For a very long time, tool belts have been helping handymen to comfortably carry around their tools while working.
But there are so many kinds of tool belts in the stores. When getting one, you should first consider the type of work and the tools that you will need to carry around.
It is also good to know that these belts are also available in different designs as developed by various brands. Usually, they vary in size, the number of pockets, and the position on which the pockets are placed when the tool belt is worn.
It is important to know that tool belts were invented for our safety and to also increase efficiency. Therefore, if you have a tool belt that does not offer the two benefits then you should consider getting one that does.
You don’t want to end up with back pains or taking too long to finish a simple task simply because your tool belt is not efficient.
Top 7 Tool Belts Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | # of Pockets | Size | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. R Dawg Suede Leather Tool Bag with Adjustable Waist Strap Tool Belt | 11 | 32-45 inches | 4.5 |
 | 2. TradeGear PART#SZA Heavy Duty Electricians Tool Belt | 27 | 26-40 inches | 4.4 |
 | 3. STRONGLAD Single Side Brown Oil Tanned Leather Tool Belt | 5 | 29-46 inches | 4.5 |
 | 4. LAUTUS Oiled Tanned Rig Tool Belt | 18 | 30-56 inches | 4.2 |
 | 5. Fifth & Rugged Leather Tool Belt | 5 | 30-45 inches | 4.1 |
 | 6. CLC Custom Leathercraft I427X Heavy Duty Contractor-Grade Suede | 12 | 29-46 inches | 4.5 |
 | 7. LAUTUS 5 Pocket Oil Tanned Leather Tool Belt | 5 | 30-46 inches | 4 |
Features to Look For in a Tool Belt
As already stated, there are different kinds of tool belts that you will find in stores all over the world. Usually, these belts are designed to suit specific roles.
For example, a tool belt designed for carpenters may not be the same as one designed for an electrician. When looking for a tool belt to buy, you may need to consider the following features.
This is regardless of what you will be using your tool belt for.
Size
Tool belt sizes range from small belts with few compartments to big ones that can hold almost every kind of tool. If you are a professional handyman, you will probably need a big tool belt since you are expected to carry around many tools.
The smaller tool belts are normally ideal for use at home where you can keep a few necessary tools for whatever you need them for.
When considering size, you should also think about the number of belts or compartments that are available.
Design
Because tool belts are available in different designs, you will want to consider one that is perfect for the kind of work that you need it for.
For example, if you expect to carry around heavy tools all day long, a tool belt that offers extra support will be ideal. That is because it will prevent you from supporting a lot of weight which can cause pain that can be a real problem in the long run.
That is why there are tool belts that are designed with straps like suspenders. There are also tool belts that have hooks for installing suspenders.
Material
Because tool belts are massively produced across the globe, they are available in different materials ranging from leather, nylon, poly to synthetic materials.
Understand that the material used to make a tool belt has a lot to do with its quality and durability. For example, leather is one of the strongest materials for tool belts while poly is not so strong.
Therefore, considering why you need a tool belt, you should make sure that you select the right material so that the tool belt can serve you long enough.
Top 3 Best Tool Belt Reviews
Although there are plenty of good tool belts out there, we have brought the top 3 into focus. We selected these tool belts with respect to the buyer’s choice.
This, however, does not mean that any other tool belt that is missing from our list is less efficient.
1. R Dawg Suede Leather Tool Bag with Adjustable Waist Strap Tool Belt
The R Dawg Suede Leather Tool Bag with Adjustable Waist Strap Tool Belt is perhaps one of the biggest tool belts in the market having about 11 compartments.
It is ideal for heavy-duty work and because it is made from heavy-duty leather, it is the kind of tool belt that will be around for a long time with the proper care. It has an adjustable strap therefore ideal for all body sizes.
2. TradeGear PART#SZA Heavy Duty Electricians Tool Belt
Trade Gear PART#SZA Electrician’s Belt & Belt Combo
Specially designed for electricians, the TradeGear PART#SZA Heavy Duty Electricians Tool Belt can work for other kinds of handy jobs as well. It is durable and ideal for heavy-duty work since it is made from 600D quality nylon.
Holding a total of 27 pockets plus 2 extra heavy-duty belts, this is the kind of tool belt that will allow you to carry as many tools as you need.
In addition to its numerous pockets, the Trade Gear PART#SZA is also equipped with 4 suspender attachment hoops for extra support and protection of your back from injury especially when all the pockets are full.
3. STRONGLAD Single Side Brown Oil Tanned Leather Tool Belt
The STRONGLAD Single Side Brown Oil Tanned Leather Tool Belt is one of the smallest tool belts in the market but that does not mean that it is not heavy duty.
Made from high-quality genuine leather, this 5 pocket tool back will serve you for generations. It has a double-pronged adjustable roller buckle, for proper constriction.
One notable feature of this tool belt is leather tan quality that makes it stylish and also gives it a smooth finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Wear a Tool Belt?
A tool belt can be worn in different ways depending on the size and design. For example, a tool belt with double pouches can be worn in the front or the back depending on which position makes the user comfortable.
Some people even prefer wearing the tool belt across their chest area when working provided that it is easier to reach the tools.
Additionally, tool belts are available in various designs to make them suitable for handling a wide variety of tasks.
How Do You Take Care of a Leather Tool Belt?
One of the most important parts of taking care of your leather tool belt is cleaning, which can be done easily using a smooth and wet rag.
You don’t even need to use detergent soap since leather is water-resistant. After a thorough cleaning, you will need to give your tool belt six hours to dry properly.
You can then apply a leather protector and wait for one or two days before you can load up the belt.
Other than that, you will need to keep it safe and protect it from physical damage like contact with sharp objects that can destroy the leather. You should also protect it from severe conditions that can cause it to dry and crack.
What Tools Should be in a Carpenter’s Tool Belt?
Depending on the kind of work at hand, a carpenter’s tool belt can have specific tools. However, any carpenter should have the following in their tool belt regardless of the kind of work they do.
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Nails and screws
- Screwdriver
- Pencil
- Speed square
- Torpedo/magnetic torpedo
- Hex drive
- Pair of grip pliers
- A saw
Are Tool Belts Bad For Your Back?
When it comes to carrying around a tool belt for long hours, there are certain things that you will want to observe. As mentioned, these belts come in different designs and sizes.
If you have to carry a heavily loaded tool belt around the waist without any extra support, you can cause injury to your back.
To avoid this, most professionals faced with the task of carrying a heavy tool belt for long hours use suspenders or tool belts designed with suspenders for extra support.
This reduced the pressure along the lower back hence preventing any kind of injuries. It is also important to ensure that your tool belt is properly fitted to your pants for extra stability.
Can You Put Suspenders on Any Tool Belt?
Unfortunately, not all tool belts are designed to be used with suspenders. This however does not mean that you cannot use a suspender with them.
However, you will need to strap the suspenders directly to your belt. Tool belts that allow one to use suspenders come with clips meant for strapping in the suspenders.
If you intend to use your tool belt for holding heavy tools then you best go for suspenders designed with suspenders. These will be more convenient and safer since you will not have to worry about forgetting your suspenders at home.
How Much Does a Tool Belt Weigh?
A loaded tool belt can weigh anything from 40 pounds onwards depending on what tools are inside. Note that, different professionals use different tools for work hence determining the average weight of a tool belt may not be possible.
However, doctors advise that for tool belts that weigh 50 pounds and above, one should use extra support like suspenders.
That is because the weight is enough to cause back problems more so if you have to carry the tool belt around your waist every day.
What is The Chain For on a Tool Belt?
The chain or thong found on tool belts can have different uses depending on where you are working.
Some people use it to hold tools like tapes, which have enough space in the middle to be supported by the thong. Some people use the chain to hang their tool belts in position.
For example, someone working on the ceiling board from a ladder can hang the tool belt from the roof instead of having to carry it around the waist. It is however safe to say that the thing can come in handy on different occasions depending on one’s creativity.
Do Plumbers Wear Tool Belts?
Yes, they do. Plumbing work requires different tools including some that have been mentioned already. When working on the pipes, plumbers need to be prepared and a tool belt is one of the ways of doing so.
If a plumber has to work without his or her tools around then they can waste a lot of time especially if they have to go back and forth in the name of seeking tools.
Many plumbers use toll boxes although it has its disadvantages with the main one being, it limits mobility and a plumber may have to make several trips back to the toolbox every time.
Do Electricians Wear Tool Belts?
Electricians do wear tool belts because they always need tools for work. Some electricians avoid the cost of owning a tool belt by keeping their tools inside their pockets.
Not only is it hazardous but it also limits the number of tools that one can carry around especially if working on a big project.
Conclusion
If you have done any handy jobs, you already understand the importance of having the right tool from health benefits to efficiency and even preventing hazardous accidents, tool belts will always be a handyman’s best friend.
When buying your preferred tool belt, it is very important to ensure that you get the right product made from the original material.
There are counterfeit products in the market and these are way worse than not having a tool belt at all. That is because they are mostly weak and can snap easily especially when you use them to carry around heavy tools.
It is, therefore, recommended that you find a genuine dealer using sources like this to avoid buying the wrong thing.
