How heavy's your tool box or bag?

Jimmy Gillies · May 2005

> Every six to nine months, I find myself changing 
> tool bags (sometimes they get beat up, but 
> usually because I get bored and want to try 
> something new). 
> 
> I used to have a 56-pocket 
> BucketBoss organizer that fits over a 5 gallon 
> bucket, but it must have weighed 50 lbs. 
> easy. 
> 
> I've used various tool bags, but those 
> also tend to get heavy quickly because I'm always 
> adding tools. I used to reason that I'd rather 
> carry a heavy bag or toolbox in a house once, 
> than keep going back and forth to the truck to 
> get specialty tools as I need them. 
> 
> Well, as 
> I'm not getting any younger, I'm going to make an 
> honest effort to get a smaller tool box or bag, 
> and resist the temptation to load it down. I'm 
> going to try to make do with less tools. 
> 
> I'd 
> like to hear what others use for their main tool 
> box, and what tools they keep in it. 
> 
> Taking 
> this to an extreme minimalism, one master plumber 
> I worked with didn't even carry a tool box into a 
> house on a service call - just a pair of 
> Channel-locks, 5-in-1 screwdriver and a 
> flashlight (because if he needed a specialized 
> tool, he send me to the truck! 
> Sheesh!) 
> 
> Seriously, I figure the following 
> tools should be sufficient for most jobs: Channel 
> locks, crescent wrench, 5-in-1 screwdriver, long 
> flat-blade screwdriver (makes a good 
> prybar/chisel), hammer, tape measure, torpedo 
> level, basin wrench, 10-inch pipe wrench, utility 
> knife. That's only 10 tools. What do you think: 
> too many, or not enough? Would you add any tools? 
> (Keep in mind, I'm a plumber who only does minor 
> heating work, I'm trying to keep the weight of my 
> main tool box/bag down.) 
> 
> Also, what type of 
> tool "box" do you prefer: a tool box, tool bag, 
> tote tray, 5-gallon bucket, milk crate, etc?

Ken C. · May 2005

I'm trying to lighten it up

Every six to nine months, I find myself changing tool bags (sometimes they get beat up, but usually because I get bored and want to try something new).

I used to have a 56-pocket BucketBoss organizer that fits over a 5 gallon bucket, but it must have weighed 50 lbs. easy.

I've used various tool bags, but those also tend to get heavy quickly because I'm always adding tools. I used to reason that I'd rather carry a heavy bag or toolbox in a house once, than keep going back and forth to the truck to get specialty tools as I need them.

Well, as I'm not getting any younger, I'm going to make an honest effort to get a smaller tool box or bag, and resist the temptation to load it down. I'm going to try to make do with less tools.

I'd like to hear what others use for their main tool box, and what tools they keep in it.

Taking this to an extreme minimalism, one master plumber I worked with didn't even carry a tool box into a house on a service call - just a pair of Channel-locks, 5-in-1 screwdriver and a flashlight (because if he needed a specialized tool, he send me to the truck! Sheesh!)

Seriously, I figure the following tools should be sufficient for most jobs: Channel locks, crescent wrench, 5-in-1 screwdriver, long flat-blade screwdriver (makes a good prybar/chisel), hammer, tape measure, torpedo level, basin wrench, 10-inch pipe wrench, utility knife. That's only 10 tools. What do you think: too many, or not enough? Would you add any tools? (Keep in mind, I'm a plumber who only does minor heating work, I'm trying to keep the weight of my main tool box/bag down.)

Also, what type of tool "box" do you prefer: a tool box, tool bag, tote tray, 5-gallon bucket, milk crate, etc?

ALH_3 · May 2005

Kennedy

I've got a few Kennedy toolboxes that seem to work pretty well. Inherited the first one. It's probably 50 years old. They do get pretty heavy though.

-Andrew

Robert O'Connor_3 · May 2005

I just got the new ridgid tool mas bag. it's the best bag i've ever had. similar to the veto pro pack, it has a compartment for every tool and a zip up cover so that even when the bag tips over the tools will stay in place. I've had bucket bosses, (too heavy, always tipped over, awkward to carry. regular tool boxes (no way to keep things organized) imo i like to carry soldering gear and hand tools in one bag. In my bag i've got mini thru #30 ridgid cutters, pex cutter, snips, 1 pr channel locks, one pair douglas pliers, linesmans, dikes, basin wrench, 8 peice screwdriver set, 1/4 thru 1/2 nut drivers, 8 inone, metric and am. allens, mini mag light, wire strippers, 10" wrench, knife, chisles,pocket mirror, probe thermometer, clamp on multi meter, lazy hand guage, tape, dope, flux, ect. my bag probalby weighs 50lbs, but its got a strap and rubber handle, so it's not awkward at all to carry. I hate not having the right tool and having to go back and forth to the truck.

hr · May 2005

Weighing in at just under 30 lbs!

I just do radiant and hydronic these days, so a bunch of plumbing tools, and weight, are left behind.

I had a custom aluminum box built over 15 years ago. I expect it will last my lifetime and then some

It is rugged enough to stand on!

Nothing special on the tools. I love the 7 in one screwdrivers. The pinch off vicegrips have saved my butt many times. Can't leave home without that aluminum offset pipe wrench, an all time favorite.

hot rod

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Empire_2 · May 2005

I feel the same

I try to use several bags or box tool kits depending on the problem. I used to carry a large box, but when on a simple call I found that the box out-weighed the problem (meaning I was mad to carry all that crap in for something easy). I guess I thought keeping pipe wrenches, cutters in one bag would help, but you always find yourself going to the truck for something or the other.....

jeff_51 · May 2005

well my main tool box

is a five gallon bucket and has been for over twenty years. I also have specialized boxes for tinners tools, soldering box, oil box etc. I haven't used the bags yet, but know several guys that really like them. I have used nail bags on a belt as well as tool pouches as I'm sure many of you have. It all depends, but I still like a plain old bucket the best.

Mark Hunt · May 2005

Depends

First thing in the AM..........35lbs.

8:00pm.............1,473lbs.

Mark H

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dennis02 · May 2005

tools

I find the best way for me is to have separate tool boxes or bags for differnt calls with almost everything you ll need cause for the most part when you know what the call is about you have a good idea what you might need wheather its a heat call or a leak from the wall or whatever it is you just pick the right tool box and go on your way it cuts alot of weight from the bag when you leave the kitchen sink in the truck for the heating call

bovide_4 · May 2005

switched to rolling box

Same story-First a bucket boss-cant drive with it without it tipping. Then tool bags-get too dirty and no visibility and fills with junk. Now I use a rolling Craftsman plastic toolbox. Top tray-open end wrenches, utility knife, teflon and electrical tape. Second tray: mapp gas torch, flux, solder, brushes. Bottom bin: hammer, pipe wrenches, channelocks, tubing cutters.
Weighs a bit, but only have to carry up stairs since it rolls. Thought it would break by now, but it hasn't.

Jimmy Gillies · May 2005

Same problem.

I also have the same problem as you guys, I have a couple of Plano tool bags and a 5Gall bucket in my van, far to many tools!
I use a small Plano as my small tool bag, it's got a good shoulder strap, but it's stuffed with to many tools.

I think I buy lots of tools because as an Apprentice I didn't have a lot of money(on Apprentices wages), I could only afford to buy a tools every now and again.
So we try to buy small hand tools for our Apprentices as a wee bonus.
Here's a link showing Plano tool bags.
http://www.shop4tools.co.uk/acatalog/shop4tools_co_uk_Tool_Bags_112.html
Thanks for reading.
Jimmy Gillies (Scotland)

Weezbo · May 2005

here is a thought ...

when i am not quite so challanged as i am at the momment, i keep a set of tools for rough in , a set of tools for finish, a set of tools for boilers, and a set of service tools,each one of them have a few cross over tools....

lchmb · May 2005

shoulder bag

I carry a small main bag for most trouble shooting and basic work. It weighs about 9lbs and carries most everything I need. Nice part is it has a shoulder strap so that I can climb ladders or have both hand's free for anything else I need. I do like alot of other guy's though and have tool boxes for soldering, electrical and one for tin work...

Sweet_3 · May 2005

Tool Bag

I got a solder bag, a specialty tool bag and a service bag, within a couple of weeks I got three bags full of stuff. It's a never ending battle of futility, it must be a commentary of my lack of organizational skills, hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

Bernie Castonguay · May 2005

TOOL BOXES

Go to toolpak.com Need I say more?

How heavy's your tool box or bag?

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