Some hardworking men and women face a serious challenge when it comes to keeping tools commonly needed around their homes accessible for emergencies and quick repairs. As a consequence, when it comes to finding the best tool belt, do-it-yourselfers at all skill levels should do some research before forking over their hard-earned money for a tool belt. Picking up a tool belt on-the-fly is a gamble that can lead users to later be on the job but wasting time searching through unnecessary equipment or standing around wishing they had brought that darn spirit level or some other pesky but essential item.
Comparison Table
Why Buy & Maintain a Tool Belt?
Although there has not been an extensive study to determine the nature of tool belt users, as far as we know, it’s reasonable to conclude that many who do work for themselves. primarily to maintain their homes, but also as contractors. This means that time is money, but it also means that, just as quality results matter for the individual worker or professional contractor’s reputation, they matter for the DIY enthusiast. The best tool belt is an organized tool belt, certainly. In our view, the best tool belt is also the one that best meets your unique needs on a daily basis.
Seriously, Though: Why Not Just Use a Toolbox or a Bag?
Think about those you have worked with who used only a toolbox or bag for storage. Did they frequently have to put down the tool in hand to go retrieve something else? Having to turn away from the workspace to dig through the toolbox or bag is an inefficient use of time and energy that can be addressed simply by wearing a well designed, high-quality tool belt.
Choosing the Best Tool Belt
Now that you think about it seriously, has that big toolbox that you have been lugging around from job site to job site been horribly inconvenient and a drag on your time and finances? Perhaps you have decided to transition to working with a tool belt strapped on from now on. But what next? We suggest that you start by deciding what you will need to have on hand when a job comes up or on a daily basis.
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Step 1: Identify Your Most Commonly Used Tools
If you are a person who does electrical work only, for example, then your choices may be narrower and more simple. If you are someone who is remodeling a house one month and installing electrical doodads the next, then a bit more analysis is in order. The following are some common tools that DIY homeowners and hands-on workers need every day:
After including your most basic must-haves, decide if there are some other tools that are used frequently enough to be constant companions stored in the best tool belt you can find for your needs.
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2. Quantity Versus Comfort
Once you have decided on all the tools you believe you must carry with you to every job, take a second look. If you have selected almost every tool on the workbench in your garage, take a moment to envision carrying all of that equipment around your waist or over your shoulders for lengthy sessions on the job. You are going to need to balance your tool selection against the amount of weight it will put upon you.
If, after about four hours the weight of your tool belt is unbearable, you will most likely be removing tools and setting them aside so you can finish the job. For many purposes and many people, the best tool belt turns out to be a streamlined one.
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3. Durability
The best tool belt for you almost certainly must be a durable tool belt. There are several manufacturing components to consider when deciding on how to carry the tools of your trade, and some of the most prominent are:
Saddle leather will stand up to inadvertent knife blade punctures better than suede leather, for example, and brass rivets will probably last far longer than plastic rivets. Cost is definitely not the only consideration when we consider that the best tool belt will be your frequent companion.
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4. Style Versus Practicality
Some people do focus somewhat on the look their tool belts exude. Wearing leather accouterment can promote a “Wild West” look, and choosing a tool belt with suspenders gives the wearer a firefighter-like aura sometimes. Far more importantly, belts that pinch and suspenders that fail to take the weight off your hips may increase pain and discomfort. Further, men and women who commonly wear tool belts will need to consider that, as they get older and backs and joints ache more often, they may need to moderate their need to look stylish with the need to keep from suffering undue pain at the end of the day.
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5. Customization
The key to having the best tool belt is customization. Permanently fixed bags are just that; they can’t be moved or removed and what you see is absolutely what you get. The more straps, buckles, loops, and pockets that can all be adjusted, the better off you may be when tackling a tough repair job.
How We Reviewed Tool Belts
Some of us work in industries that require the use of tool belts, and others have relatives who leave their homes every morning with a tool belt in hand to face their day. We asked those who actually wear a tool belt every day what products they favored. We went to a few home stores and searched the Web relentlessly in our quest to compile a useful, insightful list of the best tool belts for DIY tasks and more specific applications.
Overall Price Range
Tool belts can range in price from about $ to over $$$, depending on many factors. Multi-bag saddle leather, double stitching with brass rivet reinforcements and a variety of customizable features can be found at the high end of this price span. Single, fixed-bag nylon options with Velcro closures can be found at the low end. The majority of the belts we considered are available for under $$. Choosing the best tool belt for you depends on matching the tool belt to the job, but we realize that budgetary considerations also matter greatly.
What We Reviewed
- Adjustable work apron: this DeWalt framer's Combo apron with Suspenders has fully-adjustable padded Suspenders to help distribute weight evenly.
- 20 pocket work apron: this DeWalt combo apron has 20 pockets and sleeves for nails, Parts, tools, nail sets, pencils, etc.
- Comfortable work apron: The padded belt with double-tongue roller buckle on this work apron provides extra comfort and helps keep belt stable.
- Plenty of pockets: 9 main pockets with smaller pockets and sleeves for nails, Parts, tools, nail sets, pencils, etc. With a zippered pouch to secure valuables
- Work apron sizing: This work apron fits waist sizes 29"-46"
Features
This combo belt from DeWalt has adjustable padded suspenders as well as a belt. There are nine main pockets and 20 smaller pockets. It comes with a useful cellphone holder and a built-in utility knife pocket that helps to prevent accidental punctures. It weighs 4.8 pounds and can accommodate waist sizes from approximately 29 to 46 inches.
Warranty
This Dewalt 20-pocket belt-and-suspenders option from among the best tool belts on the market comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
- LoadBear stretch suspenders for easier movement
- Infinity belt fits up to a 52” waist
- Barrel-bottom, super capacity pouches
- Single body construction
- Adjustable pouch and rigging system
Features
This Bucket Boss product features two-ply denier nylon, single-body construction. The pouches and suspenders are adjustable, and the waist-mountable belt fits up to a 52-inch waist. Our review team liked the barrel-bottom-style pockets and the inclusion of a handy cellphone pocket.
Warranty
Warranty information can be obtained through this manufacturer’s website.
- HEAVY DUTY - Carries and protects everything you need. Made with rugged 6-Layer Construction and rivet reinforcement, this dependable belt/pouch set withstands the harshest working conditions.
- INNOVATIVE DESIGN - The ClipTech ™ innovation gives professionals the never-before option of effortless, adjustable, and interchangeable pouches to fit every job. Carry only what you need when you need it. Belt fits 32-48" waists.
- GREAT ORGANIZER - This set includes 2 rugged pouches and Padded Belt with heavy-duty buckle. Integrated kickstand allows your pouch and tools to stand on the floor or table next to you. Its 27 customized pockets and loops include 2 large-capacity pockets with No-Snag Hidden Seam construction, plastic-lined utility knife pocket, screw driver loops, notebook pocket, extreme-duty hammer loop, and 2 tape measure clips.
- USA QUALITY CONTROL - ToughBuilt pouches and belts are designed, engineered, tested, and inspected in the USA to ensure high quality. You can be sure that you're getting the toughest pouch around, and its covered by our limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser against defects in material or workmanship.
- BUILT TO LAST - Made from quality materials and built to last years in the field. It stands up to some of the toughest environments. Ruggedly constructed, it's the perfect addition for any job and any construction site.
Features
The ToughBuilt has 10 pockets and a tool belt loop, and it also comes with two pouches. The belt can accommodate waist sizes between 32 and 48 inches. It is made of nylon, weighs 4.14 pounds, and is highly customizable for your most common applications.
Warranty
This belt comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The item must be registered within 30 days of purchase, and the warranty is not transferable if you should sell your belt or pass it along.
- 3" PADDED BELT: Single roller buckle.
- KEEPS CONTENTS SAFE: Easy carry handle design for simple adjustments and easy storage without spilling contents.
- EASY ACCESS: Stay-Open main pockets are tapered for faster access to contents
- COMFORTABLE: Completely adjustable suspenders engineered to hold and distribute weight evenly without strain on lower back and hips
- FITS WAIST SIZES: 29"–46".
Features
The ToughBuilt has 10 pockets and a tool belt loop, and it also comes with two pouches. The belt can accommodate waist sizes between 32 and 48 inches. It is made of nylon, weighs 4.14 pounds, and is highly customizable for your most common applications.
Warranty
The manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty on this product.
- CONVENIENT ACCESS: This tool pouch contatins a large main pocket and smaller front pocket for parts and tools.
- MULTIPLE STORAGE OPTIONS: Web loops and sleeve pockets on this tool pouch allow you to carry a variety of tools and parts.
- DURABLE TOOL POUCH: This rable tool pouch is made with ballistic poly fabric and reinforced edges for extended use and wear.
- HOLDS YOUR ESSENTIALS: This tool pouch can hold a flashlight or large tool sleeve and electrical tape strap, plus carabiner for keys
- TWO CONNECTION OPTIONS: This tool pouch can be attached with a rear clip or can be attached to a belt up to 2-3/4-Inch wide
Features
This is DeWalt’s best run so far at providing a compact, lightweight tool pouch intended for maintenance men and electricians. It has one large main compartment and a variety of web loops and sleeve pockets. It is made of ballistic polyester with reinforced edges. It can either be attached by a clip or to a toolbelt (or any belt, for that matter) measuring up to 2.75 inches wide.
Warranty
This specialized DeWalt-brand pouch comes with a limited manufacturer’s warranty.
- CONVENIENT - 5-pocket tool pouch allows you to keep your tools within reach at all times
- DURABLE CANVAS - Constructed of heavy-duty canvas with webbing-reinforced pockets
- STORAGE OPTIONS - 2 large main pockets, 1 screwdriver-sized webbing tool loop, 1 plier-type pocket and 2 smaller tool loop-type pockets
- INCLUDED BELT - Webbing belt with durable, high-impact plastic buckle
- CUSTOM FIT ADJUSTABLE - Adjustable length fits waists from 32 to 52 inches
Features
Dickies offers much more than high-quality work clothing. This is a small, five-pocket tool belt made of durable canvas that has been reinforced with nylon webbing. It is attached to a nylon belt with a plastic buckle that accommodates waist sizes from 32 to 52 inches.
Warranty
Dickies offers a one-year limited warranty on this handy, durable tool belt.
- Hand-Specific Tool Holders Promote Maximum Working Rhythm on the Job
- Function Engineered for the Modern Electrician
- No Spill Tool Holder System
- Made in USA
Features
The Occidental Leather electrician’s set has a main bag plus an upper bag that can sit within the main tool bag. It features a no-spill tool holder system and adaptability for lefthanded users. This set weighs 5.2 pounds, and buyers can select different sizes according to their needs.
Warranty
We found no information about this product’s warranty readily available online, so you may wish to verify any coverage or return policies before making your purchase.
- DURABLE TOOL BAG: This tool bag is made with heavy duty suede leather for added durability.
- 3 POCKETS: This tool bag features two main nail and tool pockets, one smaller pocket fits pliers, pencils, nail sets, etc.
- DURABLE TOOL BELT: 2" poly web tool belt with quick release buckle
- HAMMER LOOP: This heavy duty tool bag and belt has a leather side loop for hammer or combination square holder and clip for a tape measure
- TOOL BELT SIZE: Fits 29 to 46" Waist
Features
This is an interesting combination of a suede tool bag with a nylon-webbing belt. It has three pockets, and the belt has a quick-release buckle. There is an attached leather side loop ideal for carrying a hammer. This tool belt fits waist sizes between about 29 and 46 inches.
Warranty
CLC products are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
- Carhartt 11 Pocket Padded Tool Belt. The Tool Belt keeps your must have items organized and close at hand. Duravax corners protect where you need it most
- 1200 denier polyester with Rain Defender durable water repellent and Duravax abrasion-resistant corners on tool pouches
- Tool belt features nine pockets and six loops with two removable pockets, metal hammer hook, metal tape measure holder and two loops for hanging belt when not in use
- Padded/contoured waist belt fits up to 52-inch waist
- Tool Belt Dimensions: 55” X 11.5”
Features
This tool belt features famous, instantly recognizable brown 100% polyester used by Carhartt in various high-durability products. The fabric is rain-resistant and all edges are reinforced. This belt features nine pockets, six loops, and twp removable pockets. It accommodates waist sizes up to 42 inches and weighs in at about 2 pounds.
Warranty
We encourage you to research this factor further, as we found no information regarding the warranty on this product readily available to us.
- Keep your tools and accessories around your waist to keep your hands free when working
- 12 functional holsters/pockets for items such as hammers, measuring tape, screwdrivers, and more
- Belt strap is just under 2 inches in height
- Durable belt construction
- 1-Year Warranty
Features
This TR Industrial belt features 12 variably sized holsters and pockets for tools. The webbed nylon belt is just under 2 inches in width. It weighs 1.4 pounds and is highly customizable.
Warranty
This belt from TR Industrial comes with a one-year warranty.
Our Insights & Verdict
Before we announce the winner of our search for the best DIY-capable tool belts, we want to share what we didn’t like in some widely available products on the market. First, although we understand that suspenders are designed to shift a portion of the burden of the weight of the tools off of the hips and onto the shoulders, our reviewers and those we consulted did not favor having additional attachments to put on, adjust, and trap body heat as the day goes on.
Image via: Pexels
Tool belts designed for framing and roofing have their place, and those in our selection of tool belts to be reviewed certainly will serve those purposes well. We felt, however, that the best tool belt overall must offer options for toting a wider variety of tools around with ease.
As a result, we ultimately had to split the winning trophy in two (figuratively speaking). As mentioned above, the best tool belt needs to be matched to the job. For those jobs that require multiple tools, any casual or professional user should have plenty of pockets, pouches, clips, taped chains, loops, and the like. Further, carrying around a decent selection of tools is going to require a belt made of heavy-duty material, but the belt itself should not add excessive weight.
Our Top Choice for Bigger Jobs
Our winner in the “best tool belt for big jobs” category is the Occidental Leather 5590 LG Commercial Electrician’s Set. We liked the tool holders and a clever configuration that prevents tools from falling out. If it can accommodate the modern electrician, then it’s good enough for our large jobs. With 37 pockets and tool holders, we can take all the tools we think we absolutely must have for any job in this generous holder.
No matter what tools you use every day, this Occidental product likely has a pocket and a pouch for each key item. If the job requires a lot of tools on a daily basis, then you are probably carrying a considerable amount of weight. The Occidental belt comes in six different sizes, and the model we evaluated weighs about 5.2 pounds. This beauty is made of leather, but it isn’t so heavy that it adds any noticeable add any additional burden for the wearer. The stitching is heavy-duty, but it is single stitching. Elements are reinforced with steel rivets, and the buckle here is durable.
Since this winner is in the large job category, then there must be an allowance for a bit of weight. We feel that the trade-off between stylishness and practicality here is a sound, balanced one. The only minor concern we hold is that this belt is pricey relative to others. All in all, this worthy entry on our list of the best tool belts is our big winner for both its practicality and stylish appearance. Once again, the best tool belt is a customizable tool belt, and this Occidental Leather product fits that bill.
Our Top Choice for Smaller, Quicker Jobs
Our winner in the “best tool belt for little jobs” category is the DeWalt DG5103 Maintenance and Electrician’s Pouch. This one is cut just right, in our view, with its large main pocket and smaller front pockets that allow for multiple, diverse storage options. There are loops to hang keys and tape. It has a clip, or a belt can be slid through the belt fold in the back.
Those that frequently perform smaller repair and touchup jobs generally require just enough space to accommodate the tools they use every day and no more. Why carry more than you have to? Of course, it is also good to realize that DeWalt has been around for a long time and this company makes many other quality products, both industrial ones and consumer-level items.
That quality extends to this tool belt. It’s made of heavy-duty nylon with a combination of single and double stitching. The pockets are reinforced with extra heavy-duty thread, and the materials used are light and breathable.
Our reviewers found this small tool belt sleek yet conservative in its color and appearance. The best tool belt is a practical tool belt, of course, and this one is very practical. It also is the right price, earning a rating of “$” vs. others that we had to identify as “$$$.”
This tool belt is also customizable. The pouch can be worn to the right, to the left, at the rear, or in front. Because this is actually a tool pouch, it is the epitome of customization.
Finding the Best Attire for Each Job Starts with Your Tool Belt
An uneducated tool belt buying decision is no tragedy, but you may, at the least, be stuck with going through the refund procedure if you choose a tool belt that doesn’t work for you and you realize it right away. If you choose a tool belt that is going to slow you down and weigh you down, then most likely you are not going to use it regularly. If you use a tool belt that causes you pain and discomfort or otherwise doesn’t fit correctly, then you are adding to the wear and tear of your own body that most likely needs to serve you for many decades yet to come.
Two common alternatives to wearing a tool belt are the use of tool bags and toolboxes instead. The greatest problem we see with those options is that the tools are not readily at hand. Workers who use bags and boxes only are prone to wasting time searching for and retrieving specific items. With a good tool belt, you maximize your time and energy, and you won’t frustrate co-workers by cluttering up their workspaces.
Choosing the best tool belt should involve a straightforward, yet multi-step process that everyone can use before shopping in an online world filled with endless choices or investing the time to drive to a brick-and-mortar store location. Always remember, the best tool belt is the tool belt that meets your needs and makes you want to strap it on to ease your burden when challenging jobs arise.
Last update on 2023-06-09 at 12:34 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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