When it comes time to tackle a home project, it's nice to know that all your tools and supplies are contained in one place. Even if your tool collection consists of only a hammer and a couple of screwdrivers, a toolbox or bag is still a smart addition; as you pick up new tools and supplies to add to your collection, you'll always know where they are.
1. 18" Canvas Mason Bag from Museum of Useful Things $48
2. Klein Tradesman Pro Organizer 8" Tote from Ace Tool $54.12
3. Excel Tool Box from West Elm $12
4. Craftsman 12" Tool Tote from Sears $10.99
5. Stack-On Deluxe Professional 26" Tool Box from The Home Depot $23.97
6. Excel 20" Cantilever Toolbox from Northern Tool & Equipment $54.99
7. Stanley 16" Auto Latch Tool Box from Ace $18.99
8. Dewalt Polyester Zippered Closed Tool Bag from Lowe's $34.98
9. Contico Work Box from Grainger $85.30
(Images: As credited above.)
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My friend, to her brothers great consternation, call them "Tool Purses" when they are in the local hardware store. The key to a good tool carrier is regular purging: they fill up really fast with once-in-a-while tools, extra screws, wire bits and the like. Get a good carrier and a container just for fasteners.
I have a friend that uses #1 for a handbag/tote, and it looks great.
This summer, while on site (I'm an architect), I mentioned to a couple of the tuckpointers that their Klein Tools canvas bags had become trendy as accessories. They laughed and laughed.
I've been hunting for something not hideous to carry all my painting supplies to art classes in...
I got my tool box at an estate sale — so it came WITH tools.
No.1 made me giggle :)
I bought the Husky bag, similar to the DeWalt bag, and it wasn't expensive, I think I paid $16 for it at Home Depot last winter to contain the tools and safety kit that had been residing in a larger purple Rubbermaid tote in the back of the cab of my now former truck.
I also did some purging and stuff as well and now all my essentials, and basic tools necessary for someone who drives older cars can all fit in that bag, and it stays in the back cargo area of my Mazda Protege5 where it's out of sight, but easy to get into when need be.
It looks to be sturdily made too, and has the shoulder strap, but I'm not using that since I don't carry it around since it is stays in the car.
This is very helpful. I tried to find a tool box a few months ago and was surprised to find that most of the boxes already came with tools!
I bought the Viper Steel Tool Box in Lime Green, and I am very happy with it. They also have it in Teal, Orange, Yellow, Black and Grey.
www.wayfair.com/Viper-Tool-Storage-20-Steel-Tool-Box-LB20MTB-VPTS1019.html
I ordered #1 from amazon to use for its intended purpose, tools. It looked great online but it was of horrible quality so I had to send it back. Very disappointing. I'm still looking for a stylish tool bag.
schragster, go to your local small hardware store where the construction folks go to. You'll find the quality stuff there. Not cheap, but inexpensive in the long run. Plus, the people who work in those places know a lot more than the big box store clerks, too.
I owned #5 but it started to fall apart. Plus, the thing is huge and wound up weighing way too much to lift. I upgraded to a 9 drawer rolling Husky cabinet and I adore it.