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Whether you’re a professional framer, or work on home projects, you know the importance of keeping your arsenal of everyday tools handy. Framing requires many small precision measuring tools. These tools can easily get lost or damaged, so a tool belt is a great option for organising your equipment. Using a tool belt to store these items is not only practical for speeding up work, but also a sensible for your health. Back injuries are common and devestating for trade workers, therefore any measure you can take to avoid constantly bending down is a must.
In this article, we will consider individual requirements and what features you’ll need, helping to find the best framing tool belt.
What Tools Will Go in My Tool Belt?
Framing work requires the combination of power tools and hand tools. Power tools like saws and drills will be stored individually because of their size, but your hand tools can be organized all in one place: your framing tool belt.
Here are some hand tools you will definitely want to keep in your framing tool belt:
- Framing Squares
- Speed Squares
- Levels
- Chalk Line
- Wood Chisel
- Nail Puller
- Tin Snips
- Utility Knife
- Carpenter’s Pencil
- Hammer
- Tape Measure
- Framer Gloves (fingerless for convenience)
Choosing the Best Framing Tool Belt
How will you be able to decipher which among the lot is the best framing tool belt, you wonder? You need to find a framing tool belt that suits your specific needs.
Before you begin your search, think about the following features, and their importance to you:
- Construction Material: Though it may seem like a cosmetic feature, the material from which your framing tool belt is made from is important. You need a sturdy material such as leather or polyester that won’t perish or tear under heavy stress.
- Suspenders: When you imagine your framing tool belt, your mind probably stops at the visualization of a belt, right? You will come across many tool belts which are made with suspenders. If you choose a framing tool belt with suspenders, you will be taking some of the load off your back and distributing it more evenly. The best tool belt suspenders will be removable, so you can choose when you want to use them.
- Pocket Number and Sizes: You will need pockets of differing sizes to properly accommodate the collection of tools you use for each job. The best thing to do is choose a framing tool belt that has a large variety of pockets sizes.
- Waist Size: Make sure that when you’re searching for your framing tool belt, you’re paying attention to the waist sizes which can be accommodated by each model. The most comfortable tool belt will be one that fits your waist, not too tightly, and allows you to reach all your pockets and tools without needing to make too much of an effort.
Keep these features in mind when selecting for the best framing tool belt for you.
Our Picks for the Top 5 Framing Tool Belts – Reviewed
So you’ve heard an overview of what to look for in a framing tool belt. It’s time now to explore some of your options. We’ve compiled a list of the 5 best framing tool belts. Check them out:
1. Arsenal 5500 28-Pocket Tool Rig, Large
With 28 pockets of different sizes, the Arsenal 5500 Tool Rig gives you a lot of flexibility in what you can carry. Made in two sizes, large (32in-46in waist) and extra-large (40in-54in waist), this framing tool belt is suitable for a wide range of people.
This tool belt is made from ballistic polyester, the same which is used to create police vests, and should not let you down, even with a heavy load. You will find total convenience in the ability to adjust the position of your tool belt’s pockets depending on your project.
Just keep in mind that it doesn’t come with suspenders, so if you’re worried about protecting your back, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
2. DEWALT DG5617 20-Pocket Pro Framer’s Combo Apron Tool Belt and Yoke-style Suspenders
If your main need in a tool belt is protection of your back, then the DEWALT Pro Framer’s Combo Apron Tool Belt is a great option. With padded suspenders, you will be able to get the job done while remaining comfortable and avoiding injury. With 20 pockets, this tool belt even has a special section to keep your cell phone in while you work.
Built for waist sizes ranging from 29 to 46 inches, this belt will likely have a size that fits you. There’s less need to worry about tool safety on the job, as your utility knife will be kept in a specific pocket which is designed to prevent the creation of holes in the belt.
With a pouch handle, you will be able to adjust and carry your belt more easily. Make sure you think about how many pockets you may need and determine if the 20 provided by this belt will suffice.
3. Dead On DO-FR Framers Rig, 1 Size Fits All
Made from strong nylon fabric and containing 32 pockets, the Dead On DO-FR Framer’s Rig could be your choice if your waist falls within the range of 28-36 inches. Suspenders are included with this belt.
Even if you find yourself working in the hot summer heat, you will stay comfortable with the moisture-wicking mesh liner built into this belt. You’ll be able to carry your tools to each job and keep your cell phone on hand, as well.
We consider this tool belt is very good value and may be ideal if you’re a beginner or mainly do home projects. If you’re a professional who will use a tool belt often, then you may want to search for one that is slightly more durable.
4. CLC Custom Leathercraft 1614 20 Pocket, Heavy Duty Framers 5-Piece Comfortlift Combo Tool Belt System
This tool bet comes in two versions, the 20-pocket and the 31-pocket. Whichever model you choose will include adjustable suspenders with comfortable shoulder pads.
The handle makes adjusting your tool belt’s pockets and carrying it to different locations very easy, and it is situated in a fashion that will help prevent your tools falling out of the belt. This belt fits a wide range of waists from 29-46 inches.
If you’re looking for a decently priced framing tool belt to add to your collection, this could be a good backup option. Just keep in mind that if this is the only belt you use, it could show wear and tear in a shorter amount of time than some other models.
5. ToughBuilt – Pro Framer Tool Belt Set
You may be someone who’s looking for a simple tool belt to use for home projects. If that sounds like you, then the ToughBuilt 10-pocket belt could be the right choice. This belt kit even comes with 2 tape measuring tools to add to your collection of equipment.
Made for waists ranging in size from 32-48 inches, this tool belt will suit you well for simpler projects that don’t require you to wear the belt for too long, since it does not included suspenders. When you want to put it down, you’ll be able to lean it against the kickstand that comes with it.
We consider this tool belt to be a very affordable option which is suited more for the at-home framer or beginner, rather than the seasoned professional.
Conclusion
The framing tool belt you choose will dictate the speed and ease with which you carry out framing work. Take your time considering what you really need, and find the best framing tool belt for you!
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