Electricians are only as useful as the tools we wield. Without them, we are not nearly as effective as we could be. And we need to have ways to carry our tools around. Large, modular toolbox systems are great, but they aren’t helpful for every occasion. Maybe we need to climb several flights of stairs to get to the work area, or the task only requires a small number of tools. This article discusses the other available options.

Canvas bags

Most canvas bags are fairly simple in design and material. The only limit is how many tools we can stuff into them. 

Klein Tools’, Lincolnshire, Ill., 5102 series canvas tool bag has a single compartment made from heavy-duty canvas reinforced with rivets. It features a steel-framed opening and hinges that can stand up to the rigors of everyday job site use. The bag has a moisture­-resistant vinyl bottom  (because not all job sites are clean and dry) and nonscratch feet that protect the bag and prevent surface marring when it is set down. It also features leather handles and straps to keep the bag closed and tools secure. It is available in lengths ranging from 12 to 24 inches and in either natural canvas or black.

For those who need a bit more organization, Klein also offers the bag in a deluxe edition. It offers a few more features than the standard version. In lieu of a single compartment, the inside walls of the bag feature interior pockets to keep tools sorted and readily accessible. The number of pockets ranges from 13 to 17, depending on the size of the bag. The deluxe version also features an adjustable, detachable strap for users to carry it on their shoulders. 

Klein Tools' 5102 canvas tool bag		5139 canvas zipper bag

However we choose to carry our tools, sometimes an even smaller system is needed—or maybe we just want to keep all our screwdrivers together but separate from the pliers. 

Klein Tools’ 5139 canvas zipper bag is one example of a simple, no-nonsense small tool storage solution. Made from a slightly lighter grade canvas material than the 5102 canvas tool bag and measuring roughly 12 inches by 7 inches, it is the perfect size to keep small hand tools organized. It also sports a strong metal zipper that keeps the bag securely closed, preventing the contents from spilling everywhere. The bags are available in several sizes, colors and styles to suit just about every small tool storage need.

Backpacks

Backpacks specifically made to carry tools are somewhat new and have become quite popular in the trades. 

Milwaukee Tool, Brookfield, Wis., has produced the Ultimate Jobsite backpack, which can carry an electrician’s full complement of everyday tools. The pack is quite large, measuring approximately 20 inches by 17 inches by 9 inches, and features 48 total pockets to organize and carry tools. There are even two hardshell pockets to secure and protect electronics and smaller equipment. The pack itself is made from tough ballistic nylon, and the zippers are rugged metal that won’t blow out when the pack is loaded up with tools.

It has a hard-molded base that is impact-resistant and keeps the bottom free from water intrusion. The base also allows the pack to stand vertically, enabling access to the tools inside. Additional features include heavy-duty padded shoulder straps for comfort and exterior attachment loops for gloves, rolls of tape or a hard hat.

Many of us know Carhartt, Dearborn, Mich., for its clothes, but you may not know it also makes backpacks. While not specifically designed around carrying hand tools, per se, the 35L Triple Compartment backpack is an addition for anyone operating in the more technical aspect of the trade (think controls technician or systems integrators) where electronics are needed. The pack features two large main compartments to hold gear, tools and cords; a dedicated padded compartment that will safely store a 17-inch laptop; two side pockets for smaller items; and even a fleece-lined compartment for safety glasses. The pack itself is constructed of water-repellent polyester and the bottom has a reinforced base for added strength.

Milwaukee Tool's Ultimate Jobsite Backpack		Carhartt's 35L Triple Compartment backpack

Fenton Mo.-based Atlas 46’s Prescott tool backpack is designed with a slightly different approach. Where most other manufacturers offer large backpacks with tool pockets built in, the Prescott series features a much smaller design with AIMS attachment slots (think military-type webbing) on the interior and exterior to attach the tool holders. This allows users to customize the loadout and put tools exactly where they want. 

The pack is made from durable nylon and features five different pockets to hold and separate gear. The zippers are heavy duty, and the main compartments have dual sliders for access. Additional features include a reinforced carry handle to withstand the weight of the tools inside, extra padded shoulder straps and a fully padded back panel for comfort. The pack is also hydration bladder compatible and is available in two sizes: standard and compact. While a bit on the high end of the price spectrum, I can tell you from personal experience that the quality and function are well worth the price tag.

Tool carriers

When it comes to tool carriers, nothing can beat the old-world look and feel of genuine leather. Leather stands up to the harsh conditions on a job site and ages well. It is just one of those materials that, if you take care of it, will last decades.

Sycamore, Ill.-based Ideal Electrical’s Tuff-Tote tool carrier will last for years, and it has that nostalgic, old-school look to it. The tote is made from heavyweight leather that is tanned and then hand-waxed, which improves the strength of the leather and protects it against moisture. While not overly large in size (coming in at about 8 inches by 7 inches by 15 inches), it is laid out well and will carry just about all the hand tools you need. It features two central compartments (one of which is split into three sections), four outside pockets and four outside small tool loops. It also has a multipurpose clip and an electrical tape chain. 

Additional features include a leather-­wrapped grab handle, a removable adjustable leather shoulder strap and a polypropylene and rubber-reinforced base that protects the tote and the tools inside against oil and moisture. This tool tote is designed for those in the electrical service or maintenance industry who need a bag that is easy to carry and store, works well in tight spaces and works for on-the-go use.

The Yorktown Tool Roll Mini by Atlas 46 is another useful product aimed at holding and organizing smaller tools. Made from strong nylon material that will stand up to some serious job site abuse, the tool roll features two large zipper pockets for hand tools, a front top zipper pocket, seven wrench slots on the back side and two smaller slip pockets. Coming in at about 9 inches wide and 13 inches long, it will pack a ton of tools into a pretty small space. It is available in three different sizes and a few distinctive styles ranging from a snips, screwdriver and pliers versions. In any version, it is a perfect addition to kits to optimize tool storage.

From the simplicity of single-compartment canvas tool bags, to backpacks specifically designed to hold hand tools, to compact and lightweight small tool rolls, there is tool storage available for every need. With so many options and styles available, the only thing limiting us is the amount of tools we can cram into them.

Ideal Electrical's Tuff-Tote tool carrier with strap		Atlas 46's Yorktown Tool Roll Mini

klein tools | carhartt | milwaukee tool | ideal electrical | Atlas 46