Choosing whether or not to buy and use a tool box or a tool bag can be a difficult decision, and everyone has their own preference. Making the decision can be influenced however by the nature of the tools that you use, as tool boxes may be better for some tools while tool bags may be the superior choice for some other types.
There are benefits to both tool bags and tool boxes, and those benefits need to be compared in order to make the right choice as to which is best for you.
Important considerations
There are a number of factors to take into consideration for those trying to choose between a tool box and a tool bag. These factors include the size of the carrier, the amount of tools that you will have that will need to be stored, how durable the carrier is, and the nature of its organisational capabilities.
Other factors to consider when choosing between a tool box and a tool bag are whether it has compartments or pockets and which you prefer, whether it is able to protect smaller items as well as its overall portability and versatility.
Space
If you do not have much space to squeeze your tools into, it may not be a good idea to choose a tool box. It can be tricky to keep tools in small spaces and if that is the case for you then a tool bag may be the best choice.
Tool bags are less bulky than tool boxes and can be stored in places such as underneath kitchen cabinets, which is not the case for large and bulky tool boxes.
Number of tools
Those who only have a small amount of tools that need to be stored would be well served to choose a small traditional tool box. Tool bags with padded shoulder straps or padded handles are recommended for professionals that often add new tools to their collection.
It is vital to have a comfortable grip when you have to carry tools around on a frequent basis. Tool bags have more space and will easily adjust to any newly added tools. They are able to expand, which is not the case with tool boxes.
Durability
Durability is another issue for many people. Traditional hard case tool boxes are capable of maintaining their shape even when loaded with heavy tools, although tool bags can be dropped without fears of them getting damaged or shattering.
Durability is one of the most important factors to consider when deciding to buy either a tool box or tool bag. Tradespeople cannot be worrying that their career will only last a short time or fall apart while they are working. It has to be tough and built to last.
A fabric tool bag will inevitably be less tough than a metal tool or a plastic tool box, so the latter will last much longer and is the obvious choice if durability is important.
In the end it is up to the individual to weigh all the factors to decide whether a tool box or tool bag is best for them.
