<html> <head> <meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; = charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 11 (filtered)"> <style>  </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1> While I = was waiting in line for my espresso the other morning, the “espresso = repair person” had this bag with him.  He said he has been on a = search for the ideal bag for years and loves this one.  This isn’t = exactly the style for me, but some of you might like it:  Veto Pro Pac = XL.  I don’t remember anyone mentioning it in the past.  He liked it because of = easy access to his tools and because it is so rugged.  Apparently there = a few different sizes.   <a = href="http://www.vetopropac.com/">http://www.vetopropac.com/</a> , but Googling it will bring up the best place to buy one.  = Amazon.com is selling them for the best price that I found. I hope = this is of help. jeannie   <div> Jeannie Grassi, RPT Assistant Editor, Piano Technicians Journal <a = href="mailto:jcgrassi@earthlink.net">mailto:jcgrassi@earthlink.net</a>= </div>   <div> <div class=MsoNormal align=center = style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:center'> <hr size=3 width="100%" align=center tabindex=-1> </div> From:</spa= n> caut-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of Aaron Bousel Sent: Saturday, January = 07, 2006 8:22 PM To: College and = University Technicians Subject: Re: [CAUT] The = Ideal Tool Case? </div>   I went to the Home Depot site and saw three = that might be what you got. All three essentially the same concept, ranging in = price from $30-$50. Which one did you get? I'm sure it's nice to have everything = exposed like that when you're working, but how do you get your tools from the = car to the piano when it's raining? I'm always quite sure that however I'm = carrying my stuff around, there's probably a more efficient way to do it and always interested to hear about what's out there. I think CLC may stand for Custom LeatherCraft. Aaron At 09:02 PM 1/7/2006, you wrote: As much as I hate to change the subject of = alcohol and pianos -- surely one of the most fertile lines of inquiry in the piano = repair business -- I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on what constitutes the = idea tool case (or even if such a thing exists in any universal = sense). I ask because I've had one in mind for years, after using several = different cases during that time and only being partly satisfied in each = incidence, and then today I suddenly saw it in the Home Depot tool section (while = picking out a DeWalt 7.2 screwdriver, my absolute favorite battery-powered = screwdriver for basic piano screwing in the home -- light, powerful, compact, and the = battery lasts and lasts, despite its modest voltage.  M wife should be so = content :-). The tool case in question is a "CLC" (no idea what that stands = for) -- a soft case of heavy nylon construction. It was advertised as being = intended for electrical tools I should say what I've always been looking for: 1) easy access but = secure fastening for the most commonly used tools -- e.g., tuning hammers, = basic screwdrivers, tuning felt, meter, etc; 2) easy access to other tools; 3) balance and comfort for carrying and setting down; 4) storage area for = larger items such as flashlight, can of lubricant, battery screwdriver; 5) = lightweight and looks professional. (I'm going to assume that most of you agree with = me that parts and tools should be in separate carrying cases, otherwise you = either have too few of both or a case that weighs about 50 = lbs.) I'd prefer not to open the case to get at my tuning tools. I like them = being accessible from the outside, but prior cases had issues securing tuning wrenches, etc.; I'd rather not remove pallets, etc., to get at tools; = I'd like to have a large variety of well-ordered holding compartments appropriate = for the general size of piano repair tools. This isn't a terribly exhaustive = list, but I think it conveys my basic tastes. The CLC toolcase has two side flaps that when unzipped expose a large = number of nylon tool holding pouches on either side, easily more numerous than the = pallet style tool holders I've previously owned in hard-shell cases; in = addition, there are tool pouches on the inside of the flaps themselves. There are = a number of deep pouches on the ends of the case -- placed there to avoid = the imbalances that occur when you store tools on the outsides of a case, = which tend to pull the case open or over on one side. My five tuning wrenches = and some screwdrivers fit neatly into the pouches on both ends of the case. = A quick unzip reveals an array of other useful tools. The deep main compartment = in the toolcase is good for holding the aforementioned larger items. Anyhow, I've gone on long enough. I was just happy to encounter this = case in a random shopping expedition, and thought I'd share it with you. If = anyone's interested, I'd be happy to send photos. I have no idea if technicians = in general are satisfied with their tool cases. I know I've never been -- = until now.  Any alternate suggestions or thoughts would be welcome. Best, JeffO </x-sigsep> <x-sigsep>------------------------------------------ Aaron Bousel Registered Piano Technician, Piano Technicians Guild abousel@comcast.net (413) 253-3846 (voice & fax) </div> </body> </html>