When you’re a professional who works with your hands on a daily basis, every part of your workday matters, because your products are your living. Tools need to be well organized, so that you can continue working without having to waste time looking for things that are lost in the sea of your tool bag.
Tool bags are the perfect way to organize and compartmentalize your tools, keeping everything in its place for quick reference and ease of access.
In today’s guide, we’re going to help you find the best tool bag for the job in several areas of specialty:
- Best truck tool bag
- Best hard worker backpacks
- Best electrical tool bag
- Best industrial tool bag
- Best small tool bag
- Best electrician tool bag
- Best nail bag
- Best model builder tool bag
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DG5543 16 in. 33 Pocket Tool Bag | Best Overall |  |
| Craftsman 9-37535 Soft Tool Bag | Budget Pick |  |
| CLC Custom LeatherCraft 1539 Multi-Compartment 50 Pocket Tool Bag | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. DEWALT DG5543 16 in. 33 Pocket Tool Bag
Pros:
- Solid build quality
- Extremely durable material
- Multiple storage compartments
- Large enough to accommodate a wide range of tools
- Easy to carry around
- Convenient size for portable use
- Great value for money
Cons:
- This bag is quite heavy when fully loaded
- No rear handle
- No shoulder strap
The DEWALT DG5543 16 inch tool bag is a bag that’s suitable for people who are looking for a versatile bag for their tools. It can hold tools and items of various size and shape, which makes it more or less multipurpose.
The DEWALT DG5543 is built to last, and is made out of a hardy material that resists wear and tear. It has a strap that can be used to carry it on your back, and which is also well stitched. The wide shoulder straps are also large enough to hold the weight of the bag.
2. Carhartt Legacy Tool Bag 14-Inch
Pros:
- Thick, reinforced, all-purpose polyester material
- Plenty of storage compartments for tools, gloves, and more
- Comfortable shoulder strap
- Wide opening and zippered pockets
- Thick and sturdy metal hooks on the shoulder strap
- Made with durable material that can withstand harsh work environments
- Rugged, reinforced material
- Side and front pocket dividers
- Side pockets to keep your smaller tools secure
- Metal rings on the bottom to hook tools and prevent them from sliding out.
Cons:
- It can be a little tough to load all your tools in one go
- Given the price and the quality, you might have to order this bag online
Tool bags are designed to transport all of your tools in a convenient manner, ensuring safe storage and ease of use. This is why it is a smart idea to pick up a tool bag designed to be both practical and comfortable.
3. Craftsman 9-37535 Soft Tool Bag
Pros:
- Good price
- Very sturdy and well-made
- Plenty of pockets
- Spacious main compartment
- Hangs easily on a standard pegboard
Cons:
- The handle is not padded
- Packing is not that great for such a costly bag
Our top pick is the Craftsman 9-37535 Soft Tool Bag. Craftsman is a great name for tools, and this bag is no exception. It’s made of military-grade fabric and has a full-length zipper for easy access. It has a number of pockets and even a removable tray for small items.
It has a main compartment that measures 13 inches wide (diameter), 3 inches high, and 15 inches deep. The top has a Velcro flap to prevent any items that you put in from falling out and a handle for easy grabbing. It has a padded shoulder strap to make transport easy.
Craftsman tools are sold at Sears, and they always provide great commercial-quality products, which makes this tool bag one of the best-in-class. This tool bag is considered one of the high points of the brand and worth both the price and the wait. It is also built to last with the superior materials that Craftsman uses in all their tool bags.
4. CLC Custom LeatherCraft 1539 Multi-Compartment 50 Pocket Tool Bag
Pros:
- Large storage
- Versatile
- Comfortable handle
- Professional and durable
- Good customer service
- Lots of positive reviews
Cons:
- High price tag
- Bag can feel heavy
- Rip in flap after a couple months
The Custom LeatherCraft 1539 Multipurpose tool bag is geared towards professionals of all trades but also fits the bill for those in the construction industry, electricians, plumbers, and other craftsmen since it comes with a lifetime warranty.
This work bag can hold over 150 tools, and has a tool tray sewn in on the inside of the main compartment which is made of a polyester reinforced nylon material that is very durable. It also comes with lots of compartments including side pockets, two large front pockets and two side pockets as well. The bag features 25 different compartments for smaller items to go into and has a shoulder strap that makes it easy to carry in one hand.
Many users agree that the CLC custom leathercraft 1539 multi-compartment tool bag is one of the best tool bags on the market because of its durably material, ample storage, and because the bag is really strong and durable.
5. Bucket Boss The Bucketeer Bucket Tool Organizer in Brown
Pros:
- Extra-durable design
- Has tons of pockets and compartments
- Perfect for organizing and storing tools during your DIY projects
- Can withstand heavy use
- Thick canvas material ensures durability
- Has a shoulder strap
- Plenty of pockets and compartments
- Can fit lots of different tools
Cons:
- Heavy for the size
- Pockets are a little too shallow – the items tend to fall out when you move the bag
This is the ideal tool organizer for avid DIYers. The Bucket Boss Bucketeer has two large pockets on each side, a large center pocket, a tape measure pouch, and a mobile phone pocket. It can fit up to 10 tools comfortably and can fit tools and hardware from 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter. It features a one-hand opening flap, which makes it easy for you to retrieve your tools on the go.
The sides also have drawstrings to allow you to name each compartment and to easily organize each tool. All in all, this is a truly versatile tool bag that can act as an additional tool box for your workshop. The Bucketeer comes in several sizes, but we recommend this extra-large model for the best value.
6. Rothco G.I. Type Mechanics Tool Bag
Pros:
- Includes a full-size hammer
- Includes different size screwdrivers
- 2-pocket design
- Comes with two different pouches for accessories
- Canvas bag is very durable
- Easy to carry
- Bag also includes a shoulder strap
Cons:
- Can’t fit larger tools inside
- Weight may give you discomfort
The Rothco G.I. Type Mechanics Tool Bag is a set that comes with a full-size hammer, four different sizes of screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, files, a utility knife, a tape measure, a tape-measure spring hook, and a large pouch that holds everything contained. The smaller pouch holds items for storage and also has an adjustable waist strap.
Its canvas bag is made of polyester material, which is not only durable but also lightweight, and you have the option of carrying it in two ways — by the two handles or through the adjustable strap.
This is not the largest tool bag out there, but it is remarkably spacious. It has two inside sections, one for tools and the other for smaller items. And even though it’s not very deep, it includes zippers and numerous pockets for organizing your accessories.
7. WORKPRO 14-inch Tool Bag
Pros:
- Large
- Lots of pockets
- Handle is sturdy and detachable
- Affordable
- Convenient to carry
Cons:
- Not very durable
- Smaller pockets aren’t very big
- No end pockets
The WORKPRO 14-inch Tool Bag makes it to our list as one of the best tool bags in 2020. Not only is it affordable, but its construction is also very convenient. You can take it anywhere you go. It also includes many pockets that offer lots of room to store all your tools. In addition, it includes a handle that’s sturdy and detachable for easy carrying.
There are many users who highly appreciate this tool bag, stating that it’s excellent when it comes to storing several tools and other things like screws, nuts, nails, and many more. It’s very spacious, and the fact that it’s also lightweight makes carrying it comfortable as well. Finally, the bag comes with a handle, which makes it comfortable to carry.
Overall, the WORKPRO 14-inch Tool Bag is a useful addition to your tool collection, and it’s worth your time and money.
8. Milwaukee 48-55-3500 Contractor Bag
Pros:
- Durable material
- Spacious with lots of storage
- Several sizes to choose from
- Water-resistant
- Inside mesh pockets to keep you organized
Cons:
- No shoulder strap
- Might feel heavy for some users
- A little on the pricey side
The Milwaukee 48-55-3500 Contractor Bag is our top pick, particularly when it comes to tool bags. As the name suggests, this bag was designed with contractors in mind, offering a neatly organized storage solution in a convenient yet robust package.
The Milwaukee 48-55-3500 Contractor Bag in particular is made of water-resistant material and has an overall storage capacity of 45 inches. It has multiple pockets on the inside for you to keep your tools sorted out and easy to find, which is a great feature for home-maintenance type projects.
In terms of dimensions, the bag is 16 inches high, 4 inches deep, and 11.5 inches wide (including the handle). It has a shoulder strap so that you can carry it by hand or on your shoulder, which is a great feature for those who intend to use the bag often.
9. Stanley STST70574 12-Inch Soft Sided Tool Bag
Pros:
- 12 inch wide x 16 inch tall
- Handle and shoulder strap
- Storage depth of 10.5 inches
- Durable 600-denier polyester construction with a black finish
Cons:
- Exterior pockets are small
- Zippers break easily
- Zipper heavy duty
The Stanley 12-Inch Soft Tool Bag is one of the most popular on the market. It is made of 600 Denier Polyester, with a width of 12 inches and a height of 16 inches.
As you can see, it has a large storage depth. Using this bag is easy – all you have to do is unzip it and place your tools inside. You can also check the bag’s compartment for your tools, since it is easy to see through.
This product also has an adjustable shoulder strap. It is best that you use two hands when lifting this bag, since the zippers tend to get stuck. The zippers are also heavy duty.
10. McGuire-Nicholas 22015 15-Inch Collapsible Tote
Pros:
- Unrestricted air circulation (won’t breed mold)
- 100% waterproof
- Slots for holding different types of cords and tools
- Collapses for compact storage
- An affordable option for a high-quality bag
Cons:
- The zipper seems to be on the cheap side.
- Doesn’t have any side pockets.
- The straps could be better.
A bag designed specifically for electricians is hard to come by, but that’s not the case for you if you have a shiny new tool belt. The quality that the McGuire-Nicholas brand is known and trusted for meets the needs of the electrician with this bag. It’s a great mid-range option for a professional looking for a reliable bag for his tools and supplies that won’t bust a budget.
This bag is the perfect size to hold a fully loaded tool belt, and then some. The interior of the bag is fully-lined and padded for extra protection. Each of the five sturdy metal-buckle-supported tool belts can be removed and used separately.
The exterior of the bag is made out of strong fabric sewn with industrial strength stitching to ensure that it lasts for a long time. The outside has big folds and corners to give it extra durability.
Conclusion
In choosing the best tool bags, simply knowing about the existence of a product is not enough. Those in pursuit of quality bags at a great price need to know all the important details to make the right decision. We know that it is difficult to find a tool bag that is the perfect fit, especially if you are changing professions and have unique needs for the job.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DG5543 16 in. 33 Pocket Tool Bag | Best Overall | |
| Craftsman 9-37535 Soft Tool Bag | Budget Pick | |
| CLC Custom LeatherCraft 1539 Multi-Compartment 50 Pocket Tool Bag | Upgrade Pick | |