We’ve addressed this before but how about a bit of a twist.
a. What type of tool belt do you use now? Single/ double, left/ right?
b. Are you a righty or a lefty?
c. Is this the same style or type of belt you have always used? Have your switched pouch sides?
d. Do you have dif tool belts for framing, finish carpentry, hanging doors, or doing siding?
I have always used the single pouch belts. I always thought the double ones were just too bulky and made me look fat (lol). Recently I switched sides – I’m a righty and the belt pouch is on the left, because my hammer (Douglas) is on my right. Nails go in the pouch on the left. But when I’m not hammering as much and doing more measuring and cutting and using a nail gun the pouch feels to be on the wrong side. Does this mean I need to go double?
This may sound like a newbie type of question but I have only recently come back to suburban construction whereas before I was renovating city apts. Rules of that domain are different.
So what do you guys and gals do?
F.
Edited 8/20/2004 1:02 am ET by Frankie
Replies
I'll bump this fer ya
I have a "Nailers " set of bags...all in all 6 pouches 2 are velcroed on and removeable. That is my General work rig, framing-to-trim.
Sheet rock is a single leather ele.s bag.
Ele. I use a single ele.s bag
plumbing, I might strap on a nailapron, for teflon tape and fitting brushes, solder and flux,a sharpie marker etc. I also duct tape my solvent and PVC glue cans together..good trick.
roofing, I have been doing cedar, no pouch, just carhartt or clone with a utility knife, pencil, tape and hammo hook for my half hatchet, a few 12d nails for roof jacks in my shirt pocket, and mebbe a box of staples in back pocket..they're gonna break any way..lol
zat help?
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
Sphere,
I started using some canisters I found at HD for carrying staples. They keep them from breaking until you let the canister slide off the roof <g>
In the tool box aisle is where they usually are found. They're clear with neon lids, about 4-6" in length.
Jon Blakemore
yeah, you mentioned that in an earlier thread..I keep meanin to get some..left a box on the roof,it rained,the cardboard got unglued, the wind blew,the staples well...were everywhere..lol
Ya'd think they could add some more glue or lacquer to toughen them up some..pet peeve,loading a swing slammer 4 staples at a time..aaarrggghh.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
BINGO! Sphere, you're the best.
Most people I know only have a single and a double and might interchange the two. I have:
Interior work - single pouch, right side, hammer IN pouch.
Exterior work - single pouch, left side, hammer right side.
Elec. work - single elect. pouch, right side. Real nice stiff leather.
Sheetrock work - single pouch, sometimes left, sometimes right, and front canvas apron.
I have been tempted to get the dual pouches but feel I'll only be bumping into more things.
Plumbing work - no tool belt. Just a bucket or two.
Painting - painter's pants. I can't stand wearing jeans when painting. When my crew paints they MUST wear painter"s pants. Has a good look too.
All my pouches are leather, except for the aprons which are canvas. Has anyone tried the nylon ones. I think they are cordovan(?).
How about belt - plastic click style or metal interlock?
F.
my "nailers" are cordura or something like that, hell, I had em since 1990, still not worn out. Kinda grey/green..those black DW one must get real hot in the sun.
All else is leather..as far as belts go..I also have a contractors rig from ???? got it at Deluth trading (made by the bucket boss co.) And I switched the belts,the deluth belt was better than the nailers belt...yup plastic clic loc.
I wont do the hammer behind the back thing (it can kill ya if ya fall and it swings out and the head drives into you spine,when ya land) or at least break your back..mostly I hang hammer right,or the side loop on carp pants or bibs..not a quick draw at all that way.
Painting? all I ever need is a 5in1..in a pocket...but I run from the sound of paint buckets..lol
started out 25 yrs ago with the duel leather (ala Norm) went through one a year it seemed..admittedly, I don't wear my belt anywhere near as much as I did, but would replace it with the exact same set up if and when it wears out Nailers are a good rig. They used to call me a walkin hardware store I carried SO much stuff..the best was a folding pruning saw, japanese style. It was SO handy,Id nick a sheet of ply for my chalkline (I always have a washer on the end ,keep losing the original hook).
Now adays I load as little as possible..and aint afraid to add suspenders!
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
Duane,
Reckon you know what happens when you leave some of those lil' broken staple clips on the roof and it rains.
Bummer huh?
Be well,
andyThe secret of Zen in two words is, "Not always so"!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
you mean the little black things like this [ and this] all the fug over the place? Nope, never seen it happen.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
I only do finish work today but my rig is the same as I would use for most carpentry work. I can't stand extra stuff hanging off me and I can't take the chance of something in a tool bag accidentally banging into a finished cabinet or door. As a righty, I have a tape, utility knife and a pencil on my right. Garrett Wade carries a plastic sheath just for those items. A big hook behind those for nailgun or drill, I don't have much use for a hammer but if I did it would replace or hang next to the big hook. Hammer handles whack me on the tendon behind my knee, I'd like someone to make a semi-horizontal hammer pouch that could go across the back. On the left is a slim gun nail pouch, I clip on a small pouch for nails, screws and other such items when needed. My bucket boss is nearby for screwdrivers, chisels or any other tool I may occasionally need. Tin snips, pliers and non pointy items slip into my back pocket while I need them. Chisels or screwdrivers can fit into the knife sheath temporarily. I've added a good pair of knee pads since the old days and these are highly recommended. I'm always amazed when I see Norm put on his belt in the cabinet shop but diversity is good as long as no one hurts the wood.
I just received two great catalogs of work clothes, boots and tool holding devices. One from Cabela's and one from Duluth Mfg. They have a wide selection of interesting stuff.
I am one of the sinister folk, left-handed that is. For twenty years I was happy with a rig like Norm's, turned around and hanging of my butt. Finally wore it out, and realized how capitulating I had been<G> I don't frame a lot anymore, mostly trim, but I still have to carry tools to the task. I don't mind wearing bags at all, but I do mind having to root around to find what I need. Got a vest from Bucket Boss, it's close, but just not enough pockets in just the right place, I know, I'm a sissy trim guy. Got an oxy-knockoff in the right-handed mode (dang, all the stuff I've gotten has been right-handed). Nothing has been quite right, wah,wha,wha. I want bags on each side, hand-specific. I can keep from bumping into stuff I know is there, I just need to grab tools convenientally. I keep asking the help to put my tools where I'm reaching...I just ordered a set of oxy light pro-framers(they hold a speed square),left-handed...I'll get back when they get here...
Anyway, my point in this thread is to get a configuration to carry as much as you can to do what you gotta do, and feel comfy...or get about 10 helpers<G> Don't worry, we can fix that later!
Great thread to start! 10 years ago for a wedding present my wife bought me an Occidental Leather bag set. It is the oxy pro lites one that's made from green cordura. I wanted the leather, but the boss had one. I love that thing, and use it for evrything but trim. I like it for framing and siding, but for roofing it's only on the roof to hold my stuff.
I've grown accustomed to the tape at belt or pocket level. I'm a righty, so tools go in the right side (tape, chisels, chalk, prybars, etc) and nails and speed square on the left. Oh yeah, I guess I am guilty of weariing the hammer in the back. I also am guilty of a cell phone pouch next to the hammer.
A few years ago I bought a Skillers work vest for trim. That rocks! It gets a little warm, but there are ones that are made of mesh. There are velcro loops that a person can interchange hammer holders, pouches, etc. Plus, these have large pockets on the inside for things like plans, etc.
Most times, though, I like to wear carpenters pants with the pockets on the sides. My back pockets are always full of tools, too. I do mostly trim, so I also am concerned about banging into things.
Oh yeah, I have always worn suspenders with every bags I've worn. I like the weight being on my shoulders.
Aryn
When I started the biz I bought a 49.95 set of CLC bags at HD. Black, huge, room for my helper in them. After about 3 months, the pockets started collapsing, and the belt which was velcro with buckle gathered so much lint in the hooks of the velcro, it wouldn't stick.
Retired that and bought a set of Occy's from the oldest yard in town for $ 120.00. I probably could have gotten them off the net for less but these are good people. I love them, plus I added suspenders for about $3 and what a difference.
My biggest problem is all of the damn nails, screws, wire nuts, bent nails, roofing nails, screw bits, and junk that all gets mixed up in the nail pouches. I refer to that as "salad". My help will ask me for a sixteen, or a drill screw, and it will take me 5 minutes of tossing salad in my belt, to find any, even though there are at least 25 of each in that pocket, plus it feels so good to dig through drywall screws, and crap to find.
Anyhow, I have two pouches with hammer hook in back or side. I use the back because the handle bangs me in the knee on the side.
Cole
Cole Dean
Dean Contracting
Occi leather framer rig, use that setup for most things. I keep telling myself I'm going to swap one of the bags out for finish work. But I've got a handful of additions wire tied on to the thing for holding guns and other stuff that I drag around with me. When I can get by without the belt, I do. Onesy twosy stuff. Drywall I have a single pouch if I'm hanging much that I can hold a handful of stuff in - tape, knife, sureform, circle cutter, zip bits, hammer.
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
Well, I am a remodeler, and am not required to carry my kit everywhere I go. I like my three part bag on the right with my screwgun holster on the left. I am a lefty. The holster holds a hammer equally well.
The three part bag lets me carry different sort of fasteners that I need while letting my tape ride along. Anything more complicated than that and I go back to my big bag. Space traversed is the most important question to answer about how much one should carry.
I am currently using a suspension rig I bought at Lowe's a couple of years ago. I love the thing and I really enjoy the weight being on my shoulders too as some have said. I have had it repaired twice because of the strapping breaking. I like the big pockets and I have gotten used to the hammer hitting me in the back of my legs when I walk.
I have learned in this thread that I need your help too. I will have to admit that I usually shop at the box stores and I am at their mercy. I just don't know what all is out there as far as bags (as I am in the market for a new one). Could you all put in some web links in this thread? I'm not opposed to ordering off the net for a good bag.David H. "Splinky" Polston
Founder of Sawdust, Norfolk, Virginia
Amazon.com has a great selection of tool belts/bags. Occidental leather is the big seller over there, but there are other options. I think the sad truth with nail bags is age old "you get what you pay for". I've got Occi's and love them dearly! I also have a nice two pouch one piece leather apron that I use for trim.
You can also drool over DiamondBack's bags here.... http://www.toolbelts.com
i noticed that my 15 year old purple cordura bags were harder and harder to get things in and out of.. because they were bunching up.. and the velcro would no longer keep them hanging evenly off the belt..
also.. they were designed before the use of speed squares and cat's paws came in vogue..
and they didn't have a pocket for the tape.. they had a leather to clip the tape to.. NOT!
anyways.. gave my old bags to the customer..
and went shopping at Quaker Lane Tool.. looked at all of 'em.. tried 'em all on... put various tools in and out..
settled on a set of Occi's... i don't know... $130---- $160.. something like that.. wearing them every day , i really don't care wether they cost $50... or $200... one day of wrestling with the wrong bags would eat that up fast..
so .. the old.. double bags on the hips.. hammer holder on the right rear.. nothing in front
new... same set up.. only more sleeves and pockets and convenience
here's old... and new...Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Thank you for all your opinions and insights. I have listed some of the sites which have been mentioned.
http://duluthtrading.com/store/catbags.asp
http://www.nailersrock.com/indexb.html
http://www.garrettwade.com (couldn't locate the plastic sheath for knives, etc.)
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0021483922099a&navAction=jump&navCount=1&indexId=&podId=0021483&catalogCode=XE&parentId=&parentType=&rid=&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fcatalog%2Fitem-link.jhtml.1_A&_DAV=search&hasJS=true
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jhtml?id=0021199&navAction=jump&navCount=1&indexId=&parentId=&parentType=&rid=&cmCat=search
http://www.skillers.com/cgi-bin/store/store.cgi?&shop=skillers&L=eng&Category=flexisystem
http://occidentalleather.com/
http://www.toolbelts.com/
Any more comments?
F.
I hate wearing a belt with pouches so I bought a skiller vest and I like it alright but hardly ever wear it. Recently I bought a large tote box with about 20 pockets and enough room for a couple of cordless tools in the middle. I have told my crews that they are not to touch the tools in this box and if they need something to go to the trailer and get what ever they need out of one of the hanging toolbelts. I really like carrying this box to my work area and know that I have everything from hammer to big flashlight in easy reach without being weighed down.This setup has definately improved my efficiency and let me do a multitude of tasks without having to go search for something.
ANDYSZ2I MAY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOUR SAYING BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT.
Remodeler/Punchout
Hey Mike,
Thats the same set of Occi's I have, but I can't seem to fit my coil nailer in them. What's the secret? : ).
Add a set of suspenders, and you don't even know you have em on.
ColeCole Dean
Dean Contracting
heck, cole.. i got a coil nailer, a roofer, 6 coils and a bottle of excedrin.. besides all my regular tools..
seriously.. it must weigh 30 lb. when it's loadedMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
It's funny what you learn around here ... I need a new belt.
I think I am going to make a trip to Richmond (80 miles from me) to buy a Occi Beltless next weekend.David H. "Splinky" Polston
Founder of Sawdust, Norfolk, Virginia
skillers vest for trim, lots of options for this vest. when i need to put on the bags it is a set from mcrose. suspenders lighten the load. they are similar to the occidental but a tad lighter and have extra pockets sewn in the left side bag for smaller hand tools. mcrose.com will get you there. paul.
HEy Mike
Screw the belt are those the rubber/slate shingles your putting down? How do you like them?
Thats not the house I saw on the way to your house is it?
Be well
andyThe secret of Zen in two words is, "Not always so"!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
no.. those are Hatteras, a 4-tab 8" exposure shingle....
and yes, it's the same house.... Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Mike
Would you mind taking some more pictures at some point.
I dont think I ever saw a roof like that.
Whats a Hatteras roof? In the pic it loos almost like one of those rubber /slate shingles. Maybe its the picture or just me.
Thanks
andyThe secret of Zen in two words is, "Not always so"!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
andy.. google on Certainteed .. go to roofing.... look for HatterasMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Yeah i've seen those before but this time it got me thinkin....
Has any one ever made their own tool bags.
as a tool fanatic and a doodler i have made a few sketches of tool pouches (amongst other things) thinking that someday I would finally have the perfect design and take it to a leather crafter to have custom made. But after seeing the diamondback bags I was wondering how difficult it would be to make my own out of cordura.
>oh yeah, when I say make my own it might just mean "talk my wife into sewing me up some under my supervision" Im not a chauvinist, I just suck at sewing.
gk
I have several combinations, but usually wear a DeWalt belt with a 3-puch DeWalt bag on the left side and a metal hammer loop at the center of the back. I like to switch out the right bag depending on the work and the weather. I like having a firm bag with a tape slot on the outside that will have the tape exactly where I want it when I reach. I would probably wear the DeWalt right bag more if the tape holder didn't sag and make handling the tape a hassle. When it is really hot, I just use a Craftsman web belt with a hammer loop and one bag. I like to work light, so I have started to keep a small tool box on site where I can switch out tools. I am currently building my own tool box on a dolly so I can haul more things into the job and save trips to my trailer.
I don't like being weighed down so I often wear a 2pouch toolbag on my regular leather belt. Never seen anyone around here wearing one similar, I found this one off of eBay; I suppose it might be called an electrician's bag. It's basically a almost leather square pouch , with one smaller extra leather pouch attatched to the front of the main pouch. The smaller pouch is just about big enough for a utility knife, I usually it for screws & nails. There are two leather pockets sized for a pencil sown onto the side, as well as a leather loop for clipping the tape to. On the opposite side of the pouch there is a metal loop for holding your hammer. I wear this bag on my right side(I'm right handed) and if I'm using tin snips I'll sometimes wear the sheath that comes with them on my left; wish I could find my speedsquare belt clip as I'm using that more recently and it takes up alot of room in the pouch. All in all it's a great setup for trim and electrical work, leather and only 7bucks off eBay; has served well for 3 years.
-Ray