I’m finally taking the Veto plunge, but which one (XL or XXL) is best? I’m drawn to the XXL for its ability to hold a 2ft level, drill, and handsaw on one side. But after some searching here I’ve read that a couple of people ending up shipping it back after they got it because they couldn’t make it work.
The nearest retail location for the bags is about 2 hours away, so I’d like to hear any experiences with the bags. I have noticed that the XXL is shorter height-wise than the XL, so has anyone had problems with longer hand tools fitting in the back pockets? Does anyone know if the pockets on the back row go all the way to the bottom of the bag, or are they elevated for accessibility?
For XL users, can anyone fit a cordless drill in one side of the bag without too much fuss? What about a hammer with an ax handle?
Any help is appreciated.
Replies
I've had them both, and for me, the XXL is much better. Getting a drill or anything like that in either side is a bear-you can do it, but you lose out on a lot of storage space. I had the XL loaded on both sides with hand tools, and then I picked up the XXL. I transferred all of the tools from the XL to the XXL and had room to spare, and then I filled up the other side with the things that were too big to fit in the last one-2' level, framing square, framing hammer, and so on. I wound up selling the XL. But I will say the thing gets rather heavy.
Just my experience, of course, but I really like the XXL.
And me without a BT username for Shoeman.
Oh Shoeman. Oh Shoooemann!greencu invented shoes
A person with no sense of humor about themselves is fullashid
I'm one of those who ordered the XXL Veto bag, and then sent it back.
I carry both a cordless drill and impact driver, a charger and an extra battery as part of my regular job site tool kit. I had hoped to get all this stuff into an XXL bag, but it just wouldn't go.
I ended up getting the XL for all my hand tool items, and one of those HD $35 canvas tool carriers for the above items, plus various drill bits, a 2 foot level, a couple of hand saws and whatever job specific items I may need.
I have used this set-up for about a year now, and I am a bigger fan of the XL Veto bag than when I bought it. It is a superb way of getting your tools to the job, and worth its rather expensive price (I paid $120).
I think the XXL is most appropriate for those who carry a very large array of hand tools, but it is really not made for carrying cordless tools, or any other power equipment. Maybe a single drill, but if you want to carry a 2 foot level, then you'll have a hard time getting the drill in that side pocket -- at least that was my experience.
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"I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there."
-- Herb Caen (1916-1997)
I've got the XL. It's perfect for me. I tried carrying my small panasonic drill in it for awhile it worked pretty good. But got to be kind of a pain. It's just a little too much. I pack a 16 ounce Estwing in mine also. It fits nice in the bottom. I don't see a framing hammer with an axe handle going in it though.
The thing I love about it is you can set the bag down drop both side flaps and everything is layed out the way you want them. Can't beat it.
I'll eventualy get the XXL and use it strickly for carpentry tools.
We are all in this together.
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I have an XL, decided that the XXL just looked to big and potentially heavy. The bag is perfect for what I do, I love the thing and have gotten lots of comments from clients, too.
What we need here is pictures...I'll show you my loaded one if you'll show me yours!PJ
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
I'll drag mine out in the morning.
We are all in this together.
http://www.hay98.com/
I got the XXL and mostly love it. It can carry more stuff in it than is practical to carry though. Mine has to weigh over a hundred pounds, and it still has a little room. If I was moving it around a lot I would change to 2 separate tool bag/boxes. I'm not a pro though, and it works well for me having everything together. The sturdy shoulder strap makes it possible to carry this much weight though.
Thanks for all the help. I'm leaning toward the XXL because I was hoping to fit a cordless drill, 2' level, framing square, framing hammer, and a couple of those small Dewalt catch-all boxes. I know this is off topic, but does anyone else use those Dewalt containers for drill and driver bits, jigsaw blades, loose screws and nails? They cost $5 or $6 bucks at the big boxes and have adjustable dividers, and for me they really help keep all my small junk organized. Anyway, I digress.....
I guess I'll just buy one from amazon and see how everything fits. I was concerned about the height difference between the XL and XXL, thinking that if I end up with XXL that longer hand tools would not fit in the pockets. But I measured some of my longer tools like channellocks and nippers, etc. and they were mostly coming in at 10" and from what I can tell the XXL Veto is 11.5" so that should work.
Like Gunner said, I think one of the best things will be being able to unzip the sides and have everything right there. As long as I can still manage to carry it loaded up with everything. <g>
I'd love to see some pics of Veto set-ups if anybody has any.
Got anything to trade? These make the best bulk screw, nail, biscuit etc. holders.
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We are all in this together.
http://www.hay98.com/
trade?? Unfortunately I don't think I have anything worth a drive-thru container. Those things would be sweet to have though. Wonder how I could get one? Maybe I could sweet talk a bank teller into not turning me in if I "accidentally drive off with one and forget to bring it back." Naa, not with my looks. <g>
I've never seen one that opens the way the one on the left side is opened. I've only seen ones like the one on the right in your pic. Learn sumpthin new everyday.
That's a good looking box in the background. I bought Tolpin's toolbox book and just about built one like that, but I know that by the time I was finished "customizing" it, I would not be able to pick it up. Mine would end up being too much wood and not enough tools. I'm a compartment freak...
I do want to build one or two of those "tool totes" like Gary Katz's. Have you seen what I'm talking about?
I build those when I want to do something for nobody. Or relax as most people call it. I've done a couple along the line of katz's. Man that guy gets a lot of admiration from me. The one in the picture is pretty heavy I have the same problem as you I love compartmens.
The big problem with that one is I kind of planned it as I built it. Then set it off to the side. The first time I went to take it anywhere I realized it wouldn't fit in my metal tool box behind the cab and I couldn't leave it in the bed cause there wasn't a lid to keep everything together if it tipped over. So it stays at home. I'll snap a couple more pics of it you want. It is set up nice.
We are all in this together.
http://www.hay98.com/
Thanks for the pics, looks like a good setup. From your pics I can see that it might be a pain trying to cram a drill into that bag though. Katz is a clever guy, he has a lot of good ideas and methods. I've been thinking and planning the outside dimensions for a tool tote like Katz's, and I think I've decided on 25" long, 12" deep, and 18" tall. Just like my dilemma with the Veto, I want to be able to carry a 2' level and a framing square.
I'd love to see some shots of that box you made. Bring em on! I might be able to steal, uh, I mean utilize some of your ideas when I build my tool tote. <g>
Here, on my tote the two feature I like are the holders I built in for the squares and saws etc. I fit a slot in the bottom to slide the framing square in and on the inside I boxed it in so it can't get bent. The bottom of the box is a couple inches long to keep the square safe when I set it down. Kind of like a little platform. And the bottom is carpeted to keep from scratching whatever it's set on.
The Katz's style that's stained is my favorite, I built it last. The other one is kind of off track but still pretty handy.
All these boxes started with "What can I do with these scraps?"
We are all in this together.
http://www.hay98.com/
Edited 7/15/2005 12:05 pm ET by Gunner
Those are slick boxes. I've actually been pondering how to make some kind of pocket for my framing square and level along one of the long sides of my tote. I definitely like your method of cutting a slot for the square and then boxing it in. I think I'll try to figure a way put that system on my tool tote, maybe with my level sitting right beside it and leaving the top of the box open for access to the level.
Now I want to get started on one this weekend, but I've loaned myself out to a friend who's building a swingset/fort/playhouse thing for his daughters. Oh well.
Nice work on those boxes. I appreciate the ideas.
Here I pulled mine out of the truck and snapped a couple of quick ones. The stuff on the flap is what I keep tucked in the bottom. Head light, drop chain, wrench set etc.
We are all in this together.
http://www.hay98.com/
I do not want an XL.
I will not buy an XL.
I do not want an XL.
I will not buy an XL.
A person with no sense of humor about themselves is fullashid
So are you gonna use super saver shipping or, next day when you call Amazon in a couple of minutes and order one?
We are all in this together.
http://www.hay98.com/
You won't regret it!
The awful thing is that beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and the devil are fighting there, and the battlefield is the heart of man.- Fyodor Dostoyevski
Here's a couple of my XL, some stuff gets lost in the shadows or is hiding in the little pockets...pencil pointer, countersink, bandaids, baggies, etc. I probably won't add anything much more in size or weight. It's just right to sling over my shoulder, and it stays put without me hanging on to it, sorta lays across my hip. Much heavier and I'd be banging clients door jambs and such. Screwgun has it's own case. Levels? Got a crappy little torpedo in there.
I really considered the XXL. After using the thing for six months, I'm glad I went this route. Not to big, not to small, just right........ is beginning to sound like Goldilocks and the Three bears?
Gunner, seems like you like to be organized, too. I swear I sleep better knowing I can put my hands on any given tool. Satidfies a compulsion, I guess.PJ
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
Yea I like to have stuff in it's place. It cuts down the aggrevation value alot. None of our helpers pack their own tools. And most of them don't respect anyone elses. I put together what I call a Bob the builder bag. It's got all the junk stuff in it that I don't miss. I even wrote Bob the builder on most of the tools. Anyone that works with me has to use that one. If they start whining about a screw driver being bent from abuse or whatever I tell em. "Hey beggers can't be choosers."
We are all in this together.
http://www.hay98.com/
Edited 7/15/2005 9:24 pm ET by Gunner
I bought the smaller one. I think it's the LC. I have topsider boxes on my truck and the XL was a little to tall. I love it. I keep all the common hand tools in the front and don't even need to remove it to take out tools. In the back I put the less common tools and just tip it forward to get stuff out. It's to heavy to carry around all the time.
I also use those DW boxes. They are great to keep a ton of bits in and still stay organized. The larger bit I have in a plano plastic box (4) and that works great. I'try to post pics later.
Headstong, I'll take on anyone!