If you are a do it yourself type of person, you must have a fabulous set of working tools to be successful at a variety of projects. However, this incredible set of tools has to be adequately stored for them to be of any use.
Frequently, you can find yourself searching for a missing tool because you can’t remember where you put it. Sometimes it is easier to run to the store and purchase a replacement rather than continue searching.
This searching can waste time and money and can be incredibility frustrating and annoying. When you store tools correctly, it provides a variety of benefits which can save you time and money. This fact makes a tool bag an essential piece of equipment to the do it yourself type of person.
An excellent tool bag makes it easy to find tools and helps reduce tools getting lost. Almost everyone has a story about a tool that was left outside and was ruined by weather. If you have an excellent tool bag, you may remember to store your tools correctly, so they are not left out.
With the vast array of options, it can be frustrating trying to find the best tool bag. You should remember that it is okay to take some time to investigate tool bags before making a final purchase. In this article, a buying guide has been included to help you choose the best tool bag for your needs. The top ten tool bags have also been added to assist.
Tool Bag Buying Guide
When you are looking for an excellent tool bag, you should take a few items into account before committing to purchasing one. Some of the considerations are included here to ensure you choose the best tool bag for your needs.
Design and Construction
When you place tools inside a tool bag, the bag can quickly become extremely heavy. If you choose a container with an ergonomic design, it will make it easier to carry. The model should also include a firm handle with straps that have padding to increase comfort levels.
The construction of the tool bag should be sturdy so that it does not break under pressure. A sturdy tool bag can be made from canvas, nylon, or poly fabric but you should be sure to choose the bag made from durable material, so it lasts for years. If the bag is sturdy and durable, it should be able to handle the weight of the tools.
Center Panels and Pockets
A patented center pocket will prevent the tool bag from becoming misshaped from heavy tools. A panel at the bottom of an excellent tool bag allows you to grab a tool when needed easily. This center panel also will distribute weigh making it easy to carry.
The tool bag should also have pockets that are vertically tiered to make them durable. These pockets will also allow you to access tool effectively and efficiently.
Waterproof
When choosing a tool bag, you should consider one that is waterproof. This water resistance will protect any nonstainless steel tools from getting wet and from rust forming.
Portability
If you carry your tools with you, a tool bag that is portable becomes critical. A compact tool bag is lightweight and has a handle that allows it to be carried without hassle.
Storage Capacity
A primary consideration when purchasing a tool bag is the amount of available storage. You should count the tools you want to store and then buy a bag that has the correct amount of space. Some bags have D-rings for attaching tools which will provide more room.
Tool Bag Comparison Table
| Tool Bag | Material | Dimensions | Number of Pockets |
| Bucketboss 60016 | Poly Ripstop 600d | 16 x 9 x 12 | 16 pockets |
| Bucketboss 60002 | Canvas | 6 x 17 x 10.5 | 30 exterior |
| McGuire-Nicholas 22015 | Polyester | 5 x 15 x 10 | 14 exterior |
| Craftsman 9-37535 | Dernier Polyester | 8 x 9 x 13 | 6 exterior |
| Carhartt Legacy | Polyester | 9 x 14 x 10.5 | 17 exterior
10 interior |
| Dewalt DGL 523 | Polyester | 5 x 7.4 x 4.5 | 48 interior
9 exterior |
| CLC Custom LeatherCraft 1132 | Ballistic Poly Fabric | 13 x 17.5 x 9 | 75 pockets |
| Bucketboss 60020 | Poly Ripstop 600D | 20 x 12 x 14 | 26 exterior
10 interior |
| Arsenal 5871 | Polyester | 27 x 14 | 20 pockets |
| WorkPro W081021A | Polyester | 5 x 12 x 8.7 | 10 exterior |
Top Ten Best Tool Bag Reviews
1. Bucket Boss 60016 Gatemouth 16 Tool Bag
With the Bucket Boss 60016’s large mouth, it is easy to load and unload tools from this bag. This extra-large mouth tool bag can also accommodate a variety of sizes of tools including larger ones. When reading the customer reviews, durability and ease of use seem to be excellent with this product.
The poly ripstop 600d poly material and reinforced frame are used to ensure the bag will last a long time. The removable shoulder straps can add comfort when the side pull handles are used.
Pros
• Durable
• Easy to use
• Large-mouth opening
Cons
• Only six exterior pockets
• No D-rings
2. Bucket Boss 60002 Original Riggers Bag Natural Color
The best feature of this bag is its vast measurements which allow most daily tools to be carried all in one place. Even without a shoulder strap, this bag has a comfortable carrying handle. This tool bag is made with heavy duty canvas which should protect while being durable.
This tool bag also offers a Duckwear canvas bottom which is a triple layer. This bag is also one of the few on this list that is provided in a beige color which makes it unique.
Pros
• 30 exterior pockets
• Made from Duckwear canvas
• Beige color
Cons
• No shoulder strap
• No D-rings
3. McGuire-Nicholas 22015 15-Inch Collapsible Tote
The McGuire-Nicholas 22015 is a collapsible tote which means it has a flexible design. The pockets are tampered to allow for more storage space. This fact makes this the perfect tool bag for those who have a lot of tools like contractors. It is made from polyester which can be an extremely durable material.
The tubular steel handle comes with a soft cushion padding which makes it more comfortable to carry heavy tools.
Pros
• Pockets that are tampered
• Webbed loops-14 total
• Tubular steel handle
Cons
• Not a traditional zipping bag
• No shoulder strap
4. Craftsman 9-37535 Soft Tool Bag
The Craftsman 9-37535 is backed by the Craftsman’s name which is known for durability and reliability. This product has a main compartment which is deeper than most on the list. This compartment and pop open mouth design allow this bag to carry power tools.
This bag also has three exterior mesh pockets which make it easy to carry and find smaller tools. The stress points of this bag are reinforced to make sure it is durable.
Pros
• Backed by the Craftsman’s name
• Three mesh pockets for easy access
• Stress points reinforced
Cons
• Only six pockets all exterior
• No D-rings
5. Carhartt Legacy Tool Bag
Made with high quality 1200d polyester fabric, the Carhartt Legacy was designed to be durable and secure. The full mouth and many pockets give the user plenty of room for a vast array of tools. The middle of this tool bag has a commercial grade zipper to provide extra security.
The internal metal frame is another layer of protection which prevents the bag from collapsing. This metal frame also allows the user to access the tools inside of the bag quickly.
Pros
• Water repellent
• 1200d polyester
• 27 pockets
Cons
• No shoulder strap
• No D-rings for extra storage
6. DEWALT DGL523 Lighted Tool Backpack Bag
The Dewalt DGL523 is the perfect tool bag for those who use a lot of small tools. It is the only one on this list that comes with LED lights to assist in locating tools in the dark. This light can also provide extra light on the working surface.
The DGL523 can hold up to 48 tools, so it has a shoulder strap. This shoulder strap makes it easy to travel with the tool bag.
Pros
• Three levels of light output
• 48 pockets
• Shoulder strap
Cons
• No appropriate for larger tools
7. CLC Custom Leathercraft 1132 75-Pocket Tool Backpack
The CLC Customer Leathercraft comes in a backpack style which is excellent for small tools. It also has 75 pockets for a variety of storage options. The ballistic poly fabric which is tear resistant ensures that this bag is durable and secure.
With this amount of pockets, the user can put each tool in its own area which makes it easier to find in a hurry.
Pros
• 75 pockets
• Shoulder strap
• Easy to carry backpack design
Cons
• Appropriate for small tools only
8. Bucket Boss 60020 Gatemouth Tool Bag
This Bucket Boss 60020 is one of the most massive tool bags on this list. It is also one of the few that are water resistant which provides extra protection to expensive tools. Being water resistant also allows it to be used in all types of weather.
The wide opening of this bag allows tools to be easily accessed and replaced. It has 26 exterior pockets which provide massive amounts of storage.
Pros
• Made from Poly Ripstop 600d material
• 36 pockets including 26 exterior and ten interior
• Comes with a zipper pocket to store an iPad
Cons
• No D-rings
• No shoulder strap
9. Arsenal 5871 Tool Roll-Up Pouch
The Arsenal is different from every other tool bag on this list because it lays flat and then rolls. It features 21 pockets covered with elastic webbing for various sizes of tools. It also has two tarpaulin zipper pockets that are waterproof.
It is 27 inches long and 14 inches in height. The roll design saves space when the user is loading multiple items.
Pros
• Roll design saves space
• Waterproof zipper pockets
• Durable
Cons
• Can only carry 23 tools
• No shoulder strap
10. WORKPRO W081021A Tool Storage Bag
The WorkPro is the excellent tool bag for those who have multiple hand tools or other medium-size tools. The top of this bag has a zipper to close its full mouth. This mouth allows for more significant tools to be placed inside.
This tool bag also has some outer mesh pockets to provide an area for personal items or other small tools and accessories.
Pros
• Shoulder strap
• Outer mesh pockets
• Rubber foam bottom
Cons
• Only ten pockets