Looking for a good compact tool bag to carry basic/essential tools

Any suggestions/ideas for a good compact tool bag to carry essential tools in my truck?
Looking for some good suggestions/what others are using?
Thanks!

 

I use an Apache 4800 case from harbor freight. Tools are organized in cotton bags. Not sure how compact you're wanting but if you search "tool roll" on Amazon a lot of links come up for handy organizers that'll hold the necessities.

 

I was at the hardware store today, and found this little electricians tool pouch. (

$43 CLC Custom Leathercraft 1509 Zippered Professional Electricians Tool Pouch, 21 Pocket , Black

https://www.amazon.com/Custom-Leathercraft-1509-Professional-Electricians/dp/B0001ZI524/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=CS2RBKZW5J2N&dchild=1&keywords=clc+electrician+tool+pouch&qid=1615908277&sprefix=clc+el%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-1-spons - the 21 pocket version)

hit my desire for easy accessibility perfectly.

Managed to stuff it with:
- 1/4" socket set
- big flat screwdriver
- small flat screwdriver
- multi bit screwdriver
- metric allen wrenches
- channel locks
- pliers
- small needle nose
- big needle nose
- large vise grips
- small vise grips
- small adjustable wrench
- clamp tite
- safety wire
- safety wire pliers
- silicone tape
- duct tape
- bolt retrieval magnet
- magnetic part holder
- zip ties
- test light
- multimeter
- spare fuses
- butt connectors
- wire cutters
- leatherman

I think i could fit a few more things too. And it fits behind my seat. Now to figure out what to do with wrenches and sockets, and maybe a hammer.

[/QUOTE]

 

Oh wow. THis is perfect. THank you so much. I think I will buy one of these.

 

The above listed bags will work fine for you but they may not hold up to abuse.

A @BlueRidgeOverlandGear Tool Bag is quite a bit more but is hand made in the US by a member of the community. It’s got a lifetime guarantee and easily carries all the tools I need for working on my Tacoma.

 

hi Shay (@hoarder23). It's Alex. I saw your bag the other day while we were replacing Tom's shocks, and that's how I got the idea. I forgot to ask you then. Thanks for sharing . That's a neat compact well made tool bag. You got massive underseat storage in your truck with the seats removed, I still got my rear seats, so storage is a premium.. All the bags here look well built and solid.

 

2 thoughts:

- Pouches tend to turn into messes where you have to pull out all tools to find the one you want. I wanted something that makes everything accessible right upon opening the bag.

- I'm not concerned about durability, here is the tool roll I bought in 2009 from the same company. Its dirty, and its spent a lot of time riding around in the truck, but the only failure I've had is a cracked buckle. I love made in USA stuff, but I have to give credit where its due when something actually quality comes from another country.

 

@turbodb has been at it a while, I just ran into his post the other day about how he packs for trips and it includes a section on his tool kit: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-and-adventures.484602/page-198#post-25039092

 

You realize Mr. Murphy will help you select the tool bag and load the tools.

No matter how many tools you pack along, the one tool you need won't be in the bag.

 

hi Andy (@0xDEADBEEF ) long time mate. Still writing firmware here buddy, working for a new place nowadays. That's a neat looking bag and nice set of crescent wrenches. I don't have many crescents, also want to keep essential sockets. And yeah, the fact that all the sockets popping out of the case and making a mess in the oem toolbox is another good reason.

 

I use one of these type as my hanging kitchen. I bought the bucket boss one. Its been awesome. Hang it anywhere near the food prep and its all there. Now i want one for my tools..

 

this is why I always invite the snapon guy.

 

$20 Rothco Mechanic's Tool Bag - Heavy-Duty Organization for Your Essential Tools and Gear, Black

https://www.amazon.com/Rothco-G-I-T...ds=rothco+tool+bag&qid=1615910296&sr=8-1&th=1

 

I have a bunch of these. Can confirm they're very durable.

 

I really love my tool roll. I actually find myself working out of it at home often times - even though I have separate "kits" of everything, b/c it has everything I need to work on the truck (with the minor exceptions of the torque wrench and an impact for (quickly) removing lug nuts).

 

$22 for the super win.
Zim

 

I had been following @turbodb , and his rig and kit is so awesome. He has a pretty badass setup in the back of his bed that allows securing so much expensive gear, and also I am guessing he has something important I don't have. A garage at home. I park on the streets overnights. My truck is still an open bed as I use it as a truck a ton. I carry some of the things he does in my GHB bag though

 

I also have that tool roll shown above in EatSleepTacos post. It holds a surprising amount of stuff and still tucks away nicely in the underseat storage area. I'm also a huge fan of those little $12 duffle bags you can get at Cabela's/Bass Pro Shops. I've got 5 or 6 of them lying around the house and use them for everything from tool bags to range bags to camping gear to fishing tackle. You could easily load one of those up and stash it on the floor behind one of your seats.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/cabelas-catch-all-gear-bag

 

I do have a garage to pull into. It's not pretty though - I had to punch a hole in the front of it to get 3" for the bumper to fit into, and I have to remove the spare tire (and holder) and jerry cans (and holder) from the swingouts in order for the truck to fit (with about 1/2" to spare as the garage door closes).

If I don't pull in exactly straight, the door hits the rear bumper on the way down. hahahahaha

Here's the front of the garage, where I had to take out the sheetrock:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ld-and-adventures.484602/page-2#post-14945505

 

An old laptop bag works well. Soft sides, usually has a few smaller side compartments, shoulder strap if you wish, but at least a heavy duty handle.

Can be found in various places for low cost, like thrift shops.

Or free if you have IT shop friends who recycle old laptops to vendors. They often don't want the accessories.