Recommend a New Tool Bag

[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.

 

[hightower]

Hmmmm, quite like the look of this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stanley-Fatmax-Backpack-Plumbers-Electricians/dp/B008ETKKUY

Any thoughts?

 

[ruston]

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.

 

[Pete999]

Hmmmm, quite like the look of this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stanley-Fatmax-Backpack-Plumbers-Electricians/dp/B008ETKKUY

Any thoughts?

I have a Klein Tradesman pro not cheap but I am a fully paid up tool tart.

 

[derek]

Hmmmm, quite like the look of this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stanley-Fatmax-Backpack-Plumbers-Electricians/dp/B008ETKKUY

Any thoughts?

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.

 

[hightower]

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.

 

[derek]

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.

 

[Andy78]

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.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

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.

 

[hightower]

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?

 

[ruston]

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.

 

[Sparky_Steve]

also have the facom been going strong 5 years + and being a tool ----- i constantly over filling it

 

[NDG Elecs]

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!!)

 

[HappyHippyDad]

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!

 

[ruston]

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.

 

[Adam W]

Hmmmm, quite like the look of this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stanley-Fatmax-Backpack-Plumbers-Electricians/dp/B008ETKKUY

Any thoughts?

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.

 

[sparkdog]

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.

 

[NDG Elecs]

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!

 

[ruston]

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.

 

[Simonslimline]

Use the facom bag as well, paid £49 for mine online, cant remember where though. Decent bag in my opinion.