Just got a Veto XL tool bag last week. Great tool bag! Great investment!
I figure it will be saving me at least $5.00 per day in increased productivity. That’s $100 per month (asuming thatI only worked 20 days per month, 31 days is more like it).
So thats a $1200 per year return on a $125 investment… Try that at the stock market!
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FWIW - for some this is also a great alternative, got one at the new year, really nice, high quality.
http://toolpak.com/
I was thinking about the Veto but I think this fits my system better.
drbgwood - not trying to step on toes - congrats, those are also really cool, and like you say - they pay for themselves. I just thought since you started the thread it would be a good place to put a comparable option for others.
Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
no problem.
I used to own one of the Toolpaks about 10 years ago when I was pulling cable. It's a good design also. Being a backpack, it was handy for those long walks into some of the factory environments we used to work in.
Veto's a heck of alot tougher though.
Either one beat's the boxes and gate mouth bags I've been using the last few years.
I have to agree - not a big fan of gatemouths - and you are correct veto is tougher.
Just fit my situation right now a little better - love the Veto's - I WILL own one - or two .Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
I've had the Veto XL for about a year, and I am crazy about it. But I have never hear of Tool Pak. Which one do you have? Are they built as tough as the Veto bags?The Veto is perfect for all my hand tools, but I am still looking for a good bag for my cordless drill/impact driver, bits, and misc stuff that won't fit in the Veto.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
They are pretty damn stout, Veto's seem to be built tougher.
Tool pak has DIFFERENT features, or advantages / disadvantages depending on what your looking to use it for.
Toolpak is definately built tough enough to handle what you'll give it.
I have the original.
I'll take some pics, their website pics suck compared to how good the product is.Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
Hi All, I know we all have a favorite for many personal reasons....here's my input for all it's worth....ever since I've seen them I've used MTM bags. That's been about ten years or so ago. Any bag will eventually get a nail dropping hole with the usual wear and tear we, most, of us put it through...depending, but I just have not been able to find anything to match MTM in all the areas I like. The main ones are enough pockets to hold all the usual things I need on an everyday basis (though everyone says my bags are heavier than anybody they've seen, probably true, if I try to lighten them the things just keep going back in eventually anyway). The other main thing is COMFORT, and with all this weight, MTM are by far the most comfortable I've ever had. I've had them stolen along with other tools when I became a bit complacent on a job and left them with a few other things in a lock up box on site, and thieves took them! This has happened twice here in SC and each time I would try to find something to match the MTMs in size and comfort and durability, I never found anything close enough (now I can't speak for the Vetos as I've never seen them...they sound good from you all say though, I'd just have to see them). Each time these thefts happened I would end up sending out for another set of MTM's, first from California where I'm from, then directly from MTM in Arizona. Their web site is http://www.mtmbags.com. For info, the first set I got were the 303 framer tool set. They are a three bag standard. They have improved them since the very first ones I bought. Now I buy the Magnum 350. The 330's are also nice. Last time they ran $90, not cheap, but I won't wear anything else. At least not yet....make sure you give them your waist size as mine is 31 and when I had to order the second set (without teying them on first) it came with a large belt.....waaaay too big...I sent back for a small belt size that did the trick and gave a friend the other belt, believe me, they are sooo comfortable. ~Zorro~
Edited 1/15/2006 2:34 pm ET by zorrosdens
Edited 1/15/2006 2:50 pm ET by zorrosdens
Nice post but please hit return about every five lines or so. Your high school english teacher will not know it is not a true paragraph. (:-) It really makes it easier to read.
Hi there in the upstate, I'm up here in the hills outside of Asheville, folks lived in Greenville for a while.
Bob
I know......not one my forteshello......up there....I'll try to learn that point more. I just get going sometimes, Thanks. ~zorro~
zorros -You're talking about a tool BELT these guys are talking about a tool BAG. Different discussion.btw, I wear Oxy's for carpentry and DeWalt's for electrical but I've heard about those MTM's a few times now. Might have to check 'em out.
How would ANY of these totes fare when pulled up by rope or ride in a boomlift for roofing?
I/we have used a slew of combinations, either they can snag on scaffold braces and dump, or be a trip hazard in a man lift.
I'd like a fairly large ( say, 20"x20"x20" ) weighted with drills(2), various snips, fasteners too, and closeable to keep out debris.
I like the "parachute" bag style, for wrap up at the end of the day, sometimes we can just drop them and they land..thats what I am thinking about.
Any ideers?
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
I recently purchased a Klein bag with a leather bottom. Twenty inches long, closable, plenty of little pockets inside. It is the new design with D rings for a shoulder strap- an excellent move. Model 5020 or something like that, about $80.
If the tools were kept to a minimum, a drill would fit in the Klein bag.
Not sure about the "drop test" on the Klein bag, though. The two handles will accept a rope nicely, though.
I use an Occidental "beltless" framer system and their leather drill holster for my sheet metal tools.
I would really like one of those leather Occidental tool totes that they don't make anymore...
American Made.
I have the beltless occy system..189.00...but I have a hard time getting them to ride with a harness too..the pockets will carry a drill or three, but do they make a seperate drill holder?
I am always modifying my rig, and am contemplating a new sset up for the OSHA reg harness/ WITH my tool bags..that I would like to see.
Hauling up our tools ( we climb light when we can, and vicegrip the tools to a rope) is a chore. Buckets dump, milk crates look tacky ( we do have some class) and a closed container would stay away from gathering roofage debris.
I'd like to see a drill holder, I keep one pocket clear just for that reason with that shoulder slung sys. My other "gutter" rig is belt and bags..with a add on.
Got pics?
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Here ya go. They also make a lefty version. I have had my drill holster for 5 years.
http://www.bestbelt.com/product/belts-accessories/tool-holsters.html
Got it! Thanks.!!!
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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As far as using one of the Veto bags for roof work..................It could be pulled up with a rope -- no problem. Each side zippers closed, so you would not have any problem with spills. It is the best made bag I have ever seen -- almost bullet proof.For you, I suspect the problem with any of the 3 Veto models would be the pocket configuration. There are relatively few larger pockets (e.g. for snips), and probably too many small pockets (nail sets, etc.). The two smaller bags are not really made for fitting cordless drills, but I know some are able to cram them in. I bought one of the larger Veto's (the XXL), thinking it would work to carry drills, impact drivers, but I didn't like it. Again, too many small pockets, and not enough room for bigger misc. stuff -- i.e. prybars, 2' level, etc. I think you would actually have to see the bag to know if it would work for you. EDIT: BTW, I bought those two Silky saws you recommended in an exchange of emails sometime ago, and they are really terrific. Thanks again. ********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Edited 1/18/2006 7:29 pm by nikkiwood
Ok! Thank you.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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Have you used a hand hoisting wheel with rope that would attach to the ladder you're using for access -to help in lifting up the daily tools.
If pipe is up I also use a yard arm and bull wheel set up for easy pulling.
Looking forward to seeing some pics of your pool house slate job !
Well, Grant bought us a 200lb+ ele hoist..we set a 6' scaffold on the 5th tier, off load on the 4th& 5 to stock the layers of pump pole pics and our first two sets of roof jacks.
He made a cradle of galvy pipe that holds a wheel barrow load of mixed slate , about.
We are using 9,10, 11, &12 x 18...purple, green and a few grey.
Green is dominant, one in 7 is pu ( for luck) and grey are a bit thicker and harder...pu seem to break easy.
He scored some used slate for starters...now I gotta figgure my reveals to not have a goofy looking ridge after the sideways caps go on..we are about 12 courses at 8" to the first long ridge. With 8 to the weather, I'd like to adjust the final so we can avoid waste and also use 9'' caps w/0 cutting a bunch of ridge crap.
This is not a true oct. it is a racetrack oval with a ridge about 20' long, with hips that describe the 16' width on 3 planes each end.
10/12..not bad to work on, but I lost a few installed , by foot work already. I hate fixing, before I am done finishing.
About them hips..I like a 3'' side lap using a 12"" for the start, but the finisher at the other hip..wants to be what it wants to be? I see Dale cutting a sliver...my thougt was to work both hips towards the C/L amd finess the "closer", with a stagger o' course.
Any ideers different?
TIA
BTW, it is not a staggerd butt, Thank GOD. I'l get a pic asap, the DW has the camera in limbo waitin for the G-child to come out of the oven, I have the 35 mm film on site. and w/ snow out today, and few other jobs in the werks, it may well be a week before I am back to the slate...we have a gutter job from hell ongoing..MUD and a long commute..and mud. And it is muddy as well. Then there is the mud to contend with afterya scrape off the mud..knowmean?
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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Edited 1/19/2006 12:11 am ET by Sphere
I know what you mean about mitered hips and the small pieces.Sometimes I might narrow up the last one or two just before the hip piece to enable the hip one to be slightly larger.
Since you've got random width it won't be picked up by the eye that some are narrower.Are the hips just miterede with cu under and no other caps?The ridge sounds like slate caps?
We've got mud season here too!Unbelievable for mid January.
Yeah the hips are capless. The ridge gets a 9'' sideways.
I was afriad of running short on the 12's with so much being hipped and still using them in the field too.
We wont be back there until we finish up a prior job that got back burnerd waiting for parts...we are hanging a slew of 1/2 rnd alum gutter and the elbows just arrived..so we couldnt drop the towers down till we had the downs dropped closer to the MUD.
I hope to back on slate on Tues at the latest...I just got back from the dreaded knife guy for the ankle, seems I did manage to mangle some important tendons, of course. He charged me 115.00$ to tell me that he recommends cutting and fixing, I told him I was a self pay ( no INS) and he said maybe I want anther opinion..LOL.
So scheduled a new Dr. appt for monday ( if it rains, other wise I am working)
Odamm what a hijack! I apologize to all. I'll email ya.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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I am attaching a file photo of someone else who modifies his bags.
He has a four bag rig and one of them have seven pouches. Hope the file is not too large to send.
The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
musta been a fart...no show here?
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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Sphere,
Have you tried any of Klein's linesmens bags with a leather bottom?
Rope handle with a carabiner works nice on the outside of the basket-then use some "chute" bags for inside with fasteners in the pouchs.
I'm going to try a Veto XL too.
Yup, I have a few from Duke Power in NC,,,I be looking at that pro bag tho...the Poco bags collect frass and trash, hell, I can swamp my wear bags with frass in an hour.
Time to invent , time to invent.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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The bag I linked to is a backpack, designed for wearing while climbing. That's how I got turned on to it - helping my heating guy on a rooftop unit. After I almost killed myself climbing up with on hand on the ladder, other hand holding tools, he whips this bag onto his back, zooms up the ladder, unzips the bag, - ready to go.
It would rope up fine with the top hand handles.
Probably wouldn't hold drills real well because of all the small pockets for hand tools - this is where it really shines - like the veto.
That got me thinking - what about using a backpack, my kids school backpack has about 5 different drill sized compartments. A good hiking supplier may have a day pack that would fit the bill for a few drills / accessories.
Here's some better pics of the tool pak - still trying to figure out what I want in it and where.Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
MAn! what a great IDEA! wouldn't ya know I JUST tossed out an old Backpack last week...good thinking there. I like that plan.
Thank you.
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Thanks for the Head's up. I found that out later after more discussion as I had no knowledge of the brand they to were talking about. But, I figured it out later. So I just shut up, LOL. Anyway, the MTM's are a GREAT Belt system... They are the only thing I will wear (I'm so comfortable and USED to that system...if it works,etc.) Thanks
I Have both the Regular and xtra long Veto bags - they are great.
As an alternative, the Ridgid bag at HD is actually pretty kick butt. It's got some real nice features - worth looking at for about $65.
JT
I've had my Pro Pac XL for about a year as well. Worst thing about it is how much stuff it holds, perhaps I don't really need to carry 2 block planes every day (but I do).
<wink>.
A couple of the pockets could be shallower as they swallow up my little channel locks etc.
It took me a week or two to get it set up just right, but knowing I have all my hand tools at a glance gives me piece of mind and saves a ton of time. I paid $95 at JLC Live and would do it again in a heartbeat.
The awful thing is that beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and the devil are fighting there, and the battlefield is the heart of man.
- Fyodor Dostoyevski
Guilty as charged,your honor, standard and low angle. The funny thing is I was recently thinking the same thing maybe switch out the #18 with a shoulder.
you're ahead of me- I've had my XL for about 8 months and still haven't figured where I want everything . I keep moving tools to see if I like different configurations.
And I carry 2 block planes and a small rebate plane, among other tools.
What makes this bag better than, say, a Bucket Boss. I mean for the bucket, not the Gatemouth.
Is the savings just in convenience?
I banished my bucket when I got the Veto XL.I like it for three reasons:1) It has many pockets, but they are generally smaller than the Bucket Boss. That makes it easier, for me, to find stuff; I can for instance, consign my lineman's pliers to the same pocket, and once I learn my storage system, I never have to hunt around for it. 2) I find it a whole lot easier to carry than a bucket. Once the sides are zipped up, you can carry the thing with your hand straight down your leg (like a briefcase). The bucket was always banging against my leg. Small point, I know, but I liked the difference in the center of gravity.3) The whole bag is really well made and very tough. I'd like to see them make another bag that would be more appropriate for cordless drills, 24" level, etc. I tried the XXL and that didn't do the trick.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Perhaps it isn't what you're looking for, but does it hold as much as a Bucket ? I'm interested in redoing my storage and van shelving, but not sure the price is worth it.
Does the Veto hold as much as a bucket? I think it would be close (with the XL), but probably not, since with a bucket, you can pile stuff inside the bucket itself. I think the virtue of the Veto is you can organize it better than a bucket -- and it is easier to carry around.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
FYI
Veto XL on sale a Amazon 99.99 with free shipping.If I'd known it was harmless I'd have killed it myself.
The veto does hold much more than the bucket organizers, but probably not the bucket itself. You probably could stuff more tools in a 5 gal bucket than the veto, if you wanted to dump everything out on the floor each time you needed to find the tool you were after.
The veto makes it very easy to instantly get at just the tool your looking for. Plus, I'm finding that I'm putting the tool back in the bag most every time I use it now, verses when I had other bags I would wind up with a big pile of tools laying around the floor / ground / counter of what i was working on. This saves time during the job as well as during cleanup after it's over. Makes you look more organized and professional to the customer. $$$.
I had the 80 pocket Bucket Boss (plus the 54, plus several gatemouth bags, Irwin bags/boxes, etc) and when I took the exact same tools out of the bucket and put them in the Veto, it seemed lighter! I know the Veto empty weighs more that the empty bucket and Boss, but the height and thickness of the handle on the Veto is about perfect.
Looks nice, too, not like a hand-tool porcupine with stuff sticking out and falling out.
Plus I like the zippers, which are really sturdy.
The number, size, and arrangement of pockets on the Veto pretty much fit what I need. With the bucket, I was always looking at the wrong side. And the stuff INSIDE the bucket was always hidden and covered by the crap I didn't need at the time.
Mark one side of the Veto (I use a cheap carabiner in one of the d-rings, so I know the A-side vs. the B-side of the Veto) so you don't have to guess at which side to unzip.
Just 2 things I think would improve the Veto:
1. A trained monkey to put things away for you
2. Knowing if it is pronounced VEE-toe or VET-toe
Anyway, it's a c-note well spent.
Pete Duffy, Handyman
What nikki said, plus when you zip up the sides everything is covered and secure, chisels stay put etc.- a big plus on the subway.
The awful thing is that beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and the devil are fighting there, and the battlefield is the heart of man.- Fyodor Dostoyevski
"tough as nails, and more pockets than a mob of kangaroos"...
here's their website.
http://www.vetopropac.com/xl.html
I've had the Veto LC for about 1 1/2 years and love it. Like others have said the only bad thing is how much they hold. They get really heavy. I may get the XXL to keep in the truck to stay organized. LOL!
Headstong, I'll take on anyone!
I looked at them- made in China. No thanks- especially for the price.
Thanks for adding so much to the discussion.
Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
For some of us, where it is made is just as important as what the item does or how good it is.
Made in China, with a retail of $120, probably has a wholesale of $40.
If it was American made, I would gladly pay the retail price.
The only reason it isn't made here is because the store can't make $80 on each one.
you get what you pay for...
I guess the USA needs to get it's act together and start making better quality products than the rest of the world does. That would really teach those dang foreigners a lesson!
Sometimes you pay for what you get :)
Given the same highly automated manufacturing facility in the USA, duplicating the same bag made in China would be easy. The "quality" is determined by the machines and the design specifications- not the people pushing the buttons.
Problem there is the difference in labor costs- no way around that until Americans are making the same as the Chinese. Then there are all those other pesky details like environmental compliance and worker benefits- again, something that cannot be competed against.
The same tool bag, made in the USA, could probably be made and sold at a profit at the suggested retail price. The problem there is that the profit isnt "enough" for the beancounters or shareholders. There is the reason for the outsourcing- greed.
Edited 1/18/2006 10:38 am ET by danski0224