I recently had all my tools stolen(Dammit!!!)I used to have a bucket boss that I kept all my day to day tools.The problem with this was that the freaking bucket weighed about 80 pounds.I dont like having the traditional tool box because I like direct access to each tool. Anyone have any suggestions out there for what they use???

Vinny, obviously, there's nothing you can do to reduce the weight if all of the tools are packed together. I use a square-shaped bag I bought at Home Depot. It's almost perfect.

It has 3 open-top compartments; the two side ones have separators, smaller pockets, and elastic bands. I use these for folding rulers, stud-finders, chisels, drywall saw, coax and UTP tools, etc.

There are multiple outside pockets for screwdrivers, pliers, etc., and a velcro-flapped pouch, a tape-holding strap (which I have 4 rolls on).

The neatest feature (to me) is the compartment underneath that holds a multi-compartment plastic box, which I use for wirenuts, staples, etc.

It sounds like you could use two, both for balance when you need everything, and for reducing weight when you can separate your toold into two basic types of work.

I don't remember the name of the bag, but it will either be in the electrical department, or with the toolboxes. It comes with both a short hand strap and a shoulder strap. It's a soft-sided bag. It's stiff enough to hold its shape, but it's made of a very durable material.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

We use a bag for each job , phone bag , av bag , automation bag , small combo a/v phone bag works too.
I found the bigger the bag the more the thing weighed . Two are Work-Gear tan and green(Home Depot I believe) The others are CC ? brown and green (I think these came from Fry's Electronics ) Also we have an assortment of Ripoffs (pouches you see on the belts of phone guys that has electricians scissors , punch down tool , cat 5 and regular strippers , small AA mag light , small wire ties and a combo #1 ,#2 philips and flat blade . It's convient when you get an unknown service call because it keeps you from having to run to your vehicle to get light tools .
The bags have the good stuff .
To keep them from all being stolen they are stored in a 1997 chevy astro van with a tool bins ,pick bins ,full cage windows and
all , separated from the cab by a steel divider ,motion detectors ,P.I.R. interior alarm , doors instant . lojack (not their peice of crap alarm one of mine ), pain generator , flashing lights , horn and a mean cat. well that's only at home :-) did I mention the backup battery ?

I found that Bucket Boss makes a rectangular bucket that has wheels and a pull up handle similar to luggage. I think that is going to work best. Where does everyone else buy there tools???

Try "labor saving devices" for specialty install tools or look to your local alarm installation company and find out where they get their drill bits (their alarm supply company (ADI , ADEMCO ?) ,millwakee for 90 deg. drill , dewalt for screw gun/hammer/drill. home depot for simple (installer lose able tools) Pacific Radio for specialty tools , Fry's for comparison shopping .

I use a rolling tool tote from Craftsman, its big but the pull up handle makes transport easy. It has 2 removable trays, the top one is shallow but allows plenty of room for a 30' tape measure, phillips, flat, various micro screwdrivers, dikes, kliens, tape, utility kife, etc. The second tray holds larger, bulkier stuff like soldering irons, hammer, nut drivers, stud finder(does anyone own a stud finder that actually finds studs?) and the like: the bottom is large enough to hold an entire Dewalt 4-PAK, although I DONT recommend loading the tote with it as weight can become an issue. On top of everything else you can use the tote as a step and at about 24" it works great for the ill positioned bookshelfs.

Actually, I have been using one for a few years that works perfectly. The one thing most people forget is that you must first place the finder on the wall where you know there is not a stud, turn it on, and slide without lifting. That apparently "calibrates" the device.

The one exception is when finding steel studs. In that case, you should turn the finder on when it is over a known stud. It has something to do with density, or dentistry, or something like that.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

Hey all, Thumbs up on Labor Saving Devices...many hours saved every week! Check out Jensen Tools for electronic stuff (meters, cable certifiers, etc, and some hand tools). Labor Saving Devices has a stud sensor that also does metal scanning...just remember, once you've found it with any sensor, probe physically just to make sure! The sensors will not show you that conduit or framing member buried 1/2" from the surface you are using the sensor on!

And the brand name is....

Zircon
contractor


For anyone that runs accros stud finding on cottage cheese ceiling . Or a overpriced paint job on a wall.

Use a thin peice of cardboard or construction paper (something rigid but thin enough to read through)

Vinny the problem with poring all your tools into a bucket (boss)
A. you look like a handy man
B. do you need all your tools for every job ?
C. when all your eggs are in one basket you end up on remote central asking about tools storage.

Our way if 1 bag gets clipped we have 2 more back ups.

Im not talking about all of my tools, I put all the tools I might possibly need to perform a basic service call in one spot. That allows me not to make numerous trips back to the van like the majority of installers I have worked with in the past.The weight would not be a problem with the proper container. That is why I have just purchased a tool container with wheels.Big deal if I look like a handyman! When the job is done and the customer is very satisfied I look like a real good f%$#&@# installer.Your right though when you say that all my eggs are in one basket, it was just that I made the mistake of trusting my neighborhood.Wont do that again.

Tools wouldn't get ripped if they weren't in a drop top Jeep.

They weren't, they were in a Toyota Truck Smart ass!!

I still suggest the small bags , they look professional , they have soft bottoms so they don't scratch floors and 1 that I have has a parts compartment the slides in at the bottom .
I did use a "bucket boss" or whatever you want to call it ,years and years ago . I'm tellin ya bro the bags are the way to go .
Also, have you ever had the plastic handle wear through and break ? I have it hurts .
With the bags you can keep them in the cab without worrying about it launching through your windsheild when the hottie walks by and you lock em up .
Bags are hard to tip.

I'm hoping you had them in the cab not the bed.

This message was edited by kabster on 07/17/02 19:52.47.

Thanks Bro, for your opinion, not so much into looks. More into convenience. I dont like having to go into different bags for tools.I like them all in one spot.I guess its my preference.Yeah and it was in the bed for about a half hour.I guess I was just unlucky.See you have to take the bags out when taking the hotties for a drive, they are IN my car so there is no need for the brakes!!!