As a carpenter, what’s the first thing you grab when you head for work? For most people, it’s their tool bag. But getting the best tool bag for carpenter requires you to consider a number of factors.
From the material to the weight, you need to crunch these factors carefully. However, you don’t have to worry about that. We’ve taken care of that homework for you.
After considering all the characteristics, we’ve come up with 10 different tool bags. And the good news is you’ll find one for yourself regardless of your budget.
Anyhow, let’s not waste any more time. Here’s the complete guide to getting you the top-graded tool bag you deserve-
Our 5 Favorite Tool Bag for Carpenter
Best Carpenter Tool Bag Reviews
1. Occidental Leather 8580 M FatLip Tool Bag Set
Leading the pack with its superior quality is the Occidental Leather 8580. On top of that, the unique and unforgettable functions make it hard to complain about. I know it all sounds like I’m a fanboy but wait till I spill the beans.
This tool bag has been in the market for quite some time. The exciting part is people who’ve bought it have stayed with it ever since. Even after years of rough usage, it manages to remain intact with its robust leather.
To make things even better, it comes in 6 sizes. From Small size to XXXL size, it has everything in its stock. Whether you’re skinny or healthy, you’ll find the right size for you. Choose the right size, and you’ll have a perfect ergonomic fit.
However, the best part is the sturdy built quality of this tool rig. No matter what you throw at it, the damage won’t be enough. But don’t let it go near water as it’s a leather product.
Although it’s not entirely made out of leather. While the straps have leather, the main body is made out of robust nylon. Thanks to the durable nylon fabric, the stressful abuse of sharp and hard edges of tools won’t be able to tear it.
Overall, I’d say it’ll be a great companion for your every task. But keep in mind that it’s not really cheap. Other than that, the pockets could’ve used some extra room.
Pros
- Sporty and stylish design
- Comes in 6 sizes
- The combination of leather and nylon makes it tear-resistant
- Lightweight
- Fixed space for hand tools
Cons
- The pockets aren’t big enough
2. Dead On DO-FR Framers Rig
What do you do when you don’t have enough budget but still a durable tool bag? You get the Dead On DO-FR Framers Rig. The affordable price of this product makes it hard to resist.
On top of that, there’s the extreme durability of this rig. Even though you can’t really expect leather’s toughness, it’s still good enough for the price point.
However, the most interesting part about this tool bag is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Seems confusing, right? Well, let me explain-
If you haven’t noticed yet, the tool bag comes with a whopping 32 pockets. You could store all you want using those pockets, don’t you think? Wrong! Even though there are many pockets, they’re not big enough.
So, storing the bigger tools might become a problem at some point. Despite that, it’s still a great tool bag due to the robust durability. On top of that, it has suspenders. You have to agree that not all brands include a suspender in the box.
Finally, I also didn’t like how it didn’t have any carrying handle. If you’re not wearing it, carrying can become a nightmare. So, a minus point on the portability.
Pros
- Sufficient number of pockets
- Comes with suspenders
- Extreme durability
Cons
- Doesn’t have a carrying handle
3. Occidental Leather 5588 Stronghold Master Carpenter Case
As a carpenter, how do you increase your efficiency at work? One way to do it is to have all the necessary tools nearby. But you never know when you’ll need which tool, leading to carrying around every tool you have.
That is where the Occidental Leather 5588 Stronghold Master Carpenter Case comes in. Thanks to its spacious compartments, you could carry around all your tools.
It breaks the shell of small square tool bags with an old design. Most of the time, the smaller tool bags are simply not enough. With the unique design and strong leather construction of this robust machine, it could be your perfect companion.
The 45 pockets and tool holders let you pack anything you want. Most importantly, you don’t have to worry about the quality of this USA made tool bag. From the stitches to the leather quality, everything has durability written all over it.
Get one of these, and you won’t have to worry about getting another one for a long time. Of course, that vastly depends on how you take care of it. But one thing’s for sure; you won’t ever have to worry about this tool bag going out of style.
Pros
- Evergreen and stylish design
- Comes with a whopping 45 pockets and tool holders
- Spacious pockets fits every tool perfectly
- Quality-made leather construction
- Resilient long-lasting stitches
Cons
- A bit pricey
4. DEWALT DG5543 16 in. 33 Pocket Tool Bag
When you’re starting out as a new carpenter, spending on the most expensive tool bag might not be possible for you. Most importantly, getting an affordable one would be ideal for a newbie.
But don’t go thinking this is the cheapest one in the market. Some of those are trash when it comes to quality. This mid-range tool bag will have all features and good durability to make you last through many years.
The robust nylon improves the overall quality of the component. You get a sufficient amount of space to store all your tools. While the cheaper products will give you enough space, but they won’t have the quality you need.
Other than that, there are rubber feet on the bottom. Even if you have to work in a wet or dirty area, this tool bag protects all your precious tools. In a sense, it’s even protecting itself.
Although I do have to appreciate the weight distribution inside, the inside pockets have specific spots for both small and big tools, creating a perfect balance when you carry it.
Speaking of carrying it, the shoulder straps could use some improvement. I’m not expecting leather, but the comfort level needs to be higher.
Overall, I’d say you should go for it if you’re only starting out. After a fair usage of 4-5 years, you might step up to the leather tools bags. Till then, this would be a great companion.
Pros
- Spacious interior
- Has 14 pockets on the inside
- Comes with 19 pockets on the outside
- Rubber feet on the bottom protect it from dirt
- Includes a shoulder strap
Cons
- The shoulders straps need some work.
5. Occidental Leather 8089 LG OxyLights 7 Bag Framer Set
Next up, we have another tool bag with outstanding durability, the Occidental Leather 8089. The only thing that’ll be bugging you is the price. But as I’ve already explained, consider these as investments.
The best part is once you get your hands on one of these, you’ll be holding on to it for a long time. Even after years of rough abuse, the construction will still be solid.
And you don’t have to believe me for that. Just head over to the review section of this product’s Amazon page, and you’ll know what I mean. Only a handful of Occidental Leather products can match this lightweight bag’s sturdiness and rigid construction.
Speaking of lightweight, the main body is made out of nylon to improve the waterproofing capability. The straps or belts, whatever you call it, are leather. While some people like leather all around their tool bags, that increases the price drastically. This way they get to keep a balance.
Apart from the superior build quality, the comfort of using this tool bag knows no bounds. Being extremely lightweight, you could carry around your necessary tools wherever you go. This makes it perfect for people who have to travel from one project to another every single day.
Overall, I’ve got no complaints against the durability, construction and comfortability of this tool bag. But make sure you get the correct size otherwise, the belt might not fit you properly.
Pros
- Being lightweight increases the portability
- Long-lasting and durable leather belt
- Comes in 6 different sizes
- Spacious compartments for holding tools
Cons
- The belt size chart can get confusing
6. OX Tools Four Piece Construction Rig
Till now, I’ve only covered leather tool bags from Occidental Leather. But they’re not the only brand which makes these. You could say Occidental Leather is like the Apple of the tool bag world.
Whereas OX Tools is like the more affordable option when you don’t have that much money to spare. Unlike Occidental, they make the main body or the compartments with pure leather instead of nylon.
While this might affect the waterproofing to some extent, the comfortability gets a huge bump. Because of the full leather construction, you won’t feel fatigued even after wearing it for long hours.
To make things even better, they made sure to keep the belt wide enough. With a 3” inch wide belt, it’ll stay on your waist without any wobbling. You could tighten the straps even more if you want a tighter fit. But you’re not going to dance around in this. So, don’t do that unless you enjoy pain in your waist.
As for the durability, I don’t think it needs much explanation. As you already know, leather is the most resilient material for a tool bag. But after getting a first-hand experience, I can say it’ll survive the toughest and sharpest edges.
Pros
- Tear-resistant metal construction
- Durable and long lasting
- Fits perfectly
- Comfortable even after long hours of usage
Cons
- Water can damage it pretty quickly
7. Occidental Leather 8018DB OxyLights 3 Pouch Tool Bag
Occidental has been in the market for more than 30 years. Within these years, they’ve managed to win people’s hearts with their durable and top-graded tool bags. The Occidental Leather 8018DB is no exception to that.
They kind of went on a different approach with this leather bag. The unique color combination is there to speak for that.
As you can see, it’s more of a pouch. Unlike other tool bags on this list, it’s not that big in size. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t hold tools efficiently. Despite the smaller size, the pockets are spacious enough.
I’d say this will be a great sidekick for your bigger tool bags. Keep the essential tools in this bag and use the bigger ones for other purposes.
However, you might’ve already noticed that it doesn’t come with any kind of belt. So, you’d have to buy one extra. Even though you could use this without a belt, that’s not really the purpose of these bags. They were made to give you more flexibility and increase your efficiency.
Other than that, I appreciate how this tool bag can repel water. If somehow water falls on this, it’ll drain off in a second. Overall, the quality and lightweight features make it an excellent tool bag.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Unique design
- Waterproofing capability is impressive
- Long-lasting stitches
Cons
- Doesn’t have a knife loop
8. ToughBuilt – 30″ Massive Mouth Tool Bag
The ToughBuilt – 30″ Massive Mouth Tool Bag is one of the newer products of this renowned brand. From a unique name to proving that name’s worth, this bag has been the favorite bag of many people.
First of all, let’s talk about the name. As the name suggests, this bag does have a massive mouth. Their patent-pending mouth design is currently the widest opening you’ll find in the market.
Once you open it, you get access to all your tools in only a second. You don’t have to move around every single tool to find the one you need. But this also means that your tools stay protected at all times. The octagonal shape conveniently shuts the bag.
This way, you get to carry it around wherever you go. So, there’s a plus point on portability. The one I’m reviewing is 30,” but there are smaller sizes too. No matter how you see it, portability is not a problem with this bag.
If you want to carry more tools, get the immense size with 65 pockets and loops for all the tools you need. On the other hand, moving more tools means a heavy bag. That’s where the smaller bags come in.
In conclusion, I’d recommend this bag to people who want an affordable yet durable tool bag. While there’s no doubt with the durability but even if you do get it damaged, there’s a lifetime warranty for you.
Pros
- Easy to access to all the tools
- Has 65 pockets and loops
- Special octagonal design
- Comes in 5 sizes
Cons
- The straps could’ve been better
9. Occidental Leather 8582 FatLip Tool Bag
Now, let’s talk about the final product from Occidental Leather on this list. The Occidental Leather 8582 is kind of like the slightly bigger cousin of the 8018DB model.
So, it goes without saying that the compactness is undoubtedly there. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t enough pockets. It’s true that you might have some trouble storing the bigger tools.
However, when you’ve got smaller projects going on, these are the best. Thanks to the unique FatLip design, you would get access to the main compartment at all times.
Similar to other Occidental Leather products, this one’s also made out of a fine combination of durable leather and nylon. And there’s a separate slot for the hammer to let you grab it whenever you want.
But there’s one big problem you might want to know about. Well, it’s not really a problem for everyone. If you’re a lefty, then I’ve got bad news for you.
Unlike the Occidental Leather 8018DB, this one doesn’t have a fit for you. While you might get to use it, that’s not worth the trouble.
Pros
- Made from a combination of leather and nylon
- 3” space for tool belt
- Designated hammer slot
- Compact design
Cons
- Doesn’t have a design for left-handed people
10. LAUTUS Oil Tanned Leather Tool Pouch Bag
When it comes to the matter of unique designed and affordable yet durable leather tool bags, the Lautus Oil Tanned Leather Tool Pouch bag is a top contender.
It’s made out of 100% tanned leather. And when I say 100%, it’s for sure. They didn’t use any polyester or nylon in the construction of this robust tool bag.
As for the price, it’s still a lot less than what you’d have to pay for Occidental products. Moving on, you’ll find a total of 10 pockets throughout the pouch bag.
4 of those pockets are spacious so that you can store the bigger tools. But the interesting part is there’s not one but two separate slots to hold your hammers.
Even though it doesn’t come with a tool belt, there’s a 2” hole. But this is what I don’t like about it. As you’ve already noticed, most tool belts are usually 3”. So, it kind of creates a problem.
Other than that, I love the pure leather construction. The durability of this tool bag speaks for itself.
Pros
- 100% leather construction
- It comes with 10 pockets
- 4 Spacious compartments
Cons
- Belt hole size isn’t ideal
Comparison of Our 10 Best Tool Bag for Carpenter
How to Choose the Best Tool Bag for Carpenter?
If you think you can just go online and buy whatever carpenter bag comes first, you’re wrong. This is something you should put some research into. Figure out your needs and finally decide what you want to get. Doing otherwise might lead to wasting your money.
That’s why I’ve come up with a number of factors to help you find the perfect carpenter bag. Let’s start-
How Many Pocket Does It Have?
You can’t think of tool bags without pockets. In fact, the more, the merrier. That doesn’t mean you should always pick out the tool bag with the most pockets. Whether the pockets are easily accessible or not is a major factor.
When looking at pockets, check for a variety of sizes. Your tool bag isn’t going to be much help if it has same sized pockets everywhere.
Whether it’s 10 pockets or 20, you’re going to use them to store a number of tools. As a carpenter, you’ll find yourself needing to keep nails and screws with you. That’s when these pockets will come in handy.
Although my suggestion would be to eyes on open pockets, these pockets are incredibly handy despite having less protection. At times you’ll find yourself working less movable positions. In those times, these come to the rescue.
Overall, this makes the experience a whole lot better. This is, of course, if you can manage to work with open pockets.
However, this doesn’t mean you don’t need enclosed pockets at all. Even though it’s not ideal to have too many zippers, having a few should make your job easier. After all, you do need to keep some of your tools protected at all times.
Finally, I’d say look for a balanced tool bag with a sufficient number of pockets. Whatever size you prefer, make sure it’s a perfect fit and design for you. Most importantly, don’t forget to check if the pockets are at the right place or not.
How Long Will It Last?
Top-graded tool bags are nothing but cheap. In fact, you should consider these as an investment. But depending on the material and stitch quality, it should last anywhere between 1 to 5 years.
The material plays a significant role in both the durability and the price. For example, leather tool bags will be much more expensive than nylon or polyester tool bags. However, all materials have their advantages and disadvantages.
Leather
Despite being expensive, leather is not waterproof. If it comes in with contact for a long time, get ready to say goodbye to it. But leather is also known for its resiliency. With proper care and maintenance, a good leather tool bag will live for many years.
Polyester and Nylon
On the other hand, the more budget-friendly options like polyester and nylon have better advantages against water. However, they don’t have that durability of leather.
Nonetheless, the final choice will be decided by you. No matter what the material is, make sure it has quality stitching. Without that, your tools will start falling apart in the middle of a job.
Is It Comfortable?
No matter how strong you are, carrying a tool bag for a long time might start damaging your back. So, it goes without saying that comfortability is a crucial factor when choosing tool bags. The good news you could divide this into 5 parts-
Straps and Handles
Try to go for tool bags with padded shoulder straps. As with everything, ergonomics is a big deal for tool bags. So, check if the handles are comfortable or not. After all, having an ergonomic handle will save you from going to the doctor for shoulder pain.
Material
This refers to the material used to make the straps and handles. The thing is, you can’t expect the same level of comfort from a polyester strap as you would from a leather strap.
Adjustability
Adjustability is vital for a carpenter’s tool bag. For example, you need to adjust the straps according to your body. Otherwise, you might have a tough time working with it.
Back Support
No matter how you see it, a tool bag is always going to have some weight. While some manufacturers include extra back support, others go with the ergonomic route. With an ergonomic shape, you don’t feel pressure at certain pain points on your body.
Is It Portable?
Portability isn’t a big deal for many people. It’s because some people always work their workshops. However, if you’re someone who needs to take long rides to different projects, you know the importance of portability.
Here’s the thing-
Most carpenter tool bags have a generic rectangular shape. You have to admit all of them kind of look like kit bags, right? The ones that are truly comfortable to work with often have multiple open pockets. This lets you take out whichever tool you want without moving too much.
But there’s a big disadvantage with these portable bags. When you load them up with a lot of tools, they tend to get heavy. But don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world yet.
For instance, you could get enclosed tools bags that have one big zipper. Keep the little tools and accessories, eliminating the trouble. And those will be comfortable too. Although it’s hard to get a leather bag for that size as it’ll cost you a lot of money.
However, they tend to have little quirks gearing towards making them more ergonomic. So, one or another, you’ll be covered. On the other hand, there are tool bags with wheels on them. These are really spacious, and most importantly, they’re extremely portable thanks to the wheel.
If you do think of getting one of those, make sure to check out if the wheels have enough durability or not.
How Much Does it Weigh?
As much I’ve already told you before, tools bags when in action are somewhat heavy. But if you put the bag’s heavy weight in the mix, it’s going to be even heavier, making it tough to work with. The uncomfortability will lead to back pain at one time.
That’s why you should consider the weight of the tool bag as a substantial matter. But don’t go thinking that getting the smallest bag would be better. Smaller bags will indeed have less weight.
However, it also means that it won’t be able to have that many tools. So, try to choose something in between. A perfect balance between weight and size should be your target.
At the end of the day, it all boils down to your needs. My suggestion would be to think deep about what exactly you need. There’s a number of factors I’ve talked about in this buying guide. Crosscheck with all of them, and you’ll know the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions For Carpenter Tool Bag
What is the best tool bag for HVAC?
Answer: When you think of working on an HVAC system, you need a ton of tools with you. Each HVAC is different, so you never know when you’re going to need which one. That’s why you should get the ToughBuilt – 30″ Massive Mouth Tool Bag. Thanks to its wide opening, you could get access to your tools whenever you want, regardless of their size.
Who needs a carpenter tool bag?
Answer: Anyone who does any sort of job-related to wood should get themselves a carpenter tool bag. Having the right tools at the right time increases one’s efficiency by a lot. Get yourself a good quality tool bag, and it’ll serve you for many years.
How to maintain a carpenter tool bag?
Answer: Every once in a while, you should wash your leather tool bag with a damp rag. But never use any soap on leather bags as it can wash out the oils and wax of the leather. Other than that, splash a few drops of water on the bag to see if it absorbs it or not. If it does, you know it’s time to condition the leather.
Is Occidental Leather worth the money?
Answer: You bet! Always consider leather bags as an investment. You might think you’re spending a lot of money behind something that’ll do nothing but hold your tools. But in the long run, these expensive bags prove their value. Even after years of usage, you’ll find that the quality is still intact. Condition the leather every once in a while, and it’ll last even longer.
How do you soften an old leather belt?
Answer: The easiest and most effective way to do it by conditioning the leather. That way, you’ll ensure two things. One, the belt will be softened. Second, you’ll increase the waterproofing capability of the belt.
Final Words
A well-constructed tool bag can help a carpenter whether he/she’s a novice or an expert. With a reliable companion by your side, you can focus on improving your efficiency skills.
Nonetheless, I hope I could help you to find the best tool bag for carpenter. I tried to come up with a product for everyone. Regardless of your experience, you should find the perfect one for you.