Canvas Tool Wrap Comparison

NashvilleTJ

I miss the snow...
Ride of the Month Winner
Lifetime Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2020
Messages
6,721
Location
Nashville
This week I made the switch from tool bags to canvas tool wraps. This thread is a brief comparison of four tool wraps, and my reasoning for my selection. If anyone is in the market, I hope this helps a bit.

Over the years I've gone through several iterations of storage for the hand tools I carry in the rig. I used to carry everything in the larger bag on the left - but it was pretty heavy, and a pain to find anything. To make it a bit more manageable I now carry all of my sockets, drives and extensions in the smaller Dewalt bag on the right, and the balance in the larger bag. Better, but still a pain to find any particular tool

IMG_1260.JPG


These are the tools I carry in the big bag.

IMG_1242.JPG


And these are the sockets, ratchets and extensions I carry in the smaller bag.

IMG_1239.JPG


In addition, as some of you know, I also carry a welder, drill and angle grinder (both driven off of the Premier Power Welder 110 volt feed). It's a bit of a fab shop on wheels, and I do pay a weight penalty - but I like to be prepared.

(By the way, I'm also open for any suggestions on what may be missing, is overkill, or don't need)

I saw somewhere on the forum (although I can't remember where) that one of you had just picked up a tool roll from Rhino USA, and that prompted me to think about swapping over to a tool wrap. I was originally planning to pull the trigger on the Rhino, but I decided instead to look at several options.

So here we go....
 
Jeff, I use a Bucket Boss Super Tool Roll for my commonly used tools, specialty tools not in my kit listed below, tire plug kit, colby valve stems, etc... The roll also contains everything I would need to pull the plugs if I happen to put her on the side. I like how easy it is to store and gain access to the roll.

For the other tools I used to use tool bags, but I recently bought a Pittsburgh Tool Kit with a case from HF and it has stored nicely in the back of the TJ (even with rear seat installed) and it seems to have most all SAE and Metric that I would need in wrenches, sockets, allen, etc.....

I also keep a bunch of stuff in the truck/trailer including grinders, 110v flux core welder, spare parts and fluids, etc....

Funny thing is that the only fluid I carry with me now is Brake Fluid because it seems that someone always needs it, not sure why that is, but at least 50% of the time it seems like someone needs brake fluid or rips a brake line and we have to crimp it closed.
 
After a bit of searching, and some preliminary selection, I came up with these four bags all available on Amazon. I bought all four knowing that returning three would be a piece of cake, and not cost me anything.

From left to right:

Terrev Tool Roll Up Bag - 18oz Heavy Duty Canvas Motorcycle Tool Roll - $46.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096LJ5CTY/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Rhino USA Tool Bag Roll - Heavy Duty Canvas Organizer Pouch for Tools - $44.90
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08V398W68/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Bucket Boss - Super Roll - Original Series (74004) - $40.54
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3QL75X/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Rugged Tools - Titan Deluxe Tool Roll - $39.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZP8Z56L/?tag=wranglerorg-20
IMG_1254.JPG



And here they are in the same order, unrolled:

IMG_1253.JPG


Overall they are quite similar and all appear to be of good quality. The Bucket Boss and the Rugged Tools bags are identical, and the weight of the canvas is consistent in thickness with the 18oz Terrev - but the material is much softer. The canvas on the Terrev is a bit stiffer, and would appear to me to be a bit more durable.

The canvas on the Rhino is different than the other three. The Terrev, Bucket Boss and Rugged Tools are all thick, 100% canvas (apparently 18oz), and look the same inside and out. The Rhino appears to be not quite as thick, and on the inside is coated with what appears to be some type of vinyl. Perhaps this makes it waterproof, but I'm not sure. I am certain that this is just another type of canvas, but I don't know enough to identify it. The overall effect is that to me it does not appear to be as tough as the other three. But again, it still appears to be a good bag.

The zippers on the Terrev and the Rhino are not quite as thick as on the Bucket Boss and the Rugged Tools. All are plastic, but appear to be strong on each bag.

The Rhino is different that the other three bags in that the five individual tool pouches are removable - attached by Velcro. The theory being that you can pull out just what you need. The individual pouches are also labeled in a very cool, permanent, embroidered pattern. Sockets, Pliers, Wrenches, Misc. Tools and Specialty. A cool feature - but the labels would not work for me so I would be cutting them off somehow.

The Terrev is just a bit bigger than the other three bags (which are all about the same size), and also has ten additional slots on the top flap. The Terrev measures about 14.5" wide, and the others about 13.5" wide. The width and depth of the individual pouches are very close on all of the bags.

Tough choice so far as all look to be good solutions at a similar price.
 
That is the bucket boss that I use. Not saying to choose that one, but it has worked well for me and has held up well over the last several years.

The one thing that would worry me about the removable Rhino pouches is that I would leave one laying on the ground trail side (especially with the black color). You are much more patient and organized than me, so it may not be an issue, but I could see me in a flurry to try to get moving again to either not ever removing the pouch OR someone later finding it laying on a rock right where I left it.
 
But then for me, the kicker.

I spent a good bit of time fitting my tools into the pockets of all the bags, trying to get a feel for how each would work, and that led me to a decision.

The longest tool in my arsenal is the 1/2" breaker bar. It would not fit easily into the Bucket Boss, the Rugged Tools, or the Rhino. Since the Terrev is about 1" wider, it was able to easily fit the bar. Here it is lying on the Rugged Tools bag (the Rhino is not in the picture because it took an extra day to receive it, and it was not yet in hand when I took this shot, but it is the exact same width as the Bucket Boss and the Rugged Tools).

IMG_1236.JPG


Now before you jump on me for being critical for the fitment of one tool, it turns out that my socket racks are also as long as that breaker bar. Those sockets racks would not fit easily into the smaller bags either - but fit perfectly into the Terrev.

So the Terrev it is. Not only does it fit my specific tools just a bit better, I also like the additional slots in the flap for small items. And overall, to me the Terrev just feels sturdier. Now, it is the most expensive of the group, but only by a few bucks.

So I ordered another Terrev, and returned the other three.
 
Last edited:
Another nice thing about the rolls is that you can add a few hooks in your garage/shop and hang them from the grommets and have easy access to the tools while in the shop or if you don't keep the tolls in the rolls it makes it easier to load/unload for a trip.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NashvilleTJ
And then, the fun part. I loaded up all my tools.

Here are the tools originally in the big bag:

IMG_1243.JPG


And all of the sockets, ratchets and extensions:

IMG_1241.JPG


All rolled up and ready to go...

IMG_1257.JPG


And the final step, loading them into the rig. A perfect fit:

IMG_1259.JPG


I'm very happy with this solution, and how it all worked out. The rolls actually take up less space in the drawer than the two previous bags as the tools are packed in much tighter. And, it definitely solved my access issue.

I can't wait to break something...

:)
 
Last edited:
That is the bucket boss that I use. Not saying to choose that one, but it has worked well for me and has held up well over the last several years.

The one thing that would worry me about the removable Rhino pouches is that I would leave one laying on the ground trail side (especially with the black color). You are much more patient and organized than me, so it may not be an issue, but I could see me in a flurry to try to get moving again to either not ever removing the pouch OR someone later finding it laying on a rock right where I left it.
I had the same thought on the Rhino, Victor. I actually went into this thinking the Rhino would be the best option, but I'm glad I went this route and did a comparison.
 
Great review! I have a bunch of the Bucket Boss stuff for when I take tools on the road or in the field, and I have that roll you reviewed. Your decision to go with the Terrev for the longer pocket makes perfect sense to me! I have encountered the same problem with the Bucket Boss roll, and I just rolled up the long items inside the roll, but not in the pocket. It worked, but I like your solution better!
 
Nice rundown, I have a cheap roll that is limiting but I make it work. @NashvilleTJ the only things I have in mine that I don’t see are
  • Retrieval magnet
  • Noid light
  • Compact hacksaw
  • Crimpers and electrical connector assortment
  • Nitrile gloves and rags
  • Tire repair kit (I have a spare but ‘belt and suspenders’)
I don’t see any overkill items. For where we take our jeeps it’s better to be over prepared!
 
Nice rundown, I have a cheap roll that is limiting but I make it work. @NashvilleTJ the only things I have in mine that I don’t see are
  • Retrieval magnet
  • Noid light
  • Compact hacksaw
  • Crimpers and electrical connector assortment
  • Nitrile gloves and rags
  • Tire repair kit (I have a spare but ‘belt and suspenders’)
I don’t see any overkill items. For where we take our jeeps it’s better to be over prepared!
Well, there are a few more layers under there...

IMG_1261.JPG

IMG_1263.JPG

IMG_1262.JPG


The only thing I don't have from your list is the "Noid Light?" What is that?
 
I would have to write on side of pouch so I knew what was where. Easy to forget and open all pouches looking for a screwdriver.

D
I’ve actually been thinking of ways to mark the rolls and the individual sleeves. I could certainly just write on them with a black sharpie, but I’d like a more polished solution.

One idea is to buy or cut some letter stencils, and then use a spray die on the canvas.

Anyone have any other ideas?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Apparition
I've gotta start getting serious about a tool roll. I saw one on Trail Mater (YT) that looked nice and yours look good too. I'm still hauling around a metal box.

I don't carry so many ratchets and have adapters (1/4 - 3/8 -1/2). With high quality impact adapters I can cut down on some heavy stuff like the ratchets and extensions. I don't carry a 1/2" ratchet at all, just a long composite 3/8". I also carry a few more screwdrivers like a stubby #2 Philips. I didn't see a hammer unless you have it elsewhere. I saw epoxy, I need some of that. I didn't see black silicone or RTV, you might have that somewhere else? You have allot of sockets, I fine tune for my Jeep but if you are helping others I get it. I have maybe two deep well sockets in my kit, a 10mm and I don't know what?

Just observations, nothing in the slightest bit critical, I do enjoy seeing what people carry.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NashvilleTJ
I’ve actually been thinking of ways to mark the rolls and the individual sleeves. I could certainly just write on them with a black sharpie, but I’d like a more polished solution.

One idea is to buy or cut some letter stencils, and then use a spray die on the canvas.

Anyone have any other ideas?
A couple items I do no see, 7/16” 12 point socket for steering shaft to gearbox bolt. A heavy hammer I carry a 3 or 4 pound short handled sledge. I don’t carry the pickle fork as you can just hit the spindle or arm to get the ball joint or tie rod end loose . A pitman arm puller (almost impossible to get the arm off without it). I carry a long pry bar 36”-42” worked for sway bar link ends but after sway loc I kept it in case we have to bend or pry something. I do carry a unit bearing socket but I don’t think you are running unit bearings. FYI the noid light is a small led light with two prongs to test injector pulse signal from ECM.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NashvilleTJ
I've gotta start getting serious about a tool roll. I saw one on Trail Mater (YT) that looked nice and yours look good too. I'm still hauling around a metal box.

I don't carry so many ratchets and have adapters (1/4 - 3/8 -1/2). With high quality impact adapters I can cut down on some heavy stuff like the ratchets and extensions. I don't carry a 1/2" ratchet at all, just a long composite 3/8". I also carry a few more screwdrivers like a stubby #2 Philips. I didn't see a hammer unless you have it elsewhere. I saw epoxy, I need some of that. I didn't see black silicone or RTV, you might have that somewhere else? You have allot of sockets, I fine tune for my Jeep but if you are helping others I get it. I have maybe two deep well sockets in my kit, a 10mm and I don't know what?

Just observations, nothing in the slightest bit critical, I do enjoy seeing what people carry.
Thanks for that, Paul. I appreciate the input. I do carry RTV, it’s in the yellow box. Big ball peen in the bottom of the drawer. The reason I carry the 1/2” ratchets is they serve as my lug wrench, and are also needed for the big crawfoots for my control arms.

And you are right on the sockets - probably way more than I need for my rig. Of all the times I’ve had to crack open the tools on the trail, maybe 5 times to 1 I’m working on someone else's rig. As I said, I pay a weight penalty for that, but truthfully - I like being that guy.

Good call on the stubby screw drivers.