Festool Toolbag

[tdorey]

Not really a review,  I had to return it.

There is allot to like about it. The overall size is good, build quality is good, number of pockets is good, connects to systainers etc.

The thing I didn't like about it was, when you load up the panels with tools, the Velcro isn't strong enough to hold them in place so it sort of sags. and on one of mine, it pulled the panel away completely.  The Velcro is the weakest link.

They should of used something better,  Clips, Magnets etc.

Also the idea of removing the panels for different jobs wasn't really thought through. when you remove one of them full of tools, because there is no bottom, some of the tools fall out the bottom.  Not all, like scissors would stay as they are wider at the top. 

It was a decent concept, but I don't think the velcro panels are working. At least not for me.  [mad].  The panels should just be permanent.

Like any review, this is just my opinion. 

 

[Peter Kelly]

For a nylon tote, the Sys Bag is heavy even before you put anything in it. The Velcro and zippers felt pretty cheap too.

I think it's made in China.

 

[Holzhacker]

Went to the AHR show, annual HVACR show, in Chicago today. Veto had a big display with soo... many different bags. Great build, cool features, pocket options etc. They were even selling onsite with a discount.
Only issue was they are so well made, even empty they are pretty heavy. Super cool though. Wrote down a couple model #'s that I may order.
Maybe its just me but it seems like the tool bags have gotten cooler, sturdier, better made but due to all of that so much heavier.
That's why I like systainers. They don't weigh squat until you fill them up.

 

[slavi.yordanov]

That bag is probably my most  disappointing Festool purchase.

The center divider is super thin and flimsy, and that’s where the pockets attach. The material for the pockets is also super thin, and definitely won’t last with everyday use.

Out of the box, some of the velcro stitching was already coming apart.

If you are going to use it with the sliding rails, you can’t put anything in the side pockets, otherwise it won’t fit.

I have had

 

[Packard]

I use tool bags, of the cheap kind.  I have separate tool bags for separate functions.  All my work is done in my house, either in the basement shop or in my garage or on my driveway. I grab the bags I need at the time.  Some are leftover manufacturers’ supplied bags and others are purchased from Home Depot, Lowes or Harbor Freight (all of which are within 4 miles of my house.

So far I have the following tool bags:

1.  Electric drill (including bits, center punches, spare batteries, and drill driver bits and drivers.

2.  90 degree angle grinder (including a variety of discs, wrench, etc.)

3.  Oscillation tool (including spare blades)

4.  Random oscillating sander (including foam interfaces, variety of discs)

5.  Hand sanding (including sanding blocks, sponges, sand paper, etc.)

My Bosch jig saw resides in the original attache-style case which has room for a large number of blades.

I grab the bag according to the function.  Because these are all used in my home, I lean to the open bag style.  All the recent bag purchases have been of that style. 

This syste works well for me.

 

[Boski]

Veto pro pac - nothing else compares

 

[six-point socket II]

I’d take a Veto, even the Milwaukee offerings, any day over that Festool SYS3 T-BAG. It’s another product which only benefit in the end is the Systainer compatibility.

And the smaller Veto bags (TP Series, i.e.) fit inside the old Systainer Toolboxes perfectly. Best of both worlds.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[jeh]

This all goes back to Festool delving into items that are outside of their expertise. There is absolutely no reason for them to make a bag nor is there any reason to buy it just because it is offered. The only plus it had was the systainer compatibility and that itself is not a reason to by a branded bag from a company that is not in the bag business.

There are a significant number of bags from multiple vendors giving you the best chance to find a great bag. I assume this is an attempt at a rebrand. I'll call it what it is: a shameless attempt to gouge people to buy it just because it is green. There are plenty of retailers selling bags from companies that make multiple bags. Amazon has a good selection of generic bags that are ridiculously cheap and very functional. Save your money for tools.

 

[morts10n]

I replaced my Veto Pro Pac with a Festool bag for compatibility and to attach to other systainers. I like the bag but the Velcro doesnt work. Noticed it right away before use. When saw dust builds up it will be worse. I think a good solution would be to attach both panels of pockets through the center divider with short sex bolts. Not having bottoms on narrow pockets is terrible for storing chisels unless they have covers on the tips

 

[Packard]

The boards may be too thick to accept this hardware, but if they will, then the hooks on the removable panels and the loops on the bag will combine with the Velcro to prevent it from coming loose.

There are also sew on versions. 

If the top is anchored firmly with the hardware, then the Velcro will surely be able to keep things together.

I believe Amazon sells these as well as most fabric shops.

 

[redcliff]

I get what you are saying. I have noticed the same thing. It is annoying. However, I keep a CSX12, the impact driver, and a couple other things in there and that keeps it from falling down. It is not ideal, but I still like it. I like that I can attach it to my installer's set and I have almost everything I need for most cabinet type repairs.

The Vetos look great, but just have not been able to pull the trigger. I have a ToughBuilt bag that is a little smaller than the Toolbag that has 90% of my other EDC stuff. I got it because it was cheap. But, it has turned out to be a really great bag.

 

[Duckler]

I use tool bags, of the cheap kind.  I have separate tool bags for separate functions.  All my work is done in my house, either in the basement shop or in my garage or on my driveway. I grab the bags I need at the time.  Some are leftover manufacturers’ supplied bags and others are purchased from Home Depot, Lowes or Harbor Freight (all of which are within 4 miles of my house.

So far I have the following tool bags:

1.  Electric drill (including bits, center punches, spare batteries, and drill driver bits and drivers.

2.  90 degree angle grinder (including a variety of discs, wrench, etc.)

3.  Oscillation tool (including spare blades)

4.  Random oscillating sander (including foam interfaces, variety of discs)

5.  Hand sanding (including sanding blocks, sponges, sand paper, etc.)

My Bosch jig saw resides in the original attache-style case which has room for a large number of blades.

I grab the bag according to the function.  Because these are all used in my home, I lean to the open bag style.  All the recent bag purchases have been of that style. 

This system works well for me.

I think that your system is fascinating. The world of box-tainers poses so many challenges BECAUSE .... once you start (systainer, for example) how do you integrate with Milwaukee packout (for example)?
So you say, "screw all of you!" Or maybe you said, "Bag it."

 

[Packard]

I didn’t have any sort of grand plan.  It just evolved. 

It used to be that small power tools included a fitted case, which did not have much room for accessories.

My palm sander came in a zipped case with plenty of room for discs, pads, etc.  So I kept that.

The same for my 90 degree angle grinder.

But not the case for the electric drill which I wanted to group with drill drivers, small drill bits, spade drill bits, an awl, a center punch and a spare battery.  For that I had to buy a bag.  I favor the reach in bags that are open.

Below is an example.  The hodgepodge of tools makes no sense to me.  It has to be grouped by function.

 

[cpw]

That hodgepodge makes sense to me, it resembles my "main sys1" that I take everywhere.  I think plenty of people have a lot of random tools thrown together in their toolbox.

I have four primary "toolbox" systainers that I'll take with me:
- A sys1 that has a smattering of hand tools like a ratcheting screw driver, knife, various pliers, a non-contact voltage tester, level, some pica pencils, a mostly used roll of blue tape, etc.
- A sys2 with a drill/impact driver + charger, and the attic lid with bits
- A systainer 3 L 187 that has hammers, chisels, flat bar, even more and bigger pliers, and the extra stuff that doesn't fit in the Sys1
- A systainer 3 organizer 89 that has more screwdrivers, pry tools, mini hack, feeler guages, that work best in a tray like structure

If I am doing something I expect to be quick I take the first two. If I am unsure of how deep it will go and need the fuller set of hand tools, then I take all four.  You can very quickly end up dragging 50lbs+ around if you have just a single box.

I have a empty sys toolbox, old style sys-storage organizer, and an XXL that I use to toss extra stuff in when I have an idea of what the job is, but not exactly what I'll need.

Then everything else is task specific.  I have a lot of the SYS-SORTIV/3 sortainers that have task specific stuff in there.  And then just lots of systainers for various tools, usually singles - but all the "random" Dewalt 20V stuff ends up getting throw into one.

 

[Duckler]

I have a bunch of hole saws in the “bonus space” of the systainer of my quaddrive drill kit. I used a piece of closed cell foam to hold the hole saw mandrels. By heating the metal parts with heat gun or toaster oven I was then able to immerse items in the foam and created redneck version of fitted insert.
The larger hole saws nest together.
Very convenient to have the hole saws all together there.

 

[six-point socket II]

Over time you’ll find out what works for you and what doesn’t. There is no one-solution fits all. And yes, changing the system can be “painful” and pricy - but still might be worth it at times, depending on what your (changed) needs are.

Different setups/systems have different strengths and weaknesses. A big factor was already mentioned: Empty weight, for example. Other important factors can be the ratio between outside and inside dimensions, how well you can separate a main compartment into 1/4; 1/2; or  a 3/4 part(s) that maybe are all differently equipped with foam/shadow board, bins or what ever your needs are - and still stay in place. Again, needs vary. There are systems that can do it, and systems that can’t.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[demographic]

This all goes back to Festool delving into items that are outside of their expertise. There is absolutely no reason for them to make a bag nor is there any reason to buy it just because it is offered. The only plus it had was the systainer compatibility and that itself is not a reason to by a branded bag from a company that is not in the bag business.

There are a significant number of bags from multiple vendors giving you the best chance to find a great bag. I assume this is an attempt at a rebrand. I'll call it what it is: a shameless attempt to gouge people to buy it just because it is green. There are plenty of retailers selling bags from companies that make multiple bags. Amazon has a good selection of generic bags that are ridiculously cheap and very functional. Save your money for tools.

Worth bearing in mind the fact that some people buy/search out anything that says Festool on it.
Stabila levels, pencils and even safety specs.

I get it with the core tools but just couldn't care less about the branded hats, levels, pencils and assorted tat.

 

[gunnyr]

Several have mentioned Veto; absolutely fabulous bags.  I like them so well might have more than one brand new, never been used models.  ;D ;D

My main carpentry bag is the Occidental Stronghold Master Carpenter Case.  Absolutely beautiful and bullet proof bag.  Expensive but, as I delight in pointing out to some of my fellow carpenters, cheaper in the long run.  I have had ONE bag to their three or four.  Over a 7 year period my $400 bag is cheaper than their various purchases.  Mine has never blown a seam, broken a handle, or otherwise dropped tools.  It's typically loaded out at about 35 lbs.  It fits nicely on the top systainer on my SYS Roll; I then strap it with a second SYS Roll strap to keep it from falling forward (Don't ask me how I thought of that brilliant idea!  [crying])

 

[six-point socket II]

I get what you mean. Sure there are hardcore fans of the brand that need anything “Festool”.

Personally, I wear hats while working and I go through a lot of them. Very few I only wear occasionally to be able to keep them for longer. So a free Festool hat, I will take any day of the week if it comes with a purchase or is given to me on a roadshow or trade fair. Same goes for any other name brand tool manufacturer or distributor/supplier.

T-Shirts I give away, as I have yet to come across a single occasion where a sales rep or booth babe goes like: Oh, heres a 6 or 7XL for you … It’s max. 3XL and that I can’t do anything with. And cutting them to rags is a shame when others can wear them. Nothing wrong with these shirts, doesn’t matter to me if I wear a branded one or the plain ones I buy in ten packs from my industrial supplier. But again, I have yet to be surprised with a free 6 or 7XL by any manufacturer.

For the rest, as long as it is quality, I don’t mind it at all. Festool once gave me a nice Stabila 40cm level, it’s a great size, Stabila quality and says Festool on it. Great.

What I don’t get is the true merchandise, cheaply made in God knows where, type stuff. That is something that I think doesn’t fit a brand known for otherwise impeccable quality tools.

Then again, some brands go above and beyond to have really nice goodies. Along with Festool, Knipex comes also to mind, they have really nicely printed folding rulers. Nothing wrong with a quality folding ruler, right?

Again, I would never search ebay, craigslist, marketplace and so on for this stuff or pay for another’s roadshow/ trade fair gifts as some try to turn them into $ and obviously find buyers. But if it’s given to me, I will be thankful & happily use it.

Oh, and Occidental Leather is fabulous as well. Although, I only own one of their (multiple)-tool holders. Impeccable quality as well!

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[surfjungle]

Not really a review,  I had to return it.

There is allot to like about it. The overall size is good, build quality is good, number of pockets is good, connects to systainers etc.

The thing I didn't like about it was, when you load up the panels with tools, the Velcro isn't strong enough to hold them in place so it sort of sags. and on one of mine, it pulled the panel away completely.  The Velcro is the weakest link.

They should of used something better,  Clips, Magnets etc.

Also the idea of removing the panels for different jobs wasn't really thought through. when you remove one of them full of tools, because there is no bottom, some of the tools fall out the bottom.  Not all, like scissors would stay as they are wider at the top. 

It was a decent concept, but I don't think the velcro panels are working. At least not for me.  [mad].  The panels should just be permanent.

Like any review, this is just my opinion.

I took a long hard look at the Festool bag and thought it might be what I was looking for. However it was out of stock which saved me buying it and ultimately, making a mistake from what I'm reading. I did some more research and opted for a Veto Pro Pac Tech LC. It was more expensive but it was also on offer with a free smaller bag. The Tech LC is excellent. It's built like a tank, straightforward to use and holds everything I need for now. For me, the moral of the story is competencies. Tool bags are not part of Festool's core competency, neither as a power tool nor as an integral part of their system.