Dead On Tools has come out with a new parachute-style tool and parts bag (model DO25001), and it looks to have been designed to fit inside a standard 5-gallon bucket.
The parachute tool and parts organizer features 6 interior compartments and 13 exterior pockets. As shown in the product imagery, it can fit quite a bit of tools and parts in these compartments.
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There’s a top handle, for easy carrying, and a cinch strap to help close and contain the interior parts compartments.
Dead On says their parachute bag is made from heavy-duty canvas.
Price: $35.45 (as of the time of this posting)
But, this is a very bad buy. Here’s why:
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You can get the Bucket Boss brand parachute bag, model 25001, for less than half the price!
Price: $16.27 (as of the time of this posting)
Dead On Tools has started promoting their parachute bag on social media, which is how I caught wind of it.
At first glance, I thought that the Dead On Tools parachute bag was similar to the Bucket Boss but with better colors. Okay, cool, Dead On Tools simply gave the Bucket Boss parachute bag a face lift. Wouldn’t you come to the same conclusion?
While the Bucket Boss has an inoffensive color scheme, I’d lean towards preferring the all-black canvas of the Dead On tool and parts bag, skull graphic notwithstanding.
But then, as I was working up a quick post, I was shocked at the price.
$35 (and change) for a parachute bag?
I bought my Bucket Boss parachute bag for $14 around 14 years ago. It hasn’t seen a lot of use, but it’s a neat concept that comes in handy on occasion, and stores flat when it’s not needed.
The Dead On Tools parachute bag looks to have some webbing material lining the top of the exterior tool pockets. But is that worth DOUBLE the price of the Bucket Boss? I don’t think so.
The features are the same – 6 interior and 13 exterior pockets, and the construction seems to be largely the same.
So what are you paying double the price for – the Dead On Tools branding, skull logo, and just a little extra webbing to line the exterior pockets?
Am I missing something here? Maybe there are other benefits or upgrades to warrant the higher price? That the model number is the same – 25001 – doesn’t exactly suggest there are notable differences.
If you ask me, the Bucket Boss is recommendable, but I’d steer clear of the Dead On Tools. I could understand the Dead On Tools version commanding a small premium over the Bucket Boss, but an extra ~$19 on top of the ~$16 for the Bucket Boss?
At $35, the Dead on Tools parachute bag is a BAD BUY, and I don’t think anyone would be able to convince me – or you – otherwise.
I’m sorry for being so blunt, but the Dead On Tools parachute bag seems like a huge rip-off. I’d buy the Bucket Boss – or anything else – instead!
Buy Now: Bucket Boss Bag via Amazon
Also See:
The Milwaukee parachute-style bag (49-17-0110) retails for $19.43 at Home Depot, and I’ve seen it for a little less at times elsewhere.
Would anyone here spend $16 more for the Dead On Tools parachute bag?
Compare: Milwaukee Bag via Home Depot
Milwaukee’s cinchable parts organizer is also priced at around $20.
Compare: Milwaukee Organizer via Acme Tools
Update: Here’s the Husky
Thanks to David for the heads-up on the Husky!
From the photos, this looks to be the same exact product as the Dead On parachute bag, but you save $20 going with the Husky brand over Dead On Tools.
Looks like a perfect match.
You can buy TWO Husky tool bags for less than the price of ONE Dead On Tools bag, and still have nearly $5 dollars left over to spend on something else.
Price: $15.43
Note: Tools and suppliers are never included with these bags.
Kyle
I was not even aware that Dead on Tools was still around. When the first hit the market I was very interested in their Annihilator multifunction hammer but initial reviews reported poor quality and performance so I steered clear. Haven’t heard about them since.
OhioHead
Husky used to sell a combo of 3 parachute bags + a soft sided bucket (that the parachutes bags fit inside) that is awesome.
MikeH
For that kind of money, check out the Fastcap Square Flex Screw Bag https://www.fastcap.com/product/flex-screw-bags?cat=318
MoogleMan3
I like that square bag. I might have to add that my next fastcap order.
Jm
The bucket boss is only 8$ at NAPA.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_25001?store=23993
Stuart
I see $17.49.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_25001
$8 is specific to certain stores, possibly regionally.
Jm
Tool Organizer, Bucket Boss [R], Parachute Bag
BK 25001
Qty: 6
$48.00
$8.00 /each
Order Summary
Subtotal (6 Items):
$48.00
Estimated Tax:
$3.55
Napa Rewards Discount:
$5.00
Pickup in Store Total:
$46.55
D1nonlysnshn
Thanks for the tip. Worked like a charm. Bags were $8 online, signed up for NAPA rewards and got $5 off, ordered 5 bags (free shipping on orders $35 or more), total with tax $37.20 = $7.44/bag
Tom D
I see $8 here
Gordon
Yes, Napa is store specific. The closest store to me is a Napa dealer, not a Napa store. They don’t honor most of the national deals, but will often beat the web price if you’re friendly. I have to go to a Napa franchise to get any of the deals listed on the site.
The local store has it for $18. Switching to a Napa Franchise store drops it to $8.
Skye A Cohen
Doesn’t bucket boss own dead on? Or one company own both brands?
OhioHead
Fun factoid – the folks that started Bucket Boss are affiliated w/ Duluth Trading “now.”
David
There’s also this one:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-10-in-19-Compartment-Black-Canvas-Small-Parts-Organizer-Tool-Pouch-HD00123/300035094
Stuart
It’s the same bag!!
Thanks – I updated the post.
Joatman
Why are the tools exactly the same, and in the same exact position in the side by side comparison you just posted? The pictures are identical except the Husky name was removed from the tool handles and also the tool bag. Dead On stole the pic from HD and photoshopped it. Lol.
Abe H.
Why do these products look the same?
Joatman
You want to see some pricing that’s completely insane? Check out this link. Stuart, please do a review on this……obviously there’s some important information that we’re not seeing.
https://www.grainger.com/product/WRIGHT-Impact-Socket-48J394
Albert
That socket is 114 pounds, 9.5 inches long and uses a 2.5 inch square drive. I will assume that impact wrench is not handheld
Albert
I found an impact wrench for that socket!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pi7qIIomA8
Stuart
These are always fun, and I really don’t mean to tease.
For those that don’t want to click through, the link is to a $4,121 impact socket.
You CANNOT go by the image. The image you see there is for a $616 2-1/2″ drive 3″ hex socket.
So… that’s a 2-1/2″ DRIVE socket with 255mm hex flats.
25.4mm = 1 inch.
Meaning, it’s a 10″ 6pt socket.
For perspective, the average human male head is ~6″ wide and ~8″ long. In other words, your head can probably fit inside the 6pt recess with a lot of room to spare.
It weighs ~114 lbs.
Here’s the type of tool that I believe it’s used with: https://www.amazon.com/Super-Duty-Impact-Wrench-Torque/dp/B005YT7OIS?tag=toolguyd-20
2,500 ft-lbs max forward torque
50,000 ft-lbs max reverse torque
155 CFM avg air consumption
Joatman
I see…..it’s only $15 to ship a $27,000 tool that probably weighs 200lbs?
Well, I suppose one of those sockets contains enough material to make about 20 full socket sets. Divide $600 by that, and it doesn’t sound so crazy.
Tom D
I have to live the optimism of that being an affiliate link! 🥳
Stuart
Ha!
That’s a force of habit, but affiliate commissions on a $27,000 tool purchase would of course be welcome.
Kevin
It’s a 2 1/2″ drive size, not labeled with the nut size. But apparently those giant industrial impact sockets go for thousands of dollars, e.g.,
https://www.zoro.com/proto-2-12-dr-7-78-size-sae-impact-socket-6-pts-j25126/i/G3617214/
Bob
I would imagine both products are made overseas?
Even if the Dead On branded one was USA produced the price delta is too high for me to justify buying it over Bucket Boss. Lacking innovation as well. It looks like its just a “me too” copy in a different color with a dumb skull.
These marketing companies that are really tuned into social media clearley know what they are doing if they can convince Joe homeowner to pay double for a copy cat product.
Matt
I’ve had a BucketBoss parachute bag for about 10 years and I’m still trying to find a good use for it! lol It’s a design that looks way better on screen or on paper than it actually performs in real life. But fingers crossed, maybe one of these days I’ll stumble across the right application and it’ll be just the ticket.
OhioHead
I use mine for screws and nails……
Kent
Dead On has always been somewhat of a marketing company that sold tools. IIRC, they started by making hockey sticks. At some point, they bought Hart or another one fo the quality hammer companies.
They take regular gear, make it black, cover it with skulls and sell it at a higher price. I’m surprised they are still around.
skfarmer
i have an old canvas parachute bag. they seem to work good for electrical stuff. i leave mine loaded with wire nuts, wire staples, wire and cable strippers and odds and ends of conduit and box clamps.
Wayne R.
Long time ago I had such a bag from Klein, it was great for handfuls of small parts.
Who’d stand up nutdrivers, etc., in such a thing? That’s f’n goofy.
JoeM
Ah yes… Ripoff Culture alive and well in the USA… Sadly a victim of it myself this past week… A little bit of impulse control snagged me with one of those stupid Instagram Sponsored posts from a “Company” called “[redacted]”
Ordered 3 items, seemed a reasonable price for the design… Promise of 48 hour turnaround, plus tracking… Problem: Conversion from US funds only… So… Had to go through PayPal to do the conversion with some security and refund guarantees…
A week later? I find a site that verifies these sponsored ad companies, and [redacted] doesn’t actually exist. It’s a fraud. They were reselling one or two things they bought off ALIEXPRESS, claiming they were hundreds of dollars more than they really were… and pocketing all the money. They were ripping off Chinese Knockoff items, and claiming them as their own. Then no customer service, no responses, and a week later it’s being submitted to PayPal, because even the PayPal contact for the company, which goes by MANY NAMES, gets kicked back as not existing.
Full Disclosure: I finally went to AliExpress… Found the IDENTICAL product I was buying… Except they weren’t $20 each… They were $0.88 each, plus shipping.
Ripoff Culture is alive and well in the USA. NO, I’m not talking about “Made in the USA” stuff… I’m talking about EXTREMELY deceitful practices being used by flash-in-the-pan storefronts, and companies that do unscrupulous things in order to get you to pay them more than you’ll ever get back.
I believe this “Dead On” company has crossed the line into the scam territory. If anything, I suggest they be reported to whatever regional financial regulation they are operating under. FTC for Publicly Traded Company, Better Business Bureau, Whatever Retail environment they’ve tricked into “Selling” their product… Just… Shred them. It all starts with one verified case, then their plans go to hell in a handbasket.
Stuart
Please don’t provide links to scam sites.
Also:
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/scam-or-not-tips-for-assessing-unfamiliar-online-tool-stores/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-milwaukee-cordless-power-tool-deals-scam-reminder/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/a-crooked-shop-so-shockingly-bad-i-had-to-share/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
I looked at the URL you provided (prior to my redacting it), and their URL didn’t exist before October 12th, 2020. That’s a HUGE red flag.
https://lookup.icann.org/ – use this. If you forget, remember to google for “whois” lookup services.
Dead On Tools is a real company. Their parent company is Pull’R Holdings LLC, which also owns Bucket Boss, another real company.
Respectfully, you’re overreacting about Dead On Tools.
I have never had press/media communications with Bucket Boss or Dead On Tools, and a few years ago their websites were nearly devoid of any usable information. They’ve gotten a little better, but they barely have any outreach.
There hasn’t been much interest in either brands’ products, hence the absence of coverage. But they’re both legitimate.
Here’s an analogy: Dewalt Tstak and Craftsman Versatrack are effectively the same product, right? Sometimes common products might be more expensive by one brand and less expensive than the other.
It’s no violation for brands to charge what they want, and it’s not price gouging since these are non-necessity products and it’s not an increase.
Brands can charge whatever they want for goods.
As for why the Dead On Tools product looks identical to the Husky product, I would guess that Dead On Tools or rather Pull’R is the OEM for Husky. That makes things more confusing and further supports my opinion that the Dead On Tools bag is a very bad value.
JoeM
Links? I thought they were showing up as just the name… I apologize for that one. Should have kept to “Them”… I’d say I’ll note this for the future, but… Honestly I’m never following one of those ads ever again. That’ll solve the problem outright.
Not much of a defence, but I was… Very… Angry at the time of posting.
RayRay
>>Ah yes… Ripoff Culture alive and well in the USA…
The internet and this issue is a global, not just US, phenomenon.
Odds are the perps who organized the scam weren’t in the USA or even North America.
>>I believe this “Dead On” company has crossed the line into the scam territory.
How exactly are they scamming the consumer?
If anything they **might** be violating a patent or trademark infringement – and that is up to the other company to act on.
But I highly doubt they are even doing that.
>>Sadly a victim of it myself this past week… A little bit of impulse control snagged me with one of those stupid Instagram Sponsored posts…
Ehats that old axiom??
“If it seems too good to be true…”
JoeM
Yup. Lesson learned about the products.
In all fairness, I was referencing the global issue. I never meant to imply an exclusivity to the USA. “Like, yep. The infection has spread.”
Anger post. Always get a person in trouble.
MichaelT
I see this as not really different from other industries. It’s much like the brand engineering that the big three auto manufacturer devolved to in the late seventies. Was a Mercury Zephyr worth more than a Ford Fairmont? Was a Buick Regal worth more than a Chevrolet Monte Carlo?
Mike (the other one)
The thing is the Mercury and Buick models had more features, nicer interiors, different grilles, lights, body panels, engine options, etc.
This is the exact same item with a different color and logo, and the exact same item as the Husky version, for twice the price.
skfarmer
how about this?
is the snap-on hard handle screwdriver worth more than the williams ones?
Mike (the other one)
Nope! The only difference is the brand.
Maybe the truck service might be worth the price hike, but not to me.
Nathan
yeah if you want to see ripoff culture you really need to visit shanghi sometime.
If at first the bootleg movies doesn’t hit you, then your set of folex’s, and the armanni handbags you will get your mistress, or you know pick something.
meanwhile. Interesting. Of the comments the more interesting thing I see is “why use a bucket bag”?
Are they useful – looks like it could be. so you put these in a 5gal bucket and it seperates a large quantity of things. like screws etc to be easier to use. then cinch up what you don’ tuse the keep them in the bag. Is that about right?
Dennis
Also that bag has a stupid skull logo.
chris
While this bag does look to be slightly better constructed than the Bucket Boss, BOTH DEAD ON AND BUCKET BOSS ARE OWNED BY THE SAME COMPANY; Pullr.
These are not true competitors.