Best Tool Belts
Featured Image: CP Design & Project

It’s great to have a toolbox or tool bag at work. It’s like you have your workshop with you, and everything you need to get the job done is within reach always. But there are instances when bringing a toolbox or tool bag is impractical, like when you need to climb a ladder or when there’s barely enough elbow room in a space you’re working in. In cases like these, what you need is a tool belt, a space-saving garment where you can store essential tools.

Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the best tool belts you purchase online. In this review, we’re going to check out basic tool belts, as well as multi-pocketed carpenter tool belts. We’re also going to compare waist tool belts and tool belt suspenders and see which design is ideal for your job. We’ve also come up with a buying guide to help you get started.

A reliable tool belt is an essential accessory for any professional or DIY enthusiast. Depending on your specific needs & budget, any of these top 7 tool belts will undoubtedly enhance your work efficiency, keep your tools organized, and ultimately make your job more enjoyable.

1. 2.
CLC Custom Leathercraft 1614 20 Pocket, Heavy Duty Framers 5 Piece Comfortlift Combo Tool Belt System Black
  • 3" PADDED BELT: Single roller buckle.
  • KEEPS CONTENTS SAFE: Easy carry handle design for simple adjustments and easy storage without spilling contents.
  • EASY ACCESS: Stay-Open main pockets are tapered for faster access to contents
  • COMFORTABLE: Completely adjustable suspenders engineered to hold and distribute weight evenly without strain on lower back and hips
  • FITS WAIST SIZES: 29"–46".
3.
MagnoGrip 002-610 20-Pocket Builder's Tool Rig with Integrated Magnetic Storage, Black
  • 20 pockets for storing tools. Suspender includes a detachable magnet and built-in cell phone holder.
  • Magnetic nail pockets for more secure tool storage.
  • Padded belt for back support and greater comfort.
  • Key stress points are reinforced with rivets.
  • Made of durable 1680D ballistic polyester.
4.
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Dead On Tools - 1680 Denier Poly Carpenter’s Tool Belt with Suspenders (HDP400945) , Black
  • 17 inside pockets and 7 outside pockets with a drill holder, steel-loop hammer holder, tape-measure holder and more
  • 100-percentage gel-padded suspenders help provide the user with comfort
  • Vinyl reinforced pouches
  • Belt fits 29 - 46 in. waists to accommodate many sizes
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Bucket Boss Mullet Buster 3 Bag Tool Belt with Suspenders in Grey, 55135, Black, full size
  • LoadBear stretch suspenders for easier movement
  • Infinity belt fits up to a 52” waist
  • Barrel-bottom, super capacity pouches
  • Single body construction
  • Adjustable pouch and rigging system
6.
Style n Craft - 4 Piece and 19 Pockets Pro Framer’s Combo, Tool Belt with 2 Tool Pouches and 1 Pliers and Hammer Holder, Full-Grain Leather Tool Belt Combo, Dark Tan (98444)
  • 4 Piece Tool Belt: Stop making multiple trips for your tools when you can carry them all at once with Style n Craft 4 Piece Pro Framer's Combo, which has a tool belt with two extremely spacious pouches and a versatile leather pliers and hammer holder
  • Leather Tool Belt: This Style n Craft tool belt is 3” wide and made with 100% full-grain leather in dark tan color. Contrast stitching with heavy-duty nylon thread makes this tool belt withstand every rugged and harsh situation
  • Versatile Tool Belt: Equipped with 19 pockets, including six internal pockets, our framer’s leather tool belt combo has a unique double pouch design. The tool pouch's discrete and unique construction provides convenience and enhances tool accessibility
  • Tool Belts for Men and Women: This leather tool belt is ideal for everyone and can easily fit a waist measuring 34"–46" (measure waist size over clothes). The belt is tapered with a double prong metal roller buckle and has rivets with caps for safety
  • Suitable for All Tools: Featuring an easy carry handle on both pouches, our rugged tool pouch can carry all kinds of tools, be they heavy ones like a metal hammer or pry bar or smaller ones like nail sets, pencils, and screw drivers
7.
FASITE PTN012A 32-Pocket 2 Pouch Utility Multifunction Tool Belt Bag, Blue
  • Multiple storage purpose belt: 32 pockets, 2 hammer loops, 1 steel measuring tape holder and 1 steel hammer holder. Size: 11.5×8.7×3.9(2×)inches. Adjustable heavy-duty belt, max size of 48 inches.
  • Ergonomic design and superior material: good quality, very light, versatile, strong and sturdy. Comfortable to wear. Materiel is high quality and waterproof.
  • Large capacity and functional: can hold hardware tools, garden tools, electrical tools, car tools and many other tools.
  • Special design details: designed for professional tradesmen who work at heights and walk long distances on a daily basis.
  • Money back guarantee: we provide a one year guarantee to all our customers. Go ahead, you have nothing to lose. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, we will RETURN your money or replace one.

Choosing The Best Tool Belt

Tool Belt Material and Durability

Most of the work belts you’ll see today are made of synthetic fabrics, specifically nylon and polyester. These fabrics are durable, lightweight, and easy to maintain. They do not shrink, and they are abrasion- and wrinkle-resistant. Nylon, however, is prone to fading after prolonged exposure to sunlight, while polyester is notoriously hot in humid weather.

Top grain, suede, and other types of leather are another material used to make tool belts. They are more than just aesthetically pleasing. They are also impressively sturdy and versatile. Sharp tools, for example, will easily poke through thin polyester and nylon tool belts. Not so with leather tool belts. Plus, maintenance is so easy with this type of tool belt. 

The problem with leather tool belts is that they are quite expensive. They can get hot in summer, and your color choices can be rather limited. Although leather is easy to care for, you have to do it regularly to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, and prevent disintegration.

best leather tool belts

Pockets

The most basic tool belts only have a few pockets. This Dickies Tool Belt, for example, only has five pockets. It is lightweight and not as cumbersome as other tool belts with numerous pockets. Plus, it forces you to simplify your workflow because you have to bring only the most essential of tools. You can always bring a portable toolbox or tool bag at work so you can have other tools within reach while you’re wearing this tool belt.  

But there are instances when carrying a very basic tool belt and lugging around a toolbox won’t do. Maybe it’s because the space in the jobsite is limited, or maybe you need to climb a ladder.  In any case, a tool belt with numerous pockets is the most practical choice. This DEWALT DG5617 Pro Framer’s Tool Belt, for example, features a whopping twenty pockets. That’s plenty of space for your pliers, screwdrivers, pens, and even some nails for your brad nailer or micro pin nailer. Most of your essential tools can be stored inside this tool belt, but the bad news is the belt can be heavy once loaded.

The position of the pockets can also affect how you work. If you frequently climb ladders at work, for example, a tool belt with pockets located in front of the belt can often get in your way. If this is the case, then choose a tool belt with the pockets positioned at the sides. You can also get a tool belt with pockets that can be detached or moved to the side to get them out of your way. 

Waist Size

When it comes to finding the right clothes, shoes, belts, and other garments, it’s always sensible to go to the store so you can try them on. But in cases when you have to buy online because you live far from the store or you just want the convenience of online shopping, then it’s best to check the measurements given by the manufacturer. Make sure to pay attention to the minimum and maximum waist size to make sure that it can accommodate your waist size.

Design

Tool belts are available in two designs: the basic tool belt that wraps around your waist and the harness-style tool belts. Basic waist tool belts need no introduction — you probably own one or two if you’ve been DIYing or have been working in the construction industry for many years. They’re easy and convenient to use, but some poorly made belts can dig into the skin of your waist. Padded tool belts are a good choice as they are more comfortable. Make sure to store your tools properly, too, to prevent it from sagging or losing shape.

Waist tool belts can sometimes be uncomfortable and heavy when loaded with too many tools. You can take the pressure off your waist or hips by getting a harness-style or suspender tool belt instead. With this type of tool belt, a portion of the weight of the tool belt and the tools is transferred on your shoulders. A sternum strap distributes the weight of the belt and the tools evenly in your upper body. When choosing the right tool belt, always go for ones with good padding to prevent the harness from digging into your skin and chafing your shoulders.

best leather tool belts

Tool Belt FAQs

How should a tool belt be worn?

A tool belt should be worn with the buckle in the front and the pouches on the back or side. This keeps any tools from poking you while you work, promotes mobility, and allows for easy buckle adjustment.

How should you care for a leather tool belt?

Take a dry rag and wipe the empty pouches and pockets to clean a leather tool belt. After that, scrub the inside and exterior of your tool belt with a moist rag. After washing, allow the tool belt to dry before applying a leather protector to prevent extra water and dirt from permeating its surface.

Is it unhealthy for your back to wear a tool belt?

When filled with tools, tool belts can become heavy and strain your lower back and hips. To relieve back pain, evenly distribute your tools throughout the belt to spread out the weight, or use a suspender attachment to shift some of the weight to your shoulders. Take breaks while working as well to allow your back to relax.

Conclusion:

Our choice for the best tool belt is the Gatorback B145 Carpenters Belt. All the products we have reviewed here have their own pros and cons, but this particular carpenters belt stands out because of the high level of workmanship and several features the belt has. Let’s take a look at these features one by one.

This tool belt features multiple large pockets for the most essential tools. These pockets feature a “box” bottom to prevent the pouches from sagging when you put a particularly heavy or pointy tool inside. The lip of each pouch is sewn with rigid webbing to keep it from collapsing and to prevent wear. They also come with small tool pouches for tiny fasteners and smaller tools. You get two hammer loops positioned on either side to accommodate your dominant hand.

The quality of stitching a tool belt has can either make or break it. This Gatorback tool belt features durable seams, bartacks, and metal rivets for reinforcement. The belt itself is wide and made of durable material, and made more comfortable by the memory foam pad located at the back. Unlike other tool belts, this one has leather tips with two-prong buckle closure. 

It doesn’t have a harness, but you can always purchase one and attach it to this belt as it already has metal suspender rings. The tool belt is available in different sizes (from small to 3XL) to accommodate a variety of waist sizes.

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