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avophile
07-08-2005, 12:17 AM
What are you using for tool cases? I would like to trade in my big clunky tool bags with small pockets that I either lose everything in or tear my fingers up on sheetrock screws for some of those really cool briefcase-type cases with the inserts and pockets etc. Any recommendations on what, where to buy?

Thanks in advance,

Doug

Dogman
07-08-2005, 08:26 AM
Doug,

I like these http://www.viewtainer.com/ for all the tiny little parts

and after nearing slicing off my finer on more than one occasion I finally switched to a Bucket Boss which has ample pockets for most of your gear and the greatest part I enjoy is the fact you can toss your smaller trash in the middle and then later when you are back at the shop you can dump it out or if there is not much always use the shop vac to clear it. If you do it right you can fill every pocket of the bag so at the end of the day upi know if anything is missing.

Dog

vwpower44
07-08-2005, 11:12 AM
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00959426000&subcat=Tool+Boxes

After all of the years, I have come to love this tool box. It has plenty of storage on the top for screws, fittings and connectors, and plenty of storage in the bottom. We use the bottom for drill bits, toner, pro-connect connector/crimper, walkie talkies, etc. The box is nice and big, but not too big to carry around peoples houses. I like this box more than the briefcase type. I had a small craftsman, similar in design, but it was too full.

Mike

avophile
07-08-2005, 12:20 PM
VM,

I often carry the pull-out tray of a box like that around a client's house when I need to bring an assortment of tools to a spot. For example, when terminating jacks and I need 110 punchdown, coax crimper, strippers, screwdrivers, keystones, F connector reamer/rammer, etc. It works a lot better than a tool-belt and less likely to scratch stuff. I only use a belt on pre-wires anymore.

What I'm looking for is one of those cool briefcase type things that I can check on a plane, that has inserts where I can put my tools and most importantly check them when I leave, perhaps by checking against the traced outline of the tool on the insert like my Grandpa's tool bench. I am sure that the money I will save in not having to replace tools will more than pay for some real high quality tool cases, with locks and really strong latches, etc.


Dogman,

Those Viewtainer things look pretty cool, how sturdy are they? Are they kind of flimsy like gloriified versions of the things that cable ties sometimes ship in? I occasionally get crazy and by a bunch of plastic totes to get organized but I always end up cracking the ones that I use with any regularity.

Thanks for your responses.

Doug

Dogman
07-08-2005, 01:37 PM
Dogman,

Those Viewtainer things look pretty cool, how sturdy are they? Are they kind of flimsy like gloriified versions of the things that cable ties sometimes ship in? I occasionally get crazy and by a bunch of plastic totes to get organized but I always end up cracking the ones that I use with any regularity.

Thanks for your responses.

Doug

They have been marvelous for me. Just make sure for the things you carry alot of you reinforce the tops with electrical tape. Nothing worse then pulling out your f-conns and having the top fall off(couple of wraps of tape and it is fixed) As far as stability I have about 35-40 of them and they work like a champ. The only thing I recommend is using the lighter colors so you use a black sharpie on the tops to identify them easily (silver sharpies dont hold up) You can find them at the local home depot almost anytime. They never know what you are talking about but they are there usually in electrical.

Dog

vette84
07-08-2005, 01:44 PM
I used to use one similar to this http://www.chicagocase.com/product.php?catid=15&id=44 made by Chicago, but ultimately it was too big and bulky to use everyday. Yes, it's nice that its hard and has a big compartment in the bottom, but none of the tool trays are really designed for the tools we use, mostly made for screwdrivers and pliers/wrenches. I now use bucket boss large tool bags, and the tools always seem to find their way thrown into the main compartment and not the pockets, but I guess that's more my fault than the bags. I can still blame them, though.

I almost forgot, I recently picked up a bag at Academy. Okuma Amazon. It is a large tackle bag with pull out plastic trays inside.
http://sl.wus0.com/quclk.go?rd=http://www2.academy.com/MktgContent.nsf/253c3dfb92673a8d86256fcf006dd170/86256f2e0075e27b86256fb8007d3f3e!OpenDocument&res=2&crid=4c854dbc15687175&pos=1&mr=10&qu=okuma%20bag
Great for all your connectors and wallplate inserts, and all your other little items. I bought two larger plano trays to store wallplates in. Great to take to the jobsite, then just work out of the little trays.

OEX
07-08-2005, 05:58 PM
We use bags like this.

http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/horizontal-item.jhtml?id=0012126014464a&navAction=push&navCount=1&indexId=cat20327&podId=0012126&catalogCode=IF&parentId=cat20327&parentType=index&rid=&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fcatalog%2Fitem-link.jhtml.1_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166&hasJS=true

they come with plastic storage containers and all.

vette84
07-08-2005, 09:16 PM
thats pretty much just like the okuma bag I'm talking about

sirroundsound
07-08-2005, 10:37 PM
I got a canvas bag at Home Depot, same area where the "bucket bags"were. I think it has about 60 pouches and a few with tie down straps. Great for all the basics, plus enough room in the middle to hold my Dymo, a few testers and still room for those odd tools that wouldn't fit into a pocket or pouch. Then I picked up a good plastic container, both sides flip down to reveal a dozen or so compartments for screws, ends, and all the other small bits we need to carry around, plus it has 4 drawers that only open when the sides are opened. If I carry these two items to most job sites, I can pretty much have everything I should need. I thought the bag was from husky, but looked on line and don't see it.

Anonymous
07-14-2005, 04:12 AM
I use several types of tool boxes, but if you wanna carry-on type that is airport friendly, I use an Aluminum attache case. I bought it at Home Depot for under $30. It has dividers and an attached pouch liner, and includes a key set so you can lock it up if needed. I keep my delicate tools..meters, sensors, etc in it. It works fine.

I also use a Stanley Tool Box with wheels on site. It breaks down into two large containers and has small drawers to keep connectors, etc in. I love the wheels cause it rolls around the location great. I also picked that up at either Lowe's or HomeDepot for about $75.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=24981-000010203-VGC-5200&lpage=none

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@0721571399.1121332168@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdeaddfeggdmfjcgelceffdfgidgmn.0&MID=9876

Darren
Cinema At Home

The8thst
07-14-2005, 10:21 PM
http://www.jensentools.com/product/group.asp?parent_id=5665

This soft sided cordura bag is the bag I use and it works great for me. I am planning on buying a smaller bag and a second set of my essential tools (for service calls, toning out a cable, terminating a balun at a TV, anything where I don't need everything).

The big bag has pallets that provide a pocket that perfectly fits all my tools except my rj crimper and my cable pro compression crimper (there are pockets that work great for those on the back of the bag though). Otherwise all my cutters, klein crimpers, toner, probe, screwdrivers, cat5 stripper, coax stripper, flashlight, punchdown, soldering torches, utility knife, tape, etc. fit perfectly in the front of the bag and it is extremely easy to see if a tool is missing. It took me about a week before I was able to reach in a grab a tool without turning to look at the bag and now I don't even think about it.

The center section offers plenty of storage and also has an optional laptop pallet that slides in (I use a seperate laptop bag because of weight considerations), but I do carry 3 plastic parts bins (plano or flambough type for connectors, crimp ends, and the like) and I still have enough room to fit a small drill some blue tape and drill bits.

The bag was pretty expensive, but I have increased productivity and haven't lost a tool on a job since I started using this style bag.

The end pockets work great and fit my Fluke DMM perfectly on one side and the other holds shrink wrap, solder, and zip-ties. These pockets also have velcro flaps that fold over the top of the pockets that you can't see in the horrible photos on the website.

The following link is for the small bag I will be purchasing soon, but I have not decided on which pallets to get.

http://www.jensentools.com/product/group.asp?parent_id=6015


These are expensive bags, but they are very high quality tool bags with great solid handles (feels like it has 1" conduit under the padding) and big locking clasps over the center compartment.

When I travel I just throw this tool bag inside a youth hocky duffel bag, throw a lock on the zippers and check it (since you can't carry tools onto a plane anyways).

AHEM
07-14-2005, 11:43 PM
You'd think for $200.00 that they'd at least give you a decent picture of the thing.

Finding the ultimate tool boxes has been something of an obsession for me. I can't even walk into Menards, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. without stopping by the tool box and parts storage box aisles.

One of these days I'll post some pics of what we're currently using.

The8thst
07-15-2005, 05:53 PM
I can always take a few pics if anyone asks, but my cam is pretty horrible.

avophile
07-15-2005, 09:42 PM
The Jensen tools stuff looks very cool, 8th. I would lean towards the hard one though because I tend to abuse my luggage. Have you seen that in person? Thanks vette for the Chicago tip. I think I'll get some of the fishing tackle soft cases the other guys mentioned for parts.

The8thst
07-16-2005, 07:24 AM
I have not seen the hardshell cases in person, but they use the same pallets as the cordura tool kits.

The pictures in the free catalog are much bigger and of better quality than the pictures on the website, just order that.

They also have just about any tool you could need in there as well with great warantees.

Oggy
02-16-2006, 04:35 PM
well, if you can't find the ultimate toolbox go for the ultimate lunchbox.

http://www.seriouslycamping.com.au/Products.aspx?ProductID=375

bad website image but I don't want funny looks from everyone while taking camera pictures of my lunchbox!

avophile
02-16-2006, 05:39 PM
How many pints of Guinness can you fit in that vacuum flask?

Hey, whaddya know, it's happy hour again!

Oggy
02-18-2006, 11:59 AM
forget that, you'll get a bottle of whiskey from the local distillery and a mixer in that flask!
http://www.cooleywhiskey.com/
The Guinness can go in the lunchbox for dessert!

eleese
04-01-2006, 08:45 PM
While it wouldn't have been my first choice for a toolbox, I will admit our crew uses its vacuum feature almost daily. Leave it to my grandfather to find an item like this for a Christmas gift! While the box itself is rather simple with a single pullout tray, the vacuum and accessory A/C outlet make for a great, basic toolbox.


http://www.boscovs.com/StoreFrontWeb/Product.bos?itemNumber=37208&type=Product

Avid67
06-08-2008, 11:58 PM
my personal favorite is the Veto Pro Pac XL.
http://www.vetopropac.com/veto-pro-pac-model-xl.php
It works well and makes tool access easy. Along with this pouch from LSDInc.
http://www.lsdinc.com/content/product_details/3

benc
06-09-2008, 05:54 AM
Does anyone remember or know what the tool 'bag' that looks like a briefcase is that comes pre-loaded with tools? It was like $500 dollars. I know it was in one of these threads but I cannot find it.

If anyone knows what it is I would love to have the link. I will be doing a lot of flying in the next year and thought that it might work good to travel with.

djnorm
06-09-2008, 06:44 AM
I know of two - There is a PRO'S KIT one, and a Xcelite one. The boss has both. The PRO'S KIT one seems like cheap Chinese crap, but might not be. It just has that look to it when you open it. They both have lots of tools you'll never need.

Zach.H
06-09-2008, 07:36 AM
Does anyone remember or know what the tool 'bag' that looks like a briefcase is that comes pre-loaded with tools? It was like $500 dollars. I know it was in one of these threads but I cannot find it.

If anyone knows what it is I would love to have the link. I will be doing a lot of flying in the next year and thought that it might work good to travel with.

Is this the thread you were looking for:http://integrationpros.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3701&highlight=tool+bag

benc
06-09-2008, 08:10 AM
DJ hit it right on the head. THat is what I was looking for. I did not know that they had an un-populated one. Thanks......

kevinK
06-09-2008, 08:38 AM
anyone else noticed that Veto Pac came out with Open top bags

http://www.vetopropac.com/veto-nylon-tool-bags.php

tooneymonkey
06-09-2008, 10:41 AM
Best tool bag for my money http://www.vetopropac.com/. There are a few different styles to choose from and they are very easy to carry. I love mine and would only give it up to get a bigger one.

SammPX
06-09-2008, 11:28 AM
Platt makes a good soft bag...I have had this one for almost 10 years and it is still going strong. I can get almost everything I need in it to trim/final/service a job.
http://www.plattcases.com/product_p/695zt.htm

For rough in, trim or retro, I have a second set of hand tools along with my drill charger, some bits, etc in one of these...
http://www.tools-plus.com/bucket-boss-06004.html

I'll put one of the tool bags along with some misc. stuff into a rolling case to save my back from carrying either bag on my shoulder. They work great in the city when I have to park several blocks away.
http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1630

Avid67
07-06-2008, 11:06 PM
Has anyone seen this:

http://www.mobile-shop.com/

I like the concept but I would like to see something industry specific.

BigPapa
07-07-2008, 12:48 AM
Platt tool cases are hard to beat if you're going to travel a lot. Getting one with wheels on the bottom is very nice, but beware of getting one too sturdy: ATA300 rated cases are awesome, but with 50lbs the limit for air travel you only have 30 lbs worth of tools you ship. When I did more commercial it was a very good investment. Now that I do more resi and work in the office, I have less use for it.

I have one of these if anybody wants to buy one:

http://www.plattcases.com/product_p/757th-cb.htm

I've modified it with teflon runners on two sides to protect floors or wood stairs.

Pelican tool cases are good for lighter tools with foam padding inside. They won't last if you load them up with tools and bring through air ports.

jberger
07-07-2008, 08:00 AM
Damn,
That mobile-shop cart is LOADED. Very nice little setup, but I wonder how it will go up and down stairs on a regular basis. Looks like it would be very convenient on a commerical project.

Canyon convinced me to go with the CLC bag in place of the Vetopropack.
The middle storage space in the CLC bags is great for carrying cordless stuff, but it's easy to overfill the bag and make it too heavy.

I really like the layout of the veto bags, but I'd end up carrying another bag just for a cordless drills and I wanted it all in one bag. The pure open top bags are great to work out of, but I always turn one over and spill the tools so I wanted something that could be zipped up at the end of the day.

ebecker
07-09-2008, 10:27 PM
what about you programmers. I find it hard to keep all my cables organized the usb cables, serial, upb adaptors, serial to mini etc etc etc.


what does everyone use for storage of laptop and cables?

Pilgrim
07-09-2008, 11:30 PM
what about you programmers. I find it hard to keep all my cables organized the usb cables, serial, upb adaptors, serial to mini etc etc etc.


what does everyone use for storage of laptop and cables?


Well.........even though all of my power tools and hand tools are neatly organized(as well as the fastners and other 'parts') that allow me to build the house around the system, I'm afraid to say that I have a bloated lap-top bag :(

jberger
07-10-2008, 07:54 AM
I've been using a soft-side plano tackle box for programming. I was using a fully loaded rolling case for all that stuff, but it just too much for everyday use.

Lots of compartments for storage, clear cases for easy viewing and rubberized bottom so it doesn't scuff up the flooring. Comfortable to carry with padded straps and keeps everything organized. The best thing about the organization is that you know what is missing when you are packing up.

I keep all the programming stuff together in one bag and just have a shoulder bag for my laptop. It's much lighter that way and I carry my laptop just about everywhere.

The low end testers (resitester, outlet identifiers, etc) are in another soft tackle bag and the expensive stuff (wirescope) is in a hard shell pelican box.

Robert
07-26-2008, 06:10 PM
Platt tool cases are hard to beat if you're going to travel a lot. Getting one with wheels on the bottom is very nice, but beware of getting one too sturdy: ATA300 rated cases are awesome, but with 50lbs the limit for air travel you only have 30 lbs worth of tools you ship. When I did more commercial it was a very good investment. Now that I do more resi and work in the office, I have less use for it.

I have one of these if anybody wants to buy one:

http://www.plattcases.com/product_p/757th-cb.htm

I've modified it with teflon runners on two sides to protect floors or wood stairs.

Pelican tool cases are good for lighter tools with foam padding inside. They won't last if you load them up with tools and bring through air ports.


BP,
Do you still have this? PM me with details if you do. I might be interested.
Robert

PAAI
07-26-2008, 06:25 PM
what about you programmers. I find it hard to keep all my cables organized the usb cables, serial, upb adaptors, serial to mini etc etc etc.


what does everyone use for storage of laptop and cables?


All of my cables (about 25 of them) are in heavy ziplock bags marked on the inside top with masking tape. The cords are wrapped in velcro.

I have been using the Crestron literature bags that come with processors, Keypads and such.

clinthicum
07-26-2008, 10:51 PM
The latest tool bag I've been using that I really like is the Husky Pro Tool Bag available at 'da Depot. I've used other type of open top bags and zippered top bags before, but most have either broken or just been overfilled with junk, debris, and a place to cut my hands as I go digging in the dark for the tool I need. This one has a large handle that is much more effective than a strap.

http://www.homedepot.ca/wcsstore/HomeDepotCanada/images/catalog/d86ea55f-465d-4e2b-a7c2-e10fb0dfe277_3.jpg


I also use a few black plastic hard cases to stores more important tools like meters, testers, etc. These can be had at Container Store for fairly cheap and you can use the customizable foam to create custom fit slots or holes for tools, etc. I keep my Canare crimper and stripper in one case and also have a few fishing tackle box style smart parts cases that fit inside the black case to hold connectors, gold pins, heat shrink, etc.

http://images.containerstore.com/MEDIA/ProductCatalog/6539/6539.jpg