In my 30 years as a carpenter, I’ve watched a steady evolution in tool belts. I think the leather ones were, and still are, an improvement over the old canvas nail aprons that were the mainstay for many years. Tool belts are now made of leather or nylon (often with a built-in back support) and have an assortment of bags and holsters that are slid onto the belt as needed.
There are two problems with these new belts. First, a fully loaded tool belt can be heavy, and it starts to slide down its wearer’s hips. Second, the pouches and holsters have a tendency to creep out of place around the belt.
Suspenders are one solution to the problem. They transfer some of the weight to the shoulders, but the bags can still creep. And suspenders aren’t the most comfortable accessory, especially during hot weather.
Another solution is simply to cinch the tool belt down tight, pinching the pouches against the user’s waist so that they don’t creep and slide. The problem with this solution is obvious: It hurts.
I’ve tried, and discarded, both methods. A better solution is to buy four inexpensive belt keepers. Belt keepers have been used for years by police officers to keep their pistol belts in place. Belt keepers are made of either leather or nylon. They are about 3/4 in. wide by 5 in. long and have two snaps. After you put the tool belt on, simply slide the belt keepers behind your trouser belt and over the tool belt. I snap two in the front and two in the back, connected close to the nail pouches. The bags stay put — no more creep — and the weight is connected to my trouser belt. Much more comfortable. Belt keepers can be purchased at any police officers’ supply store or at an on-line supply such as Galls (www.galls.com).
Vince Holmes, Wilmington, OH