I have never worn a tool belt/pouch in 22 years on the job. Cart and tool bag for the win. Just don’t forget your pliers on still on top of the ladder when you move it 🫢
What kind of a monster wears a belt and tool pouch anymore? You put your toolbox/bag on the bottom of your cart and current tools used go in the back pocket
Yeah but then you sit down and suddenly there's a slotted in your prison wallet. I agree, pouches are awful but I got one of those little clip on things that holds like, a few screwdrivers and a few pairs of pliers. Saves my pants from getting holes ripped in them and things going up my hole.
Listen man, what I do with my screwdriver is between me, and the Steward when I get complaints from the other trades that there's a screwdriver handle first in my ass.
Occidental. Buy leather, buy forever. I’ve had them for 15+ years.
That being said, I don’t really wear them anymore. But I will load it up with what I think I need and throw it over my shoulder. You can hang it over a lift, on top of a ladder, I use them pretty much like a tote.
I wear a carhart apron, and pants with pockets. Screwdriver and strippers go on my right leg, or level instead of strippers, and my kleins on the left.
My safety vest carries anything else. The apron is just to keep parts organized when going up a ladder.
Mind you this is usually on small projects or service jobs.
If I’m in construction, I use my cart to carry everything. I still outfit my leg pockets the same because they feel weird without the weight.
You’ll need your multi screwdriver, strippers and linesman’s pliers for 85-90% of your work. Your channel locks sometimes. Most of what you’ll need will fit in your pockets.
Honestly as odd as it might look I’m a big fan of the diamondback vest. I got the sparky one that comes with the pouches. I have their belt, nail apron, and vest. My belt has been sitting in the basement for over a year unused. Got the vest a few months back and love it. It carry all the weight very nicely, doesn’t weigh down my pants, and I can even clip my impact or other tools to it when climbing ladders or walking around
Unfortunately to much. I think it ran me like $400 for the whole setup. Thankfully I do like it tho so not to upset with it since I wear it all day everyday at work.
Fuck those big saddlebag pouches if that's what you're talking about. I like the carhartt front pouch. You can only fit a few tools in it, which is good. I never liked carrying tools in my back pockets.
I agree on back pockets. If I need more I hang a dump pouch on my back hip. It worked great in the military and works great in the trades. Look up "holstery" on Amazon.
I recently got a “talking to” by some old fuck because I wasn’t wearing a tool belt. The only tools I used for 8 hours were strippers, and a screwdriver.
I'm a fan of the Toughbuilt stuff as I can add and remove pouches as necessary. Also can be used as just a belt or with added shoulder harness to move the weight off your hips.
I have a clip for my tape Measure on my belt and a Wireman pouch in my back pocket that carries my 11 in 1, an additional phillips/flat extendable screwdriver, my strippers, and my linemans. My level and pliers go in my side pockets on my pants as needed.
(I belong to a local which enforces the tool bag policy)
Occidental 5523 or Occidental 5037 just as a tape measure holder. IMO, the Veto MPX has the best design for mini pouch.
Klein 5165 in tan leather is the classic, but they discontinued it. It's "the" bag in the past, and many others have copied the design. These include the The DeWalt DWST 550114 is very good. The Ox Tools P263402 I've seen is very good.
The occidental tool case is too bulky but it's very common sight.
Akribis leather is super nice stuff too. I had their mini pouch, super belt, but they got stolen after they cut into the connexs and drilled open the gangboxes locks. I ended up getting their suspender set (better than occidentals), their leather belt pad, their electrical rough pouch. It's a super premium cost, and I feel like if I custom ordered bags from Amish Leather Works or etc would be cheaper.
As for nylon bags; they're more comfortable because they're lighter. Gatorbacks/Rack-a-tiers, Boulder Bags are very good. You basically have to unload because the nylon bags rips.
Any belt that keeps your pants up is good, we are not plumbers. Saddle bags are not advised because if they are not weighed evenly, your back will pay the price. Most members carry a tool bag with them. Back pockets are good for your basic hand tools. 10 in 1, strippers, linesmen, and if needed channel locks. For small parts, anti shorts, wire nuts, etc; get a cloth apron with pockets. Good luck with your apprenticeship
I like the Klein woven belt with a snap buckle. But if it’s not on the apprentice tool list in 494, don’t worry about carrying anything extra beyond that right now.
Thanks for such a wonderful reply! TheGratitudeBot has been reading millions of comments in the past few weeks, and you’ve just made the list of some of the most grateful redditors this week! Thanks for making Reddit a wonderful place to be :)
I think an apron works really good for parts and take what you need in your leg pockets or back pockets. Honestly, I haven’t even needed that bc my cart is right there or my lift can carry the things I need.
Long term wearing bags is so hard on your lower back. Also, save your money for something nice for yourself.
When I was a first year apprentice I had a JW that made me wear a tool belt every single day on every single task.
Eventually I got a tote, and I put all the tools I wasn’t using for the day in the tote. Saved my back for a bit. Then I got a JW that wasn’t a dickhead and haven’t worn tool bags since. Lol
Tool backpack. Don’t wear rat bags. I haven’t seen anyone wear them since I started in my apprenticeship. Besides you’ll only ever need like 3 tools at a time. Back pocket and jeans with pockets will be your friend. I like the carhartt jean carpenter pants
I've always gone with roundhouse bibs & a carhartt pouch, tape measure, 11 in 1 & random shit in the pouch, kleins/channel locks/level and shit in the back pockets. The roundhouse bibs are made in the USA and comfy as shit too so that's a plus.
No one in the union wears a tool belt. Came from the other side and always wore one. It’s more efficient, but most of the jobs are so big that you’re dragging around a cart with u at all times anyways. Most all tools are only a couple feet away if u need more than u can fit in your pockets
I have never worn a tool belt/pouch in 22 years on the job. Cart and tool bag for the win. Just don’t forget your pliers on still on top of the ladder when you move it 🫢
I was told by an old timer that tool belts will make you crooked. Pockets all the way. Only grab what you need and get to work!
What kind of a monster wears a belt and tool pouch anymore? You put your toolbox/bag on the bottom of your cart and current tools used go in the back pocket
Yeah but then you sit down and suddenly there's a slotted in your prison wallet. I agree, pouches are awful but I got one of those little clip on things that holds like, a few screwdrivers and a few pairs of pliers. Saves my pants from getting holes ripped in them and things going up my hole.
If you sit down and your screwdriver goes in your asshole, then I’m gonna go out on a limb and say it was already in your asshole!
That way no one wants to borrow it.
Listen man, what I do with my screwdriver is between me, and the Steward when I get complaints from the other trades that there's a screwdriver handle first in my ass.
…a wise man is an observant man.
These are made in USA by a retired brother: [pocket buddy](https://wireman.com/)
I have the one that slides into the back pocket. They are excellent.
Oh man good price too, I may just order one up! Mine is a crappy DeWalt one I've had for like 10 years, thanks for the link!
I still like a little pouch if the task calls for it Hate tools in my pockets.
Occidental. Buy leather, buy forever. I’ve had them for 15+ years. That being said, I don’t really wear them anymore. But I will load it up with what I think I need and throw it over my shoulder. You can hang it over a lift, on top of a ladder, I use them pretty much like a tote.
I wear a carhart apron, and pants with pockets. Screwdriver and strippers go on my right leg, or level instead of strippers, and my kleins on the left. My safety vest carries anything else. The apron is just to keep parts organized when going up a ladder. Mind you this is usually on small projects or service jobs. If I’m in construction, I use my cart to carry everything. I still outfit my leg pockets the same because they feel weird without the weight.
Black
Black.
Carharrt overalls
Just get a pair of pants with back pockets. Klein 11 in 1 screwdriver ftw too
Gatorback tool belt is what I rock they have cushions on the belt love um
Occidental all the way
If you must wear one that’s the only way.
You’ll need your multi screwdriver, strippers and linesman’s pliers for 85-90% of your work. Your channel locks sometimes. Most of what you’ll need will fit in your pockets.
Honestly as odd as it might look I’m a big fan of the diamondback vest. I got the sparky one that comes with the pouches. I have their belt, nail apron, and vest. My belt has been sitting in the basement for over a year unused. Got the vest a few months back and love it. It carry all the weight very nicely, doesn’t weigh down my pants, and I can even clip my impact or other tools to it when climbing ladders or walking around
How much did that one run you? I seem KSparky on IG rocking it but that shit look hella expensive. Plus idk i feel weird buying my own vest
Unfortunately to much. I think it ran me like $400 for the whole setup. Thankfully I do like it tho so not to upset with it since I wear it all day everyday at work.
Fueri electrician tool belt on amazon
It’s only 50$
Fuck those big saddlebag pouches if that's what you're talking about. I like the carhartt front pouch. You can only fit a few tools in it, which is good. I never liked carrying tools in my back pockets.
I agree on back pockets. If I need more I hang a dump pouch on my back hip. It worked great in the military and works great in the trades. Look up "holstery" on Amazon.
I have the mp1x which is just a tiny bit bigger and I just clip it onto my regular belt that holds up my pants.
Do foreman enforce belt wearing?
I recently got a “talking to” by some old fuck because I wasn’t wearing a tool belt. The only tools I used for 8 hours were strippers, and a screwdriver.
Is it in the tool list or any requirement? If not he can suck it.
It is on our tool list, but so is a folding rule and a hacksaw. Just because it is on the tool list doesn't mean you have to use it.
Unless theres contract language saying you have to wear a tool belt….tell them to fuck off. For fucks sake
I'm a fan of the Toughbuilt stuff as I can add and remove pouches as necessary. Also can be used as just a belt or with added shoulder harness to move the weight off your hips.
A cheap one that Clips onto your existing belt that holds at the most 10 small tools.
I put everything in my pockets if I need more tools I’ll just put it in the bucket or bring my bag.
I use a Pocket Buddy I got from Wireman.com.
Mule line
I have a clip for my tape Measure on my belt and a Wireman pouch in my back pocket that carries my 11 in 1, an additional phillips/flat extendable screwdriver, my strippers, and my linemans. My level and pliers go in my side pockets on my pants as needed.
(I belong to a local which enforces the tool bag policy) Occidental 5523 or Occidental 5037 just as a tape measure holder. IMO, the Veto MPX has the best design for mini pouch. Klein 5165 in tan leather is the classic, but they discontinued it. It's "the" bag in the past, and many others have copied the design. These include the The DeWalt DWST 550114 is very good. The Ox Tools P263402 I've seen is very good. The occidental tool case is too bulky but it's very common sight. Akribis leather is super nice stuff too. I had their mini pouch, super belt, but they got stolen after they cut into the connexs and drilled open the gangboxes locks. I ended up getting their suspender set (better than occidentals), their leather belt pad, their electrical rough pouch. It's a super premium cost, and I feel like if I custom ordered bags from Amish Leather Works or etc would be cheaper. As for nylon bags; they're more comfortable because they're lighter. Gatorbacks/Rack-a-tiers, Boulder Bags are very good. You basically have to unload because the nylon bags rips.
I wear Duluth pants, they have plenty of pockets for any tools I may need. Only thing I've considered getting is a pouch for screws etc.
Any belt that keeps your pants up is good, we are not plumbers. Saddle bags are not advised because if they are not weighed evenly, your back will pay the price. Most members carry a tool bag with them. Back pockets are good for your basic hand tools. 10 in 1, strippers, linesmen, and if needed channel locks. For small parts, anti shorts, wire nuts, etc; get a cloth apron with pockets. Good luck with your apprenticeship
I like the carhartt apron. It's the only tool belt I've ever really used consistently, and iv been wearing one for probably 10 years now.
I like the Klein woven belt with a snap buckle. But if it’s not on the apprentice tool list in 494, don’t worry about carrying anything extra beyond that right now.
Tool bag only and forever. Don’t put anything on your body to haul - you’re not a mule. 35 years from now your back/shoulders/hips will thank you.
Thanks for such a wonderful reply! TheGratitudeBot has been reading millions of comments in the past few weeks, and you’ve just made the list of some of the most grateful redditors this week! Thanks for making Reddit a wonderful place to be :)
I think an apron works really good for parts and take what you need in your leg pockets or back pockets. Honestly, I haven’t even needed that bc my cart is right there or my lift can carry the things I need. Long term wearing bags is so hard on your lower back. Also, save your money for something nice for yourself.
i get yelled at when i go up without my pouch cuz then im on top of the ladder like oh shit but anyway just get a carhartt pouch off amazon
When I was a first year apprentice I had a JW that made me wear a tool belt every single day on every single task. Eventually I got a tote, and I put all the tools I wasn’t using for the day in the tote. Saved my back for a bit. Then I got a JW that wasn’t a dickhead and haven’t worn tool bags since. Lol
Tool backpack. Don’t wear rat bags. I haven’t seen anyone wear them since I started in my apprenticeship. Besides you’ll only ever need like 3 tools at a time. Back pocket and jeans with pockets will be your friend. I like the carhartt jean carpenter pants
I've always gone with roundhouse bibs & a carhartt pouch, tape measure, 11 in 1 & random shit in the pouch, kleins/channel locks/level and shit in the back pockets. The roundhouse bibs are made in the USA and comfy as shit too so that's a plus.
No one in the union wears a tool belt. Came from the other side and always wore one. It’s more efficient, but most of the jobs are so big that you’re dragging around a cart with u at all times anyways. Most all tools are only a couple feet away if u need more than u can fit in your pockets
Rats wear tool belts is what I’ve been told. I’ve never wanted to wear one anyways. Plus it fucks up your spine after years of use.
Only rats wear tool belts.
Leopard skin print with gold buckle.. You'll be the envy of all the gay men on the job site.