Stanley FatMax XL Open Mouth Tool Bag Review

Finding something large enough, tough enough, and flexible enough to carry around the multitude of tools used on daily basis is not an easy task. I have gone through many tool boxes, including the clanky old metal type (which I suppose have their place). Then came the second, third and... fourth tool box. Arriving at a customers premises often resulted in a ten minute unload before work commenced. It's be nice to have something large enough to carry around all those first job essentials... here I take a look at the Stanley FatMax XL Large Open Mouth Tool Bag.

This bag is a real beast. It is made of very tough (1200D) fabric, which is reinforced with leather trims. The main compartment base is rigid plastic, which means that if the bag is laid down on a wet floor, the water does not get to your tools. Inside you get a multitude of pockets (four on each inner side), large enough to slide a power drill into, and still eave room for a spirit level, measure, laser level, batteries, charger... this can only be described as cavernous. The pockets on the outside of the bag are just as useful. Each side has three pockets, so six in total. Four are zipped and magnetised (so your tools don't fall out), one has very tough protection and a velcro flap, the other is open with dividers for organising smaller items. Each end of the bag has a further two pockets (so four in total), each big enough for a some pliers (or similar sized tool).

Carrying the bag is comfortable. There is a rubber handle on the top with snaps securely together. You also get a removable padded shoulder strap. The padding is essential, as you can really build up some weight if you are fully loaded.

In day-to-day use the Large Open Mouth Tool Bag performed admirably. You really can fit so much stuff on-board, that if you dedicated it to your essential tools, you would be able to go into a job fully prepared. The build quality is superb, this is one bag that is very strong, I am certain it would last for a long time. The rigid base is also very useful, as it means you do not have to worry about where you put the bag down. This is one well thought out tool bag, well worth getting hold of one if you are serious about your work.

Product: Stanley FastMax XL Large Open Mouth Tool Bag
Price: £69.95 (average UK £40)
Supplied by: Stanley UK
Contact: 0114 244 8883