Tool belt

[Scott K]

What is a good tool belt for a beginner, just getting into construction (framing houses)? It will be a gift to him, I dont want it to be a cheap one, but I also dont want top of the line, since he is just getting into construction, and may not stay with it. Also, where would I find it?

Another question, is this something that one could pick out for him? Or is it best to have him pick out his own? Sorry, I know nothing about tool belts.

Thanks!

[K_Josh87]

I have been through many... the cheapies last about 1 season... for a bit more money you can get a better one that will last a few years...

The one I have currently is probably one of the best working ones I have had, and it is a dewalt belt. I have an added leather needle nose pliers holder (Which hols my catspaw very nicely, and recently added a second hammer loop on the rear to hold tin snips and the like. Whatever you find, make sure it has a slot for a speed square (the triangle shaped square)

Others I have likes have been the build your own type where you buy the heavy belt, and buy the pouches seperatly. I have put some nice leather ones together this way, and actaully those may be a bitmore comfy, and a little nicer working, but everyone I have set up this way usually wears out in a year or two... I am on year three with the dewalt and its in perfect condition yet.

I would maybe look into building a leather belt, its a good way to pick and choose what will work for him, and if he wants to try a different set of pouches he can pick up the pouches and try them.

DO NOT buy a fixed pouch belt, (one where the pouches are rivited to the belt...

Hope it helps, Good luck!

JK

[Scott K]

Where do you buy one? Does Home Depot have them? About how much would a decent cost?

[Gordie]

Another thing is get one that has shoulder straps/suspender style straps

it really helps take the weight off the waist/back and it helps when you have a full belt of tools and pouches full of screw/nails.

My bags are McGuire-Nicholas they are a canvas style material bags.

I also would not get the riveted style either.

Bags can go from 75.00 on the cheap side to 300.00 plus

You get what you pay for.

[Scott K]

Where does one go to buy one? Menards? Home Depot? Sears? Other?

[Gordie]

I got mine at a speacitly store years ago. I'm trying to remember the name but It not coming to me. Home depot carrys them but there are better places with better quality than the big box stores.

Might wanna check out the good ole fashion lumber yards I know they are almost a thing of the past but they usually carry good quaity stuff.

The Big discount lumber yard in Jordan carry's alot of great stuff like this also. Think its called Sewicks not sure of the spelling.

Also online shopping will maybe save you a few bucks too.

[crothmeier]

I have a CLC brand belt that I really like, its the ballistic nylon material. I picked the belt, and then chose from various styles of bags to complete mine. i dont use it everyday, mainly side stuff ehre and there but its 6 years old and still in good shape.

Ive heard really good things about the dewalt belts.

[CAMAN]

Ive heard really good things about the dewalt belts.

Yup, but their suspenders leave something else to be desired. Who uses velcro to hold up a 50+ lb tool belt? Seriously!!

[K_Josh87]

yes, mine did not come with suspenders, and if they did i wouldn't where them anyways... But the hired guy went and bought a pair with the suspenders, and he had to do something to the Velcro ( think he taped or glued it) to get them to stay up... I picked mine up at a lumber yard one day on a contractor appreciation day and received 50% off, and I think I still paid 70 bucks for them.... Big box store have them, and may be a decent choice for a first set... if he doesn't like the configuration of the bags he can pick up another one cheap enough... if he's framing daily he'll probably where them out in a year, but he'll know better what he wants when he gets a nice set...

[311Hemi]

My dad just picked up a new belt at Home Depot, Rigid brand. Looked like a pretty nice setup. Removable bags, suspenders, etc.

[muchowja]

I have heard good things about the Dewalts but personally I Have a set of Occidental Leather bags that have lasted me for 8 years now and I wear them every day. They look like they will probably go for another 5-10. I have the leather ones but if I were to do it again I think I would buy the Oxy Lites. They are made with cordura nylon and leather and I Know guys who have had theirs for 10 years. They are spendy @ $250 for a set but I have seen guys pay $50-70 for bags and have to buy new ones every year. You can pick up the Occidentals at the Tool Crib.

[cavalierowner]

Several years ago my wife gave me a tool belt that is some kind of nylon that is very rigid to replace an old leather belt I had. I HATE the nylon; it's stiff and sticks out way too far and is always getting in the way. The only reason I wear it is because my wife gave it to me for Christmas. I would suggest that you give the person a gift certificate so he can get what he likes. To me a tool belt is very much a personal preference thing.

BTW, I sure wish tool belts weren't so expensive. The cost of a new one is the that keeps me from "losing" mine, but that may change one day!

[Scott K]

I am a mechanic, and I know all about the cost of tools. I wish all I had to have was a tool belt, and a couple tools to put in it. I would have to guess I have close to 80-100k in tools.

[cavalierowner]

I am a mechanic, and I know all about the cost of tools. I wish all I had to have was a tool belt, and a couple tools to put in it. I would have to guess I have close to 80-100k in tools.

LOL!! So you guys who do construction for a living, how much do you have invested in a toolbelt and a couple tools to put in it? All I do is remodeling for a hobby and I must have in the range of $30 to $40k in tools. But then I've always bought top of the line tools and I've saved many times that amount by doing things myself over the years.

[K_Josh87]

I don't really matter what is is that you do, it all costs a heck of a lot of money... I started my own business over three years ago... I have about 30-40k in "small" tools, a 25K truck, 7k tool trailer, and a 10k dump trailer... I have been able to get by on swapping use of my dump trailer and what have you for the use of a lull when needed... so I have not had to bear that 30k+ expense yet... I also get by storing everything at my parents yet because the work out there is not very plentiful these days to afford my own place and a building to store it all in... BUT, the last thing I would complain about myself is the expense of the equipment and tools, its the cost of doing business in this state, the costs of hiring employees, the costs of maintaining licensing requirements, classes, and all the "certifications" they keep dreaming up for us to have to deal with... If Alls I had to worry about was my tools and equipment it would be easy! I give props to ANYONE out there running there own business doing there best to make a living for themselves, and possibly trying to keep a couple other people off of unemployment...

Keep this In mind when you need anything done... 9 times out of ten, your local small guys are a heck of a lot more appreciative of your business and will do a lot more for you once they know you are a GOOD customer.

Good luck all fellow small business owners

JK