Whether you’re a pro, or a DIY’er, having a great tool belt can make or break a handyman job. You may often find yourself starting a project willy-nilly and whenever you have the time. Having one of the best tool belts on the market can be like investing in a personal assistant. They offer convenience and are efficient in getting the job done.
For many of us, those projects are centered around the home, but they can be daunting. A survey of 2,000 Americans finds four in 10 people have more DIY failures than they do successes. The average person estimates that it takes them five hours of trial and error before quitting their project and calling in a professional to help.
Another obstacle? Money. What would you fix in your home if someone dropped $10,000 in your lap? One survey of Americans shows upgrading appliances comes in as the top priority for home improvements. That’s according to nearly a quarter of respondents. After updating the kitchen, Americans cited updating their bathroom fixtures as well as their furniture as secondary areas of interest.
If you are going to try and fix something, a tool belt helps especially if you are doing jobs in small spaces. You’ll need somewhere to put your tools for easy access. Let’s face it, nobody wants to be climbing a ladder with a toolbox. So that got us wondering, what is on the market today to make your job a little easier? StudyFinds compiled a list of the five best tool belts, from ten expert websites, to find the right one for any job. As always, we’d like to see your own recommendations in the comments below!
The List: Best Tool Belts, According to Expert Reviews
1. Dickie’s 5-Pocket Single Side Tool Belt Work Apron 57026
For $19.99, this affordable canvas tool belt easily adjusts from 32 to 52 inches. “The tool belt comes with enough space to fit five small tools and is a suitable product for quick and small jobs around the home. Additionally, the tool belt comes with a one-year warranty to protect your purchase,” according to This Old House.
“In addition to the pockets, the belt has a loop for a screwdriver-sized tool, a pocket for pliers, and two small slip pockets for small parts,” adds The Spruce.
Woodsmith points out it’s, “woven with a strong stitching technique that makes it durable, and lightweight. Moreover, this belt fits snugly on the waist, due to its adjustable straps.” However, if you have to carry a hammer, this belt doesn’t feature a loop for it.
2. DeWALT 20-Pocket Pro Framer’s Apron Tool Belt DG5617
This tool belt features adjustable padded Yoke-style suspenders for easy wear and weight distribution. The price? $109. “The belt offers 20 separate pockets as well as a rear-mounted hammer loop, and can fit waist sizes from 29 to 44 inches in diameter,” notes Popular Mechanics.
“Numerous smaller pockets and sleeves make room for nails, pencils, and miscellaneous hardware. A separate zipper pouch stores valuables, such as keys, while a metal front clip holds a hammer,” adds Bob Vila.
“These are great when you want to store various items for easy access, be it parts, tools, pencils, or nail sets,” points out electricalschool.org. Although, some reviewers mentioned that tall people may find the shoulder straps to be too short.
3. GlossyEnd Heavy-Duty Construction Tool Belt
Got hammers to carry? No problem! This adjustable tool belt features two steel loops for doing just that. And, you can snag it for $29.99.
“It is engineered with sturdy 600D Polyester and contains stainless steel rust-proof rivets for extra support. Besides, this belt also has quick-release buckles and adjustable straps that can fit any waist from 33 to 53 inches,” notes Woodsmith.
“Due to the five large-sized and six small-sized built-in pockets, this versatile product has room for securing most types of tools,” suggests Old House Journal Magazine.
“With ample pockets and additional loops for your hammers, this is a well-equipped tool belt,” adds Best Reviews. However, if you’re looking for removable pockets, this isn’t the belt for you.
4. Occidental Leather Adjust-To-Fit FatLip Tool Belt 9855
With 24-pockets, this belt features ample space for all your tools. “Occidental makes this top-leather tool belt right in the USA. The belt feels already broken in—so you don’t have to deal with any stiffness,” according to Pro Tool Reviews.
EDC Magazine points out the built-in bags, “are not only large, allowing them to have more than enough room for your stuff, but they are also positioned at the right places. With the correct positioning of the two sides front pockets and bags, accessing your tools will be effortless.”
“Hands down the best choice for professionals,” says Best Reviews. “You won’t find a better choice.” At $350, it is the most expensive belt on our list, which reviewers say is the only drawback.
5. The Gatorback Carpenter’s Triple Combo Tool Belt B145
Starting at $145, this durable tool belt comes in multiple sizes, and is great for carpentry jobs. “Gatorback’s boxed pouch design uses a plastic insert to force the pockets to stay open, which makes it easier for carpenters to get their hands into the pouches and grab what they need. Users may remove and rearrange the pouches to personalize the belt to suit any need,” notes Bob Vila.
“Another benefit of this belt is that the stress points in both the belt and pockets / pouches are bar-tacked and riveted. This significantly strengthens the belt and makes the pockets / pouches capable of holding up no matter what heavy duty or harsh conditions are thrown into them,” according to EDC Magazine.
According to Woodsmith, ” Besides, it also contains air ventilation fabric lining to provide you with maximum support.”
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Sources:
- This Old House
- The Spruce
- Woodsmith
- Popular Mechanics
- Bob Vila
- Electricalschool.org
- Old House Journal Magazine
- BestReviews
- Pro Tool Reviews
- EDC Magazine
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
