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Discussion Forum

veto pro pac worth the $?

alecs | Posted in Tools for Home Building on November 30, 2004 07:47am

Hi,

Working up to asking for a few things from Santy Claus, and came across the Veto Pro Pac tool bags that are advertised in FHB and FWW.  http://www.vetopropac.com/  They look nice and practical, but the price is upwards of $100 for any of the models. 

Does anyone have any experience with these tool bags?  Are they really the life-changers that the price would suggest?  Otherwise, I might stick to throwing the things I need for a particular job in an empty 5-gal bucket. 

Thanks for your opinions.

Alec

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Replies

  1. calvin | Nov 30, 2004 07:52pm | #1

    http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=49540.1&maxT=1

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    Quittin' Time

  2. rez | Nov 30, 2004 10:22pm | #2

    I dunno, but VETO ought to send a check to Tauton for the amount of advertisement we've been giving them.

    be a roar

     

  3. nikkiwood | Dec 01, 2004 02:52am | #3

    All this is covered in thread mentioned in Post #2.

    But-- after some teeth grinding over the price, I bought the XL model, and for me, it is the best thing since sliced bread. It is compact, efficient, and easy to carry around.

    I liked it so much I went ahead and bought the larger model too (#XXL), but I didn't like this one (for the reasons stated in the thread), and returned it.

    Now that I have seen them both, tell me how you want to use it, and maybe I can suggest whether or not it will work for you.

    1. calvin | Dec 01, 2004 03:15am | #4

      Nik, help me out if you would.  I want a bag to replace the p.o.s. case the panasonic drill comes in.  Drill motor, charger, bat, index,myriad drivers, spade bits,hole saws, delta 8pc forstner case, box of countersink bits and stops,something with several diff sizes of piffin screws sequestered in it, anchors............and maybe some other drilling related items you wish you had in there.  What do you think?  I did see a cheap bag with a plastic divided box in the bottom today, and am waiting for my supplier to take delivery of the two smaller bags.  Look at the xxl today.  Alot like an open carp. box.  A little dissappointed in the made in ..........Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

      Quittin' Time

      1. nikkiwood | Dec 01, 2004 04:48am | #6

        Am I right that you did actually see the XXL Veto? I think it is hard to tell what it will do from the pics on their Website. I think the XXL would work very well for the the stuff you want to carry -- with the exception of fasteners. The one side of the bag has pockets of different sizes, and would easily accommodate all of the various drill bits you carry. For the really small stuff (like insert bits, countersinks etc.), you could store them in a small plastic box and slip in front of the tool pockets (there is an inch or better of space there, as I recall). The other side of the XXL is an open tray, and would nicely accommodate your cordless stuff/accessories. I would also look at the CLC bags; they have one or two with plastic parts cases that kind of slip in a compartment underneath the bag. For the time being, for all my own drilling stuff, I am using the $35 Husky bag from home depot, and it is very slick.For fasteners, I use the cases from HD (I think the brand is Zag, or something like that), which are stackable, and have moveable dividers. I have five of them, each devoted to a specific task -- Screws/mollies, outdoor fasteners, nail gun fasteners, electrical stuff, and all the fasteners I need for cabinet installations. I keep all these containers stored in my van, and I am rarely without a fastener I need on a job site. Hope this helps.

        1. calvin | Dec 01, 2004 05:13am | #7

          I saw the xxl today.  To me, it wasn't what I think I want.  Too long, and way too many sleeves.  To take the place of an open carpenters box or a bucket, I think it would be good.  I'm hoping to see the other two sizes in a couple days. 

          The clc with the tray under I think I also looked at today.  I am going to take a run over to look at the husky.

          thanks.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

          Quittin' Time

          1. rez | Dec 01, 2004 07:36am | #9

            The $35 husky's just an ok. Still not enough tool pockets. They could have put a run of them on both insides of the bag instead of just the one side.

            And different pockets on the ends. Drill bits and screw tips belong in their own little separate plastic case. And a pocket instead of that tape measure holder. It's a carrier not a tool belt.

            Don't know what they were trying to do with that plastic drink bottle. Probably trying to impress the wives with extra goodies to make it look attractive enough for a Christmas gift.

            Maybe they should have spraypainted it with a transparent gloss. bwaaa!

            Ok, i gotta cut it out. i haven't even used it yet.

            Calvin, how about a review of the $69 Rigid when you see it? 

          2. Jemcon | Dec 01, 2004 07:41am | #10

            I've had my $35 husky since they came out. I use it to bring what I need into the house for the job at hand. The only thing I don't like is the shape of the handle. I can't fit it in my top sider tool boxes. I keep it on the front seat and just go from there.

          3. nikkiwood | Dec 01, 2004 08:24am | #11

            Re: Husky $35 tool carrier. I tossed the water bottle, but I thought the pocket was a great place to keep my safety glasses.

          4. calvin | Dec 02, 2004 05:42am | #16

            man rez, I'm not this kind of shopper.  I've been looking since I got that damn drill and p.o.s. box........great drill motor, #### box...........and have found zilch.   Nothing like what I think I want exactly.  You know, I'm 33 yrs doing this, set in my ways and want the thing that'll keep me from using two hands carrying it in to the job, and keep me from going back out to the van to get..........

            Never did see a 60 dollar rigid..........I don't think.  What store was that in?

            ugh.

             Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            Quittin' Time

          5. rez | Dec 02, 2004 08:38am | #20

            It was a HomeDepot where I was looking at both the $35 Husky thing and a $69 Rigid  (Veto Pro Pac XL wannabe). I think they are similar in design shape like a fancy bowling bag with pockets.

            be a spare 

          6. calvin | Dec 03, 2004 06:06am | #23

            alright rez, today I saw 'em all.  I mean to tell you, should have bought every stinkin one and decided here in the privacy of my home.

            The veto's are nice.  I think I will suggest to the inventor that he come up with a bag like what I initially was searching for.  It's bound to be a good one with the detail he uses in his.  For me and my drill motor et al, the veto's were not it in there present form.  To replace a bucket with tool liner, way better.  You must see to appreciate.

            The rigid, yeah an imitation, but not real close.  The big floppy cover would be a pain.  Didn't like it too much.  Would be better off I think IMO with the big open bag with the drink bottle.......what was that one?......not hefty.......ah well, you know the one.  My brain was mush b/4 I started looking at all these bags.

            I went back to the clc rack and found a 2 bag combo box.  12" and 16" with pockets in/out.........same only diff size.  Price below said 38.00.  Noticed that the 12" separate was 15, the 16" was 25.  Not much savings......looked closer at the sku on the combo......turns out diff than the price label below.  Ask and the combo 2 bag box was 19.00.  Well, what the hey, bought the box, will try to fit something if not the drill kit etc into it and if no like......no loss.  Hell, I piss that away in an hour at the bar.

            I am contacting veto, they might have the prototype drill bag and I wanna be the first to find it.  Might have to push a bit for another auction item if you get my drift.

            Well, that's my report on hours wasted perhaps, your mileage will vary.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            Quittin' Time

            Edited 12/2/2004 10:17 pm ET by calvin

          7. rez | Dec 03, 2004 08:02am | #24

            And another thing.

            About that $35 Rigid bag. I mean besides buying it now instead of waiting for after Christmas when they'll probably be $20.

            That big handle should be on a sliding mechanism or a hinge system so it could be moved out of the way when working it to allow easy entry to the interior.

            A little more time and ambition and I'd go customize it myself. 

      2. Jemcon | Dec 01, 2004 07:36am | #8

        Check this bag out. Looks cool. I'm buying one. http://www.duluthtrading.com/items/83203+BLK.asp

        1. calvin | Dec 02, 2004 05:47am | #17

          Where do you think the compartment tray goes?  I like duluth, but their nice cute drawings sometimes could be a little more descriptive.

          appreciate the tip.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

          Quittin' Time

          1. Jemcon | Dec 03, 2004 05:38am | #21

            Maybe it goes in that little compartment on the right side of the bit storage.

          2. calvin | Dec 03, 2004 05:55am | #22

            Perhaps it does. 

            If you get the bag, post your opinion, be good to hear first hand.  Like I said earlier, their drawings are nice, but hard to figure out the fine pts.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            Quittin' Time

      3. arcticcat | Dec 02, 2004 05:54am | #18

        Calvin - I got a GateMouth Openface bag for all my drill-type stuff.  It has plenty of room for my 19 v cordless, batteries & charger, full set of spade, auger & twist bits, a set of self-centering bits, a small kreg jig & vise-grip clamp and a whole handfull of misc. bits & drivers, plus whatever odd fasteners are floating around the bottom.  I think there might be room to get a little impact driver in there also. It seems to be well made, & its about the right size for carrying around.  I think I paid 25 or 30 bucks at Menards for it. 

        http://www.duluthtrading.com/items/96088.asp

        Mike

        1. calvin | Dec 02, 2004 06:03am | #19

          ac, thanks.   Another potential answer to my queery.

          I will make a decision this time.

          No more waiting for the better mousetrap.

          You know, if a guy could come up with the best box or bag to take the place of those crap moulded drill boxes.......he could write his own ticket.

          If only I had a little ambition.........and could speak chinese.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

          Quittin' Time

    2. User avater
      alecs | Dec 01, 2004 07:20pm | #12

      I am thinking that the smallest one is what I want to get.  It's mostly for electrician's tools - multimeter, wire strippers, crimpers, util knife, pencils and sharpies, screwdrivers, electric screwdriver, a rotozip, a jabsaw, a box of wirenuts, some crimp connectors, a box of romex staples, a small prybar, a set of spade bits and hole saws, tape measures, and a 16 oz hammer. A cordless drill or impact driver might be nice, if it would fit.  Then I suppose I would also want to put the charger and spare battery in there.   

      This would mostly be a means of organization that is also portable when needed.  Right now, most of this stuff lives in a tool belt, which ends up spilling or dropping things when left lying around.  Otherwise, the stuff it lives in a bucket, where it is hard to sort through.  I got the bucket boss, but I didn't find any of the pocket sizes to be useful at all.  My regular plastic tool box is always a mess too.  My best means of organization so far is those sturdy returnable beer cases - Pabst Blue Ribbon is copper plumbing, Schlitz is PVC plumbing, Yuengling is electrical, etc.

      Do you think the small one is too small for what I am planning on doing?  I appreciate your advice.

      Alec

      1. nikkiwood | Dec 02, 2004 04:57am | #13

        I have not seen the smallest Veto (except on their website), but the one I have (the XL, which is slightly larger) I don't think would accommodate the type of stuff you want to carry.I am a cabinetmaker, so I use it mainly for installations and general remodeling work. With all those pockets, it is great for all your handtools, but it is not designed to take the kind of bulkier stuff you mentioned -- cordless drill/battery/charger, hole saws, roto zip, and the boxes for your electrical supplies (wire nuts, staples, etc.).Nor do I think their larger bag (the XXL) will suit your needs much better. There is no tray -- the one side would be fine for tools, but the other side is just open, and you can't really stack stuff in there very conveniently. I guess what I would suggest is that you look at their web site, and try to figure out if the LC (smaller) or XL (a bit larger) will fit the hand tools you need on a regular basis. Then you will have to decide on some other means of carrying the bulkier items. Bags of this style are starting to flood the market, and I am sure you can find something that will work (and most of them are very inexpensive, at least when compared to the Veto bags).To look at the Veto LC:http://www.vetopropac.com/lc.htmlIf you don't have a store that sells them locally, you might consider ordering one from Amazon. There will be no tax or shipping, and if you decide to return it, they will even pay return shipping costs. The only inconvenience for you is to put it back in the box, and find someplace that will ship it back via UPS. I did that with the XXL bag, and Amazon even emailed me a UPS label, that I printed out, taped to the box, and then just dropped it off at a local UPS pickup point. If you pay an extra $5, UPS will come to your house and pick it up.Good luck. Veto is not for everyone, but the more I use mine, the more I like it.

        Edited 12/1/2004 9:00 pm ET by nikkiwood

        1. Paulgern | Dec 02, 2004 05:20am | #14

          just got the duluth catalog and did not see that bag. looks like it might work for me to. the panasonic cases are sad. i need a new home for the drill and the impact driver. thanks for the heads up. paul.

      2. calvin | Dec 02, 2004 05:31am | #15

        I went to the depot in search of options.

        The husky was too big.  Massive.  Perfect if looking for a cheaper vita xxl I would think..........Reminds me of the carpenter box formerly made of wood, flip down sides.  You could overload that thing quick.

        CLC had an electricians tote tray sort of thing, might be something for you to look at.  Open, pretty good sized, organized pretty well.  Under 20 I think..........shapely consumer looking at lights.

        CLC also had a combo package 12" bag, 16" bag.  4o.oo.  The 16 is closest to what I was looking for.  Final decision when I see the vita bags maybe tomorrow.

        Too bad none even thought of being made in the usa.  Bum deal that.

        Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

        Quittin' Time

        Edited 12/1/2004 9:45 pm ET by calvin

  4. Sasquatch | Dec 01, 2004 03:16am | #5

    Just saw a very inexpensive lookalike at Lowe's.

    Les Barrett Quality Construction
  5. notrix | Dec 04, 2004 09:05pm | #25

    HI,

    OK I bought the XXL-F (or whatever the biggest one is called) and after a week of using it I like it a lot. Organizes everything clearly. Super well made! Much better materials and craft6smanship than ANY others I've used or seen and I have 2 other major brands. Lots of pockets not evident are quite handy.

    I was able to put just about every hand tool for a finish/remodel job in it. Yes it's heavy but I don't go hiking with it. I guess I have 30 pounds of stuff in mine. It has a shoulder strap and I use that for this load.

    Is it worth it? YES.

    A great well thought out product that doesn't get gimmicky, just very practical.

    Cor.

    1. nikkiwood | Dec 05, 2004 01:33am | #26

      So what do you store in the tray side of the bag -- on the other side of the tool pockets?I got one (the XXL) and wanted to carry a 2' level, handsaw in a scabbard, and my cordless stuff there -- and I just couldn't get it to fit. I do have a XL, and I think it is great.

      1. notrix | Dec 05, 2004 01:43am | #27

        I got a cats paw, wonder bar, Starrett Protractor, roll of chisels (I like my roll instead of using the pockets on the other side), 18"level, PLS2 laser, power block, framing square ( I like the idea that it sticks up so I which side is which.), box with drill bits etc..some junk. I have more room, maybe 2/3 the available space used.. Lost my tool box saw but am sure one of those Stanley Shark saws would fit easily.I'm still refining what I want and where I want it. Cor.

        1. nikkiwood | Dec 05, 2004 02:03am | #28

          How do you get your cordless stuff -- and any other power tools from truck to site?

          1. notrix | Dec 05, 2004 02:17am | #29

            Oh man...There's so much! I just carry it. I've considered a little red wagon but it seems the jobs I'm on that wouldn't work.I use the Veto bag for hand tools alone. I thought about putting a drill and charger in there but I pretty much have a good box for that with bits an screw tips etc..(also for some reason the stair gauges for a framing square landed in there so I always know where they are<G>). Most of that stuff has a spot in the truck already anyway. I also freed up 2 othe bags and I'm trying to get my head around what to do with those. maybe one for screws/nuts/bolts/nails etc...I could use a plumbing bag an electrical bag.Cor.

          2. nikkiwood | Dec 05, 2004 05:51am | #30

            Thanks for the info.I suppose when one adds up the time it takes to chase back and forth to the truck, it's worth it to figure out a system to minimize the trips.................

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