Mike bought a new Porter Cable 20V Cordless Tiger Saw reciprocating saw, and is looking for a carrying/storage case for it.
I recently purchased a Porter Cable 20v bare tigersaw.
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Sadly there is no case that can be purchased for it.
I was wondering since you use a lot of L-boxxes and dewalt boxes and such,if you could suggest one that is of appropriate size.
While I do use a lot of L-Boxxes and ToughSystem cases (here’s a comparison of all my modular tool cases), that might not be the best option here.
The benefit of Bosch L-Boxxes and other modular tool boxes is how they make it easier to create a tool storage system. To buy just a single modular tool box probably isn’t going to be the best use of funds. Even so, if you’re set on using an L-Boxx, a L-Boxx 2 *should* fit most smaller cordless reciprocating saws.
I don’t think the small-sized Dewalt ToughSystem case will fit the full depth of a cordless recip saw, or possibly not without modifying the inner compartment, and the medium size case might be way too large.
My first thought for a dedicated cordless reciprocating saw tool box would be to look at Stack-On’s 16-inch and 19-inch metal tool boxes, which are both priced at around $18 each on Amazon. Without measuring out a Tiger Saw (which is said to be ~15-inches long), I can’t tell if it would fit comfortably inside the 16-inch case, but I believe it should. The 19-inch tool box would probably be my pick, as the extra room would be great for safety glasses, hearing protection, an extra battery, and a blade assortment or two.
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Dewalt’s flat-top Tstak case ($21 via Amazon) *might* also fit the saw, but it’s hard to say without knowing the saw’s exact measurements.
Regular plastic tool boxes should also work well, and are also available in the $15-25 price range.
There’s also the option of looking around for a Sawzall case, but the prices of new ones without custom-fit molding is higher than for multi-purpose tool boxes and cases.
Does anyone have a better idea about what type of tool box or case would be best for a cordless reciprocating saw?
jason. w
I use a bostich version of this tool box and love it. I’m 220lb and have stood on it many times. Add the water seal and you’ve got a great tool box http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KN470Q/
Stuart
Those are nice boxes, and they’re made from structural foam instead of thin flexible plastic. But they are also quite large. A cordless recip saw would be swimming in a 28″ box.
Josh
Lowes has a bostitch branded 23″ version of the box that might work better. I’ve got a few of them and love them, they feel incredibly sturdy. It’s still fairly big for just one recip saw but it’s the most durable-feeling toolbox I’ve ever picked up. Room for a charger and accessories as well.
Cosmic
It’s nice being able to shove the saw, blade and all right into the box. A 60v Dewalt reciprocating saw with a 9” blade comes to about 27 inches
Stan
I strongly recommend Stack-On, as well as Kennedy any day of the week as not only is this USA made, but boy are these tools boxes built to withstand continued heavy usage.
Plastic might work and is lighter, but my chief concern is durability. As with plastic, the heavier the box becomes the more concern there is weight tolerance.
Stuart
In regard to durability, there’s always a tradeoff between metal and plastic.
Metal might be tougher, but metal tool boxes tend to ding and dent far easier than plastic cracks or breaks. A bump in the wrong place of a metal case could open up a seam and create a path for moisture to enter the tool box.
Charlie
I use the tstak long handle for my milwaukee cordless. It fits nicely corner to corner and use the top compartment for blades and such. For my larger electric saw I use the Dewalt Tote w/removable tool case.
mikeh
I am a huge fan of the dewalt tstak and toughsystem boxes but as stuart mentioned a single investment in any of these may not be sensible – i really like jason w.’s bostitch suggestion
I have also had great success with the Husky soft sided bags – they are highly portable and come in a variety of sizes that work well with different tools, including pockets for accessories etc. The price is also very reasonable. They currently have a large duffle, which would be oversized for just a sawzall but makes a great equipment bag if your carrying lots of equipment, accessories or materials with your tools.
fred
I sort of like Waterloo metal toolboxes – and have bought quite a few (20, 26 and 30 inch) under their own brand and the Kobalt and Craftsman brands. Some years ago (I think 2008) Lowes switched their OEM from Waterloo (some of mine were made in the USA and others were made in Mexico) to another OEM in China – quality (especially the latches) suffered quite a bit – although the Kobalt now has a nicer cushioned handle. What I like about the Waterloo design is that it employs 2 latches on the 20 inch size. My old boxes also have a padlock hasp – but from some pictures I see – the hasp may have been forsaken. Here is one link:
LINK
Toolfreak
I like the soft nylon bags for recip saws. I bought a Craftsman saw quite awhile ago that came with a bag just for the saw. It’s a corded version, so it’s tough to fit those in a hard case without eventually damaging the cord where it attaches to the saw, as most cases skimp on space in that critical spot. The bag has slim pockets that are perfect for storing blades.
I’d guess a more compact cordless saw wouldn’t have as many fit issues, but a hard case might be nice if you could find one that had the right spots for the batteries, charger, and extra blades and attachments.
There’s a listing on ebay right now for a soft Porter + Cable storage bag:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Porter-Cable-Tool-Bag-Contractor-Storage-Case-18V-Drill-Impact-Reciprocating-Saw-/251502680916?pt=Tool_Boxes_Storage&hash=item3a8eba5b54
mike
Awesome suggestions guys.
I’m the one looking for this item.
Im thinking softsided may be pretty nice. I’m a machinist so this tool wont be going out on jobsite,just used at home and at friends houses etc.
I contacted Porter Cable and they told me they dont make a specific case for this saw sadly. Hence why I asked Stu.
mike
Saw this milwaukee bag on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-BAG17MIL-17-Inch-Canvas-Pocket/dp/B004K9RY6U/
I taped the saw it is approx 15 inches long overall without a blade in it. So this may work. Under $20 is nice too.
Toolfreak
Looks like the same one I posted above, but it’s slightly cheaper on ebay, with free shipping, too.
Toolfreak
oops, wrong post
mike
Just found a porter cable bag that should fit it.
http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-16-Inch-Heavy-Large/dp/B00HPJBYZE/
Toolfreak
Looks like the same one I posted above, but it’s slightly cheaper on ebay, with free shipping, too.
SteveR
Mike–Glad to see you found a carry bag that would fit, plus it’s the same make as your saw. I didn’t buy a bare-tool version of my DeWalt cordless recip saw two years ago for this very reason (storage and transport concerns). I don’t think they sold the case separately either, but I would need to buy a 3.0 ah battery for extended use, so it just seemed less grief to buy the whole package (saw, charger and one battery). I can also use the 1.5 aH batteries from my drill/driver if I run out of juice in the bigger battery.
I was going to suggest trying to locate a used PC or DeWalt box (assuming they were close in size to what you needed). They’re probably available on eBay, or you might find one at a garage sale or a flea market. When first buying the unit, another possibility is to look for used/factory refurbished saws on Amazon and other authorized distributors. Sometimes they’re lightly used or barely touched when returned, and you might get a nice one at a discount with a charger, battery and a case. And, just like clamps, you can never have too many batteries.
mike
Thanks Steve. sadly the new 20v max Porter cable reciprocating saw only comes bare tool at the moment that ive seen.
I already have the drill and impact from this series otherwise I would have gotten a different one. Currently I have 2 chargers and 4 batteries because I purchased the drill and impact seperately for what just the 4 batteries would have cost. The bag is supposed to come Monday so ill report what its like. 🙂
Bill K
A PVC tube might make a nice storage container!
SteveR
Bill K–That could work, but it would take a lot of effort. The advantage is that a tube is inherently strong, able to take a lot of abuse. You’d have to figure out what minimum diameter you would need just to get the saw in, allowing for handle depth and the battery (if left attached). Owing to the tube’s curvature, it might have to be 10-12″ in diameter. You’d have to glue on one end cap and you’d probably want a screw-on cap for the other end, so it would have to have to be threaded. You’d have to check with a supplier to see if it came threaded, or if they could cut threads on the tube and supply the threaded cap. The threaded cap would need to be attached by a beaded chain screwed to the case so it wouldn’t be left behind. You’d need some way to carry it, like a sling and/or a handle (as on a guitar case). Things like spare blades, battery(ies), charger, possibly some tools or other items would need to fit in as well.
Alternatively, you could glue on the two end caps, then cut the tube longitudinally on a bandsaw. Then you’d re-attach the two halves by a series of hinges or a single piano hinge on the back, and two hinges on the front side to keep it latched. This version would be handier to work with than a solid tube. In either case, you’d want some kind of rubber feet or stops on it to prevent the tube from rolling around.
That carry bag idea is looking better and better.
fred
We used PVC pipe with a cap at one end, a clean-out plug screwed on at the other – plus a little foam padding at the ends for transporting long levels.
mike
Thats a great idea for levels Fred. Think I may build some for mine now hehe.
Caleb
This one should work for most of them with enough space for blades. Not a lot of wasted space. Unfortunately it does not work for my corded DeWALT because the handle is 1/2″ too big. Ugh.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-22inch-standard-truck-box/p-00965119000P?prdNo=11&blockNo=11&blockType=G11
mike
Porter Cable soft sided bag came moments ago. It’s quite a bit larger than I imagined which is actually good.
Can easily fit blades,a charger,and my 4.0 ah batteries in there,could also fit my drill and or impact if needed it looks like.