Tool bags..

[rusty_tlc]

To organize wrenches try large "carabiner style" rings, not the real deal just the cheap kind. I carry three; one for 22mm to about 16mm, one for 15mm to 9mm, and one for the few SAE wrenches I need.

Another idea is the "bag of bags"; use small inner bags to keep like tools together ie one for screwdrivers, one for pliers/cutters, etc.

I'm still trying to figure out a good method for keeping sockets organized. I want to find something like a cable key ring on a larger scale.

 

[SNLC]

I looked pretty hard for the open end wrench roll ups. Good ones can be a bit hard to find.

Never had any socket holders that held up well or kept the sockets on them, especially in a tool bag.

It certainly would be nice to have my tools a bit more organized in my bag. But I have just learned to deal with what I got since I was not able to find exactly what I wanted when I was shopping.

 

[sterling]

I have one of these, while not perfect its handy.
Rolls up into a fairly small pouch.
I would say the socket part is better for deep-well sockets.

CLC 1173 32-Pocket Socket and Tool Roll Pouch

 

[1leglance]

I have found that thrift stores are a great place to find lots of small bags, makeup bags, coin bags and such all work well for sockets, nuts, bolts and such

 

[vkfzj80]

So before I completely destroy this stupidly nice bag with tools, any suggestions on it? Should I not even use it for tools? Or should I get more to use

put that tool back in the living room for display and buy yourself a $20 bag

 

[NLXTACY]

put that tool back in the living room for display and buy yourself a $20 bag

Ugh, this is my quandary. Its stupid nice but it IS a tool bag.

Dammit womanprincess who do you torture me so!!!!!

 

[JLH911]

I use bags with socket holders and roll ups. Makes it much easier.

Similar to these:
http://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-1885-4-Inch-8-Inch-3-Piece/dp/B000NPUJQC/ref=pd_cp_hi_0

Amazon.com: Bucket Boss Brand 07004 Duckwear Tool Roll: Home Improvement

Good luck.

I was going to suggest the socket holders...plastic ones are good enough or maybe metal would be better in a tool bag so they don't crack.

 

[JLH911]

Use it...they'll make more Cows.

For some stocking stuffers I asked my wife for some tool bags and I sent her some links. Well she bought me the priciest one they had on the site:
Klein Tools Deluxe Leather Bags

Its the 18" one.

So before I completely destroy this stupidly nice bag with tools, any suggestions on it? Should I not even use it for tools? Or should I get more to use

 

[bmwjnky]

For my sockets I use the cheap semi-reuseable food leftover containers. Then I just mark them with a sharpie with what size sockets are in them. Not as organized as a socket rail but better than just loose in the bottom of the bag plus the lid can double as a place to set nuts/bolts so they don't get lost in the dirt if they are small.

 

[SWITAWI]

Purchased 10yrs ago (price was cheaper then) and never looked back - The Big House - Duluth Trading Company
I no longer work 'in the field' so it has become my road trip tool carrier.

 

[REZARF]

I use 3 Snap-On tool bags I found at a local pawn shop for like $8 each. They are robust and hold a lot of stuff. I seperate the 3 into different catagories...

1. Tools, I use rolls inside this bag to get some organization, but to me, if I need a tool on the trail, it is no big deal to sort through and find what I need. Saving space is a bigger deal day to day.
2. Fluids and a basic spares, jumper cables.
3. Recovery, ratchet straps, and air hose/tools.

FWIW, I am probably combining them all into a pelican 1600 case to save space... yet again

 

[Bluetribal]

Got mine at the .99 Cent store and then had them embroidered for $5. And the Army bag is holding my spare coolant and vaccum hoses

 

[jdogg]

Jumbo Mechanics Tool Bag
picked up a couple of these for $17. tools, spares, etc.

 

[AdventureToolCompany]

Did someone say "Pelican case"?......just kidding....I use couple of tool bags to store handtools and loose parts.

 

[SNLC]

Geez....I needed this thread 2yrs ago before I bought mine and took a trip.

 

[Bogo]

I want to find something like a cable key ring on a larger scale.

I've been on and off looking for the clasp for years. Needs to be under 1/4" so a 1/4" socket will slip over it. I'd then string all the sockets in order on the cable. Similar can be done with closed end wrenches. Attach the clasp to a 1/16" or so cable. CountyComm - Gate Clip has a small gate clip that is almost small enough. I see they also have a cable key ring that may do: CountyComm - A&P Key Rings 6" or 12" overall length. I wonder if it would hold up to use as the string for a socket or wrench necklace? For now I'll likely stick with the socket strips.

I was going to suggest the socket holders...plastic ones are good enough or maybe metal would be better in a tool bag so they don't crack.

I like the metal socket strips. I have a set that I use for my portable tool box. I cut the metal rails to length then rounded the ends off. That way they aren't overly long and don't wear holes in the tool bag. Sears, and many others, sell them. Nice thing is a missing socket on one of them tells me to look for it. Helps keep them from getting lost.

plus the lid can double as a place to set nuts/bolts so they don't get lost in the dirt if they are small.

I've thrown in a few of the black plastic microwaveable bowls/trays you get in frozen prepared meals. They are light, and have 1" or so high sides. Plus they only cost the effort to clean them after eating the meal. I keep a bunch of them with each tool set. That way I can also keep sets of bolts together but separated from other sets. For longer term small parts storage I'll whip out the ziplock sacks and even put a piece of paper in with them telling what the parts are for. For my camping gear the ziplocks are part of the kitchen supplies but would get raided in a second if needed for parts organisation.

On tool bags and cases. I put my tools in soft sided heavy duty bags, then put the bags into a plastic shipping box. Helps to keep everything organised.

 

[NLXTACY]

Got mine at the .99 Cent store and then had them embroidered for $5. And the Army bag is holding my spare coolant and vaccum hoses

I didnt think about embroidery. Thats the ticket!

 

[NLXTACY]

Jumbo Mechanics Tool Bag
picked up a couple of these for $17. tools, spares, etc.

The shape of these are better for space efficiency.. Interesting

 

[AutoCraft Aus]

The green one has tyre changing gear, vehicle spares, and specialised tools for the car, and the red one has all my tools, wire, sockets, glues, threadlocks, repair kits, both have the bottom section, and 2 lift out trays, so no tools get left on the ground.

I carry a big plastic lid fruit bottle with all my specialised bolts like panhard rod, control arms, fine thread metrics specific to the Toyota range.

 

[Joe_E]

Purchased 10yrs ago (price was cheaper then) and never looked back - The Big House - Duluth Trading Company
I no longer work 'in the field' so it has become my road trip tool carrier.

You got any real pics of that bag?
That's one reason i never bought anything from duluth. Those stupid cartoon product pics in their catalogs.