Tool organization is not one of my strong suits, so when Veto Pro Pac said they wanted to send me one of their tools bags to review, I happily accepted. What they sent out was their LC bag, the smallest of their closed top bags. You might be unfamiliar with Veto Pro Pac because they are not something you will find in your local bigbox store, but they have become popular amongst contractors because of their design functionality, and high quality build.

I think the problem with most tool bags is they try to do too much. The Veto Pro Pac doesn't; it has one job to do, house and organize your hand tools. Not power tools (unless really small), just hand tools. Because the bags are specific to hand tools, they do a really god job at storage and organization. Most bags try to tackle both hand and power tools, and fail at both. They will have a large area for power tools that offers little protection, then as a selling point they stitch in pockets around the perimiter that don't work very well. Another common option is the bucket bags; I consider these a step up from the duffel type bags, but they too have their problems. They can be awkward to carry because of the tools around the outside, and I never liked having my tools on display for all to see. I currently have four old tools bags that I don't use because of poor design.

Bosch makes one million euros of immediate aid available for Japan

Initial support for victims of catastrophe; further activities to follow in due course

03.24.2011– FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – The Bosch Group is making one million euros ($1,422,100 USD) available as immediate aid for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. This will support the relief work being carried out currently in the country by the Japanese Red Cross. Further measures will be taken once there is a clearer picture of the extent of the damage and of the reconstruction work that needs to be done.

Bosch North American associates have been encouraged to contribute to their local Red Cross.

"The catastrophe in Japan deeply shocked us all at Bosch. This donation is a token of our deepest sympathy," said Franz Fehrenbach, chairman of the Bosch board of management. He added that one could at present only guess at the actual extent of the destruction. For this reason, he explained, Bosch intended to postpone any decision as to how Bosch could best help the country and its people in the work of reconstruction.

Bosch has been present in Japan for 100 years. The company currently employs some 8,000 associates in the country, at 36 locations. They develop and manufacture products for divisions in the Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology, and Consumer Goods and Building Technology business sectors.

Join Bosch in donating to Japanese relief efforts - Make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999

Big props to Bosch. You may not know this, but Robert Bosch GmbH is practically non-profit. It might be hard to believe, but 92% of Bosch is owned by the Robert Bosch Charity Foundation. Of the profits, the money that is not reinvested back into the company, the rest goes to charity and a small portion to the Bosch family.

[For example, in 2004, the net profit was US$2.1 billion, but only US$78 million was distributed as dividends to shareholders. Of that figure, US$72 million was distributed to the charitable foundation, and the other US$6 million to Bosch family stockholders. The remaining 96% of the profits were invested back into the company. In its core automotive technology business, Bosch invests 9% of its revenue on research and development, nearly double the industry average of 4.7%.] - Wikipedia

Having a portable light source is always handy, whether it be for work or at home use. So for anyone in the market for some light on the go, you might want to check out the DeWalt DC527 that Lowe's has on sale for only $25. The DC527 is a 13-watt fluorescent light that has a built-in telescoping and 360° rotating hook which allows the unit to hang from 2" materials and other locations.

Normal retail price for this light is between $40-$45. Of course, battery and charger are not included. Sale ends 3/31/2011.

[:cicn:] DeWalt DC527 - Lowe's

OK not really, but they are offering a limited edition Festool first aid kit. Every contractor should carry a first aid kit and it also happens to be the law, so you might as well be medically prepared in style. The kit contains all of the common supplies required for emergency first aid, and has been certified to be ANSI/OSHA compliant. The important stuff is all housed in a Systainer 1, complete with red and white first aid emblem latches; too bad Festool didn't use the new T-Loc Systainer.

Contents listed below. One question though, does Festool use German engineered bandages?

The price of the first aid Systainer is $89.00 and supplies are limited. If you are interested be sure to check with your Festool dealer.

Qty. Description

100 - 1" x 3" Adhesive plastic bandages
3 - Knuckle fabric bandages
3 - Fingertip fabric bandages, large
1 - 2" Conforming gauze roll bandage
1 - 40" Triangular sling/bandage, with 2 safety pins
6 - 3" x 3" Gauze dressing pads
1 - 5" x 9" Trauma pad
40 - Antiseptic cleansing wipes (sting free)
1 - First aid/burn cream pack, 0.9 g
1 - 4"x5" Instant cold compress
1 - 1/2" x 10 yd. First aid tape roll
1 - 4-1/2" Scissors, nickel plated
1 - 4" Tweezers, plastic, one time use
4 - Exam quality gloves, 2 pairs
1 - 4 fl oz squeezable bottle with eye wash solution
1 - First Aid Guide
1 - Festool SYS 1 Systainer with red latches

via Festool Blog