Best Overall
CLC 18-Inch Multi-Compartment Tool Carrier
Runner-Up
Carhartt Legacy 14-Inch Tool Bag
Best Bang for the Buck
WorkPro 16-Inch Wide-Mouth Tool Bag With Molded Base
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There amount a point when collecting a complete DIY set of tool start causing store issues , and that ’s where tool bags come in handy . peter boxes might do the john as well , but they definitely have their shortcomings . Although they ’re tough , shaft box are soprone to disorganizationthat the bottom can well become a pitch-black hole of screwdrivers , hammers , and other common go - to tools .
dick bags , on the other deal , are designed to put up as much organization as possible while being lightweight for comfortable add together . We ’re always looking for cock and accessories that facilitate our lector , so we research and test several of the most popular prick bags to influence which ones are best suit for stow different types of tools .
When shopping for a tool bag , John Lin , professional mechanic and cofounder ofJB Motor Worksin Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , commend looking for a stout root word . “ Having a tool purse with a sturdy waterproofed base is n’t just about durability but also about cleanliness , as it preclude dirt and grime from construction website from entering your fomite or workspace . ”
Keep reading to pick up how to tell the difference between a good tool bag and a great one . And find out how the follow theoretical account fared in our hired hand - on test to ultimately earn a spot in this card of the best tool bags .
How We Tested the Best Tool Bags
We research more than 35 unlike tool purse before choosing the single we wanted to prove in real - world preferences . To determine which ones we would test , we took brand public figure into score to an extent ; after all , trade name like DeWalt , Carhartt , and Ryobi have a reputation for producing top - pass tools and accessories . Still , we did n’t mechanically exclude small manufacturers or corner stigma if their merchandise boasted consuming customer satisfaction .
After finalizing our examination consortium , we compiled a outfit ofbasic DIY tools , including several readiness of pliers , hammers , screwdrivers , drills , tape measurement , marking tools , and other betting odds and ends . We fill each udder with the tools and put them through their paces .
We assessed how easy the bags were to organize and noted the ease of carrying each in full load purse . We also inspected the handbag to assess their craft and strength . Each bag was awarded point based on a gloss : The better the bag performed on a run , the high-pitched the point . After examination , we averaged the points to determine the practiced overall performing artist and to categorize the bags to each one ’s right function causa .
Testing Stats
Our Top Picks
The follow roundup is here to aid readers pick out the best instrument bag for their needs . It comprise of some of the most pop option on the market , each of which we tested ourselves . Below our batting order , you ’ll retrieve shopping considerations when selecting a cock bag .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carries our brand ’s highest level of good word .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our actual - world examination and that exemplify core value of the Bob Vila stain , including craftsmanship , innovation , and value for the dollar . winner of this identification come recommended by our professional review team and are in person sanction by Bob Vila .
Our rating : Organization5/5 ; simpleness of Use5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Water Resistance3/5 ; Value5/5
Any DIYer who has a pile ofhand toolsand needs a serious storehouse solution will want to check out this bag from CLC . This 18 - inch carrier offers every tool a place while prioritizing brass . It has a zippered flapping on either side that open to reveal scores of pockets , plus a center pocket large enough to lay away a few top executive tool at once . Everything zip by for secure store .
This tool bag can be carried in two different manner : by grabbing the rolled and cushiony nylon handles or by using the shoulder strap , which features a cushioned pad and swivel hardware to keep it from tangling . We used it both ways in our testing , and they both served us very well . We also loaded all the tools in the test kit into the bag and still had an entire side of the bag left to fill , meaning this bag could have held twice as much without give organization .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
One thing to note , though , is that the bag ’s bottom is n’t rainproof , though it does feature article stitch - on plastic foot .
Get the CLC tool bag atAmazon .
Our Ratings : Organization4.5/5 ; Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Water Resistance4/5 ; Value4.5/5
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
DIYers and professional alike will probably appreciate this durable bag from Carhartt . This 14 - inch tool bag features a toilsome - duty 1200 - denier polyester construction and cushioned handles that are comfortable even while the suitcase is carried at full capacity . This bag has 26 pecker pockets plus the main compartment , offering plenty of computer storage for bridge player cock and a power recitation .
When testing the Legacy , a few features stand out . The stuff itself come out to be very durable , and we did n’t experience wary of place chisel inside some of the smaller side air pocket . Also , the summary conception allowed for stack of depot without ingest up too much space . We like that the bag detain open on its own and that the carrying handles were very comfortable .
The principal downsides of this bag are that it lacks a shoulder joint shoulder strap — though the handles genuinely are well-situated — and there are no zippered pocket for smaller items .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Carhartt 14 - inch peter grip atAmazonorCarhartt .
Our Ratings : Organization4/5 ; Ease of Use4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Water Resistance5/5 ; Value5/5
Homeowners and DIYers who demand a small , lightweight handbag to keep their appurtenance in place without a bloated price tag will want to check out this budget - well-disposed tool bag from WorkPro . Compact in intent , the bag feature a polyester construction , a waterproof plastic base for elongated durability , two hook - and - loop hold , and a padded shoulder strap . The travelling bag offer up two zipper pulls , which , when positioned in the heart of the zipper , make for easy one - handed chess opening .
Photo: amazon.com
Tests revealed that the shoulder strap was comfortable and for certain the best method for acquit this bag . We also liked the waterproof bottom and the obvious computer storage for writing utensil , a detail many pecker bags lack . There are 21 situation for stash away tools , but the internal pouch are strangely regulate , so impregnable store might be an issue . The material is grim quality than the other bags on the list , but the price reflects that ; overall , it ’s a proficient economic value .
Get the WorkPro cock bag atAmazon .
Upgrade Pick
Husky 18-Inch 18-Pocket Rolling Tool Bag
Our evaluation : Organization4/5 ; Ease of Use3.5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Water Resistance4.5/5 ; Value4/5
Anyone with a muckle of tools to enrapture can give their back a rest with this rolling tool bag from Husky . This travelling bag features 600 - denier polyester framework , a telescoping handle , and a set of wheels that roll well even across rough , uneven surfaces . The high - timber construction and paying attention design are standout feature article , as is the bag ’s 100 - pound weight capability .
The Husky is really a premium ware . We liked the 18 well - designed sack , one of which features a sweetener - and - grummet closure that ’s worthy for smaller particular like driver and exercise fleck . We also determine that the two padded handles were the most comfortable in our test group — even despite the nearly 12 - pound unloaded weightiness of the bag . The large master compartment held lots of tools during testing — we even pussyfoot an extra circular saw in for good criterion . Also , the telescoping handle work flawlessly with one script , and the wheels were smooth and broken .
Photo: amazon.com
The one problem ? There are no side - mount handles to make come up it in and out of a vehicle easier .
Get the Husky tool travelling bag atThe Home Depot , Amazon , orDK computer hardware .
Best for Power Tools
Dickies 20-Inch Work Bag
Our evaluation : Organization4/5 ; easiness of Use4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Water Resistance4/5 ; Value4.5/5
Haul everything , irrespective of weight , with the Dickies 20 - Inch work bag . ramp up from long-lived canvas with a polyester interior facing to be strong and lightweight , it boasts a Brobdingnagian center compartment that will admit a practice session , reciprocate adage , rotary saw , and even a few batteries . There are eight external compartments and six national pockets suitable for both small tools and large ironware .
This bag bring on impressive result in our testing . Long and deep , the centre compartment harbour turgid deal tools well and offered room forpower tools and DIY products , too . Also , the pocket feature a billowed design with a shoulder strap of strong webbing at the top , offering caboodle of secure memory board . This bagful was comfortable to carry , even when it was full stretch . We did n’t like that the zipper was a picayune sticky while set about to unfold it one - handed , and the pockets seemed too general in size , but overall , it ’s a great travelling bag .
Photo: homedepot.com
Get the Dickies tool purse atAmazon .
Best for Large Hand Tools
Klein Tools 16-Inch Canvas Tool Bag
Our rating : Organization3.5/5 ; Ease of Use5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Water Resistance4/5 ; Value4.5/5
This choice from Klein Tools is a classic take on the modern tool cup of tea . It features a long-lived canvas construction that ’s insubordinate to tearing as well as instinctive leather handgrip that are roll and stitched for maximum comfort . Also , the thick leather strap and metal warp ensure that this traveling bag stay shut .
examination proved what we already mistrust : lineament was top - grade , while organization was lacking . We appreciated the ponderous - obligation hinge alloy opening as well as the fabulously durable canvas and vegetable - tanned leather grip and buckles . We liked that Klein sew abrasion - resistant leather over the bottom of the one - man canvas bag instead of just stitching the cup of tea ’s wall to a piece of leather for improved enduringness .
Photo: amazon.com
Do note that there are no pockets , so it ’s best for stowing large bridge player shaft or inserting plastic organizer .
Get the Klein Tools cock bag atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best Rolling
DeWalt 18-Inch Rolling Tool Bag
Our Ratings : Organization5/5 ; simpleness of Use4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Water Resistance4/5 ; Value5/5
DeWalt does n’t just know instrument — they also know the best ways to put in them . We ’re longtime fans of the make , and their 18 - inch peal tool bag reinforce our commitment . We ’re familiar with DeWalt dick box , and this suitcase combine the best of atool boxand a tool handbag .
To begin our testing , we load up the bag with several tools and accessories . We really wish the influence plastic base , which is project to preclude water from seeping through the fabric if it ’s mark in a dampish placement . Another decent feature of speech of the DeWalt putz bag is its wide-eyed vigor - open top , which opens completely so that the user can see everything in the handbag at a glimpse .
Photo: amazon.com
The bag features 28 compartments , and we found a nice motley of minor pocket in spite of appearance for salt away items we wanted to protect from moisture . The extra pockets on the exterior were corking for peter that could stand firm light rain . The bagful has two exterior zip fastener compartment , one of which was just the right sizing to stow our cell phone .
We line up this to be a cracking all - around work bag , and we felt it was well suitable for particular DIY job , such as organizing and storing a compendium of wiring creature and appurtenance . The wheels and extendible handgrip made it extremely portable when carrying heavy item . The only thing we would have liked was a few fold - over pockets on some of the outside compartments to make the bag slenderly more protective in rainy conditions .
Get the DeWalt tool bag atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAce Hardware .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Molded Base
Carhartt Legacy 18-inch Tool Bag With Molded Base
Our Ratings : Organization5/5 ; Ease of Use5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Water Resistance5/5 ; Value5/5
If you have a large collection of pocket-sized tools , such as screwdriver and pliers , the Carhartt tool bag might be the right-hand solution for you thanks to its telling inclusion of 45 compartments . The bagful is comparatively compendious , but we were still capable to store a few powerfulness hand tools in the gravid internal compartment and a plethora of smaller tools in the bevy of interior and exterior pocket .
Carhartt did n’t skimp on pockets with this cock bag . The exterior boast pockets layer over existing pockets , which increases storage infinite and makes organizing easier .
Photo: amazon.com
We loaded the bag and carried it using its side handle as well as the optional adjustable articulatio humeri strap . Both worked well , but we preferred remove the articulatio humeri shoulder strap because we see it handier to clean it up by the side handles for ready transport . The custom - cast abrasion - tolerant base is great when setting the bag on damp pasture .
The tool bag ’s canvas exterior is water - repellent but only protect the items in the large interior compartment when zipped . The opened air hole on the exterior will take on water and hold it , so keep this bag out of the rainwater . In accession to being a great shaft travelling bag , it would be a skillful pick for an artist or craftsperson who wants to store several small tools .
Get the Carhartt 18 - column inch tool handbag atAmazon , The Home Depot , orCarhartt .
Photo: homedepot.com
Best Backpack-Style
Ryobi 16-Inch Backpack With Tool Organizer
Our Ratings : Organization4/5 ; Ease of Use5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Water Resistance5/5 ; Value5/5
A backpack is an optimal root if you need to carry token over a aloofness . This backpack from Ryobi looks like many other character of backpacks , but it features 31 compartments to organize tools and accessories .
What we liked most about the Ryobi backpack were the zippers on the exterior compartments . With no undefendable pockets for rain to get it , this haversack - panache tool pocketbook will keep your possessions dry if you get catch in a abstemious rain . We loaded it up and localise it in the itinerary of a sprinkler for 10 minutes to see if it was really water - insubordinate . When we reach the backpack , we see all the item we ’d stow inside were still dry — except for one scoop where we had n’t closed the zipper all . Our bad .
Photo: lowes.com
The manufacturer does n’t list a weight demarcation line for the travelling bag , but we found it hold 30 pounds without straining the seams or the zip . Ultimately , a individual ’s strong-arm strength and the distance you will carry the dish will square off the best weighting terminal point . The only thing that could be improved is the molded plastic base . While it ’s great for those times you need to plant the bag on damp grass , it poke into our hip joint when we comport it as a backpack .
After unloading all the shaft we used to test it , we put our DSLR television camera inside and fulfil the interior and exterior pockets with our electron lens , flashes , and filters . All go well . Ryobi contrive this tool bag to expect little might tools and accessories , but it ’s suited for other items , too .
Get the Ryobi tool bag atThe Home DepotorWalmart .
Best Cargo-Style
Kobalt KB 18-Inch Cargo Bag
Lowe ’s has a winner with this ready to hand Kobalt tool bag . It does n’t come with many Vanessa Stephen and whistles , but it ’s tough , well design , and capable of holding several hand dick and many smaller accessory .
We loaded up the Kobalt bag with some drills , screwdrivers , portable body of work lights , and other small add-on . The top of the bag has a zip fastener blockage , and we liked the power to open both side all the way so that we could easily see and retrieve tools from the inner compartment .
The base come with side handgrip and an optional shoulder shoulder strap . We find both suitable ( and comfortable ) for carrying our gear , but we prefer the handgrip , so finally , we removed the shoulder shoulder strap . The manufacturing business does n’t number a maximal weight limit , but we load about 35 pound in the bag and did n’t notice any bulging seams or tears .
With the old bag ’s 12 pouch on the exterior and six inside , we had plenty of way to hold DIY tools , screws , nails , and the like . We did run into one minor issue that we feel was a fluke : A Velcro - character pouch flap on the outside of the suitcase was missing one of its Velcro pads .
The Kobalt tool bag ’s size of it and design would make it idealistic for carrying a socket exercise set , wiring tools , or other little - project pecker collection .
Get the Kobalt puppet grip atLowe ’s .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Tool Bag
Choosing the best creature bag might seem simple , but there are a few dot to consider before dropping immediate payment on any old base . The following surgical incision let in some of the most essential consideration to commemorate when shopping for the best tool dish , from storage to fabric and more .
Number of Storage Pockets
If you havea raft of pocket-size hand tools , meters , and gadgets , you probably do n’t want them all piled up at the bottom of a prick bag . For DIYers , the more pockets , the merrier — and the less mussy . The best tool bags have plenitude of storage choice for observe train stowed away properly and safely , leading to a more efficient workflow and beneficial results .
Framed Opening
Often , on a jobsite , one ’s workflow may command reaching for a tool or redact one away with one hand . A tool suitcase with a floppy opening will make this challenging , if not inconceivable . To get around this defeat , wait for a puppet bag with a wire or alloy frame reinforcing the opening of the main compartment . This permit for one - handed opening and ending .
If that does n’t seem authoritative , consider how much money a quality prick set costs to assemble . Without that integrated opening , those expensive tools lean to lay on the ground where they can become bent or even break . A prick bag with a border opening can save time and money by preventing this .
Material Quality
According to Terry Dussault , CEO ofYellowknife Safetyin Huntington Beach , California , shoppers may want to seem for “ a tool dish made from stout stuff like heavy - duty fabric or reinforced nylon to hold the wear and tear of task . ” Dussault also urge a tool travelling bag with piddle - insubordinate or waterproofed material to protect your tool from rainwater or accidental release .
The most common material for tool bags are thick nylon , canvass , and polyester . These materials can confirm plenteousness of free weight , and sharp tools wo n’t poke through their sides . Rubber makes a top - mountain pass base for a tool pocketbook due to its durability and nonslip attribute . Inexpensive traveling bag made of inexpensive material like imitation leather and humbled - class nylon are bound to rip prematurely and be more in the long run when it comes time to substitute them .
Zippers and Buckles
There ’s no sense organize a tool bag if everything fall out of it in the truck or backseat . These bag are meant to be closed and ensure , so verify any bag you choose utilise a high - calibre slide fastener or clasp system . Look for gravid nylon zippers with pull tabloid that run with a gloved helping hand . As for buckle , look for traditional bagful with alloy buckle and leather strap , which will hold up well over time . If you opt lightweight buckle , go for indestructible nylon over charge plate .
Size and Intended Use
Tool bag come in all shapes , size , and styles . Some are tailored toward finical trades , while others are ecumenical catchall . Sizes can alter from 14 to 24 inches in length . Due to this wide kitchen stove of sizing and designs , it ’s important to consider the type of use the pocketbook will likely see before buy one .
If it ’s headed to a jobsite everyday with many large , heavy tools , a 14 - inch or 16 - column inch bag with a 50 - pouch chief compartment wo n’t be much good ; a 20 - inch or 24 - inch bag with few pocket and plentiful way for large puppet would do better . Conversely , if the tool bagful serve as a caddy for acquit tool from the garage to the house , view a minor bag with Lot of computer memory pocket .
Carrying Options
The best shaft bag have large handles with over - molded gum elastic bag , rolled nylon , or a leather sleeve . These are all prosperous option when haul a hard loaded bag for any aloofness .
For prominent base , look for shoulder straps with duncish cushioning to keep them from dig into a shoulder . Avoid sparse , flat straps that put a mess of pressure on a very small orbit ; they ’re sure to cause pain in the ass and fatigue . A thin strap without any padding will mean stopping often to flip grips as well , slow up the entire process down .
FAQs
Even with that all-encompassing background on choosing the good dick bag , some additional question might drink down up . This section aims to reply those queries by address some of the most ofttimes require dubiousness about tool bags . Be sure to check for an solution to your question list below .
The ideal sizing for a tool udder depends on the function . A 14 - in or 16 - inch travelling bag will do the put-on for smaller hand tools and a drill . Forlarger power tools , a foresighted dish in the 20 - inch range might be serious .
The most important feature to take care for in a putz bag are durable materials and raft of store . Nylon , polyester , canvass , and leather are typically the best materials .
Most polyester and nylon bags will shed quite a bit of weewee before becoming soaked , though you could treat any grip with afabric protectorfor atmospheric condition resistor .
Meet the Testers
Glenda Taylor is a Cartesian product tester and author specializing in the construction , remodeling , and substantial estate industries . She and her married man own a general contracting company , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications . She tests a wide range of power putz as well as other home improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden products .
Tom Scalisi is a full - time DIY and structure writer for many of the largest web site in the industry , including BobVila.com , This Old House , Family Handyman , and Forbes as well as his own pest control web log .
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