There are an increasing number of fancy tool roll options, often pushing above the $100 price point.
Bucket Boss, which specializes in soft tool storage – such as pouches, tool rolls, bags – has a Super Tool Roll for ~$34.
This is one of the more basic designs I’ve seen. I’m thinking it could be a good choice for beginners looking to test out the concept before splurging on a much more premium-priced option, or maybe a one-stop solution for others.
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The Bucket Boss Super Tool Roll features 6 zippered pockets, carrying handle, quick-release buckle closure, and metal grommets for hanging in vertically on hooks or screws.
It measures 14.5″ x 6″ when rolled up, and 26″ x 14.5″ when open.
The tool roll is made from “heavy-duty Duckwear canvas” which Bucket Boss says will absorb tool oil over time “like a well-oiled baseball glove,” rather than “turning into oil slicks” like polyester.
I can find cheap generic non-branded options for around $28-$30 in online marketplaces. This one is only a couple of dollars more, and backed by a reputable pro-quality brand.
Price: ~$34
In contrast, Veto Pro Pac has a modular tool roll with removable pouches for $175 – see it at Acme Tools.
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There are other names in the market, such as Atlas46, and now Tekton is also making premium tool rolls in small batches.
It can be difficult to justify $100+ and even $150+ on a tool roll, or at least I feel that’s the case when trying out new-to-me tool storage products. Starting off with a more basic model like the Bucket Boss can help pave the road towards an upgrade, satisfy all of your tool portable tool storage needs, or prove that the concept is not for you, without risking a larger sum of money.
Jason Watkins
Can someone fill me in on what field uses these and why?
James
I’ve tried them. Never worked for me, but I keep one on my motorcycle as an emergency tool kit (although the odds of me calling CAA are way higher than trying to do roadside repairs)….
Jared
That pretty much sums up my feelings too. I heard someone enthusiastically endorse tool rolls once upon a time and thought I would try it for myself – but it never seemed as convenient as a tool bag to me.
I still have one with some basic mechanics tools in the toolbox of my truck, but I don’t use it – it’s there just-in-case.
Dustin
I have this exact tool roll I keep it in my truck witha pouch each for bungees, ratchet straps, e track mounts, corner protectors
It is basically my load securing kit
Mike Cheung
Not sure how others use it, but I use one for my “extended” EDC crap. I have various tools, flashlights, basic first aid, pens, lighter, lock picks travel toothbrush and deodorant. It usually sits at my desk at work, but I often install signage in offices which can lead to some creative problem solving. I’ve used the lock picks to get into electrical closets or maintenance rooms when the office is not yet occupied and it’s just me in there. I fold it like a taco and chuck it down my backpack.
MM
I like rolls for groups of long, thin, tools which I don’t use often enough to keep stored more prominently: Needle files, rifflers, wood carving gouges, checkering tools, etc. I like DIYing them. Basic ones with flaps/pouches only (no zippers) are quick and easy to sew even with my beginner skills. It’s easy, quick, and cheap to make one in whatever size I need.
They’re good for emergency auto tool kits because they keep the tools from banging around and making unwanted noise, but a soft bag does that job too.
I need some kind of solution for transporting and storing my woodturning chisels. I am considering a roll but I think a wooden rack would make more sense.
Derek
Tekton just rolled out some of these as well. Seems to be similar pricing to the Veto bags.
IronWood
The Veto pricing is insane for this. Guys in the shipyard used them for packing sockets or small wrenches, general mechanic type tools that you can throw in a bucket quickly. I like them, but premium pricing is ridiculous for these. I’ll check out the bucket boss ones
Paul
MADE IN USA (Honorable Mention) is SOE Tactical Gear on their website originalsoegear is the “TOOL Roll Up” for $75.00 with removeable socket/tool pouches!
Mitherial
I have this Bucket-Boss roll — it is not as nice as the fancier options in terms of materials and “build quality,” but is a fabulous value as Stuart says.
My favorite more expensive “tool-roll-adjacent” option are these modular-rectangular “Blue Ridge Overland Gear Tool Bags”: https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/collections/tools/products/blue-ridge-overland-gear-tool-bag
Not cheap, but I keep one loaded up with my preferred tools in all of my vehicles.
Adabhael
A decade ago I got their “tool roll” https://bucketboss.com/collections/tool-rolls/products/tool-roll to organize the car toolkit. Somehow the things I wanted to store in it never quite matched the size and shape of pouches and elastics, and rolling the irregular shapes around the circumference can be awkward. This new design with larger zipped compartments across the whole width may avoid that, at the cost of some visibility and “one deep” organization.
It’s still in the car, but as others pointed out, as cars get newer (and I get older) I find less and less I am able or willing to repair on the side of the road. Fwiw, I also had and liked the Bucket Boss jumper cable bag, but have since upgraded to a battery jumper.