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backpack tool bag

  • 1.  backpack tool bag

    Member
    Posted 03-29-2017 08:58
    Hi folks,

    I'm wondering if anyone has first hand experience with a back pack that is convenient for us piano technicians? I use an SAT III, so it would need to be able to store that along with most-used tools.

    Thanks,
    Jeff Farris

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    Jeff Farris
    Austin TX
    512-636-1914
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  • 2.  RE: backpack tool bag

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-29-2017 13:16
    Jim

    Talk to Dan Levitan about this. He uses a backpack to get around New York City.

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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: backpack tool bag

    Posted 03-29-2017 17:36
    I've heard the article referenced before, but I finally tracked down Dan Leviton's article "The New York City Tool Kit". It's in the May 1997 Journal.  I'm sure more backpack options have arisen in the last 20 years, but I'm looking forward to reading the article and giving some thought to how I might travel more lightly.

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    Floyd Gadd
    Regina SK
    306-721-9699
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: backpack tool bag

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-29-2017 17:41
    Jeff (sorry that I called you Jim).  Another to consider is to be a SAT IV.  It's much smaller and lighter than the III .  It folds up so the displays are protected. 

    Wim

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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: backpack tool bag

    Posted 03-29-2017 19:05
    Hi Wim,
    i wish the SAT IV was lighter than the III.  it's actually almost twice as heavy (a little 36.5oz  vs 18.5oz for the III) and the dimensions:
    SAT III   6 * 4.5 * 3.5
    SAT IV   8 * 5 * 2.25
    Peter

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    Petrus Janssen
    Sharpsburg GA
    678-416-8055
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: backpack tool bag

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-29-2017 21:09
    Petrus

    According to the spec sheet from Inventronics, the III is 7.5" x 5.5" x 3.75"  The IV is 7" x 5" x 2".  As far as weight, I don't know that, and you might be right that it weight a few ounces more. But what I like about the IV, is that the case closes up, so it's not damaged if it drops. It's also actually water proof. And it had 20 more hours of battery life.

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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: backpack tool bag

    Posted 03-29-2017 21:44
    hello Wim,
    i have both the III and the IV and i measured everything fairly accurately.    The IV being one pound heavier is quite significant if you are carrying it along all the time.  I do like the fact that the IV can be closed, but therein also lies a problem in that the closing clip only lasts so long.  I had to have mine replaced which meant replacing the entire case.
    Peter

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    Petrus Janssen
    Sharpsburg GA
    678-416-8055
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: backpack tool bag

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-30-2017 08:04
    Hi Wim.  Regarding the SAT IV, the school bought a new SAT IV and I have tried on several occasions to get used to it, but it is really heavy and for some reason seems slower (and clunky IMHO). The clam shell case IS very tough and rugged, but I'm just not sure why it's so stinkin heavy. It's in the drawer for back-up but my SAT III is faster & lighter. I'm definitely not trying to be negative! If anyone wants to start a new thread, I would be interested to get other opinions on this. 

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    [Kevin] [Fortenberry] [RPT]
    [Staff Techician]
    [Texas Tech Univ]
    [Lubbock] [TX]
    [8067783962]
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: backpack tool bag

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-29-2017 18:04
    I've been using the Toolpak 4 panel backpack for about 6 years now, and it has been great, and is still holding up fine with a little wear but no functional issues. I carry my tuning stuff in a separate tool roll, but can fit nearly all of my tools (regulation, restringing, voicing, repinning, adhesives and lubricants, small replacement parts...) in the ToolPak with ease.  They also make a six panel backpack that should be able to carry everything you'd ever need plus the kitchen sink.  You can find the 4 panel for $50-80 online, and the 6 panel for anywhere from $85-105 (Amazon carries them for $80 and 105, respectively).

    4-Panel #03100 with 60 places for your tools.
    Toolpak remove preview
    4-Panel #03100 with 60 places for your tools.
    New ToolPak back pack for 60 tools. Durable 1200 denier black polyester, 4 compartments, 2 outside pockets, ergonomic design, padded shoulder straps, leaterette wrapped handles, part number 03100.
    View this on Toolpak >


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    Adam Schulte-Bukowinski, RPT
    http://www.asbpianoservice.com
    Omaha, NE
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    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: backpack tool bag

    Posted 03-29-2017 19:50
    <I've been using the Toolpak 4 panel backpack

    How does this do when you inadvertently turn it upside down?  (notice I said when, not if...a specialty of mine...)

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: backpack tool bag

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-29-2017 20:11

    How does this do when you inadvertently turn it upside down? (notice I said when, not if...a specialty of mine...)
    Jim Ialeggio,  03-29-2017 19:50

    It does well.  The pockets are well designed and are snug enough that most tools don't move around once in a pocket, and there's enough variety in sizes of pockets to accommodate a good chunk of your typical tools without feeling like you don't have a pocket sized close enough to work with any given tool.



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    Adam Schulte-Bukowinski, RPT
    http://www.asbpianoservice.com
    Omaha, NE
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    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: backpack tool bag

    Posted 04-02-2017 12:13
    Adam,

    Do you have to fight with the toolpak falling over when flip through the flaps, or does it fall over when you want it to stand up or stay in one position...or do you lay it down to access stuff? 

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: backpack tool bag

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-03-2017 09:50

    Do you have to fight with the toolpak falling over when flip through the flaps, or does it fall over when you want it to stand up or stay in one position...or do you lay it down to access stuff?
    Jim Ialeggio,  04-02-2017 12:13
    Jim,

    It's not really stable standing upright on its own, so I usually lean the bag against a piano leg or side, and that provides enough support for the bag that I can open any of the flaps without it falling over.

    --Adam

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    Adam Schulte-Bukowinski, RPT
    http://www.asbpianoservice.com
    Omaha, NE
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    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: backpack tool bag

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-03-2017 13:30
    I use one too Jim. Yeah it flops over (some of the time). Zip it back up if you don't want stuff to spill out!

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    Patrick Draine
    Billerica MA
    978-663-9690
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    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: backpack tool bag

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-04-2017 11:13
    I've gone from an overstuffed DataMaster suitcase kit, to a couple of Gencks, to the ancient "clarinet case" kits. I've become a firm believer that for tuning, less is better. I still have a hard shell Genck full of regulating and repair tools. 

    I've been thinking about backpacks for a while, and looked with anticipation at the bags listed here. Then last week I walked into Home Depot and see this in a bin by the entryway. It's about the right size for what I want to carry together with room for my iPad, notepad, receipt book. At forty bucks, I thought it was worth a try.  


    Husky 11 in. Sling Tool Pack-HD00129 - The Home Depot
    The Home Depot remove preview
    Husky 11 in. Sling Tool Pack-HD00129 - The Home Depot
    Keep your laptop and tablets organized by selecting this durable Husky Sling Tool Pack. Sling strap can be used on left and right shoulder.
    View this on The Home Depot >


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    David Stocker
    Olympia WA
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    Original Message