I’m not a tool belt kinda guy. I’ll wear them on ladders, or when it’s more convenient, but I just hate all that weight and bulk on my hips. Consequently, I’ve tried many different methods of keeping the tools close at hand while working, none with much luck.
I’ve started looking at tool vests, thinking although it is a step away from a belt, at least the weight will be on my shoulders and bulk dispersed.
Only I’ve never tried a tool vest.
So, if you have one, how is it? And what would you recommend.
Thanks.
“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” Invictus, by Henley.
Replies
I use the Oxy Tool Chest (vest), but not with the lower bags. I bought it from Sphere (he did not like it).
For indoor finish work (or cool weather outside work) I really like it.
I'll take some pics of how mine is set up, when I get a chance.
Thanks, pics would be great. What didn't Sphere like about the rig, did he say?
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
I was doing mostly copper roofing and guttering, I kept dumping the bags in all convoluted positions I'd wind up in in valley's and hopping over pump jack braces.
That and it didn't fit me real well. And Black got real hot in the sun. Ain't much shade on a roof.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
The world of people goes up and
down and people go up and down with
their world; warriors have no business
following the ups and downs of their
fellow men.
Ahhh, thanks. What do you use now?
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
Well, not roofing helps with my choice, but it is still the last combo I had when I WAS roofing.
One CLC bag, one Miller bag, one US Army something or other ammo pouch, and one Russian Ammo pouch ( both from a surplus place here) on a Leather Miller belt with cheap suspenders. I added a hammer hoop and thats about all.
I like the ammo pouches for snips, nippers, small wonder bar, catspaw and a folding gomboy saw. Tall thin tools in a segmented ammo pouch is a handy thing.
Still have my bags and fall harness for places where I may need a lifeline, and another home made set of bags for some window r and r work that just requires a few 5 in 1's and putty knifes, and some prying tools. I prefer to load a few bags with job specific tools, just put that set on and have at it, vs switching out tools for each task.
I have the vest from DuLuth Trading in the van, it's handy, and has mostly sheet metal tools in it and fastners, it too is kinda loose ( I'm skinny) so in winter it fits better over more layers.
Never did find a good premade bag set up, so with Army surplus, and what is out there, I make up my own combos and have been much more happy. My OLD green NAILERS were about the best I found for general carpentry, but I have now shied away from plastic snap buckles, padded belts, and rear clasp. I use a 2" SINGLE prong leather belt, front closure. And suspenders.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
The world of people goes up and
down and people go up and down with
their world; warriors have no business
following the ups and downs of their
fellow men.
Here is a pic of the Oxy Tool Chest, as I typically use it:
Thanks. I think that is the same one Andy has. Thanks again for taking the pic."I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
I suppose it depends more specifically on the exact type of work that you do.
I use the Skillers vest, and am very happy with it. Then again, my work often has me dealing with screws and other small parts, as well as working from ladders. I don't really carry much in the way of tools.
Indeed, for tools I use a "pocket boss" type mini tool belt, stuck in one of the rear pockets of the vest.
The other rear pocket gets my notebook. I use that far more than most.
Nick,
I have the Oxy tool vest also. I mostly do finish work and it works very
well for that. It is too bad they only have it in black because it can get pretty warm outside in the sun.
But, it does take the weight off your lower back and hips, which is mainly why I bought it.
That and the fact that you can get through tight spots very easy with it on.(narrow doorways, stud bays, etc.)
Another product I use a lot is a Ladder Pack. It fits over the top of a step ladder.
It has several pockets including at least one that can hold a cordless drill/driver.
It also has a couple of loops you can hang a hammer, nailer or whatever from.
I don't know what type of ladder you are usually on but that might be all you need.
I have one I was gonna put on Ebay or Craigs List that I basically never used.
Paid $100 + shipping for it. I ended up getting a sick CLC rig which suits me a lot better for the work I do.
I'll sell it to anyone that wants it for what I paid for it....no,not the rig below..the Oxy tool vest
View Image
18 Pocket /4 Piece Top-Of-The-Line Pro-Framer's Combo System
#21451XL: Fits waist sizes 47" - 55".
10240 S. Alameda | South Gate, CA 90280 | 800-325-0455 toll-free | 323-752-2221 tel | 323-752-9429 fax
http://www.clccustomleathercraft.com/products/detail001.asp?partNo=21451
http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
http://www.ramdass.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muhvpNuVN4Y
Which one is it? I googled 'tool vest' and came up with about a half dozen oxy vests/beltless rigs. There's the Builder's Vest, the Tool chest, the Cordless tool vest, etc. The builders vest is what I consider a true vest, while the others appear to be a beltless suspension rig.
I looked at the Vitro, and I don't think that is what I want, as it requires their belt. The Oxy seems to be the way I'm leaning towards.
Thanks
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
Lemmie dig up the Oxy ad. I forget which one it's called. If you want it I'll snap some photos of it.
http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
http://www.ramdass.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muhvpNuVN4Y
I think it's the #2008 model in the link below
http://www.medfordtools.com/occidental/toolchest.html
http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
http://www.ramdass.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muhvpNuVN4Y
I've been using the Occidental 2580 full vest and I've been very happy, it is a little warm in the sun as others have said. You can pack a ton of tools and still move quite easily, it is very tempting to pack a ton of tools though...
If you're a thin guy like me who doesn't like to fight suspenders and you work outside in the cold weather, the vest really shines. You can hang a cordless drill or impact driver or even a framing gun and not even feel it.
I have to admit though, it does feel good to hang it on a nail once in a while and use it like a toolbox...
Thanks, I think I'll be getting one. I'll try to resist transferring the contents of my van to it..."I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.