A Real Professional Handyman EDC Bag Load Out

[@TimBuckley22]

I used to have my chisel in my bag like you do. I found I needed the first aid kit full of band aids right beside it😂

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I like to keep it sharp and jam it into my palm at least once every time I use it.

[@bradleytenderholt5135]

Dry wall knifes are a must.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

💯

[@1001-u6r]

I’d love to see a video on what you carry in the van as far as fasteners, parts and other items you always have with you. What screws, receptacles, switches, plates, anchors and the like. I really appreciate the videos. Very helpful.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That video is very high on the priority list. I keep everything in kits that are labeled for their purposes and I'm looking forward to making videos on the kits.

[@1001-u6r]

@@bulletproofhandyman Awesome. Thanks for the response. 👍

[@jasonbaxter5502]

I don't know about him but I have about 10k in parts and tools.

[@RiseSteadyNC]

Same here 👍

[@davidskaggs9914]

I changed my setup over the years. I now separate my bags by electrical plumbing and carpentry due to weight mainly but also don't like to bang up my meters and AC probes. I do a lot of electrical jobs, outlets and ceiling fans. But also do many faucets and water heaters which need heavier tools like pipe wrench, big channel locks, basin wrench, water heater socket. My electrical bag has the lighter 12v drill. My bigger power tools are in pack out boxes on wheels. Tool organization is a science but based mainly on what jobs you do the most.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks for all of that input. David! I definitely do find that my bag is seasonal. Not just winter, spring, summer and fall, but also certain types of jobs tend to suddenly become common for quite a while and I add or take away new tools based on that.

[@nonolabs]

That's exactly how I have my setup.

[@octaviofigueroafigueroa9794]

Thanks for sharing. I always see loadouts with very fancy tools (wera,knipex, wiha). I liked your simplicity. I always learn something from you! Saludos from México

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thank you!

[@user27278]

People with those tools usually care more about looks than making money 😂

[@christopherharpster9330]

I have what I call my go bag in the front seat of my truck, unless my wife is with me or son. I have basically all of my diagnostic equipment in it. I have my 608, so I do HVAC as one of my specialty jobs. In my go bag, I have a multimeter, gauge probes, multitool screwdriver, impact, temp probes, ticker, and outlet tester in one bag. When I get to a job I load out based on what I'm there for. In my pockets I ALWAYS have an 11 in 1, terminal driver, ticker, flashlight, utility knife, multitool, flip bits, and a 35ft tape. My truck I will usually organize by sections. I have boxes in the cab with plumbing, hvac, electrical, and drywall

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That sounds like a nice setup!

[@Cmtinker]

I’ve been using an open top tool tote. Much less stays in permanently but I can add whatever is needed. At the expense of weight, you spend way less time prepping and recovering.

[@jefferycoleman3781]

I always enjoy seeing different EDC setups, I havent tried using a backpack yet, I carry a small husky waist pack that I just throw over my shoulder and adjust a few things per job. It took me almost 4 years to really narrow it down. Keeping it simple has paid off for me, some guys have way too many tools and to me that is just ego, I am there to get the job done right, but also quick and easy as possible, not show off. I like your choices!! Thanks

[@bulletproofhandyman]

It sounds like you and me have been in a similar boat. I'm literally always working on whittling down not only what I carry in the EDC bag but also what I carry in the van. Anytime I can find one item to take the place of two. I usually make that change. Eventually I'll be doing this out of a fully outfitted Dodge Grand Caravan 😎

[@NathanGreen-zh6mg]

Yep, I have a very similar pack. I find that zip ties, a light that has a magnet or is telescopic, some wire nuts, and a nail set essential. I will be adding the small files and fold-able saw to my kit. Thanks my guy. People I know got snowflakes down there earlier this week...stay sunny!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

We did! The were cars all over covered in snow that had just come down the mountain. Also I'll be adding wire nuts and some other small hardware soon. I think a cloth pouch with zipper pockets could organize an assortment of screws and minor hardware and save one more trip to the van.

[@lightraisedhigh]

I enjoy seeing what other people carry and find indispensable. Thanks for sharing. I've been an HVAC technician for many years, and have never stopped refining my EDC. My needs vary by season, and I have separate bags for winter vs. summer maintenance as well as a primary bag for general service work. I do have one suggestion regarding your pipe wrench. I replaced mine, along with my channel locks with upgraded pliers years ago. I carry a 7" 10" and 12" Knipex Cobra which are slimmer and have better grip than most pump pliers and will handle most jobs I would have used a small pipe wrench for. They're not cheap, but they've lasted for years and that move significantly lightened my bag.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thank you for the advice!

[@keithgeorge2541]

Only other thing… I always keep some harbor freight disposable gloves for working in section 8 apartments.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Yeah that's not a bad idea. I frequently have to touch things I wish I would rather not have touched...

[@GoldMineArcade]

For about the same price DeWalt has a really nice Tough System 2.0 bag. It's extremely durable and very well laid out

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That's pretty cool! I'm not married to any particular bag, just married to the concept that you need to have some kind of bag or box or bend or bucket that's organized and has most of the stuff you need.

[@danbiss87]

I have just about the same set up, however I also carry a small thing of supplies like drywall anchors/toggle bolts, zip ties, boot booties, small parts box of various screws sizes. I also have a separate bag for both plumbing and electrical.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Very similar. I have kits that I grab specifically for electrical and plumbing. Also multiple kits for different jobs. Valve stem kit, pop up drain kit, etc... I'll likely be following your lead and adding a minor hardware kit to the EDC as well. I've been getting a lot of great suggestions from the comments and I fully intend on redoing the bag and making another video of the upgraded EDC bag based on user comments. Thanks! Ray

[@marioleal8152]

Thanks Ray that's great 👍

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome!

[@alexking358]

I just bought the same multi meter. That things awesome!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I really love it. We didn't have these at Bombardier when I was an avionics tech. They're "too simple" but sometimes that's exactly what you need.

[@jasonbaxter5502]

I use much the same tools but no more bags.. use toolbelts, i dont put my jacket on leave it in the truck. After taking bugs home before, i don't put anything down in a house.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I would hate to bring home bed bugs

[@jweeks1995]

The Knipex pliers and pliers wrench aren’t gimmicks… you will hate using anything else after you try them. I have the 10” cobras, 10” pliers wrench, 8” slip joint, 8” needle nose, and 8” side cutters in my bag, and I would buy them all again tomorrow if I lost them.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I'm sure I'll give them a try someday.

[@Slideyslide]

I like the pouches. Mine are all jumbled in a larger tool bag. I honestly was hoping to find a more organizable pack.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I really like the CLC pack. It's not named Brand or anything, somewhere in the ballpark of $100 at Ace hardware and it's lasted about 3 years I think.

[@BobPenzien]

Nice video Ray. I have a small suggestion: Rather than using your slotted screwdriver to make a hole in the drywall for a toggle bolt, use your drill with a 3/8 " drill bit instead. I guarantee that once you use your drill with this drill bit, you will never go back to using the slotted screwdiver. ACE hardware carries a nice 3/8" bit by DeWalt which is a perfect size for re-hanging towel bars in bathrooms using toggle bolts.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I appreciate the advice Bob. I do have a 3/8 inch drill bit in the pack, but it takes me longer to swap the bit and put it back when I'm done than it does to use the screwdriver. Granted, it's only a few seconds difference but the only way this job is entertaining is when I'm racing myself without sacrificing quality. However, there are plenty of times when I go ahead and use the drill bit, especially if I already have the kit out. Thanks!

[@pauldardeau5532]

Nice! Thanks for sharing. I have a Husky tool backpack and it's not that great. Yours looks much better. I'm thinking about adding a small ziplock bag of a few screws and nails.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You and me both. I'm looking into a cloth pouch with zipper pockets for wire nuts, hardware, etc.

[@stockbulll]

How about a van/truck/trailer tour?

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I should do that soon. I just did a spring cleaning a few weeks ago and it will be busy and messy soon. Also need to do videos of my inventory kits and job kits.

[@stockbulll]

@@bulletproofhandyman That would be great!

[@thomasjefferson5727]

Non-contact is essential. Mid run of a wire youre not going to jab your meter leads through sheathing.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I completely agree. When I was and avionics technician on business jets, before I started this business, I used them frequently. I have found that for the type of work that I do, any simple multimeter will do just fine. I'm never really looking for voltage mid run, but if I was I would absolutely be taking that suggestion.

[@thefrankperspective4247]

This is definitely one to save.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks! I'm always adjusting it, but 95% of it stays the same.

[@rubentorres8433]

Im constantly purging and resticking my bag. I think thats the majority of my job as a handyman

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I feel like my main job is getting mad at myself for making a mess, emptying out the van, resorting everything that I was in. In too much of a hurry to put back correctly, and then packing it all back into the van so I can get mad at myself again next week.

[@ZillasMaintenanceServices]

Ever thought about the 11-1 screwdrivers? I use it daily, they have a 1/4 and 5/16 nut driver plus the philips, flat head and the robertson head in some of them as well. I can't function without it anymore. Still have a phillips and flat head plus a big thiccc boi flat head to ground out capacitors and test contactors but that 11-1 i am married to. Lowes started carrying klein so I gotta be careful when I go in that place now. I also enjoy my fieldpiece multi meter it has the amp clamp and I can test mfd so I can test capacitors.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I've tried those before. They're definitely handy, but in the end I always end up having certain screwdrivers and end up being my favorite and those are the ones that keep on me.

[@jeff5489]

Any idea why a property management company would give jobs to a handyman company instead of employmenting handymen themselves?

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Half of them do employ their own staff, but they can't afford people who are qualified and reliable. In the end it costs as much to employ them as it does to subcontract them in the end.

[@jorgerivera7907]

Good setup. I can't stand seeing clean expensive tools that looks like it never been used.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That's definitely not my tools! Some of these tools I've had for 20 or 30 years and some of these tools I picked up at yard sales, and some of them are new. The best tool is the one you have.

[@jasonbaxter5502]

really. I have much the same thing.. but don't use Dewalt.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I'm not really stuck on DeWalt, that's just the battery platform I happen to have. Although I do think they're decent tools.

[@jimkane9832]

Take a grinder to that cold chisel. Eventually the metal that's getting folded over from being hammered on will fly off like shrapnel.

[@BuilderBreakerRemaker]

Perfect way to spend halftime

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Awesome!

[@dazquez]

Nice bag, however for me that type of Allen key set is useless when it comes to tightening bathroom fixtures such as toilet paper holders, towel racks, and just any Allen screw that is supper close to the wall. Specially the ones that are stripped.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I agree it's a pain but this one does turn far enough in a pinch. Usually I grab my regular allen key set on my way in if I know I'll be working bathroom fixtures but honestly you're right it probably does deserve a spot in the bag. Soon I'll add one to my key ring too.

[@ritcheymt]

I have a question that's not meant to be critical at all but to understand. Why use bags? Why not use a 5-gal bucket tool organizer? I've always used a couple of them because they make it easy to see all the pockets at once, don't have any zippers to break, and have a lot of space on the inside for larger tools like drills. I'm not arguing or justifying here; just want to understand. Bear in mind I'm not yet a handyman, but instead a guy who has remodeled a couple houses myself and worked as a punch-out man 30 years ago.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I've broken every bucket I've had within a couple months. When I originally purchased the bag I didn't have my mind made up, I just wanted to see how it worked out for me and I've been really happy with it so far. I think it matters less what you put the tools in and more that you have the right tools and that you can quickly access them. I've done a bit of backpacking in my lifetime so I'm also very comfortable with carrying a heavy pack on my back.

[@1026martin]

I thought i was the only one that new that toggle bolt secret lol

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I thought that too, until I did enough of them to see that others had sometimes done that before me.

[@richardvillanueva559]

You need to dress that mushroom tip on your cold chisel 🫠

[@bulletproofhandyman]

But it's so pretty 😍

[@CaptNaufragio]

Man i use my chicken stick electric tester all the time

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I think for me it's just that I've been using the same multimeters since I joined the Air Force back in 1999. I've gotten so accustomed to them that I just naturally grab one when I need it. I would imagine if I challenged myself to use it more than perhaps it would become more of a habit to go ahead and grab one.

[@CaptNaufragio]

@bulletproofhandyman hey man if yer good yer good. Its nice with alternating current to quickly see if a box got hot wires, can jam it in outlets, whereever, then cycle through breakers till it shuts up. Its probably best to confirm with the fluke, but not needing actual wire contact is just so often convenient for me.

[@Casmige]

No egg timer so that you can make sure that you go over your minimum 3 hour threshold❓ You know in order to get that $650-a-day benchmark. Everyone knows those toilet wax rings & faucet washers aren’t going to change themselves.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Nope, I'm in and out as fast as I can. I reach my thresholds by getting more work done, not less.

[@funkypotamus]

Do not remove that hammer!!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

😆

[@fabiantaveras8458]

Bro you completely blew your tool budget on that fluke meter lol you could have purchased a fluke 101 a meter that cost less than $50 with the fluke name and could have invested the savings into better quality hand tools.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I didn't have a tool budget. My old fluke died and I needed a new one so I bought the one I liked the most. I come from an avionics background and have never hesitated to spend what I need to spend on the right tool for the job. My other tools are all perfectly functional. When they're not I replace them with ones that are.