFT separately. They were selling them for £36 on Amazon a while ago, so I think you could get one of them cheaper than 50 quid. Only downside is there is no lockable zip to it to stop people borrowing your tools if they are left unattended on site.

Found one on Amazon for £32. They have rave reviews, not fussed about lockable zip - open tote isn't lockable either so not losing anything. Quite tempted to get one, as I'm a biker too so at least this would give me the option of taking the bike to smaller jobs.
 
The sizes and designs seem to vary a bit on amazon so you should check the specifications of the bags, I bought mine in a shop on offer as it seemed solidly made, and it has been jam packed with tools for the last two years with no sign of damage to the stitching so far. But I don't throw it around and I look after my stuff.
 
I have recently bought a Facom BS.T20 soft tote bag. It has plenty of room for everything I use daily plus it leaves a large gap in the middle for things like parts and drills to carry into the job (see pictures). It has outside pouches but most of the tool storage is internal and the whole thing, including the open external pockets, can be covered by a weatherproof cover that zips away when not in use.

I'm loving the practicality of it and reckon it was well worth the £60 inc VAT I paid from my local wholesaler. Much better than the CK magma one he was trying to flog me.

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Morning all,

About 18 months ago I bought a Stanley Fat Max Open Tote Bag, the only thing that concerned me was the only real place to put screwdrivers was in the outside pockets. This has worked well for 18 months, but the screwdrivers have now gouged a hole in the bottom of each pocket - it's fine while I've got 7 screwdrivers stuffed in holding each other in place, but as soon as I take 1 or 2 out the others drop down and protrude out.

Anyhow, looking for a replacement bag, like open totes but open to recommendations. Not wanting to spend a bomb, but also not wanting something that'll last 18 months or less.

I've got exactly the same bag HT and I really like it. I have the screwdrivers in the same place and simply store them with the handle facing down, that way they do not gouge out the bottom plus I can easily see which one I need.
 
I've got exactly the same bag HT and I really like it. I have the screwdrivers in the same place and simply store them with the handle facing down, that way they do not gouge out the bottom plus I can easily see which one I need.

Don't get me wrong, I thought it was a great bag..... until my screwdrivers made themselves a new inappropriate entry/exit. I'm not keen on leaving screwdrivers the 'wrong way up' - seems to me a recipe for disaster if you fall on them. Was taught early in life never point screwdrivers up in your pockets. Even my dishwasher instructions say knives must be pointed down in to the bucket.

Besides, don't your screwdrivers have an icon on the back so you can see at a glance which it is?
 
Don't get me wrong, I thought it was a great bag..... until my screwdrivers made themselves a new inappropriate entry/exit. I'm not keen on leaving screwdrivers the 'wrong way up' - seems to me a recipe for disaster if you fall on them. Was taught early in life never point screwdrivers up in your pockets. Even my dishwasher instructions say knives must be pointed down in to the bucket.

Besides, don't your screwdrivers have an icon on the back so you can see at a glance which it is?

They wear off with constant use.
But I agree with you , I would not store anything sharp side up.
 
I have a CK magma, and have had it around two years I reckon with few signs of it wearing out yet.

Have contemplated the veto otxxl and many other brands, but this one seems to suit me best. I like this bag partly due to the big zipped pocket on one side where I can keep loads of loose bits n bobs, Wagos etc etc.

Holds plenty for day to day work (including my flask!!)

IMG_20160425_151157.jpg

IMG_20160425_151223.jpg

IMG_20160425_151408.jpg
 
Don't get me wrong, I thought it was a great bag..... until my screwdrivers made themselves a new inappropriate entry/exit. I'm not keen on leaving screwdrivers the 'wrong way up' - seems to me a recipe for disaster if you fall on them. Was taught early in life never point screwdrivers up in your pockets. Even my dishwasher instructions say knives must be pointed down in to the bucket.

Besides, don't your screwdrivers have an icon on the back so you can see at a glance which it is?

You're probably right HT! I have always stored them this way but have on a number of occassions been aware of the pointy ends. I have never injured myself or others though... yet! I think my last post was a pretty silly one actually, suggesting the pointy end of a screwdriver stick up, I may actually try and change my habit... and then I'll come and moan at you for the gouged holes in my bag! ;)


I quite like Andy's bag though, especially the waterproof cover, I've had to walk in the rain without a coat a few times whilst it's used to keep the tools dry! I wonder if Andy's is always that tidy. :)

...

Edit.. I quite like GO's as well now!! All the little holes for the screwdrivers!
 
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If the pockets are big enough shove varying sizes of small bottle tops in to line them, or even a formed piece of leather ,or the like.
 

I've got something very similar if not identical apart from the colour.
They're fantastic for jobs where you have to move around - I've been using it for 'rapid response' reactive maintenance, and before that a job in an 11 storey building where you couldn't always get the lift. Being a backpack the weight is evenly distributed so it's better for your back, and leaves your hands free to carry materials, or to point and gesticulate.
The zips are sturdy, it has a solid plastic base so it sits upright and is easy to clean if you have to rest it down somewhere dirty. I've had mine for about 2 years and it still looks like new.

Again, my only complaint would be that you can't lock it to keep sticky fingers out.
 
I think a cover on a tote bag is essential. All my snips & pliers seize up in the rain without one on the Stanley I have.Think I'll get a Facom. Got a CK Magma technician's also but too many zips to keep opening & closing , I'll just use it for testing and eicrs.
 
If the pockets are big enough shove varying sizes of small bottle tops in to line them, or even a formed piece of leather ,or the like.

Some off cuts of 20mm conduit would be ideal to stop drivers scraping the bags sides. I use some to store a few cable ties, and never thought about it for drivers also, but may now do so!
 
Some off cuts of 20mm conduit would be ideal to stop drivers scraping the bags sides. I use some to store a few cable ties, and never thought about it for drivers also, but may now do so!

That's ideal to be honest, even some offcuts of Speedline for the narrower pockets.
I carry my long SDS bits in waste pipe and end caps.
 
I've got a Facom backpack which has lasted very well for the last 18months with no signs of damage yet (except where I stood on one of the plastic clips)

I went for a backpack as I started working for a customer in London which means a fair bit of train and underground travel
 
I've got a Facom backpack which has lasted very well for the last 18months with no signs of damage yet (except where I stood on one of the plastic clips)

I went for a backpack as I started working for a customer in London which means a fair bit of train and underground travel

I often wondered they way you lads work on the bigger jobs, how much it would cost to get a courier to deliver your gear to the site ,then deliver back to your base when you are finished.
I realise that security may be a problem.
 
I often wondered they way you lads work on the bigger jobs, how much it would cost to get a courier to deliver your gear to the site ,then deliver back to your base when you are finished.
I realise that security may be a problem.

It costs me £80 +vat each way to get tools and materials delivered by a dedicated courier service to that particular customer. I only carry the small handtools and laptop in the backpack.

The customer is happy to pay the added cost of the courier as they seem to be under the impression I know what I'm doing or something??
 
By the time you park and pay the pollution charges , and the peace of mind for your gear , I think I would be happy with that.
I have heard that your jobs can end in a flash or a bang though. :)
 
And you probably won't be able to afford to...

:saddam:
Well the way I look at it is you use a toolbag every day and it takes care of your (hopefully) equally expensive tools which you also use every day and are your means of earning a livelihood. and as I say, they will last a lot longer too, maybe even a lifetime. Time will tell as I've only had mine a year.
I take it youve never used/seen one in the flesh then?

I look on toolbags like women do with handbags.. only the best will do!
 
Well the way I look at it is you use a toolbag every day and it takes care of your (hopefully) equally expensive tools which you also use every day and are your means of earning a livelihood. and as I say, they will last a lot longer too, maybe even a lifetime. Time will tell as I've only had mine a year.
I take it youve never used/seen one in the flesh then?

I look on toolbags like women do with handbags.. only the best will do!

I'm only yanking your chain, I've had a look at them online and they look solid - maybe one for the future, but considering I only get a little work here and there at the minute (unless anyone wants to offer me more work) I can't justify that expense just yet.
 
Well the way I look at it is you use a toolbag every day and it takes care of your (hopefully) equally expensive tools which you also use every day and are your means of earning a livelihood. and as I say, they will last a lot longer too, maybe even a lifetime. Time will tell as I've only had mine a year.
I take it youve never used/seen one in the flesh then?

I look on toolbags like women do with handbags.. only the best will do!


Oh no my ex Daughter Law reincarnated
 
I'm only yanking your chain, I've had a look at them online and they look solid - maybe one for the future, but considering I only get a little work here and there at the minute (unless anyone wants to offer me more work) I can't justify that expense just yet.
Understood.. Previously I used ck magma which are good but won't last anywhere near as long. Mine about 3 yrs.. Funny, back then I thought THEY were bloody expensive!!
 
I have used magma in the past zips don't last 5 minutes and there totes the sides collapse inwards had this on two sizes of magma bagsKlein bags not cheap but I am impressed professional kit for serious professionals :wink5:
 

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I have used magma in the past zips don't last 5 minutes and there totes the sides collapse inwards had this on two sizes of magma bagsKlein bags not cheap but I am impressed professional kit for serious professionals :wink5:
Well those look nice but you'll have a job persuading me away from Veto but I'm in a rush at the moment so no time for photos
 
I have used magma in the past zips don't last 5 minutes and there totes the sides collapse inwards had this on two sizes of magma bagsKlein bags not cheap but I am impressed professional kit for serious professionals :wink5:

The CK technicians cases zips don't last long and are too much of a faff on to use in my view. I had the same issue with my open tote with the fabric on the inner side of the bag starting to sag inwards. Twenty minutes with a needle and thread sorted it out though.
 
Veto bags every time. The only thing that comes close in my opinion are the Snickers bags. CK bags like their tools fall apart on me.
 
I would of normally gone though a tool bag every 12 to 18 months. Had a veto XL 3 years now with no signs of real wear. There great and worth every penny.
 
Had a veto XL for 7 nearly 8 years cost £130 it's a bit dusty but otherwise still as good as day I bought it,
Recently bought the MC as a flight tool bag it's very good holds all I need, small parts I carry in little zipped bags and clip on the side
only one issue. .........

I bought it and the reviews did say it could do with being a bit taller.........
and a few pockets on the outside would be nice......

And 8 weeks later they brought out the new version which addressed all the review issues ......
So I was a little miffed but nonetheless it's a great bag and I probably carry twice the tools than my colleagues do in a bag half the size!

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk
 

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