More than a fashion statement

New tool belts and bags redefine the look and feel of tool storage and transport.

With the swagger of gunslingers from the Old West, the framing crew reaches into the truck box. In one smooth motion, they lift out their tool belts, cinch them in place, then adjust the sides so the tool belt becomes a part of them.

In a few seconds, they transform a piece of leathercraft into a valuable work piece that helps them tackle the job of the day.

But today’s tool belts look less like leathercraft and more like hiking or rappelling equipment. Move over cowhide, tool belts made of ballistic and other types of heavy-duty nylon are gaining attention among today’s contractors.

“The majority of tool belts sold today are leather, but there is a growing acceptance of the ballistic nylon materials,” says Bill Hawkins, DeWalt’s manager of worksite storage products.

“The West Coast seems to adopt the ballistic nylon faster than other areas. It may be because they have more experience with ballistic nylon’s durability in outdoor gear outside of the job,” he says.

Roger Lessard, national sales manager at Custom Leather Craft (CLC) says users are demanding durability yet lighter weight from their tool belts. “That helps drive the trend to the nylon materials. They are lighter, dry faster and come in a variety of colors. For some, the colors make a real fashion statement,” he says.

For example, CLC offers tool belts and accessories in eight colors; black, burgundy, teal, green, blue, red, camouflage and desert storm.

Demand for durability and comfort
“Contractors are fussy about their tool belts. Durability is their No. 1 requirement and comfort comes second,” says Lessard. “In our field work, we found some workers carrying up to 60 lbs. of tools and supplies on their belts. Many had 40-lb. belts. That amount of weight makes durability and comfort important.”

In the past, leather was a hands-down favorite. But as manufacturers have refined non-leather designs and adopted heavy-duty fabrics, nylon belts are gaining attention and sales.  “Today, top-of-the-line non-leather belts will wear as well or even better than their leather counterparts,” says Hawkins.

Getting durable tool belts and components takes more than heavy-duty materials. Design greatly affects quality.

Long-lasting belts and pouches have common characteristics. They start with a durable material, such as leather, heavy-duty nylon or Cordura fabric that’s made of nylon but feels like cotton. From there, wear-and-tear points are reinforced with double-bar tacking and heavy-duty rivets.

“Look at the areas of wear and see how the area is reinforced. On the DeWalt pouches, you’ll see solid reinforced rivets with washers to keep the pouch together,” says Hawkins.

Lessard recommends looking at tool pouches that have wide openings and hold their shape which gives the user quick, easy access to tools and supplies. Although today’s plastic buckles and snaps on tool belts are much stronger than those on older tool belts, Lessard says contractors still prefer the tried-and-true double-buckle with a roller.

“The double buckle can take the weight these tool belts carry. If you are carrying a cordless drill on your belt, the stress is beyond belief. That’s why we stick with the double buckle on our full work belts,” he says. However, for single pocket belts or work aprons, a plastic buckle is an economical, long-wearing choice.

Cordless tools continue to challenge belts. Their weight can tear holsters that aren’t built for the job. To accommodate the cordless drill/drivers, look for holsters that angle the tool to balance it on the belt. “It makes it a more comfortable weight on the belt and the holster will last longer,” says Hawkins. 

To fit left- and right-handed workers, DeWalt recently introduced a drill holster that fits the needs of right- and left-handers. “You adjust the horizontal retention strap for right- or left-handed use, put the holster on your belt and you’re ready to go,” he says.

You can buy complete tool belts geared to your trade, but tool belt manufacturers also offer basic belt systems that allow you to add special pockets, holders and other accessories to match your needs. “If you have a special need, there is likely a tool pouch for it,” says Lessard.

“We have two designers who work full-time developing new belts and pouches for users,” says Lessard, “We talk to many contractors and ask for their ideas. Our newest belt incorporates loops that allow the user to pick up the belt from the floor and carry it without all of the tools falling out of it.”

Another new model features a one-size-fits-all belt. “Contractors want to be able to wear their tool belt over their jeans in the summer and their Carr-Harts in the winter. A belt that goes from 29" to 46" will meet that need.”

More contractors are considering the ballistic nylon pouches. “The fabric pouches on belts are more flexible so contractors can put a greater variety of items in their tool belts. When tool manufacturers come out with new tool designs, they sometimes don’t fit well in leather tool pouches. When contractors buy the tool and then can’t store it easily on their tool belt, they come to us for answers. Fabric belts are more pliable so they can accommodate the changing tool sizes. The fatter tape measures now available are a good example,” Lessard says.

Making a fully loaded 60-lb. tool belt comfortable is a tall order. “If you have a heavier belt, you  might be interested in ballistic nylon 5"-wide belt. When you put it on, it feels like a back support belt,” says Lessard.

You may also want to consider tool belts with suspenders that distribute the weight across the shoulders and upper body.

Tote it
Although tool belt designs are changing, the real revolution in personal tool storage is in tool boxes and totes. Following the lead from luggage, soft-sided bags are gaining acceptance for tool storage and transport.

The heavy-duty/ballistic nylon bags offer tool storage flexibility that hard-sided boxes can’t offer. Depending on your tastes, you can find one that meets your needs.

Published in the September/October 2001 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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