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A rolling tool-bag, or even better a rolling toolbox, is the easiest and best way to store and move your tools around a building site for both builders, plumber, electricians, and DIY ‘ers. Instead of a standard carry by hand tool bag, or bucket, that is restricted by weight.
Whats is better, a tool bag or a toolbox? A tool bag on wheels is smaller and easier to move around, but a toolbox on wheels is more durable and can fit more items inside. For Builders and DIY’ers a rolling toolbox is best. For electricians, a rolling tool bag might suit you better.
The Best Rolling Tool Bag
#1 BEST ROLLING TOOL BAG
Klein Tool bag 55452RTB
- Has large 6” wheels that handle even the roughest terrain
- Has an orange interior that makes it easy to see tools
- Durable reinforced metal frame
- Molded kick plate provides an extra measure of protection
- Durable reinforced metal frame
- 24 pockets provide plenty of storage space and easy organization
- Pockets could be laid out a bit better
#2 BEST ROLLING TOOL BAG
Milwaukee 48-22-8220 24-Inch
- Strong extendable handle
- Durable HardTop construction provides a stackable storage solution
- 6” metal rim wheels navigate through most terrain
- The unique fold-down front panel helps keep tools organized
- Carries up to 250 lbs. of tools and equipment
- Could use some small pockets
#3 BEST DEWALT ROLLING TOOL BAG
DEWALT DGL571 Rolling Tool Bag 18-Inch
- Has a useful LED light
- The magnetic folding top allows for easy tool access
- Has a telescoping handle for convenient rolling
- Padded web handles allow for comfortable handling
- Could use more interior pockets
#4 BEST HUSKY ROLLING TOOL BAG
Husky Water Resistant Rolling Tool Tote Bag 18-Inch
- Nicely balanced design with two rear wheels
- The reinforced polyester bottom keeps tools protected
- Thick cross ‘X’ stitched handles are comfortable on the hands
- Has two tape measure loops
- Handle tends to stick occasionally
- Wheels are a bit small for some types of terrain
#5 BEST TOOL BAG WITH WHEELS
CLC Custom Leathercraft L258 17-Inch
- Has six multi-purpose interior pockets and 11 exterior pockets
- The telescoping handle has a convenient LED light
- Has heavy-duty treaded wheels
- Inside pockets are pretty small
- The LED light isn’t powerful enough to use as a work light
#6 BEST DIY ROLLING TOOL BAG
Display4top with Handle 18-Inch
- Has eight interior and nine exterior pockets
- Made of rugged nylon material
- The design allows for easy tool access
- The handle tends to wiggle a bit
The Best Rolling Toolbox
#1 BEST MILWAUKEE ROLLING TOOLBOX
Milwaukee Rolling Modular Tool Box Stackable Storage System 20-Inch
- Convenient stackable system
- Easily fits a builders, electricians or plumbers tool kit
- Rugged, weather-sealed cases provide excellent protection from the elements
- Has metal reinforced corners
- 250 lbs. carrying capacity
- One-handed installation and removal
- Could use more organizers inside
#2 BEST DEWALT ROLLING TOOLBOX
DEWALT DWST17820 TSTAK Mobile Storage Rolling Tool Box
- Metal-plastic telescopic handle can be tilted backward for easy access to the interior
- Large 7” wheels
- Metal-plastic telescopic handle can be tilted backward for easy access to the interior
- Additional boxes can be added on and stacked on top
- Has anti-rust metal latches
- One of the best Bluetooth radios are compatibly stacked on the Dewalt Tstak
- Smaller clips than the Milwaukee
#3 BEST HUSKY ROLLING TOOLBOX
Husky B00U4KKO8Y
- Generous 25-gallon holding capacity
- Has a removable tool tray for holding different-sized tools
- Plenty of room for large power tools plus accessories
- Build durable and strong to last in a harsh environment
- Good for any type of storage, even camping or emergency supply’s
- Easy size for placement inside a car boot
- More dividers for each compartment would improve organization for small things
#4 BEST ELECTRICIANS ROLLING TOOLBOX
Husky 25-Inch
- Has a comfortable soft-grip handle
- Large 8” wheels
- Dual latches keep the lid securely closed
- Good for Plumbers, and the home handyman, with the need to organize small fittings
- Fold-out storage trays for small accessories
- Better suited for carrying light items
#5 BEST SMALL ROLLING TOOLBOX
Husky B07BLLXHZZ Mobile Rolling Tool Box 26-Inch
- The top lid has convenient connection latches
- Provides 5250 cubic inches of storage space
- Large 8” all-terrain wheels
- Has a power cord access feature
- Internal tray for small tools
- Better suited for carrying smaller items
#6 BEST DIY ROLLING TOOLBOX
Keter 241008 Masterloader Plastic Portable Tool Box
- Has a convenient portable sliding plastic design tool
- It has compartmentalized bins
- Has a central locking mechanism for added security
- Allows access to the bottom compartment without having to remove the top bins
- Latch spring mount could be more durable
Introduction
Rolling tool bags are essentially tool bags that have attached wheels and an extendable or telescoping handle. They are designed to hold a variety of tools and can easily be rolled from place to place.
Tool bags with wheels serve pretty much the same function as any tool bag or toolbox, but their wheeled design makes them easier to handle and move around. Because they are rolled rather than carried, they reduce the weight that you would generally have to bear with your back and shoulders. By going for a rolling tool bag instead of a standard toolkit, you could save yourself a lot of stress, strain, and fatigue.
The rolling design also makes it possible to carry more tools and equipment than you would normally be able to fit into a small tool bag. Many rolling tool bags are quite large, which isn’t a problem because you could easily roll them along over long distances.
The best tool bags have plenty of interior and exterior pockets and compartments that help you keep your tools organized. Being able to carry several tools along with you to a job site is a definite plus, but you also need to have easy access to specific tools when you need them. With a rolling tool bag, you can have all the tools you need for complex jobs, but still, have them neatly organized for easy access and retrieval.
Most rolling tool bags have hard-shell exteriors that help protect tools and equipment. They pretty much serve as portable storage cases, with the added advantage of the convenient organization.
Rolling tool bags are useful for anyone that has to carry along a large number of tools and equipment to remote job sites and locations. They are especially helpful for builders, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, HVAC specialists, AV technicians, and professional cleaners.
Tool Bag Features
- Ruggedness/durability. Your rolling tool bag should be able to withstand frequent moving around and demanding work environments.
- Weather-proof. Your tool bag should keep your tools protected from moisture and harsh environmental conditions.
- Hard exteriors. A tool bag should provide adequate protection for power tools and other equipment.
- Size. Your tool bag should be large enough to accommodate all the tools you need for a variety of jobs.
- Pockets and compartments. Tool bags with several pockets and dedicated compartments help keep your tools organized and easy to retrieve.
- Lightweight. Rolling tool bags should be reasonably lightweight so you could carry them up ladders and over rugged terrain if necessary.
Tool Bags VS. Rolling Tool Bags
Most builders, electricians, and plumbers find a regular tool bag sufficient for their needs. They are inexpensive, convenient, and reasonably lightweight if you don’t pack it full of heavy tools. But most tool bags have limited storage capacity. And if you opt for a bigger one that allows you to carry larger tools, the weight makes it difficult to manage and move around.
A rolling tool bag is a better option if you regularly have to carry several heavy and bulky items like power tools. They allow you to pack pretty much your entire arsenal of tools without having to bear the weight on your back and shoulders.
Rolling Tool Bags VS. Tool Backpacks
to read my tool backpack review.
Tool backpacks are another option. They are much more portable and easy to carry over long distances, like to and from work on public transport, compared to a rolling tool bag, and they usually provide more storage space than the average tool bag. Having the weight equally balanced on your shoulders also makes it easier to climb up ladders or an uneven construction site.
Of course, even the best tool backpack doesn’t come close to having the same storage capacity as a rolling tool bag. If you need only a few select tools and you have to take public transport to the worksite, a tool backpack is a handy solution. But if you need to carry more with you a rolling toolbag is a better option because of the extra space.
If you need to move all your tools from site to site regularly, or if your tools are not insured on-site overnight having both a tool backpack for hand tools and a rolling toolbag for power tools is a good way to transport your tools around.
Tool Bag for Power Tools
Bulky and expensive power tools require storage cases that provide protection against rough handling and kinds of environmental conditions. A hard and durable exterior is a must, to keep the tools’ sensitive components from being damaged by bumps and drops.
It’s also a good idea to get a tool bag that has plenty of space to fit not only the tools but the accessories that come with them. Most power tools require different attachments, accessories, and extension cords, so you will want a tool bag that can accommodate everything you need. The Milwaukee Rolling Modular Tool Box is a great option, with three durable cases, including a large bottom case that will hold even large tools.
Top Tool Bag for Electricians
Electricians have different requirements from most other professionals that use rolling tool bags. In addition to their tools, they may also need to carry wires, cabling, connectors, fuses, and other electrical equipment. Furthermore, they need to keep all of these items well organized and ready to pull out at a moment’s notice.
Klein Tools’ 55452RTB is an excellent electrician’s tool bag. It has plenty of pockets that can store different sizes of tools and other equipment that electricians typically need. It also has an orange interior that lets you see your tools quickly.
Top Rolling Toolbox for Builders
Builders need a rugged and durable toolbox that will hold up to the demands of the typical job site. It should be large enough to accommodate even over-sized tools but have compartments that keep smaller tools and pieces from getting misplaced.
Milwaukee’s Rolling Modular ToolBox is an excellent choice for cordless tool storage, with three individual storage cases for storing items of different sizes. Each hard case is made of durable material, with metal reinforced corners that will withstand rough handling and the most demanding construction sites.
Top Rolling Tool Box for Plumbers
Plumbers also have specific requirements for their toolboxes. Apart from size and durability, they also need tool bags that keep their tools protected from moisture.
The DeWalt DWST17820 TSTAK is one of the best work bags for plumbers, with its anti-rust metal latches and hard plastic construction. It also has ample storage for even large tools, and you could retrieve your items easily with the telescopic handle that leans back out of the way. The main compartment can be opened easily via a single push button and is perfect for cordless drill storage.
What Tools Should Fit In A Builders Tool Box?
What you will carry in your tool bag depends on your line of work and the equipment and supplies you need for a particular job. In any case, you will need to pack all the essentials so you won’t have to keep running back to your truck to get what you need.
For a builder, the following tools are essential:
- Hammer
- Tape measure and folding ruler
- Cordless drill
- Circular saw
- Crescent set
- Screwdriver set
- Square and sliding bevels
- Wooden hand plane
- Coping saw, hacksaw, and a hand saw
- String-line, and/or a chalk line
- 47” and 70” levels
- Laser level
Rolling Tool Bag Features
Brand
Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Klein Tools make some of the best rolling tool bags on the market. Milwaukee’s 22” Packout Rolling Modular ToolBox is an absolute monster, with three rugged cases for different-sized tools. DeWalt’s DWST17820 TSTAK and Klein Tools’ 55452RTB are single units that offer proven durability in any work environment.
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Wheel Quality
Totes bags with wheels will be subject to a great deal of wear-and-tear, particularly if you regularly fill your tool bag to capacity. You should, therefore, shop for roller bags for work that have rugged all-terrain wheels that work equally well on smooth, rocky, and uneven surfaces.
Handle Quality
You will probably use the handle to pull your tool bag along. But it should be strong and durable enough to carry a full load for short periods as well. This is especially important when climbing up ladders or stairs when you may not be able to roll the bag on the ground. Also, choose a tool bag with a handle that can be easily adjusted with one hand if necessary.
Size And Pockets
A larger tool bag will allow you to carry more tools, which is essential for working in remote locations. Having more tools immediately available also keeps you from having to run back to your truck to get what you need for a particular task. It’s always best to have a tool bag with plenty of pockets and compartments, which helps keep your tools and supplies organized.
Hard-shell exterior
Most tool bags provide some degree of protection, but hard-shell cases are exceptionally more rugged and dependable. They provide adequate protection for handheld power tools, many of which have fragile or sensitive components. With a hard-shell tool bag, you can help prevent damage to your costly tools.
Rolling Toolbag Comparison
| Klein Tools 55473RTB
 | Milwaukee Rolling Modular Tool Box
| DeWalt DWST17820 TSTAK
| Klein Tools 55452RTB
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity: | 250 lbs (113 kg) | 250 lbs. | 66 lbs. | 200 lbs. |
| Size: | 22.5" x 21.8" x 15.4" | 22.1” x 25.6” x 18.6” | 20.18” x 39” x 17” | 19” x 12-½” x 14” |
| Weight: | 29 lbs | 23.4 lbs. | 4.88 lbs. | 19 lbs. |
| Storage: | 19 pockets | Three storage cases | Nine compartments | 24 pockets |
Conclusion
You pretty much can’t go wrong with any of the models mentioned above. Each one is built for ruggedness and durability, and they provide adequate storage space for most needs.
If you like keeping your tools organized, and you have lots the Milwaukee Rolling Modular Tool Box is a perfect choice. Having three individual compartments makes it easy to pull out the tools you need for a specific task, and you can keep your heavier tools separate from the smaller more fragile items to prevent damage.
The DeWalt DWST17820 TSTAK is a tank. It looks and feels like a serious piece of equipment and has the solidness and durability to match. I especially like the backward-tilting handle, which can be moved out of the way for easy access to the interior.
Finally, check out the Klein Tools 55452RTB for a rugged all-around performer that should meet most tool transport needs. Rugged and reliable with loads of storage compartments, this is a significant step up from standard tool bags, that can only be carried by hand.
KLEIN TOOLS 55452RTB REVIEW
Klein Tools’ 55452RTB looks more like your traditional tool bag, but it is anything but average. The 600D ballistic weave exterior is remarkably durable and hard-wearing and firmly attached to the frame by rivets. The 55452RTB has 24 pockets, which gives you enough storage options for tools of various sizes.
I was especially impressed with the reinforced metal frame and the oversized 6” wheels which navigate the roughest terrain like a champ. The Klein tool bag even has a molded kick plate that keeps your tools protected from rough handling. The 55452RTB can carry up to 200 pounds, so you could pack your tools and still have extra space for other accessories.
Pros:
- Best for electricians
- Plenty of storage space
- Big durable wheels
Cons:
- A rolling toolbox is better for more tools
#1 BEST ROLLING TOOL BAG
MILWAUKEE ROLLING TOOLBOX REVIEW
The Milwaukee Rolling Modular ToolBox is an absolute monster of a toolbox, providing more than enough storage space for most needs. It consists of three storage cases, each ruggedly built with metal reinforced corners.
The smallest top box has four storage compartments that are perfect for smaller handheld tools. The middlebox has a single compartment, but you could order another storage container if necessary. The Milwaukee tool bag’s largest bottom container also has a single compartment and is ideally suited for holding your heavier and bulkier items.
Everything about the Milwaukee rolling tool bag screams ‘quality’. From the latches to the water-sealed gasket, the wheels to the handle, this is a rolling tool bag that will take a beating.
Pros:
- Big and durable
- Plenty of storage space for power tools
- Weather-resistant seals
- Big durable wheels
- Separate boxes for good organization
- The best option for builders
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a compatible radio like the Dewalt T-STAK
#1 BEST ROLLING TOOLBOX
DEWALT DWST17820 TSTAK REVIEW
DeWalt DWST17820 TSTAK is a handy and convenient carrying and storage solution that is as durable as they come. Built for ruggedness and reliability, it has the look and feel of a professional piece of equipment. It looks pretty stylish too, which is always a plus.
Inside the DeWalt toolbox, you will find nine storage compartments that can hold even large and bulky power tools. Your expensive equipment will be well-protected by the DWST17820’s hard plastic shell, and the anti-rust metal latches will hold to even the most demanding conditions. If you need more storage space, you could order additional TSTAK units, all of which will stack conveniently on top of each other, to get the same storage capabilities as the Milwaukee.
Additionally, the DeWalt-Tstak system has a compatible Bluetooth radio that is one of the best worksite radios
Pros:
- Option to STAK more on top as needed
- Compatible with the great-sounding Tstak Jobsite Radio
- Strong and durable toolbox for builders and all trade people, even the serious DIY’er
Cons:
- The Milwaukee build quality is better
#2 BEST ROLLING TOOLBOX
COMPATIBLE BLUETOOTH RADIO
References:
- Rolling toolbag discussion, read at, https://www.reddit.com/r/electricians/comments/3nhjxf/whats_a_good_rolling_tool_bag/
- Tool backpack info, retrieved from here at, https://www.bangingtoolbox.com/best-tool-backpack/
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