looking for toolbelt reccomedations
hi all
I’ve been an avid reader for some time but this is my first post.
I’m looking for a new toolbelt, the choice over this side of the Atlantic (uk) is a little limited so I’m thinking about importing one.
I mostly do interior trim, built in cabinets and kitchens so I need to carry quite a few tools around with me.
any recommendations and or gripes would be appreciated
Thanks
Edited 1/31/2006 4:46 pm ET by limeyjoiner
Replies
I like my occidental's I have:
http://occidentalleather.com/product/toolbelts/9500-toolbelt.html
those, they work well for me and have help up rather well too.
oxy..
google on Occidental Leather..
use CAG's link above..
these are mine..
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Edited 1/31/2006 6:53 pm ET by MikeSmith
For carpenters, Occidental Leather makes the best designed bags I've seen.
So many of the bags on the market were designed by people who don't seem to have worked in the trade. First point to check is the speed square slot. Got one? Many don't. Protrade put it under a pouch for easy access. <g>
You can mix and match Oxy bags and go right hand/left hand, trimmer or framer.
The forward leather hammer loop is excellent. Easy draw and easy reholster - just start the handle in and let it drop.
I have their Stronghold adjustable framer rig, which replaces the one Mike showed you in his reply - stolen last January. Like them a lot. Just ordered another Oxy Lite green rig (see his photo) to set up for trim.
I have the harness - which really works, unlike years of suspenders that didn't - and attachments on all the bags. Allows me to shift from one to the other.
I order the belt extra long so I can belt the bags below my pants belt. That, with the harness keep my pants up so much better that the other methods.
The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
another vote for occidental.
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It's only satisfying if you eat it.
Give me my Oxy belt any day.
Thanks for the occidental recommendation.I've had a quick look at their site, do the bags spill much when crouching/kneeling? I've been installing base board today and leaving a string of tools that have fallen out of my current rig onto the expensive pre finished flooring.also does anyone have or has anyone tried the suspendavest system?thanks for any help
The only time I lose tools is when I take it off and lay it on its side. For what it's worth, I've got the Stronghold adjustable framer. I hold her up with some cheap suspenders.
Skillers or Skinners as I think it might be called in the UK are a good option for you I think. I bought a set but I can only wear them in winter as I find them to hot to wear in summer. They are very good at not spilling and use a harness type system as well.
Like most guys in this thread i seem to be of the occidental leather belt crowd, mine are the bucket bags that stay open a bit more, hold them up with a pair of suspenders- work great for framing and general work. I guess i can't stand a heavy belt when i'm doing really finicky detailed work because when doing trim or finish work i go kinda old school with an old canvas waist apron from a now defunct lumber store. Had my wife sew some smaller pockets out of the two main ones, threw on a leather hammer loop (occidental though) and it has worked fine. I also have a 5 gallon bucket with some non-marring casters and i use that with a bucket boss 5 gallon organizer to hold stuff i just don't want banging around on my waist.
Ditto on the Occidental Leather!! I'm not a builder. I just do a lot of carpentry on my own house. I used to own a cheap leather apron from Sears. It held up well for a couple of years, then fell apart. I'm left-handed, so I decided I'd spend the extra money to have a good, heavy-duty belt with all the pouches in the right place for a lefty. I got the 5087LH and purchased them from ToolBarn. Here's the link.....http://www.toolbarn.com/product/occidental/5087LHL/I paid about $190 (U.S. currency). Great company! I'm sure they will ship to wherever you are. Good luck.TFToolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")
Not trying to knock the Occy's, honestly, but the MTM's are around $90-$100 and they are built......Price is NOT the main concern for me either and I completely understand purchasing the best in one's eye's...HECK, I paid $550 for My Lamello in the early 90's. I just think these will, at the very least, stand along with every TOP BAG out there. Like that guy says..."I guarantee it". They are the best Amercan made, double layer 1000 denier Cordura bags you can buy. With more construction reinforcements and improvements over the others than you can shake the stick at.....from my experience anywhowaa...
Edited 2/6/2006 2:42 pm ET by zorrosdens
Is there an online seller of the MTM bags? Their site doesn't seem to be set up for retailing...or should I just call them?
Just call them....remember time is probably 2hr. earlier there they will take care of you...remember the belt sizing issue info for them to set you up. These bags will carry a bunch. The three bag set up is what I have used since early seventies, when leather seperates and a wide two-prong leather belt was THE way to go before these corduras were made. Their first set I bought were great and the most comfortable things without suspenders. Then the next set I had to buy from them, because mine whole bag and the tools in it were stolen, were even more improved with bottom of bag stiffners/wear improvers in them. Bags are a very personal thing and make sure that if for any reason YOU don't like them at all that you can send them back. I don't think you'll be disappointed, but YOU need to be happy since you can't personally see them till they arrive. I used to buy them from the Tool Depot in San Diego before I moved but their site I'm not sure about. You'll get a bit better price direct anyhow.
Another vote for Skillers / Skinners.
The vests are great.
When I first got the belt I thought it would be too small and was kind of disappointed, after I tried it I was very pleased.
I'll try to get a pic of the bags I got - can't remember.
They are convertible / mix, match / removable.
Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
Hey Guys, Y'all MUST check out the tool sets made by MTM out of Arizona. American made and since I first saw them and bought my first set then moved to the South, I've had my bags stolen twice and each time I tried to find something comparable. I tried, but, had to call my old supplier out in San Diego, Ca., then the second time called MTM direct and even got a slightly better price than the store.
I have always had the heaviest bag of anyone I've ever worked with (they all swear it) because of allll the tools I carry on hand for many reasons. Anytime I try to be less of the "oddball" and lighten up, it just goes back in when I need the things I removed (my reasoning "it's how I keep my boyish figer")......anyway these are the best bags, in my opinion, and I've been wearing them since beginning 90's. Have also seen a guy that does the decking articles for FHB wearing them, and loaded, too (even uses the slim-green utility knife I like because I can find it at the dark bottom of the bag because the usual places have other tools there).
DO JUST CHECK THEM OUT! http://www.mtmbags.com The ones I used to use were the 303 Magnum Pro Framer, but now I use the 350 Magnum Framer (it has the addition of a covered pocket at the top of the left and right side bag setup....you can't get bags to put MORE tools in than these, in my opinion.
NOTE: If you wear 31" waist you will need the small size belt system...not the large, I had to send back for it the last time because I forgot to ask. But they are very responsive and personal.
Edited 2/6/2006 1:39 pm ET by zorrosdens
Edited 2/6/2006 1:43 pm ET by zorrosdens
I hate heavy toolbelts.
Mine consists of the leather belt, 2 split pouches that can move on the belt and are not in the way when climbing on roofs or ladders. Rigid metal loop for the hammer. Left pouch with 3 compartments (framing nails, 2" nails, "miscell), Right pouch has hammer loop, big compartment for tape and utility knife, smaller compartments for odd things like pencilsharpener, earplugs,cell phone, small calculator, slots for pencil., All pouches are rawhide leather.
Had nylon pouches before - dont like them, nails rough up the surface then they disintegrate
I dont carry nailpullers, pliers, chisels etc..but small writing block.
Tools change when finishing, drywalling, tilelaying or siding. I have a rolling toolbox which can act as a sawhorse, stepping stool, or small worktable
I have to agree on the Occi belt. Had mine for 4 years without any problems. Except that I am growing around the middle, but they sell replacement belts the next size up...
Edited 2/6/2006 8:24 pm ET by Geraldb93
My CLCs have about run their course and I'm considering getting a set of Diamondback bags. I've heard they are very high quality. The biggest upside is that they look like they've lots of pockets without being too bulky.
Diamondback toolbelts:
http://toolbelts.eskagway.com/
Is this the same Diamondback that when out of business a couple of years ago? I think it was a husband/wife team, and I believe the guy either died or was incapcitated.Everyone around here raved about their belts, but they were gone when I needed one.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Yes, it's the same bags.The owner did pass away and the company is under new ownership. Same patterns for the bags and all.
Does the link you provided a few posts back work for you?I tried it and couldn't get through.http://toolbelts.eskagway.com/********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I have had my set of diamond backs for about 9 years and loved them from the start. I tried the link also and it didnt work. They are nice bags that keep there shape pretty good and are light.
Last I heard Diamond Back went out of busness, which is a shame from what I've heard
I right clicked and open on a seperate page option and it opened. I couldn't open it directly either.
The new address is http://www.toolbelts.com
Matt
I see the site is not yet fully operational, but I did ask them to send me a catalog. Thanks.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Hi. I do almost all finish work and cabinet/built in installs as well. I use a Skillers vest that does very nicely for holding the tools and misc parts I need. I do have an issue with my pencils falling out of the right breast pocket when I bend over. I've had my Skillers vest for about 6 years, and unless I'm setting doors they usually hang from the end of my miter saw stand, more as a tool holder.
I would definately recommend checking into the vest system for interior work. I use an Occidental system for framing and siding and the like. Love the bags, still holding strong after 10 years, 8 of heavy use. I just can't be comfortable wearing them inside the house around cabinets and interior. Too afraid of damaging something!
I do know there are other vests than Skillers. There was one brand that had more of a mesh vest system that I would assume to be a little cooler on those warm days. Don't have the name, but will do some research. Good luck
Aryn
I get paid to do carpentry. That makes me a professional.
If I work on my own house does that make me a DIY?
Could you tell me a little more about the Skillers vest you use? Do you hook any of their tool bags on your vest, for instance? I have an old vest of theirs, but there are only two useable pockets, and they won't hold much. I know Skillers well, since I have been wearing their pants for better than 20 years.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I too have a pair of those pants. The vest has four "bags" that are very useable for shims, small tools, etc. These are sewn in permanent. There are also two velcro loops, one on either side for various attachments that are available. I use the metal hammer holder, I believe you can get a drill holster also.
The vest also has pockets on the front of either breast for pencils, etc. and for some larger tools (ie calculator, stud finder...). Two smaller pockets on the lower front work well to store incidentals like driver tips and drill bits. My 25' tape fits well into one, but it does take some stretch training! A bonus is the deep breast pockets on either side usable for larger tools or plans. It's actually easy to lose some things in these pockets. They are tucked into a flap between the front pockets and the inner layer.
After several years of hard use, they are wearing down and sort of busting at the seams. I will be checking into the mesh version, strictly for breathability. The vest is made from the same material as the pants, sort of a light canvas type, so the summer heat can catch up to you.
I don't have a link, but the vest is visible somewhere online! :) I will check into skillers.com or even amazon. I've seen 'em, just can't remember where.I get paid to do carpentry. That makes me a professional.
If I work on my own house does that make me a DIY?
I looked on the Skillers web site, and the mesh back vest is $39.95.But this one is $14.95 on clearance; it looks like the same material, but without the mesh back:http://tinyurl.com/9ok5dAt that price, I might order one for myself.........********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Right on! That is exactly what I have, only I paid $50 for it 7 years ago. I just may be getting another at that price. Never hurts to have too many tool (vests) around!I get paid to do carpentry. That makes me a professional.
If I work on my own house does that make me a DIY?