There are three main ways that a Bricklayer carries around his Hand Tools. Either in a Tool bag, a Toolbox, or in a Bucket.
If you are wondering what to put your new tools into, which would be best?
Each have their pros and cons. To try and give a fair comparison let's review the top of the line product of each.
For the Bag, the Box and the Bucket let's consider:
- Protection
- Mobility
- Storage Capacity
- Water-tightness
- Clean-ability
Tool Bag Stanley FatMax Open Mouth Rigid
Protection:
Normally a tool bags weakness. Tools stored on external pockets will be easily damaged as the bag is hit by random flying bricks. The FatMax is made from 600 denier fabric (tough stuff) meaning tools packed inside are pretty protected.
Mobility:
The FatMax is awesome. With two sturdy handles, moving the bag around the site is effortless. Levels can be layed horizontally on top, making it possible to move all your tools with one hand.
Storage Capacity:
Length: 19" (50 cm)
Width: 11" (30 cm)
Height: 11" (29 cm)
Volume: 11 gal (44 l)
Great for getting all your tools in. The FatMax has one main storage space, unlike the expensive Veto Pro Pac, which is split into two a struggles to fix a single trowel. It's also good to see a bag without thousands of pockets, to small or tight to do anything.
Water-tightness:
When the Stanley is all zipped up it is waterproof, but it's not a great idea to leave it out in the rain. The injected polypropylene base does a good job of stopping water transferring into the bag and rusting out tools.
Clean-ability:
If it becomes fill of dust, it can be a bit difficult to clean out. Turning it upside down and giving it a brush out normally keeps it clean enough.
Click here to view the Staley FatMax Tool Bag on Amazon
Toolbox Dewalt Tough System Case 400
The traditional toolbox is made from wood or metal. These days they are made from structural plastics making them lighter. The Dewalt Tough System cases are made from 4mm structural foam making it strong as well.
Protection:
Hit this box with a sledgehammer and you will struggle to do any real damage. They call it the tough box for a reason. Excellent security features as well making your valuable tools safe.
Mobility:
A little bit awkward getting it around site or in and out of the vehicle. It does have a solid central handle which makes it possible.
Storage Capacity:
Length: 21" (54 cm)
Width: 14" (36 cm)
Height: 16" (40 cm)
Volume: 20 gal (77 l)
This is a decent sized box, and has no trouble storing a brickies hand tools. The top tray helps to keep things organized and stops pencils getting broken.
Water-tightness:
The Tough System box has built in waterproof seals. You could put the hose on this thing and no water would get through. Tools need to be dried before being put away.
Clean-ability:
Any toolbox is super easy to clean. Hose out, dry with a cloth. Finished 30 seconds.
Click here to view the Dewalt Tough System on Amazon
Tool Bucket Bucket Boss The Bucketeer BTO
A lot of bricklayers simply use a Bucket to store their gear. Rubber buckets are favored for their durability. Now tool organizers like the Bucket Boss The Bucketeer BTO can be added to a Bucket to keep tools tidy.
Protection:
A Bucket doesn't provide much protection. As soon as it is tipped up, out spill the tools ready to be crushed. If you do use a Bucket for tools make sure it's not the same one for your mud. That way tools won't be lying out somewhere all day.Mobility:
Storage Capacity:
Height: 17" (44 cm)
Volume: 5 gal (19 liters)
Although the good old bucket seems a lot smaller than the others when you compare the numbers, it is amazing what you can fit inside. The Bucket Boss gives a nice storage place to your smaller tools making them easier to get to.
Water-tightness:
Clean-ability:
Click here to view the Bucket Boss Bucketeer on Amazon
Conclusion
Although this is probably the least popular among bricklayers, you can't beat a decent toolbox.
That's what I have used for a number of years now and I've been real happy with it. You do need to keep it organized, but it's worth it.
