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When you are building a whole set of DIY tools, you will sooner or later run into storage issues, and that is where a toolbox comes in handy. Toolboxes may be able to do the same, but they have some drawbacks. Although toolboxes are sturdy, they are easy to get cluttered, and the bottom can easily fill up with screwdrivers, hammers, and other frequently used tools, turning into a “black hole.”
Tool bags, on the other hand, are designed to provide maximum organization while remaining lightweight and portable. We’re always looking for tools and accessories that can help our readers, so we’ve researched and tested some of the most popular tool bags to find out which ones are best for organizing different types of tools.
John Lin, a professional mechanic and co-founder of JB Motor Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, recommends looking for a sturdy base when purchasing a tool kit. “A tool bag with a sturdy, waterproof bottom is not only durable, but also clean, as it prevents dust and dirt from the job site from getting into your vehicle or work area.”
Keep reading to learn how to spot a good tool set from a great one. Plus, find out how the following models performed in our real-world testing and how they ultimately earned a spot in our best tool set lineup.
We looked at over 35 different tool sets before choosing the one we actually tested. To determine what to test, we looked in part at brand names; after all, brands like DeWalt, Carhartt, and Ryobi are known for making top-notch tools and accessories. That said, we don’t automatically rule out smaller manufacturers or niche brands if their products have extremely high customer satisfaction rates.
Once we had our arsenal of test tools, we put together a basic DIY tool kit that included several sets of pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, drills, measuring tapes, marking tools, and other odds and ends. We packed each tool and put it to the test.
We rated how easy it was to organize the bags and noted how easy it was to carry each fully loaded bag. We also inspected the bags to assess their build quality and durability. Each bag is rated on a specific criterion: the better it performs in the test, the higher the score. After testing, we averaged the scores to determine the best performing bags overall and ranked them according to the best use case for each bag.
The following review is intended to help readers choose the tool kit that best suits their needs. It covers some of the most popular kits on the market, and we have personally tested each one. Below are some things to consider when choosing a tool kit.
The Bob Vila Approved seal recognizes home and DIY products that have impressed us in real-world testing and exemplify the Bob Vila brand’s core values of craftsmanship, innovation and value for money. Winning products are recommended by our team of professional judges and personally approved by Bob Vila.
Any DIY enthusiast with a large collection of hand tools that need to be stored properly will want to check out this storage bag from CLC. This 18-inch storage bag will not only hold all of your tools, but it will also keep them organized. There is a zippered flap on each side that opens to reveal multiple pockets, as well as a center pocket that is large enough to hold multiple power tools at once. All of the tools easily zip up for safe storage.
This tool bag can be carried in two ways: by the folded, padded nylon handles or by the shoulder strap. The shoulder straps are padded and have swivel mounts to prevent tangling. We tried both methods in our tests, and they worked very well. We also packed all the tools in our test kit into the bag and still had room to fill one side entirely, meaning this tool bag can hold twice as many items without sacrificing organization.
It should be noted, however, that although the bag has plastic feet sewn into the bottom, it is not waterproof.
Our Ratings: Organization 4.5/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Waterproof 4/5; Value 4.5/5
This durable tool bag from Carhartt will be appreciated by both home DIYers and professionals. This 14-inch tool bag is made of durable 1200-denier polyester and features soft-touch handles for comfort even when fully loaded. This tool bag has 26 pockets and a main compartment for convenient storage of hand tools and a drill.
There were a few things that stood out when testing the Legacy. The material itself feels very durable, and we wouldn’t mind storing our chisels in some of the small side pockets. Plus, the compact design provides plenty of storage without taking up too much room. We like that the bag opens on its own, and the handles are very comfortable.
The main drawbacks of this bag are the lack of shoulder straps (although the handles are certainly comfortable) and the lack of zippered pockets for small items.
Homeowners and DIY enthusiasts looking for a compact and lightweight tool kit at a reasonable price should check out this affordable tool kit from WorkPro. This tool bag has a compact design and is made of polyester fabric with a waterproof plastic base for long-lasting durability, and features two velcro handles and a padded shoulder strap. The tool bag features two zippers that can be easily opened with one hand by pulling it halfway down the zipper.
Our testing found this bag’s shoulder straps to be comfortable and by far the best way to carry it. We also liked the waterproof bottom and the obvious storage for writing utensils, a detail that’s missing from many tool bags. This bag has 21 tool storage slots, but the interior pockets are oddly shaped, so keeping them secure can be a challenge. The material is a little less high-quality than some of the other bags on this list, but the price reflects that; overall, it’s still a great value.
Anyone who has to carry a lot of tools can give their back a break with this rolling tool bag from Husky. Made from 600 denier polyester, this tool bag features a telescopic handle and wheels for smooth movement even over uneven terrain. Premium construction and thoughtful design are the hallmarks of this tool bag, which can support up to 100 pounds.
The Husky is truly a top-notch product. We loved the 18 well-designed pockets, including one with a Velcro closure for storing small items like screwdrivers and drill bits. We also found that despite the backpack weighing nearly 12 pounds empty, the two padded handles were still the most comfortable in our test group. The spacious main compartment accommodated plenty of tools during our testing—we even stuffed a circular saw in there, just in case. Plus, the telescopic handle is super smooth, allowing for one-handed operation, and the wheels are also super smooth and durable.
The only problem is that it doesn’t have side handles to make it easy to lift and load into your car.
No matter how heavy or light your gear is, the Dickies 20-inch Work Bag can easily accommodate all your essentials. The product is made from durable canvas with a polyester lining, making it durable and lightweight. The bag has a spacious center compartment that can accommodate a drill, reciprocating saw, circular saw, and even a few batteries. The bag has eight external compartments and six internal pockets for easy storage of small tools and large fasteners.
This bag performed very well in our testing. The long, deep center compartment easily accommodates large hand tools, and there’s plenty of room for power tools and DIY supplies. Plus, the pockets are contoured and lined with heavy-duty webbing, providing plenty of room to keep things secure. Even when fully loaded, this bag is comfortable to carry. We weren’t a huge fan of the zipper getting a little snagged when opening it one-handed, and the pockets felt a little small, but overall, this is a great bag.
This tool bag from Klein Tools is a modern classic. The bag is made from durable canvas that resists tearing, and the genuine leather handles are hemmed and stitched for maximum comfort. Additionally, the thick leather shoulder strap and metal buckle ensure the bag stays securely closed.
Testing confirmed our earlier suspicions: The quality is top-notch, but the organization is a bit lacking. We appreciate the sturdy metal hinges, as well as the extremely durable canvas and vegetable-tanned leather handles and buckles. We like that Klein stitched hard-wearing leather to a solid canvas bottom for added strength, rather than simply stitching the sides of the bag together with a single piece of leather.
Please note that it does not have any pockets, so it is best suited for storing large hand tools or installing plastic organizers.
DeWalt not only knows how to use tools, but also how to store them properly. We are big fans of the brand, and their 18-inch roller tool set only cements our loyalty. We are no strangers to DeWalt tool boxes, and this one combines the best of both worlds.
Before we started testing, we loaded the bag with some tools and accessories. We really like the molded plastic base, which prevents water from getting into the bag in wet weather. Another highlight of the DeWalt tool bag is its large zippered top, which, when fully open, allows the user to see everything in the bag at a glance.
This bag has 28 compartments and several small pockets inside for storing things that need to be protected from moisture. Additional pockets on the outside are perfect for storing tools that can withstand a light rain. On the outside of the bag, there are two zippered compartments, one of which is just the right size for our phone.
We found this to be a great all-round work bag, especially useful for household tasks such as organizing and storing various power tools and accessories. The wheels and retractable handle make it very portable for carrying heavy items. The only downside is that it would be better if the outer compartment had some foldable pockets to better protect items on rainy days.
If you have a large collection of small tools like screwdrivers and pliers, the Carhartt Tool Bag may be the perfect choice for you, as it has an impressive 45 compartments. This tool bag is relatively compact, but we still managed to fit several power tools in the spacious interior compartment and a variety of smaller tools in the numerous interior and exterior pockets.
Carhartt didn’t skimp on pockets on this tool bag. The exterior features multi-tiered pockets for extra storage and better organization.
We packed it up and carried it using the side handles and the optional adjustable shoulder strap. Both worked well, but we preferred to remove the shoulder strap as we found it easier to carry it by the side handles, making for quick and easy transport. The special hard-wearing base is perfect for placing on wet grass.
The canvas exterior of this tool bag is waterproof, but it only protects the contents of the large interior compartment when it is zipped. The open pockets on the outside absorb moisture and retain volume, so they are protected from rain. Not only is this a great tool bag, but it is also a great choice for artists and craftsmen who want to store small tools.
If you need to carry things over long distances, a backpack is the best choice. This Ryobi backpack looks like other types of backpacks, but it has 31 compartments to organize tools and accessories.
One of our favorite features of the Ryobi backpack is the zippers on the outer compartments. This backpack-style tool bag with no open pockets will keep your stuff dry even in a light rain. We filled a bucket with water and placed it under a sprinkler for 10 minutes to test if it was truly waterproof. When we opened the backpack, we found that everything inside was dry except for one pocket, because the zipper wasn’t fully closed. That’s our fault.
The manufacturer doesn’t list a weight limit for this bag, but we found it could hold up to 30 pounds without losing its shape at the seams or zippers. Ultimately, the optimal weight limit depends on your personal strength and the distance you want to carry. The only thing that could be improved is the molded plastic base. While the base was practical when we needed to lay the bag down on wet grass, it dug into our thighs when we wore it as a backpack.
With all the testing equipment out of the way, we put in our DSLR and filled the interior and exterior pockets with lenses, flashes, and filters. Best wishes. Ryobi designed this tool bag to carry small power tools and accessories, but it’s great for other items, too.
This Kobalt tool bag from Lowe’s is a real winner. It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but it’s durable, well-designed, and holds plenty of hand tools and small accessories.
We packed our Kobalt bag, which included drill bits, screwdrivers, a portable work light, and other small accessories. The top of the bag is zipped, and we like that it opens completely on both sides, making it easy to see and access tools from the interior compartments.
The bag has side handles and an optional shoulder strap. We found both handles to be adequate (and comfortable) for carrying our gear, but we liked the handles better, so we ended up removing the shoulder straps. The manufacturer doesn’t list a maximum weight limit, but we loaded the bag with about 35 pounds and didn’t notice any bulging or seam ripping.
This bag has 12 outside pockets and 6 inside pockets, allowing you to store DIY tools, screws, nails, and other items. However, we did encounter one minor issue that seemed to be a fluke: one of the velcro pocket flaps on the outside of the bag is missing velcro.
The size and design of the Kobalt Tool Bag make it ideal for carrying socket sets, power tools or other small project tools.
Choosing the right tool kit may seem simple, but there are a few things to consider before spending money on any used tool kit. The following section covers some important things to consider when buying a tool bag, from storage methods to materials.
If you have a lot of small hand tools, measuring devices, and gadgets, you probably don’t want them all piling up at the bottom of your tool bag. For DIY enthusiasts, the more pockets, the better and tidier. The best tool bag should have enough space to store your tools properly and safely, which will improve your workflow and achieve better results.
On a construction site, the workflow often requires lifting and putting away tools with one hand. A kit with a flexible opening will make this very difficult or even impossible. To avoid this, choose a tool bag that has a wire or metal frame around the opening of the main compartment. This allows you to open and close the door with one hand.
If this doesn’t seem like a big deal, consider how much it would cost to put together a quality tool kit. Without a structured opening, those expensive tools could easily end up scattered on the ground, bent, or even damaged. A kit with a framed opening will help avoid this, saving you time and money.
Consumers may want to consider purchasing a tool bag “made from durable materials, such as heavy-duty fabric or reinforced nylon, to withstand the wear and tear of working on a project,” said Terry Dussault, CEO of Yellowknife Safety in Huntington Beach, Calif. Dussault also recommends using a tool bag made from waterproof or water-resistant material to protect tools from damage from rain or accidental spills.
The most common materials for tool bags are heavy nylon, canvas, and polyester. These materials can support a significant amount of weight, and sharp tools will not puncture the walls. Rubber is a great base material for tool bags because of its durability and non-slip properties. Cheap tool kits made from cheap materials like faux leather and low-quality nylon can easily rip prematurely, which will ultimately increase the cost of replacing the kit.
Post time: Apr-23-2025