Looking to manage your next electrical project with efficiency, no delays, and ease? Then choosing the best electrician tool bag to fit your needs will be a game changer.
(Disclosure: Hiya! Certain links to products and/or services are affiliate links, and I may earn a commission for any purchases that you make. This will not be at any cost to you.)
Our Top 3 Picks
Table of Contents
If you’ve been in the electrical trade for a while, you know how important having the best electrician tool bag you can get is. Personally, I have about 3 to 4 at every given time, and I use and NEED them all.
Join me as I walk you through the features and functionality of this vital portable toolbox every pro needs.
When selecting an electrician tool bag, consider the durability, number, and size of pockets/ compartments, water resistance or waterproofing, ease of transportation, and storage.
Some popular brands include Greenlee, Klein Tools, AWP, and VetoProPac, with options ranging from backpacks to rolling bags. Additionally, customer reviews can offer valuable insight into functionality and effectiveness.
Understanding How To Pick The Best Electrician Tool Bag
An electrician’s work is highly technical and should leave no room for “improvising.” This means you MUST know your tools, where they are, and keep them organized. It’s part of your responsibility as a trained professional.
What The Stats Say
- According to a survey conducted in 2022, approximately 71% of professional electricians use a dedicated tool bag for their job.
- This same survey found that popular brands among electricians for tool bags include VetoProPac, Greenlee, Klein Tools, and AWP, with VetoProPac ranking first with a preference rate of 38%.
- In terms of features, about 54% of electricians surveyed emphasized the importance of a waterproof or water-resistant tool bag to protect their tools from moisture damage.
The tool bags featured in this article will help you organize, store, protect, and transport tools from one job site to another.
The best way to understand the specific needs of an electrician tool bag is by considering the nature of electrical work. The craft often involves working on different types of equipment — for example some heavy-duty equipment that needs robust tools for handling it. Electricians can also use delicate tools that require careful transportation to prevent damage. Additionally, most electricians have MANY tools they need for their work; hence organization is critical.
An electrician’s tool bag should be spacious enough to accommodate different types of tools with different shapes and sizes. Handy compartments must be provided inside the bag to keep small parts or accessories safe so that they don’t mix with other items or get lost.
When your electrical career starts taking off, you will likely have a core selection of tools for specific purposes. However, as you gain more experience and handle additional electrical devices and circuit breakers, you will increase the number of tools you carry. This growing collection of tools requires more space for storage and organization, hence the benefits of having multiple compartments in your tool bag — and actually, at least 2 tool bags.
Hardware Durability
Let’s turn our attention to hardware durability — a critical characteristic of the best electrician tool bags.
A good electrician tool bag should be built to last.
Since electricians work in harsh environments, there is a need for work bags made with high-quality materials that are absorbent to rough handling. Otherwise, your tools will be at risk of getting damaged.
The outer layer of the bag needs to be robust to resist wear and tear from daily use. The ideal material for an electrician tool bag is thick canvas or polyester fabric, which is durable and water-resistant.
For instance, consider an electrical contractor who works in challenging environments installing solar panels on commercial roofs. They would require a heavy-duty tool bag that can withstand exposure to rain, sunlight, and heat while safely transporting expensive tools up and down the roof.
Zippers, handles, and straps should also be sturdy since these are vulnerable parts of the construction that may break off easily if not created from long-lasting materials. Screws or rivets are also excellent additions that help better secure handles and straps onto the main part of the pack, making sure they don’t break away quickly.
Frankly, you wouldn’t want to spend your hard-earned money purchasing a new toolbag every few months due to hardware deficiencies resulting from subpar construction quality.
Spacious & Organized
When it comes to organization, compartments, pockets, and dividers are essential in preventing your tools from being jumbled together. Having designated sections for your tools will make it easier to locate them whenever needed. Moreover, by organizing your tools properly, you ensure they don’t get damaged or lost while moving from one location to another.
For instance, if working on a site where you need both hand and power tools such as pliers, wire cutters, wrenches, screwdrivers, power drills, saws, and so forth, you will need to be able to have everything within reach. Without proper organization, the more minimal pieces can become buried under the more substantial items, causing delays in finding them.
Another aspect crucial for any professional electrician tool bag is spaciousness. Nobody wants a bulky bag or backpack that barely has enough space for extra screws or connectors.
Experienced electricians tend to favor slightly larger bags as well.
They know all too well that at one point in their career, they thought their old small bag was adequate, only to realize after purchasing a roomier one that their smaller bag couldn’t fit everything, detracting from their ability to perform tasks efficiently.
Furthermore, select multiple pockets with varying sizes according to your needs based on the amount of equipment you will use for different projects. Large pockets will fit bigger-sized items like bolt cutters and hammers. Smaller ones could easily hold magnifying glasses, measuring tapes, or circuit testers.
However, one thing to bear in mind is that sometimes while the bag size may appear reasonable for storage space, one can overfill the pockets and essentially lose its organizational purpose defeating the intent.
Tips For Selecting The Best Electrician Tool Bag
Choosing the right electrician tool bag can be tough with so many options available. Consider the following factors before purchasing an electrician tool bag to ensure you get the most out of your investment:
Evaluate The Tools You Need It For
First, evaluate the number of tools you need to carry with you regularly.
Consider both hand and power tools and ensure that your selected bag is spacious enough to accommodate all or most of them. A good tool bag should have multiple compartments and pockets. Having separate compartments for smaller tools like pliers, screwdrivers, and nut drivers will make it easier to organize and find them when needed.
Electrical Tool Bags Design Considerations
The list curated for you below features different types of bags so you can check which type of design is your top choice. Why is that? Well, you will see some that stay open at the top and have a metal handle that rotates (my personal favorites if I’m working inside). These bags are great for the jobs where I’m moving constantly and don’t need to worry about zipping it, or carrying the bag on my shoulders – and it losing shape.
I also really like those with a reinforced base, as those are good for just leaving them on the likely dirty floors of a construction site.
Another key design aspect is for the bag to have a “big mouth.” This means you can open it wide and observe all that’s inside.
I also have bags that zip at the bottom and have size pockets (that also zip). Those are great for the days I’m working outside and need extra protection from the weather.
Finally, and in all honesty, some bags I like because they feature good design. When arriving on a site, looking as the professional electrician that I am is important to help the client build trust. If I show up with a bunch of awful, broken, dirty bags, that doesn’t reflect well on me.
Durability
The durability of a tool bag is critical since electricians work in harsh conditions where their bags might be subjected to wear and tear. Look for bags made from durable materials such as nylon, canvas, or leather.
Check for reinforced stitching, rugged zippers, durable handles, and waterproof bases.
Some electricians prefer tool bags with wheels, while others prefer backpack-style bags. Think carefully about your working conditions and choose one that fits your specific preferences. In this article, we are focusing mainly on bags, not backpacks or pouches. The bags in this list open at the top.
If you work outdoors frequently or over rough terrain, a bag with wheels may not be practical. On the other hand, if you have a lot of heavy tools like drills and saws to transport, a wheeled tool bag may ease the burden of carrying them around.
When choosing an electrician tool bag, think about where you’ll be using it most. If you’re always on the go, consider getting a lightweight backpack that’s easy to carry around.
For those who constantly need access to their tools while up high on ladders or roofs, opt for a tool bag with reinforced handles to ensure it is sturdy enough to withstand transportation from various locations.
Now that you’ve learned how to choose an ideal electrician tool bag based on usage, let’s dive into material, size, and price considerations.
Materials
When it comes to the material of an electrician tool bag, consider durability as well as breathability. Some of the top-quality materials include leather, nylon, and canvas. Each of these materials has its pros and cons. For instance, leather is strong and water-resistant but more expensive than other materials. Nylon and canvas are also durable but less expensive in comparison.
Size
The size of a tool bag depends on the number of tools you carry around regularly. To get the right size that suits your needs, carefully evaluate your work tools and check if they’ll fit comfortably in the bag you’re considering. A good rule of thumb is to add space for any accessories or replacement parts.
Price
Of all the factors to consider when selecting the best electrician tool bag, price is likely a key factor, more so considering you may need more than one bag.
While it’s important to stick to a budget, don’t sacrifice quality for price alone. Consider the long-term investment value as well. Investing in a high-quality tool bag may appear costly initially but saves you money over time by protecting your equipment from damage.
For example, VetoProPac offers some of the best quality bags at competitive prices. With several options available ranging from $150-$300+, their bags provide lots of space and compartments while still being made from rugged materials able to withstand harsh working environments.
Additionally, other brands, such as Greenlee or Klein Tools, offer great products at varying prices. Be sure to read the reviews before buying anything below-average price or quality. Going for the cheapest bag you can find can lead to disappointment in quality and damage to your tools.
While there is no fixed price range for an electrician tool bag, investing in a high-quality bag is a wiser decision than purchasing cheaper ones regularly. Not only will they last longer, but they also have better compartments and ensure the safety of your tools while on the job.
Buying an electrician tool bag can be compared to owning a car. Just as not everyone needs a high-end luxury car, not every electrician requires the most expensive tool bag available. Consider looking at brands that offer value as well. Make the best decision for your budget without sacrificing quality, durability, and protection for your tools.
1 – Veto Pro Pac TECH OT-SC
Sturdy and convenient to keep small tools.
- 27 available pockets of varying sizes
- 1 removable plastic partition & insert box with lid
- 8″ electrical tape strap
- Exterior utility pocket
- Over molded ergonomic grip
- Detachable padded shoulder strap
- Waterproof Polypropylene Base for moisture and abrasion protection
- Warranty: 5 Years (see Veto warranty terms and conditions)
- Weight 5.5 lbs Dimensions 13 × 16 in
PROS
- Plenty of compartments
- Very durable
- Spacious
- Hard bottom keeps the bag upright
- Includes an insert box with lid
CONS
- Expensive
- Not ideal for long tools
2 – Klein Tools Backpack Tool Kit
A great sturdy bag built for carrying heavy-duty tools.
- Backpack with 21 pockets and large interior for maximum tool storage (Cat. No. 55482)
- Front of backpack unzips halfway for quick tool access or fully extends for workstation access
- Made of water resistant 1680d ballistic weave material for durability
- Tumbler uses double wall vacuum insulated stainless steel to keep liquid cold up to 12 hours and hot up to 4 hours (Cat. No. 55580)
- Unique double-thread lid design allows easy twisting with gloves on or off
- Key ring made of genuine full-grain cowhide and embossed with the Klein Tools stacked logo (Cat. No. 98022)
- This split-ring key chain makes adding keys easy
PROS
- Can fit a lot of tools
- Easy organization
- Sturdy and durable
- Comfortable to carry
- Easy access
CONS
- The pouch on the top flap cannot hold anything big
- Bulky design
- Pricey
3 – Carhartt Legacy Tool Bag 18-Inch
A professional-looking bag for professional electricians with loads to carry around!
- Rugged and roomy tool bag features molded, load-bearing, abrasion-resistant base
- Large, zippered main compartment, 28 exterior pockets and loops and 16 interior pockets
- Internal metal frame allows for easy access and prevents the bag from collapsing on itself
- Triple needle-stitch construction, rugged haul handles, YKK zippers, metal hardware, abrasion resistant base
- Made of sturdy synthetic fabric with Rain Defender durable water repellent; 18w x 14.5h x 11d Inch, 5 pounds; limited warranty
PROS
- Extremely durable
- Stylish
- Very spacious
- Hard bottom
- Plenty of pockets for easy organization
CONS
- Sides tend to collapse easily
4 – CLC Custom LeatherCraft – 50 Pockets
A big-capacity tool bag with extreme organization. It’s ideal for anyone dealing with a lot of tools.
- STAY ORGANIZED: This tool bag from CLC features 50 pockets to organize all of your tools and accessories.
- SUPPORTS LARGE HAND TOOLS: This tool bag has a large center compartment to carry multiple power tools and accessories and separate outside compartments.
- SPILL PROOF TOOL BAG: Zippered side panels on this heavy duty tool bag prevent spillage of tools when carrying or storing bag.
- QUICK ACCESS TO TOOLS: Veritcal pockets keep tools in sight on this durable tool bag.
PROS
- Good build quality (except for the strap)
- Spacious and easy to organize
- Straps to prevent side panels from collapsing
- Keeps everything covered and protected when closed
CONS
- Bulky
- Complaints of the strap breaking when carrying a big load
5 – ToughBuilt – Large Hard Body Tool Tote 400m / 16″
A great choice for a tool bag that can withstand harsh environmental conditions!
- Sectional internal dividers with multiple pockets for storage
- Structured exterior pockets
- Two carry handles
- Waterproof
PROS
- Rugged structure
- Long-lasting
- Compact
- Versatile
- Plenty of handy features for organization
CONS
- No shoulder strap
- Reasonably priced
- Not flat-bottomed
6 – The Ryker Small Bag Tool with Zipper
It’s a good tool bag for holding the basics or a limited set of tools – ideal for someone starting out!
- Compact Design – we’ve Developed a Tool Roll Bag of a Perfect Size – you’d Be Surprised by How Many Tools Fit in This Small Tool Bag : Place Wrenches Pliers Ratchets and More Into this small camo bag
- This Tool Roll Up Bag has 4 Large Compartments for Tools & 2 Detachable Tool Pouches with D Loops – a Unique Feature in this Tool Organizer Bag in Case You Need to Carry Smaller Items Like Drill Bits Screws & Spare Parts
- Premium Quality – This ToolBag is Made from Heavy Duty Materials – Rust Proof Zippers , Quality Straps , Buckles and a Water , Grease & Rip Resistant Fabric , Strong as a Canvas Tool bag. Will Keep Your Tools Safe in Extreme Work Conditions
- Keep your Tools & Accessories Organized and Carry Them in a Small Tool Roll – Hang The Roll Up Tool Bag Organizer in Your Car Garage or Work shop
- This Tool Roll Organizer is a Must Have for any Skilled Workman – The Wrench Roll Up Pouch can be Used as a Boat / Car / Motorcycle Tool Roll for Repairs or as Emergency Kit tool bags
PROS
- Cheap
- Well-built and sturdy
- Versatile in use
- Comes with a pouch to hold small items
CONS
- Can’t hold a lot of tools
- Not waterproof
7 – WORKPRO Close Top Storage Tool Bag, 18″
It’s not ideal for storing a lot of heavy-duty or bigger power tools. But it’s great for carrying the basics.
- Premium Materials & Construction – Double 500D polyester fabric with fine stitching provides high durability and reliability.
- Multi-Pockets and Large Interior Space – Large interior space (Size: 12” x 7” x 8”) and 7 exterior pockets are perfect for versatile storage of hand tools and small to medium accessories.
- Wide Open Mouth and Top Double-Pull Zipper – Wide open mouth with an internal metal frame and top double-pull zipper makes it easy easy organization and access.
- Abrasion-Resistant PAD – Argyle plastic pad protects your tools bag from hard falls and keeps the bag clean and dry in some way.
- Ideal for Daily Use – Extra padded handle and adjustable shoulder strap which add extra comfort when carrying of heavy loads and allow for safe and secure transit.
PROS
- Affordable
- High-quality construction
- Large and spacious
- Sturdy bottom
CONS
- External pockets aren’t deep enough
- Can be too short to hold big power tools
8 – FASTECH 22-inch Wide Mouth Tool Bag with Water Proof Molded Base
A good choice for a zippered tool bag that keeps your small to medium-sized tools organized and accessible.
- Material Characteristics: High-density 1680 double-layer thick Oxford cloth, wear-resistant; scratch-resistant; tear-resistant; waterproof coating is not afraid of water and long life. The overall…
- Structural Features: Increased capacity, three-dimensional spatial layout, open and top double zipper, built-in 8 sorting tool pockets, and 8 external sorting tool pockets, making tool storage more…
- How to Use: Multiple ways to carry. Toolkit is equipped with a thickened and widened handle and shoulder strap design. Reduce shoulder and hand pressure and friction. Shoulder strap is equipped with a…
- Base Design: The bottom of the toolbag is equipped with a thickened bottom shell made of special materials. Characteristics: waterproof; sturdy; wear-resistant; scratch resistant, etc. The thickened…
- Application Site: It is very suitable for storage of various professional maintenance tools, used in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, automobile, household DIY, and so on
PROS
- Affordable
- Sturdy and durable
- Easy to carry
- The hard bottom keeps the bag upright even when fully loaded
CONS
- Interior pockets could be deeper
- Zippers are a bit flimsy
9 – AWP 12 Inch Pro – Rotating Handle for Easy Access, Water-Resistant
It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to invest in an open-top tool bag.
- PREMIUM TOOL BAG ORGANIZER: This robust tool bag features a spacious main compartment equipped with dividers for seamless access, ensuring your tools stay meticulously organized and readily accessible, saving you valuable time and effort on the job
- SPACIOUS STORAGE: Our tool carrier is generously designed with 21 storage pockets: 8 interior and 13 exterior—perfect for stowing smaller handheld tools as well as power tools or other bulky items
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Made from rugged, water-resistant 600 denier polyester, this tool bag is built for long-term durability. And the padded carry handle rotates, so this tool carrier can easily be moved out of the way for quick tool selection
- OPEN TOOL BAG ACCESS: This innovative tool bag also features an external metal tape clip, electrical tape tether, carabiner snap clip, and an adjustable, padded shoulder strap for easy carry
- COMPLETE YOUR SETUP: Keep your tools, equipment, and gear organized and get the job done faster with AWP’s innovative tool rigs, tool belts, and pouches that are designed exclusively for contractors, technicians, handymen, electricians, and more
PROS
- Cost-effective
- Designed to offer easy access
- 3 dividers for meticulous organization
- A shoulder strap to carry easily
- Can store tools vertically
CONS
- Open-top design means limited protection for tools
- Tipping can make the tools fall out/ get damaged
10 – Klein Tool Bag – Shoulder Strap, 40 Pockets
This is one of the best options for a sturdy and large-sized open-top tool bag. Some users have complained about interior pockets being too deep, but it’s subjective.
- Tool Organizer with a large zipper pocket to secure small parts and tools
- Tool bag has a total of 40 pockets for maximum tool storage
- Fully molded bottom for stability and protects from the elements
- Orange interior to find tools faster
- 1680d ballistic weave for durability
PROS
- Excellent durability
- The hard bottom keeps the bag upright
- Plenty of pockets for organization
- The orange interior to identify tools faster
CONS
- A bit pricey
- A bit bulky in design
- Open-top design can make the contents prone to tipping
- Limited protection for tools
11 – Veto Pro Pac Tech Pac MC (Compact Tech Pac)
The best option for a backpack-style tool bag that will stand the test of time and is comfortable to carry around!
- 39 Interior and exterior pockets; Hi-Viz construction and reflective accents
- Neoprene meter pockets; Interior magnetic screw catcher
- Outside mounted stainless tape clip; 2 Storage bays – 4 storage platforms
- Padded EVA foam back pad; Waterproof Polypropylene plastic base for moisture and abrasion protection; Quick release metal hasp, allows easy access to rear storage bay & positive connection to bag body
- Warranty: 5 Years (see Veto warranty terms and conditions)
PROS
- Very durable and long-lasting
- Very comfortable to carry around
- Can hold quite a lot of hand tools
- Hands-free design
- 5-year warranty
CONS
- Cannot hold large-sized tools
12 – CLC Electrical and Maintenance Tool Carrier, 43 Pocket
Another open-top tool bag that offers lots of compartments for efficient organization. A lot of users recommend purchasing a separate shoulder strap.
- 43 POCKET TOOL CARRIER: This tool bag has pockets for drill bits and tips, cell phone, electrical tester, electrical tape strap, etc.
- WINDOW POCKETS: Tool carrier features 2 window pockets for easy view of pocket contents, one removable and one stationary.
- PREVENT TIPPING: The box-shaped design of this CLC tool carrier prevents tipping.
- PLASTIC COMPARTMENT TRAY INCLUDED: 7 in. x 5.5 in. multi-compartment plastic tray included.
- TOOL BAG DIMENSIONS: 20″L x 9″W x 15″H inches
PROS
- Plenty of pockets in different sizes to keep everything organized
- Good build quality
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to retrieve tools
- Doesn’t tip easily
CONS
- Metal bars in the handle poke through the fabric after some time
- The shoulder strap tends to slip when carrying
- Open-top design offers limited protection for tools
13 – 32-Pockets Waxed Canvas tool bag, Heavy-Duty Electrician tool bag
A versatile tool bag that’s also stylish and handy in design.
- Tough-Built: This heavy duty tool bag constructs the rugged 20oz waxed canvas & the Gun-metal zipper. So this tool tote bag with handle stands up to whatever comes at it front the inside & outside.
- Quick-Access: The IronWire framed pop-up tool bag open mouth helps to keep this hard tool bag open wide and safe from collapsing while you search and store it.-A rugged Black canvas tool bag for Pro.
- Stay-Organized: This tool bag tote comes w/ 32 Pockets options for all of your tools. And, this tool duffel can open extra wide so you can quickly find the exact tool w/out fumbling around.
- Comfortable-Carry: This tool duffle bag features a Stand-Up handle w/ a solid grip. And this hard tool tote comes with a well-padded shoulder strap to lighten the load and free your hands.
- Safe-Storage: This tool storage bag features a rugged & padded base to protect the tools from the rough ground. And, The fabric tool bag has a robust Waxed-Canvas shell to keep devices safe.
PROS
- Tough and high-quality material
- Spacious
- Many pockets to keep your tools organized
- Stylish design
CONS
- Interior pockets could be deeper
- The shoulder strap isn’t very durable
14 – Kowsinde 16 Inch Open Top
A sturdy grab-and-go tool bag to store your usual assortment of hand tools and other items.
- High Quality Material: The tool bag is made of 600D Oxford cloth features great solid sturdiness and wear and tear-resistance. Fine stitching makes it extremely tough and long-lasting. No need to worry about your tool bag getting damaged or breaking while in use.
- Large Storge Bag: Totally 26 small pockets in the repair tool kit. Exterior pockets and large interior room help better organize, accommodate and access your essential tools of different sizes.
- Wear-Resistant Waterproof Base: The hard wear-resistant waterproof molded base keeps the bag clean and dry, protecting your tools inside in case of falling. No need to worry about your tools getting rusted and wet.
- Comfortable Handle: The open top tool bag features an extra foam padded handle and adjustable shoulder straps for extra comfort when carrying heavy loads.
- Perfect Tool Bag: The tool bag can store screwdrivers, wrenches, electric drills, tape measures, pliers, etc.; Featuring a foldable design for easy storage. It is an essential tool bag for electricians.
PROS
- Convenient open-top design
- Comes with a shoulder strap
- Plenty of compartments
CONS
- The interior is not divided
- Handle can get in the way when trying to retrieve tools
Wrapping Up!
When selecting the best electrician tool bag, consider the material, size, price, pocket quantity and design. Opt for durable and breathable materials such as leather, nylon, or canvas. Ensure the bag’s size is suitable to fit all your regular tools, with some space for accessories and replacement parts.
While price is a critical factor, investing in a high-quality, durable bag can save money over time by protecting your equipment from damage.
As I mentioned above, you will reach a point where you will likely be transporting more tools than a single bag can fit, so when checking them out, keep in mind you may need 2 or 3, hence you can vary sizes, amount of pockets, etc.
Thanks for staying tuned! At Electrician Tools Reviews we select the best electrical gear to help you be safe and comfortable at the job, but also to help you excel at this great trade.
Diclaimer: Electrical work requires professional tradespeople to be carried out. All products here are recommended based on research, and chosen from 18 years of experience as a fully licensed electrician in Chile New Zealand. You are responsible for your safety, we are just here to help!)
Keep gearing up: