Author: Leb
Personal blog: https://lebshare.blogspot.com

 

A problem arises when collecting a complete set of DIY tools starts to cause storage issues. Toolkits may solve the problem, but they have drawbacks. Tool kits are sturdy, but they can easily become cluttered, and the bottom can easily become a black hole for screwdrivers, hammers and other commonly used tools.

The best tool kits, on the other hand, are carefully designed to provide as much organization as possible while being lightweight and easy to carry. These bags are also durable. Quality tool kits made from materials such as double-layered canvas, nylon and polyester will last a lifetime.

There are many tool bags available, so I went ahead and tested some of the best options to make your shopping experience fast and efficient. Here are all the best tool kits I've tested, each of which has earned its award based on its specific strengths.

 

Best Toolkits of 2023

Best Overall: CLC 1539 18-inch Multi-Compartment Tool Rack

Runner-up: Carhartt Legacy 14-inch Tool Kit

Value for Money: WorkPro 16-inch Wide-Mouth Tool Bag with Molded Base

Upgrade option: Husky 18-inch 18-pocket rolling tool kit

Best for Power Tools: Dickies Work Gear 57033 20-inch work bag

Best for Large Hand Tools: Klein Tools Canvas Tool Bag, 16 in.

 

Our Top Picks

That's a lot of information about the best tool kits, so shopping can seem daunting. The good news is that it doesn't have to be, and the list below can help. It contains some of the most popular options on the market that I've tested. When comparing these models to each other, be sure to keep the most important shopping considerations in mind.

 

CLC 1539 18-inch Multi-Compartment Tool Rack

 

Any DIY enthusiast who needs a lot of storage for their hand tools should check out this bag from CLC. the CLC 1539 provides a home for each tool and keeps them organized. It has a flap with zippers on each side that opens to reveal tons of pockets, and a center pocket large enough to hold several power tools at once. Plus, everything can be pulled open for secure storage.

During testing, I tested two carry options; a pair of padded rolled-edge nylon handles and a high-quality shoulder strap with cushioned padding and swivel hardware to prevent tangles. Both options did a great job. I also packed all the tools from the test kit into the bag, but one entire side of the bag was not filled, which means the bag can hold double the kit without sacrificing organization.

One thing to know about this bag is that the bottom is not waterproof, but it does have sewn-in plastic feet.

 

Carhartt Legacy 14-inch Toolkit

 

DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike will likely love this durable bag from Carhartt. This 14-inch tool kit features heavy-duty polyester construction and padded handles to stay comfortable when fully loaded. With 26 tool pockets and a main compartment, this bag provides ample storage for hand tools and power drills.

When testing the Legacy, a few things stood out. The material itself seemed to be the most durable in testing and there was no need to worry about putting chisels in some of the smaller side pockets. In addition, the compact design allows for plenty of storage without taking up too much space. I also like that the bag opens on its own and the carry handle is very comfortable.

The main downside to this bag is the lack of a shoulder strap, but the handles are comfortable and there is no zippered pocket for storing small items.

 

WorkPro 16-inch Wide Mouth Tool Bag with Molded Base

 

Homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who need a compact, lightweight bag to hold their gear without a bulky price tag should check out the WorkPro 16-inch Wide Mouth Tool Bag. This compact bag features polyester construction, a molded rubber base for water resistance and extended durability, two hook-and-loop handles, and a padded shoulder strap. The bag has two zipper pulls that, when located in the middle of the zipper, can be easily opened with one hand.

Tests have shown that the shoulder strap is comfortable and certainly the best way to carry this bag. I also like the waterproof bottom and the obvious storage space for writing utensils - a detail not found in many kits. There are 21 spots for storing tools, but the pockets inside the bag are oddly shaped, so secure storage may be an issue. The quality of the material is lower than other kits on the list, but the price reflects this and makes it a good value for money.

 

Husky 18-inch 18-pocket rolling tool kit

 

Anyone who needs to haul a bunch of tools back and forth can give their back a break with the Husky Rolling Tool Bag. Featuring a double layer of polyester fabric and a telescoping handle, this bag comes with a set of wheels that allow it to roll over rough and uneven surfaces. This construction and design give the Husky a weight capacity of 100 pounds.

Huskies are truly a quality product. I love the 18 well-designed pockets, one of which has a Velcro closure for smaller items like drivers and drills. I also found the two padded carry handles to be the most comfortable of the group, even though the bag's unloading weight is close to 12 pounds. The main compartment is so large that it could hold a lot of tools during testing - I even snuck an extra circular saw in there just in case. In addition, the telescoping handle works perfectly with one hand, and the wheels are smooth and sturdy.

 

Dickies Work Gear 57033 20-inch workbag

 

Haul anything, no matter what the weight, with the Dickies 20-inch work bag. Made of durable canvas and lined with polyester, it's sturdy and lightweight, with a huge central compartment for a drill, reciprocating saw, circular saw, and even a few batteries. There are also eight exterior pockets and six interior pockets for gadgets and hardware.

Testing the Dickies bag provided some delightful results. The long, deep central compartment holds large hand tools well and makes room for power tools and batteries. In addition, the pockets feature a wavy design with nylon webbing at the top, providing plenty of secure storage space. And the bag is comfortable to carry, even when it's full. I don't like that the zipper is a little sticky when opened with one hand and the pockets are too average in size, but overall, it's a great bag.

 

Klein Tools Canvas Tool Kit, 16 in.

 

The Klein Tools Canvas Toolkit is a modern toolkit classic. This bag features a durable canvas construction that won't tear easily. It also features natural leather handles that have been rolled up and stitched for maximum comfort. In addition, a thick leather shoulder strap and metal buckle ensure this bag stays closed.

The test proved what I already suspected: the quality is top-notch, while the organization may be lacking. I appreciate the durable hinged metal opening, and the very durable canvas and vegetable-tanned leather handles and buckles. In addition, I appreciate that Klein stitched a layer of abrasion-resistant leather to the bottom of the one-piece canvas bag, rather than just sewing the walls of the bag to a piece of leather for added strength.

Keep in mind that there are no pockets, so it's best suited for large hand tools or a plastic organizer.

 

Author's judgment

 

While all of these bags offer excellent mobile storage, the CLC 1539 Multi-Compartment Tool Kit stands out among the others as the best overall bag. The organization and capacity it offers are unparalleled. the Carhartt Legacy 14-inch toolkit comes in second place, thanks to its durable construction quality, compact design and top-notch organization - and at an affordable price.