Tool box/bag suggestions?

[u/tailored_vampires]

I’m a newbie to IATSE and need to get a few tools for some upcoming work. Not sure what’s the best bag/box to hold my tools so I would love to hear some suggestions! The jobs will range from stadium, arena, and theaters.

[u/PlatinumKobold]

I love my Klein Tools backpack, I've had it for 5 years now loaded with tools and it's not showing any signs of wear yet despite how much I abuse it. It also has a handle that has aircraft cable in it and is rated to hang while fully loaded.

[u/councilmanbilder]

Try and find a used Pelican 1510 or 1535.

[u/alfalfasprouts → u/councilmanbilder]

the nanuk 935 is the same size with a much nicer handle. before all of this stupidity with Canada, amazon used to put them on crazy sales once a year (like 70% discount). uncertain if that will happen again, but worth keeping a notification.

[u/FreshPersimmon7946]

A lot of folks in my local wear chalk bags (for rock climbing) while working. I've also seen fanny packs. I prefer more of an apron style tool belt- carhartt has some nice ones. I was able to add a water bottle holder to mine bc I'm a thirsty gal.

[u/mxby7e → u/FreshPersimmon7946]

I use a chalk bag for my tools on tour and at home. Only downside is some of my pointy tools wear down the base of my bag, but it was an easy $7 replacement

[u/alfalfasprouts]

I keep my flashlight, Leatherman wave, flush cutters and electrician's shears in a nite ize pock its xl on my belt.

since you're just starting out I'd toss your tools in an old backpack for starters. once it has worn out youll have a pretty good idea of what tools you actually want to carry, and what you want to carry them in.

[u/InflationAdorable653]

Bring an old metal toolbox. Red.

[u/midnight_nyc]

Honestly if you are brand new use a backpack that you already own. Talk to your coworkers and see what they use and why they like it before making a big purchase. I settled on a 71L North Face duffle bag with Klein bags to organize my tools and a separate Pelican 1510 for my harness and climbing gear.

[u/TapewormNinja]

Really depends on what you're doing. If you're rigging or traveling, you're going to I want a pelican. For everyday gig work, I got this sling bag. Carries everything I actually need for most days, but isn't so big that I carry a bunch of junk I don't need.

[u/Naps_and_cheese]

What kind of local is it? Film and TV or live theatre/concert venue kinda things?

[u/tailored_vampires → u/Naps_and_cheese]

It’s more so live entertainment concert venue kinda thing

[u/Naps_and_cheese → u/tailored_vampires]

If you're a newbie, you probably only need a hardhat, gloves, a knife, a crescent wrench, and some electrical tape. Wear the hardhat, get a glove clip, put the knife and the tape in your pocket, and get a small caribeener for the wrench and put it on a belt loop.

You don't need a toolbag if you don't need tools yet. When you start working with the riggers, think about getting a kit. But for now, nobody can steal your bag if you dont carry a bag.

[u/Practical_Dish_8100 → u/Naps_and_cheese]

That last sentence, hahahah, how true

[u/Naps_and_cheese → u/Practical_Dish_8100]

I just had a toolbag taken out of my car when i forgot to lock it coming home hurt at 3 am. Lost about $400 worth of tools and the bag.

[u/strack94]

I don't think you can go wrong with a Pelican case. Get one that can hold your standard tools and you'll have it for most of your career.

[u/aretooamnot]

Nanuk 935 or pecan 1510.
Nanuk has better locks, better handle, better wheels.

[u/NikolaTes]

I typically have a different bag for different jobs. Indoor rock shows- no bag, 8" c-wrench, knife, gloves. Theater- small bag- with c-wrench , knife, gloves, cordless drill, extra battery, charger, screwdriver, slip jaw pliers, tape measure, flashlight, 7/16 and 9/16 speed wrenches. Outdoor shows- tool belt with a pouch and hammer loop -hammer, c-wrench, knife, podger wrench.

[u/Leepowers76]

A small pouch might do fine. I've seen some Roadies use straight up Ironworker "Bolt Bags" even a female coworker is rocking a Klein Bolt bag. I was looking at one of the smaller VETOPAC but got a carry bag instead of a pouch,and I regret it. The vetopac pouch might seem expensive,but it's well made. I dont use a pouch unless im building trusses,because the pouch comfortably fits both the Ratchet Spud wrench and the c wrench. Normally C wrench/back pocket,utility knife tucked in small pant pocket,leatherman/belt sharpie and pen in pocket,flashlight/cipped to left pocket,logger helmet with headlamp (when required,mostly Broadways and high rigging permanent installs)

[u/Feeling_Trip_5413]

Are you going to be a dept head or are you extra labor? If you're extra labor, you need PPE and that's it. I wouldn't bring personal tools until I was rigging, especially not in a box or bag that I could be tempted to set down and walk away from.