Mark Greene
Carpenters work with a lot of tools at any given time. These tools should be easily accessible especially when working away from the workshop. The traditional tool box is just too cumbersome and heavy to carry everywhere. This is why smart carpenters go for tool belts; and not just any tool belts but the best tool belts the market has to offer.
We took the liberty of reviewing a wide variety of tool belts and came up with several outstanding ones. Here is a review of some of the best tool belts of 2020
The Best Tool Belt
1. Our Pick: Occidental Leather 9855
BEST CHOICE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Made with premium leather
- Comes with multiple tool pockets
- Easy to use with suspenders
PROS
- Durable owing to leather construction
- Deep industrial-grade nylon pockets reinforced with leather
- Comfortable and adjustable for small and large waist sizes
- Open pockets for easy and quick access of tools
- Multiple tool holders to hold all types of tools
CONS
- Expensive
DETAILS
The Occidental Leather 9855 is the ultimate tool belt and a favorite among carpenters. It is built for heavy-duty use and convenience.
Key Features
- Built with Leather
This tool belt is made using fine authentic leather in most parts. The leather is not only strong to ensure durability and heavy-duty use but also comfortable enough to wear all day long. However, the fine leather also comes with a bigger-than-average price tag, but it is worth the years of service guaranteed.
- 10-Inch Industrial-Type Nylon Bags
The pockets of this tool belt are built using industrial-grade nylon bags. This means that they will not tear or wear even when burdened with rough and sharp tools such as bolts and nails – they are even reinforced with leather at the bottom to ensure that they never tear. They are also wide and deep enough to hold many tools – 10 inches deep and 10 inches wide to be precise.
- Multiple Tool Holders
This tool belt will hold all the tools you need to get your job done. It has a hammer holder positioned just at the back for easy and quick access. It is also lined all-round with multiple tool holders designed to hold all the common carpentry tools and more.
- Flat Lip Design
The pockets of this tool belt stay open thanks to the flat lip design to ensure easy and quick access to all tools when working.
- Adjust-to-Fit
This tool belt is designed people with waist sizes ranging from 32 to 44 inches. This is made possible by its adjust-to-fit design – all you need to do to make it fit is adjust the belt to your liking. As such, it is a tool belt for all carpenters, slim and plump, young and old.
- Pre-Installed D-Rings
Tool belts can be tiresome to wear all day especially for people already suffering from back problems. With this in mind, this tool belt comes with pre-installed D-rings that enable you to wear and attach suspenders that lessen the strain on your back and waist, thus making it even more comfortable to wear all day long.
2. Premium Pick: Magnogrip 203-017
2. Premium Pick: Magnogrip 203-017
PREMIUM PICK
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- It is affordable
- It’s quality is great considering the price
PROS
- Great quality for its price
- 12 pockets that remain open when working
- Multiple tool holders
- Magnetic nail holder
CONS
- It comes with only one size, so it is not suitable for everyone
- It doesn’t come with pre-installed rings for suspenders
DETAILS
The Magnogrip 203-017 is affordable (some would even say cheap) for its quality. It is designed to hold all the tools you would need, and the tools are easy and quick to access. Overall it is a very convenient tool belt thanks to its variety of features.
Key Features
- Durable Material
This tool belt is made using industrial-grade polyester that is capable of withstanding all the rough elements associated with carpentry. The grade 1680-D polyester is also double-folded for added strength and durability. Additionally, all stress points are secured using rivets to ensure that the belt stays intact and serves you for a long time.
- 12 Pockets
There are 12 pockets on this tool belt and multiple tool holders including one for your hammer. Each pocket is designed to hold a particular category of tools and some are multipurpose. As such, you can carry all your tools with you with ease wherever you go.
- Open-Pocket Design
The pockets on this tool belt remain open, making it easy for you to access any tool you need. They are also deep so you don’t have to worry about losing any of your tools when working.
- Magnetic Nail Holder
You don’t have to worry about digging around for nails and screws with this tool belt as it comes with a magnetic nail holder. However, you may want to keep away from metal slivers and shavings.
3. Best Value: Gatorback B145
BEST VALUE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Great for back support
PROS
- Made of durable materials
- Comes with many multi-purpose pockets and tool holders
- Fits everyone with an average waist size
- Comes with a back support leather belt for those suffering from back pain
- Features breathable padding that prevents sweating and itching
- Affordable for its quality
CONS
- Does not feature pre-installed rings for suspenders
DETAILS
The Gatorback B145 is designed to offer maximum comfort and convenience. It is arguably the most comfortable tool belt in the market today. All its features come together to make carpentry easy and convenient.
Key Features
- Durable Construction
The Gatorback B145 is designed to serve for years thanks to its all-round durable construction. It is made using premium leather in most places, and where leather lacks it is replaced by equally strong and durable materials. The pockets and other stress points are also bar-tacked and reinforced with rivets for added durability.
- Multi-Purpose Pockets
This tool belt comes with a pocket for each category of tools. One of the pouches holds seven multi-purpose pockets. There is also a single pouch and a tool pouch. Additionally, there is a hammer holster and tape clip. The pockets and tool holders are also strategically located and remain open all the time to make it easy to access to tools you need to get the job done. Generally this tool belt is equipped to carry everything you need to do your work.
- Ventilated Padding
This tool belt is reinforced all-round by soft foam and ventilated padding. This not only feels soft around your waist but also decreases chances of sweating and itching, both of which tend to distract carpenters and result of poor craftsmanship. The tool belt is so comfortable that you can wear it all day.
- Back Support Leather Belt
You don’t have to worry about fatigue or back pain thanks to the support leather belt on this tool belt. The belt is soft and comfortable. It is designed for strategic placing so that the tool belt’s weight is distributed all-round to prevent exerting too much pressure on the back.
This tool belt can also be customized to add rings that will attach to suspenders for those seeking greater comfort.
- Average Sizing
This tool belt doesn’t have any particular size. Instead, it is designed for average waist sizes and will fit most people. It is also possible to adjust the size for carpenters with larger-than-average waist sizes.
- Carrying Handles
When you are not wearing this tool belt you can easily carry it by the carrying handles for easy and quick movement to and from work.
4. Bucket Boss 85035
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- It is affordable
- It offers comfort and convenience
- It is moderately durable
PROS
- Durable construction using industrial-grade polyester
- Comes with large multipurpose pockets with smaller single-purpose pockets
- It fits everyone with the average waist size range
- Comes with load bear suspension that makes it easy and comfortable to wear all day
CONS
- Its waist size is limited
DETAILS
The Bucket Boss 85035 is also a popular tool belt for a variety of reasons. For a tool belt at its price range, the Bucket Boss 85035 offers excellent quality and makes your work easy.
Key Features
- Durable Construction
This tool belt is built using industrial-grade polyester material, which is double-layered to provide even more strength. The material is capable of withstanding the weight and corrosion of rough tools and will remain rigid for a long time. Stress points are also reinforced using rivets to ensure that no part tears.
- Multi-Purpose Pockets
There are two large pockets on this tool belt. Both pockets are wide and deep and designed for multipurpose use, so you can store any tools you wish. Both pockets are also lined with several smaller pockets that you can use to store smaller tools.
There are also several tool holders lined all-round the tool belt. However, you should know that this tool belt does not contain a tape holder.
- Load Bear Stretch Suspension
You can wear this belt all day without worrying about excess fatigue or back pains thanks to the load bear stretch suspension. The belt fits snugly around the waist and the weight is distributed so that your back doesn’t come under strain. You can also attach suspenders and let your shoulders do the lifting.
- Velcro Adjustment
Both of the large pockets on this tool belt are fitted with Velcro adjustment mechanism, but they remain open all the time so that it is easy to get your tools when working. The tool belt itself is also adjustable, but it is designed for people with the average waist size range. It fits people with sizes 44’’ to 52’’, so anyone below or above this range may need to look elsewhere.
5. TradeGear Tool Belt & Bag Combo
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Durable construction
- Ample storage space
- Complementary tool bag
PROS
- The belt is padded with high-density memory foam for comfort
- The foam padding is breathable to prevent sweating and itching
- There are plenty of pockets to store all your tools and accessories
- Weight is distributed and the back is contoured for greater support
CONS
- Sizes are limited
DETAILS
TradeGear brings you not only an ideal tool belt but also a bag to go with it. Both the belt and bag are designed for convenience. The tool belt is made of durable and comfortable material and comes with all the features you would need for a flawless day at work.
Key Features
- Durable Construction
This tool belt is made of 1250 Dura-Tek fabric. This is a flexible yet tough and durable material that can withstand all the rough elements of carpentry tools. It is further reinforced by an inner core of nylon webbing, and all the pockets and stress points are reinforced with rivets to prevent tears and detachments.
- High-Density Foam Padding
Beneath the Dura-Tek fabric is memory foam padding designed to bring comfort to the wearer. The padding makes the belt feel gentle on the waist and prevents excess pressure especially when carrying heavy tools. The padding is also breathable to prevent sweating and itching for even greater comfort.
- Contoured Back Support
This belt is excellent for carpenters suffering from back pain and other related complications as it is designed for maximum comfort. The back side is contoured and padded to align it well with your back and waist. This helps to distribute the weight and relieve pressure that would bring back pains and excess fatigue. You should also know that it is possible to add rings to attack suspenders for even greater relief from fatigue and back pain.
- Enough Pouches and Pockets
You will not run out of space when working with this tool belt. Besides the belt, the bag is large enough to carry everything you need for your work. The belt has two main pouches that are large enough to hold a variety of tools. It is also lined with 15 more pockets that will hold everything you need to get your work done. Additionally, these pockets are designed to stay open all the time so that it is easy and quick to reach your tools when working.
In addition to the numerous pockets, this tool belt also comes with a hammer loop and two slots that you can use to hold common tools and appliances.
6. DEWALT DG5372 Combo Belt & Apron
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- It looks stylish and professional
- It makes working easy
PROS
- Strong and durable construction using suede leather
- Plenty of space to host all the tools you need
- Ergonomic design to distribute weight for comfort
- Adjustable waist to fit everyone
- Easy to carry around
CONS
- The suede leather tends to crack over time if not kept well
DETAILS
The DEWALT DG5372 is both a tool belt and an apron for professional carpenters. It not only looks good but also offers great convenience thanks to its wide range of features ranging from durability to ergonomic design.
Key Features
- Suede Leather Build
This tool belt is made using premium suede leather. The leather is strong enough to withstand all kinds of strain, and the suede makes it look good and adds to the professional appeal. The leather is also reinforced with inner layers of durable fabric for greater durability. The pockets are also fastened using rivets to ensure that they do not give way to the weight of heavy tools and accessories.
- Multi-Purpose Pockets
This tool belt provides all the space you need for all your tools and more! It is lined with 5 main pockets that are multipurpose, meaning that they can hold any tool you may need. In addition to the 5 main pockets there are also 7 smaller pockets that are designed to hold smaller items such as bolts. That’s not all; there is also a dual-gusset pocket in the front that is both big and strong enough to hold heavy tools and accessories.
These pockets are easy to reach and access albeit they do not always stay open as is the case with most other tool belts on this list.
- Dual Tongue Buckle
This tool belt is capable of withstanding heavy loads thanks to its 2-inches wide dual-tongue buckle. The buckle ensures that the belt is fastened securely and prevents movements when working and moving around. It is also comfortable.
- Adjustable Waist
Anyone can wear this belt thanks to its flexible and adjustable waist. It is designed for waist sizes ranging from 29 inches to 46 inches.
- Patented Handles
You can carry this tool belt everywhere with you with ease thanks to its patented handles. The handles are designed to distribute the weight and ensure stability for easy movement. They can also be modified to attach to suspenders to aid with back pain and excess fatigue, thus enabling you to wear it for extended periods of time.
Tool Belt Buying Guide
Carpenters’ tool belts come in a variety of designs, sizes, and capacities. They are all designed for the same purpose, but they often have certain significant differences. As such, it takes a keen eye to pick out the ideal belt for your needs. You may think that you know what you need, but you will be confused by the numerous varieties of tool belts selling online.
This buying guide should help you pick out just the right one for you. Just look out for the following factors:
- Construction Material
The material used to make a tool belt determines its quality and durability. The best material in terms of quality and durability is leather. Leather is difficult to tear and will retain its good looks for a long time as long as it is maintained well. However, leather is expensive and not everyone can afford it.
If you cannot afford a leather tool belt, consider one made of polyester. The polyester should be industrial-grade to ensure that it is touch and durable. It should also be reinforced in stress points with leather and rivets. Some leather belts also utilize other materials such as ordinary polyester, but they do not guarantee durability.
At the end of the day ensure that the material used is durable and strong enough to withstand all the harsh elements of carpentry.
- Size & Carrying Capacity
Tool belts come in a variety of sizes. Ideally, your tool belt should be capable of carrying everything you need to get your work done. However, this does not imply that you should go for the biggest tool belt in the list. The tool belt you choose should not be so big that it inhibits free movement. Additionally, while there are some tool belts capable of carrying a lot of tools, you should consider your limitations – there is only so much weight you can carry around with you when working.
Go for a tool belt with a carrying capacity for the tools you need just at the moment you are working. If the tools cannot all fit into the belt then consider carrying along an extra bag or tool box – just don’t let the size and weight get in your way.
- Pockets and Tool Holders
Besides the construction materials, the number and types of pockets and tool holders on a tool belt determine its usefulness. Essentially a tool belt should have enough pockets to hold all the tools you need. Some of these pockets should be multipurpose while others should be designed for specific tools. The pockets should also be easy to access – it is not only irritating but also cumbersome and time-wasting to have to open your tool belt’s pockets every time you need to get a tool or accessory. As such, go for a tool belt with an open-pocket design.
In addition to the pockets the tool belt should also have holders where you can hang common tools such as your hammer and tape. A tool belt with extra holders such as magnetic nail strips is better as it will make your work easier.
- Comfort
A tool belt will make your work easier, but even it will tire you at some point. As such, one question you should ask yourself before settling for one is, “Can I wear this tool belt all day?” If the answer is ‘no’ then it probably isn’t the ideal tool belt for you, especially if you are a professional carpenter and often gets called out on remote jobs for long hours. Some tool belts are more comfortable than most. Comfort depends on a variety of features and accessories.
One of the essential features to look for (for your comfort) in a tool belt is a set of D-rings or hoops on which you can attach suspenders. Suspenders enable you to shift the tool belt’s weight from your waist to your shoulders as they are more capable of handling the weight and pressure for longer periods. If the tool belt you desire does not come with pre-installed rings check whether it can be modified or customized to attach suspenders.
The material used to make the tool belt also determines its comfort. A layer of foam padding goes a long way in boosting comfort. For starters, foam padding relieves the pressure around your waist and prevents fatigue and back pain. Breathable foam padding also regulates air around your waist and prevents sweating – as professional carpenters know all too well, a tool belt that causes sweating also causes itching and at some point becomes unbearable to wear.
The overall design of the tool belt is also important. Some tool belts feature ergonomic design that lines well with the contours along your back. This design helps to distribute weight and pressure so that you do not fatigue quickly or suffer from back pain.
- Warranty
Every tool belt brand markets itself as the best. Manufacturers make a lot of promises. However, not all tool belts live up to expectations.
The only way to be sure that the tool belt you buy will not disappoint in the future is to have a guaranteed warranty. The warranty should also be for a considerable period of time – a warranty that it viable for only two weeks does not inspire much confidence, but one that is good for months or an year will put your mind at ease. However, warranty comes with certain limitations, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions.
- Price
Prices of tool belts vary from tens to hundreds of dollars. Ultimately the price depends on the quality – you get what you pay for, so do not expect a cheap tool belt to offer much service.
At the end of the day the price you are willing to pay for your desired tool belt will depend on your financial capabilities. However, if you are a professional carpenter and will be using your tool belt often then go ahead and invest in quality. In this case you will save yourself a lot of time and trouble in the long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many pockets should a tool belt have?
A: Most tool belts have an average of 10 – 12 pockets. These are sufficient for the tools and accessories you need to carry with you. However, some tool belts come with more or less pockets, so your options are not limited.
Q: Which is the best material for a tool belt?
A: The best tool belts are made of leather. Leather is hardy and capable of withstanding the weight, pressure, and other elements of carpentry. However, certain other materials such as high-grade polyester are also strong and durable albeit not as much as leather – they are also cheaper than leather.
Q: Besides a tool belt, what other apparels do carpenters need to work?
A: A tool belt is just one of the basic apparels carpenters work with. They also need aprons both for their protection and professional appearance. In some cases they also need protective eyewear and helmets to protect them from wood splinters and other dangers at the workplace.
Q: How much should I pay for a tool belt?
A: A tool belt is an investment. The perfect tool belt will not only make your work easier but also boost your performance, which will in turn enable you get more work done and make more money. As such, there is no price that is too high to pay for a tool belt as long as you know what you are doing.
However, there is an acceptable price range for tool belts. For instance, high-quality leather tool belts go for about $200-$300. Some are simply over-priced but others are worth it, so check to see that the quoted price correlates with the quality offered.
