Does Husky, a Home Depot brand, make the best tool bags? That depends on what you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend. Personally, I’ve used and seen a number of different Husky tool bags that I’d describe as being quite good and even excellent.
Husky tool bags are EVERYWHERE.
My high school sent out an alumni newsletter with photos of a recent robotics lab renovation. The contractors left a Husky tool bags in one of the shots of the gutted space.
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When we had refrigerator issues last year and needed a new compressor, the tech had a Husky tool bag, kitted with Milwaukee tools, a Milwaukee RedLithium USB LED light, and Ryobi bit case.
At local fast food restaurant once, the soda machine tech had a Husky tool bag. At another restaurant a few months later, I saw another tech and another Husky tool bag.
Walking down the street during my last trip to Milwaukee – yep, I saw a Husky tool bag. NYC? You see lots of Husky tool bags there. I’ve seen them on the street, on subways, and in buildings, sometimes being carried and other times they’re rolled around.
Different exterminators from the same company around here carry Husky tool bags.
Husky, from how often I see them, seem to be the most popular brand of portable tool bag around these parts. They are everywhere. I see them at retail stores, on the street, in driveways, at restaurants.
Why are Husky tool bags so popular with contractors, service techs, maintenance techs, and other such pros? I’m guessing that has to do with 1) easy availability, 2) lots of options, 3) affordable pricing. Maybe even word-of-mouth?
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My biggest frustration with Husky as a tool bag brand is that they come out with new products each year, but some of them, usually the ones I am most personally interested in, or styles I have just finished testing for review, are not carried again beyond their initial offering or promo season.
Husky made a sling-style tool bag back in 2017, and it seemed like a good product. But, it was a spring 2017 promotional style, on the sales floor ahead of Father’s Day, and it was never restocked.
There are definitely other popular tool brands out there, but Husky’s bags stand out given just how often we see them. I am also starting to see a lot of Milwaukee Packout products out there – both individual products and combinations.
Years ago, I searched long and hard for good tool bags. I ended up with a large boxy-shaped Dewalt tool bag that I believe I purchased at Lowes after passing on it the first 20 or times I saw it, a compact Stanley bag which had comfortable hard plastic ring-shaped handles, and a Stanley FatMax bag with thick rubbery bottom, similar to this WorkPro bag that’s on Amazon.
These days, with less time to hop from retail store to retail store or website to website to shop for the *perfect* tool bag, I might simply shop for the Husky bag that best fits my needs or wants. I guess that’s probably why Husky’s tool bags are so popular.
I also wonder about how many Husky tool bag users purchased their gear for themselves. Shopping for myself, I might spend more, depending on how often I planned to use it, not that Husky’s tool bags don’t have a lot of features or are not durable, because they do and they are. With different brands, or more premium-priced options, you might get more pockets, more comfortable handles, special features, or simply more choices. But if you’re shopping for others, say a team of installers or techs you have to supply, Husky should be a quick and reliable brand to go with.
I still have some giveaways planned, and purchased a couple of Husky tool bags to bundle with the prizes. Why? Because they’re tool bags I’d use myself, they’re affordable, and most winners could surely use them for something.
It somewhat surprises me to see Husky as the most visible brand of tool storage bag, at least in my experience. But thinking about it, they really do make the best tool bags for a lot of users. My past experiences have all been positive, their pricing is reasonable, and there’s always a broad selection of options to suit different needs and wants. Plus, you can always walk into Home Depot and buy one, at least for the most popular styles and sizes.
When a brand such as Crescent comes out with new too bags, I imagine that they think Husky is the brand to beat.
Shop Husky Tool Bags via Home Depot
What do you think about Husky tool bags?
If you need a new tool bag this week, which would you buy?
Does your answer change if your budget is limited?
jet_tech
During my time at a maintenance base for a regional airline these were wildly popular among my coworkers for their line bag.
Marty
I have a Husky bag that I use to cary my everyday hand tools into jobs. To your point, I went back to buy a second one months later only to find that it had been redesigned and they stopped carrying the style that I like so much.
Brian Harris
I believe it’s due to three factors:
1) Does the job it was meant to do
2) Good availability
3) Price
Its a toolbag for carrying tools around. Either it works or it doesn’t. They are made well enough to withstand heavy use for a while and cheap enough to replace when they need to be replaced. Widespread availability via Home Depot.
Gets the job done + inexpensive + easy availability = win
Evadman
I came to type this, thanks for saving me the work. They are good, they are cheap, they are available everywhere.
Flotsam
exactly what i was thinking as well. There’s this recent trend towards these stackable plastic bins but these bags are so much cheaper.
Storing them at home is not as good, but otherwise its a winner.
Steve
This is precisely why, it’s pretty obvious.
I’m in IT and I see HVAC and AV and other contractors come to the office all the time, Husky bags loaded with pro tools are very common.
fred
As we all realize, Husky is just a brand that Home Depot acquired years ago from Stanley. It had once been an independent manufacturer of hand tools – like wrenches and sockets. I believe that it was absorbed into the New Britain Tool Company which was acquired by Stanley.
Today HD sources from many OEM’s for Husky-Branded items. Some of the tool bags come from Union Rich Plastic Factory Ltd. based in Hong Kong or LF Centennial PTE LTD in Hong Kong. A UPC code starting with 829676 suggest that Union Rich is the source of your tool bag. A UPC code starting with 849838 indicates LF Centennial as the source. I’ve seen some bags with UPCs starting 848228 – and have no idea what company that denotes
Kizzle
You always have insight into things like this. Where do you get this info? Just curious because as a consumer it’s hard to wade through finding OEMs and manufactures. Thanks.
Ted
I’m primarily a lurker here Fred, and I always wonder the same thing
MT_Noob
I believe Fred simply knows everything.
In a good way.
: )
Matt
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Husky_(tools)
Ball_bearing
I thank you Sir!
Jon
At my old job, we used CLC or Husky. It just depended where we were shopping when we decided to replace our old bags. Price was never a factor. Whatever was on the shelf in the correct size we’d buy.
Wayne R.
Years ago I used a Bucket Boss bag for quite a while, increasingly frustrated that the sides collapsed and whatever I needed was somehow always at the bottom. Upgraded to Veto Pro, totally happy with them.
But I do still like a simple bag for all sorts of purposes. I natively shy away from store brands like these but I sure get it. Carrying bulky stuff? Sure, I can use these all day long. I’ll tend to keep an eye on these going forward.
These can be seen at the airport as luggage, too. Why not?
Nathan
Like said above I think they hit the sweet spot on usefulness and durability for a price. I mean yes there are better but they cost a good bit more usually.
I can’t even think of a good comparison model but whoever makes them for HD they are decent kit for the money.
Nick
If you put a Husky toolbag next to an AWP branded one from Lowes the difference is shocking. Husky bags, in my opinion, are over engineered, but who can complain about that. I have two that I use for a gym bag and an overnight bag. I’ve even used my roller as luggage and have seen others do the same. Made two paniers for my last motorcycle using their technician’s case, which I don’t think is sold anymore. Good stuff over there in the HD tool department.
Jay k.
For luggage!!! GENIUS!!!
Josh
Any suggestions on a good bag or holder for holding metal files?
Wayne R.
I also wonder how people carry wood chisels, which seems like would use a similar solution.
Big Richard
Files and chisels in a pouch, pouch in the tool bag. Same with precision screwdrivers or picks.
Steve
I make plastic sheaths that I put in bag or belt to protect fabric
Danny Cameron
GET A PIECE OF PVC PIPE OR TUBING, THE CORRECT DIAMETER AND CUT IT TO FIT.
WORKS GREAT FOR ME.
BEEN DOING THIS FOR AT LEAST 25 YEARS.
fred
You might consider transporting your wood chisels and/or files in a tool roll.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=B07SN2BCMW&i=tools&ref=nb_sb_noss
Folks also sell chisel protectors or edge guards. Some plastic ones provide a snug fit and some have holes for hanging. The more traditional leather ones tend to slip on and off .
https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/4-piece-usa-leather-chisel-protector-set-1-4-1-2-3-4-1.html
Brent
I use these for carrying all sorts of stuff, not just tools. I’m really happy with the tool bag I have that fits perfectly in my rolling DeWalt ToughSystem tool box so I don’t have to roll it all the way in from my truck.
But I use these as luggage, as storage for my bike stuff (helmet, clothes, shoes, and a few tools all fit in the 24″ red standard tool bag). And I use a 14″ one that I got on clearance two years ago as a gym bag — I paid $20, and it’s stronger and tougher than a $40 or $50 sports-branded cheap Nylon bag. I also have a couple 30″ black ones that I use for luggage on car trips (they’re too big and heavy for airlines but great to throw in the back of the SUV when I’m not traveling light).
Can’t beat the combination of quality and price. Agree that they change styles too often.
Frank D
Could it be a combination of:
Home Depot is most metropolitan areas
Fair price, more or less
Often featured as sales specials around holidays?
Jon
Husky tool bags are prominently featured when you walk through Home Depot. They virtually scream “impulse item! buy me!”.
They’re really well made. Heavy duty materials – very rugged.
Well designed – available on all sorts of sizes and configurations.
Incredibly inexpensive compared to any major tool brand. Dramatically better quality than other “off” brands (Stanley, etc.).
Some of the them wind up on sale every 3 or 4 months it seems, at such steep discounts that it’s almost a no-brainer to pick up a few. I use them on every project, loading up what I need to bring with me. It’s great to have a few from small to large so I can use just what I need each time. I picked up a few of the smaller ones and made household toolkits for my wife and daughter – the bags are perfect for this. I’m finding all sorts of uses for these. Really liking these, and will no doubt be buying more.
Sean
Husky is cheap and available. But Veto Pro Pac makes the best tool bags hands down. They might be pricey, but they have an excellent warranty and are built extremely well. Plus the variety and innovation from Veto is second to none. I love my Veto.
CY
I agree 100 percent
I have used all types of bags
Veto is the best in my opinion
blocky
One of my grab and go kits is in a Veto Pro Pac MCT. I paid about $160 for it. It holds more than I really want to walk around with and everything is very well laid out and accessible. It’s excellent.
My other go kit is in a 14″ Husky bag I paid $20 for. This one is my ‘ultralight’ kit and for that purpose, it has more pockets than I need, which is good. For similar reasons to the Veto, it’s wonderful that the Husky is semi-rigid and keeps hand tools upright so I can grab them without digging.
Jason T.
I own a few Husky tool bags, one of which is my primary tool bag at work. We had Bucket Boss at my last job and I feel like the Husky bags are a step above that. Lots of pockets and very well laid out. Definitely over engineered and sturdy, but that’s what I look for in a bag. Their bag accessories are also very well made and highly useful.
David A. VandeBerg
Referencing the picture, I have the one in the middle only the side pockets were like those to the left; They wore out on the bottom way too soon.
zack20cb
The ones in the picture are the “Consumer Grade”. The “pro grade” ones cost a little more, but they’re totally worth it. Heavy fabric, comfy handles, solid zippers. They’re just an all around good product and everything that’s close on quality is almost twice the price.
Lance
VALUE
Most of the companies hired to do maintenance and installation work in my building are carrying/rolling Husky bags. I bought a couple of the smaller Husky combo kit bags for myself as well.
Don
They must. Someone stole mine from my truck last year.
Koko The Talking Ape
As it happens, I was just at an HD and looked at the Husky backpack. Looked sturdy, and costs $29! My only hesitation is that tags say it is made of synthetic “fiber,” which is weird. If it is polyester, why not say so? It is less sturdy than nylon, but it is sturdy enough for all sorts of high-end outdoor goods, so it is probably sturdy enough.
blocky
Wish the rolling bags had replaceable wheels. We put a lot of miles on them in NYC.
RC Ward
They are great bags at a great price. What more can you ask then that?
Daniel
I like their pro line, haven’t had one fail me yet.
That said, my day-to-day bags tend to be VETO. For an HVAC/R guy like myself those are easily worth the extra cash.
But for specialty, purpose-specific bags? It’s hard to beat a husky. They’re the best value out there. I’ve had packout bags that cost 3-4x as much that didn’t feel as rugged.
Charles
They’re good because they last the right amount of time. I don’t want to dump $200 on a veto because it will get trashed. The $50 husky does the job it was bought for. After 2 or 3 years I don’t feel bad getting a new one when it’s smeared with no noalox, scotch guard and mud . Who cares if you can’t get the exact same bag there will be one that’s close and hey maybe go with that homer bucket for a few months until the next batch rolls out. It’s a consumable like work boots
Albert
I looked all over for a bag that had pockets on the inside only. I just can’t see carrying tools in exposed pockets on the outside of the bag. The few I found were ridiculously priced. The 18″ bag shown in the top picture has minimal pockets on the outside (not including the zippered pouch in the middle). They stay flat when unused. So I just leave the empty. I think I paid only $40 a few years ago.
Jay k.
I bought the large wheeled husky bag years ago, I started carrying less, so I used it for nitro RC car parts/tools/starter’s/etc – I couldn’t ask for a better bag in the desert…
Amy
Husky toolbags are awesome, I bought the first bag in my mechanic school and have been a repeat buyer of the brand since. They’re durable; my first bag from 5 years ago still look new after being hauled around everywhere. Very high quality with nice and consistent stitchings. The pocket locations are thoughtful. The black color with red trimmings are very neutral yet attractive. The technician toolpouch is essentially a part of my body at work, my coworkers all appreciated my recommendations and many have joined the club.
tl;dr Love the Husky toolbags, wouldn’t buy any other brand.
Addison
I don’t know about you but I don’t like it when a tool calls me fat.
Matt
The Craftsman (Sears) #30411 is my favorite tool bag of all time. They’re tough as nails with tons of storage. I have 4 of them loaded with tools that have been in service for years.. I paid $40-50 many years ago for mine but they’re like 15 bucks right now online from Sears. Not to take away from Husky, I’m sure they’re great! Home Depot has nice tool bags, nicer than the Lowe’s & Menard’s stuff especially. I’m hoping SBD picks up this bag is Sears goes away.
Corey Moore
I still have my original husky carpenter bag (tote) which was my original purchase for hand tools when I became a contractor. Had that, and the bag my drill/recip kit came in, to throw in the back of my foreman/supervisor’s rigs for years. Wife picked me up a DeWalt contractor bag (18″ I think) at some point, and that’s still kicking around my gang box with my belt and bags for odd specific carry needs, but it’s also held up extremely well through the years. Draw string pouch has all but ripped off, who uses those anyways lol but the DeWalt and the husky bag have both been lent long term to many apprentices and still hold my tools satisfactorily to this day.
The What?
In all the years I’ve been a contractor nothing beats a $3 five gallon bucket for carrying tools. The standard that I use to determine whether or not a tool bag is good for the long term is the crawl space test. If a tool bag can survive being repeatedly dragged across several feet of sharp rocks and dirt and chunks of wood with nails and cement and all of the other fun stuff you’ll find in a crawl space without getting punctured and tearing apart, then I found a good tool bag. Very few have survived this test. Husky along with awp are by far the most popular because you can walk into any HD or Lowes and buy a bag that fits your needs no matter which profession or trade you are in. They have everything and they make quality tool bags for the most part. They’re also reasonably priced compared to other brands that make similar products. And some brands just flat out aren’t worth the price and cost a premium just for the name sake. I’ve seen just about every type of tool bag there is and they all serve a purpose although some of them don’t warrant the price they’re selling for. But in my experience you can’t find a better tool bag than a five gallon bucket. Not only can you carry your tools in one, but you can also carry your parts and materials in the same bucket. It may not look as professional as a tool bag but you can carry everything in one or two trips and get to work. Customers don’t give a damn what you carry your tools in as long as you get done with what they are paying you for and if you’re having to go back and forth to get parts out of your vehicle because you don’t have a way to carry it all in at one time, it sort of looks like you don’t know what your doing.
Stuart
Husky also makes bucket organizers.
Abner
I have a husky bag that went through the same situation of being discontinued. I found the bag on ebay for about $150, but thanks to somebody on offerup, i was able to get it for $50. The bag is amazing, and i modified it and added wheels from an old bag, and a bit holder from yet another husky bag. I absolutely love it. I work doing electrical, and it fits every tool i need on a day to day basis. I really do think that the people who make these bags rely on consumer needs to figure out the best configuration for these bags.
Joel
We all have differences of what kind or type of tool bag especially the brands…I mean either u can afford a expensive tool bag or if ur in a budget…it’s all depends how to take care of it just like any tools that we all use or borrow lol..or any tools that gonna put inside of any tool bags…it’s a wear n tear thing like any tools we use at work… to be honest I have 2 miduim tool bag 3 large bag and 4 buckets of 5gal from home Depot 1st bucket just for painting tools that really fit inside ?..
2nd bckt plumbing tools that just fit into?
3rd carpenter tools that just fit inside.. my hammer fits?
4th bckt masonry tools
5th bckt just a 2gal all my scrapers tools,blue tape, drywall tape, electrical tape… thank u if anybody read my comment…
Juan g.
Occidental may be missing out on an untapped market here. An ultra durable leather tool bag that you “buy once cry once” every couple decades could garner some real interest. Just about every construction worker I know wears an Occidental, and they are truly pricey. Just about every construction worker I know has also gone through the milk crate, storage bin, tool bag, 5 gallon bucket, and rolling cart evolution as well.
Fazal Majid
I absolutely love my CLC 1539. Paid $58 for it 4 years ago and it completely solved my tool storage issues once and for all. Only caveat is, if you fill it up, it becomes too heavy to carry, but I use mine for home use, not as a tradesman so that’s fine. As a bonus, it fits right under my desk.
Andy
Saw this and had to comment.
All I know is I ended up with a Husky bag because the other choices were compromises or complete overkill.
I never want to find myself carrying a CLC 50 pocket monster that weighs 60lbs fully loaded.
I also don’t want to throw everything into a bag with no pockets.
I want the pockets to actually hold things when I pickup the bag. What idiot designs tool bags with pockets that aren’t tall enough to hold a wrench?
The Husky I bought has the right number of pockets, some zip, some have bands to hold taller items.
It doesn’t have idiotic features like lights and power sources. It’s also not luggage or a school kid’s backpack hat’s been converted into a tool bag.
There’s no room for a tablet or a laptop.
It’s a bloody tool bag that holds the right number of tools for any job, but not so many you need to be a body builder to lift it.
Jon
Husky bags are an incredible deal – heavy duty construction, great materials, and something like 35 or 40 styles available, so you ought to be able to find a configuration that holds your particular set of tools and parts. While it’s nice to be able to go back 3 or 4 years later and buy the same model again – whether as replacement to or to expand a set, if I have to give that up to get this kind of value for my money, I’ll accept that trade. The bags are cheap enough so that I’ll just get one or two extra if I think I might want to expand “the set” down the road.
Josh
Before I joined the pelican gang I dragged my Mobile aircraft tool set around in a CLC bag. When that died I went shopping and found almost the same size and shape bag from husky.
That husky bag has been dragged, carried, dropped and lugged all over the northeast US, and even after I retired it from traveling, it’s at home serving for my tools there.
My normal day for the past 14 years involved lugging my bag from inside the hangar where I stored my tools, to the company van, where it was often sat on by pilots huddled in my van to get out of the cold until the freight was loaded into their aircraft.
The bag got rained and snowed on without any damage, oil, hydraulic fluid, grease all just wipe off, and don’t hurt the fabric at all.
With 70 lbs full up, the shoulder strap and rings never failed.