The tool belt is a must-have accessory for the would-be home improvement dabbler as well as the seasoned craftsperson. They allow you to keep all the tools you need close at hand so as not to break the workflow. For both professionals and amateurs, we have turned to our sources to round a selection of the top five best tool belts available today.
Sometimes DIY projects can be tough to complete. Are you having trouble recreating all the home improvement projects you see on Pinterest? You’re not alone. A new 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.
Nearly half the poll (45%) have completely butchered a home improvement project by trying to take it on without professional help. Another 57 percent wish they could go back in time and call in a professional before starting. Fifty-six percent get so flustered, they’ve called one of their parents to get play-by-play instructions on how to make repairs or finish a home improvement project.
Sometimes it’s due to a sheer sense of stubborn pride that a person might keep at a project until the very end! Another recent study shows just how much homeowners can dream of when it comes to their ideal home if budget weren’t a concern. When considering the top priorities for their dream home, Americans call a large yard (57%) and luxury kitchen appliances (55%) their ultimate must-haves, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to building their ideal space.
Other must-have items on the list include home security systems (43%), smart home technology (42%), and non-essential areas (40%) – such as home gyms, theaters, and even saunas. Thirty-seven percent of respondents are dreaming even bigger than this, citing they would want a separate guest house as part of their perfect home.
Regardless of whether projects are indoor, outdoor, professional, or amateur, the right tools for the job are a must. Having them close at hand could make your next project head more smoothly towards successful completion. Here’s our list of the best tool belts according to home improvement experts. Let us know your favorites in the comments below!
The List: Best Tool Belts, According to the Pros
1. Dickies Five-Pocket Side Tool Belt
At the top of our list is an affordable and functional five pocket tool belt. This Old House.com writes, “This compact tool belt from Dickies is lightweight and easily fastened to the waist with its adjustable buckle. 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.”
Ideal for homeowners, Thomas A Xometry Company adds, “For DIY projects around the house, most likely a large tool belt won’t be necessary, so this 5-pocket version from Dickies, with its hard-wearing canvas construction, adjustable belt, and low price, is ideal. It’s comfortable to wear and has a good-quality buckle.”
Yahoo!Finance also claims, “Though it’s listed as a belt for carpenters, this belt from Dickies is useful for other purposes. For example, many gardeners praised its size for carrying small gardening tools. There are two large pockets, one medium pocket, two small pen-shaped pockets, and a tool loop. However, the tool loop is likely too small for most hammers.”
2. CLC Suede Leather Tool Bag
Another compact bag on our list, the CLC Suede Leather Tool Bag was highly rated with our sources. Popular Woodworking states, “CLC claims to focus solely on quality and value for money, but a polyester belt and suede leather bag also happen to provide a very chic look. This leather tool belt fits everyone, from 5-year-olds to grown men, thanks to the adjustable poly web design with a plastic buckle. You can also expect enhanced durability because suede lasts longer than normal leather. Industrial rivets protect all joints from jerks and give the bag a long life, and they also provide enough strength to carry all types of tools used across many industrial jobs.”
According to Bob Vila.com, “DIY users and professionals don’t always need to carry around a whole tool box on their belt, often needing only a handful of tools to tackle a couple of jobs. Custom Leathercraft’s compact tool belt keeps these types of workers in mind. It features a loop for a hammer or square; two deep pockets for nails; a measuring tape clip; and a smaller pocket for a pencil, screwdriver, or other thin tools.”
Buildeazy also adds that the brand “offers a wide range of products designed for builders, carpenters, and other tradespeople, including tool belts, bags, and knee pads. This tool belt is made of nylon and has a hard plastic clasp rather than a traditional belt fastener. The bag that hangs down and holds the tools is made of soft suede leather, which is both heavy-duty and comfortable.”
3. DEWALT DG5617 20-Pocket Pro Framer’s Combo Apron Tool Belt
Dewalt is a respected brand for tool belts, and this is seen in the reviews from our sources. Old House Online writes, “This top-notch tool belt by Dewalt features 20 pockets to provide quick access to your tools so that you can speed up your work. One of the many things that set this belt apart from the others is its exceptional storage capacity. No matter the size of your tools, this amazing product, with its large pockets, can hold them all.”
Environmental Design+ Construction states, “Some consider it as the most comfortable tool belt set in a work apron style because it is well-padded and well-fitted for comfort. I am happy that this padded belt also features one double-tongue roller buckle. It is because the presence of this buckle does not only offer additional comfort but also works in making these tool belts more stable when worn.”
Yahoo!Finance notes that, “For a tool belt that takes a more-is-more approach, pick up this option from Dewalt, which has built-in suspenders and a whopping 20 pockets and sleeves, including pouches on the suspenders themselves. There’s also a zippered pouch for storing valuables. The only catch is remembering where you put everything.”
4. Gatorback B145 Carpenters Triple Combo
Woodsmith writes the following about the Gatorback B145, “Are you perhaps a carpenter, looking for a tool apron for your needs? We’ve got you covered. Made to provide convenience to you, the Gatorback tool belt has a patented air channel design. This provides breathability and makes the belt quite comfortable.”
This Old House.com adds, “This tool belt from Gatorback has the features necessary to support its large, three-pouch capacity. It’s equipped with a support pad filled with breathable memory foam and includes box-shaped pouches to prevent heavy tools from weighing down the belt. To support its high-quality and comfort claim, Gatorback protects its tool belt with a one-year, defect-free warranty.”
According to Bob Vila.com could be a great choice for builders that wear their belt for all-day projects, “From its sturdy design to its thoughtful placement of varying pocket sizes, this high-quality framing tool belt is suitable for professionals and DIY carpenters alike. Heavy-duty DuraTek nylon construction, steel suspender rings, and pockets reinforced with rivets and bar-tack stitching ensure this tool belt will endure the most rugged work sites. 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.”
5. Bucket Boss 50200
Student Lesson says, “Bucket Boss 2 Bag Tool Belt 50200. For master carpenters, the Bucket Boss 2 Bag Tool Belt is the go-to option. The bag is extremely lightweight due to its 600-denier poly ripstop construction, but don’t be fooled—the customizable pockets are reinforced to hold heavier equipment.”
Woodsmith offers additional details highlighting durability, “With this builder’s tool belt, you get to have reinforced pouch bottoms that will allow you to put your faith into the belt. Along with this, the infinity belt can fit up to a 52” waist. It has a barrel-bottom and super spacious pouches for you to store all of your important tools and equipment. On top of that, the pouch system is adjustable. Made for DIY projects especially, the belt is made from 600 denier poly ripstop, so you don’t need to worry about purchasing a new one any time soon.”
This Old house.com offers critical feedback on this otherwise highly rated item, “The tool belt comes in one size only and is designed to shorten or lengthen based on need. During testing, we needed to shorten the belt, which took several minutes because of its difficult-to-move buckle. Once the belt was adjusted to the correct size, it fit well around the waist.”
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Sources
- Woodsmith
- This Old House.com
- Studentlesson
- Environmental Design+ Construction
- Bob Vila.com
- Old House Online
- Popular Woodworking
- Buildeazy
- Yahoo!Finance
- Thomas A Xometry Company
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.