My tired and well used tool belt is about to retire and I am starting to look into new candidates. Being a builder I use this tool everyday except weekends and holidays. I’ ve been wishing for the Occidental Leather 7 bag pro framer. This would be my first choice if the price was lower. Another I been looking at is the Dewalt 5100 leather tool belt mostly because it is half the price or the Occidental leather.
If it is worth twice as much I’ll buy it but I like to ask for experienced input before I buy.
Anyone have any suggestions on a good toolbelt?
Thanks, Kev
Replies
see:
Diamondbackusa.com
If you're in the market for a nylon/cordura set of bags, Diamondback is the best in my opinion.
Cliff
Kev, I'd marry my Pro Framer but it has better taste. After something of a lengthy search, Bob's Tools (internet site) was the cheapest anywhere on Occidental. The leather is hefty enough that your first week you'll get bruise marks on your gut from the stiffness of the belt, but once it's broke in, it's a bag that was designed by someone who had to use a hammer and a speed square. Now it's just a second skin, and it's held up good for the couple of years I've had it.
I have used the oxy reds bags (occidential leather co) for the last 3 years. They are made from the cordura material which is much lighter than the leather ones. I believe that I paid about $110.00 at tool crib for them. I have never had a problem with them and would recommend them to anyone.
Kev-
Check out MTM (Mendoza Textile Manufacturing), toughest nylon bags in the bizness, probably about $100 for a set of framers.
The Dewalt bags are good/well made, but I'd almost be embarassed to wear that logo around- too much of a construction "Gucci" thing for my taste. Find out who REALLY makes Dewalt's bags and buy their branded ones, if that's what you want.
Of course you already know that the bags HD carries are crap.
JMHO, Ken Hill
I've had a set of leather occidentals for four or five years now. I wore'm daily for the first couple years but I'll wear out before they ever do. They're barely broken in. Gotta turn sideways sometimes to ley myself in tho'. Most of the guys here have the fabric bags and they seem much more comfortable.
Excellence is its own reward!
thanks for the info so far
interesting coments about the cordura belts. Never really considered them. Thought they would wear out fast.
Ken, you are right about the Dewalt logo, it is pretty flashy. too bad they put the name so apparent
Regarding which toolbelt to buy, figured I'd throw my 2 cents worth in. You mentioned the Occidental leather bags. I used to use the pro framer with their padded suspenders and i felt that this was a good choice (at the time). however when Occidental came out with their beltless bag system I sprung for it (in the leather configuration) and I have been extremely satisfied. Freedom of movement is much greater especially when crawling around in the trusses or trimming out a tight closet. Also the likelyhood of dropping stuff out of the pockets in these types of situations is greatly reduced. I would recommend getting the cordura version(which still has leather tool holders) because it is considerably lighter. Every pound you can avoid toting around all day goes a long way towards being less tired at night. These bags are expensive but will probably outlast you. Good Luck.
Mark
Mark
I've been thinking about the beltless tool bags but wonder about the hammer holder. Its in the back?????? Isnt that kind of a pain in the arss (so to speak)? I mean to reach all the way around yourself everytime you need yer ax? MAybe just put a hammer hook on yer belt then? Whats your drift on this?
Be well
Namaste'
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Andy,
In answer to your question regarding the placement of the hammer holder, I don't use the hammer holder in back. Occidental also provides a pretty stout leather loop on the right hand bag on the front edge of the bag which is placed high enough on the bag to keep your hammer handle from banging your leg a whole lot . I carry a 30oz. eastwing for framing and a 22oz. for trim( I feel more comfortable with it's balance) and I have found that the loop works quite well. As an added bonus to this arrangement, the metal loop in back makes a great place to carry your snips when doing siding. Hope this helps. Incidentally if you are a lefty Occidental offers the bags in a mirror image version.
Mark
Mark,
I also use my ol' 30 oz Estwing for framing and my leather handled Estwing for everyday work. I absolutely HATE when the long handle 30 oz'er bangs me on my leg all day..So intensely annoying. Thanks for the input. think I'm scorin' me a beltless. If you have any more info to offer before I order one in the next two week please let me know....Thanks again
BE well
Namaste'
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Andy,
Check out Occidental's clip-on accessories and other gadgets when you order. They offer calculator holders(thow I usually just put mine into a pocket) and clip-on nail pouches which are small enough not to weigh you down too much but come in handy(they can also be clipped to a pants pocket) . They even have holders for your cell phone. I have one and wouldn't recommend you buy one, it is rather awkward.They really have some cool stuff. Even though they want a chunk of change for their stuff if it makes you more efficient and more comfortable it's well worth it. Plan on wearing the bags for a couple days and playing with the adjustments before you permanetly anchor the suspenders ( Occidental gives instructions on this) . I have mine adjusted so as to place the bags as high as possible which may be why my hammer does'nt bang my leg a whole lot. This seems to place everything at a convenient height. Also while it may take some getting used to, the placement of your tape measure on the left suspender along with pencils has proven to be more efficient for me and this is the way Occidental sets up this rig. I would buy an extra tape measure holder made to go on the belt and mount it directly behind the left hand bag (assuming you are right-handed) and use it for your chaulk-box. For something you use everyday I find it worth the time to play with it until you have it set up so it works for you. Good luck!
Mark
Professor Mark,
Welcome in to BT
Maybe you'd like to introduce yourself...
Both you name a writing quality say a little about you.
http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=23714.1.
Excellence is its own reward!
Piff,
I'm a general contractor and an architectural woodworker as well as reproduction furniture maker (Queen Anne and Chipendale) I grew up as a fourth generation bricklayer but decided long ago that I didn't want to make a living that way. However it is nice not to have to sub out my masonry work,just don't want to do it all the time. I'd much rather bang nails. I also poured concrete full time for about 7 years before I turned to general contracting, so if you hear me sound off about concrete or brickwork I do know what the heck I am talking about. I'm also an avid reader of both Fine homebuilding and Fine woodworking. I appreciate the fact that most of the articles are written by builders or woodworking professionals as opposed to much of the drivel you see in other magazines. I used to visit this site a year or so ago but was off-line for a while. It is a good forum. Kind of enjoy b.s. ing with you guys. Don't pretend to know it all but am happy to share my opinions/knowledge if I can be of help
Best to you all Mark
PS. You asked about the nickname, Having always been an avid reader I was nicknamed the professor by a couple of classmates in my sophmore year of highschool so when a nickname was requested on the registation form I picked that one.
So you've never been shipwrecked with a guy named Gilligan huh?
;-).
Excellence is its own reward!
Piff,
Not hardly.
Mark
Ive been looking for a new set of bags for..........well, for too long. Duct tape, construction adhesive, staples, and my stitching just isnt doing it anymore. Definately want a cordura bag for the lighter weight.
Does anyone have recommendations for anything other than the Occidentals ( Ill probably get them, but am still dragging my feet over the price). The Pro-Framer adjustable looks real nice. Couple of guys that I work with have the bucket boss contractor belt setup. They seem to be happy with them, but Im not sure about the bags.
How do you guys/ gals like how the bags are organized ( pocket layout, etc.). I like the org or the bags I have now ( I have added pockets and loops here and there). Anyone tried having their own bags made up?
Thanxs
M2AKITA-
Yeah, I bought a set of the Bucket Boss bags a few years back- great set up of bags, loops, pockets, etc. worked really well for organizing. Unfortunately, the plastic/nylon reinforcements stitched into the cordura broke and fatigued, so that the bags pooched out away from my body uncomfortably. The set was only $50 I think at HD. I DID keep the small, separate pouch that came with the set, and use it to toss my tape measure into each time I finish using it (the tape) - a lot more convenient than having to hook that damn clip on each time.
Andy-
I suppose it's just personal preference, but I HATE having hammers hanging in the front of my bags banging my leg or knee all day long. I use a nice big hammer loop dead center above my asscrack and it's really easy for me to grab it, then toss it back in the loop- you get used to the placement like second nature. Hammer loops are not created equal! Get one that effectively kicks out the hammer when it hangs there in such a way that it won't be givin ya the goose.
Ken Hill
Edited 10/20/2002 10:47:55 PM ET by Ken Hill
Forget about the nylon bags, a little rain in the morning and those things are wet all day. Get the Occidental Leather 7 bag pro framer toolbelt you wanted, you'll love it for years, you'll love it everytime you smack the hammer home in its holster. So what if it costs $150.31? In ten years that's $15 per year, a box of beer. It will outlast tools that cost two or three times that much. A toolbelt is an investment. You've earned it! http://www.occidentalleather.com/sets/5089.html
sometimes board sometimes knot
Edited 10/20/2002 2:15:29 AM ET by GORDSCO
Gordsco- I beg to differ with you on the Nylon Occidental bags.........
I've had mine for about 10 years workin in sunny Washington..........
And if I'm not mistaken...........
Wet nylon is lighter than wet leather......
None of these bags are light if you put any tools and nails in them.
My back will testify to that at the end of the day.........:-)Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
The nylon set I had were more suited to desert travel ( hold water for days).
I saw the picture and was wondering, is that level half a bubble off? or is it just the resolution?
sometimes board sometimes knot ;)
Must be your monitor Gordsco, cause when I put the torpedo level on my monitor the treads were plumb.Maybe it's the way I copied it. heheBob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Alright Pro-dek, you owe me a brand spankin new computer. I spit everything I had in my mouth all over the monitor and keyboard laughing at that picture. My sides are acheing.
Great picture.
LOL- M2akita- just wipe the monitor with a damp cloth, the key board, on the other hand may need replacing..............especialyyyy ifffff theeeee keeeeys starrrt stickkking. :-) Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Hey Bob,
What kind of level is that in the pic? It looks pretty cool.
NMarkey-you can find this level at http://www.straightwaytools.com
I've used mine for over a year and really like it.
Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Edited 10/22/2002 10:46:49 AM ET by Pro-Dek
I tip my hat to you sir, thank you.
Nick
Pro-Dek,
Seems like a dead link.Jon Blakemore
Not a dead link, but aparently he typed it in instead of copying it and made a typo.
http://www.straightwaytools.com/
Sorry Jon- Bill was right I typed the link in wrong. http://www.straightwaytools.comBob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
I have to go and throw in another plug for the Occidental bags. I just spent twenty dollars to have a few holes fixed in my leather framers, didn't think that was to bad after six years though.
The only thing I didn't like the framers for was when I started doing interior trim, so I bought a pair of the Cordura trim pouches. Must say that having them both makes life so much easier.
You have the right idea though. It is something you put on every day, even when you don't want to put them on, so they might as well be comfortable ones. So don't worry about the price, they are worth it.
Just another plug for Occidental.
Kev, I bought a set of the occidental beltless nylon bags and love them. I wear them everyday and they are hardly showing any signs of wear wouldn't hesitate to spend the money again:)
I used to have the Occidental leather system. I loved them but they wore out after about 8 years and numerous restitchings. I then bought the nylon Occidentals and they lasted less than a year. The bags weren't big enough to get your hand in when I wear gloves in the winter and the leather corners wore away in the first few months. Like Pro-dek I live in Washington as well. I've noticed many people wear Occidental bags.
I made the switch to Diamondback in June and have not regretted it at all. I love those bags. I like everything about them. They are tough. I believe they are the toughest nail bags out there. Here is the link to the bags I bought (size large).
http://toolbelts.com/framing.htm