The Best Tool Belts for Carpenters, Electricians, and DIYers

One of my most frequently asked questions across all of my social media platforms is what tool belt people should be investing in. It’s the hardest damn question to answer too because there are so many variables that play into it. I can’t tell you which tool belt is gonna be best for you. I don’t know what you carry every day, I don’t know what job you’re doing it’s just not something that I am physically able to tell every one of you guys.

But what I can do is make a short review about five belt systems right here. Explain what I like about each one of them to explain what I don’t like about each one of them. And hopefully, by the end of this review, you have a better feel on which belt system you should go with.

Professionals usually carry their toolbox or tool bag to work as they are nothing without their tools. Having a toolbox along seems like having the entire workshop with you. However, in some places, it becomes impractical to carry the complete toolbox. So, in such situations, there comes a tool belt.

A tool belt is not only essential to keep your tools sorted and within reach, but it is so handy that you can put it around your waist and cart it wherever you go. Tool belts prove beneficial for hazardous situations too because it gives you an extra hand to climb ladders carefully and saves you from a potential threat of accidentally stabbing yourself while trying to juggle a mess of small and large nails. 

Now that we have covered how crucial a tool belt is for safety and staying organized, the next question that arises is how to find a tool belt that best serves its purpose but looks eye-catching too. No worries, because we care about you. Therefore we will review and discuss the pros and cons of the five best tool belts and what sets them apart from the rest. We will also answer the questions that you may have before purchasing a tool belt in our FAQs section below.

Tool Belts Comparison Table

Image	Product
Best Choice	DeWALT DG5650 - Carpenters Tool Belt Material: Polyester Pocket Count: 31-pockets Belt Size: Suitable for waist sizes from 29-inches to 46-inches Read Review	Read Review
Also Great	Occidental Leather 5089 - Tool Belt For Professionals Material: Premium leather Pocket Count: 23 Belt Size: SM(28-31″)–XXXL(49-54″) Read Review	Read Review
Best Value	Klein Tools 55427 - Electrician Tool Belt Material: 1680D ballistic weave Pocket Count: 26 pockets Belt Size: 31-34" Read Review	Read Review
Best Price	CLC Custom I427X - Leather Work Belt Material: First-rate suede leather with polypropylene belt Pocket Count: 12 pockets Belt Size: Belt can be fitted for 29-inches and 46-inches waist sizes Read Review	Read Review
Best for DIY	CLC-Custom-IP489X - Small Leather Tool Belt Material: First-rate suede leather with polypropylene belt Pocket Count: 3 pockets Belt Size: Ranging from 29-inch to 46-inch waist Read Review	Read Review

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1. DEWALT DG5650 – Best Tool Belt For Carpenter’s

If you want a tool belt that could carry every tool from your hammer to screwdriver, pocket knife, pencils, measuring tape, and even your wrench, then a double pocketed tool belt won’t do it for you. The DeWALT DG5650 tool belt might turn out to be the tool holder of your dreams. I know a few guys that are wearing the same DeWALT all set up that they did 10-15 even 20 years ago. They may not look as good anymore but they still work.

The DeWALT DG5650 tool belt has 31 pockets ranging from 11 prime pockets and 24 little pockets to provide more room and cart your tools no matter how big or small. The pocket contains a zipper that will keep your tools, supplies, and things secure. This tool belt has a carabiner metal clip for twine or keys. The pouch clasp grants effortless belt modification along with hand-carrying and favorable storage.

This DeWALT belt has a 6-inches packed belt with Dri-Lex liner, which supports a double-tongue roller clasp to provide you with better constancy. DG5650 tool belt has a hammer loop and sleeves to organize your things more conveniently. It has a durable structure to keep sharp tools, including nails, pocket-knife, bolts, and parts, without damaging the material. 

Features:

• Material: Polyester
• Pocket Count: 31-pockets (11 prime pockets, 24 smaller pockets)
• Belt Size: Suitable for waist sizes from 29-inches to 46-inches
• Color: Yellow and black
• Weight: About 3.6 pounds

Pros:

• Capacious 31-pockets ranging from 11 prime pockets to 24 small pockets
• It has a sturdy structure to provide more endurance.
• A zipper pocket to keep your stuff secure.
• 6-Inches packed Dri-Lex liner along with double-tongue roller clasp for more durability.
• Sleeves and a hammer loop.
• Carabiner metal clip helps hook keys and twine. 

 Cons:

• It can be heavy, which may cause discomfort or muscle strain.

2. Occidental Leather 5089 – Best Tool Belt For Professionals

Occidental has been making some of the best tool belts in the world at its facility in Northern California. They started doing business there in 1980, and they are justifiably proud of their work, and Occidental 5089 is a great example.

It is a framer tool belt, and it comes with five pockets, two-four fasteners on the side, and three-four tools. Comes in all kinds of different configurations. Occidental 5089 includes seven pockets, four fasteners, a couple of hammer loops, and sufficient places for about every kind of tool that you need.

It can be left-handed or right-handed. The thing that makes it so is the position of the hammer loop. If it is on the left side, then the belt is left-handed, and if it is on the right side, then the belt is right-handed. As the hammer is one of the most often used tools. Moreover, left side fasteners comprise one extra bag for maximum fastener capacity.

This tool belt has enough room for everything you are going to need to carry. It is durable and very securely stitched. They are fastened at the pressure points by metal rivets. It is not so heavy and easy to carry around.
All in all, it is one of the best tool belts for pro users. It can serve you well in all conditions.

Features:

• Material: Premium top-grain leather
• Pocket Count: 23
• Belt Size: SM(28-31″) – XXXL(49-54″)
• Color: Brown
• Weight: 5.55 pounds

Pros:

• Extremely durable and high in quality.
• The belt is very rigid and supportive.
• Comes with a perfect pocket layout that allows you to fit everything right where you want.
• The belt is quite wide.
• The leather of the belt is thick and comfortable.
• Made in the USA.

Cons:

• It is very expensive.

3. Klein Tools 55427 – Best Electricians Tool Belt

Klein Tools have one of the finest tool belts available on the market and Klein Tools 55427 is a practical example. This high-quality tool belt is a construction of grade heavy-duty 1680D ballistic polyester. Klein Tools 55427 is available in three different sizes. So, this tool belt is among the few ones that fit everyone from thin to fat.

Moreover, it includes a variety of good size pockets and pouches. The presence of equal pockets on both sides provides a good weight balance. Also, its pockets are suitable for all kinds of electricians and carpenter tools. Removable pockets are also available for regular tools. The pockets also have a lid on them to keep the tools secure.

Although it lacks a built-in suspender, you can attach a separate one with it. It is super comfortable as well as adjustable and fits right to the waist. The mesh interior of this padded belt is breathable. Furthermore, it is super easy and hassle-free to work with this belt. Klein Tools tool belt allows you to bend on your feet and work on work-pieces of lower height.

All in all, it is an efficient tool belt to consider no matter if you are an electrician, carpenter, or anything else. Klein Tools 55427 is good for every handyman, but it is best for electricians.

Features:

• Material: Ballistic Polyester
• Pocket Count: 26
• Belt Size: Suitable for waist sizes from 31-inches to 34-inches
• Color: Black
• Weight: 4.2 pounds

Pros:

• Removable pouches allow you to carry only the tools of your requirement instead of all.
• Pockets and pouches are available in a variety of sizes.
• Available in medium, large, and extra-large sizes.
• This tool belt is not only comfortable but also breathable.
• Iso-symmetrical design.
• Pockets are wide open to provide easy access to the tools.

Cons:

• Pockets do not support individual tool placing.
• A bit highly-priced.

4. CLC Custom I427X – Best Leather Work Belt

If you prefer a leather tool belt but hesitates to buy it due to its hefty price, then the CLC Custom Leathercraft I427X tool belt might be the one for you. This tool belt has a lot to offer on a pocket-friendly budget. It is made up of sturdy contractor-grade suede leather to make it more durable, and suede leather gives it a smooth buttery feel. 

It has a 2-inch polypropylene web belt accompanied by an interconnecting clasp. The CLC Custom tool belt promotes four prime tools and nail pockets and eight shorter pockets to keep your nuts, bolts, and pencils organized. It has a metal loop to hold a hammer and long-handled tools. This belt has a holder discreetly made to hold nails. The double gusset pockets provide more room and convenient access for equipment. 

The polypropylene web belt is adjustable. Hence it can be suitable for several body types. CLC Custom tool belt has a belt size fitted for waist sizes ranging from 29-inches to 46-inches. 

Features:

• Material: First-rate suede leather with polypropylene belt
• Pocket Count: 12 pockets, 4 prime pockets, and 8 smaller pockets
• Belt Size: Belt can be fitted for 29-inches and 46-inches waist sizes
• Color: Beige
• Weight: 1.9 pounds

Pros:

• Capacious 12 pouches for tools.
• Cost-effective leather tool belt.
• Has a metal loop for hammer and similar tools.
• The suede leather material makes it more durable.
• Roomy double gusset pouches.
• Modifiable polypropylene belt.

Cons:

• May feel stiff in the beginning.

5. CLC Custom IP489X – Best Leather Small Tool Belt

When it comes to purchasing a tool belt with much endurance and eye-catching design, nothing can beat the CLC Custom Leathercraft IP489X leather tool belt. This belt has a ton of remarkable characteristics. The material used in this tool bag is a 2-inch webbed-polypropylene with an effortless release buckle. The staunch suede leather makes this tool belt more durable and prevents it from getting easily torn. 

This leather tool belt has two bigger pockets to keep your nails, screwdrivers, bradawl, wire cutters, and anything necessary in a tool belt. One smaller size pocket gives you the advantage of keeping your grippers, bolts, and nuts separately, which helps you keep your things more organized. The CLC Custom IP489X has a hammer holder made with leather to carry your hammer or wrench without having to go through the hassle of holding them with your hands. It also supports a clip discreetly made for a tape measure.

Features:

• Material: First-rate suede leather with polypropylene belt
• Pocket Count: 3 pockets
• Belt Size: Ranging from 29-inch to 46-inch waist
• Color: Beige
• Weight: 0.8 pounds

Pros:

• It has three pockets, which are beneficial to keep your things organized and within reach.
• The 2-inch polypropylene web material makes it water repellent and easy to clean.
• The suede leather used in this tool belt makes it softer and sleek.
• This tool belt is quite lightweight. So, you would not have extra poundage.

Cons:

• The leather may start wearing off after some time.
• The suede leather is made of animal skin. Hence it may get damaged if not properly taken care of.

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Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Tool Belt?

You should check a few things before purchasing a tool belt of your likings, such as material, durability, the quality, and feel of it, if it is convenient to use and how many pockets it has to keep your things organized.

Material

Material is the first thing to look for when buying a tool belt. As tool belts are made of different materials, some are sturdier than others. Some popular tool belt materials include leather or suede, nylon, and polyurethane leather.

Grease Leather/Suede

Tool belts made with grease leather or suede material are the strongest, a bit hefty but last for decades. 

Nylon/Polyester

Nylon or polyester tool belts are not as durable as leather ones but are good enough for basic tools, hence an ideal choice for occasional DIYers.

Polyurethane leather

Tool belts made from polyurethane leather offer durability and are lightweight than original leather, perfect for homeworkers. 

Durability

The durability of a tool belt is important because of no matter how many pockets or lustrous material it has if it doesn’t last long, what is the use of investing your money on a product like that. 

Quality

Before purchasing a tool belt, take a quality test. Examine its material, check if the sewing is durable enough to carry your tools and the pockets are ample enough to secure and cart your valuables. 

Clasp/Buckle 

When loaded with heavy tools, tool belts may cause pain and discomfort; therefore, a belt with an adjustable buckle is recommended. The material of the buckle should be sturdy to cart heavy tools.

Pockets

After quality checking and making sure that the material is stable, you should look for pockets. The more pockets, the more organized and uncluttered your tools will be. Considering all those benefits, the Occidental Leather tool belt may be an ideal fit for you. 

So, if you’re looking for an almost perfect tool belt, make sure to check the specifications above and make your work organized, clutter-free, and a bit less hectic.

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How To Wear a Tool Belt

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FAQs

What is a tool belt?

A tool belt is an essential item to cart your tools, keeping them organized and within your reach. Let’s suppose you have to fix your air-conditioner. You may find it difficult to carry a hefty toolbox up on the ladder, which is quite dangerous in itself, or you are a professional worker, be it a carpenter or electrician who needs to carry innumerable tools supplies, that is when a tool belt comes in handy. It will not only keep your things within reach and organized but makes it convenient and safe for you to climb on and off of a ladder.

How does a tool belt work?

Tool belts are discreetly made to make your work convenient. Tool belts offer several advantages, such as capacious pockets that make carrying your hefty tools a work of breeze. Hammer loops to hold your hammers or similar tools, little pockets to keep your nuts, bolts, and sharp tools secure, uncluttered, and within reach.

Are the tool belts bad for your back?

Tool belts come in handy when it comes to organizing, carrying your tools, and keeping them within reach, but if you don’t pay attention to the material your tool belt is made up of, then you may get back pain. Due to several hefty tools and your tool belt’s stiff material, it weighs a lot, which might cause you muscle strain and discomfort. Therefore, it is crucial to buy a product made up of cushy material and remember only to wear a tool belt when necessary.

What are the basic tools you should carry in your tool belt?

The number of tools depends on the type of work you do, but some basic tools come in handy, and everyone must keep them in their tool belt.
– Pencils or markers
– Screwdrivers
– Adjustable Wrench
– Wrench
– Nuts and bolts
– Nails
– Pocket-knife
– Screws (large, medium, and small)
– Hammer
– Lineman’s pliers
– Scissors
– Tape measure
– Bradawl 
– Drill
– Testers

What are the different types of tool belts?

Depending on the work you do, you may find a tool belt made just for you:

Waist tool belt
Waist tool belts, as the name suggests, are tool belts to be tied around your waist. Waist tool belts are one of the most common tool belts, as they offer convenience in carting your tools. Even though they’re pretty common, if you wear a waist tool belt for longer, they might cause discomfort or pain around your hip bone and back.

Apron tool belt
An apron tool belt is suitable for you if you’re someone who needs to carry hefty carpentry tools like a saw, ax, or mallet, etc. It is precisely designed to safeguard you against sharp and heavy tools. An apron tool belt doesn’t cause any discomfort. Therefore it’s perfect for those with hectic and long shifts of work.

Suspender tool belt
After the waist belt, the suspender tool belt is one of the most prevalent tool belts. Suspender tool belts offer a balance of weight between your shoulder and waist, which helps avoid muscle strain and back pain. They provide remarkable support in carrying hefty tools and bolts.

Electrician’s tool belt
An electrician tool belt has capacious pockets and overall organized pockets to keep tools within reach as electricians need to work faster. One thing to keep in mind is that an electrician’s tool belt must not be too heavy, as it may cause trouble in climbing poles.

Construction worker’s tool belt
A tool belt for a construction worker comes with several pockets, as construction workers are required to do a lot of work on-site and therefore need a tool belt to keep tools and supplies coordinated and close by.

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Final Thoughts

Over time I switched from one CLC Custom set to the next. Sold the first one got rid of the next one, bought another one, and then over the years this kind of happened. I wore a set from CLC Custom until the middle of 2018. And that is when I got my setup from DeWALT.

I was getting my DeWALT set up I had absolutely nothing to reference. I mean I can go off the pictures online I can go from what people say but how much do you trust what people say. Some people are biased accompanies depending on how much they’ve invested into their belt obviously if you put $500 into Occidental Leather you’re not gonna want to walk around and tell people that CLC Custom or DeWALT is better than Occidental.

We hope you got some answers to your questions and now feel less puzzled. If you’re looking for a durable and convenient tool belt, then DeWALT DG5650 and Klein Tools tool belt may be the right choice for you. Tool belts, when loaded with hefty equipment, may cause pain and discomfort, so to avoid that, you should opt for a tool belt just like the Occidental 5089, which has adjustable suspenders to provide you with extra convenience. 

A durable leather tool belt can be pricey, but the CLC Custom I427X is a cost-effective leather tool belt with 12 pockets. A professional worker is always counted upon to carry a load of hefty tools. Therefore to keep tools and supplies organized, one needs a capacious tool belt like DeWALT DG5650, it has 31 pockets and an additional zipper pouch to keep your valuables secure. All in all, each aforementioned tool belt offers advantageous characteristics, so go for the one that fulfills your requirement better. We assure you that you won’t regret buying any of them.

About Scott Gamron

Scott attended Auburn University where earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Scott likes to research new DIY gear and supplies.