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The Spruce / Amelia Manley
Once you have a collection of tools, you need someplace to stash them. There are a lot of options available, including tool boxes, tool chests, tool belts, and of course, tool bags. Eamon Lynch, Director of Warranty Service at Power Home Remodeling, says, “Tool bags are great if you have a smaller tool collection, or you need to be able to easily transport your tools to different locations. For example, I recently helped a friend with a landscaping project. By keeping a ready-to go tool bag on hand, I was able to quickly grab what I needed and go. And when I got home, the tools and sawdust from the worksite were contained within the bag for an easy cleanup process.”
We spent hours researching the top tool bags available online, evaluating storage capacity, durability, and quality. Our favorite, the CLC Custom LeatherCraft Multi-Compartment Carrier, has 50 pockets, is easy to carry, and provides quick and easy access to small and large tools.
Here are our favorite tool bags.
Best Overall: Custom Leathercraft 1539 Multi-Compartment 50 Pocket Tool Bag
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Custom Leathercraft
Durable construction
50 pockets total
Padded shoulder strap
Somewhat heavy
Who else recommends it? Bob Vila and BestReviews both picked the CLC Custom LeatherCraft Multi-Compartment Carrier.
What do buyers say? 93% of 2,200+ Amazon reviewers rated this 4 stars or above.
For a large, durable tool bag that checks all of the boxes, we love the Custom LeatherCraft 1539 Multi Compartment Carrier. This polyester tool bag can handle all of your tools without stretching, cracking, or breaking, and it's designed to make it very easy to spot what you need and grab it quickly. It's a great choice not only for DIYers or people who like tackling projects and repairs around the house, but also for professionals who need to tote a fair amount of tools from worksite to worksite.
A spacious inner compartment has enough room for power and hand tools that can be awkward or bulky; many tool bags lack the space for power tools. The large exterior compartments unfold to reveal 50 pockets total for bits, handheld screwdrivers, and other small-size tricks of the trade that can get lost in the bottom of a cavernous bag. The zippered side panels give you extra storage space for a variety of tools, and you won't have to worry that something will fall out. The padded, adjustable shoulder strap will help prevent back and shoulder pain, especially if you tend to carry heavy power tools. It also has padded handles for extra comfort.
Price at time of publish: $90
Best Budget: WORKPRO 16-Inch Wide Mouth Tool Bag W136007A
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WORKPRO
21 pockets and eight loops
Sturdy construction
Wide mouth
Interior pockets are small
If all you need is a lightweight tool bag to keep your tools organized and near at hand while you work, then there’s no need to break your budget for a pricy bag with all the bells and whistles. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for something less than you’d like. The WORKPRO 16-Inch Wide Mouth Tool Bag has a lot of great features for such an inexpensive bag, and it’s sturdy enough to last for years if treated properly.
Made of rugged 600-denier polyester, with a rigid plastic base and padded sides, this is no flimsy bag that will tear easily. It has a sturdy internal metal frame to provide extra support and prevent sagging or drooping, even when heavily loaded with tools. The frame also holds the “mouth” of the bag wide open when desired so you can easily grab what you need without having to root around inside.
There are pockets galore–13 on the bag’s exterior, eight on the inside, and an additional eight belts to secure wrenches, pliers, and other long tools. Padded handles and an adjustable shoulder strap make the bag easy and comfortable to carry, and a double top zipper keeps the whole thing securely fastened when not in use.
Price at time of publish: $23
Best on Wheels: Klein Tools Rolling Tool Bag
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Klein Tools
24 pockets total
Sturdy construction
Large wheels
Somewhat expensive
Complaints about the telescoping handle
If you're constantly moving from one location to another, a tool bag that has wheels might be the best pick for you. While it's not exactly lightweight (it weighs 19 pounds), this tool bag has a reinforced metal frame and can store up to 100 pounds of tools, making it one of the most durable rolling bags on the market.
This tool bag has a ton of pockets to keep your tools organized, and the wide mouth cavity allows you to store bulkier items such as power drills and extra tool batteries with ease. The bright orange interior makes your gadgets super easy to find. No longer will you waste your time searching for tools in a dark bag. Other notable features include a telescoping handle that extends 39-1/2 inches and two 6-inch wheels that allow this rolling bag to handle rough terrain and rain-slicked surfaces.
Price at time of publish: $200
Best Wearable: Occidental Leather 9850 Adjust-to-Fit Fat Lip Tool Bag Set
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Occidental Leather
Belt adjusts for waist sizes 32 to 41 inches
Very sturdy with leather for durability
Multiple storage options
Expensive
Somewhat stiff at first
This well-designed, very comfortable, durable tool bag provides easy access to all different kinds of tools, not just those used for carpentry. It may be more expensive than other options on the market, but it's big enough to hold all of your tools, and it will last for years. This is a good choice for a professional who works daily with multiple tools, a DIYer who takes on numerous large projects each year, or anyone who simply wants the best.
It's crafted from high-density neoprene and commercial nylon and has a leather FatLip that runs around the bag to keep the structure from sagging. The ample storage options include a total of 24 pockets for a wide variety of tools. The two main bags are 10 inches tall by 10 inches long each, and they have smaller additional pockets. The deep pockets allow you to store sharp tools easily, so you can grab them quickly and not have to worry about snagging the tool on the bag’s material or punching a hole through the seams.
Price at time of publish: $365
Best Professional: Veto Pro Pac TECH-LC Tool Bag
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Veto
Perfect for professional service people and technicians
Very sturdy construction
53 pockets total
Expensive
A plumber or other service technician has to be able to multitask, and so should his tool bag! For a plumber's bag that checks all of the boxes, we recommend the Veto Pro Pac Tech-LC Tool Bag. It has convenient storage options and an ergonomic design that's comfortable on the back and shoulders. It's the perfect choice not only for plumbers, but also for electricians, HVAC technicians, or anyone else who needs to tote a large collection of tools to multiple work locations each day.
This tool bag is made from 100% denier nylon, which has a thicker weight and a more substantial weave. It has a total of 53 pockets, some with ample room for bulkier tools, and some perfectly sized for smaller items such as drill bits and extensions. With numerous compartments (some are even zippered), you can easily find what you're looking for so you won't waste time fumbling in your toolkit. Along with a handle, it has a shoulder strap for easier transport.
Price at time of publish: $230
Best Backpack: Custom Leathercraft 1134 Carpenter's Tool Backpack
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Custom Leathercraft
44 pockets total
Comfortable padded straps
Sturdy construction
Few complaints about comfort while wearing
The Custom LeatherCraft Carpenter’s Tool Backpack provides a unique solution for technicians, installers, and carpenters who need to climb ladders while still having easy access to their tools. It allows for hands-free tool access, whether you're on a roof, ladder, or ledge. Of course, it's also a handy way to carry a set of tools to a worksite on the ground. The bottom has rubber feet to protect the bag from dirt, water, and rocks when standing on the ground.
To organize your tools there are two main compartments: one compartment for smaller tools and a larger compression pocket that is able to fit bulkier tools like a cordless drill. The Custom LeatherCraft bag has padded back support and padded shoulder straps ns,that make carrying the bag easy on your body. Finally, dual handles at the top make it easy to grab and go.
Price at time of publish: $90
Best Lighted: Klein Tools 55431 Tool Bag with Padded Shoulder Strap and Handles
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Klein Tools
31 pockets total
Work light is very useful
Strong and durable construction
Somewhat expensive
When you're working in a dim setting, having a lighted tool bag can illuminate your workspace and help you find the tools you need to get the job done. The Klein Tools Tradesmen Pro Organizer Lighted Tool Bag is a great option, as it has a removable LED light that can be positioned to face inside or outside the bag. It has both a handle and a padded shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.
Not a one-trick pony, this bag has other convenient features. There are 14 internal pockets and 17 external pockets that can hold items you reach for frequently. Klein designed this relatively lightweight bag with 1680D ballistic weave and an orange interior that helps your tools stand out. The molded base protects it from water and gives it a sturdy position in precarious places, such as on a ledge or a ditch, or when working on a roof.
Price at time of publish: $104
Best Bucket Design: DEWALT DG5582 Electrical and Maintenance Tool Carrier
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DEWALT
23 pockets total
Stands upright
Strong, durable construction
Some complaints about comfort of shoulder strap when bag is heavily loaded
Loaded with storage options and lightweight, the DEWALT Electrician’s Tool Bag was built for the hardworking electrician or anyone who needs a constant stable of tools at the ready. Measuring 11 inches long x 10 inches deep x 17 inches high, the bag has a total of 23 pockets, sleeves, and slots to make organizing and carrying your necessities a breeze. There’s even an 8.5 x 6-inch multi-compartment plastic tool tray to sort and hold small items like screws, nuts, and bolts.
The padded nonslip shoulder strap and carrying handle are easy on your shoulder or hand. Best of all, the box-shaped, stable design of the bag means that it stands upright and open on its own, making it easy to find what you need when you need it, without fumbling or frustration.
Price at time of publish: $65
Sturdiness, versatility, and size make the Custom LeatherCraft Multi Compartment Carrier our top choice for a tool bag suitable for casual DIYers all the way up to professionals. But if you want to spend less without sacrificing too much quality, the WORKPRO Wide Mouth Tool Bag has lots of storage versatility, along with a very reasonable price, although it’s not quite as durable as our top choice.
What to Look for in a Tool Bag
Material
Most tool bags are made of heavy-duty nylon, canvas, or polyester, as these are all lightweight and reasonably strong. You’ll also find tool bags made of leather, but keep in mind that they weigh quite a bit more than their synthetic counterparts. A rubber or heavy plastic bottom on any bag is a nice feature, as it helps prevent moisture from seeping into the bag when it's sitting on the ground, and it provides stability to keep the bag sitting upright.
Storage Options
There are tool bags that are little more than a basic pouch, and others that provide multiple zipped and open compartments, clips, belts, and pockets. When you're deciding on the type and amount of storage options you need, consider how many tools you plan to carry, how easily you want to be able to access them, and where your tool bag will be stored.
Don't automatically assume that you need the largest bag possible; remember that a big tool bag loaded with tools can be very heavy. Look for a bag that's sized appropriately for the tools you typically carry, without going much larger or smaller.
Comfort
The best tool bags have padded shoulder straps and handgrips so you can tote them without discomfort, even when full and/or heavy. Look for products with straps that can be adjusted in size and length, so that just about any user can carry the tools comfortably with just a simple adjustment. A wide-mouth opening is another nice feature, as it makes it easy to grab what you need quickly. Just make sure to look before grabbing, to prevent accidentally cutting, pinching, or piercing your hands and fingers.
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What is a tool bag?
A tool bag is similar to a tool box in that it is made specifically for carrying tools. However, instead of a heavy, rigid material, tool bags are made of flexible, lightweight material, like nylon, canvas, polyester, or leather. They typically have a set of handles or a shoulder strap to make it easier to carry them around the job site, and these products also have a variety of interior and exterior pockets to improve organization.
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What are the must-have tools for my tool bag?
Glenn Wiseman, RASDT, RHDT, Sales Manager at Top Hat Home Comfort Services advises, “In every well-stocked tool bag, there should be a screwdriver set with different sizes and types for various applications. A tape measure is another essential; I recommend 16-25 feet for measuring items around the home. You also need a claw hammer to drive and remove nails. Ensure that the hammer is not too heavy, so you can wield it easily."
He adds, "An adjustable crescent wrench is useful for many home projects. An electric drill is another must. Be sure to purchase a drill with at least 12 volts for sufficient power without too much weight. Finally, to ensure that all of your projects align properly, add a high-quality level for maximum accuracy the first time on the job.”
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How do you set up or organize a tool bag?
The first step in organizing a tool bag is to look for the specialized pockets that have been designed for specific tools. They tend to have distinct sizes that are suitable for drill bits, screwdrivers, or hammers. Fill these pockets with compatible tools that you use frequently, because the pockets tend to be the most accessible parts of a tool bag.
The tool bag likely has a larger pocket or compartment without organizational dividers. Use that area of the bag for small power tools, like an impact driver. The space can also hold tool sets, like screwdriver sets or socket sets. Zippered front and side pockets are great for miscellaneous items, like nails, screws, or zip ties.
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How do you organize sockets in a tool bag?
Sockets can get jostled out of position, even in a closed case, so socket sets are often found mixed up and disorganized. To help avoid that problem, consider investing in a socket organizer, socket rails, or even color-coordinated foam trays that can make it easy to quickly find the correct socket, while keeping the set safe in the tool bag when it's not in use.
Socket organizers, socket rails, and foam trays that are made for sockets tend to have tighter fits than standard socket casea. That makes it possible to store the sockets without having them fall out of position when you walk around with the tool bag.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. For this roundup, she considered dozens of tool bags, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and feedback from customers. She also incorporated input from Eamon Lynch, Director of Warranty Service at Power Home Remodeling, and Glenn Wiseman, RASDT, RHDT, Sales Manager at Top Hat Home Comfort Services.
Additional research for this article was provided by Timothy Dale, a seasoned home improvement expert who specializes in a number of areas, including plumbing, construction, and product recommendations.
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