If you are a plumber searching for a tool bag to store your tools in an organized manner, this buying guide is for you. Keep reading!
Every plumber knows the importance of showing up with the right tools for a specific job because without the right tools, solving the problem becomes difficult and most times impossible.
To ensure you show up to any plumbing repair or installation job with all your essential tools, you need a well-organized tool bag. However, the organization of tools isn't the only factor that's worth considering when deciding on the tool bag to buy.
Other factors, such as durability, construction, size, water-resistant, lightweight, comfortable transportation, easy retrieval of tools, etc., are also worth considering.
With all these factors & many more considered, we have created this buying guide after thorough market research of the 10 best tool bags for plumbers in 2023. Have a read!
Name | Image | Build | Pockets | rating | price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Veto Pro Pac Tech XL Tool Bag | Nylon | 80 | 9.5/10 | ||
CLC Custom LeatherCraft 1539 Tool Bag | Polyester | 50 | 9/10 | ||
Carhartt Legacy Tool Bag | Polyester | 27 | 9/10 | ||
Klein Tools 5541610-14 Tool Bag | Mixed Fabric | 40 | 9/10 | ||
McGuire-Nicholas 22015 15" Collapsible Tote | Mixed Fabric | 28 | 8/10 |
Our 10 Best Tool Bag for Plumbers Picks:
Here are the detailed reviews on the top tool bags for plumbers-
1. Veto Pro Pac Tech XL Tool Bag
The Veto Pro Pac Tech XL tool bag is perfect for storing all your plumbing tools in an orderly manner. However, it is expensive, and some people consider it overpriced. It has a 4.75" x 7" x 9.5" size and comes with 80 different size interior and exterior vertical pockets to accommodate different tools.
Fourteen of the pockets are made from neoprene; they include two large neoprene pockets for extensive hand tools, three medium neoprene pockets for medium-sized tools, and nine compact neoprene pockets for nails, screws, cordless drill bits, and small-sized hardware.
This plumber tool bag features a rugged, sturdy, and waterproof construction. Its base is made from 3mm polypropylene that has gone through injection molding, making the bottom waterproof.
The body and the pockets fabric is made from 1800D PVC impregnated nylon, which is also waterproof. Its handle is made from nylon plastic that has undergone injection-molding for durability combined with a rubber grip to offer comfort to the hand that carries it.
While the zippers are double stitched to the bag and made from a sturdy plastic loop with large zipper tabs to last for a long time.
Furthermore, the Veto tool bag has four large and five small powdered coated steel D-rings. It comes with a heavy-duty cushioned shoulder strap that clips on the handle.
Without anything in it, it weighs 8.8lb. Note that you mustn't overstuff the bag with tools inside because if you do, you give more stress to the zippers causing them to spoil quickly. However, Veto Pro Pac has a five-year warranty on this well-designed tool bag.
Pros
- Rugged, sturdy, and waterproof tool bag
- It has 80 different size interior and exterior pockets, of which 14 are made from neoprene
- It comes with a heavy-duty cushioned shoulder strap
- Several vertical pockets
- 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- It is expensive
2. CLC Custom LeatherCraft 1539 Tool Bag
The CLC Custom LeatherCraft tool bag is budget-friendly and offers seamless organization of tools. It has a size of 18" x 14" x 7" with 50 inner and outer pockets of different sizes to accommodate tools of various sizes.
People in professional fields such as carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc., will find this tool bag very helpful in organizing their tools and boosting their work productivity.
You can orderly store power tools, hand tools, large tools, small tools, all in this bag. Plus, it has vertical outer pockets to keep tools like wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, punches in sight for fast access.
Both the front and back open for easy tool access. Be informed that the CLC Custom LeatherCraft 1539 tool bag is not waterproof, so do not use it under the rain; otherwise, water would get into it and may damage it as well as the tools in it.
However, its body rugged construction of industrial-grade poly fabric and poly ballistic trimming & binding will last for years. The bag base is very sturdy, with four rubber pads at each corner.
Plus, the strong dual-zip top closure will keep your tools entirely enclosed and protected. This tool bag has a weave, soft, flexible shoulder strap, and well-cushioned carrying handles to provide convenient and comfortable transportation.
Also, it has a large carabiner clip and a tape measure clip. The CLC Custom LeatherCraft 1539 tool bag weighs 6lb without any item in it and has a 30-day warranty.
Pros
- It has 50 pockets of various size to accommodate large, medium, and small tools
- It has a textured, padded, adjustable shoulder straps and well-cushioned carrying handles for a convenient and firm grip.
- 30-day warranty
- Heavy-duty construction
- Both sides open for easy tool access
- Budget-friendly yet provides facility for storing tools vertically
Cons
- Not waterproof
3. Carhartt Legacy Tool Bag
The Carhartt 16" legacy tool bag organizes your plumbing tools in a way that you find them easily while you're working on site. It helps improve work productivity by reducing the time wasted in searching for tools.
Built with sturdy materials like 1200-denier heavy-duty polyester fabric engineered with Rain Defender® durable water repellent (DWR), this plumbing bag will keep all your tools safe and secured. Plus, its triple needle-stitch construction ensures it stays together for years.
It comes with 23 exterior pockets & loops and 11 interior pockets of different kinds for keeping tools of various sizes. Furthermore, it has an inner metal frame for maintaining its form, which helps easy access to tools in the main compartment.
Its load-bearing, abrasion-resistant molded base supports heavy tools and gears. The zippers of this plumbers tool bag are YKK zippers, which are made of sturdy and durable materials.
The Carhartt 16" legacy tool bag is cheap and offers excellent value for money. It comes with two webbing haul handles for a comfortable grip and a shoulder strap for convenient transportation.
The manufacturer, Carhartt, offers a limited warranty against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the bag's everyday life.
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- It has Rain Defender® durable water repellent (DWR) fabric
- Cheap and offers excellent value for money
- It comes with 23 exterior pockets & loops and 11 interior pockets of different types
- It has a load-bearing, abrasion-resistant molded base
- Inner metal frame to maintain its structure and easy access to tools in the main compartment
- YKK heavy duty zippers
Cons
- None
4. Klein Tools 5541610-14 Tool Bag
The Klein Tools 5541610-14 tool bag has 40 exterior & interior large and small pockets and a large zipper pocket to organize tools. It is made from 1680D ballistic weave for durability and endurance.
Its fully molded bottom provides stability and total protection from elements. The bag's interior is orange so that you can find tools easily without having to empty the whole items in it.
This tool bag has dimensions of 10" L x 12.25" H x 10.25", so it can accommodate long power tools. It is easy to carry around thanks to its shoulder strap with extra padding and its handles. When empty, it weighs 6lb.
However, the bag tends to flip over frequently unless you wedge it. Other than that, it is an excellent choice for plumbers to store their tools in an orderly manner.
Pros
- 40 pockets works great to accommodate different tools
- 1680D ballistic weave construction makes it durable
- It has padded shoulder straps
- Molded bottom for protection against weather elements
Cons
- It tends to slip over constantly
5. McGuire-Nicholas 22015 15" Collapsible Tote
If you are on a tight budget and you need a budget-friendly tool bag with enough pockets to organize your tools, then the McGuire-Nicholas 22015 15" collapsible tote tool bag is perfect for you.
It costs below $20, and it comes with 14 exterior pockets of different sizes and 14 interior webbed loops to accommodate various size tools. The pockets have a tapered design to create more room for tools.
This plumbers tool bag measures 14.96" x 7.48" x 9.84". It has a sturdy tubular steel handle with a foam padded grip for comfortable and convenient transportation. However, it doesn't come with a shoulder strap.
There are no zippers on this bag, so you'd have to carry it upright and carefully, so you don't lose any tool by mistake. Additionally, there is a hard bottom insert to protect tools from weather elements and prevent the bag from collapsing.
The McGuire-Nicholas 22015 15" collapsible tote tool bag is termed collapsible because when you remove the rigid bottom insert, the soft sides collapse towards the steel handle, making it easy to store.
It weighs just 2.2lb without any tool in it. For the price, you can't beat this tool bag. However, it isn't very sturdy and may not hold heavy power tools without fault.
Pros
- Tapered pocket design
- It comes with lots of pockets
- Cheap and pocket friendly
- Collapsible for easy tool storage
- Durable foam padded handle for convenient grip
Cons
- No adjustable shoulder straps
6. DEWALT DG5597 Open Top Tool Carrier
The DEWALopen top tool carrier is another premium-quality tool bag for storing and organizing all the tools. It features a heavy-duty poly and ballistic poly fabric construction, making it very durable.
With its multiple pockets (18 exterior & 16 Interior pockets include 3 flap-covered pockets and one large zippered pocket), this tool bag will accommodate all your tools, whether large, medium, or small.
This amazing tool carrier comes with an adjustable, slip-resistant padded shoulder strap and a collapsible padded bar handle for comfortable transportation. It has an open-top design to offer you easy and quick access to your tools while on the job.
Plus, the collapsible padded bar handle collapses for more range of vision and access to tools and parts.
The DEWALT DG5597 open top tool carrier has a dimension of 15" L x 11.5" H x 17.8" W. At the bottom are reinforced plastic pads to protect it from wear and keep elements like water & dirt from penetrating, which can damage it and the tools in it.
Pros
- Durable
- Heavy-duty poly and ballistic poly fabric material
- Adjustable, slip-resistant padded shoulder straps
- Reinforced plastic pads at the bottom for protection against the element
- Open-top design offers maximum storage
- Collapsible handle for unrestricted tools visibility
- Multi compartment carrier
Cons
- None
7. ToughBuilt - 26" Massive Mouth Tool Bag
The ToughBuilt - 26" massive mouth tool bag can accommodate large tools. It allows you to effortlessly reach stored gears and tools without rummaging the bag or taking the entire contents out thanks to its patent-pending wide-mouth design.
This massive mouth design makes this tool bag stand out from many tool bags in the market. Plus, the company, Toughbuilt, boasts of having the widest mouth opening tool bag in today’s market.
When closed, the bag takes an octagon’s shape, making it easy to carry and tote to any worksite. It comes with 62 inside & outside pockets and loops of different sizes consisting of a covered notebook pocket, plastic-lined external pockets, and durable zippered mesh pockets to help you organize your tools and increase your work productivity.
Built to last, the ToughBuilt - 26" massive mouth tool bag is made from durable weather-resistant materials and has a heavy-duty rivet reinforcement that guarantees its durability.
In addition, ToughBuilt included a Rigid plastic HardBody™ lining in its interior to protect everything inside and maintain its shape. This is a perfect tool bag for any plumber, contractor, carpenter, technician, and any tradesman or woman who desires to store tools orderly.
For security and protection of stored tools, the main pocket is lockable with a heavy-duty zipper to keep your expensive tools safe. The bottom has rugged rubber feet for added protection against wear, dirt, and water.
With the padded shoulder strap and steel-reinforced handles, this big tool bag is convenient and comfortable to carry around. It even has secondary side handles for more people to move when filled with the heaviest of loads.
The ToughBuilt - 26" massive mouth tool bag is covered with a limited warranty against defects in material or workmanship. However, you must register it within 30 days of purchase to activate the warranty.
Kindly note that the 26" is the mouth opening, and the bag measures 7" wide x 32" long x 14" high when closed. However, it weighs 11.2lb without anything in it, which can be considered a bit heavy.
Pros
- It has 62 pockets and loops
- 26" massive mouth opening for easy access to tools
- Octagonal shape easy toting
- It has a padded shoulder strap, steel-reinforced handles, and secondary side handles
- Heavy-duty construction with lockable zipper
- Durable
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- A bit heavy when empty
8. LENOX Tool Tote (1787474)
The LENOX tool tote (1787474) is a portable tool bag for storing all your plumbing tools. LENOX specifically built and designed it for plumbers. However, other professions can still find it useful. It is lightweight, weighing 2lb only.
This convenient bag comes with multiple pockets & loops of different sizes to store and organize all the tools. It has 9 outer & 14 inner pockets, 10 elastic loops, a hacksaw pocket, a tape holder loop, and a tape measure clip.
The LENOX tool tote (1787474) has a functional design making it easy to carry and tote to any worksite. It is made from heavy-duty reflective material and comes with a foldable padded carrying handle that folds when unused.
Plus, a padded shoulder strap for comfortable transportation. The bottom of the bag is made from a waterproof hard plastic to protect the tools in it.
Pros
- It weighs 2lb when empty
- It comes with many interior and exterior pockets and loops
- It has a foldable padded carrying handle and a padded shoulder strap for comfortable transportation
- It has a waterproof hard plastic bottom
- Functional design and heavy-duty construction
Cons
- None
9. WORKPRO 16" Wide Mouth Tool Bag with Waterproof Molded Base
The WORKPRO 16" wide mouth tool bag has a heavy-duty dual 600D polyester fabric construction with delicate stitching around its body for durability and reliability.
It withstands all the heavy beating that comes with day to day plumbing jobs, so you don't have to bother about it getting damaged in a short period. This tool bag has multi-sized pockets to house all the tools.
There are eight 4.5" deep interior pockets, 13 exterior pockets, and 8 tool belts for storing wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and other accessories. However, the inner pockets are somewhat loose and won't hold everyday items like screwdrivers, wrenches, etc., as they'll fall out when carrying the bag.
Furthermore, this bag's interior space measures 16" x 11" x 8", making it large enough space for easy and quick collecting of tools. There is a metal frame in its interior that helps maintain its shape and stability.
Thanks to the hard waterproof molded base, your tools will stay dry and protected should the bag undergo any hard fall. The double-pull zippers also help keep your tools safe.
The WORKPRO 16" wide mouth tool bag comes with extra padded handles and an adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable, safe, and secured transportation.
Pros
- Sturdy polyester fabric construction for maximum protection
- It comes with extra padded handles and an adjustable shoulder strap
- Multiple interior and exterior pockets
- Double-pull zippers
- 16" wide-mouth opening for easy access to tools
Cons
- Interior pockets are loose
10. Husky 82003N11 18" Tool Bag
To round up this buying guide is the Husky 82003N11 18" tool bag. This tool bag has 29 interior and exterior pockets to keep all the tools in an organized manner.
It is made from 600D polyester spun-tuff fabric and has a wide bartec stitching to last long. With dimensions of 18" L x 10" W x 10" H, this bag will conveniently accommodate large tools.
The Husky 82003N11 18" tool bag features thick carrying handles with cross stitching attachment for durability. It also comes with an ergonomic shoulder belt to provide easy toting and carrying to job sites.
Moreso, it has a dual zipper system that ensures your tools are safely stored and secured. When empty, it weighs 1.5lb, which is lightweight and user-friendly.
Pros
- It has 29 interior and exterior pockets
- Water-resistant
- Made from 600D polyester spun-tuff fabric with wide Bartec stitching making it extremely durable
- Thick carrying handles with cross stitching attachment
- Lightweight
- Dual zipper system to keep your tools safe and secured
Best Tool Bag For Plumbers Buying Guide
Here is a detailed buying guide in case you want to know the process we have followed for picking up the tool organizers for plumbing jobs-
Size and Space
This is an obvious factor. That doesn’t make it any less important. A good tool bag must be spacious enough to contain all the tools in your possession, which may translate to a big size. Plumbing tools come in various sizes, and they can be pretty handful, a lot of them, from small size tools to bigger ones.
Tools are not the only contents in a plumber’s bag; materials are there too. Your tool bag should make enough room for materials like plastic pipes, rubber joints, knobs, glue, and others. Having a fashionable tool bag should not be the primary motive here.
Some spacious tools bags can look pretty rugged, but they are up to the task. There are no standards I can suggest here, but consider your arsenal and need for mobility before purchasing any tool bag out there.
Number of Pockets and Compartments
The discussion of this factor can be out of pocket. You don’t need all that space just to end up jamming all the tools and materials together in the center of your tool bag. Your tool bag needs to have a lot of pockets that are well sized and positioned.
These pockets do more than just holding your pieces of stuff; they also help you categorize your equipment and materials. With these categories intact, it is easy for you to fetch the required tool without having to stress or waste time. Each set of similar tools should be in the same pocket or pockets close to each other.
Also, a group of pockets can belong to a compartment. Things that you need more often can be stored in the pockets of an easily accessible compartment like the sides of the tool bag or the center space.
When you master your tool bag and the mentality behind where each stuff is kept, you will appreciate the power of pockets and compartments.
Protective Zippers
Here is the classic argument: should I be able to see the tools without having to open the pocket? I won’t give you the expected Yes and No answer! Having to partially or even fully see what is inside every pocket is good. You know what is what immediately, and you save time, but there is more to it than that.
I am not stating any judgment, but I will state the fact. You need those zippers, and you need them to be full and strong. From my experience, you have nothing to lose with zippers on every pocket, and I will explain. Zippers will protect your tools and prevent them from being joggled together, especially when you drift, and your tool bag is in the trunk of your car.
Now, let me answer the question on your mind. How do I retrieve and return my tools without wasting time? It easy, open all your necessary pockets before working. Traditional plumbers might even take out the needed tools from the bag before working. Either way, you won’t need to start guessing and checking different pockets.
This is not a necessity, but it is not a bad idea if your zippers have locks. You don’t have to use the locks if you don’t like the stress of unlocking them. Personally, I only lock the center purse. That is fair because it is the largest and it has a lot of pockets in it.
Also, choose a tool bag with properly clustered pockets in various segments and be consistent with where you keep each tool or type of material. That way, knowing where everything is will become second nature to you. I have mentioned that earlier, but I needed to mention it again, it is a very effective way of working.
Additional Handles
This might look like a minor factor, but speaking from experience, it is not. Your plumbing tool bag is not a school backpack where the convention of use is logically expected to be in a way. Flexibility is always a great feature to look out for.
You must be able to carry your bag in different ways, depending on the contents, weight, arrangement, etc. When the tools are not much, and the weight is less, I prefer to carry the tool bag with one hand, and there should be a handle or set of handles that support that.
When the contents are bulky, and pockets are almost full, I use the long twin handles to carry the bag like a backpack. If the tool bag is full to the brim with purchased materials, you might need the handles that allow for two people to carry the bag. Different handles are for different purposes.
Finally, you don’t want to carry your tool bag like a tool backpack if your bag doesn’t have zippers or the zippers are bad. That is one of the reasons why I prefer tool bags with good zippers on all the pockets.
Toughness of Bottom Material
All the equipment and materials you move about will tell on your bag. They will mostly reflect on the base of the bag. The bag’s bottom surface is the framework supporting everything, and unfortunately, it is the part that suffers the bangs on lifting and dropping the bag continuously. That is why you need the base of the bag to be very strong.
The strength comes from the design material’s texture and thickness. Hardness is not solely the required strength of the material needed. A hard bottom will resist damage and finally break later on.
The tough base material is more appropriate. It resists damage and elastically conforms to the surfaces against it. Always remember, a weak bottom is a weak bag.
Final Thoughts
As a professional plumber, there are tons of tools that help you deal with different plumbing jobs. To ensure you are always with the right tool for the job, you need to store them in an organized manner.
An excellent way to achieve this is by getting a high-quality and high-functional tool bag that will help you arrange your tools in an orderly and organized way.
Thankfully, the tool bags on our list are high-quality and highly functional. Each of the tool bags has enough pockets (large, medium, and small) for the tidy organization of your tools, boosting your work productivity.
Plus, they are comfortable to carry around. We have reviewed them, covering their construction, huge capacity, features, and lots more.
If you choose any one from our list, you can be sure you are getting a high-quality tool bag that will keep tools organized and last for years. Good luck!
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