When checking up on something for yesterday’s post about Dewalt’s new roller tool bag, I came across another new – and rather odd – Custom Leathercraft tool bag. The CLC Techgear 18″ Power Distribution tool bag, model P235, comes with a removable 4-outlet surge protector.
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That’s right, this is a tool bag with a surge protector. CLC doesn’t mention its surge protection rating, but basic surge protection is better than nothing. They do say, in the instructions, not to exceed 125V and 15A, which is a better amperage rating than I would have expected.
Attach an extension cord to the top of the outlet box, and the 4 outlets (all 3-prong) are ready to go. This makes the Power Distribution tool bag a convenient option for powering corded power tools and cordless battery chargers.
There are 4 side clips that serve two purposes. First, they help with cord management. Second, they help to prevent tools from being unintentionally unplugged.
Tool storage and organizational features include a wide open main compartment, 10 inside pockets, and 24 outside pockets. The bag measures about 18″ long x 9.75″ wide x 12″ tall. It comes with a padded shoulder strap and webbing carry handles.
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The power distribution accessory can be attached to the inside or outside of the bag, and can also be removed.
The tool bag doesn’t have a hard-shell bottom, but there are thick plastic feet that should provide some level of abrasion resistance.
MSRP: $80
More Info(via CLC)
This CLC bag does look to offer some nice conveniences, such as the ability to use longer or shorter extension cords, and I suppose it would be nice to have an anchor point for the outlet box. The 15A rating is also better than I’ve seen for many multi-outlet extension cords, but the extension cord used with this bag would have to be rated for 15A as well to make the most of it.
The CLC P235 Power Distribution tool bag looks like a novel idea, and I like the sub-$100 price point.
Alternatively, since you still have to carry an extension cord, you could opt for a regular tool bag and extension cord or cord reel with multiple power outlets, such as Bayco’s 10A 4-outlet reel ($25 via Amazon). There are plenty of options available, although having a separate 4-outlet surge protector that you could use with any outdoor or construction power cord provides added flexibility.
Here’s a CLC promo video that features the new bag:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suXT19tCpig
Mike47
Why burden your tool bag by tying it to power cords, when a Y-cord adapter can do the same thing and free the bag to move around?
Stuart
The outlet adapter is removable. Instead of a “power distribution tool bag,” you could also think of it as a tool bag with storage space for a 4-outlet surge protector that works with standard off-the-shelf extension cords.
Chance
I could see this being useful in colder climates. With these lithium ion batteries its a good idea to take them in at night when it’s cold, and we are warned not to charge them in cold temps as it “can” wreck the battery. You could put the distribution port on the inside of the bag, plug in multiple chargers and through the course of the day put your dead batteries on the Chargers in the bag. Come home, bring it into the garage, plug it in and all of your batteries are charging.
pete
It’s a neat idea. not for me though and certainly not at $80. I’d rather buy a large rigid tool box for $60 and mount a surge protector on or in it.
Jerry
It sounds like a good attempt by CLC to have a portable charge center. I could see a tradesman wanting to have their chargers and batteries, as well as a 4 way plug all in one easy to carry unit. While someone could probably wire up a 4 plug box, drop it in a bag, and save a few bucks, not everyone would want to mess with it for time or conveniences sake.
One quick question, i read it is surge protected only. Is there a version that is GFCI? There are times when it is overcast, and almost looks like it could drizzle when I have stuff to do outside with corded tools, and having GFCI protection always with me, might sway me towards something like this. I have one of those GFCI pigtails, but I worry about bending the prongs on the plug with it in the bag, and my bag doesn’t have an exterior compartment it will fit securely inside of.
JDR
Your thoughts are exactly why I’m buying it. A battery and charger bag. I can have four different chargers at the bottom of the bag charging multiple different batteries. Have a pig tail extension cord coming out just long enough to reach an outlet. I like that it’s a soft bag easier to pack.