If you want a high quality metal tool box, Kennedy is the best (IMO). A Kennedy K-20 is a classic working person's toolbox.

For the items that you list, one of the smaller Rigid (Home Depot) pack boxes could work. i have one that i have carried my wrenches and sockets in for years. Cost about $40.

If you want a fabric bag, there are dozens of options from many companies. Like most things, finding the one that suits you best is a trial and error process. Since all of us do different facets of electrical work, and use a different assortment of tools, it is difficult to tell someone else that "This is the tool bag for you."

 

This may be OT somewhat, but when I began the trade back in the Stone Age this Kennedy cantilever-style toolbox was what all of the respectable electricians had. Of course you can’t really carry it around easily but it stayed on the service truck or workbench.

Mine is still in great shape.

 

This may be OT somewhat, but when I began the trade back in the Stone Age this Kennedy cantilever-style toolbox was what all of the respectable electricians had. Of course you can’t really carry it around easily but it stayed on the service truck or workbench.

Mine is still in great shape.
View attachment 152905 View attachment 152905

Lord, that brings back memories.

 

Ok moderators, how do I edit my previous post? Somehow Iinserted the same picture twice!

Luddite!!!!!

 

The three dots on the top right will get you to “edit”.

 

Yep, had one of those hip roof boxes myself. I also learned that they were not practical to carry around. Kennedy no longer makes these, but they do still make K-20s and K-5220s. They are pricey, but are a rare toolbox with a metal handle these days.

 

I’m thinking of going to a 16” toolbox. I really like the craftsman gto II toolbox they used to make but obviously I can’t find one. I see Plano makes the contractor version but it’s huge at 22”. I’ve seen like ammo can type toolboxes but I like how the craftsman had multiple tiers.

Toolboxes are not popular right now, bags and backpacks are more popular. I have gone back and forth between many different things over the years. Lately I have had some luck with Dewalt toolboxes, this DWST24075

This one is probably too big for your tastes. If you're just buying a toolbox to carry your personal tools I would probably just go with a 16" - 18" metal toolbox with a top tray. You will have room for a canvas tool roll-up or two in the bottom for a wrench set, nutdriver set, pouches, drill or impact, small parts box, etc.

I don't see many smaller toolboxes around right now in the supply houses and big box stores. But if you google for "made in usa" metal tool-box you'll find lots are available. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a metal toolbox on ebay, if it doesn't show any rust or damage, it probably works exactly the way it did the day the paint dried.

 

What is a good toolbox for you depends on what you carry and the type of work you do. I have many types, and they are set up for different types of work. I find it's not practical to have everything in one main box, it's just too much. Kennedy is my favorite type for the ruggedness and long life, I carry three in my truck, one for hand tools, one for sockets and wrenches, and one for electronic gear, along with a gang box for larger tools. If you split things up, it becomes easier to carry and keep organized. The cantilever type I use for electronics, the hip roof type I use for sockets and wrenches, and the main hand tool box is the Kennedy K20 model, special edition red from Kmart, when they were a thing. I used to have Craftsman years back, but I got tired of the plastic handles breaking off.

Whatever you decide on, its best to spend some time customizing it to suit your individual needs. Provide organizers to keep your things in place, for ease of access, and inventory control. If it has a dedicated place, it's a lot easier to notice when it's missing. Hanging onto your tools in an organized fashion will cost less over the long haul, and make you more productive and profitable. This is why i never adopted bags, except for the ones I wear on my body, just take a look at your woman's purse for an example. If I used a bag the handles would be gone in a week with the things I carry, and worse they are not self supporting.

My K20 has been customized with a steel wire lid support, right from the start. If it wasn't, the lid would have been broken off years ago. It also makes a convenient shelf for my square and testers to keep them out of harms way, and serves as a bulletin board for notes, using a magnetic level to hold them. Use your imagination, and customize things to suit your use, to stay organized and efficient. My bench in the example below is just another example of making things that fit the type of work you do. It need not come from a store shelf, if you use your creativity.

If I can make some time, I could empty out that K20, and you would be impressed with how many things fit in there when organized instead of just thrown in, like you would with a bag.

 

To each his own.

I use a hip roof box for sockets and wrenches and bags for everything else. There's no way I'd ever carry around a large toolbox like that, I understand in the set up you are using in the pic it has it's place with you being in one spot for a long period of time.

 

An orange Homer box is good except it’s an orange Homer box. I know a guy who uses one but he has no self respect.

 

That is the key - figuring out what works for YOU.

 

I’ve gone back n forth and have had most bags... funny enough I ended back yet again at a cheap ass 5 gallon pail with a canvas tool liner.

And damn do I like it more than all the other things.

Just try it, it’s literally a $5 to $25 investment.

Got my tools on the sides, materials and trash in the middle. Damn thing is near perfect.

 

Reminds me of my teenage years servicing the restaurant equipment industry. Milk crates and green pickle buckets, long before they became fashionable with liner organizers. And the price was right, as you mentioned.

 

For the original poster you might want to take a look at what Milwaukee offers in their Pack Out line. I never looked at them, but you may want to. Bags, boxes and wheels to grow into.

PACKOUT Power Tool and Accessory Storage System | Milwaukee Tool

 

For the original poster you might want to take a look at what Milwaukee offers in their Pack Out line. I never looked at them, but you may want to. Bags, boxes and wheels to grow into.

PACKOUT Power Tool and Accessory Storage System | Milwaukee Tool

View attachment 152942

I’m a huge fan of the Packout system, but their tool bags suck donkey balls.

I hated the so much I just have them away to some apprentices. Just garbage.

The rest of the Packout is awesome, but the tool bags were the bastard sons afterthought.

 

I try to match the toolbag to the job at hand:

Low voltage:


Calibration:


Control Terminating:

 

Seldom used items:


Aerial bucket:


Basic pouch:

 

Before bucket boss guys would cut slits in the bucket. They would push in the plastic between the slits and and store screwdrivers etc...

 

Most of the guys in our shop use an Ideal or Occidental tote. I've had an Occidental tote for about 7+ years now, along with their bags/padded suspenders that I use for ladder work.

My thought on it was, I'm in it for the long haul, I want the good stuff. Because Occidental is definitely NOT cheap.

I started with a Klein tote that I used for most of my apprenticeship. The oval one that looks like a linesmans bucket.

 

Similar to this bucket?

 

Close, this is what I used back then.

1414" Bucket, Oval Bucket, Natural Canvas - Bucket Tool Organizers - Amazon.com

 

Oh man I loved that bucket, it had so many pockets. Used one for a number of years before my SIL gifted me a Veto.

 

as for me I use something like this

 

@CarolTowenQ please fill out your profile including and especially your Electric Trade by clicking your avatar, then Account Settings.

It's creating lots of work for moderators to chase down your posts without a completed profile.

Thanks and stay safe.