Carpenter belt recommendations?

[thedutchtouch]

I've been using a handed down old leather belt for some time, and it's been great but is wearing out. The ones sold at the big box stores feel pretty cheap/flimsy, anyone have recommendations for a brand name or belt? I'm not a full time contractor/carpenter so hoping to find d one in the sub 100 dollar range, though I gather the ones that are 250 and up would be of better quality.

I am left handed so like belts with a movable or dual hammer slings.

[chips ahoy]

Check this number on Lee Valley site. 67K75.20,it has left and right hammer loops.

Mel

[Bill Wilson]

Don't have any recommendations, but just a story about a carpenter belt.  42 years ago, when I was 15, my Mom bought both me and my Dad leather carpenter belts for Christmas.  Dad worked in the trades most of his life and always used those cotton nail bags that lumber yards gave away for free.  Dad wore that belt practically everyday for over 20 years.  He kept patching it and replaced the belt a couple times.  I worked in construction for a few years before changing career paths., but I was always proud of that tool belt because not many guys I worked with in those days wore a leather one.   I still have mine.  It wasn't used as hard for as long, so it's in a little better shape than Dad's.  When Dad passed away, the one thing of his that I wanted most was his tool belt.  It's hanging in my shop, next to mine.  It serves as a reminder of what kind of guy my Dad was and even though he passed away over 13 years ago, it still chokes me up a little sometimes, when I look at it.

[Lynden]

I have a leather tool belt which I haven't used for 30+ years. It's too big and too heavy, and I kept banging it on door jambs, wall and cabinet corners, etc. I now use an older-model Bucket Boss nylon tool belt which is similar to these.

https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-Boss-50200...B00GK4TZ2E (there is a used one for $20)

https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-Boss-50250...B00GK4TYPW

I've pop riveted the bags to the belt so they don't slide out of place. The belt buckle is in the front. I also use a tool apron for small jobs.

https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-Boss-80100...B00GK4U1ZY

[thedutchtouch]

well, apparently the in-laws were alerted to my quest, since i have a birthday coming up.. so i guess i'll be using whatever they get me. the old belt i used spent part of the time on me, but also spent a good amount of time being "worn" by an 8' ladder. Easier than bending down and grabbing stuff off the floor, and I never really needed to fold the ladder to move it, just slid it from one end of the job to another, so it worked well.

[Cecil]

Do you want to hold tools or nails?  I like the idea of a tool vest better than a carpenter belt.  Here is one (Homemade though).  I see a couple of folks, like Deluth Trading, make tool vests.  One could easily add a couple of nail pouches beneath the tool vest.  I am still using my old leather carpenter belt though.




I did buy a polyester belt from the BORG (Belt only).  I then picked up a hook for the driver or nail gun from Amazon.  The hook swings out of the way.

I added a Graintex H1060 Swivel Snap Hammer Holder and good leather tape pouch (Also Amazon).  I added a couple polyester tool holder pouches from the BORG.  I am happy with the hook, hammer holder and tape holder.  The polyester bags could be a bit larger, but they are OK.

I don't drive loose nails much any more, so I don't use the carpenter bag much.  I use the described setup a lot now.  I will likely try a vest sometime in the future.

I really, really like the swing away hook!  I locks in place when needed, and swings away to avoid getting caught on things when not in use.

[crokett™]

My tool belt got much more comfortable after I added over the shoulder straps, similar to the vest. If I have it really loaded down, it can weigh 20 lbs or so.

[daddo]

I just have a couple of those cloth pouch things. They are covered in paint, tar, dirt and unknown substances that look dead. If needed I wear them both at the same time. The hammer just slips in between the strap and hip.
Hey, you can't beat freebies.

[goaliedad]

I use and like a canvas belt I got at Menards several years ago. Suspenders were a great addition two big pouches, with smaller ones on the outside of those. Nice wide web belt

[tomsteve]

occidental makes quality belts,imo.
http://www.occidentaltoolpouch.com/main.sc


personally i bought CLC pouches when i started framing back in '95.
https://goclc.com/products/Work-Gear-Car...ches/I923X

had to replace 1 of them once as it just wore out.
those and an aux hammer holder to hang my hammer at the crack of my butt.i found it much nicer than at my left where my hammer would jamb me when i had to crouch down/bend at the knees.
however, if i was getting into framing/carpentry today, i think id be lookin at something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DG5641-19-...B001P30BU0
the lighter the better and also suspended

suspenders are a good suggestion if a belt is going to be on for lengths of time. i think lack of suspenders is one reason my hips and knees are wore out.