I've used a few different tool cases in my 23 year career. Most of that time was with the old Platt hard cases with removable tool pallets. I switched to a fabric model with a shoulder strap about 9 years ago and really liked that. That was with a dealership that provided tools for it's techs. I had to give up that bag when I switched jobs in 2010, and I basically have been using a borrowed fabric bag that has no shoulder strap attachment. I've been wanting to go back to a shoulder strap (easier on my aging back) and I'm narrowing down the options.

I pretty much think Platt is stuck in the 1990's with it's tool pallet designs. They need to change. Here's the 2 cases I'm considering, and I would love to get any feedback if somebody has personal experience, or possibly give an option I might have overlooked.

Cheap option: Custom Leathercraft 1539
CLC 1539 bag on Amazon


Pros: about $55, lots of tool pockets, glowing reviews on Amazon, large center storage that can fit rags/laptop/clipboard/parts

Cons: might be too large at 14 inches high (about 2-3 inches taller than a "conventional" case), more designed for trades than professional/technical field

More expensive option (but still less than a Platt): CK Magma Technicians tool case Plus
CK Technicians Tool Case Plus website



This one is the replacement for the older "blue" style CK cases. The layout is similar to the CLC case, but there are fewer tool pockets. With the Euro down right now, I can get one delivered under $90.

Pros: conventional dimmensions, center compartment is roomy and padded from sides, waterproof base, interior is all red fabric to make items visible, heavier-duty strap, perhaps a smarter tool-pocket setup.

Cons: more expensive, a bit more work to open the center up with the zipper setup, I may need to get creative with storing oil/grease/cleaning fluids inside.

Thoughts before I purchase?

I got lucky. I bought a hard case Xtra-Lite Magnum Indestructo from Chicago Case Company through amessupply.com

The pallets are awesome, big flexible pockets not just rows of small slides for socket sets no one uses.

But, like you said, the shoulder strap makes the soft case worth it.

I just prefer the storage space in a hard case, no digging around. It also has an extra pocket behind the top pallet for paperwork and test charts, totally protected can never get bent.

That being said the Magma (second case) looks like a pretty good hybrid of soft/hard. Pallet is nice for what we need. I would like to see more pictures it's guts.

Honestly I think I could do my job with about a dozen tools, but rags, chemicals, paperwork, canned air require some type of bag or case.

I was also thinking about getting a mini bag, or tool roll, and just keeping my big case in the car in case I need it.

Happy shopping

The last two companies I worked just use the mini-soft sided shoulder bag, you really don't need anything more with modern copiers. My current company STILL used the old hard case Platt's, welcome back to 1987!

I like my hard case. It makes a great seat.

This amazon-type site has all the cases, currently running a 10% off deal. promo code X6AF9

http://www.wayfair.com/keyword...t=0&command=dosearch

I sent a message asking for a shipping quote for the Magma case (UK to USA) and got a response. Shipping would be even higher than the cost of the case, making final cost $150+.

So, since I'm really a cheapskate, I'll give the Custom Leathercraft case a tryout. If it doesn't quite live up to needs, my household toolbox has been over-stuffed for years. I could put it to use either way.

I was using a shoulder bag and noticed my back would feel good on Monday and by Friday it was hurting again. I have been using this bag for a year or so now and being able to wheel it has saved my back. It has a place for the laptop and when you need to carry parts and vacuum you can use it as a backpack. The downside is it doesn’t have pallets but I was able to cut down pallets from an old hard sided case and mount them back to back to slip in the front. I have maybe 6 or so tools I use 90% of the time but the time you don’t have your meter or that special tool your car will be a long ways away.

http://www.ebags.com/product/e...0172?productid=71320

My all time favorite is a soft case by C.H. Ellis. Field Service Repair 3- Section Zipper Tool Case Laptop Combo-Style 680. http://www.chellis.com/store.asp?pid=19195
Lots of space and has a strap.
I am back to a hard case now since I blew out the front zipper on it twice. I sent it in once for repair and they didn't do the best at repair. I have sent it off now for someone to surge me in a new zipper.

By far the hard cases will win durability hands down. However, the soft cases are much more convenient. My current case is actually a brand new Snap-On Electrotech case from the 1980's that my boss found in his basement. The thing probably weighs 25 pounds empty (exaggeration ) but it is a very durable case. I will wind up walking and looking like Quasimodo if I do not get my soft case back soon.
"Sanctuary!!!! Sanctuary!!!!"
"Why could I not be made of stone as thou"."

I got the Custom Leathercraft case earlier this week. As I feared, it really is obviously bigger. It is the exact layout I would like in a case. I think the extra height is not so bad, but it is also considerably "thicker". It would work much better if the center compartment was trimmed down by 3 inches, then it would have less of a suitcase feel to it.

That aside, you do get some quality for the $55 price tag. The material is all heavy-duty, the zippers are equally good. The tool pockets don't look like they will ever tear-out. Way superior to the soft cases by Platt, Chicago Tool, and the others.

I'll give this a longer tryout. I may try to wait out an opportunity to buy that CK case for under $100.

This case has lasted 10 years and looks as good as the day I bought it. I've gone through a half dozen of the $99 Platt cheapies. The chemicals have eaten through the bottom, or the piano hinge broken out, or the latches broke, or the handle fell off, or the feet poked through the bottom. A couple have had the liner disintegrate leaving only the shell.

Sure it's heavy. Let's call it my daily workout.

http://www.stanleysupplyservic...etail.aspx?pn=23-059

[QUOTE]Originally posted by blackcat4866:
This case has lasted 10 years and looks as good as the day I bought it. I've gone through a half dozen of the $99 Platt cheapies. The chemicals have eaten through the bottom, or the piano hinge broken out, or the latches broke, or the handle fell off, or the feet poked through the bottom. A couple have had the liner disintegrate leaving only the shell.

Good GxD!

How many spring hooks and flat blades does it take to justify that beast!

The general idea was to throw in the laptop, along with the full set of tools.

The problem was that it was just too heavy with the laptop inside. 38# is my practical weight limit for a tool case, and the laptop pushed it past 43#.

I probably don't need to carry some of the larger, more specialized tools all the time; i.e. phone line tester, network line tester, VOM, RJ45 crimpers & connectors.

Maybe I can set aside the wiring/cabling supplies and lighten the other bag significantly. =^..^=

Here is what our techs have switched to. They work really well and hold alot of tools. Our big thing is we fly out to remote villages and need something that can close up completely yet still be light and have shoulder straps.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/...0051&catalogId=10053

quote:

Originally posted by Tractorboy:
Here is what our techs have switched to. They work really well and hold alot of tools. Our big thing is we fly out to remote villages and need something that can close up completely yet still be light and have shoulder straps.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/...0051&catalogId=10053

Looks great, I am nervous about not having a pallet. Is it ever frustrating mixing things up

[/QUOTE]Looks great, I am nervous about not having a pallet. Is it ever frustrating mixing things up[/QUOTE]

Not really there are lots of pockets and in front of every pocket is an elastic holder. It also comes with the 2 compartmented boxes shown in expanded pics. I put my meter in one side pocket and my netbook in a zippered back pocket. Screws and misc in the compartmented ones and rags and such just lying in the bottom. We give the techs the option to buy what they want and so far everyone has been changing to this one with no complaints.

Great post guys, I'm in the market for a new bag myself and this is all great info.
Thanks

I've been running the CLC bag for about 2 years now and love it. I use a macbook pro and purchased a sleeve for it and it drops right in the bag. All my cleaning fluids store on the outside ends so not a lot of worry about it spilling on the inside. AC charger goes in one of the back pockets, but I do have to be careful as stuff can fall out of the back pockets. Tool storage is more than what I need so I keep some of my cordless screwdriver batteries in there. Outside front zippered pocket is perfect for all my thumb drives and USB sticks as well as small parts that can get lost in the middle section. I keep my business cards in one of the little front flat spots. Only thing I wish it had was a dedicated built in laptop spot.

Try this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Patrio...&hash=item2a19338b28
you'll never go back to Platt hard or soft Bufallo case... I carry the cleaning supplies separately in the big zip lock bag that comes with the new Kyocera machines for unused paper .(some customers joked that's my bag of tricks) Plenty of room for tools and laptop and even some spare parts, etc etc
You can also use it as a cart for other smaller boxes
You can see it @ Staples, Office Max Depot etc and buy it online for less money

This message has been edited. Last edited by: supertech68,