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What Should I Consider When Buying a Tool Belt?

Sherry Holetzky
Sherry Holetzky

Sometimes described as a miniature toolbox that you can wear, a tool belt is almost as handy as the tools it carries. It keeps everything within easy reach whether you need tools for work, hobbies, or home improvement projects. There are different types of tool belts for different needs, including specialty belts made to fit specific tools precisely, such as an electrician's tool belt.

Other styles are very basic and provide pockets and loops for general use tools such as a hammer or a screwdriver, so deciding which tool belt to purchase depends a lot on what type of projects you plan to do. For special projects, you can purchase a separate tool belt and add pouches and pockets as you need them. You can also select special pouches to hold nails, screws, and other fasteners that you need to keep within reach.

Various nuts, bolts and screws.
Various nuts, bolts and screws.

You can find tool belts made from a variety of materials, such as nylon, canvas, suede, and leather. If you tend to get dirty while working, you may want to select a tool belt made from washable fabric. You can also choose from an assortment of different colors, besides the usual tan or brown. Tool belts also come in black, blue, purple, and even pink for the handy woman, much like those seen on television's Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

Tool belts provide pockets and loops for general use tools, such as a hammer or nails.
Tool belts provide pockets and loops for general use tools, such as a hammer or nails.

One of the most important considerations should be how the tool belt fits. You shouldn't necessarily go by your waist measurement, unless you intend to wear the belt precisely at waist level. Most people wear tool belts a bit lower. If you plan to wear the tool belt on the hips or between the waist and the hips, measure that area or be sure to try the belt on.

Also important is the way the tool belt is balanced. Pockets, pouches, and loops should be evenly placed on the belt. You don't want all the large or heavy tools on one side, as this can lead to back pain or injury. If you already have a bad back, look for a tool belt that offers back support. Some belts are specially designed to provide extra support.

Discussion Comments

Drentel

Generally, you get what you pay for when you buy a tool belt. Some of the cheaper ones are not designed very well, and you end up with tools and parts falling out all over the place almost every time you make a move.

My advice to anyone buying a belt would be to decide exactly what you need and then buy a medium-priced tool belt that fits your needs. Of course, if you are a professional and plan to use the belt every day for work then I suggest you pay top dollar and get a user-friendly belt that can take a beating and still hold up. Otherwise, you'll be buying tool belts once a month.

Feryll

I never thought the day would come when I would be looking to buy a tool belt. Sure I can do some repairs around the house. I helped my father when I was growing up, and I have hung a lot of blinds for my mother, but I am by no means an expert on home repair.

However, since my girlfriend and I bought a new house, which is actually an old house that needs a lot of work, I have been doing more fixer-upper jobs. One thing I have noticed when I am doing a job is that I spend way too much time looking for tools. I'm using a particular tool one moment and then I put it down somewhere to work with something else. When I need the first tool again I have no idea where I placed it.

For me, a tool belt will save a lot of time because every tool will have a place and I will know where it is when I need it.

Animandel

I simply want to find a tool belt that doesn't pull down the pants of the person wearing it. This is a little more information than I need to know. Once I find this belt I am going to buy one for every repair man who comes into our home to do repairs.

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    • Various nuts, bolts and screws.
      Various nuts, bolts and screws.
    • Tool belts provide pockets and loops for general use tools, such as a hammer or nails.
      By: JGima
      Tool belts provide pockets and loops for general use tools, such as a hammer or nails.