CAUT

  • 1.  Tool bags or carts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-06-2022 16:28
    Hey University Techs... what is your current tool bag or cart situation?  I'm currently using a Veto Pro backpack, but it's rather heavy for everyday carrying.
    I'm thinking a rolling bag that will fit most tools and supplies, but I wanted to get other ideas.



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    Dave Foster, RPT
    College of Music
    Michigan State University
    248-431-8804
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  • 2.  RE: Tool bags or carts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-06-2022 17:47
    Dave

    When I was at the University of Alabama I got a hand cart to move actions back to my shop. I also used it to carry the tools, supplies and equipment I needed when I had to work at a piano. 

     
    GRAINGER APPROVED
     
    • Item # 9GV15
    • Mfr. Model # HE38-G
    • Catalog Page # 1147


    Wim Blees



    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Tool bags or carts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-06-2022 18:26

    What do you need to cart around daily, and how big is the campus?

    If 99% of what you do is tuning and regulation touch up, just bring a small bag with your basic tools. If you do specific repairs regularly, bring those tools as well. If you're talking about carting around your entire non-bench collection of tools because your regular jobs are so varied, you might want to go for a cart of some kind. 

    If you only bring specific tools, and you happen to need a different one, is it possible to come back the next day, and today move on to the next piano? Or would it really hinder your schedule to not carry everything?

    My philosophy regarding carting around tools has always been, you only get one body. Don't abuse it if you don't have to. 



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    Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
    Piano Technician / Artisan
    (256) 947-9999
    www.professional-piano-services.com
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Tool bags or carts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-06-2022 19:04

    I really like the Versacart. I've just bought it for a third time, since my first, beat up and tossed around and used over and over again, began to feel its age after 7 years. So I changed to the spare, and then bought myself another spare, because I never want to be without it. Now that I'm old and walking slowly with a cane, I find that I can walk two or three times faster leaning on it, as it carries everything for me.

    It holds a lot of weight (rated for 120 pounds), and it folds up so I can just toss it into the back seat. It holds any number of things. There is a flap with velcro to keep out rain or snow. My folding action cart can hang from the handles, which was a deal-maker the first time I bought it.

    Not very good on flights of stairs, but one or two at a time are no problem.

    The price, alas, keeps going up.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JFTTBZG/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1




    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Tool bags or carts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-06-2022 20:48
    Yes, the Versacart is a great way to move many small items at once, can handle odd shaped items, and can make mobile that which one would normally carry around with them. Like Susan, I have more than one at my disposal.

    Alan

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    Alan Eder, RPT
    Herb Alpert School of Music
    California Institute of the Arts
    Valencia, CA
    661.904.6483
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Tool bags or carts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-07-2022 08:18
    Hi-

    I ended up wasting too much time not having a particular tool when I needed it so use the large tool bag sold by pianotek. Loaded up it weighs about 30 lbs. so for walking around campus I like to strap to the upcart.  This cart is specifically made for stairs and folds up easily.  What I didn't know at the time is that they have different styles for load capacity.  The cart works great but got a little damaged by one of our heavy large doors when I wasn't watching, so be careful about that. The link is copied below and there is a video that demonstrates how it works.  If you have a lot to carry and must deal with stairs, I can highly recommend these. 



    best,
    Dennis Johnson




    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Tool bags or carts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-07-2022 09:05
    I love the Veto Pro bags. I currently use a Milwaukee folding hand truck when I have to carry them any distance. I notice Veto Pro now has a bag with integrated wheels and collapsing handle, like a suitcase.

    --Cy--

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    Cy Shuster, RPT
    Fairfax, VA
    http://www.shusterpiano.com
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Tool bags or carts

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-07-2022 13:15
    All-
    For many years I have used this  wheeled kit from Jensen.

    https://www.jensentools.com/jensen-tools-419-644-soft-sided-tote-case-and-pallets-only/p/419-644

    I dislike trips back to the shop and this carries most of what I need. Opens flat against the wall, good access. Holds a lot but the wheels make it easy.
    YMMV

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    David C. Brown RPT
    Garland TX
    tunermandb88.com
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    Original Message