Reader Tim wrote in asking for help choosing a new tool belt for work. He is an electrician and currently wears a Klein 9-pocket tool pouch on his right side, and a 3-pocket utility pouch in his left side.
Usually when I think of tool belt, I think of the large one-size-fits-everything jobs that are designed to carry one or more framing hammers, dozens of nails, screws or other fasteners, and an assortment of tools.
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Most of the tool belts I would ordinarily recommend don’t seem to be well suited for electricians’ needs. Off the top of my head I know that Dewalt makes an Electrician’s Combo Tool Belt (~$70 via Amazon) and that Milwaukee has a few general purpose offerings.
Even if you’re not an electrician, your tool belt recommendations would be most appreciated.
Thanks, Tim, for the great question!
Norm
I’m an electrician, but I don’t use a tool belt.
My particular location doesn’t really call for it.
If I did though, I’ve been tempted by ToughBuilt brand.
I’ve seen them at my local Menards.
I like the innovation where you can take sections of the belt on or off.
As for the brand, I own the bolt cutters. They work just as well as any, and fold up, which is great for storage.
http://toughbuilt.com
http://toughbuilt.com/images/pic04.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/BRrfG.png
http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/200610/?pg=74#pg74
Norm
ToughBuilt Pouches & Tool Belts on Amazon
Stuart
Norm, thanks for the recommendation! Taking a closer look at the ToughBuilt options, wow, I love how they belts can be modular and configured as needed.
James
When I was a low-voltage technician (I know, not a real electrician), I preferred a small pouch for my shears, punchdown tool, and 10-in-1 screwdriver. I kept all the other stuff in an open tool bag that was easy to carry around from room to room as I worked on terminations. All the new guys started off with tool belts, but for that line of work you quickly realize you don’t need all your tools on your person on a day to day basis.
Of course, you might have to worry about tools walking away from you if you keep them in a bag, but it might be a nice option depending on your needs and situation.
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Milwaukee tool Steve
Well I do some electric work and I do some framing work, and interior work. And just bought this AMAZING Milwaukee Contractor Work Belt with Suspension Rig is very durable and the Suspension rig balances the weight when using off balance tools such as nailguns, 18v drills, drywall drills, and others but the price is a little high…
but acme tools has a promo with 20% off select hand tool accessories using promo code SHOCKWAVE
http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/milwaukee-48-22-8120-contractor-work-belt
Chuck
I’m an industrial electrician by trade. I rarely wear a tool belt, but instead carry a tool bag or tool backpack. My newest purchase was this Veto Backpack. It was a little pricey but seems to be built well. So far I’m really happy with it.
https://www.etoolbags.com/shop/veto-tech-pac/
Frank Miller
I’ve been in the industry for so long (www.electricirvine.com), I don’t really specialize in a niche, I just do it all. For big industrial jobs, I usually bring my Veto Pro Tech Pac as well. I can carry enough tools, electrical tape, and other expendables for any unexpected surprise on the job.
If it’s for smaller, residential jobs, it really depends on the situation. Sometimes a simple 4-pocket tool pouch from Klein Tools is more than enough. They are super cheap, I know. My grandson got one for me as a Christmas gift last year, so it’s sentimental.